GREETINGS FROM THE ECW

Many of you probably think of ECW as being a fundraising organization. Well, yes, that’s true. But it’s more than that. The National ECW vision statement says that “all women … become a vibrant blend of all ages coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a God Spark – shining and sharing the love of Christ .” The Mission Statement says “ECW empowers women to do Christ’s ministry in the world. We are committed to our ministries and evangelism efforts with all.”  St. Gregory’s ECW is in the process of reinventing itself while honoring the past. 

We continue to be a fundraising organization donating to ministries of our parish and to other worthy causes. Recently, we donated to Meals with Meaning, the Discretionary Fund, Youth Group, a $1000 scholarship, pastoral cancer care, the Capital Campaign, and the operating fund. Outreach has included donations to Patsy McGregor Missionaries and the Andranovory School.  In 2024 we donated $12,150. We started 2025 by donating to an FAU student missionary trip to Peru. This group will help to build and improve infrastructure and offer faith-based programs in schools, nursing homes, and private homes.

 I’d like to invite all women of St Gregory’s to come to a meeting or an event this year. We are in the process of organizing programs such as “computer stuff”. With technology changing so quickly, it’s hard for some of us to keep up. So, we’re going to sponsor a workshop/ lecture/ discussion on social media safety and see where that leads us concerning other technology opportunities or pitfalls. This would be open to EVERYONE. More information to come. We’re also hoping to have a women’s retreat, topic and date TBD and a Big Book Read for our parish, again, for anyone interested. I hope that some of these ideas pique your interest.

Back to fundraising: We are sponsoring a BAKE SALE on Sunday, the 9th, in the Hamister Courtyard  following each service and we need your help. Please consider baking a sweet treat or preparing a savory one and bring it to the office before noon on Friday, or drop it off before going into church. Remember, the Super Bowl is later in the day and those savory items might be fan favorites this week especially. The THRIFT STORE/BOUTIQUE has had an active fall and winter and are now in need of items to restock; items such as jewelry, handbags, scarves, decorative items all sell very well. There will be a pop-up sale going on in the courtyard also on Feb. 9.

ECW is grateful for the support of St. Gregory’s parishioners, Steve and Michael who put up with our many requests, Kristen, Kay, and Dawn who help us in too many ways to mention here, and our greatest cheerleaders, Fr. Andrew and Rev. Robyn. We hope that you agree that we use our proceeds and talents to the Glory of God.

Thank you and God Bless You !!

Respectfully and appreciatively,

Rebecca Sorensen, ECW President