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Christ Church ECW hosts 170 women at annual invitational
Christ Church, Pensacola, hosted 178 guests at the 2016 Episcopal Churchwomen Annual Invitational on March 1. Attendees included 170 women representing 21 churches in the Central Gulf Coast. This was the highest attendance on record for this event organized by the women of Christ Church for nearly 25 years.
Bishop Russell Kendrick highlighted the day with two presentations in addition to
presiding at the Holy Eucharist. His homily centered on forgiveness of others. Following the eucharist, guests enjoyed a buffet luncheon in the parish hall. After lunch Bishop Kendrick presented a spirited message entitled “Women I Have Met at the Well: Things I have learned about God and our church from some of the women I have met in the Bible, history, and during my life.” Guests learned historical facts about the impact of women on Christianity during its early years. Bishop Kendrick also shared stories about women who influenced his life during his journey into the priesthood and beyond. His message was greeted with a standing ovation.
Christ Church ECW president June Linke said, "Today could not have been more glorious! On behalf of the Christ Church ECW, I want to say how honored we feel to have Bishop Kendrick as our keynote speaker. To see so many joyful women here is an indicator of the growing excitement throughout our diocese about the future of our churches. It's a great day to be an Episcopalian!"