ECW – Christian Growth & Fellowship

Every woman who attends St. Mary’s Church is a member of our Episcopal Church Women (ECW), so if you’ve never been to a meeting, or participated in an activity, don’t be shy. We’ll give you a warm welcome and guarantee you’ll find friends here. Pick up your copy of the events brochure in the narthex or parish hall.

In a change from previous years, we offer ECW programs on the second Tuesday of each month, November through April. Our meetings begin at 11 a.m. with Father Wright who celebrates the Holy Eucharist in the chapel. Immediately following, we share a light lunch in the Parish Hall and hold a brief business meeting before the program.

Mark your calendar for this year’s ECW programs:
We’ve planned our programs so that all the women of St. Mary’s feel welcomed to spend time together to share in fellowship and to continue growing our faith and commitment to Jesus Christ our Savior as we support our parish.

November 12 – Sacred Flowers
I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.” – Song of Solomon 2:1 (NKJV)
Flowers are used throughout the Old and New Testaments to demonstrate God’s providential care for us in creation and the fragility of life.  Roses, lilies of the valley, and palms are just some of the flowers the Bible names.  Linda and Steve Burdette, professional gardeners who lead our Flora Linda volunteers, will help us to identify the sacred flowers we see around us today.  We will also offer specimen plants for purchase to brighten our homes or present to a friend.

December 7, Saturday 2-4 PM – Christmas Tea
Our clergy pours as we indulge in tea sandwiches, scones and delectable sweets…the traditional ingredients for an enchanting afternoon party to kick off the Christmas season.  You may wish to host and decorate a table, or to enjoy meeting new friends at a table decorated by the committee.  We may see an elf, and everyone joins in the traditional rollicking sing-along.  Watch for posters in November that will detail this special day.

January 14 – Body, Mind, and Spirit
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 19
Nino Magaddino, a professional trainer whom we call “Nino the Balance Man,” is coming to work on our balance and strength. Research shows that our balance begins to decline by age 50, predisposing us to trips, falls and injuries. Wear your most comfortable stretch clothes and soft shoes as Nino takes us through the balance exercises we can practice at home.

February 15, 2025 – It’s Amoré – St. Mary’s Thrift Store Fashion Show
Fashion Week is in Paris this year and the PennyWise Fashion Show gives you all the fun and fashion in our Parish Hall. Back by popular demand, the show features St. Mary’s models wearing some of PennyWise’s finest upscale clothing.

March 12 – Lenten Quiet Day
We are honored to host The Rev’d Canon Dr. Catherine Brall, retired from the Diocese of Pittsburgh, to teach us about the types of prayer that we offer.  She will guide us in ways to feel confident in making our own prayers, whether in a group setting or in our personal prayer life.  This is a no-pressure day that is especially timely for the beginning of Lent.

April 8 – Our Faith Journeys
During this powerful meeting of sacred covenant, our sisters volunteer to share their walk with Jesus as their Savior. A highly personal experience, this sharing requires strength and courage from the women who open their lives to us, and compassion and commitment to privacy from those who listen.