The Portland, Oregon, Women’s Enrichment Weekend hosted 70 ladies from Washington, Oregon and California on Feb. 21-23. This year’s theme was “Holding Fast: Just Enduring or Are You Persevering?” The theme was based on Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.”

Friday evening the ladies participated in a getting-to-know-you activity that filled the room with laughter. A delectable dinner followed, and after dinner LeeAnn Luker gave an intimate, heartfelt talk on the difficulties she has faced during the last year since her husband (former UCG president) Denny Luker died. It was very moving.

On Sabbath morning, Bob Dick (pastor of Portland, Oregon, and Hood River, Oregon) and John Cafourek (pastor of Salem, Eugene, and Roseburg, Oregon) gave split-sermons on the topic of spiritual perseverance. Bob Dick purported that Abraham patiently persevered and waited for God to fulfill His promises. John Cafourek stated that there are four facets of perseverance: faith, tenacity, endurance and courage. He included examples such as Job, Joshua and David, who demonstrated a great deal of perseverance. In addition to meaningful messages, Sharon Browning, from the Portland congregation, directed a ladies choir. They sang three beautiful songs (“Shepherd Psalm,” “Joy in the Morning,” and “Think About His Love”) that tied in well with the theme of perseverance.

Later Sabbath afternoon, Becky Hornor gave a presentation titled “…And Still Climbing.” She discussed ways to overcome the obstacles that impede success in attaining perseverance. Also, various members of the Portland congregation shared their personal experiences that involved perseverance. Dawn Scott played the guitar and sang her own arrangement of “You Raise Me Up.” Saturday night the ladies made 61 fleece blankets that will be donated to children in Portland, Oregon, that are in need. In tandem with the blanket-making there was a successful silent auction and hymn singing. The silent auction raised about $530 and will be donated to UCG’s Good Works program.

Sunday morning Dyann Dick conducted an interactive workshop. The ladies played a fun memory game. Also, there was an activity in which current blessings were listed as well as future blessings that were hoped for and goals for how to attain future blessings. Next, Sandy Cafourek gave a presentation titled “No Pain…No Gain.” She shared some of her personal experiences involving perseverance, including health challenges and challenges in the workplace. Amanda Richards sang a song titled “I Will Go” by Steven Green. Dyann Dick closed the seminar and thanked several people who worked hard to produce a successful weekend. Personally, I have attended several Women’s Enrichment Weekends and I have always found that I am inspired and moved by my fellow sisters in Christ. We are determined to persevere to the end.