On Saturday, April 26, 2014 more than 80 attendees were gratified and excited to attend the spirit-filled Women’s Conference hosted this year at Union Chapel Holiness Methodist Church. The day began at 8 am sharp with a home cooked breakfast prepared by the Union Chapel Holiness Methodist Brotherhood volunteers. Everyone started the day off with hot grits, eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, waffles, and fresh fruit with plenty of laughter and fellowship.
Several churches in the conference were well represented including; Union Chapel, New Bethel, Hopewell and Cherokee, while many attendees from various churches across the county participated as well. A number of the ladies who attended last year’s event brought friends or family along with them this year, but some attended for the first time and are already making plans to attend the next one. Most of the responding evaluations were a resounding Excellent! When asked how the program might be improved, one participant stated she “enjoyed every minute” of the event and “can’t wait until next year”! Another lady stated, “It was absolutely wonderful and I can’t think of anything to do better”. This positive message was replicated over the more than 40 or so evaluations that were returned.
The welcome and opening prayer was provided by Bro. Timmy Locklear and Sis. Tracy Locklear. They talked about “cleaving” as in Genesis 2:24 which states, Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. To cleave means to stick closely or depend upon. Sis. Matilda Hocker offered a lovely prayer and Sis. Merdis Oxendine shared bible scripture. A moving and inspiring word of testimony was offered by Sis. Kristy Gingras. Songs of praise and worship were presented by the congregation, Chosen Generation, Sis. Lucinda Callahan and the closing selections by Sis. Bonnie Locklear and Sis. Cathy Thomas.
The guest speaker was Sis. Dori Brooks West. She delivered an AWESOME message on “The Secret Garden”. Comparing and contrasting the Gardens of Eden and Gethsemane, pointing out a variety of differences and similarities while she systematically began to compose a question for the audience to ponder… “What is in your secret garden?” She asked poignantly, “if fear has you bound, have you stored your ministry securely away in a secret place?” If so, perhaps it’s time you allow those seeds to take root for others to grow, blossom and be blessed!
A message from the Seed of the Word was shared to all participants as a parting gift; As God’s own daughter in Christ Jesus, you bloom in God’s garden. He has planted within your heart the seed of his Word. That seed carries the power of life-eternal life! It’s the life with God, which Jesus’ very own life, death, and resurrection have made possible. The Holy Spirit keeps that life growing in your heart as you stay connected to him through his Word. So… Let the message of Christ dwell among your richly Colossians 3:16. Finally, but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. II Peter 3:18
