ECW’s “Fishing for Souls” Gathering Brings Women Together in Faith

May 2, 2026

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) gathered May 1–2, 2026, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for its 139th Annual Gathering, “Fishing for Souls.”

We are delighted to recognize this year’s ECW Honored Women:

  • Lauren Dunn, St. George’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans
  • Kathleen Turner, Christ Episcopal Church, Covington
  • Sharon Pontiff, St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Houma

The gathering also featured guest speakers Brother Todd van Alstyne and the Rev. Annie Jung. Bishop Shannon Duckworth was the celebrant and preacher at the Eucharist. 

Forward Day By Day – October 31, 2020

I still remember the night we learned our grandson had cancer. The phone call woke us sometime after midnight. Our son was in tears, still at the hospital, barely able to speak the words, much less absorb their impact.Fear and trembling overcame all of us in the weeks...

Forward Day By Day – October 30, 2020

When I graduated from college, I thought I wanted to become a college professor. I took two years off and taught English in South Korea. I learned a lot about the teaching profession—including that I do not like giving grades.I didn’t mind grading papers, noting what...

Forward Day By Day – October 29, 2020

From the Archives: November 2, 1955To know that the power behind the universe, the Lord of Creation, cares for us so much that he will suffer for us, and that he has put all his power in pledge to win and redeem us—that is the source of our abiding joy.....(View this...

Forward Day By Day – October 28, 2020

It’s hard for most of us to understand the enormous cultural gap between Jews and Gentiles in Jesus’ day. Tax collectors were condemned for collaborating with the Romans—but not just for working with political oppressors. The condemnation was also for associating with...

Forward Day By Day – October 27, 2020

Have you ever heard of the Sasanian Empire? How about the Chola Dynasty? Know anything about the Empire of Trebizond? All of these ancient realms were more powerful than Israel ever was, yet they have been mostly forgotten in modern history.Tiny, relatively powerless...

Forward Day By Day – October 26, 2020

I love the humor in this line! Sirach admonishes us not to gossip—but he does much more. He offers us many practical suggestions in today’s reading.We all share stories—that’s how we form bonds, strengthen communities, and claim what we stand for. Yet, told...

Forward Day By Day – October 25, 2020

There’s no question that Christianity is facing some serious challenges in the public sphere in the United States. As at other times in history, people in power have co-opted Christ for their own ends.Paul gives us a recipe for a radically different approach, much...