The theme was taken from Dr. Gary Chapman’s best-selling books focusing on the five love languages—five primary ways to give and receive love (acts of service, quality time, words of affirmation, physical touch, and gifts).

This was Garden Grove’s 17th annual Women’s Weekend and was held Jan. 26-28, 2018, again at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Santa Ana, California.

Through an assessment and various presentations, our group of 110 ladies learned not only what their primary love language is but how to better connect and show appreciation and love to others in ways that are the most meaningful to them.

Our full weekend began with many arriving Friday and settling in to relax and meet with friends. Sabbath morning, Robin Webber, pastor of several congregations in the extended area, set the tone bringing in the spiritual overview with his message: “The Intimate Sacred Relationship.” The sermon was preceded by special music selections including a 12-member women’s ensemble plus solos by Laura Roberts and Kourtney Kovanis. A special treat was incorporating a sing-along with a song by Mark Graham that he composed in 2015 in response to a request from a Women’s Weekend in Ohio that year. The words of “Daughters in the Lord” captured the spirit and essence of these Women’s Enrichment Weekends.

The theme was expanded on Sabbath afternoon. LeeAnn Luker gave an overview of the theme with “What Speaks to the Heart?” Five presenters followed, each dedicated to one of the five love languages: Acts of Service (Sherie Stores), Quality Time (Jean Updegraff), Words of Affirmation (Sylvia Kennedy), Physical Touch (Elaine Carlisle) and Gifts (Cindy Neumann). Shelly Thomas then explained how God speaks in all five love languages and followed with interactive discussions by tables.

The day was capped by sharing a yummy Mexican buffet. On Sunday morning, three ladies (Jennifer Garnant, Kourtney Kovanis and Christine Hendrickson) shared lessons learned in their lives. Deborah Barr then led an interactive discussion session focusing on practical applications of the theme in our lives.

On Sunday afternoon, a shorter speech by Marie Zelenka and the closing presentation by Jackie Horchak focused on the importance of applying these vital principles of the love languages in marriage and other relationships. Coleen Moriarty as our moderator expertly wove the presentations together with a great dose of humor.

Some came away from the weekend with treasured donated items from our fundraising raffle that raised $938 for Good Works and LifeNets. However, the main treasured takeaways were ladies leaving with their own “love tanks” filled and with tools to help fill those of others.