FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Anabelle Helsell Named 2025 Liddell Award Recipient for Outstanding Young Adult Ministry
NEW YORK, NY – October 14, 2025 Episcopal Connections, the Church Club of New York, is pleased to announce that Anabelle Helsell has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Liddell Award for Young Adult Service. The award, which recognizes outstanding volunteer ministry among Episcopalians aged 18 to 30, will be presented to Helsell at the Bishop's Forum on October 30 at St. Mark’s in-the-Bowery.
Established in honor of Jane and Donald Macy Liddell Jr.'s support of the Church Club of New York, the Liddell Award annually recognizes exceptional young adult volunteers serving in the Episcopal Dioceses of New York, New Jersey, Newark, Long Island, and Connecticut. The award includes a $3,000 stipend to support the recipient's continued ministry work.
Helsell, a member of Canterbury Downtown and a Master of Divinity student at Union Theological Seminary, has distinguished herself through leadership in multiple ministry initiatives across the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Most notably, she convened and grew the NYC chapter of the Palestine Justice Network from its founding to over 100 members. Under her leadership, the organization successfully brought three resolutions to the 248th Diocesan Convention—all of which passed—addressing diocesan investment policies and recommending study of the Kairos Palestine Document.
"Anabelle does not first ask whether she is ready, or whether she is qualified, but instead makes herself ready and qualified in order to make great work possible," said Natalie May, Chair of the Young Adult Advisory Council, in her nomination letter.
Beyond her work with the Palestine Justice Network, Helsell serves on the Young Adult Advisory Council, where she helps plan diocesan events and provides valuable perspective to church leadership. This spring, she organized a "Lenten Iftar" interfaith event at St. Mark's-in-the-Bowery, bringing together approximately 25 young adults from Muslim and Christian communities for shared worship, fellowship, and dialogue.
Helsell has also been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Diocesan Investment Committee, where she contributes both her organizing skills and her commitment to gospel-centered financial stewardship.
The Rev. Megan E. Sanders, Chaplain for 20s30s Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of New York, praised Helsell's "prayerful and reflective strategizing to connect, engage, empower, and nurture local, EDNY-wide, and regional ecumenical and multifaith communities."
The Liddell Award selection process begins each fall, with applications solicited in September and early October. Candidates submit a personal statement, resume, and recommendation letters for consideration by The Church Club of New York.
About The Church Club of New York
The Church Club of New York supports Episcopal lay education and community in the greater New York area and across the country through its award program, forums and educational programs, and fellowship opportunities. Its 139th Annual Dinner on April 27, 2026, will feature an address by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Rev. Sean Rowe.
Media Contact: The Church Club of New York, 224 Waverly Place New York, NY 10014. director@episcopalconnections.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Historic Church Club of New York Announces Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe as Keynote Speaker for Annual Dinner
Episcopal Church's Youngest-Ever Elected Presiding Bishop to Address Issues of Faith and Leadership in Modern Times
NEW YORK, NY – September 8, 2025 – The Church Club of New York, a cornerstone of Episcopal fellowship since 1887, proudly announces that The Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe, 28th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, will serve as the keynote speaker at its signature Annual Dinner on Monday, April 27, 2026.
The evening celebration, to be held at Trinity Church Parish Hall in Lower Manhattan, continues a treasured tradition of bringing together the Episcopal community for an evening of fellowship, reflection, and inspiration with one of the church's most distinguished leaders.
"We are deeply honored to welcome Presiding Bishop Rowe to address our community," said Emory Edwards, President of the Church Club's Board of Trustees. "His visionary leadership and expertise in organizational transformation speak directly to the challenges and opportunities facing our faith community today."
A Leader for Modern Times
Presiding Bishop Rowe, who took office in November 2024 for a nine-year term, serves as the church's chief pastor and CEO. At 49, he became one of the youngest elected presiding bishops in Episcopal Church history, having been consecrated as a bishop in 2007 at age 32.
Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe earned a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership at Gannon University in Erie in 2014. His academic credentials are matched by practical experience leading complex institutional transformation during times of change.
Since taking office, Presiding Bishop Rowe has focused on reorienting churchwide resources to support dioceses and congregations "on the ground where ministry happens,” emphasizing local ministry and mission strengthening.
Building Community Through Fellowship
Founded in 1887, the Church Club of New York has served for nearly 140 years as a vital hub for increasing fellowship and educational opportunities within the Episcopal community. Open to all members of the faith, the Club has maintained its commitment to bringing together diverse voices for meaningful dialogue and connection.
The Annual Dinner represents the Club's longest-standing tradition, consistently drawing Episcopal clergy and laypeople from across the New York area and beyond. Past speakers have included bishops, theologians, and thought leaders who have shaped contemporary Anglican discourse.
"This event offers unparalleled opportunities to connect socially with friends new and old as we celebrate our Episcopalian heritage, the Anglican communion, and our shared faith," noted Kate Hill, who is coordinating the evening's program.
Event Details
What: Church Club of New York Annual Dinner featuring Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe
When: Monday, April 27, 2026 — Cocktails: 6:00 PM, Dinner: 7:00 PM
Where: Trinity Church Parish Hall, 76 Trinity Place, New York, NY
RSVP: by April 10, 2026
The evening will include fellowship, a formal dinner, and Presiding Bishop Rowe's keynote address on contemporary issues facing the Episcopal Church and broader Christian community.
Supporting Episcopal Ministry
As a recognized 501(c)(3) organization and integrated auxiliary of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, the Church Club of New York relies on community support to continue its mission of fellowship and education. Contributions to the Church Club are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, with the non-deductible portion of Annual Dinner tickets being $150 per person.
Tickets and table sponsorship opportunities are available for individuals, families, and organizations seeking to support Episcopal fellowship while experiencing an evening of meaningful connection and inspiration.
About The Church Club of New York
Established in 1887, the Church Club of New York has served the Episcopal community for nearly 140 years, focusing on increasing fellowship and educational opportunities. In 2023, it formed Episcopal Connections as a center for its programmatic work. The Episcopal Connections identity allows the organization to reach a broader audience and communicate the inclusive spirit for which the group is now known. Open to all members of the Episcopal faith and denominations in full communion with it, the Club serves as a gathering place for meaningful dialogue, spiritual growth, and community building. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and integrated auxiliary of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
About Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe
The Most Reverend Sean W. Rowe was elected the 28th presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church on June 26, 2024, and began his nine-year term on November 1. Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and raised in nearby Hermitage, Rowe comes from a working-class family with roots in steel and manufacturing. He previously served as bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, where he gained recognition for innovative approaches to ministry and organizational development.
For more information about the Annual Dinner, including ticket purchases and table sponsorships, please contact the Church Club of New York’s director, Kate Hill, at director@episcopalconnections.org
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE High-resolution photos of Presiding Bishop Rowe and historical images of Church Club events are available upon request.
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES Church Club leadership may be available for interviews prior to the event. Contact Kate Hill at director@episcopalconnections.org to arrange.
Contact:
The Church Club of New York
224 Waverly Place
New York, New York 10014
(212) 828-7418
director@episcopalconnections.orgFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Rt. Hon. and Rt. Rev. Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Lord Bishop of London, to speak at the Annual Dinner of the Church Club of New York
On Thursday, April 28, at 6pm, Bishop Sarah Mullally of London will speak at the Annual Dinner of the Church Club of New York. Bishop Sarah’s address to members and guests of the club, entitled “Do you see this woman?,” will explore the opportunities of service which her role offers, particularly in challenging societal, racial, and gender injustice. To be held in the new Parish Hall of Trinity Church Wall Street’s Trinity Commons building, the dinner will mark the 135th annual gathering of the historic club of Episcopalian laypeople, originally organized in 1887. The Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche, Bishop of New York, will introduce Bishop Sarah.
Bishop Sarah sits in the House of Lords as one of the Lords Spirituals, serves as a member of the Privy Council, and is Dean of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal. She was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 2005 for her contribution to nursing and midwifery. Prior to ordination, Bishop Sarah served as Chief Nursing Officer in the Department of Health. She has continued her interest in the health service, having been a non-executive director at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and at Salisbury NHS Foundation Hospital. She is a member of Council at King’s College London University.
The Church Club of New York welcomes as members all interested lay Episcopalians, and invites Episcopal clergy, as well as clergy and members of other faiths, to join as associate members. Throughout the year, the club offers events that highlight Church history, spiritual formation, social justice, and connections with fellow laypeople. A focus on supporting young adults who are active in parish social service ministries culminates each year in a Young Adult of the Year Award. New members are welcome, and those interested may learn more about the club at www.churchclubny.org.
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Katharine Hill, Director
The Church Club of New York
224 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
(212) 828-7418 | churchclubny@gmail.com | www.churchclubny.org
