Volume
WOMEN’S COUNCIL CHRONICLE
Ida W. Thompson, President and Newsletter Editor
C ELEBRATING THE RISE N SAVIOR
How blessed we are to know that our Savior rose and will live forever! His supreme sacrifice ensured us a right to a life of blessings here on earth and eternal life and peace with him in heaven.
Words cannot express the thanks owed to him! Let’s live each day, fulfilling the promises that are ours, witnessing for him and honoring him in all that we do.
S EXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
First nationally observed in 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month draws attention to the prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse.
It is an opportunity to listen to and honor survivors in our community. It is a time to show those who have been impacted by sexual violence that they are not alone.
Wear teal on Tuesdays during April to show your support.
W OMEN ’ S COUNCIL NEWS
April In-Person Fellowship
The April in-person Women’s Fellowship will take place Saturday, April 13 beginning at 12:00 noon in the church sanctuary. All women of all ages are encouraged to attend.
In addition to the regular meeting features, updates from the Leadership Seminar will be shared.
April 14 Sunday Service Information
Saturday, April 13
The second Sunday afternoon service will be held via Zoom at 4:30pm, April 14. Be sure to tune in and invite a friend for an inspiring message to increase your faith and Christian service. We are now in the Spring uniform (white dress/suit, purple hat and shoes, red lapel flower). The Zoom information is below.
Meeting ID: 854 0758 0454
Access code is : 4450
Theme: “Jesus is More than Enough”
2024Theme:
“Jesus is More than Enough”
SPRING RAINBOW TEA REVIEW
Many thanks are extended to everyone who attended the Rainbow Tea on March 16. What a beautiful afternoon of fellowship and celebration! Karen Jenkins, Board Chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce gave an enthusiastic and motivating talk, the talented Arischa Frierson wowed the audience with two beautiful songs and Esther Ruth Sims’ entertaining poem “March on Women” was just fabulous!
Having guests from various sister churches, organizations and the community made the event even more special! An article about the Tea appeared in the March 27th edition of the Carolina Panorama (page 7 see the link below). www.carolinapanorama.com/eedition/page-3-27-2024-cp-page-07/page_eec8dfb0-ec09-
“The will of GOD will never take you to where the grace of God cannot protect you.
”
(Bernadette Devlin)
COOLJC
Social Justice Theme
“Do Justice”
“Do justice to the afflicted and needy”
(Psalms 82:3)
A GIFT FROM THE WOMEN ’ S COUNCIL
Women’s Council magnets are available for persons who paid their 2023 IWC dues. See an IWC officer to get yours.
C ELEBRATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS
We salute the following members of our church family for their recent accomplishments, church activities and community involvement. You continue to make Refuge Temple proud!
Congratulations to:
Annejanet Harp who was a recent delegate to the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women held at the United Nations in New York City. This is an annual gathering on gender equality and women’s empowerment. The session was held March 10-22. What an honor!
Elaine McQueen (workshop presenter) and Carolyn Wolfe (luncheon speaker) who participated in the Palmetto Upstate Women’s Ministry Conference held March 8 in Orangeburg, S.C.
Ida W. Thompson who was recognized as an honoree of the “Living the Legacy” Award by the Columbia Section of the National Council of Negro Women.
and The event was held at Brookland Baptist Conference Center on March 30.
Rosa Bowie, Margaret Glover, Lillie Kennedy, Ida Thompson and Felicia Wilson for their presentation on March 27 in honor of Women’s History Month. The session was moderated by Dawn Campbell and can be viewed on the church’s Facebook page. A job well done, ladies!
R EMEMBRANCE
The officers and members of the Women’s Council send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Elder Tony B. Johnson. Elder Johnson was a Lifetime IWC Booster and encouraged us throughout the years with his inspiring messages and walk with God.
Weekly Noonday Prayer
Tuesday - Friday
In the Church Sanctuary
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
April 4
Tracy Moore
April 11
Nancy Amiker
Carolyn Lawton
April 14
Inez Wigfall
April 19
Jean Graddick
April 25
Margaret Boyd
TheInternationalWomen’sCouncil “MeetingtheSpiritual, Educational,SocialandPhysical NeedsofWomen”
Ida W. Thompson President
Melissa Brown Vice-President
Debra Murphy Secretary
Donna Manradge Chaplain
Peggy Swinton Treasurer Bishop
Sylvester K. Reid Pastor
REFUGE LADIES IN PURPLE
O BSERVING W OMEN ’ S H ISTORY M ONTH
(Purple is one of the official colors of women ’ s history month)
Remember, God made women for a purpose, equipped with special qualities and responsibilities to serve his kingdom. Walk in your purpose so that God will be glorified!
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Solar Eclipse
The Monday, April 8, 2024, rare total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. Be sure to wear special glasses to prevent any damage to your eyes.
Tax Deadline
The deadline for most taxpayers to file federal and state income taxes is April 15, 2024 although there are some exceptions. Check with your tax preparer for details.
Reminder: Advanced Directives Workshop
The Area Agency on Aging is conducting this popular Advanced Directives Workshop on April 30. Call (803)376-5390 to register. Its never too late to get your house in order!
Columbia International Festival
Make plans to attend April 6 (10:00-7:00pm , April 7 (12:00—7:00pm) at 1200 Rosewood Drive. More details available at https://www.cifonline.org/.