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5^th Annual ‘All About You’ Woman’s Retreat held at Farish Street Baptist Church

Jackson Advocate August 11, 2011 | Thomas-Tisdale, Alice “Reaching Up and Reaching Out” seemed to be done effortlessly by members of the Circle of Faith Auxiliary at Farish Street Baptist Church, located in the Farish Street Historic District in Jackson, MS. The women are expert event planners committed to Christ. The retreat was held Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011 in conjunction with the church’s 31 Days in August, a growing calendar marking throughout the state. A lot can be said about the women of Farish Street, but Cheryl Turner, President of Circle of Faith, captures their mission with precision. “We are dynamic, spirit-filled women of faith, embracing the Church’s vision of fellowship, encouragement, support for the needy and unity in the body of Christ.” Other officers are: Jean Lee, Vice President; Gwendolyn Horton, Secretary; Pat Edwards, Assistant Secretary; Alberta Smith, Treasurer; Ada Robinson, Chaplain; and Delores Hopkins, Instructor. Dr.Hickman Johnson serves as Pastor and First Lady is Gladys Johnson.

The 9 – 1 p.m. Christian living program began with greetings and meditation by Patricia Edwards, President, Woman’s Missionary Society, Farish Street Baptist Church. Shelia Smith-Gibbs helped guests get to know each other with a fun game. This was followed by a series of quality of life sessions which included “Eating Out Healthy” by Natasha Haynes of Home Extension Services; “Exercise Right” by Ann Henson of Fitness Lady; “Broken Squares” (learning to put your life in order) by Dr. Marian Talley, Associate Minister, Farish Street Baptist Church; “Know Your Numbers” (health talk) by Donna Lavigne, Jackson Heart Study and “All About Your Spirit” by Debbie Magee, First Lady of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church, Bolton, MS. here walmart price match

“We need to lift up clean hands and pure hearts before we can come into the Lord’s presence,” confirmed presenter Debbie Magee. “Wash your hands if you want to honor and reverence God. Do it through prayer and supplication, surrendering to his goodness, and praising him so he can impart blessings unto you.” She told the attendees to capture every negative thought by arresting their thoughts. Referring to 2 Cor. 10:5 Magee said: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obethence of Christ.” Live in the heart of God, she urged. To do this, she recommended learning what’s in the heart of God: love, his kingdom, the bride of Christ, his people, desire for us to be pure, holiness, obedience, a united front, and truth in his word. “Does your heart look like his?” she asked. “Today we are reaching up, lifting our clean hands and pure hearts to God in praise; connecting with his heart; receiving his love and blessings; then reaching out to bless the lives of others.” Besides breakfast, lunch and the written word, participants filled up on door prizes and game prizes. “The Price is Right” was the crowd favorite. “Oohs” and “Aahs” were heard throughout the fellowship hall as Barbara Davis walked across the room in Hollywood fashion showing the items up for bid. Who could guess the manufactured suggested retail price of a large box of Gain detergent was $26? Who else but Dr. Marian Talley. Other “contestants” threw out prices as low as $4. “We’re not asking for the WalMart price. We’re talking about the manufacturer’s suggested retail price,” laughed game host Jean Lee. Guests laughed too, in a huge sigh of relief that the actual store price was much lower. Guests coming closest to the right price won the household items.

Several area churches were represented at Saturday’s Woman’s Retreat. Among them were several members of St. Thomas M.B. Church (Bolton), Pastor Darryl L. Magee Sr.; Bonita Seals of New Strangers Home M.B. Church, Pastor Randy Leflore; Tonya Huff-Bolin of True Vine M.B. Church (Brandon), Pastor Kevin Langston; I.B. Muhamed of Central United Methodist, Pastor Steven T. Cook; Carolyn Whitaker of Greater Antioch M.B. Church, Pastor Clyde K. Tate; Brenda Loings of Rosemont M.B. Church, Pastor Jimmie L. Edwards; Linda Wilson of Mt. Hood M.B. Church (Clinton), Pastor Fredrick Williams; Barbara Y. Hamilton of Anderson United Methodist Church, Pastor Joe May; Nancy Bradley Gaynor, Fresh Start Christian Church, Pastor James Henley Jr.; House of Prayer, Bishop Lee K. Hutton Jr.; Edna R. Adams of New Kingdom M.B. Church, Pastor Marvin Adams; members of Mt. Helm Baptist Church, Pastor C.J. Rhodes; Bertha Moses of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Pastor John Wicks Jr.; and Anne Hanson of Grandview Baptist Church (Pearl), Pastor R. Prueitt.

The only foreseeable problem the Circle of Faith Woman’s Auxiliary may have at next year’s retreat is making room for more attendees. This year’s event, which is free and open the public, was nearly filled to capacity.

It’s a given that everyone there on Saturday will tell someone else to mark the first Saturday in August 2012 on their calendar to attend the 6^th Annual “All About You” Woman’s Retreat. The women of Farish Street really do make it all about us!

A special thank you to Farish Street members Mrs. Edna Harris and Barbara Davis for their help with this article.

[Sidebar] High energy was norm for the event.

Hostesses for the Woman’s Retreat did an exceptional job. They are: Jean Lee, Clementine Donaldson, Pat Edwards, Barbara Davis, Alberta Smith, Edna Harris, Ada Robinson, Cheryl Turner, Gwen Horton, Irma Reed and Shelia Gibbs. (Advocate photos: Alice Thomas-Tisdale) Dr. Marian Tally is happy with her winnings at “The Price is Right” as fellow contestants Trina Robinson, Nancy Gaynor and Kyna McCalpin look on. Other Price is Right contestants were: Amelita Ross, Mary V. Brown, Debbie Magee (winner of Brawny paper towels), Vera Bullock, Mami Buckhanan, Essie Broadwater, Carmelita Denton (winner of 10 lbs. of sugar), Bertha Moses (winner of plastic ware), Gloria J. Green, Bethany Tarvin and Gloria Tarvin Who’s turning 60? “I am!” says Donna Lavigne with no hesitation. go to web site walmart price match

The eldest guest honor went to 82-year old Clara “Dollye” Watkins. The youngest guest was 17-year old Angelica Lee. Both received a special gift from the Circle of Faith.

(Top) Who’s smarter than a puzzle maker? Gwendolyn Kelly, Carmelita Denton, Bonita Seals, Patricia Logan and Kyna McCalpin. These ladies thought they won the “Broken Squares” game when they came up with four squares of equal sizes. However, the squares weren’t quite the same as the winning combination. Bragging rights go to Linda R. Jones, Danella Catchings, Marie Johnson, Hazel Corley King, Bethany Corley King and Celestine Jones King. Table Judge was Farish Street Baptist Church’s First Lady Gladys Johnson who ensured her group did not verbally communicate or use gestures during puzzle challenge.

St. Thomas Baptist Church First Lady Debbie Magee (left) and member Gwendolyn Kelly demonstrated that if you live a sinful life, your dirty hands adversely affects everything you touch.

[Author Affiliation] By Alice Thomas-Tisdale Jackson Advocate Publisher Thomas-Tisdale, Alice