NCC Women’s Ministries
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At the conference and local levels, Northern California Conference women’s ministries events are making a difference in the lives of church and community members. NCC Women’s Ministries Presents Leadership Conference
(Top) The Orangevale SDA School Girls’ Chorus sings for the leadership conference. (Photo: Davina Brown) (Top Middle) PUC Associate Chaplain Shantel Smith speaks about “Unfinished Business.” (Photo: Anna McMillen) (Top Bottom) The NCC Women’s Ministries Advisory Council works together to provide training, resources and encouragement for local church women’s ministries. (Photo: Davina Brown)
(Below Top) Janice Deardorff, Keira Redfield, Alexandra AcMoody and Pauline AcMoody discuss nail care. (Bottom) Marilyn Fridley gives Lori Redfield a foot massage. (Inset) Vicki Sagaral and Joanie Fox enjoy a foot soak. (Photos: Anna McMillen)
In January, the NCC Women’s Ministries Department presented its annual leadership conference. More than 200 women attended the event, titled “Turning Points: Healing Hearts for Ministry,” held at the Orangevale church and Orangevale SDA School. The speaker was Pacific Union College Associate Chaplain Shantel Smith, whose theme was “Unfinished Business.” “She brought healing for women who had painful issues in their lives,” said NCC Women’s Ministries Coordinator Mary Jo Lauderdale. “Many women were moved to ask God for his healing mercy and to bring forgiveness into their hearts.” Breakout groups dealt with various topics, such as grief, healthy living, hormonal balance, women of power, being still in God’s presence, and healing and restoring transformation. After hearing an update on the Congo Widows Mission Project, attendees gave over $11,000 in offerings and commitments. Grass Valley Church Treats Women to Spa Day By Anna McMillen, who is co-chair of the Grass Valley church’s women’s ministry team.
In February, the Grass Valley church held its third annual “Pamper Yourself” Ladies’ Spa Day, attended by about 60 women from the church and community. Hosted by the women’s ministry team, women of all ages were invited to come to the church for an afternoon of free spa services. Pampering services included manicures, chair massage, facials, foot and hand treatments, and hair trims—all provided free of charge by local vendors. In between appointments, women enjoyed
light refreshments. “It was so relaxing to take part in the massages, pedicures, etc. And of course it was refreshing for our spirits to be able to socialize together,” said church member Michelle Moore. This year the team added a prayer walk, which gave the women an opportunity to refresh their souls. “Each stop had a special note with suggestions for our thoughts and prayers,” said church member Phyllis Sawvell. “I found the time very meaningful and continue to use the thoughts expressed in the prayer walk in my personal prayer time.”
Community and church members enjoy a tea party at the Vallejo Berea church, which included a vespers program, shoulder massages, makeup tips and an opportunity to take home gently used clothing. (Photo: Cherlyn Morgan)
Vallejo Berea Church Hosts Tea Party
The Vallejo Berea church’s “Ladies of Berea” sent out invitations to an April “Community Tea Party,” inviting women who had previously attended other church events. One woman planned to come, but had to cancel at the last minute, leaving her friend to go alone. “[My friend] was concerned about not knowing anyone there,” the woman told church member Cherlyn Morgan. “But she called me after she got home and told me what a wonderful time she had and how welcomed she felt.” Morgan was happy to hear that the woman felt she belonged at the event. “This is what God instructs us to do,” she said. “Show others Himself through love.”