St. Luke’s ECW is more than just a “women’s group.” As part of a world-wide organization, each local chapter seeks in its own way to champion women’s rights and the Christian foundation of God and family. We celebrate our identity as Episcopalians,
believing in a loving and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Throughout the wider Church, ECW’s programs feed, educate, and provide support for local communities. St. Luke’s ECW participates in this mission in our own community through its fundraising and social activities.
The St. Luke’s chapter of ECW was delighted to resume its monthly in-person meetings after the COVID-19 pandemic as its members rekindled friendships, shared stories, and provided mutual support in ways that the isolation of the pandemic did not permit. Among the many recent accomplishments:
- ECW filled over 130 Christmas stockings for Church Women United
- provided holiday gifts for homebound parishioners and residents of the Wernersville Hospital
- helped with the fundraiser to assist with medical expenses for Theo Wenger
- purchased new tables for the parish’s common halls
- the Easter Egg sale and more!
Two recent events that really stood out were the Annual Tea Party and a summer outing to the Hope Lavender Farm. Several members attended the “Blue Christmas Observance” shared with Hope Church, Manheim (Mt. Hope). St. Luke’s ECW hopes that we will be able to share more joint activities with the people of Hope Church in the future as we explore collaborative relationships in mission and ministry.
ECW consists of women of all ages, ethnic origins, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our common denominator for membership is the Love of God, and the desire to do His work.
We normally meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall for a little business, some fun and often for an opportunity for educational and spiritual development. In Lent of 2023, our rector led us in an exploration of the Examen as a spiritual practice to help us explore the presence of God in the small daily events of life.
ECW is often asked to assist at special church events, such as preparing and hosting church receptions and serving dinners on special occasions. More recently, we have invited all members of the parish to join in for some of our special events and programs so that we can share what God has given us.
To learn more about the national movement of Episcopal Church Women, click here.