Province IV ECW Gather at Camp McDowell for Annual Retreat
Over 30 Episcopal Church Women (ECW) from across Province IV gathered at Camp McDowell from June 3–5 for their annual retreat, an event long held at Kanuga Camp and Conference Center in North Carolina. This year, Province IV ECW President, Andrea Geiger, brought the retreat to Alabama, offering a fresh setting for three days of reflection, prayer, and fellowship.
The retreat opened Monday afternoon with a reception hosted by the Province IV ECW board. After dinner, keynote speaker Gail Larson, a licensed Lay Reader and Eucharistic Minister, led the group’s first session on the theme “How to Declutter Your Life.” Drawing from both personal insight and Scripture, including reference to the Parable of the Rich Man, Larson encouraged attendees to ask themselves at least three questions when discerning what to keep, physically or emotionally: “Is it useful? Is it beautiful? Does it bring joy?”
“There was a lightness that came over the room,” said Mary Beth Welch from the Diocese of Mississippi, quoting a line she had come across:, “Decluttering is not just about letting go of stuff, it’s about creating space for what truly matters.”
Anne Lynn Langloh of Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham echoed that reflection. “The Province IV ECW retreat was a very special time of learning and fellowship,” she said. “The projects, ministries, and sacred stories that were shared were enlightening and inspiring. Gail Larson’s presentations were truly remarkable; her advice and insight about decluttering our houses and our lives carried implications for every person in the room.”
The second day’s schedule included Morning Prayer led by Joyce Landers, a certified lay preacher from the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast and secretary to Province IV Board. The day also saw three more sessions with Larson. In between sessions, the group held a business meeting and elected two new board members: Mary Beth Welch of the Diocese of Mississippi as Vice President, and Sarah Chuchman of the Diocese of Alabama as Communications Coordinator. Attendees also participated in workshops on the United Thank Offering (UTO) and the Church Periodical Club (CPC), and ECW presidents from each diocese had time to meet and share updates.
National ECW President Lisa Bortner, from the Diocese of Texas, graced the retreat with her presence, joining Episcopal Church Women from 11 dioceses across Province IV: Alabama, Florida, Central Gulf Coast, Atlanta, Georgia, Lexington, Mississippi, Central Florida, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
Andrea Geiger,
Lisa Bortner and Shaun Pezant
In her closing remarks, Lisa Bortner, reminded the group of the strength and meaning behind ECW. “In a world that is constantly shifting, the church remains a beacon of hope, love, and truth,” she said. “And within the church, ECW is not a side note. It’s a ministry with depth, with purpose, and with eternal significance.”
She added, “There is a special kind of connection that happens when women gather. It’s about heart-level conversations. It’s about carrying each other’s burdens, praying for one another, showing up in the hard times, and celebrating the victories.”
The retreat was concluded with Holy Eucharist and a remembrance ceremony. The Rev. Derek Hill, CEO and Executive Director of Camp McDowell, served as celebrant, and Larson offered the homily, bringing her message full circle. Music throughout the retreat was led by Shaun Pezant of St. Luke’s, Birmingham, whose gift for setting the tone made each gathering feel more connected and prayerful.
“We extend our gratitude to the ECW Diocese of Alabama for a profoundly inspiring retreat at Camp McDowell,” said Robyn Furges of the Diocese of North Carolina. “We thoroughly enjoyed connecting with our ECW sisters from Province IV. She also extended her appreciation to the National President, Lisa Bortner, for her presence and thanked Andrea Geiger for organizing a highly engaging event.
This article was written by the Director of Communications, with contributions from Fran Bramblette, the Nominating Chairperson for Province IV ECW.