Parish Life

Episcopal Church Women - ECW

The Episcopal Church Women raise funds from Yard Sales, Auctions, Bazaars, the Tour of Homes, and cookbook sales. Funds raised from these events have been given to Hannah House, local charities, ECW World Mission, ECW Diocesan Mission, Haiti, York Place and the Bishop Gravatt Center. Money also was given to improve the appearance of the parlor, to purchase supplies for the kitchen, to fund the Senior High work trip, and to the rector and assistant rector to use as discretionary funds.

The women serve on the Altar Guild, arrange and deliver Altar flowers, teach Sunday School, cook and deliver Agape meals, serve as lay readers, chalice bearers and office volunteers, visit the sick, host receptions, organize the Easter Egg Hunt and work in the gardens on the church grounds.

St. John's ECW is a part of the Diocese of Upper South Carolina ECW and of the Episcopal Church of the United States ECW.

Episcopal Church Women Guilds

St. Veronica's Guild, known as the gardening guild, is open to all women interested in gardening and tidying up the church grounds, in particular the Ruth Woodruff Biblical Garden.

St. Anne's Guild welcomes young women in their twenties. Their mission is to provide spiritual and social support to its members and the local community. The guild meets on a monthly basis at member's homes and local restaurants. The group has 10-week Bible studies held on a semi-annual basis. Other ministries include Toys for Tots at the annual Christmas party and lessons about the liturgical aspects of St. John's .

St. Clare's Guild welcomes women in their thirties and early forties. The women participate in a weekly Bible study and various service projects, including hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Alzheimer's Walk at Still Hopes. Their annual fund raiser, Fall Fling, is much anticipated, with the proceeds going to youth mission trips.

St. Teresa's Guild generally draws women in the age range of forties to sixties and encourages new members. This group provides Christian fellowship and supports projects for the parish, such as decorating the Christmon tree and assisting in outreach projects. These women are known for providing leadership in the church and answering the call when volunteers are needed. Their annual Christmas party is legendary.

St. Monica's & St. Bridget's Guild is always welcoming new members. This is a vibrant and active group. Projects for this guild include helping decorate the church for Christmas and Easter, aged and shut-in ministry at Christmas, and last year we had a party for the Women's Center on Farrow Road . We take special care of our guild members. We have inspiring monthly programs and parties in December and May. The guild has provided leadership in all aspects of ministry at St. John's since its formation.

St. Mary's Guild & St. Catherine's Guild is known as the retired and currently workingwomen's guild. These women meet monthly and care for each other, providing a small group social network. The projects of this guild include Adopt a Family for Christmas, sponsoring the “security blankets” project for York place (blankets made by selected inmates who volunteer at Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution) and participating in fundraisers and other events sponsored by the ECW.

For more information on these guilds or projects of the Episcopal Church Women, please contact Mackie O'Keefe, 254-0630.