Linda Bull and her mother-in-law Gladys attended the women's conference in Yorba Linda, Calif. Click to enlarge.
By Al Doshna
The 2009, 14th annual Women's Retreat was held on July 10-12 at the Aryes Suites in Yorba Linda, Calif. Seventy-five women altogether attended, 25 of which were newcomers, with more younger people than had previously attended. Nine attendees were from the Glendora congregation. Georgianna Grigsby from here took the "Cal Ripken" prize having attended all fourteen annual events.
Activities included praise worship, a bunco party, "tasty" catered dinners, a basket auction and film screenings. The six "dynamic, wonderful" speakers included Tracy Shepherd, Thelma Davis, Celestine Olive, Pam Gatlin and Barb Edwards. Angela Moore gave a powerful message about her being taken in, as an orphaned young Greek woman, by a Worldwide Church of God member who gave her a new, fresh start in life.
At the Glendora services on July 18, members Rose Newman, Linda Bull and Georgianna Grigsby shared their experiences at the retreat with the congregation.
Rose described the women as feeling "loved, secured and accepted" and "having a great time getting to know each other".
Linda, who attended with her 3-year-old Michelle, "became more aware of God's incredible love for us", particularly during communion, when speaker Thelma Davis pointed out that Christ's death was his own choice, not that of the Roman soldiers, to forgive our sins "past, present and future". Gestures included left arm extended (for one arm of the cross), extended right arm (for the other arm representing the future) a seeping downward motion for the present. Linda's sincere emotion communicated itself to the congregation.
Georgianna likened it to the former WCG phrase "Best Feast ever" reference to celebrations of years past. She cried during the praise dance "because it was so beautiful".
Pearl necklaces were given to all attendees, signifying being "A special pearl in God's hands".