ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CREATES ECHO GROUP

After several months of consideration, the ECW voted to disband. We were no longer paying dues to the national organization and since there was no longer a diocesan ECW, it seemed like now was a good time for change.  The ECW put together a final committee to consider how best to disband and follow through with the ongoing goals of the group.  

We wanted to preserve and continue the work that ECW had been doing. They have been one of the most vital and necessary groups in the church. And they were ready to open up the membership to any faithful parishioner of the church. The committee recommended that after disbanding, we reorganize under the name Episcopal Church Hospitality and Outreach, with a new set of by-laws.  

ECHO hopes that the church and community will benefit from this new structure which allows all interested persons to be part of the group, contribute to the work and governance of the group and serve Christ through hospitality and outreach. 

ECHO will minister through hospitality by organizing receptions and meals for events such as weddings, funerals, ordinations, farewells, and other celebrations of the church. 

The group will minister through outreach chiefly by raising money for charities. The group focuses mainly on local charities. Several times a year we put together a fundraising luncheon. The meal is free for all, but donations for a particular charity project are collected at the meal. As often as possible, representatives of the charity groups attend and provide information about the charity they represent. ECHO will also support various out-reach projects that other groups and individuals spearhead within the church - projects like gifts for Wheelock Elementary teachers, Christmas presents for Wheelock students, food pantry, etc.