BAPTIST WOMEN

North American Baptist Women Meet by Patsy Davis

America gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, from October 3-6, 2012, for the North American Baptist Women’s Union (NABWU) assembly, which is held every fi ve years. The theme of the assembly was “thread.” Every element of the program weaved together the threads of connectivity that formed a tapestry of love, servanthood, and fellowship. There were four present and former BWA Women’s De-

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partment presidents in attendance: Raquel Contreras, 2010- 2015; Audrey Morikawa, 2000-2005; Mercy Jeyaraja Rao, 1995-2000; and Catherine Allen, 1990-1995, all of whom currently live in North America. Contreras, current BWA Women’s Department president, brought the Bible studies each morning. Lauran Bethell

threads of connectivity formed a tapestry of love, servanthood, and fellowship

who works on behalf of and cares for women who have been exploited and abused, brought this issue to our minds, emphasizing the need for action and response. NABWU has developed a new network of Baptist women

Top: New NABWU offi cers, left to right, Angelita Clifton, vice president communications and promotion; Stacey L. Benn, secretary; Moreen Sharp, president; Darlene McGilberry, treasurer; Ruby Fulbright, vice president-mentoring; and Lisa Lohnes, vice president- Day of Prayer promotion, project grants, & prayer partners

Middle: BWA Women’s Department presidents and director, left to right, Raquel Contreras, 2010-2015; Audrey Morikawa, 2000-2005; Patsy Davis (executive director); Mercy Jeyaraja Rao, 1995-2000; Catherine Allen, 1990-1995

Bottom: BWA Women’s Department leaders and staff, left to right, T. J. Wheeler, executive assistant; Patsy Davis, executive director; Raquel Contreras, president; Donna Groover, secretary/treasurer

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who lead specifi c ministries that address the needs of women and their families throughout Canada and the United States. The network has grown to 70 women working in 14 ministry areas. There were 18 workshops offered at the assembly, 14 led by women from the new network. This assembly was the fi rst opportunity for many of these networkers to meet face to face. One of the workshops offered was The Joy! Of Global Networking. The BWA Women’s Department team presented this workshop, helping women see how they are a part of the global network, and what they can do to make a difference through the Baptist Women’s World Day of Prayer. Flashpoints is a multi-generational team that used dance,

drama, and creative expression to celebrate God throughout the assembly. Saturday, the last day of the assembly, was a day of doing

business and a day of celebration. New offi cers were elected during the decision meeting and installed during a celebration luncheon. Moreen Sharp, new NABWU president, said: “Networking is a key initiative that needs to continue and grow ever stronger. As a North American organization, we have a unique place in networking women who are working towards bringing God’s heart and values to this world.”

Baptist women from across North