The Tribune

The Anglican Church Women of the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands was formed in 1963 with a mission to enhance the spiritual growth and development of women who will share the gospel message with others, become actively involved in mission and ministry, and participate fully in the work of the Diocese.

They focus on these objectives to provide opportunities for women to serve God by practicing a rule of life through worship, study, prayer, fellowship and giving.

Each year, the organisation’s leaders come together just after branch elections to be energised for the work ahead and to familiarise themselves with the vision, mission and objectives for which they were formed by their former patron, Bishop Bernard Markham.

Late last month branch leaders from throughout the Diocese gathered at St Matthew’s Anglican Church Parish Hall for the 19th annual Presidents and Vice Presidents Seminar, under the theme “Anglican Church Women Restoring our Faith, Renewing Our Commitment”.

The seminar was moderated by the Northern and West Central Archdeaconry coordinators, Theresa Laing and Kara Sweeting respectively.

President of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) Council Yvette Barr welcomed the leaders and encouraged them to embrace all that the seminar had to offer.

Bishop Laish Boyd gave our charge, as the Diocese focuses on its theme of intentional discipleship. He reminded the ACW that they are at a threshold, “the beginning of a new calendar year, real newness as we begin to restore our faith and renew our commitment to God”. He also charged that they are to take “responsibility for ourselves; be serious about something; have stickability even if no one else has it, be positive and be a disciple, for God has placed us here and we have to do what we have to do for Him.”

Guest speaker, executive and leadership trainer Duquesa Dean presented a talk on “The Role of Each Officer”. Ms Dean engaged the ladies with a stern charge that they are the leaders of the organisation and as such that they are to set goals for their various branches. She also told them that they are to lay out the goals of the organisation, execute them as they review the plans, and encourage each member to become more involved. The ACW then split into groups, led by Evangeline McDonald, president of the St Barnabas ACW.

The ACW will this year gather in Alice Town, Bimini for their 46th annual conference from June 2 to 7. It is expected that some 300 plus women will attend as the ACW conduct their business session before hearing from various speakers on a wide range of topics.