Women's Ministry

London: an oasis
for connecting and bonding

By Mary Hammond

LONDON, England—Connecting and Bonding was host for a ministers’ wives conference Nov. 9 to 11 for about 40 women from the United Kingdom and Europe.

The event took place at Hitchin Priory, originally a Carmelite monastery, which dates back to 1317.

Connecting and Bonding was founded by Jannice May, wife of Curtis May, Southwest U.S. district superintendent. This was the organization’s second international conference this year. The first was in South Africa in February.

Pat Halford, wife of John Halford, European regional director, welcomed attendees Friday evening, Nov. 9, for a praise and worship service.

The informal evening session that evening was chaired by Susie Dick, a member of the Connecting and Bonding board and wife of Randal Dick, superintendent of missions. The women got together in small groups, introduced themselves and discussed their hopes, aspirations and expectations for the weekend.

After breakfast Saturday morning, delegates were introduced to Lorraine Pelley, wife of Dennis Pelley, Pasadena pastor, worship leader for the weekend.

Then, Kathleen Hart, chaplain for student wives at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, spoke on the different stages of life.

Mrs. Hart said: "Despite various changes or crises, God is able to work with each one of us in amazing ways, despite our perceived limitations."

The women were encouraged to have a peer with whom they could exchange ideas and problems, and elicit help from, and to whom they could give support.

The next speaker was Shirley Henderson, wife of James Henderson, superintendent of African missions. In her talk titled "Running on Empty," Mrs. Henderson gave reasons for burnout: trying to be the perfect wife; setting unachievable goals; overestimating our energies and underestimating the time we need to rest and replenish ourselves.

Mrs. May gave each woman several gifts to show that ministers wives are a great asset and much valued by the church.

Mrs. Hart and her husband, Archibald, presented an afternoon session on marriage and relationships. They looked at relationship issues and differences from the male as well as female perspective: understanding your differences, dealing with conflict and how to live with an "incompatible" spouse.

Mrs. Dick then delivered a presentation on overcoming inhibitions to use one’s abilities.

"In my 30 years in the church, there has never been anything like this, nor have I ever seen so much love." Penny Goudie.

"This conference was an example to me of the ‘extravagant love of God.’ " Hilary Reeve.

"I can’t remember the last time I learned so much or was so warmly and lovingly course-corrected." Gerrie Bayley

"The lead ladies conducted with such loving spontaneity and in everything we felt appreciated." Jean Robertson.

Archibald and Kathleen Hart

CONNECTING AND BONDING—Attendees and speakers gather for a photo. [Photos by Nancy Silcox]

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002