2021 Women's Ministry Network Conference

In 2020 our ministry network didn't have a women's conference. This year they did. Covid numbers were high. It was unwise for some to be in a conference setting and for us to attend has traditionally meant carpooling on Friday and Saturday....so a total of at least 4 hours in cars. In the end four of us drove on our own to conference, rather than this being a church sponsored event.  The conference was for all women in the Alaska Assembly of God churches. 

Me, Jennifer, Jacque, Krista

Our group was small, yet it was a wonderful weekend. Krista arranged for us to rent an Air B&B rather than driving back to town.  Jacque had realty things to deal with and drove back and forth but Jen, Krista, and I stayed in town. This gave us a couple of hours to visit at night and a later Saturday morning start. It helped this feel more like the conferences and retreats I've known in the past. We had much more time for relational connections. This is a key element for which many women long. 

Me, Krista, Jen

We look a bit rough Saturday morning, but we were ready to take on the day. 

The conference theme was "She Abides" and it was an excellent choice for the year we find ourselves in, both the pandemic world and our personal worlds. It was a great reminder to make connection with Jesus our number one priority in every season of life. I enjoyed each message and the challenge to connect in a variety of ways. It was also a good reminder God is sovereign, and we can trust Him. 

The conference planners and host church did a superb job of hosting in the midst of covid. Chairs were not set up. Each group entered, grabbed their chairs, and set them where they would like to be. Other groups did the same with the groups staying socially distanced.  Between sessions all chairs were sanitized and stacked back up. I saw other sanitizing measures as well. I was impressed. We didn't have popcorn bars or breakfast treats...and there were no drinks provided...numbers were much less than previous years, but it was GOOD to be together again. 

I'm looking forward to a year of connecting with these ladies (and others at church) and attending in 2022.