“To pray is to listen to the One who calls you my beloved daughter.” Henri Nouwen

We are new!

• February 17, 2010 The Episcopal Community was incorporated! Come join us.

• We are women called into a vowed community to support one another in a life focused on our Baptismal Covenant in order that we may be more effective disciples in the church and the world.

• You will find members in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Michigan, California, Nevada, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and growing….

The Community studies St. Benedict’s Toolbox by Rev. Jane Tomaine

for discernment before taking vows.

Purpose

• To nurture spiritual growth for all its members by being a part of a vowed community.

• To support and serve our clergy.• Members are committed to intentionally

living out the Baptismal Covenant through prayer, sharing, study, and discipleship.

“The fullness of Joy is to behold God in everything.” Saint Julian of Norwich

Prayer of The Community

Almighty God, you have called us into covenant through the promises made at baptism and strengthened us for service through your Holy Spirit. Renew within us the power of that Spirit, and lead us, that in our journey into the fullness of your peace, we may bear witness in the world to your redeeming love. Give us each an inquiring mind and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Support us with your presence, O Lord, throughout our ministry. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Finding the Face of Christ in One Another

What is the vision for The Community?

• The Community is defined by its vows.• Vows give intentionality and rhythm to life

and guide spiritual growth as members support and learn from each other, in the church and in the world.

• We strive to be more effective disciples.

“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.”St. Benedict

Community of Episcopal Women

• Create Your Personal Rule of Life, which may include a daily discipline of one of the following:

• Lectio Devina• Contemplative Prayer• Lectionary, Daily Office• Nature walk in silence

• Labyrinth

Joy of Community

Relationship to The Episcopal Church

• The Community is an integral part of The Episcopal Church and pledges to abide by all applicable Canons in the life of the congregations and dioceses of which it is a part.

• The Community is a separately incorporated spiritual community of The Episcopal Church and operates as a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation.

• Chaplains are appointed from ordained clergy.

Bishop Philip DuncanOur National Chaplain

Approved by our Presiding Bishop

Membership

Membership is limited to women, 18 years or older, who are confirmed members of The Episcopal Church or who have been received by a bishop into The Episcopal Church from another denomination.

“Live this life and whatever is done, in a spirit of Thanksgiving.” Saint Benedict

Circle of Leadership

• The Circle of Leadership is composed of fifteen members, elected by the members. It carries out the work of the community between business meetings.

• Circular leadership is the preferred model for guiding the community.

Leadership

Connecting

• Connect and support women with spiritual growth as a way to enrich the lives of those around you.

• Connect with your personal Rule of Life.• Connect to empower members with

possibilities.

Vows

Think Outside the Box!

• Use technology to connect members as well as encouraging face-to-face dialogue with the option to form local chapters.

• Connect each member with an Chaplain (ordained clergy of The Episcopal Church).

• Retreats and workshops to enrich and grow.

“Pray and labor - Ora et labora”Saint Benedict

Intention

• To help build up the spiritual life of its members by being a part of a vowed community.

• To provide resources to help its members and their congregations extend the Kingdom of God as revealed in and through Jesus Christ.

• To intentionally living out the Baptismal Covenant through your own personal Rule of Life.

Celebrate!

Save the Date!March 18-20, 2011

• Episcopal Women Gathering: Leading Transformation in our Church and the World Duncan Conference Center (www.duncancenter.org), Delray Beach, FL Starting within ourselves to become the change we want to see happen Gathering in Circle to support individual and collective leadership for bringing forth positive change Uniting positive energies to transform ourselves, families, church, communities, and the World

• Conveners:The Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor. Educator of leadership development for the Diocese of Alaska, Episcopal indigenous people and Episcopal women, co-creator of Indigenous Women’s Pathways program and Episcopal Native Alaskan women’s leadership program. See www.episcopalak.org The Rev. Joy Mills. Pastoral counselor and therapist, writer, educator, priest, member of Anglican Women’s Empowerment. Katherine Tyler Scott. Managing partner of Ki ThoughtBridge, board member of the International Leadership Association, author of Transforming Leadership, an important book for Episcopal leaders. Ann Smith. Co-Director of www.circleconnections.com, past director of Women in Mission and Ministry of Episcopal Church, co-creator with Katherine, Ginny and others of four Episcopal women’s leadership programs and the Indigenous Women’s Pathways.

• Once you register you will be connected through our LightPages online community to all attendees and can begin sharing your gifts, talents, skills and passions for making a positive difference. When we dream, pray and work together miracles happen.

• Contact: Ann SmithPhone: 239-596-2881 (H)

239-248-2250 (Cell)Email contact: ann@circleconnections.com

Community

Join Us!

May 27-29, 2011SAVE THE DATE

The Episcopal Community GatheringCamp Beckwith

Diocese of Central Gulf CoastCome and join this weekend retreat

Contact: Logan Patterson, Executive DirectorloganPatterson@theepiscopalcommunity.org

Celebrate One Another!