The fourth and final At the Table Charis Women Conference took place in Southern California at the end of January. Over the past two years, Charis Women have held regional conferences in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California, with more than 800 women in total attending.
Grace Community Church of Seal Beach hosted the conference. In a similar fashion as the other Charis Women conferences hosted around the country, this one united woman in the Charis Fellowship from near and far, with more than 130 women representing seven different churches. Each main session speaker was a woman who is actively involved in women’s ministry at her home church and also serves on the board of Charis Women.
The event began Friday night with a message from Josie Ramirez, Charis Women board member and director of women’s ministries at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach. In telling the story of David and Mephibosheth, she reminded attendees that “every story in the Bible tells the story of the real King and His redemptive work.”
Sarah McMahon, Charis Women board member and director of women’s ministries at Western Reserve Grace in northern Ohio, kicked off Saturday morning with a message about how God sees us. Throughout the day attendees had several workshop options on topics such as finding joy, Bible study skills, taming anxiety, spiritual gifts, and creative reflection. The day concluded with a message from Charis Women Executive Director Jenn Avey about coming to Christ’s table and extending that invitation to others, as well as a time of communion.
This was the first retreat held by Charis Women in California, and the first women’s retreat held in the district in several years. During the last session, Josie honored one woman who was instrumental in uniting the women in Southern California over the years and in facilitating the At the Table conference this year. Josie explained:
For 20 plus years the SoCal district ladies held their own retreat in November. It was a special time of fellowship and bonding. Many lifelong friends were made during that time. Robin Workman was the director of the retreat committee, and she facilitated opportunities for women to meet Eagle Commission wives, encouraged support of Charis Women, and ensured excellent biblical teaching. After prayerful consideration, Robin and the retreat board decided to use funds to help bring the At the Table conference to California. We are immensely grateful to Robin and her dedicated leadership for the women in our district. As a tangible expression of our gratitude, Robin was gifted with the worship through art painting for her new office.
Two women who attended the conference commented on their experience:
The At the Table Women’s Conference was a delight in so many ways. It brought together women of all ages from sister churches to worship with beautiful music, listen to deep teachings from the Word, and be drawn together around the Lord’s table in closer fellowship with Him. I am so grateful I was able to participate in this memorable time together as women in our Fellowship. -Kathy
I’m not normally a person who signs up for conferences, but my motivation in attending At the Table was to show support for the people pouring into this event whom I admire. However, God opened my heart to the question at the during the last session, “Who have you been resistant to inviting to your table?” Immediately He brought me a name, and since then the invitation to my home has already been extended and accepted. I have been blessed beyond measure learning more about this person — to sacrifice my time and resources pales in comparison to what I gained in this small act of love and reaching out. -Nicole
This summer Charis Women will announce their next round of conference dates and locations. Get more information about Charis Women on their website CharisWomen.com.
