The annual meeting of the Diocese of Edmonton Anglican Church Women (ACW) provided an opportunity for members across the diocese to reflect and discern how to walk humbly with their Lord as they serve the Gospel in a changing society.
Held on Saturday, May 6, the Annual began with a Service of Holy Communion, led by Bishop Stephen London, at St. Matthias Anglican Church in west Edmonton. The service of thanksgiving included the “ACW Prayer,” and “Life Members Prayer.” In his sermon, Bishop Steve outlined many of the changes the larger Church has gone through over the centuries.
Past National ACW President Margaret Warwick shared a brief history of an organisation rich in fellowship and service. In Canada, the ACW traces its roots to the Women’s Auxiliary (WA) which was started in 1886 by Roberta Tilton.
Edmonton ACW President Elaine Dickie invited the Rev. Shelly King, deacon, to lead a discussion about transitions.
“All that I have read and heard about the ACW, both locally and nationally, and all the ladies shared that day, confirms that the ACW is -- and has been for some time -- in the midst of a massive transition,” says King.
While the in-between time of a transition is unsettling, King says there are things we can do to gain a better understanding of what is happening. When discussing a transition, she says it can be helpful to break it into three parts: endings, in-between times, and new beginnings. She led the ladies in an exercise to identify what they miss about the past, what they would like to honour, and what they don’t miss at all!
“There is value in walking through each step, making sense of the whole thing and, in some cases, letting our hearts catch up to where our heads want to be,” she says.
You can read Shelly King’s reflection in the next issue of In Touch, the newsletter of the Edmonton ACW, which is posted online at edmonton.anglican.ca
For more on this story, watch the Synod Scene e-newsletter and The Messenger in the fall.
-
Synod Office
Office Hours
Contact
