Women Who Know How To Win

W o m e n Who Know How To WIN!

Thriving in the pandemic insights from the Victorious Sisters of St Mark.

While many people have decided that 2020 and 2021 have already taken the wind out of their sails, there are God fearing women who have decided that they will WIN even while navigating life storms. Here are some of the women of St Mark who answered a simple question:

What advice do you have for winning during a pandemic?

Andrea Brown Burford, Deaconess

Family and Community Partnerships Manager/QMHP-A/C St. Mark’s Shepherd’s Council Servant Leader

Press through the Pandemic and don’t allow DISTANCE to mentally DISCONNECT you from the agape love of Christ, Family, and Friends!

Aurelia Williams

Vice Provost Norfolk State University St. Mark’s Media Ministry Team Lead

Ground yourself daily in prayer and take one day at a time to do the best you can do.

Chaunta Chalmers, Deaconess

Quality Control Auditor St. Mark’s Vice President for Deaconess Ministry and CoChair for Couples Ministry

With all the responsibility in taking care of others don’t forget to take care of yourself (spiritually, physically and mentally). Leave room for you.

Clementine Cone, Deaconess

Retired University Administrator Shepherd’s Council Servant Leader

Stay focused on your faith. Use the wonders of technology to stay connected and to be actively involved with your family, friends and the faith community.

Connie Taylor, Deaconess

Retired University Facilities Administrator St. Mark Deaconess Ministry

Pray daily and wait for God’s instruction to you. Know that we all are going through this pandemic together and its affects us all differently. We must just remember that bad things in the world or in your life do not change the goodness of God. We must stay focused on the goodness of God.

Cynthia Madkins Retired Social Work Supervisor / Consultant

St. Mark United Voices

Disconnect from electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed to help you sleep better. Keep in contact with family and elderly church members via phone or text, especially if they live alone. Trust GOD! He’s the greatest coach on this Keep Winning team.

Evelina Johnson Buendia

St Mark’s Graphic Artist

Even in the midst of a Pandemic, God will bring to life dormant dreams & endless possibilities...if you maximize on the grand opportunity of being “Still” ����

Evelyn L. Edmonds

Retired Educator, Portsmouth Public School System St. Mark Christian Academy Administrator

Stay connected to the Kingdom; remain in constant communication with GOD through prayer, daily devotionals, and meditating on the Word. Follow all of the CDC guidelines for yourself and loved ones. Get vaccinated and encourage others to do likewise. Keep a listening ear and an open, loving heart to help those in need and who have suffered losses.

Argie Lamb

First Woman Elected Trustee of St Mark

I was appointed in September 1994 as the first female trustee at an unprecedented time, not only for St. Mark, but for most churches in the area. Needless to say, I was somewhat uncomfortable initially but my mantra was, “God has a purpose” for me to serve as a trustee and my goal was to work to fulfill whatever that purpose was.

The pandemic was new to all of us. The ONLY thing that I could do was to put my trust TOTALLY in God!

We WILL KEEP WINNING

“…because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” - 1 John 5:4-5

Life is precious, don’t waste it getting overwhelmed by fear.Take it moment by moment, one day at a time, and always keep hope alive!

Dr. Jennell Riddick

Founder Walk In It Inc Executive Pastor at St Mark Church

You can and will make it through these turbulent time because God is involved with everything that has anything to do with you. Focus forward and WALK IN YOUR PURPOSE!

Joi Boone, Deaconess

Elementary Assistant Principal

Trust God with the process and invite him to participate in every area of your life. Allow Him to take the reigns and lead as you follow knowing that you are in the best care because you are in His hands.

Kisha M. McDaniel

Founder, Purposed Pursuit St. Mark Director of Administration

Learn how to disconnect from the noise and take time to reflect on past victories and future goals. Record them as a witness to God’s continual provision.

Kelli Sweat

St. Mark Membership Manager Rosewood Garden Inc, Founder

Don’t get caught in the chaos and lose sight of the bigger picture. Get good, God rest when you need a break.

Dr. Latosha Burch, Deaconess

Business Change Manager & Adjunct Professor St. Mark COVID-19 Safety Taskforce Chair

Take time for self-care so that you are mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially fit to interact with others. Seize opportunities to strengthen personal relationships, and resume work on your goals until you get them done.

Lelia Davis Melton

Retired Assistant Director at Effingham Street YMCA as director of Child Care Services Coordinator for the Seniors, G.A.P. ministry

In order to win, one must first face reality, and accept what is. Instead of complaining, draw closer to God; Get connected with Him, because God is trying to tell us something. Prior to and during Women’s History Month, the world got an opportunity to see record numbers of women rise to the occassion as healthcare providers caring for their families and millions of others across our nation. In order to keep winning during this pandemic, I urge you and your families to become fully vaccinated, follow all of the protocols for safe social distancing and continue to wear a masks when gathering around large groups of people.

Marie Prioleau

Register Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Health Ministry Chairperson

EAT UP - Enhance your immune system by eating a balanced diet with a lot of fruits, vegetables, and water. STAY ACTIVE - Adults - should get at least 150 minutes physical activity each week and children an hour or more daily.

Marilyn D. Grant

Patient Experience Representative St. Mark Health Ministry

Have FAITH, that we will get through these times. Continue to lean on each other for support and realize that God is still our covering, in the midst of a Pandemic!!

Nichole Brown, Deaconess

CEO, Portsmouth Schools Federal Credit Union

I had to get out of my own head. I began to journal my thoughts and partner them with scripture.

Shirley Wilborn, Deaconess

Registered Nurse Director Praise Dance Ministry

Winning during a pandemic: Stay prayed up, wise up by studying so you are informed. Remember we are our brother’s and sister’s keeper. Always keep that “God has equipped me to weather this storm” attitude. So So if we do all we can to take care of ourselves and each other the battle is ready won. Praise God!

Thriving in the pandemic insights from the Victorious Sisters of St Mark.