All of the women from the Springfield Church were instrumental in the success of the weekend. In addition, the women from Tulsa, Oklahoma, provided a fantastic chili dinner on Saturday evening, and Springfield and Kansas City combined efforts to provide the continental breakfast Sunday morning. Decorations were provided by our “Southern Belles” from Alabama and Georgia.

Though Sabbath services were cancelled because of lingering ice on the roads, all assembled at the event venue for lunch and an abbreviated message from Mr. Victor Kubik highlighting the story of Lydia in the new testament and updating the brethren about the home office and the work of God.

The presentations, around the theme, “Running with Horses—Become Spiritually Fit,” were phenomenal. Each provided us with tools for our spiritual journey, including ways to stay focused on our prayer and Bible study, avoiding things that may distract us, staying the course in tough times, not growing weary and loving our “lemons” (trials). We were given pointers about horse training and the association to our training as Christians. Finally we heard “Gallop to Greatness,” which covered lessons from horse training and claiming the prize of overcomers from Revelation. A special treat was getting an update from Beverly Kubik about “other sheep” from around the world. She reviewed trips that she and Mr. Kubik were able to take to Argentina, Zambia and India. Mrs. Kubik shared stories about the dedication to God’s way and adoption of the fundamental beliefs of United Church of God by people in these regions.

Our service project this year was to collect gently used sweatshirts and coats, coffee and condiments and hygiene products for a local halfway house. The proceeds from the silent auction will be sent to ABC for a scholarship for an international student. Just over $800 was raised for the scholarships!

Some comments from the exit survey underscore the success of this year’s Women’s Enrichment Weekend. One woman said she benefited from the presentation about the international areas and how United Church of God is instrumental in assisting struggling congregations around the world. Another comment was, “Each year I am able to come, the bonds between us all grow stronger. We all have different ways of viewing things and it helps to have a new perspective. I loved the theme this year, and the words from the ‘horse’s mouth!’” A final comment was that, “It’s been personally revealing about things I need to change.” 

There were many more positive comments about feeling encouraged, formation of bonds, and not wanting to miss any Women’s Weekends. This was the best year ever! We had younger women in attendance who are making plans to attend next year, sealing the goal of Southwest Missouri Women’s Enrichment Weekend, 2020!

Merna Eppick