Shorts, sun dresses, floppy hats and sandals will be the fashion theme Tuesday at the annual Episcopal Churchwomen’s benefit bridge luncheon at Trinity Episcopal Church, 305 S. Commerce St.

We’re calling the event “Hats Off to Summer.” Since Natchez experienced such a harsh winter, the ECW members thought that everyone would want to welcome the warm, sunny days of summer.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., with luncheon served at noon. Pam Harriss is chairing the event and promises delicious home-cooked salads, desserts and other good food.

Those who do not play bridge can get a group together for lunch only. And those who cannot attend are encouraged to donate funds to the ECW, which will use the money for mission work and outreach programs in Natchez and elsewhere.

Though the event is sponsored by the Episcopal Churchwomen, men are invited to attend. After all, some of the best bridge players in Natchez are men.

This event joins other ECW activities that raise funds for outreach projects.

Local charities supported by the ECW are Natchez Community Stewpot, which provides hot meals for the needy; Pleasant Acre Day School, which provides services for those with disabilities; Habitat for Humanity, which helps provide new housing for the needy; and Trinity Episcopal Day School, a parochial school founded by Trinity Episcopal Church.

National and international charities supported by the ECW include: Children at Risk, an international program focusing on health, education, nature and transportation for children; scholarships for Panama school children in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Panama; and Global Charities, the Panama Medical Mission, which provides medicine and hygiene products for children in Panama; the ECW Jericho Road House in New Orleans, an Episcopal Housing Initiative; the United Thank Offering; and the Church Periodical Club.

United Thank Offering donations are sent to the state (Diocesan) UTO chairman, who in turn sends offerings to the national UTO office of the Episcopal Church. There the money is joined by donations from Episcopal churches nationwide.

“Members of the Trinity Episcopal Churchwomen are diverse, multi-talented Christian women serving Christ in our families, parishes and larger communities,” said Phebe Winters, co-chairman of the ECW.

“Through prayer, worship, communication and nurturing, we respond to God’s call to serve,” she said.

Reservations may be made by calling Kit Parker in Natchez, 601-442-2294. The deadline is noon Monday.

Donations are tax-deductible at $25 per person or $100 for a table of four. Additional donations may be sent to ECW, Trinity Episcopal Church, 305 S. Commerce St., Natchez, MS 39120.

Put on your coolest outfit, grab your playing cards and join the ECW for a fun day at Trinity Church.

 

Carolyn Vance Smith is the past president of the Trinity Episcopal Churchwomen.