Tabitha Chapter

The Order of the Daughters of the King is an order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the Historic Episcopate.  The order was founded in New York City in 1885.  Each Daughter takes a lifetime vow to live by the Rule of the Order, which requires a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service and evangelism.  After her installation, each Daughter is issued a silver cross to be worn at all times as a constant reminder of her vows and an outward and visible sign that she cannot live a day without Christ in her life. 
Our  Chapter started with 10 women, and chose the name of Tabitha after the woman of Joppa in Acts 9:36-43.  Tabitha is referred to as "disciple" in the Greek feminine and she is considered "full of good works and acts of charity".  We thought she was a remarkable role model as she took the gifts that God had given her and used them in service to her community.  We are currently working in service to our Parish family and look forward to expanding our role as God guides us as individuals as well as a group.  We welcome your prayer concerns and ideas. 
The Tabitha Chapter of the Daughters of the King regularly meets at 7:00pm the second Thursday of the month. 


Explanation of the logo:
The Cross represents Christ and our service to Him in the world. The Circle stands for our hope for wholeness in our lives. The out flowing lines from the center depict the many works of the Episcopal Church Women, going out into the world. The intertwined lines represent our lives centered in Christ. 
MISSION
The National Board of the Episcopal Church Women exists to support all women in their Mission and Ministry in the World.
VISION
Our vision for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church.  We aspire to be a God spark* - shining and sharing the love of Christ.
GOALS
• To strengthen lines of communication through the Communiqué, website and diocesan and provincial visitations.
• To establish Women of Vision and Call to Action programs in every diocese.
• To encourage familiarity with and participation in programs offered by Episcopal Church Women.
*God spark (from the Enneagram) – the core self, the part of us made in God’s image, the spirit, soul.
(Adopted by the 2003-2006 ECW National Board during the Nov. 7-14, 2003 meeting.)

THE ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is a group of dedicated women who prepare the altar and sanctuary for worship services.  Two or three member teams serve for a month at a time.  New members are always welcome. 

ACOLYTE GUILD
Members of the parish who have a ministry of assisting the clergy in the conduct of worship. 

LAY READERS/CHALICE BEARERS
Both are licensed by the Bishop.  Lay readers can lead the congregation in Morning and Evening Prayer in the absence of the clergy.  They also assist the clergy in the Holy Eucharist.  Chalice Bearers assist at the Holy Eucharist through administration of the Chalice. 

USHERS
Ushers perform a number of functions including sseating the congregation, taking up the offerings. helping those who require it to get up and down the stairs, and straightening up the church after the service.

LECTORS
Lectors are trained to read the Holy Scriptures at church services. 

THE AMHERST EPISCOPAL THRIFT SHOP
The Thrift Shop is located in downton Amherst at the traffic light intersection on Main Street.  It is staffed by volunteers and is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Proceeds benefit the community through outreach ministries and service organizations.

THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted as a tangible sign of prayers and support for those in need of comfort or healing; they may also celebrate some happy event.  Each shawl is begun with prayers and blessings for the recipient, and the intentions are continued through the creation of the shawl.  When finished, the shawl is brought to the regular service to be blessed.  Shawls may either be created for a specific recipient or kept available for whoever needs one.  Members of the ministry meet periodically for prayer and to help those who lack experience but would like to learn. 


September 5, 2006