Anglican Church Women (ACW)

A Grateful Farewell and a Joyful Welcome: Reflections from Outgoing ACW Diocesan President

As we gather in Sault Ste. Marie for the 57th Annual Meeting of the Anglican Church Women of the Diocese of Algoma, I want to take a moment to say thank you.

It has been a profound privilege to serve as your Diocesan President from 2023 to 2025. These past two years have been filled with shared prayer, mutual support, and a deepening of our commitment to being the ears, eyes, and feet of Christ in our parishes and communities.

I am grateful for the caring and faithful team that accompanied me in this ministry:

• Chaplain – Rev. Catherine Murkin
• Past President – Janet Pike
• 1st Vice President – Barbara Garvin
• Secretary – Sharon Boyuk
• Treasurer – Jacquie Howell and Joy Stott
• Social Convenor – May Seguin
• Communications Convener – Bonnie Perrier
• Family Life Convener – Joy Stott
• Deanery Presidents – Donna Komhyr (Algoma), Linda Smith (Muskoka), Sherry Steeves-Beaudoin (Sudbury/Manitoulin), May Seguin (Temiskaming), and Janet Pike (Thunder Bay/North Shore)

Together, we have navigated this chapter with grace and purpose. I am especially thrilled to celebrate that our own Janet Pike, of the Thunder Bay/North Shore Deanery, has been named National ACW President. Janet has long been an inspiration to the women—and men—of this Diocese, and her leadership at the national level will be a blessing to the wider Church.

This year’s Annual has been beautifully hosted by the Deanery of Algoma. We are deeply thankful to Bishop Michael Oulton and Dean Jay Koyle of St. Luke’s Cathedral for the opening Eucharist, a service that welcomed us with warmth and reverence.

During this time together, we are also pleased to honour several women with certificates of recognition for their leadership and service. We give thanks for all the women in the Diocese who work so diligently in their parishes and communities, supporting people of all ages and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Special thanks are due to the clergy and deacons who shepherd us with care and compassion, and to our beloved Archbishop Anne Germond, whose prayerful leadership continues to guide us. We hold her in prayer and are grateful for her unwavering support.

As I conclude my term, I do so with a full heart and deep gratitude. It is now my joy to welcome Barbara Garvin of the Temiskaming Deanery as our new Diocesan ACW President. Barbara brings a rich history of involvement in JA, GA, and the ACW. Her passion and faithfulness will surely inspire us all.

Thank you for the honour of serving you.

In gratitude,
Emily Noble
ACW Diocesan President, 2023–2025