Women’s Luncheon to Feed Body and Soul at CHOG Convention 2015
Photo: Anita Renfroe
By Carl Stagner
Decades before the United States granted women the right to vote, outstanding Church of God women pastors preached the gospel from platforms and podiums across the country. Though the Church of God hasn’t always lived up to its foundational principles supporting women in ministry, many female ministers have courageously carried the mantle of gifts-based leadership into the present day. One organization which has persevered through the years, offering support, resources, and partnership opportunities to reach the world for Christ has been Christian Women Connection. Formerly known as Women of the Church of God, CWC brings together not only women clergy, but also missionaries, spouses of ministers, and laywomen. During Church of God Convention 2015, women from all backgrounds and places of origin will gather together for a special luncheon that will leave attendees encouraged, inspired, and rejuvenated for another year of service to the Lord.
Featured speakers for the luncheon will include CWC executive director, Arnetta Bailey, as well as popular Christian comedienne Anita Renfroe. Anita will speak during Wednesday afternoon’s convention session immediately following the luncheon—attend the luncheon, and hear her before anyone else! “Anita is a fabulous comedian,” Mary Stephens, ministry coordinator for CWC explains. “She has a unique and hilarious voice that speaks to real-life situations that all women have experienced. We are really excited that she will be sharing her humor and her heart at the CWC luncheon.” For just $15, reserve your spot at the luncheon, which will take place on Wednesday, June 24, from 12:15–1:45 PM at Crossings Community Church.
“Christian Women Connection is all about connecting with women,” Mary continues. “What better way to do that than to share a meal with the women in attendance at the CHOG Convention? During this time of fellowship, we hope we can share the mission and vision of Christian Women Connection, encourage the women in attendance, and have fun!”
If you’re a woman in the Church of God, this event is another way to get the most out of Church of God Convention 2015. It’s also an opportunity to connect with persons who have similar experiences. “This is a great opportunity for women in the Church of God to get to know and learn from other women in the movement,” Mary explains. “A few years ago, Christian Women Connection did a national survey about the needs of women in our churches. The number one need was relationships. Certainly, it is important that we build relationships in our local churches and communities. But the benefits of connecting nationally and internationally are vast. Not only can we learn from each other’s successes and challenges, but we can do so much more for the kingdom when we are connected and unified together.”
No one who attends the CWC luncheon at CHOG Convention 2015 will go away empty. The CWC luncheon promises to fill both body and soul. “My hope and prayer,” Mary reflects, “is that those who attend the CWC luncheon will feel encouraged and inspired about ministry to women in the Church of God, and that they will leave the luncheon with new connections to women and to the ministry of CWC.”
Register for the CWC luncheon by June 1 at http://www.christianwomenconnection.org/womens-luncheon.html. The luncheon is scheduled for 12:15–1:45 PM on Wednesday, June 24. Questions? Contact CWC at FrontDesk@wchog.org. Register for CHOG Covnention 2015 (June 22–25, 2015 in Oklahoma City) at www.chogconvention.org.
