This year’s event was hosted by the Indiana District with a mini-retreat beginning Friday evening. Nearly 90 of us enjoyed a pasta dinner, reconnected with friends and met new friends. We were “Refreshed!” as we were entertained by Ruth Hill’s travel stories, karaoke by Cynthia P. and Janice C. and members of the audience.
Saturday was a fast-paced, blast of energy starting with a delicious breakfast that included homemade pastries, smoothies and fruit salad. Of course, coffee was abundant.
Worship was awesome with Jillian Yu leading 168* women in prayer and praise. Ruth’s messages regarding “Just Women” and “New Day for Children” inspired and encouraged and “Refocused!” all of us to serve in His name. This was Ruth’s last turn guest speaking as Executive Director of Women Ministries for the Covenant’s Central Conference. She and her husband are heading to Washington where they will continue their journey in our Lord’s service. (*Women in attendance came from 50 churches, from all states except Michigan.)
Several seminar topics were offered after morning worship and after lunch. This year’s topics included AVA (Advocacy for Victims of Abuse), Global Ministries (“Give a Rip” bandage rolling), caring for our bodies with “My Body, A Holy Temple?”, a “Walk for Freedom” in conjunction with our denominational project, Break the Chains. Probably the most popular seminar was the pillowcase dresses. These dresses are being made by several Covenant churches. They will be collected at this year’s Fall Fellowship where they will be prayed over blessing the little girls who will be wearing them. It’s been found that those girls who appear cared for are less likely to be kidnapped for use in human-trafficking and prostitution.
Women who feel God’s call on their lives for a more leadership role in their church were encouraged and educated in how to answer that call. And women shared their thoughts with us on where they see areas of concern in their church, community and beyond.
The afternoon worship gave us the “push” to get out there … wherever our Lord has called us to make a difference in His name. We came away from this year’s event inspired, informed, and equipped … not just women … “JUST Women”. We “Rejoice!” in the empowerment given us by our God through the guidance and encouragement of the Holy Spirit … to glorify our Heavenly Father … in the Name of Jesus the Christ, His Son.
Respectfully submitted by Jacque Swanson
Equipping/Education Co-chair
Central Conference Leadership Team
WMCC presents a check for $1,000 to "Just Women" in honor of outgoing Executive Ministries President, Ruth Hill
Ruth Hill's spirited speech on Refresh! Refocus! Rejoice!
Ruth Hill and Pastor Dawn Bodi, Assoc. at the Lafayette church promoting our "Just Women"
Women in Breakout Session
Spring Celebration 2012
Refresh! Refocus! Rejoice!
March 16 & 17, 2012
Hillside Covenant Church, DeKalb, IL
Spring Celebration 2011
Refresh! Refocus! Rejoice!
April 8 & 9, 2011
Evangelical Covenant Church of Lafayette, IN
This year’s Spring Celebration was hosted by the gracious ladies of the Fox Valley District. Hillcrest Covenant Church of DeKalb, IL was the place, and nearly 200 women enjoyed the mini-retreat from Friday night, March 16th through Saturday afternoon, March 17th.
Fun, Fellowship, and Food - Friday night was a great treat with a delicious lasagna dinner, piano music by Myrna, a “special” guest appearance by Miss Veda May Bessie Sue Ella Jenkins who regaled us with her hilarious stories, and Bunko. It was wonderful to reconnect with friends, meet new friends, and refresh ourselves.
On Saturday, the women had their socks knocked off by awesome worship led by Jillian Yu and her praise team. Meagan Gillan, Executive Minister of Central Conference Women Ministries, was our guest speaker. Meagan’s passion to follow God’s leading in her life encouraged and inspired us.
Several break-out sessions were offered again this year. Topics were varied and each spoke to the modern Christian woman in the different stages of her life and walk with our Lord Jesus.
We were truly blessed to have had such a wonderful opportunity to gather together, witness His love being poured out on each and every one of us, learn how to walk in His will, and encourage each other throughout our individual journey. All praise and honor to our Lord God! See you at Fall Fellowship in September, Covenant Harbor, Lake Geneva, WI.
Respectfully submitted by Jacque Swanson
Co-Chair Equipping Ministry of the Central Conference Leadership Team
