National ACW Conference 2011
Ottawa
September 22 - 25, 2011
September 22 - 25, 2011
“Be Ye Doers of the Word, and not Hearers only”
Location: Maison Notre-Dame-de-la Providence Convent
1754 St. Joseph Blvd., Orleans, Ontario
Location: Maison Notre-Dame-de-la Providence Convent
1754 St. Joseph Blvd., Orleans, Ontario
News Release from the Diocese of Ottawa ACW
COME CELEBRATE THE WOMEN – DAUGHTERS OF THE DISCIPLE
The weekend of September 21-25, 2011 was truly a time of great celebration! Your Diocesan ACW Executive was given the privilege of hosting the National ACW Women’s Conference which was held at the Maison Notre-Dame-de-la-Providence Convent in Orleans. From the first meeting of Terri Parrill , our National President, on Wednesday morning to her departure for Iqualuit Monday morning, and all the 28 representatives from each Diocese across Canada in between, the weekend was filled with joy, love and laughter! Celebrating past friendship and making new friendships brought the Conference to a cohesive beginning, where much hard work was accomplished.
The Primate, the Rt. Rev. Fred Hiltz shared with the conference his reflections of the growth of Vision 2019 and the 5 Marks of Mission since last General Synod and where the leadership of all Presidents could direct their energies. His dream for the future of Women’s work in the Church is finding the common goals of the M.U., ACW and IWAN and attempting to work more closely together where possible. The Rev. Judy Rois, representing the Anglican Foundation, gave a wonderful presentation on the education she is doing to raise awareness of the value of the Foundation. She brought with her educational material plus 30 Foundation Teddy Bears which were all purchased for $20.00 each by the delegates with the goal of dressing the Bears and bringing them back next Conference for judging/ Our own Bishop John and Catherine Chapman joined the delegates, the Primate and Judy for lunch before they returned to Toronto in the afternoon.
The business sessions were conducted by Terri Parrill with competence and ease and many decisions were made and actions taken. Friday evening came to a close with a delightful craft, designed by Alex Delehaye. which each of the delegates enjoyed making.
We were thrilled to have Sue Garvey present the story of “Cornerstone” and the Rev. Carolyn Langford share her Volunteer in Mission experience in Uganda which stimulated much interest and dialogue. Thanks to them both for enriching the Conference!
Saturday, after lunch, found us all on a beautiful tour bus seeing the sights and learning the history of the city of Ottawa. Our tour Guide, Rosemary Jull, planned a wonderful trip, touching on all the important sights and historical buildings in the Capital Region. Our bus trip ended at the Cathedral where we were greeted by Garth Hampson, who treated us to a wonderful tour. The Dean, Rev. Shane Parker also welcomed the delegates to the Cathedral and gave the history and spoke of the future development of the Cathedral property.
A wonderful Wine and Cheese reception, graciously given by Bishop John and Catherine, provided an opportunity for the delegates to meet each of the Diocesan Representatives and to mingle with our ACW Executive. A delicious dinner was provided by the Cathedral Women with entertainment following of Scottish Dancing and a family group singing the beautiful songs of Scotland, accompanied by Harp and Piano. A very special “Thank You” to all who made this time of relaxation possible.
During the weekend, many individuals and Parish ACW groups surrounded the delegates with little prayer favors that appeared at meal time and in the evening, on their pillow. These little gifts of love were so very much appreciated by the ladies and they wanted to say how blessed they were and how encompassed they felt by the whole Diocese! All the work that went into the “Goodie Bags” was arranged by Alex Delehaye for which we are most grateful!
We were privileged to have as our Chaplain, the Rev. Catherine Ascah from the Cathedral, who surrounded the Conference in prayer, celebrated the Eucharist and led the morning and evening worship. Catherine was very much loved and appreciated by everyone! The Sisters of the Convent joined us regularly for worship and were grateful that we had chosen the Convent for our Conference. They too, were praying for each delegate by name during the preparation time and during the Conference. The closing service was a time to be reminded of our theme from James “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and not Hearers only” as we said farewell to each other, singing “Draw the circle wider, let no one stand alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide” God Bless each one as they travel home!
Respectfully Submitted,
Marni Crossley
The weekend of September 21-25, 2011 was truly a time of great celebration! Your Diocesan ACW Executive was given the privilege of hosting the National ACW Women’s Conference which was held at the Maison Notre-Dame-de-la-Providence Convent in Orleans. From the first meeting of Terri Parrill , our National President, on Wednesday morning to her departure for Iqualuit Monday morning, and all the 28 representatives from each Diocese across Canada in between, the weekend was filled with joy, love and laughter! Celebrating past friendship and making new friendships brought the Conference to a cohesive beginning, where much hard work was accomplished.
The Primate, the Rt. Rev. Fred Hiltz shared with the conference his reflections of the growth of Vision 2019 and the 5 Marks of Mission since last General Synod and where the leadership of all Presidents could direct their energies. His dream for the future of Women’s work in the Church is finding the common goals of the M.U., ACW and IWAN and attempting to work more closely together where possible. The Rev. Judy Rois, representing the Anglican Foundation, gave a wonderful presentation on the education she is doing to raise awareness of the value of the Foundation. She brought with her educational material plus 30 Foundation Teddy Bears which were all purchased for $20.00 each by the delegates with the goal of dressing the Bears and bringing them back next Conference for judging/ Our own Bishop John and Catherine Chapman joined the delegates, the Primate and Judy for lunch before they returned to Toronto in the afternoon.
The business sessions were conducted by Terri Parrill with competence and ease and many decisions were made and actions taken. Friday evening came to a close with a delightful craft, designed by Alex Delehaye. which each of the delegates enjoyed making.
We were thrilled to have Sue Garvey present the story of “Cornerstone” and the Rev. Carolyn Langford share her Volunteer in Mission experience in Uganda which stimulated much interest and dialogue. Thanks to them both for enriching the Conference!
Saturday, after lunch, found us all on a beautiful tour bus seeing the sights and learning the history of the city of Ottawa. Our tour Guide, Rosemary Jull, planned a wonderful trip, touching on all the important sights and historical buildings in the Capital Region. Our bus trip ended at the Cathedral where we were greeted by Garth Hampson, who treated us to a wonderful tour. The Dean, Rev. Shane Parker also welcomed the delegates to the Cathedral and gave the history and spoke of the future development of the Cathedral property.
A wonderful Wine and Cheese reception, graciously given by Bishop John and Catherine, provided an opportunity for the delegates to meet each of the Diocesan Representatives and to mingle with our ACW Executive. A delicious dinner was provided by the Cathedral Women with entertainment following of Scottish Dancing and a family group singing the beautiful songs of Scotland, accompanied by Harp and Piano. A very special “Thank You” to all who made this time of relaxation possible.
During the weekend, many individuals and Parish ACW groups surrounded the delegates with little prayer favors that appeared at meal time and in the evening, on their pillow. These little gifts of love were so very much appreciated by the ladies and they wanted to say how blessed they were and how encompassed they felt by the whole Diocese! All the work that went into the “Goodie Bags” was arranged by Alex Delehaye for which we are most grateful!
We were privileged to have as our Chaplain, the Rev. Catherine Ascah from the Cathedral, who surrounded the Conference in prayer, celebrated the Eucharist and led the morning and evening worship. Catherine was very much loved and appreciated by everyone! The Sisters of the Convent joined us regularly for worship and were grateful that we had chosen the Convent for our Conference. They too, were praying for each delegate by name during the preparation time and during the Conference. The closing service was a time to be reminded of our theme from James “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and not Hearers only” as we said farewell to each other, singing “Draw the circle wider, let no one stand alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide” God Bless each one as they travel home!
Respectfully Submitted,
Marni Crossley