Dear friends,
As the Advent season begins, I greet you in the name of Jesus. It is such a blessing to work with women with a faith connection. Thank you for the many ways you have encouraged me and our Central Conference Leadership Team over this past year. It has been a joy to serve you. Please always keep in mind that we are here to serve you. If you have any questions or joys! or frustrations, please do be in touch with us. You can always reach someone using our email: wmccares10 [at] gmail.com.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for Spring Celebration 2012, which takes place at Hillcrest Covenant Church in DeKalb, IL, on Friday and Saturday, March 16-17. It's so exciting to see the way this event has grown and changed! Women Ministries of the Covenant Executive Minister, Meagan Gillan will be bringing the word God has placed upon her heart, "The Secret to Real Refreshment" on Saturday, and classically trained flutist, Jillian Yu, will serve as worship leader (as they say ... back by popular demand following their 2012 participation).
In September at Covenant Harbor, we found renewal with the retreat theme "Let's Go There!" Toni Schwabe proved both wise and vulnerable as she used her own precious stories and solid scripture from the book of Nehemiah to bring us encouragement for our faith journeys. Women returned home equipped, renewed or some ~ transformed by God. The women of the Western Illinois District did a wonderful job of hospitality, thier retreat committee having done an outstanding job! The staff at Covenant Harbor was amazing in meeting our every need, even with some rain keeping the golf carts rolling hour by hour. Planning is already underway fo fall 2012, where Rev. Janine Davis of Detroit, MI, will bring our retreat message and vocalist, Kristy Wenberg, will serve as worship leader. All the details of the 2012 retreat will be available at Spring celebration 2012, March 16-17, in DeKalb. so make a plan to be with us. You will find registration materials and promotionals within this website or request them at wmccares10 [at] gmail.com.
Praying you are able to be drawn ever closer to Christ during this season of Advent,
and ready to allow Him to fully impact your heart,
Ann Richards
I am so excited and yet in wonder of what God is doing in the life of Women Ministries by choosing me for such a special place to help encourage women. My favorite saying is ‘Look at God,’ because He is constantly manifesting His goodness in my life and the lives of those I encounter. This is an example of God working in my life.” It was through my pastor that God called me to lead women. Next I took some Leadership classes for women and there met Ruth Hill, who opened my heart and eyes to Women ministries.
I am very excited to come into this position and think God has real ministry excitement in store for Central Conference during the next three years! In closing I say to you, “I bring to you a heart and passion for Women Ministries, though I must admit that I am still a bit awed by this wonderful opportunity to serve. Look at God!
Thelma Lawson, President WMCC
Report on the 2010 Walk to "Break the Chains"
Men, women and children participated in the 26 mile walk. The fund raiser was a huge success!
Many families came out to walk. Some walked 5 miles, some 15 miles and one 80 year old man
walked the whole 26 miles around beautiful Lake Geneva at Covenant Harbor Bible Camp in Lake
Geneva , WI . Sponsored by Women Ministries of the Central Conference, this walk was intended
to raise our consciousness about human trafficking, as well as bring in some necessary support
monies for New Day for Children, a home for rescue and healing of girls freed from sexual slavery.
At least 12 walkers raised $600 in entry fees alone.
There were signs erected along the path with balloons in the breeze to attract the attention of regular
groups of path walkers. One woman actually came back to ask how she could walk for
"Break the Chains." Others slowed down on the path to read the facts about human trafficking,
so lots of information was disseminated.
Brenda Myers-Powell, Co Founder and Chief Operation Officer of the "Dream Catcher" Foundation
of Chicago, herself a former prostitute, from an early age and an intervention specialist with the Chicago Police Department spoke about the desperate need for recovery shelters for the girls 10-17 years old. There are almost none in the area at all!
That was the main focus of the Break the Chains initiative for funding for "The New Day for Children" located in southern California. Brenda touched their hearts with her story of how she prayed to the Lord to send an angel who'd rescue her and care for her. And how certain individuals, first a doctor and them some women assisted her at the shelter showing her love and acceptance and carried her along to wholeness in Christ.
Churches are encouraged to take time during worship or Sunday School to view the "Break the Chains" video available from the denomination so that our congregations are aware of this terrible criminal circumstance. Our youth need to be aware of how to be safe. Let's be educated about what is being done to rescue these young girls, and play our part.