President's Christmas Message, 2011
President Terri Parrill
My Dear Sisters,
Christmas Greetings to One and All! I have just returned from watching the Christmas Parade in our busy little town. I was touched and very happy to see several floats that depicted the Christmas Story or a biblical theme… despite what we sometimes think, Christmas still has meaning for many around us, it is not all commercial. As I watched our little four year old grandson and the many other children around us, I was touched by their faith and belief that at the end of the line they would see the “Jolly Elf” himself…just as Christians have faith and hope that at the end of our earthly lives we will see our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I was touched as people in the parade sang out Merry Christmas to onlookers…not one person said Happy Holidays…contrary to popular belief, people still believe that “Jesus is the Reason for Season” and so they wish others a very Merry Christmas!
I was touched when a still grieving father whose daughter died in a terrible car accident a couple of years ago, took time out to stop the miniature vehicle he was driving in the parade and asked parents if they wanted to take a picture of their child with him and the vehicle as a little memento… sometimes when we reach out to others, our grief is given a reprieve and healing can take place. I was touched when the volunteers working with the Ministerial Food Bank collected so many bags of food and that the amount collected this year exceeded every other year…Jesus said that when we give to others, we are giving to him.
How refreshing to be reminded in this day and age of the wonderful things that are happening all around us. How encouraging to know that as Anglican Church Women, we are doing many things to help others on a consistent basis, often without conscious thought; we just need to “do it.” I encourage each of us to continue to do for others as much as we are able to; I also encourage you to remember that even though Christmas comes but once a year and it is a time to celebrate, the good news is the love of Jesus stays with us all year long and that is even more reason to celebrate!
May you and yours experience a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year!
In Faith, Sisterhood and Service,
Terri Parrill
National President
Christmas Greetings to One and All! I have just returned from watching the Christmas Parade in our busy little town. I was touched and very happy to see several floats that depicted the Christmas Story or a biblical theme… despite what we sometimes think, Christmas still has meaning for many around us, it is not all commercial. As I watched our little four year old grandson and the many other children around us, I was touched by their faith and belief that at the end of the line they would see the “Jolly Elf” himself…just as Christians have faith and hope that at the end of our earthly lives we will see our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I was touched as people in the parade sang out Merry Christmas to onlookers…not one person said Happy Holidays…contrary to popular belief, people still believe that “Jesus is the Reason for Season” and so they wish others a very Merry Christmas!
I was touched when a still grieving father whose daughter died in a terrible car accident a couple of years ago, took time out to stop the miniature vehicle he was driving in the parade and asked parents if they wanted to take a picture of their child with him and the vehicle as a little memento… sometimes when we reach out to others, our grief is given a reprieve and healing can take place. I was touched when the volunteers working with the Ministerial Food Bank collected so many bags of food and that the amount collected this year exceeded every other year…Jesus said that when we give to others, we are giving to him.
How refreshing to be reminded in this day and age of the wonderful things that are happening all around us. How encouraging to know that as Anglican Church Women, we are doing many things to help others on a consistent basis, often without conscious thought; we just need to “do it.” I encourage each of us to continue to do for others as much as we are able to; I also encourage you to remember that even though Christmas comes but once a year and it is a time to celebrate, the good news is the love of Jesus stays with us all year long and that is even more reason to celebrate!
May you and yours experience a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year!
In Faith, Sisterhood and Service,
Terri Parrill
National President
President's Christmas Message, 2011
President Terri Parrill
My Dear Sisters,
Christmas Greetings to One and All! I have just returned from watching the Christmas Parade in our busy little town. I was touched and very happy to see several floats that depicted the Christmas Story or a biblical theme… despite what we sometimes think, Christmas still has meaning for many around us, it is not all commercial. As I watched our little four year old grandson and the many other children around us, I was touched by their faith and belief that at the end of the line they would see the “Jolly Elf” himself…just as Christians have faith and hope that at the end of our earthly lives we will see our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I was touched as people in the parade sang out Merry Christmas to onlookers…not one person said Happy Holidays…contrary to popular belief, people still believe that “Jesus is the Reason for Season” and so they wish others a very Merry Christmas!
I was touched when a still grieving father whose daughter died in a terrible car accident a couple of years ago, took time out to stop the miniature vehicle he was driving in the parade and asked parents if they wanted to take a picture of their child with him and the vehicle as a little memento… sometimes when we reach out to others, our grief is given a reprieve and healing can take place. I was touched when the volunteers working with the Ministerial Food Bank collected so many bags of food and that the amount collected this year exceeded every other year…Jesus said that when we give to others, we are giving to him.
How refreshing to be reminded in this day and age of the wonderful things that are happening all around us. How encouraging to know that as Anglican Church Women, we are doing many things to help others on a consistent basis, often without conscious thought; we just need to “do it.” I encourage each of us to continue to do for others as much as we are able to; I also encourage you to remember that even though Christmas comes but once a year and it is a time to celebrate, the good news is the love of Jesus stays with us all year long and that is even more reason to celebrate!
May you and yours experience a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year!
In Faith, Sisterhood and Service,
Terri Parrill
National President
Christmas Greetings to One and All! I have just returned from watching the Christmas Parade in our busy little town. I was touched and very happy to see several floats that depicted the Christmas Story or a biblical theme… despite what we sometimes think, Christmas still has meaning for many around us, it is not all commercial. As I watched our little four year old grandson and the many other children around us, I was touched by their faith and belief that at the end of the line they would see the “Jolly Elf” himself…just as Christians have faith and hope that at the end of our earthly lives we will see our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I was touched as people in the parade sang out Merry Christmas to onlookers…not one person said Happy Holidays…contrary to popular belief, people still believe that “Jesus is the Reason for Season” and so they wish others a very Merry Christmas!
I was touched when a still grieving father whose daughter died in a terrible car accident a couple of years ago, took time out to stop the miniature vehicle he was driving in the parade and asked parents if they wanted to take a picture of their child with him and the vehicle as a little memento… sometimes when we reach out to others, our grief is given a reprieve and healing can take place. I was touched when the volunteers working with the Ministerial Food Bank collected so many bags of food and that the amount collected this year exceeded every other year…Jesus said that when we give to others, we are giving to him.
How refreshing to be reminded in this day and age of the wonderful things that are happening all around us. How encouraging to know that as Anglican Church Women, we are doing many things to help others on a consistent basis, often without conscious thought; we just need to “do it.” I encourage each of us to continue to do for others as much as we are able to; I also encourage you to remember that even though Christmas comes but once a year and it is a time to celebrate, the good news is the love of Jesus stays with us all year long and that is even more reason to celebrate!
May you and yours experience a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year!
In Faith, Sisterhood and Service,
Terri Parrill
National President
President's Fall Message
President Terri Parrill
My Dear Sisters,
Another Lent has gone by and we are just entering the season of Easter; a time of celebrating and rejoicing in a risen Saviour! What does that mean to us as Anglican Church Women? How can we continue to serve our Lord Jesus in the year 2012, some 2000 years after he walked on earth? I think St. Theresa of Avila hit the nail on the head when she wrote her beautiful prayer; “Christ has no Body”. It goes like this, Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world, yours are the feet with he walks to do good, yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. As you may know, John Michael Talbot put her prayer to music and it is a very beautiful song.
In her prayer St. Theresa is making a statement; she is telling us with such certainty what we are called to do for Him; we are his body here on earth and he is depending upon us to follow through on whatever ministry we have been blessed with. The question remains though, are we ready, willing and able to follow through?
Easter brings to mind the season of spring; the season for new life, new growth, new beginnings, and a time of new hope. As I have heard said so often, we are an Easter People!
Yes! We do have a ministry to offer and even though we may sometimes think the opposite, our faith in a risen savior will get us through the more difficult times, keep us grounded in the good times and keep us going forward.
My hope is that you will fully enjoy this season of spring and this new Easter and that you will also feel a sense of renewal within yourselves. When you feel a gentle breeze upon your face and witness the signs of new birth and growth all around you; know that the glorious feeling of rejuvenation and rightness with your world is only the tiniest example of what it will be like when we enter heaven’s gate and meet our lord and savior face to face.
Have a wonderfully happy Easter and may God continually bless you and all those whom you love!
In Faith, Sisterhood and Service
Terri Parrill
National President
Diocese of Western Newfoundland
National President
Another Lent has gone by and we are just entering the season of Easter; a time of celebrating and rejoicing in a risen Saviour! What does that mean to us as Anglican Church Women? How can we continue to serve our Lord Jesus in the year 2012, some 2000 years after he walked on earth? I think St. Theresa of Avila hit the nail on the head when she wrote her beautiful prayer; “Christ has no Body”. It goes like this, Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which he looks compassion on this world, yours are the feet with he walks to do good, yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world. As you may know, John Michael Talbot put her prayer to music and it is a very beautiful song.
In her prayer St. Theresa is making a statement; she is telling us with such certainty what we are called to do for Him; we are his body here on earth and he is depending upon us to follow through on whatever ministry we have been blessed with. The question remains though, are we ready, willing and able to follow through?
Easter brings to mind the season of spring; the season for new life, new growth, new beginnings, and a time of new hope. As I have heard said so often, we are an Easter People!
Yes! We do have a ministry to offer and even though we may sometimes think the opposite, our faith in a risen savior will get us through the more difficult times, keep us grounded in the good times and keep us going forward.
My hope is that you will fully enjoy this season of spring and this new Easter and that you will also feel a sense of renewal within yourselves. When you feel a gentle breeze upon your face and witness the signs of new birth and growth all around you; know that the glorious feeling of rejuvenation and rightness with your world is only the tiniest example of what it will be like when we enter heaven’s gate and meet our lord and savior face to face.
Have a wonderfully happy Easter and may God continually bless you and all those whom you love!
In Faith, Sisterhood and Service
Terri Parrill
National President
Diocese of Western Newfoundland
National President
Teri Parrill
President’s Easter Message, 2011
My Dear ACW Sisters,
It gives me great pleasure to write this Easter message; a time of new life, of new beginnings! Our faith is built on the foundation of our belief in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus and that we celebrate it in the spring of the year is just awesome!
The seasons come and go and with it there is renewal of all the things that come with each new season. I think that spring is my favorite; it is a wonderful time of year isn’t it? Just this past week as I was driving across town on a very beautiful sunny day, I saw someone riding a motorcycle, another person was driving with the sunroof open and I was driving with my windows down; I was reminded that most of us are looking forward to the changes in the seasons. And of course the season of spring brings about so many of the wonderful changes that give us a new zest for life after a long dreary winter! We look forward to seeing the grass turn green again, of watching plants poke their heads up through the soil and of course the trees beginning to bud. We read in Ecclesiastes 3: 1 that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” For me this speaks of what God’s great love for us is all about; continual, changeless, everlasting, and of course unconditional. What more could we ask for?
I want to thank each of you for your continual and heartfelt commitment to the ministry that we all have as Anglican Church Women. As I have said so many times before and will continue to say; we have a strong ministry and when we listen with our hearts we are told what and where our ministry should be. I urge you to continually pray about this so that you will be able to discern where God wants your ministry to be.
I so look forward to seeing some of you in the Diocese of Ottawa during our Annual Conference this coming September. I pray that our time together will be fruitful and blessed. May you all celebrate a joyous and Happy Easter!
Blessings,
Terri
President’s Christmas Message, 2010
Christmas Greetings! As we have just entered the season of Advent and a new church year, a time of new beginnings awaits us! As Anglican Church Women, our ministry is an active one and we need this newness and the freshness that comes with all things new, in order to evaluate where we’ve been and where it is we want to be. How marvelous to know that God makes all things all new again!
I am sure that by now you have all become very busy with your Christmas preparations; in your various parishes and in your homes as well. In our homes most of us women are the Christmas Do-ers; we buy most of the gifts, we clean and decorate our homes, we do most of the special baking and cooking and we get the Christmas cards ready to go the mail. In the midst of our busyness, trying to keep Christ the main focus is a real challenge and yet we persevere.
In our churches, many of us have leadership roles that call us to be Do-ers as well. We are the chairs of committees that help plan the various services, we work with Sunday schools and assist with the Children’s Christmas Program, we work with Outreach Committees and Food Banks to help those in need and who may not have enough to eat this Christmas. We take it upon ourselves to visit those whom we know are alone and will be lonely over Christmas. We do many, many things; all in the name of the new born baby whose birth we celebrate each Christmas. No, we may not always be as focused as we should be, but we persevere.
This year some of you have been using our website to contact us when you have questions that you need an answer to. For Instance, some of you have been looking for information on the history of ACW, so we have been working on putting together some information that will be posted on our website in the New Year.
In addition, some have been asking about annual fees and about fundraising in general. I want to reassure you that all levels, our reason for existence is to come together for fellowship, worship, learning, sharing and to just BE together as women who can learn from each other and grow together as Christians. Fund raising goes back to the days when women came together to keep the churches going...to keep the wolf away from the door so to speak, but nowadays that should not be the case. If and when we do fundraising, we can use that time to experience some wonderful and uplifting fellowship. As Marion Saunders, our past president would say, it can be a time to also do some “friend-raising.” Personally, I have experienced some excellent fun and fellowship at fundraiser events, to the point where the funds we raised took a distant second place. Remember, having fun and fellowship in the midst of our Do-ing is not wrong; it is strongly encouraged!
Regarding annual fees; ACW does not have an annual fee. We do have some dioceses that require their Primary Branches or individual ACW groups to pay a small percentage of any funds they raise, to their own Diocesan Boards to help run the Boards, perhaps to offset the costs of travel to meetings, or for outreach projects, etc. Most dioceses seem to have in place a constitution that dictates how they operate and that would include how their monies are spent.
I hope this answers some of your questions and that if have others to ask, please continue to use the website as a means of communication with your Executive Committee.
I am so proud of the wonderful work you are doing as Anglican Church Women across our many dioceses. I feel the need to remind you that ours is a strong and varied ministry and as such we need to take good care of ourselves so that the ministry continues. The season of Advent is a time of preparation for all sorts of things, not the least of which is to prepare ourselves to celebrate the reason for the season…
My sisters, I urge you to keep on Doing; however please take time out for rest and relaxation and just Be in God’s presence. Enjoy the greatest gift of all, the love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I encourage each of you to reflect back over the past year, look at your accomplishments and see how far you have come and then reflect upon where you want to be this time next year!
In closing I leave you with this little reading to ponder:
23rd Psalm for Busy People
The Lord is my pace setter, I shall not rush.
He makes me to stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness, which restores my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind.
And His guidance is my peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hour,
For I shall walk in the pace of the Lord and dwell in His house forever.
Anonymous
I pray that this Christmas, God will bless each and every one of you and all those you love!
Terri
My Dear ACW Sisters,
It gives me great pleasure to write this Easter message; a time of new life, of new beginnings! Our faith is built on the foundation of our belief in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus and that we celebrate it in the spring of the year is just awesome!
The seasons come and go and with it there is renewal of all the things that come with each new season. I think that spring is my favorite; it is a wonderful time of year isn’t it? Just this past week as I was driving across town on a very beautiful sunny day, I saw someone riding a motorcycle, another person was driving with the sunroof open and I was driving with my windows down; I was reminded that most of us are looking forward to the changes in the seasons. And of course the season of spring brings about so many of the wonderful changes that give us a new zest for life after a long dreary winter! We look forward to seeing the grass turn green again, of watching plants poke their heads up through the soil and of course the trees beginning to bud. We read in Ecclesiastes 3: 1 that “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” For me this speaks of what God’s great love for us is all about; continual, changeless, everlasting, and of course unconditional. What more could we ask for?
I want to thank each of you for your continual and heartfelt commitment to the ministry that we all have as Anglican Church Women. As I have said so many times before and will continue to say; we have a strong ministry and when we listen with our hearts we are told what and where our ministry should be. I urge you to continually pray about this so that you will be able to discern where God wants your ministry to be.
I so look forward to seeing some of you in the Diocese of Ottawa during our Annual Conference this coming September. I pray that our time together will be fruitful and blessed. May you all celebrate a joyous and Happy Easter!
Blessings,
Terri
President’s Christmas Message, 2010
Christmas Greetings! As we have just entered the season of Advent and a new church year, a time of new beginnings awaits us! As Anglican Church Women, our ministry is an active one and we need this newness and the freshness that comes with all things new, in order to evaluate where we’ve been and where it is we want to be. How marvelous to know that God makes all things all new again!
I am sure that by now you have all become very busy with your Christmas preparations; in your various parishes and in your homes as well. In our homes most of us women are the Christmas Do-ers; we buy most of the gifts, we clean and decorate our homes, we do most of the special baking and cooking and we get the Christmas cards ready to go the mail. In the midst of our busyness, trying to keep Christ the main focus is a real challenge and yet we persevere.
In our churches, many of us have leadership roles that call us to be Do-ers as well. We are the chairs of committees that help plan the various services, we work with Sunday schools and assist with the Children’s Christmas Program, we work with Outreach Committees and Food Banks to help those in need and who may not have enough to eat this Christmas. We take it upon ourselves to visit those whom we know are alone and will be lonely over Christmas. We do many, many things; all in the name of the new born baby whose birth we celebrate each Christmas. No, we may not always be as focused as we should be, but we persevere.
This year some of you have been using our website to contact us when you have questions that you need an answer to. For Instance, some of you have been looking for information on the history of ACW, so we have been working on putting together some information that will be posted on our website in the New Year.
In addition, some have been asking about annual fees and about fundraising in general. I want to reassure you that all levels, our reason for existence is to come together for fellowship, worship, learning, sharing and to just BE together as women who can learn from each other and grow together as Christians. Fund raising goes back to the days when women came together to keep the churches going...to keep the wolf away from the door so to speak, but nowadays that should not be the case. If and when we do fundraising, we can use that time to experience some wonderful and uplifting fellowship. As Marion Saunders, our past president would say, it can be a time to also do some “friend-raising.” Personally, I have experienced some excellent fun and fellowship at fundraiser events, to the point where the funds we raised took a distant second place. Remember, having fun and fellowship in the midst of our Do-ing is not wrong; it is strongly encouraged!
Regarding annual fees; ACW does not have an annual fee. We do have some dioceses that require their Primary Branches or individual ACW groups to pay a small percentage of any funds they raise, to their own Diocesan Boards to help run the Boards, perhaps to offset the costs of travel to meetings, or for outreach projects, etc. Most dioceses seem to have in place a constitution that dictates how they operate and that would include how their monies are spent.
I hope this answers some of your questions and that if have others to ask, please continue to use the website as a means of communication with your Executive Committee.
I am so proud of the wonderful work you are doing as Anglican Church Women across our many dioceses. I feel the need to remind you that ours is a strong and varied ministry and as such we need to take good care of ourselves so that the ministry continues. The season of Advent is a time of preparation for all sorts of things, not the least of which is to prepare ourselves to celebrate the reason for the season…
My sisters, I urge you to keep on Doing; however please take time out for rest and relaxation and just Be in God’s presence. Enjoy the greatest gift of all, the love of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I encourage each of you to reflect back over the past year, look at your accomplishments and see how far you have come and then reflect upon where you want to be this time next year!
In closing I leave you with this little reading to ponder:
23rd Psalm for Busy People
The Lord is my pace setter, I shall not rush.
He makes me to stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness, which restores my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness of mind.
And His guidance is my peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day
I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity
By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of my hour,
For I shall walk in the pace of the Lord and dwell in His house forever.
Anonymous
I pray that this Christmas, God will bless each and every one of you and all those you love!
Terri
Previous Messages from the Presidents
First Message from President Terri Parrill
First of all, I want to express my personal thanks to our Past President, Marion Saunders for her excellent leadership. As you know, through her efforts and your support, what we offer as Anglican Church Women across Canada is being recognized as a wonderful ministry! So on your behalf, I say… Thank You Marion!
I write this first message as your new president with much humbleness in my heart. I sincerely believe that God has called me to this new ministry so I will be relying upon His strength, wisdom and guidance, as well as my own listening skills to go forward. I have just returned from our national conference and I am still filled with the concept of BE-ING… just to BE in God’s presence. As Anglican Church Women, our purpose is to assist in enabling women’s witness and ministry through worship, learning and service and therefore we often find it difficult to just BE. The reason is; we are DO-ERS. We feel a deep need and desire to DO things and those things often go unrecognized as the real ministry that we put into action each and every day, such as… visiting our seniors and shut-ins; catering to bereaved families after funerals; hosting parties for our little ones at Christmas, knitting prayer shawls and caps for cancer patients and sweaters & booties for newborns and we give ourselves the time to sit with those who are sick or grieving. Yes, we also do some fundraising activities and those fundraising activities often provide an opportunity to have” fun” and “fellowship” that will more often than not, provide us the opportunity to listen and hear each other when we are troubled or have good news to share. As I travel about my own diocese I am encouraged by the ministry I witness happening all around me. When I travel to the national conferences, I am encouraged by what I hear is happening in other dioceses around this beautiful country of ours.
So, when I think back to just BE-ING with God, I realize that as wonderful as our various ministries are, God wants us to take some much needed time out to refresh our selves; our souls, minds and bodies. If we are always DO-ING, we may find that life is actually slipping away from us. Thanks to the spiritual leaders at our conference, I understand that we must focus and keep our lives well balanced. Our summer is now over and as the Autumn Season comes to us, we are already beginning to get busy with our church work once again. I have been reminded that we can’t succeed if we don’t pause to catch our breath, go for a walk, visit with family and friends, and pray to God for guidance and strength to do this work. I read recently that a couple of ways to do this is by first giving and then asking. First, we give God the Glory for the various gifts we each have that allow us to do our ministry. Then we ask Him to protect and preserve us from the addiction and alienation of work and from the illusion of being indispensible. I encourage each of us to not lose sight of ourselves and what really matters. Let’s approach our ministry with an attitude of not taking ourselves too seriously. Let’s go forward in the knowledge that God is our biggest fan; He is in our corner and wants us to succeed at whatever we do…we just have to listen to Him and then follow through on it. And as St Francis of Assisi so simply put it; O Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love, for it is in giving that we receive. In closing, I pray that God will bless each of us with inner peace, ease the tension and busyness in our lives and help us to remember that sometimes we just have to let ourselves BE.
Your Sister in Christ,
Terri
First of all, I want to express my personal thanks to our Past President, Marion Saunders for her excellent leadership. As you know, through her efforts and your support, what we offer as Anglican Church Women across Canada is being recognized as a wonderful ministry! So on your behalf, I say… Thank You Marion!
I write this first message as your new president with much humbleness in my heart. I sincerely believe that God has called me to this new ministry so I will be relying upon His strength, wisdom and guidance, as well as my own listening skills to go forward. I have just returned from our national conference and I am still filled with the concept of BE-ING… just to BE in God’s presence. As Anglican Church Women, our purpose is to assist in enabling women’s witness and ministry through worship, learning and service and therefore we often find it difficult to just BE. The reason is; we are DO-ERS. We feel a deep need and desire to DO things and those things often go unrecognized as the real ministry that we put into action each and every day, such as… visiting our seniors and shut-ins; catering to bereaved families after funerals; hosting parties for our little ones at Christmas, knitting prayer shawls and caps for cancer patients and sweaters & booties for newborns and we give ourselves the time to sit with those who are sick or grieving. Yes, we also do some fundraising activities and those fundraising activities often provide an opportunity to have” fun” and “fellowship” that will more often than not, provide us the opportunity to listen and hear each other when we are troubled or have good news to share. As I travel about my own diocese I am encouraged by the ministry I witness happening all around me. When I travel to the national conferences, I am encouraged by what I hear is happening in other dioceses around this beautiful country of ours.
So, when I think back to just BE-ING with God, I realize that as wonderful as our various ministries are, God wants us to take some much needed time out to refresh our selves; our souls, minds and bodies. If we are always DO-ING, we may find that life is actually slipping away from us. Thanks to the spiritual leaders at our conference, I understand that we must focus and keep our lives well balanced. Our summer is now over and as the Autumn Season comes to us, we are already beginning to get busy with our church work once again. I have been reminded that we can’t succeed if we don’t pause to catch our breath, go for a walk, visit with family and friends, and pray to God for guidance and strength to do this work. I read recently that a couple of ways to do this is by first giving and then asking. First, we give God the Glory for the various gifts we each have that allow us to do our ministry. Then we ask Him to protect and preserve us from the addiction and alienation of work and from the illusion of being indispensible. I encourage each of us to not lose sight of ourselves and what really matters. Let’s approach our ministry with an attitude of not taking ourselves too seriously. Let’s go forward in the knowledge that God is our biggest fan; He is in our corner and wants us to succeed at whatever we do…we just have to listen to Him and then follow through on it. And as St Francis of Assisi so simply put it; O Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love, for it is in giving that we receive. In closing, I pray that God will bless each of us with inner peace, ease the tension and busyness in our lives and help us to remember that sometimes we just have to let ourselves BE.
Your Sister in Christ,
Terri
First President Message from Marion Saunders:
Welcome to this site chronicling the very special and very varied ministry of women throughout our Anglican church. I personally never cease to be amazed at how simply women come together for the purpose of glorifying God in the work of their hands, their hearts, their prayers, their activities, their love and their devotion. While some focus on the acceptance, or not, of ordained women, gender balance in leadership, and other such issues, all valid and worthy of advocacy, it seems to me there is also a more basic contribution women bring to the church. For me, the excitement lies in the nitty gritty work and witness of each Anglican woman in her parish and community. I am also awed by the role of women in the underdeveloped world, where, for instance, the African Federation of Women, usually locally led by the Bishop’s wife, encourage their poverty stricken women through workshops, micro-loans to establish small co-ops, health clinics, work among HIV stricken families etc. I like to learn from the Mothers’ Union, both here in Canada and internationally of the work they do among families, particularly now in our northern communities. I think too of our indigenous women who become non-stipendiary clergy, leading their people in the way of God’s love.
Each time I read a report from or talk with our Diocesan Presidents I come away overwhelmed by the witness and work of our Anglican women across the country. For, Anglican Church Women is not an organization – although for practical purposes, leadership roles are often identified. Rather it is a ministry of dedicated women, committed to sharing their gifts in ways that will enhance and grow the Kingdom of God where they are, and in places they cannot go, based on 2000+ years of faithfilled women. It is a fellowship of sharing together, supporting one another and others whom they meet and know, of being the Body of Christ, His Church, wherever they are. It is knowing God’s love and responding to His call. Our motto: ‘The Love Of Jesus Calls Us’ opens us to new challenges, new ways to serve, new ways to love, as well as continuing in the tried and true ways of women’s witness.
I encourage all women- whether regular church goers, occasional church attenders, or those who simply identify themselves as Anglican Christians – to acknowledge their God-given gifts (not easy for women to do), and offer them to God for use in building His kingdom, being His Church, sharing His Love and the joyful news of His gospel message. This is sometimes easier to do together with a group of women, but some prefer to carry out their individual ministries. It all adds up to the witness and ministry of Anglican Church Women across our country.
I am always delighted to hear from women, to learn about their particular work in His name, to share what I have learned from others. I am also always open to coming and meeting with Anglican women where they are, so do not hesitate to contact me.
In closing, I would like to thank the many thousands of Anglican women for sharing their gifts, for serving their Saviour and for responding so unconditionally to His call. I pray for God’s blessing on all of you in your ministry with its myriad manifestations.
Your sister in Christ
Marion Saunders,
National President
Welcome to this site chronicling the very special and very varied ministry of women throughout our Anglican church. I personally never cease to be amazed at how simply women come together for the purpose of glorifying God in the work of their hands, their hearts, their prayers, their activities, their love and their devotion. While some focus on the acceptance, or not, of ordained women, gender balance in leadership, and other such issues, all valid and worthy of advocacy, it seems to me there is also a more basic contribution women bring to the church. For me, the excitement lies in the nitty gritty work and witness of each Anglican woman in her parish and community. I am also awed by the role of women in the underdeveloped world, where, for instance, the African Federation of Women, usually locally led by the Bishop’s wife, encourage their poverty stricken women through workshops, micro-loans to establish small co-ops, health clinics, work among HIV stricken families etc. I like to learn from the Mothers’ Union, both here in Canada and internationally of the work they do among families, particularly now in our northern communities. I think too of our indigenous women who become non-stipendiary clergy, leading their people in the way of God’s love.
Each time I read a report from or talk with our Diocesan Presidents I come away overwhelmed by the witness and work of our Anglican women across the country. For, Anglican Church Women is not an organization – although for practical purposes, leadership roles are often identified. Rather it is a ministry of dedicated women, committed to sharing their gifts in ways that will enhance and grow the Kingdom of God where they are, and in places they cannot go, based on 2000+ years of faithfilled women. It is a fellowship of sharing together, supporting one another and others whom they meet and know, of being the Body of Christ, His Church, wherever they are. It is knowing God’s love and responding to His call. Our motto: ‘The Love Of Jesus Calls Us’ opens us to new challenges, new ways to serve, new ways to love, as well as continuing in the tried and true ways of women’s witness.
I encourage all women- whether regular church goers, occasional church attenders, or those who simply identify themselves as Anglican Christians – to acknowledge their God-given gifts (not easy for women to do), and offer them to God for use in building His kingdom, being His Church, sharing His Love and the joyful news of His gospel message. This is sometimes easier to do together with a group of women, but some prefer to carry out their individual ministries. It all adds up to the witness and ministry of Anglican Church Women across our country.
I am always delighted to hear from women, to learn about their particular work in His name, to share what I have learned from others. I am also always open to coming and meeting with Anglican women where they are, so do not hesitate to contact me.
In closing, I would like to thank the many thousands of Anglican women for sharing their gifts, for serving their Saviour and for responding so unconditionally to His call. I pray for God’s blessing on all of you in your ministry with its myriad manifestations.
Your sister in Christ
Marion Saunders,
National President
