Spirituality
www.SanTanSun.com
August 2 – 15, 2014
69
Pastor works to empower women through conference BY MEGHAN MCCOY
If Lei-Sa Anderson has one goal in mind for her organization’s forthcoming conference, it’s to inspire and motivate women throughout the Valley. Anderson, a co-pastor at World Outreach and Bible Training Center in Maricopa, is helping organize “Released! Walk, Run ... Fly 2014 Women’s Conference,” set for Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Hilton Phoenix Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. It is the follow-up to an event last year that highlighted identity and selfesteem. “This is the sequel,” Anderson says. She says now that women know who they are, this conference will help answer the question, “What are you going to do with that information?” The conference begins at 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, youth will have a selection of activities, as well as two breakout sessions. A private lunch will also be held for them. “Our church strives to be a multigenerational church,” Anderson says. For the adults, the conference will feature vendors, breakout sessions and workshops, as well as a fashion show luncheon Saturday afternoon with a speaker. “The fashion show is going to be featuring some of our vendors that offer merchandise,” Anderson explains.
the cycle of tearing each other down, instead of building one another up.” Last year’s conference was eyeopening for Anderson. She says some women transformed right in front of her because they did not like who they were. To have the opportunity to watch women change impacted Anderson’s life. “I was changed myself,” she says. Anderson says the conference will help impress upon women that they should grasp what they can, so it will stay with them and change them, as well as motivate others to be the best they CONFERENCE: Pastor Melva Henderson will be a keynote speaker at “Released! Walk, Run...Fly 2014 Women’s Conference” this September. Submitted photo
“We wanted to promote some of the businesses and local shelters. We wanted to give those women an opportunity.” The breakout sessions and workshops are wide ranging, geared toward parenting, senior citizens, pastoring, and one that highlights health and wellbeing. “It’s going to be a good time,” Anderson says. Keynote speaker Pastor Melva Henderson will be accompanied by other local pastors to share the message. Anderson explains people spend a lot of time tearing one another down. “The people around you are waiting to be impacted, but you are staying the same,” Anderson says. “We are repeating
SUNDAY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Sunday Mornings Traditional Worship
7:30 & 11:30 A.M.
Contemporary Worship 8:50 & 10:10 A.M. Sunday School
Sunday Evenings CORE (6th - 8th Grade)
6:00 P.M.
High School Youth Group 6:00 P.M.
8:50 & 10:10 A.M.
Adult Forum Bible Study 8:50 A.M.
RISEN SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 23914 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, AZ 85248 SW CORNER OF ALMA SCHOOL & CHANDLER HEIGHTS ROADS
Phone: 480-895-6782 • Email: info@RSLCS.org • Website: www.RSLCS.org
can be. Conference tickets are $50; youth admission is $40. Tickets can be purchased at www. eventbrite.com/e/released-walk-runflylllace-womens-conference-2014- tickets11072920403?aff=es2&rank=68. For more information, visit www. worldoutreachbtcmaricopa.org. Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@santansun.com.