The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Louisiana are pleased to invite you to its 135th ECW Annual Gathering to be held at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center in Loranger LA, April 29-30, 2022. Our theme this year is: “I am the vine; you are the branches…” John 15:5. All are invited to join us for Christian fellowship, worship, learning and fun! We pray that the time you spend with us will help you to reach out, explore, invite, embrace and celebrate the many “branches” and gifts God has given you!
We will start our Gathering at 4:30 p.m. April 29 with a warm welcome, light refreshments and check-in at the Bishop Brown Lodge sponsored by the ECW’s of the Baton Rouge Deanery. You are invited to stroll the beautiful grounds of the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center or relax in one of the rocking chairs, sit by the fireplace, visit the exhibits or view ECW memorabilia. At 5:30 p.m. activities will begin in the Claverie Meeting room. The Rev. Stephen Craft will offer an intriguing presentation on the early days of the Episcopal Church in Louisiana. We will also learn about current ministry activities in the diocese. A light supper will follow in the Claverie Meeting room. A beautiful Taize service will be held in the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The evening will close with wine, song and conversation in the Lodge.
Saturday April 30th will begin at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast for overnight guests in the dining hall. For commuters, registration and a continental breakfast will begin in the lodge at 8:45 a.m.
The Annual Gathering’s morning plenary session will consist of a brief business meeting, presentation of ‘Honored Women’ and the Triennial’s ‘Distinguished Woman.’ The Rev. Kit McLean, our keynote speaker, will explore this year’s theme “I am the vine; you are the branches…” John 15:5.
A wonderful luncheon in the Dining Hall will be prepared by Chef Chris of SECC. We will end our Annual Gathering with the Festival Eucharist complete with parish banners!
Overnight guests will fill out their registration forms to stay at the Solomon Episcopal Conference Center in private or semiprivate rooms. These options are on the registration forms. The room charge includes: registration fee, room, hot breakfast and lunch in the dining hall at the SECC. Commuters will fill out their registration form for attendance on Friday and/or Saturday.
The Annual Gathering is a nurturing springtime event offering women an opportunity to enjoy one another’s company, share ideas, and make new and renew friendships, extending and strengthening your branches to your sisters in Christ. Join us for a wonderful two days!
Please post a notice in your church newsletter and bulletin board and give a copy of the packet to your Parish Secretary to share the information! Please make sure all the women in your church know about the Annual Gathering & have access to the packet including the registration form.
Registration is due April 15, 2022. For any registration questions, please email jjrainey@aol.com The tentative agenda, important details and ECW Nominations are also attached. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Maria Palmer, Vice President, ECW Diocese of Louisiana, at (985)474-1848 or email her at geauxecw2@gmail.com.