Christian women's conference was deeply loved

Over 300 women from 50 different churches attended the first ever women's conference, organised by the Norfolk Gospel Partnership on January 27.

The theme of the day was ‘Deeply Loved’ and the main sessions drew from teaching from Mark’s gospel, and from the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Guest speakers were Emily Hay, a dedicated women’s worker from City Church in Birmingham and Amy Smith from Christian charity Faith in Kids. Emily and Amy are sisters, and talked about the benefits of sharing not only a family bond, but the supportive nature of having a spiritual connection.

The conference took place at Holy Trinity Church in Norwich and sessions were introduced by members of the Norfolk Gospel Partnership conference planning team, who also facilitated smaller focus group sessions.

Seminars included ‘Global conversations’, ‘Loving my church family’ and ‘loving my good body’.

There was the opportunity to split into smaller focus groups on a diverse range of topics, including ‘caring for creation’, ‘caring for dependent relatives’ and there was a group for young women aged 14 – 18, and another for those considering pursuing theological study.

Whatever a person’s life stage or challenge, there was a group of relevance, aimed at drawing like-minded women together in order to share their experience and encourage each other - for example, how to share faith in the workplace, making the most of retirement and how to reach the county with the good news of Jesus. There was a balance between teaching sessions and practical tips and the chance to make new connections with people across the county. 

A bookstall was provided by Christian retailer 10ofThose who had hand picked books of interest at discount prices. A delicious lunch was provided by bakery Bread Source, in efforts to keep the event local and sustainable. 

Bev Dubberley is on the planning team and said,  "We were thrilled to see over 300 women, from 50 churches, attend the first Norfolk Gospel Partnership Women's Conference. Our hope is that it would serve the gospel and its spread across our needy county, as women were spurred on and encouraged in their faith to live for Jesus."

It is hoped that the event will become a firm fixture on the Norfolk Gospel Partnership calendar for years to come.

Future events run by the Norfolk Gospel Partnership include:

• Preaching workshops: Feb 12, June 10, Nov 11
• Speaking Life in a Digital Age: March 11
• Crosslands Training: May 20
• Like the Brightness After Rain: May 21

https://norfolkgospel.org.uk/events
 
Pictured above: a worship session, and the event planning team