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Aug 18, 2015 | EDOT Staff

ECW Retreat to Focus on Neighbor, Outreach, Fellowship

 

Irit Umani, executive director of Trinity Center, a homeless ministry of St. David’s, in Austin will be one of the featured speakers at this year’s annual Episcopal Church Women’s retreat at Camp Allen, November 20-22. Donna Emery, development director of Mobile Loaves and Fishes and The Community First Project, Austin will also keynote at the 114th annual event.

 

Participants are encouraged to bring Walmart or Target gift cards as a donation to benefit the Shower Ministry at Trinity Center. The ministry provides hot showers and personal products in a safe environment to “homeless neighbors,” echoing the retreat’s theme: And Who is My Neighbor?

 

The retreat also features creative workshops to enhance local ministries, shopping opportunities, hiking and relaxing on Camp Allen’s 1000 acres of piney woods. The Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, bishop Suffragan, will celebrate at Saturday’s opening worship service.

 

“One of the special times we share at this retreat is celebrating our Honored Women,” said Lisa Martin, diocesan ECW president.  The Honored Women program began in 2008 as a way to honor especially hard working women in every congregation. 

 

“Everyone is encouraged to nominate women whom they feel are worthy of this special designation,” Martin said. Each honoree will be recognized at a special dinner during the retreat.  More information and nomination forms available online at www.epicenter.org/ecw-funds/ 

 

Martin encouraged all women in the Diocese to come to the ECW retreat, whether or not they have an active chapter in their congregation. “We promise a spirit-filled weekend where you can rekindle friendships, worship, relax, work your creative side or recharge your soul,” she said.

 

For more information at  www.epicenter.org/ecw-annual-retreat/  Registration will be open online or by mail on Sept 6, 2015.