"A Second Cloud of Witnesses"
Dear All,
I am writing to let you know about a new project that I am undertaking along with Peggy Cromwell. As many of you know, the women of the Diocese of Arkansas have literally brought me up from discernment, through seminary and ordination, and onto local and state wide ministries. I have been so blessed by them, as has been Peggy! We want to give something back for that. Remembering the wonderful work that the Episcopal Church Women did under The Reverend Joanna Seibert back in 1994, my hope is that you all will consider another book of lectionary meditations. Joanna has given her blessing and has suggested that the book be entitled "A Second Cloud of Witnesses." What a perfect name. Susan Moore, our State ECW President, has gotten approval from the board to move forward, as was done through this group in 1994.
As past Chaplain for several years, I look forward to working with the current chaplain Peggy Cromwell, to compile your stories based on the lectionary for the day(s) you will have chosen or will be assigned. Peggy is an English teacher and we have two English professors in the wings, so don't worry about this! Your name was either chosen by me because I have known how important your faith is to you or by your other friends who have sent me your name.
We will all be recognized in the book for the many ways that we serve as Episcopal Church Women with your respective ministries by your name. Examples include ECW, DOK, Cursillo, Kairos, EfM, Altar Guild, Music, etc.
Since most of us are self isolated at home for the time being, it would be a great time to get your readings, ponder them, pray about them, and then begin to write a short meditation on them. Each day has a reading from the Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament, and Gospel. You may choose to write about one reading or a combination of readings. The important thing is to make what we write personal! Lida Coyne, who wrote for the first book, told me that the thing that made the first book so powerful and profoundly spiritual was that the women wrote from where they were in their own lives at that particular time. Some were in good times, others not so good. Some were facing difficult situations, while others were rejoicing in God's blessings! Lida has agreed to write again, as have several others!
I am certain that we can do this, but we cannot do it without you! Please know that you will be helped in any way you need if you agree to be a part of this project. Also, please don't hesitate to send names, along with emails and phone numbers, of friends who might be interested in participating.
We just need a reply to me at surprisedbygrace@yahoo.com, along with your phone number, if you would like to participate. (If you don't reply, I'll probably call you! Ha!) You may forward this email, as well. If you already know which Scripture reading has meaning to you personally, please send that, as well. Those requests will be on a first come, first served basis. Each woman contributing will have the opportunity to write one to three meditations/reflections.
We have so many wonderful different groups of Episcopal Church Women. Our hope is that every way that we share the mission of the Church will be represented with all the meaningful stories that you have to tell!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
God's continued love, peace, and grace be with you all!
The Reverend Dr. Marti Dalby
St. Francis Episcopal Church
Heber Springs, Arkansas
I am writing to let you know about a new project that I am undertaking along with Peggy Cromwell. As many of you know, the women of the Diocese of Arkansas have literally brought me up from discernment, through seminary and ordination, and onto local and state wide ministries. I have been so blessed by them, as has been Peggy! We want to give something back for that. Remembering the wonderful work that the Episcopal Church Women did under The Reverend Joanna Seibert back in 1994, my hope is that you all will consider another book of lectionary meditations. Joanna has given her blessing and has suggested that the book be entitled "A Second Cloud of Witnesses." What a perfect name. Susan Moore, our State ECW President, has gotten approval from the board to move forward, as was done through this group in 1994.
As past Chaplain for several years, I look forward to working with the current chaplain Peggy Cromwell, to compile your stories based on the lectionary for the day(s) you will have chosen or will be assigned. Peggy is an English teacher and we have two English professors in the wings, so don't worry about this! Your name was either chosen by me because I have known how important your faith is to you or by your other friends who have sent me your name.
We will all be recognized in the book for the many ways that we serve as Episcopal Church Women with your respective ministries by your name. Examples include ECW, DOK, Cursillo, Kairos, EfM, Altar Guild, Music, etc.
Since most of us are self isolated at home for the time being, it would be a great time to get your readings, ponder them, pray about them, and then begin to write a short meditation on them. Each day has a reading from the Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament, and Gospel. You may choose to write about one reading or a combination of readings. The important thing is to make what we write personal! Lida Coyne, who wrote for the first book, told me that the thing that made the first book so powerful and profoundly spiritual was that the women wrote from where they were in their own lives at that particular time. Some were in good times, others not so good. Some were facing difficult situations, while others were rejoicing in God's blessings! Lida has agreed to write again, as have several others!
I am certain that we can do this, but we cannot do it without you! Please know that you will be helped in any way you need if you agree to be a part of this project. Also, please don't hesitate to send names, along with emails and phone numbers, of friends who might be interested in participating.
We just need a reply to me at surprisedbygrace@yahoo.com, along with your phone number, if you would like to participate. (If you don't reply, I'll probably call you! Ha!) You may forward this email, as well. If you already know which Scripture reading has meaning to you personally, please send that, as well. Those requests will be on a first come, first served basis. Each woman contributing will have the opportunity to write one to three meditations/reflections.
We have so many wonderful different groups of Episcopal Church Women. Our hope is that every way that we share the mission of the Church will be represented with all the meaningful stories that you have to tell!
Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
God's continued love, peace, and grace be with you all!
The Reverend Dr. Marti Dalby
St. Francis Episcopal Church
Heber Springs, Arkansas
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