6 BOCNEWS.com MARCH 2019 Lifting Others as We Rise in Faith, Love and Prayer “ABeloved Sisterhood: Lifting Others as We Rise in Faith, Love and Prayer”- was the thematic foundation of the newly formed IAMWMW Western Regional Conference, held at The Hilton Garden Inn in Las Vegas, NV January 31st - February 2nd, 2019. This conference was historic on many levels, in that it was the very first conference held under the newly formed “Western Region” and the leader- ship of its newly elected Regional Vice President, Dr. Barbara Watkins of Richmond, CA. The formerly known as Pacific Region included CA, WA, OR and HI and AK (the latter two are currently inactive). And the formerly known as Mid-Northwest Region included CO, NV, UT, AZ, SD and ND (with the lat- ter two currently inactive). The merger of both formerly named regions resulted in the newly named “Western Region.” All agreed that the new configuration allowed sisters to make new friends in a different region or territo- ry. The conference was further significant because it was the very first Regional Conference held under the leadership of the IAMWMW’s 9th International President, Dr. Margaret B. Payton, elected in June 2018.  Colorado was proudly represented at the confer- ence in the person of CAMWMW’s State President, Flora Young and Asst. Recording Secretary, Lexine C. James. James also represented DIAMWMW Denver Local President, Dr. Claudette E. Sweet. Dr. Sweet also actively serves as a CAMWMW State Officer in the capacity of Financial Secretary.  The conference weekend included a kickoff Executive Board Meeting (of local, state, regional and international officers) and a dinner held the evening of Thursday, January 31, 2019. The balance of the weekend included breakfast and fellowship each morning then transportation to the confer- ence sessions held at Greater Mt. Sinai Recruiting Ministries. On day one, Thursday, February 1st- Regional Conference Dean of Education, Min. Traci Allen of Las Vegas, facilitated an interactive “Getting to Know You” period for the greater gathering of sisters, which was enjoyed by all. Three powerfully anointed workshop speakers/facilitator secured by Dean Allen were Lady Sandra Harris, Bethesda COGIC, Las Vegas, Sherita Childress, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Dr. Mary L. House, Mountaintop Faith Ministries, Las Vegas, NV. Harris encompassed her passionate and trans- parent testimony, colorful anecdotes and personal challenges in a profound presentation firmly rooted in the word of God (Phil. 3:13-14). Harris chal- lenged the sisterhood to effectively maintain pri- orities, plans and proper perspectives that please God. Harris’ energy and humor made her even more relevant and relatable. After a splendid lunch held in the fellowship building of Greater Mt. Sinai Recruiting Ministries, day one concluded with the 2nd workshop facilita- tor/speaker. Childress, stressed the importance of good mental health, as women, as women mar- ried to clergy who carry the weight of ministry, and the need for good mental health altogether. Most specifically she stressed breaking the stigma that prevents many believers from seeking professional counseling when warranted. On the abbreviated day two, Saturday morning, February 2nd comprised of greetings and remarks from Lula Williams, Nevada State President and Past Mid-Northwest RVP, Dr. Mary Watson. Thereafter, the empowerment workshop facilitator, Dr. Mary L. House, Mountaintop Faith Ministries, Las Vegas, NV encouraged and edified conferees. House shared some of the fundamentals of her and her husband’s journey that led to their personal and ministry’s fiscal and financial health. According to Dr. House, “With an effective prayer life, God will download strategies to us for his glory.”  The conference concluded with regional and international closing remarks, and heartfelt presen- tations to the respective presidents.  Reflecting upon the unique joy of a sister- hood, Lexine James summarizes the lingering joy of witnessing three distinguished conferees that realized they have more in common than just an organizational connection. The uniqueness of a deeper bond was all the more evident by three beautiful sisters who each is named “Flora” and each is a widow. CAMWMW’s own Flora Young (Parker, CO- married just months shy of 50 years, widowed less than 6 months), Flora Parker (Sacramento, CA- married 27 years, wid- owed 13 months) and Flora Mossett (Los Angeles, CA- married 52 years, widowed 5 years). When asked to share her sentiments about such a coin- cidence, Flora Young stated, ” Well, over the years, I have briefly met one Flora at a time. This was my first time meeting one/two who were ministers’ wid- ows. I kept looking at them. They too seemed to be excited about serving God- like me. I will never forget them.” Lexine remembers, “Watching the interaction of these beautiful sisters’ was indeed a delightful experience. It truly refreshed my spirit.” Regarding the conference weekend, Flora further said, "We represent the relevancy of the independence and unity goals of the international body being met in Nevada!” Each of these illustrious women/confer- ees has her individual journey yet to be concluded, individual needs and personal desires, as does the collective IAMWMW sisterhood. This makes us all ever mindful of our Western Regional Conference theme, “A Beloved Sisterhood: Lifting Others as We Rise in Faith, Love and Prayer” By Lexine C. James The uniqueness of a deeper bond was all the more evident by three beautiful sisters who each is named “Flora” and each is a widow. CHURCH NEWS