About Us

About Us....

		"During my years as Parish Pastoral Associate, Temporary Pastoral Administrator and head of the diocesan Office on Women in Church and Society, I came to see the enormous need for women... past and present.. to claim their voices. Now I am keeping a promise made in 1995 to Prisca, Junia and Phoebe (Romans 16:1-7)... while nearing completion of my Master of Divinity degree... to "get the word out" on them... and so many others."
Gloria Ulterino
		"I am a retired homemaker, mother of six, so I have the time now to enjoy my hobbies and interests. Being a member of Women of the Well challenges me to use my talents for study, reflection, dialogue, writing and performing, plus it is a pleasure to know and work with these dedicated, gifted women."
Judith Nixa Stellpflug
		"Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother from Canandaigua. Being part of Women of the Well lets me exercise my love of writing and acting and, with others, give voice to forgotten women in our heritage."
Richeen (Richie) Smith
		"One of my passions these thirty years of ministry has been to unveil biblical women, saints and holy contemporaries and apply their gutsy spirituality today. The people we serve and my 10 grandchildren deserve more than the sound bites we hear from our Lectionary."
Deni Mack
		I first experienced Women of the Well at my parish in their presentation of “Miriam’s Well.” I was drawn deeply into the story through their words, song and dance, and scripture came alive in a way I had never experienced. I thought “Someday I would love to be a part of this.” That someday has come, and what a blessing for me to share in Spirit’s creative movement with these faith-filled women! It is an honor to break open God’s living word through drama, song, movement and prayer, and to use my gifts to invite others to be drawn deeply into stories of women throughout history who have much to teach us all about faithfulness on our journey to our loving God. -Penny Gardner

		"It's playacting, and it's prayer..for we tell the stories not just to recollect the wonderful deeds God has done in our past; but to make real and alive God's marvelous works in the present. To remind ourselves that at any moment, right here and now, in our presence, God could work a miracle again."
Marilyn Catherine

		After watching my friend, Cindy, share a scripture by heart, I was hooked. Not only did it open my eyes to a greater depth to the story, but there was a twinkle in her eye, a sureness in her voice that I had not seen before. Joining Women of the Well has given me a place to share my gifts, some of which I didn't even know I had until working with these amazing women. The mutual respect, unending creativity and deep faith that is shared in this group is a gift I cherish.
Rachel Doll

		My involvement with Women of the Well came through Gloria Ulterino's thoughtful involvement of our parishoners in the developing a message she would prepare for a Sunday Worship service. Through her I heard about the storytelling group and was intrigued that I might be able to learn about storytelling......to children, so I thought. After seeing the first presentation of Certain Women, I knew that this was a true learning journey I hoped to have.....to be involved with the powerful women of that group. Through them and with them, I have learned and experienced the Power of the Word and the need and importance of women carrying the message to all who will listen.
Lorraine Fusare
		When I first heard Biblical Storytelling, I was intrigued. I wanted to hear more and learn more. Hearing the stories told added a whole new dimension to the Bible. Every story I heard told, I could relate to. The Bible came to life for me. I didn’t know how but I wanted to share this discovery with others. Connecting with the Women of the Well hasbeen such a blessing. The creativity of Women of the Well in presenting the scripture makes it so much easier to make the connection with our lives today; and being able to contribute and be part of the “ah-hah” moments is so rewarding! But that’s not all, every time we tell a story I learn more, and I love it! The stories are so deep that you continue to learn not only every time you hear it, but tell it. Hear more, learn more; it’s so invigorating!
Cindy Mildenberger
		"I came to the group to broaden my knowledge of women in the Bible. I am learning that the Women of the Bible are like today's women, in their sorrow and joy, freedom and dependence, their intelligence and courage. It has been empowering to discover these women with other women - to discover oneself in the Bible."
Mary McGuire
		I feel very privileged to be a part of Women of the Well. It is an honor to tell the stories of women who have gone before us. Women of GREAT faith, strength, courage and hope. Women I admire and long to imitate in my daily life. When given the opportunity to tell the stories of Jean Donovan, Lydia, Susanna, Hannah and others I feel as if I am able to let my own soul shine. Being a Woman of the Well allows me to reveal my inner self to the world. My involvement in Women of the Well is a freeing, affirming and loving witness of my faith which has allowed me to meet many other people of faith in the process.
Joyce McAndrew
		Being the stay-at-home mom of two young girls, I found that I had little time to pursue my love of writing, acting, and dance. At the same time, I kept wondering how I was supposed to be using the gifts God had blessed me with. I was led to Women of the Well, where I have the opportunity to engage my interests for a very worthy end. The group has done much to nourish my spirit and mind, and I love knowing that we are helping to empower other women as they make their own journeys.
Jennifer Case