CORONA, California--The Southern California Women's Ministry Planning Council was host to 110 women at a one day retreat Aug. 22 called Seasons of a Woman.
The morning began with a praise service provided by the Orange County congregation's praise team. Next, Thelma Davies introduced the keynote talk given by Julia Staton.
Mrs. Staton is pastor of adult ministries for Crossroads Community Church and author of a book titled What the Bible Says About Women.
She shared background information on the New Testament and how women were treated, and showed why Jesus Christ was considered radical for his kind and loving treatment of women.
After the keynote address, Mitzie Farmer shared how the Holy Spirit changed her life. Sylvia Ramos spoke on how it took a hurricane to humble her. Valerie Carroll spoke on having a unbeliever husband. Sharon Hunter shared her story of being reunited with her birth daughter 37 years after giving her up for adoption.
The women then worked on a craft project by beginning to create a memory book of photos.
The host Corona congregation prepared a catered lunch.
After lunch, the women broke into small groups for Bible study and discussion. The groups were on emotions by Colleen Guerrette; the Holy Spirit by Mitzie Farmer; being a good mother-in-law by Karla Diehl; a mother's love by Brenda Townsend; grandparenting by Pam Waian; prayer by Jan Roemer; being beautiful inside and out by Ruth Plache; putting on the full armor of God by Lisa Smith; and a group for the teen girls on God's power by Amy and Amber Sinner.
To conclude the day, Karla Diehl conducted an intercessory prayer time for anyone needing prayers.
Deena Murray invited the women to the Lord's Table for a communion service, and Terry Davis closed the day by having the women stand in a circle for two closing songs of praise for God.
Seasons of a Woman was a wonderful day, with the emphasis and focus of the women on Jesus Christ.
As one woman put it, "God must be smiling in heaven at us." Deena Murray.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 1998