Submitted by Brittany Rudolph: Southeast Alabama, Northwest Florida District.
Saturday, October 13, 2015, was an awesome day for the women of the Southeast Alabama, Northwest Florida District.
THE BIG IDEA:
During the 2015 District Conference, the Southeast Alabama District Conference Board, under the leadership of Sis. Loletha Washington, thought it would be suitable to have a session for the women of the Southeast Alabama, Northwest Florida District. The women were blessed to hear encouraging words from our Presiding Bishop’s wife, Lady Delois Turner McKnight. The goal was to inform the women of the newly established National Women’s Ministry by challenging them to connect, support, and inspire each other.
THE PROGRAM
Sister Brittany Rudolph served as the facilitator of the event. Lady Mary D. Smith, District Superintendent’s Wife, opened up the session with words of welcome and a gift of appreciation to Lady D. McKnight. Immediately following, Sis. Brittany Rudolph opened up the session with an Ice Breaker and Lady Peggy Copeland led the ice breaker.
WHAT’S IN YOUR PURSE?
The name of the ice breaker was “What’s in your Purse?” The ladies enjoyed scrambling through their purses to find the items on the list. It was so much laughter in the room. There were approximately 10 women who had top scores. Instead of presenting the women with gifts, Lady Copeland instructed the ladies to sing a song before Lady McKnight came up to speak. Lady Ruby Powell led the group in the song selection.
LADY DELOIS’ POWERFUL MESSAGE
Lady McKnight graced the podium and immediately opened by giving God praise. She indicated that she was overwhelmed by the love and support she had received from the women of the district. She stated, “I thought I had calmed my nerves by praying with my husband and my armor bearer, but when you all presented me with the gift beforehand, it messed me all up again.” The women all laughed and the atmosphere in the room changed instantly.
Lady Delois Speaking Part I Lady Delois Speaking Part II
Lady McKnight started by sharing her vision for the National Women’s Ministry including how it came into fruition. She highlighted the five core values of the women’s ministry and expounded on each one of them thoroughly.
She shared how single mothers are so dear to her heart and has so much love and compassion for them. She challenged the mothers of the church to teach the young women of the church. She taught on how loving each other and supporting each other is a must. She said, “It’s ok to celebrate each other.” “Everyone has a gift that God has equipped them with. There is no need to be petty of jealous of others. Operate in your gift,” she shared. Most importantly, being obedient to those who have rule over you was one of her major points of discussion.
THE NATIONAL WOMEN’S WEBSITE
She encouraged the women to utilize http://women.cogbf.org/ as a resource for their women’s ministry. She shared the five broad categories that are on the website.
“OH, IT’S HAPPENING” NATIONAL WOMEN’S MINISTRY SYMPOSIUM
She and encouraged the women to attend the 2015 National Women’s Ministry Symposium in Atlanta at our National Assembly. She shared that we will have a “toolkit” for sale to help with the development of local women’s ministries. Lady McKnight closed out her presentation with a powerful prayer led by Lady Pearline McKinney.
THE BIG FINISH
Sis. Brittany Rudolph came back and she gave more information on the National Women’s Symposium. She also gave a gift of appreciation to Lady Brenda Jones and Minister Thurma Dubose who went back to their local churches and started a thriving women’s ministry after the initial District Women’s Meeting. They were shocked by the recognition. Sis. Rudolph encouraged all ladies to get connected. Lady Mary D. Smith came back and gave closing remarks and Lady McKnight closed us out in a prayer of unity.