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 Sis. Laura Adams (far left) poses with Sis(s). Brenda Wright, Karen Campbell, and Bridget Marshall. The first annual Church Women's Conference, held on the weekend of June 23-25 at Flipper Chapel, was truly something to behold! Co-ordinated skillfully and with much love by our very own Sis. Laura Adams, who was assited by a commitee of hard-working, steadfast Lady Flipperites, the Conference opened at 7pm on that Friday evening with a God-praising kick-off worship service featuring Sis. Karen Campbell as the inspirational speaker. Sisters-in-Christ from throughout the Tallahassee area gathered to hear the truly uplifting words delivered by Sis. Campbell over the alter.
Sis. Campbell opened her address by relaying to the congregation her determination to be at the event despite the mounting obstacles placed in her way by the unholy one (out of town on business, the speaker faced several travel and flight delays). Thanking God for delivering her home just in the knick of time--and her husband for having her "white dress" in hand at the airport--she then expounded on the story of David and the Amalekites (I Samuel 30:1-16) were David arrives in Ziklag only to find that his "stuff" (2 wives, family, possessions, etc) had been seized.
The message of the text fitting well with the Conference's theme, Sis. Campbell guided us all as we discovered that, as David found strength in the "Lord his God", he was victorious over those who had plundered his home and in the end, "Got his stuff back!" Sis. Campbell challenged all asembled to follow David's example--"..if you want your stuff back all you have to do is find strength in God."
Friday night's experience was made all the more enjoyable by the musical ministry delivered by Voices of Love, a four-woman ensemble hailing from Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, and the three-women strong Gospel Angels. Both groups had those gathered up on their feets clapping their hands and praising His name.
On Sunday, all were back once again to hear the Word delivered by Minister Marcella Torres. The speaker was truly anointed as she took the event's theme and, referring to the plight of woman throughout history, attached her own little addendum--"We Were Left Holding the Bag!" Minister Torres went on to expound on Hebrews 11--"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." She observed: "Some of us just play with faith. In order to find the substance you need to find the residue first!" and"You have to realize that the Devil has taken your stuff and you need to get it back!" Following Minister Torres' words of enlightenment and courage, Sis. Adams presented the speaker with a "care bag", as she had done with other special guests throughout the 3-day event, and pronounced herself extremely gratified by the success of entire weekend's festivities. Her sentiments seconded by Rev. Bell, all stood for the Benediction. With that Flipper Chapel's first annual Church Women's Conference lapsed into history. Judging by the success of the event, we can all look forward to an even more faith-filling time next year. |
With high expectations, many whom had had their souls rejuvenated the previous night awoke early saturday morning and gathered once again for a Prayer Breakfast at 7:30am. After muncing on fruit, eggs, bacon and pastries, washing all down with orange juice and coffee, those assembled heard some encouraging words from Sis. Jennifer Johnson Donald (left) before heading off to the various seminars held throughout the building. Participants received counsel and advice on such topics as Debt Recovery, Single Parenting, Banking and Finance, and even Christian Dating. Event organizer Laura Adams has stated that she is deeply indebted and grateful to those who volunteered to teach each seminar. Those in attendance certainly walked away enlighted, invigorated, and renewed.