The Episcopal Church Women of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana held their 130th Annual Gathering at St. Augustine’s, Metairie, on June 2 and 3. The theme of the gathering was “ECW: Embrace the Community and the World.” The Rev. William Miller, author and rector of Christ Church, Covington, was the keynote speaker presenting his address entitled: “Be Strange. Not a Stranger.” Four women were named the ECW Women of the Year. They were Val Jeanne Phillips from St. Augustine’s, Baton Rouge; Beulah Rodrigue from St. Matthew’s, Houma; Mary Hughes from Trinity Church, Morgan City; and Joy Benoit Roques from St. Augustine’s, Metairie. The Rt. Rev. James Brown, IX Bishop of Louisiana, was given a special honor for “his devotion, care and service to the people of the Diocese of Louisiana.” Bishop Thompson gave a “State of the Church Address” and celebrated and preached at the Saturday morning Holy Eucharist. The Rev. Watson Lamb and Reba Mackey led workshops. The ECW chose Eden House as their ministry partner. Courtney Lauver of Eden House gave a presentation on the mission and ministry of Eden House. The current ECW President is Ann Ball. A Friday evening reception was held at the home of ECW Vice President Jeanne Roques.