Who we are
We are Episcopal Church Women of all ages, ethnic origins, and socioeconomic backgrounds who hold a variety of views. However, the common denominator of our members is love of God and the wish to do His work.
Read more about the ECW here, and more about our province here.
Click here to learn more about one of our national ministries, the Church Periodical Club.
Mission & Vision
Mission – Centered in congregations, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) empowers women to do Christ’s ministry in the world.
Vision – Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church. We aspire to be a Godspark – shining and sharing the love of Christ.
ECW Outreach Survey
In 2016, longtime ECW President Char Camfield coordinated a survey of outreach programs throughout the diocese. Char and the ECW felt it was important to acknowledge the contributions of parishes to their communities, promote the sharing of resources and ideas, and begin to develop relationships across parish, diocese, and denomination. The results of that survey were the beginning seeds of the storytelling on our diocesan page of the Episcopal Asset Map. Discover the ministries in our diocese and update your congregation’s information using our Asset Map directory page.
ECW Documents & Applications:
Episcopal Church Women’s Prayer:
Almighty God, we pray that you will bless our work in mission and ministry in the world. Help us to pray fervently, labor diligently and give liberally to make known the power of your love given through your son, Jesus. Let us not forget the lessons from the past nor fear the challenges of the future. Anoint us with your grace and shine in our hearts as we reflect your light throughout the world. Amen.
What is the role of the diocesan ECW?
The Role of the Diocesan Board of ECW is to:
- Model and share best practice in communication, programming, leadership, and governance
- Develop, support, and inspire leaders throughout the diocese ,
- Represent and build support for ECW in the wider church and the world
How is this work supported and what are annual “Fair Share” contributions?
Annual contributions from parishes/congregations and individuals provide ongoing support to the ECW Diocesan Board so that it can work to continue this ministry. Even the smallest contributions add up to make a world of difference.
Once the contribution is received, it is automatically split into half: 50% goes toward Operations and 50% goes toward Mission/Outreach/Scholarship.
The Operational portion helps to defray the cost to enable delegates to attend the ECW Triennial Meeting, ECW Provincial Gatherings, and any other meetings/gatherings to represent and keep the needs of our Diocese in the forefront.
The Missions/Outreach/Scholarship portion is put toward specific projects supported in the Diocese; such as, new prayer books (BCP) in Spanish for the Dominican Republic, new prayer books (BCP) in Dinka for Grace Sudanese Church in Grand Rapids, and scholarships for women to purchase needed books for Education For Ministry (EFM). We have granted scholarships to priests, postulants, and lay persons for books, tuition, and other needs.
How do I make a contribution?
All donations should be sent directly to the diocesan CFO, Sara Philo. Please use the downloadable form ‘ECW CONTRIBUTION FORM’ to indicate who the gift is from and/or to make additional contributions to Missions & Outreach, Scholarship Fund, Church Periodical Club (CPC), an honorarium, or a memorial designation. Mail to:
Sara Philo
Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan
1815 Hall St SE, Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Make checks payable to ECW – Diocese of Western Michigan and write “Fair Share” in the memo section.
Please mail ingathering, memorial gift, and trust fund checks for the United Thank Offering directly to:
United Thank Offering
DFMS – Protestant Episcopal Church US
P.O. Box 958983
St. Louis, MO 63195-8983
Make checks payable to DFMS and write “UTO” in the memo section.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Please use the downloadable form ‘Application for Financial Assistance’ to request a scholarship.
Please mail the form to:
Marilee Roth
10519 California
Bridgman, MI 49106
CONTACT PERSON
Marilee Roth, Acting President
EDWM Episcopal Church Women