A graphic example of the UTO at work in the Diocese of North Carolina.
(Information and inspiration provided by Eva Morriss, Diocesan ECW Coordinator of the United Thank Offering)
On Pentecost Sunday 2005, a wondrous celebration of faith took place in Wilson, North Carolina. Members and friends of Saint Mark's and La Iglesia de la Guadalupana, whose English and Spanish-speaking congregations share church space, resources and friendship, gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for La Casa de San Marcos/Saint Mark's House.
The ceremony, offered in both English and Spanish, was led by The Rev. Philip Byrum.
With shovels poised for the groundbreaking are, far left to right: Gregorio Luna, Junior Warden, La Guadalupana; the Rev. Phil Byrum; Lisa Towle, Diocesan ECW President; Alice Freeman, Senior Warden, St. Mark's Church; C. Bruce Rose, Mayor of Wilson; Maureen A. Brown, Junior Warden, St. Mark's; and Robert Cunningham, general contractor for the building project.
Digging in. Left to right: Gregorio Luna, Junior Warden of La Guadalupana; the Rev. Phil Byrum; Marco A. Nundez, Senior Warden of La Guadalupana.
The Rev. Phil Byrum and Alice Freeman, Senior Warden of St. Mark's Church. The vision of La Casa de San Marcos/Saint Mark's House is to provide a community center and gathering place for the immediate neighborhood and beyond.
The Rev. Phil Byrum and Lisa Towle, president of the ECW-Diocese of NC. The United Thank Offering is a ministry administered by women of the Episcopal Church. A $30,000 UTO grant, along with other gifts, has enabled the two congregations to move forward in faith and assured the completion of La Casa de San Marcos/Saint Mark's House.
