Celebrating Deacons ARUMC Clergywomen Gather for Annual Meeting By Rev. Lauren DeLano Associate Pastor at Conway First UMC
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n Thursday, Aug. 8, the ARUMC Clergywomen gathered at First UMC in Conway for a day of fellowship, worship, and learning.
The theme for our gathering was “Celebrating our Deacon Sisters.� The Rev. Dawn Spragg brought the message during worship and reminded us that we are power-filled and loved women who have been called by God to live out our callings and to serve others. We do this knowing we are beloved children of God and are certain that we have the support and encouragement of one another. We followed this with a time of small group conversation around Advent ideas for worship series, discipleship opportunities, connecting with college students and more. It is a beautiful thing that we can resource one another about Advent or other topics, knowing that within our group we have a wealth of wisdom and knowledge to share with one another. Finally, to carry on the theme of learning from one another and celebrating deacons, we featured four deacons on a panel. They shared their passions for ministry and their calling as pastors called to bridge the church and the community through word, service, justice, and compassion. Reverends Haley Jones, Melissa Bowen, Sam Meadors, and Brenda Wideman shared their vast and varied callings with us and we were encouraged by their willingness to share their hearts with us.
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The Rev. Dawn Spragg, an ordained deacon in the Arkansas Conference, delivers the message during worship reminding the gathered women of the important role that deacons serve in the church. || Photo provided by Rev. Corey Read
ARKANSAS UNITED METHODIST
ARUMC.ORG
