Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of

Triennial Report 2015

Three delegates from Chicago represented the Episcopal Church Women at the 2015 Triennial meeting: Beth Petti, President; Helen Mensing, United Thank Offering Coordinator and The Rev. Peg Williams. The Triennial meeting occurs during the General Convention, but it has a separate schedule and workshops. The only common experiences are the worship services each morning and the opportunity to view the exhibits. Otherwise, the Triennial and General Conventions are quite separate. Our next Triennial will likely be shorter and perhaps allow the ECW delegates to observe more of the General Convention business.

During our time at Triennial, we had the opportunity to be addressed by Presiding Bishop Schori (who presented our Triennial crosses), the Rev. Lindsay Hardin Freeman (author of Bible Women: Al Their Words and Why They Matter published with support from the national ECW), and The Rev. Jan Naylor Cope, Provost of Washington National Cathedral, gave the keynote address. Becca Stevens offered two workshops which were attended by our delegates and the address for the United Thank Offering dinner was given by The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry prior to his election as Presiding Bishop.

The business sessions were mainly procedural discussions and elections were held for the slate of the National Board. Our delegation was able to renew acquaintances with the women of the Province and to meet other women from across the country. We hope that this exchange is encouraged at the next Triennial as we found it energizing and supportive to hear what other dioceses are doing with their women’s ministries.

The delegates attended all of the worship services which were one of the highlights of the convention. Worshipping with thousands of other Episcopalians was very moving and having the opportunity to hear Bishop Schori and Bishop Curry preach was an awesome experience.

I would like to note that the delegates for ECW are paid for through the ECW, Diocese of Chicago. Although our room reservations and Convention registrations were made through the Diocese, all expenses were reimbursed.

Beth Petti President Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Chicago Lead Delegate

F A I T H F E L L O W S H I P E D U C A T I O N S E R V I C E