VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/10/11)—American Baptist Women’s Ministries will host concurrent conference events for women and girls at the Green Lake Conference Center, Green Lake, Wisconsin, July 16-22, 2011.
The National Women’s Conference theme is “In the Potter’s Hands” (Jeremiah 18:1-6), and will feature potter Grace Johnson. Johnson will begin the conference with an inspirational message from the potter’s wheel as she invites participants into the experience of being crafted by the Potter’s hands. Daily Bible study will be provided by Rev. Karen Yee, an American Baptist clergywoman from California, who will lead the conference in exploring God as the potter who shapes our lives. Hornrette Washington will lead music and worship. The Rainbow Acres Rancher Choir from Arizona will perform. In-depth seminars, workshops, devotional times by the lake, recreation, and renewal await those who register for this event. Visit www.abwministries.org for more information and to register for the conference online. Scholarships are available. Reservations and payment for meals, lodging, and airport shuttle service must be handled directly with Green Lake Conference Center.
AB Women’s Ministries’ Conference Coordinator Crystal Newton said, “The conference theme, ‘In the Potter’s Hand,’ compels us to come with the expectation that God the potter will mold and shape us as we grow in our love and trust of God. Come and let your life take shape!”
The National Gathering for Girls is open to girls and young women who have completed sixth grade and up through their senior year of high school, and their back-home leaders. The theme of “Mountaineers,” based on Romans 12, offers the opportunity for girls to not only reach the mountaintop, but find tools to help them maintain that mountaintop experience once they return home. Bible study leader Rev. Karen Selig and worship leader Rev. Mona Bagasao will provide an atmosphere of excitement, challenge, and fun to help participants explore and grow in their faith. There will be two days of hands-on mission during the event: a trip to the Milwaukee Christian Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a day of mission encounter experiences at the Green Lake Conference Center. Visit www.abwministries.org for more information and registration forms. Scholarships are available through the Green Lake Conference Center.
There are also opportunities for participants in both conferences to interact together in intergenerational events for worship and fun.
Jasmine Turner, the convenor of the national leadership team of AB GIRLS, high school senior, and member of Riverview Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia, looks forward to the event. “The 2011 National Gathering for Girls is going to be an amazing experience! We hope that every girl who attends Mountaineers will leave feeling empowered and more connected to God. Register for Gathering! It is going to be a great week!”
AB Women’s Ministries Executive Director Virginia Holmstrom encourages persons to register early this year because space is limited. “We’re delighted to bring our 2011 events back to Green Lake. Because we’ll be sharing the facilities with the annual conference for American Baptist musicians, it’s important to register early. We don’t want to turn any woman or girl away.”
For more information or to register for National Women’s Conference or the National Gathering for Girls, visit www.abwministries.org.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.