W.I.L.D. time at ‘Ladies Conference

Wild! Wild! Wild! That was the word of the day last Saturday, Oct. 17, when the ladies of Emmanuel Fellowship met for the 2009 Fall conference. The theme of the event was W.I.L.D., an acronym for Women Intentionally Living Dangerously.
The semi-annual conference was hosted by the women’s C.A.R.E. Unit at Emmanuel Fellowship Church of Gonzales. C.A..R.E. stands  for: Called, Appointed, Renewed and Equipped.
The ladies managed to pull it all together once again and presented a first-rate production. I call it a production because it reminds me of a stage play. Many things have to come together to end up with a first-rate show.
In my opinion, C.A.R.E. Director Debra Wallace and her company of women did an excellent job.
There were three exceptions to the all-woman production. Michael Kremling, Todd Tipton and John Falks joined Samantha Studlar in giving the event the best in sound, visuals and lighting. They were “behind the scenes” but a very important part of the day.
More than 150 women attended the event, ladies from churches of many denominations, from many miles away, and around the corner. They were greeted at the registration table with coffee, juice and donuts. That’s always a good start, isn’t it?
The tone was set for the day with live worship music graciously provided by Emmanuel’s Praise and Worship Team.  From the first song, everyone knew that this was going to be a special day, and that they were in a loving, joyful environment.
The morning session included the first two acts of a skit written, directed and starring Lauren Miller of Flatonia.  Other parts of  “Survivor: Best Friends Edition” were played by Catherine Tipton, Erin Massie, Cherry Moeller, Diane Rothbauer, Joodi Morris, and John Falks.
The two speakers for the morning were Linda Falks of Gonzales and Vanessa Wright of Shiner, each giving their personal story.
Many door prizes were passed out, then off to lunch at The First Lutheran Church.
After lunch, the women were again engulfed in worship music, singing and prayer before the third, and final act, of “Survivor: Best Friends Edition.”
Following the dramatic conclusion of the skit, a moving display of “Cardboard Testimonies” was presented.
The afternoon’s speakers were Allison Davis and Sherry Poe.
After some singing and more door prizes, the day’s event ended.
Debra Wallace told me her vision for the two semi-annual conferences is, “To provide a day for women to celebrate being women in a loving, supporting, safe environment where they are free to be themselves and to worship without reservation. It’s a day where they can be cherished and pampered, and be recognized for their worth as women.”
Betty Wilson, wife of Pastor Lynn Wilson, said she felt so blessed when she saw women from all denominations come together to be a part of such a blessed event in Gonzales.
Betty is proud that the women of Emmanuel Fellowship find joy in reaching out to all that attend the conference and make them “Queens For The Day.”
It was agreed that the most joy-filled part of the day was toward the end, when five women came to the cross and gave their hearts to Jesus for the first time.
We’re looking forward to April’s conference . . . it just keeps getting better and better.