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 Acts 11:22-24 [22] Then tidings of these things came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. [23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would hold to the Lord. [24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added to the Lord.
American King James Version×). Mr. New gave a message entitled “Agents of Comfort.” Mr. New stressed that we should look to God for comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 1:3Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
American King James Version×). 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 Titus 2:3The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
American King James Version×).

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.