by Judy Beal
"The purpose of Anglican Church Women in the Diocese of Toronto is to be a focus for Christian Community among all Anglican Women, affirming their gifts and encouraging their ministries through worship, learning, and service." Toronto Diocesan Anglican Church Women, May 2006
Here at St. Olave’s we are proud to have five active A.C.W. groups, but it should be remembered that every woman in the congregation is an Anglican Church Woman.
The Altar Guild is responsible for setting the Lord’s table for the Eucharistic feast and preparing the Church for special occasions such as Weddings and Baptisms. They add visual beauty to our worship service through the use of lovely Altar hangings, candles, flowers and seasonal banners. They are scheduled for duty once every four weeks, and they always work in pairs.
The Mary & Martha Group meets on the third Tuesday of every month from September to June. They have a very interesting program that includes guest speakers, movies, fashion shows, and games, to name just a few events.
The newly formed Women’s Fellowship Group is about meeting up with other women in our church community for a time of fun and fellowship. Events include attending the "Just Give Me Jesus" revival at the Air Canada Centre, enjoying a movie afternoon, jazz café, and pub night. Events are usually planned on a Friday evening, Saturday, or Sunday for the benefit of women who work outside the home, but all women, the young and the young at heart, are welcome to join this group.
The Rose Group and the Windsor Group reflect the long-standing bond of friendship formed by Sisters-in-Christ who have supported each other through the joys and sorrows of life. Many of the women who joined these groups as young brides are now Grandmothers and/or Great-Grandmothers. They still meet for lunch on a regular basis and continue to participate in outreach activities such as the LOFT Christmas Bags, the Mitten Tree for Sandgate and the Women’s Habitat women’s shelters.
All of the women (and men) of the parish work together on two annual fund raising events: the Spring Rummage Sale held in April and the Christmas Market held in November. The proceeds from these sales help the A.C.W. to support such worthy causes as Moorelands Camp, St. Michael’s Youth Conference, Four Villages Community Health Centre, LOFT Community Services, and Northern Clergy.
For more information, please contact the Church Office at 416-769-5686.