What has happened since July?

November 1, 2025

Dear Ladies,

As I mentioned in the first edition of this letter, it bears repeating: every woman in the Episcopal Church is an Episcopal Church Woman. I encourage you to attend events sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Virginia. These gatherings broaden our understanding as we meet and connect with women from all walks of life who share in the rich tradition of the Episcopal Church.

What Has Happened Since July?

Saturday, September 26 — We held our second annual Gifts and Scholarships Afternoon Tea at Epiphany Episcopal Church, North Richmond Region. Attended by 51 women, the event was an immense success and enjoyed by all. Most importantly, it raised $1550 for the Diocesan ECW’s Gifts and Scholarships Fund. A special thank-you goes to Kathy Jimerson for her hard work organizing the event. Photos can be found in the Photo Gallery Section of News & Events.

Saturday, October 10 — Our annual Fall Meeting took place at the historic Pohick Church in Lorton, Virginia. For those unfamiliar with Pohick Church, it is a must-see site. To learn more about its history, visit https://pohick.org/collections/history.

We were warmly welcomed by the Episcopal Church Women of Pohick, led by the incredible Connie Myers. They were cheerful Marthas, providing a hospitable space and an abundance of treats for both breakfast and lunch. Many thanks to them for their gracious hospitality. Photos from this gathering are also in the Photo Gallery section.

As the Viva Voce* recipient, Suzanne Hicks Wright, Executive Director of Hope for Humanity, Inc. (HFH), spoke about Hope and Resurrection Secondary School (HRSS) located in the rural village of Atiaba, South Sudan. Hope for Humanity was incorporated in 2004 in Richmond, Virginia in response to the Lost Boys of Sudan who had resettled there as refugees. In 2007, the organization decided to build a secondary school under the auspices of the Episcopal Church of Sudan. By 2008, the school welcomed it first students, including three girls. When South Sudan became an independent nation in July 2011, HRSS continued its mission despite many challenges. Today, the school depends on donations from U.S, supporters to remain open. It shines as a bright beacon in a country where illiteracy exceeds 70%. In a world of haves and have-nots, your support can make a difference. To donate visit https://www.hopeforhumanityinc.org/Donate.

*Viva Voce (By word of mouth) — Giving to this this fund is one of the oldest continuous acts in the history of the Episcopal Church Women. It’s purpose has always been to “implement the missionary work of the Church.”

Bishop E. Mark Stevenson delivered the keynote address, “Along the Way — A Journey of Faith.” The audience was captivated as he shared insights from his own faith journey and offered wisdom to guide our own journey. Many thanks to Beblon Parks, whose excellent notes made this summary possible. Here are some of the nuggets of wisdom he shared with us:

• Faith is not naïve; it requires maturity.

• God is always faithful, even when we are not.

• At times, we may feel distant God, but God is never distant from us. It is okay to question our faith, God still holds us close.

• Struggle purifies faith. For the Bishop, daily Morning Prayer is essential in his spiritual journey.

• His advice: “Get out of the way and let God work in your life.”

• Do not discount grief as an important part of faith development.

• You cannot go wrong if you begin and remain focused on the words of Jesus — return to the Gospels and read the red words

• When doing a Bible study, include a Gospel study between each book you study.

• The Bishop’s final takeaway:

  • Love Jesus

  • Embody Justice

  • Be Disciples

Upcoming Events

Lenten Retreat — Date in March TBD; Facilitator: The Rev. Dr. Sarah Price

Spring Meeting — May 5, 2026, St. Martin’s, Richmond

To the Glory of God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

Catherine Perrin
President 2025 through 2027
Episcopal Church Women
Diocese of Virginia

Catherine Perrin
President 2025 through 2027
Episcopal Church Women
Diocese of Virginia