Christian Women Connect at NAC 2012
By Mary Stephens
Two thousand twelve is a special year for Christian Women Connection (CWC). Not only are we celebrating the identity of women in Christ, but we are celebrating eighty years of ministry! In order to be the women God has designed us to be, we need to know who we are and what we are doing. The NAC conferences and events sponsored by CWC will affirm the unique identity each woman has in Christ because, “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for” (Eph 1:11 MSG). Our events will also celebrate the women and ministries of CWC over the years.
CWC events will begin on Saturday, June 23, with the National Connector Rally at Madison Park Church of God (10:00 AM–2:00 PM). This year’s rally will affirm nontraditional ministries, the outreach that occurs outside the walls of local churches. Our speaker, Donna Cox, will share about her ministry to women on the margins, and breakout leaders will speak to such issues as pastoral care, cross-cultural work, short-term missions, and ministry beyond retirement. The rally registration is only $20 and includes lunch.
On Monday morning, we will continue our exploration of identity with the Annual Assembly (8:30–10:00 AM). Our national president, Naomi Bryant, will report on the ministry of Christian Women Connection and one of our0 missionaries will talk about the experience of serving in Asia. On Monday afternoon, join us in the Newberry Room at Park Place Church of God (1:30–3:00 PM) as Naomi Bryant leads a conference about the importance of identity to women of God.
The popular CWC Prayer Breakfast will be on Tuesday (8:00–9:45 AM) in the Schield Dining Room at Anderson University. Join us for fellowship, a delicious breakfast, and meaningful times of prayer. De’Shana’ Edmond, Angie Rigdon, Laura Shallenberger, and Mary Beth Whalen will guide our time as we experience the seasons of life and ministry. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the CWC office for $15 (or call us at 866-778-0804). Tickets at the door are $17 and seating is limited.
Directly following the prayer breakfast, all women are encouraged to join us in the valley at Anderson University for the planting of an oak tree as CWC celebrates eighty years of ministry. As part of the eighty–year, or oak, anniversary, we are asking for nominations for the Oak Award for Christian Service. The award celebrates old and young women (living or deceased) who walk with courage, endure life’s challenges, and exemplify strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Check out www.wchog.org for more information.
On Tuesday afternoon, join us back in Miller Chapel for the Women’s Preaching Forum (4:00–5:30 PM). This annual event celebrates gifted and inspired women of God. Our preachers for the day—Keisha Patrick, Emily Clark, and Terri Dunn—will speak on the theme of Christian identity.
CWC events will conclude with the Women Symposium and Ministry Fair on Wednesday, June 27 (1:30–4:30 PM) in the Newberry Room at Park Place Church of God. Our panelists will field questions about ministry to the poor and disenfranchised. Following the panel, attendees will have an opportunity to explore the ministry fair, where they can meet and mingle with speakers, worship leaders, writers, artists, and experts who share a passion for women in the church.
As always, throughout NAC, the offices of Christian Women Connection will open. Please visit our offices, meet our staff, and shop at our sales room, where women’s ministry resources, hand-crafted items that support women around the world, and other great products are available for purchase.
