“Sister, let me be Your Servant”
...could be heard in the halls of the FCJ Centre, in downtown Calgary as The National Executive of Anglican Church Women of Canada met for worship, planning, sharing and learning from each other at their Annual Conference Sept. 27-30.
Hosted by the Diocese of Calgary ACW, Diocesan Presidents and Coordinators from across Canada also enjoyed some fellowship and fun. The theme was “Called to Serve”. These women, all sisters in Christ, clearly live out this theme on a daily basis, in so many ways.
Chaired by National President Terri Parrill ,the business meetings were productive and all business items on the agenda were addressed. Motions were discussed, amended where needed and passed. Time allotted for group discussions and Provincial meetings provided insight into what is happening across Canada and also the future direction of ACW.
Participants were blessed with four beautiful fall days, and blue Alberta skies, which included a memorable day trip to Banff National Park was a mountain top experience for some. For others this was the opportunity to see the Rocky Mountains for the first time.
Conference planners always hope there will be a special moment for the participants. This Conference had several such moments, in worship, in a visit from the Primate, hearing Archbishop David Ashdown speak about the Council of the North. Judy Rois joined in the Hope bear fashion show fun which drew attention to the work of the Anglican Foundation. Guest speaker Jayne Carlielle encouraged participants to answer the call to serve, regardless where it may take you.
Worship Saturday morning at the Rafter Six Chapel was led by Rev. Helen Belcher. Many were visibly moved by the experience. ‘Tea in the Mountains’ followed the service. Memories to last a lifetime.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz joined the participants for dinner Saturday evening. It was evident he had been busy in Calgary, in need of some rest. All were thankful he took the time to speak to us, offering wisdom and encouragement for the future. He blessed and presented ‘Servant Towels’ to each participant. A few towels were used to wipe away a tear or two. The towels will be a reminder of being “Called to Serve”.
The National ACW Chaplin, Jeanne Hunter, presided over the Sunday morning Eucharist with Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson joining the worship. He was warmly welcomed, presented with a Stole from the Diocese of Calgary ACW and also given a white cowboy hat, which, by all accounts, suited him well.
Gratitude was expressed by the participants for the hospitality of the ACW of the Diocese of Calgary. ... May you be blessed in all you do as you answer the call to serve.
************************
Anglican Church Women have a long and rich history. This women’s ministry was formally established in 1885 as the Women’s Auxiliary (W.A.) with a focus on mission, which is now legendary,. Branches sprung up across Canada, and over the years evolved into the present day Anglican Church Women (ACW) with a ministry as diverse as its members. Every Anglican woman is considered to be a member of the ACW as each Anglican woman exercises her faith-filled Ministry in response to Jesus’ love and call to her. The National Executive, officially known as The National Executive of Anglican Church Women in Canada (ACWC) is comprised of the Diocesan ACW Presidents and Coordinators along with elected officers of President, Vice-President, Past President, Treasurer and Secretary.
In 2010, an Anglican Church Women’s Trust Fund was established to encourage and support the ministry across the country.
The National website, www.acwcanada.com has additional information.
Hosted by the Diocese of Calgary ACW, Diocesan Presidents and Coordinators from across Canada also enjoyed some fellowship and fun. The theme was “Called to Serve”. These women, all sisters in Christ, clearly live out this theme on a daily basis, in so many ways.
Chaired by National President Terri Parrill ,the business meetings were productive and all business items on the agenda were addressed. Motions were discussed, amended where needed and passed. Time allotted for group discussions and Provincial meetings provided insight into what is happening across Canada and also the future direction of ACW.
Participants were blessed with four beautiful fall days, and blue Alberta skies, which included a memorable day trip to Banff National Park was a mountain top experience for some. For others this was the opportunity to see the Rocky Mountains for the first time.
Conference planners always hope there will be a special moment for the participants. This Conference had several such moments, in worship, in a visit from the Primate, hearing Archbishop David Ashdown speak about the Council of the North. Judy Rois joined in the Hope bear fashion show fun which drew attention to the work of the Anglican Foundation. Guest speaker Jayne Carlielle encouraged participants to answer the call to serve, regardless where it may take you.
Worship Saturday morning at the Rafter Six Chapel was led by Rev. Helen Belcher. Many were visibly moved by the experience. ‘Tea in the Mountains’ followed the service. Memories to last a lifetime.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz joined the participants for dinner Saturday evening. It was evident he had been busy in Calgary, in need of some rest. All were thankful he took the time to speak to us, offering wisdom and encouragement for the future. He blessed and presented ‘Servant Towels’ to each participant. A few towels were used to wipe away a tear or two. The towels will be a reminder of being “Called to Serve”.
The National ACW Chaplin, Jeanne Hunter, presided over the Sunday morning Eucharist with Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson joining the worship. He was warmly welcomed, presented with a Stole from the Diocese of Calgary ACW and also given a white cowboy hat, which, by all accounts, suited him well.
Gratitude was expressed by the participants for the hospitality of the ACW of the Diocese of Calgary. ... May you be blessed in all you do as you answer the call to serve.
************************
Anglican Church Women have a long and rich history. This women’s ministry was formally established in 1885 as the Women’s Auxiliary (W.A.) with a focus on mission, which is now legendary,. Branches sprung up across Canada, and over the years evolved into the present day Anglican Church Women (ACW) with a ministry as diverse as its members. Every Anglican woman is considered to be a member of the ACW as each Anglican woman exercises her faith-filled Ministry in response to Jesus’ love and call to her. The National Executive, officially known as The National Executive of Anglican Church Women in Canada (ACWC) is comprised of the Diocesan ACW Presidents and Coordinators along with elected officers of President, Vice-President, Past President, Treasurer and Secretary.
In 2010, an Anglican Church Women’s Trust Fund was established to encourage and support the ministry across the country.
The National website, www.acwcanada.com has additional information.