Eighty-three ladies from Washington, Oregon, and California attended the Women’s Enrichment Weekend in Portland, Oregon, Feb. 20-22, 2015. The theme was “Showers of Comfort.” The messages focused on life challenges and ways godly women can comfort others.

On Friday, the ladies played a get-to-know-you game. Friday evening LeeAnn Luker gave a heart-warming presentation on her experience with coping with the loss of her husband, Denny. She and the audience listed ways that we can comfort others as well as things that do not provide comfort to others.

On Sabbath morning, Hansel New and Ben Light gave split-sermons. Mr. Light’s message was titled “Barnabas—the Son of Encouragement.” He showed that Barnabas was a good man and was full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Acts 11:22-24). Mr. New gave a message entitled “Agents of Comfort.” Mr. New stressed that we should look to God for comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3). Also he stated that older women in the Church should be “reverent, not slanderers, not given to much wine, and teachers and good examples to younger women in the church” (Titus 2:3).

Emily New, Samantha Stewart and Mackenzie Griswald sang a song entitled “Create in Me a Clean Heart.” Hansel New accompanied them on the guitar. Also a group of ladies sang “Faithfulness.” Heidi Newcomb played “Bring Him Home” on the cello accompanied by Carmella Weis on the piano. Amanda Richards sang a song entitled “Unpack Your Heart” by Phillip Phillips.

Sabbath afternoon Jan Segall gave a presentation on how she has risen above challenges in life and ways that she has found comfort. Carrie Lippincott, Terri Miller and Betty Aime spoke about their lives and ways that they have found comfort. Saturday night was filled with a silent auction, card-making and a hymn sing-along. The silent auction raised more than $900, which was donated to the Good Works program.

On Sunday, Sandy Cafourek and Rachelle New led an interactive workshop that allowed participants to get to know each other better. Afterwards Karen Walker gave a presentation on challenging times in her life when she needed comfort. Dyanne Dick gave a wrap-up message that was followed by a delicious brunch. The ladies seemed to benefit greatly from the weekend and many said they looked forward to attending the Women’s Enrichment Weekend next year.