By : Sister Lilly Boyd

 

The True Church of God In Christ Sisters’ Fellowship Day at the Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree Hotels and Resorts will be remembered for its inspiring messages, fellowship, excitement, love, encouragement, and entertainment.  Our theme: “Sister to Sister Inspired as One” became a reality and a beautiful experience. We came together as Sisters offering real-life solutions and testimonies to other Sisters striving to keep God and maintain life’s balances.

 

The location of Sisters’ Fellowship Day was definitely held at a nice facility. The location provided us a with a serene lodge feel. The rooms were comfortable, clean and decorated in a modern and contemporary style. The staff was extremely pleasant and helpful to us. The food was amazing, and there was lots of it. All kinds of snacks and hot and cold beverages were available all day in the conference center for us, in addition to a delicious buffet breakfast and lunch.

 

The Sisters’ Fellowship Day began on Friday evening for some of us.  Sisters came from various parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Those who arrived on Friday evening had the pleasure of gathering together for a Scavenger Hunt which consisted of finding numerous items in our Hotel ranging from a Kroger’s receipt to a Photo Album.

 

Even though Friday was great, Saturday was the day! The Sisters of the True Church of God In Christ met together for the first time at the Grand Ball room of the Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree Hotel to register and to encounter the events of the day. At registration, we were provided with name tags and tote bags as Sister L. Lemons and her staff gave an exciting, but short and pleasant introduction regarding our agenda for the day. Immediately following registration, we were provided with a delicious breakfast.

 

Following breakfast, Lavern Hollman and Megan Hutchinson taught us a great exercise routine. They demonstrated various workout techniques that were fun and exhilarating for all of us.  As soon as our exercise routine was over, Sister Lemons divided us into five teams to take part in our next fun event. This game demonstrated the importance of Sisters working together as a team.

 

Later that morning, we were divided into another group for more sister interactions. As a group, we were provided with items to design an outfit. Our outfits were judged on its creativity, versatility, communication, and neatness.  Many of us enjoyed this event and we demonstrated it through our laughter and applauses.

 

Our first session for the day began with Mother Stafford giving a prayer. After prayer, Mother Stafford delighted us with a talk about the Power of Prayer. She encouraged us to make prayer a priority in our daily lives, and how prayer has not only blessed her but how it has also blessed her family. She advised mothers to continue to pray for their children and wives to pray for their husbands. She described the benefits of having a prayer partner. Mother Stafford went on to speak about how God has answered her prayers.  She told us of how she journalized some of her prayer requests in her bible and how she is able to check them off when they are answered because this keeps her aware of the many prayers God has answered. She reassured us that God may not answer in our time, but if we lean not to our own understanding he will come through for us.

 

Following our topic on the power of prayer, Sister Bernice Searcy gave us a wonderful presentation about Breast Cancer and Mammograms. She explained how mammograms are used to detect and evaluate breast changes or symptoms, such as a lumps or pain. She encouraged women over thirty to get yearly mammograms and for all women to do a monthly breast exam. 

 

After a delicious lunch, Cleshia Sledge presented us with a dynamic message about RESPECT.  She explained how we should let our light shine as we are saints of God, and how we should take love, happiness and joy with us. She encouraged us to be kind and Christ-like because ultimately kindness will open so many doors for us.  Cleshia then enlightened with information of how showing respect can go a long way, and how we must take the time to show our children how to love and respect themselves.

 

Our Beauty and Foundation topic were presented by Mother Bessie Boyd.  She educated us on the importance of caring for our bodies. She explored different types of garments that can be used to help improve our body shapes. She instructed us that these garments can mold, shape, and support our body and clothes.  She also showed us products that can be use on our face or skin to keep it moisturized. She informed us how these moisturizing creams can provide our skin with the vital nourishment. 

 

Later that afternoon, Keneisha Andrews delivered a powerful testimony about abstinence. She explained God’s definition of abstinence: “refraining from fornication.” She stated that this includes any sexual act outside of the bonds of marriage, i.e. kissing, hugging, and touching. She explained how God has blessed her to practice abstinence. She shared with us how she would talk to her mom about her concerns regarding sex and how those conversations blessed her. She continued to be uplifting as she encouraged parents to talk with their children about sex and abstinence. 

 

Afterwards, Teddra Freeman provided us with a compelling testimony. She brought us to tears describing the challenges she had to endure as a single mother. She stated that in spite of the challenges, she tries to spend time and create a positive atmosphere for her daughter. In her testimony, she also expounded on God’s love, forgiveness and how thankful she is that God gave her a second chance.

Succeeding the testimonies and talks, we were entertained with poetic expressions from some of the Sisters of Girard/Augusta. The presentation was unique and bold as it demonstrated the awareness of attending church and connecting to children.  Afterwards, several skits of reverse parenting were presented by the young adults of Saint James. The skits were fun and encouraging because it demonstrated the incorrect and correct way of communicating to the younger people.

 

Towards the end of the day, Marquita Ralls and Tina Walker gave a brief synopsis regarding their session for ages 11-19.  Several participants in the class came forward and presented us with information they learned from their session. A few of the participants stated how they learned about the differences between low self-esteem and high-self esteem. Others talked on how they were taught to be content with themselves and how they should break through the barriers to get to know each other.  Marquita also provided us with knowledgeable facts and information about teen pregnancies and STDs from various cities in Georgia. She wanted mothers to be aware of what the teenagers were facing and dealing with in today’s world. Tina Walker then provided us with a beautiful testimony about how we should really get to know ourselves.

 

The Sisters’ Fellowship Day ended with us holding hands and singing “I Need You to Survive.” We gave each other hugs and said our goodbyes, but I am sure most of us were thinking about the wonderful time we had and how this must happen again.

 

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Throughout the Sisters’ Fellowship Day numerous prizes were given.  We gave many standing ovations, but we have to give a BIG thanks to our Coordinator, Sister Lisa Lemons and her Staff for a job well done.  It was very apparent upon arrival at the Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree Hotel that Sister Lisa Lemons and her Staff put forth a lot of work to make sure this event would be a success.  It was a success! We appreciate your hard work and attention to “the details” that this day a successful and memorable event for the Sisters of the True Church of God In Christ.