by Lana Hamilton

The annual event, held September 14 at St. John’s Cathedral, Knoxville, was attended by 100 churchwomen and 25 this year. Our diocesan ECW is well supported by our clergy. For this we offer many thanks and pledge our support, as ever, in grateful response.

Julia Chester Emery was the theme person of this year’s event. At the age of 24, Emery became General Secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Board of Missions in 1876, serving in that post for the following 40 years. She devised a means of engaging all the women of the Church in that effort as part of the official power structure of the Church. She and the women who worked with her created what is known today as the United Thank Offering (UTO).

The Rev. Jocelyn Bell, rector of Christ Church, Chattanooga, delivered an inspiring homily that reminded all that each of us is called to be a missionary. We should strive to use our gifts and talents to spread the healing and reconciling love of Christ to a world in need. As members of both church and ECW we are members of missionary organizations doing mission work. May our constant prayer be that we go forward in answer to the call to proclaim God’s mercy and love to everyone, everywhere. Mother Bell, AMEN.

After Eucharist, the Very Rev. John Ross, Dean of St. John’s Cathedral, welcomed the ECW on behalf of his parish and the cathedral.

Ross told us that he is the “suggestion box” and would receive all suggestions as to how the cathedral could better serve the churches of the diocese.

Ross then gave a presentation on “A Church Trip to Israel and Jordan.” About 50 people attended the presentation about a tour of the Holy Land that he and a group from the cathedral recently made.

Meeting in one of the workshop sessions, chapter presidents and treasurers shared ideas for programs, fund raisers, and ways to cultivate a more active interest on the part of women in congregations in the diocese.

After lunch, Bishop vonRosenberg reminded us of the experience of the Alaska Bishop who flew to visit his congregations. Wind and snow made visibility quite poor. After the Bishop circled the landing place several times, his way was lighted by the people on the ground who, realizing he was in trouble, lit torches to guide him down safely. Our bishop said that this story reminds him of the ECW, whose members are, and to his mind have always, lit the way of the Church to its mission, which is Missions.

Plan now to attend next year’s Annual Spring Assembly. Women from all 3 of Tennessee’s dioceses come together at DuBose for this event. This assembly offers the opportunity to enjoy fellowship with long-time friends, make new acquaintances, be enriched by inspiring presentations, and consume fine food served graciously. Last, but not least, is a chance to quiz all 3 Tennessee bishops on any matter of interest and/or concern that you may have. We could not have a more inviting prospect.

Lana Hamilton, St. Francis of Assisi, Ooltewah, is the Communications Chairperson for the Diocesan ECW.