By Sheila Graham
PASADENA--"Nothing separates us from the love of God," Jan Johnson, award-winning author, told 125 women from Pasadena and surrounding areas at a women's retreat Jan. 11 and 12.
"God actively pursues you. You can't make him not love you," Mrs. Johnson said.
"Enjoying the Presence of God" was the theme of the retreat, sponsored by the Women's Fellowship of the Pasadena church, pastored by Curtis and Jannice May. It took place at the Embassy Suites Hotel in West Covina, California.
Tammy Tkach, Women's Ministry Support coordinator, led off the speaking session Saturday evening by explaining that women's ministry means each woman can have her own ministry. Mrs. Johnson followed Mrs. Tkach with the first of her four sessions, "When the Pixie Dust Fails."
Mrs. Johnson said God didn't call us to have perfect lives, a myth many Christians believe. She said, How can I be a better Christian? is not the question to ask. The question to ask, How can I love God more?
"Jan's warmth, humor and down-to-earth wisdom about being a real Christian hit the spot spiritually," said Mrs. Tkach."
"Hearing Jan talk and especially reading her book Enjoying the Presence of God made me much more aware of God as I go through my daily routines.
"I have also become more aware of my need to do things in tandem with God. I already knew that apart from Christ, I could do nothing, but becoming aware of God's presence in my life on a minute-to-minute basis has caused that statement to become reality."
Said Melba Johnson, Pasadena Women's Fellowship coordinator: "We were hungering for this message from God."
Amy Larsen, treasurer, said: "When I paid the bills, the manager said he was amazed at the mix of women we had and how well we got along. `Everybody was hugging one another, no matter what race,' he said."
Other activities that encouraged the women to get better acquainted included Bible trivia games led by Lori Palano, an open room for sharing coordinated by Maryann Stevens, and lessons in worship dance taught by Cindy Snyder.
February 18, 1997, WN, page 7
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