6 BOCNEWS.com DECEMBER 2018 The Colorado Association of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows (CAMWMW) proudly hosted its 3rd “Blue and Gold Banquet” on the evening of Friday, October 12th, at The Park Hill Golf Club. The evening was a grand success under the collaborative work of CAMWMW State President Flora Young, banquet Chairperson Pastor Zina Parrish and other dedicated officers. According to President Young “Never willing to accept com- placency or the stagnancy of the status quo, we move forward in our communities as bold women of God.” The banquet is just one of CAMWMW’s tangible expressions and commitments to service to God and its sisterhood. The CAMWMW is a proud chapter of the Interdenominational Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows (IAMWMW)- under the lead- ership of its 8th President, Dr. Margaret Brown Payton. Although the gala banquet was an annual fundraiser, it was dedicated as and intended to be a grand occasion for God’s glory. The CAMWMW provides spiritual and emotional support to its membership throughout the year and also facili- tates various community service related projects. It is proud of its volunteer efforts and other part- nerships with The Colorado AIDS projects, its long time involvement with women's shelters, transi- tional housing entities, literacy programs, Sickle Cell Anemia, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Proceeds of the gala will go to local scholarships, and other initiatives and commitments. The first “Royal Blue and Gold Gala” was held under the joyful heart of CAMWMW’s former State President Lexine C. James. At its inception, she envisioned an evening set aside for elegance and encouragement, not only for its sisterhood, but all who attended. State President Young and CAMWMW were honored to welcome (for the first time to Colorado) its IAMWMW Western Region Vice President, Dr. Barbara Watkins of Richmond, CA. The “Ministers’ Widows Awards”- a highlight of the evening, acknowledged and encouraged wives who lost their clergy husband over the past two years. In honor and memory of their beloved husband, a certificate and commemorative plaque was presented to the following: Missionary Gloria Alexander (Dr. Harrell A. Alexander), Elect Lady Carolyn Beechum (Apostle Ralph E. Beechum), Shepherdess Odie Kenney (Supt. Lamar Kennedy), Lady Mary McMearn (Pastor James McMearn), Pastor Zina Parrish (Rev..Calvin Carlton), Lady Flora Young (Rev. John J. Young). Attendees were later edified as the banquet’s theme “Still I Rise” (anchored in Micah 7:6) was fervently and passionately delivered by the key- note speaker, Elect Lady Carolyn Beechum of House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church. The evening concluded with resounding songs of encouragement - “I’ve Got a Feeling Everything’s Going to Be Alright” and “Bind Us Together”- CAMWMW and IAMWMW theme song. 3rd Annual Gold and Blue Gala At its inception, she envisioned an evening set aside for elegance and encouragement, not only for its sisterhood, but all who attended. CHURCH NEWS