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Episcopal Church Women Diocese of Connecticut
News and Notes

Click here to view Dateline on the Literacy Workshop held on Saturday March 26th 2011
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EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN

DIOCESE OF CONNECTICUT

130^th ANNUAL MEETING

The Aqua Turf, Plantsville, CT May 5, 2011

On a day that brought rain and then sun, Pat Chappell and her committee greeted and registered all those in attendance. The total number of registrations received was 349. Displays and informational materials were set up in the main dining room representing the Programs and Affiliated Agencies of the Episcopal Church Women and various programs and organizations of the Diocese. President Sylvia Corrigan welcomed all and the Right Reverends Ian T. Douglas and James E. Curry concelebrated the Eucharist. The Right Reverend James E. Curry, Bishop Suffragan, gave the homily.

The meeting was called to order by President Corrigan at 11:17 a.m. She introduced those seated at the dais and also noted other Board members, special guests, past presidents, Deanery Representatives, representatives to the Board from the Affiliated Agencies and National and Province I representatives. She also recognized members of the Diocesan ECW Boards of Rhode Island and Western Massachusetts who were in attendance. She thanked the clergy in attendance for supporting women’s ministries and thanked the exhibitors for being present.

Bishop Douglas greeted all and said that this was the second time he has been at this function and it is one of his favorites. He also stated that Bishop Laura Ahrens regretted that she could not attend today because she was attending a Connecticut Public Policy Network meeting.

Kent Thomas of Christ and Holy Trinity, Westport, spoke of the Bishop’s Open to be held in Kent, Connecticut, a golf tournament that totally supports campership funds at Camp Washington; he stated that 20% of the campers attend through scholarships.

Tom Moore of The Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM) stated that SIM raises funds on a national level for seminarians; 86 students are currently being supported.

President Sylvia asked Jack Spaeth, Canon for Stewardship and Administration, to step up to the podium. Jack is retiring and was presented with a book “The Way of the Cross” and another gift on behalf of the Episcopal Church Women Board of the Diocese of Connecticut.

The reports of the Secretary, Treasurer and Program Leaders are included in the Annual Report.

1^st Vice President Valzie Peterkin introduced our speaker, The Reverend Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, Priest Associate of Grace Church, Amherst, Massachusetts, whose presentation was “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You: Reclaiming the Sacredness of Creation.”

Grace before lunch was given by Bishop Curry.

The meeting was adjourned by President Corrigan at 12:29 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Elizabeth Kyle, Secretary

On October 21, 2011 during the 227^th Diocesan Convention, a Banquet was given in honor of Jack Spaeth, Canon for Stewardship for the Diocese of CT for the past 31 years. The Diocesan Board of the Episcopal Church Women gave a presentation, following some wonderful testimonials and expressions of appreciation, revealing the plan for a stone in Christ Church Cathedral honoring Jack. Below is a picture:

HONORING

JOHN W. SPAETH III

For his Generosity of Spirit

And Tireless Commitment as

An Executive on the Diocesan Staff

To the People of

The Diocese of Connecticut

1980 – 2011

We know His Love for All of Us

Placed by

The Episcopal Church Women

ECW Prayer

Almighty God, bless, we pray, our work

in mission and ministry in the world; and

make us so thankful for the previous gift

to us of your beloved Son, that we may

pray fervently, labor diligently, and give

liberally to make known throughout the

world the redeeming love of our Savior.

Amen.