NEC Women Together

Geraldine Farmer - NEC Women's Ministries Director

The first Women Together Conference in the NEC was held on 23rd May, 2010 - a beautiful, sunny day, at Nottingham’s East Midlands Conference Centre. The warmest day of the year to that date saw women arrive from as far afield as Newcastle, Liverpool and even the South England Conference. Many were clad in colourful traditional outfits echoing the diversity within our conference. Excitement mounted as a bar of flags was raised in preparation for the parade of nations in which a group of women marched in carrying flags from around the world.

This colourful display was followed by the opening address by Pastor Ian Sweeney who lauded the women of the north and assured them that God touches both men and women to minister to the needs of His people.

Presidential wife, Jennifer Sweeney reminded us that it’s not so much about the woman behind the successful man, but about the Man, Jesus Christ, behind the successful woman.

Excellent presentations were delivered by Newbold Sociology lecturer, Valerie Bernard-Allan, BUC Health Ministries Director, Sharon Platt-McDonald, Business Consultant, Sandra Golding and Pastor Patricia Douglas, all well-versed in their fields. All the topics were very relevant to women in our day and age and included good, godly advice on managing our personal finance, women’s health issues and using our words for the growth of Christian sisterhood.

The gathering was well fed, literally and figuratively, as women were able to browse the exhibition stalls with exhibitors’ offers ranging from professional photography, health products, health screening, books and even underwear! The vegetarian lunch was good, the atmosphere was positive and all in all, a wonderful day was had by all.

The first Women of Excellence Award nominees were Edelle Christie, Muriel Elson, Winifred Anderson, all from Nottingham and Vimal Sable from Birmingham. Certificates were awarded for outstanding contribution to community and church life.

The response to this event was very encouraging as, without exception, this year’s attendees voted to keep this day as an annual event. Comments included, ‘A very good and enjoyable day’ ,‘Engaging’, ‘Excellent content’ , ‘A very good conference’ . ‘It brought me alive to a lot of issues. I recommend it.’

The Women’s Ministries Department looks forward to continued and improved support for this event in the years to come.

The next Women Together Conference is planned for Sunday, May 15, 2011.