On July 31, 2019, Pam DiDio will retire after 24 years serving as the secretary for the Connecticut Women of the UCC (CTWUCC). During her time in the position, DiDio has served as the primary communications person for the organization and one of the key organizers of their spring annual gathering."I am left breathless (literally) by all that you do, not just for CT Women or for your church, but for your neighbors, your families and your communities," wrote DiDio in a letter to the CTWUCC.
As the secretary, DiDio was instrumental in keeping the CTWUCC's members, friends, and all female clergy in CT informed about the events and activities supported by the organizations. She was also editor of the CTWUCC newsletter The Communicator. She supported the group's wide range of gifts and collections for organizations both local and throughout the world, including aid for women and children in Kenya and Rowanda and refugees from Syria. The group has also been engaged in the ministries of Church World Services.
"I think most of you must have come from the same mold as the Energizer Bunny," said DiDio when referring to the long list of accomplishments of the CTWUCC over the years she has served them.
The CTWUCC is led by a state board of members from across Connecticut. They are responsible for 3 major annual gatherings for members and women clergy, as well as financially supporting some aspect of outreach, including raising money for Silver Lake Conference Center, the CTUCC Racial Justice Ministry. The organization also supports a school in Kenya and an educational program for Roma children in the Balkans.
The CTWUCC is in search of a new secretary. The position is part-time. Those interested should contact CTWUCC President Karen Gravino at ctuccwomen@ctucc.org.
Read Pam's Letter to the CTWUCC Below:
Dear Women of Connecticut: For the past 24 years, I have had the privilege of working for you and with you, through good times and bad. I have met many amazing, strong, loving women along the way. Your capacity to rise to the occasion (especially when it requires raising thousands of dollars!!!) is beyond commendable!
We have been through 24 annual meetings, six New England Women’s Celebrations (including bus rides), numerous breakfast and lunch meetings and quite a few one day and overnight retreats together. We’ve collected toys, school supplies and various items for the women at York Correctional Institution. And let’s not forget the Great Cookie Caper for General Synod when it was in Hartford! There must have been a gazillion!
Together we have built a school in Kenya, supported women and children in Rowanda, helped numerous refugees from Syria, purchased furniture for buildings at Silver Lake Conference Center (when it turned out that the cabin we were wanted to donate could not be built), provided hand-made, reusable sanitary supplies for girls in Africa, and received accolades from Church World Service for our constant, continued support of various programs (Haiti houses, blankets, school, disaster and health kits). Whew! You have been busy!
I am left breathless (literally) by all that you do not just for CT Women or for your church, but for your neighbors, your families and your communities. I think most of you must have come from the same mold as the Energizer Bunny (that’s what leaves me breathless!) – you just keep going and going! And our communities are all the richer because of you. I am very proud to call you all my friends, and I aspire to be half as successful as you are. I will miss you all, but I have faith that you will continue on doing as you have for many years, and the world will be a nicer place because of it.
Please keep up the terrific work you are doing - I love you all!!
Pam DiDio
We have been through 24 annual meetings, six New England Women’s Celebrations (including bus rides), numerous breakfast and lunch meetings and quite a few one day and overnight retreats together. We’ve collected toys, school supplies and various items for the women at York Correctional Institution. And let’s not forget the Great Cookie Caper for General Synod when it was in Hartford! There must have been a gazillion!
Together we have built a school in Kenya, supported women and children in Rowanda, helped numerous refugees from Syria, purchased furniture for buildings at Silver Lake Conference Center (when it turned out that the cabin we were wanted to donate could not be built), provided hand-made, reusable sanitary supplies for girls in Africa, and received accolades from Church World Service for our constant, continued support of various programs (Haiti houses, blankets, school, disaster and health kits). Whew! You have been busy!
I am left breathless (literally) by all that you do not just for CT Women or for your church, but for your neighbors, your families and your communities. I think most of you must have come from the same mold as the Energizer Bunny (that’s what leaves me breathless!) – you just keep going and going! And our communities are all the richer because of you. I am very proud to call you all my friends, and I aspire to be half as successful as you are. I will miss you all, but I have faith that you will continue on doing as you have for many years, and the world will be a nicer place because of it.
Please keep up the terrific work you are doing - I love you all!!
Pam DiDio