I live in Toronto and am blessed to be a part of the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC).
For many years I have looked forward to assisting with planning and attending World Day of Prayer services in my area. The preparation meetings are a time to connect with women of other denominations to pray, organize, and invariably find that we share the same social justice and advocacy concerns.
As President (now immediate past president) of the Toronto Diocesan Anglican Church Women affirming their unique gifts, supporter of numerous organizations which focus on social concerns and actions, and community advocate for women and children over many years, I was delighted to be elected as a Council/ Board member for WICC in 2015. WICC’s vision, “To restore hope to women touched by injustice” seemed to be tailor-made for me.
The Board members and staff embody 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. Through WICC, women of different denominations share their time, talents, treasures, sometimes tears, always laughter, and a common mission to pursue justice, peace and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.
I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to speak about, and represent, WICC at events, and look forward to sharing WICC news even more in the future.
During my time with WICC, I’ve served as the Membership and Nominating Chair, and I currently serve on the Grants Review Team and as the Treasurer. Each year, I’m amazed by the work being done by the grant applicants. I’m proud of the funds that WICC offers, and am ever grateful for the WDP services across Canada and the related offerings that make our grants possible. In 2019, the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada was able to provide bequests totaling over $80,000.
I encourage you to explore the WICC website, participate in the Fellowship of the Least Coin, join the Thursdays in Black movement, become familiar with resources, and shop. I extend an invitation to you to participate in the 2020 World Day of Prayer honouring the women of Zimbabwe.
Many blessings.
Thanks Anita for sharing your story and for your outstanding contribution to the WICC board over the years!
Anita, we are so blessed to have you on the board! Your skill with the finances and your ability to interpret the numbers and make meaning of them for the likes of me, is remarkable! I am full of joy when I can see how God puts teams together so that we complement each other so well. Thanks for your work with WICC!