Serving God and His Church

Women’s ministry plays a vital role in the church. The St Mary’s Cathedral Women’s Fellowship (CWF) has been a great source of support to the Cathedral since the late 1940s.

Joanne Liaw writes on the origin, ministries, highlights, objectives and future plans of CWF.

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Origin
The Cathedral Women’s Fellowship (CWF) finds its origin in 1885 when Mrs Mary Summer, thevwife of an Anglican Priest and Bishop, founded the Women’s Fellowship at a Portsmouthvchurch in England. The fellowship started out as a Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church that was in charge of the Church’s vestments, linen, ornaments, flowers, Sunday schools, and care ministry. Later, it was brought to the parishes of all the Anglican churches. Hence, the St Mary’s Cathedral Women’s Fellowship came about in the late 1940’s.

Ministries
CWF is a self-funding ministry that raises funds through monthly activities such as “Charity Corners” and “Fellowship Breakfast” so that it is able to carry out the following ministries:

1. Care Ministry – Hospital and home visitation, fellowship and providing support to bereaved families.
2. Spiritual growth – Seminars, retreats, and Bible study groups.
3. Floral arrangements and decorations for special events.
4. Providing financial aid and making visits to the underprivileged.

Highlights
(A) Cathedral Events

1. The book of Esther Seminar (18 June 2016): The speaker, Judi Cheah, brought the characters to life through effective miming and acting. The participants were truly entertained and enlightened. The CWF President, Joyce Peter, thanked Judi for a great interpretation of the Book of Esther.
2. 1-day Fellowship Trip in Sekinchan, Selangor (16 July 2016)
3. Cheshire Home Visit with SMACC (3 Sept 2016)
4. Mentakab Anglican Centre (Iban) Fellowship Visit (1 Oct 2016)
5. Prayer Walk at the Lake Garden (5 Nov 2016)

(B) Diocese Events

1. Prayer Walk at the Lake Garden (6 Feb 2016)
2. Easter Gathering at St. Matthew’s Church, Selayang (2 Apr 2016)
3. Fund Raising Dinner at Subang Parade (23 Apr 2016)
4. DWC Conference in Penang (27-29 May 2016)

Objectives

1. Uniting women in the Cathedral in worship and serving.
2. Upholding the sanctity of Christian marriage and family life.
3. Participating in Christian activities within the Cathedral and in the Diocese and promoting fellowship among the diverse congregations.
4. Accepting responsibility for the care of Cathedral ornaments and flowers and assisting the Dean in fundraising and other activities.
5. Helping to plan and participate in evangelical outreaches and in the social concern programmes of the Cathedral.

Vision for the Future
CWF hopes to maintain its vibrancy and dynamism and continuing to play an important role in the Cathedral. Women in the Cathedral are greatly encouraged to join CWF and serve God through its ministries.