EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN 2024 TRIENNIAL REPORT

[July 11, 2024]  Every three years, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) hold their Triennial Convention that runs in conjunction with The Episcopal Church's General Convention. Women from all nine provinces attend this special gathering for a week full of worship, fun, and education. This year's 51st ECW Triennial was held June 22 through 28, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky.  Pictured above from left are Hawai'i Deputy Mary Carpenter, Sandy Leialoha, Bea Fitzpatrick, Joanne Mahuka, and standing, Louse Aloy.

The following is the report submitted by Louise Aloy, the Diocese of Hawai'i's ECW President. Following her report is a reflection from Joanne Mahuka, who received this year's Triennial Distinguished Women Award for Province VIII.

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51st ECW Convention Report
By Louise Aloy, President, ECW Hawai'i

We left Maui on Friday, June 21, at 6:15 PM, and arrived safely in Louisville, Kentucky at 10:23 AM the next day. It was a very long night, and I was so happy to arrive safe and sound. After settling into the hotel, I met up with other ECW delegates, Joanne Mahuka and Sandy Leialoha, and registered for the Triennial Convention.

ECW Triennial Highlights:

• Sunday, June 23 - Morning Holy Eucharist with General Convention at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC)
• Galt House Hotel  - ECW Delegate and Alternate Orientation & Opening Celebration for ECW Triennial

June 24 through Friday, June 28, I attended morning church services at KICC.  I attended morning plenary sessions during these 5 days.

On the first day the Keynote speaker was the Rev. Catherine Kropp, Vicar at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church on Kaua'i.  She spoke about her experience as an Episcopal priest and volunteer teacher in Lebanon working with refugees.

On other days we focused on Finance, By-laws, Resolutions, Social Justice, Nominations and Election of Officers for the new 2024-2027 National ECW Board. 

Mid-mornings and afternoons were filled with many workshops to choose from: 

• Monastic Communities in a New World-Sister of the Way
• Church Periodical Club – CPC
• Soul Connections for the Journey – Episcopal Community
• Episcopal Relief and Development – ERD
• Dancing with the Spirit: Healing through Music
• Church Women United – Social Justice
• Leading with Heart: Reignite your Ministry & Implementation
• Episcopal Women’s History Project
• Caregivers in Todays’ World of Alzheimer’s
• Girls Friendly Society – GFS
• Science of Conduction Efficient Meetings – 2 Parts
• The Beauty Way – Hozho Naah shaado – Navajo
• Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice
• Art Empowers

On Tuesday, June 25, we attended the ECW Distinguished Women luncheon where our own, Joanne Mahuka of St. Timothy’s was honored representing Province VIII, Diocese of Hawai’i. Mrs. Bea Fitzpatrick and Deputy Mary Carpenter joined us for this luncheon, and we sat with the Diocese of the Virgin Islands.

On Thursday, June 27, all 9 provinces held annual breakfast meetings at various hotels. Province VIII met at the Hyatt Downtown where the newly elected officers were sworn in by the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop of Navajoland.

Finally, on the last day, Friday, June 28, the new NECW board was installed, and we celebrated the closing ceremony marching around the entire room to the singing of “We are marching in the light of God”. It was such a joyful time for all!  Many of the members present served on the national board over the years, including myself, as well as on the provincial board. It was so good to see familiar acquaintances, make new friends, and the greatest gift for me was to see in person (with lots of hugs) all those that I serve on various boards that meet monthly via ZOOM for the last 5 years. It was truly amazing! 
​
Mahalo for this wonderful opportunity to serve Episcopal Church Women.

Respectfully submitted by:
Louise Aloy
President - ECW Hawai’i

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ECW Distinguished Women Award: Joanne Mahuka

​​What a fantastic experience!

The opening on Saturday was Bishop Curry's Revival, it was awe-inspiring. There was Eucharist on 4 days and Morning Prayer on the other days. Worship with an exuberant group is so exhilarating.

It was inspiring to meet so many people of faith and to participate in the business of ECW by electing new officers for the national board and changing verbiage of the ECW by-laws.

Over the five days of the ECW Triennial, 16 workshops were offered, I attended Church Periodical Club. CPC gives grants to purchase books, "Miles of Pennies" for one.

Leading with Heart was 2 parts about learning to share ideas in a most respectful way.

​And finally Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equality which is headed by Ryan Kusumoto.

The experience of being honored as a Distinguished Woman for doing something I love to do was truly amazing and touched my heart. 

Mahalo,

Joanne Mahuka

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(Photos: Louise Aloy, The Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso, NECW Facebook)