By Tamara Moore and Betty Kost
SURREY, British Columbia--One hundred twenty-nine women ages 15 to 85 attended the Sister to Sister women's conference May 24.
A sister prize was given to the youngest and the oldest sister present. Cerra Hoosema, 15, from Abbotsford was the youngest, and Ruth Hagglund from Kelowna, 85, was the oldest.
The planning committee's mission was "to provide a positive environment to bond, to be nourished in spirit and heart, to support each other and to worship God as sisters."
Tamara Moore introduced the theme of the conference. She mentioned a quote from the book Untie the Ribbons by Sharon Hoffman "that she has never met a woman yet who does not enjoy receiving a gift."
She also refers to God's gifts as "being like wrapped packages of joy and encouragement." The gift woven throughout the conference was the gift of friendship.
Our first speaker was Sheila Graham from Pasadena, who spoke on Listening to God.
Our next speaker was Melissa Kost from Victoria, who spoke on Our Sisters Abroad, through which she shared experiences from her mission work in Honduras, Sri Lanka and other places.
After lunch the Salmon Arm prayer group led a prayer meeting for anyone who wanted to join.
In the afternoon, Norva Kelly from Pasadena spoke on Women Mentoring Women.
Our last speaker was Annette Denny, coordinator of Women's Network Ministry at Broadway church in Vancouver. She spoke on Being the Woman God Intends You to Be.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado--The Colorado Springs church invites sisters in Jesus Christ to join them at Glen Eyrie Castle July 31 to Aug. 1 for their annual women's retreat. The keynote speaker will be Susan Stewart Reedy, former PT managing editor, and a student psychologist at Azusa Pacific University. She will speak on what building bridges means to her and direct a workshop on marriage.
Cost is $136, which includes two nights lodging, six meals and two beverage breaks. Make checks payable to Jan Thompson and mail to 3435 Hickory Hill Dr., Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80906. Payment is due by June 30. For more details, please call Jan Thompson at 1-719-579-8134.
LACEY, Washington--Fifty-three women attended the second Western Washington women's retreat at Gwinwood Christian Campgrounds March 13 to 15. The retreat, with a theme, Knit Together Through Christ, was planned by volunteers from the Federal Way and Olympia, Washington, churches.
A praise service and fireside fellowship after dinner Friday opened the retreat. Then followed a getting-to-know-you question and answer activity and a worship service.
Saturday had a full day of workshops, prayer teams, a praise service and a craft project. The workshops were Seeking God's Heart and Being at Home With God.
Penny Englebart conducted the workshop on Being at Home With God. She has served in the WCG ministry for 37 years with her husband Guy Englebart, regional pastor.
She showed through her experience how God works with and through us all even when we know we have fallen short.
After a dinner that included music and dramatic readings, the women took communion.
Sunday morning began with a workshop: What Is My Part in the Mystery of God, followed by prayer teams and a praise service. Kris Erickson.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998