By Ginny Tompkins

FAIRLAWN, Va. (Sept. 2, 2106) -- On Aug. 27, the congregations of Morgan's Chapel and Dublin United Methodist Churches in the Wytheville District of Holston Conference joined together to hold a community women's conference. The Dream Big themed event was a day of spiritual, emotional, and physical inspiration that was challenging and encouraging all who attended.

Keynote Speaker and Life Coach Pat Farrell; Wytheville District Superintendent Rev. Kim Goddard; and the Rev. Karen Black motivated the crowd with empowering inspirational messages.

Participants chose from workshops including Resources for the Aging, Making Prayer Beads, Laughter Yoga, Internet Security, Crocheting, Faith Journaling, Stress Management, and more.

Community resource groups Dress for Success, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Radford Women’s Resource Center set up informational booths to share details about their services. These workshops and community resources inspired women to use their individual gifts for the kingdom of God within the community. 

In 2015 Morgan's Chapel UMC hosted a women's conference for 35 participants. A grant from the Wytheville District’s church extension and congregation development allowed the design team to dream bigger, allowing a co-host partnership with Dublin UMC. This year's event reached approximately 135 women.

God was clearly moving in the midst of the event, providing an amazing day of ministry and inspiration.

The Rev. Ginny Tompkins is pastor of the New River Circuit.