“I turned sixty-one years old in June and gave myself a birthday gift: a trip to Independence, Missouri, to the Church Women United Gathering. I am always apprehensive making reservations as much as six months in advance, but I put all such thoughts behind me and took a leap of faith.
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Music rang through the Auditorium. |
“I am a lover of music. I paid attention. There was a vast
variety of music and musical instruments. I sang songs I had never sung
before. I enjoyed the open display of the numerous pipes that filled the
walls for the pipe organ.
“The facilities where we assembled were large and very accommodating. I
observed women with various physical challenges: with seeing-eye dogs, in
wheelchairs, using walkers and canes. Those with hearing problems were
provided hearing devices when we assembled in the Auditorium.
“Our schedules were full every day, from early morning devotionals through workshops and small groups throughout the morning and afternoon, and larger gatherings in the evenings. We shared ideas, experiences, and knowledge. We lifted one another up, encouraging and supporting one another. I was brought to tears on Sunday as we joined hands to sing our closing hymn, ‘Blessed Be the Tie that Binds.’ Our time together had gone so fast. I was not ready to depart and felt deep down in my soul I had certainly experienced a little bit of heaven.”
—Carolyn Crump, First Presbyterian Church,
Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
“The Gathering was such an uplifting spiritual experience. It was almost too much ‘meat’ to digest in such a short period of time! The key speakers’ messages were all so energetic and their enthusiasm was something that only one being there could relate to.”
—Marie Harju, United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kansas, USA
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Gail Mengel addresses the gathering of women. |
“Attending the CWU Gathering got my summer off to a positive spiritual start. Everything was wonderful. The speakers were dynamic and shared meaningful messages. I had the opportunity to reconnect with Community of Christ sisters as well as make some wonderful connections with ecumenical sisters. It was wonderful to share with everyone.”
—Tammie Stetler, Council Bluffs, Iowa, USA
“I did a lot of walking the weekend I attended the CWU Gathering. As I walked into the Temple one of the first persons I saw was a Graceland classmate and club sister from Michigan—a connection already. We walked together for a while, visited with folks in line, and received our workshop and group assignments.
“After settling in at my host’s home, I parked behind the Auditorium and walked up into the building, across the street, and into the second floor of the Temple, where I found the gift shop and bookstore. (All this was on an upward incline. Because I’m from “flat Florida,” I was already puffing and perspiring.) There I found volunteer Community of Christ sisters busily assisting customers and a special person in my life named Isabella Fisher, who was a faith mentor as the bishop’s wife in Kirtland Stake many years ago.
“I walked into workshops presented by people of action who work for the good of others. In very thorough and informative workshops, I learned that working for and promoting peace and justice is not limited to the Community of Christ. I sensed the vision!
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Speakers shared their testimonies and stories. |
“I walked into small groups where people of many faiths took some time to know each other and to reflect on what we were experiencing. I heard their stories and struggles. For example, there was Reverend Rosemary who, when attempting to help integrate a dime-store counter quite a few years ago, was knocked out by a young man from a group that objected to her sitting between two black women. When she came to, she put her hand on the arm of the young man who had struck her and said softly, “Do you feel better now?” That group dispersed quietly, and she returned to her seat. Rosemary was engaged in her cause!
“I walked with women who had come from fifty states, Canada, and the Philippines—women full of energy, enthusiasm, and fun. I walked into the Laurel Club for meals and sat down to share with people I knew and people I had not yet met.
“I walked into powerful preaching by strong, vital women of other faiths who blew me away with the force of their passion for the scriptures, for justice for women, and belief that women working together can make a difference. In the closing service I recognized that the Community of Christ is called to places that many of us have not yet seen.
“Before this Gathering, I knew next to nothing about Church Women United, and many other Community of Christ women knew next to nothing, too. Someone said we have had our heads in the sand. I recognize that even though many women are involved in service projects in a variety of ways, there are excellent organizations and methods of operation beyond the boundaries of our congregations that are striving for peace and justice, that have dedicated their efforts to making a difference in the lives of women and children.”
—Gael Self, Oviedo, Florida, USA