WMS Winter Workshop

Conference Branch President Oveta Watkins welcomed over 300 missionaries to the Washington Conference Branch (WCB) Women's Missionary Society 2013 Winter Workshop hold on February 23, 2013. Sis. Linda Thompson, 2nd Vice President of the WCB (Commission on Mission Education and Interpretation) was the Chairperson for the event. Although the weather was cold and damp outside, inside Mt. Olive AME Church's Life Center in Annapolis, MD, missionaries from the Allawadrick, Celeste Duckette, Catherine C. Hemingway, and Matilda Monroe Areas convened to focus on administrative updates and Mental Health Awareness training, fulfilling one of the Second Episcopal District's Health and Wellness Initiatives for the Conference Year.

• The WCB WMS was honored to have SED President D. Faye Conley present on the Highlights of the Amended WMS Constitution and Bylaws.  This lively discussion was one of the highlights of the day, as missionaries were informed and brought up to date on adopted changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. Constitution and Bylaws were also available for purchase.

• Sister Joan Oxendine, member of the SED Health and Wellness Initiative, presented on Health and Wellness Initiative Local Programs, highlighting programs and resources available for local societies to implement projects to bring awareness on mental health issues. A question and answer session was held after each workshop.

• Dr. Sylvia Huntley, Training Manager for the Center for the School of Mental Health at University of Maryland's School of Medicine, facilitated discussion on Mental Health Awareness in the home, community, and schools. Dr. Huntley shared real life experience in dealing with mental health professionally and personally. This informative session was enlightening and encouraged local societies to become more informed on symptoms and preventative measures.

• Rev. Johnny Calhoun of Mt. Olive AME Church addressed the attendees and brought a soul stirring welcome; it was a sermon in itself. The Mt. Olive AME Church, Georgianna Boston WMS, and staff did an outstanding job in welcoming all who attended and providing delicious breakfast and lunch.

• Conference Branch President Oveta Watkins presented the Certificate of Appreciation to SED President D. Faye Conley, Dr. Sylvia Huntley, and Sis. Joan Oxendine for their participation in Winter Workshop.

• Conference Branch President Oveta Watkins awarded The Light House the Community Service Award. The Light House of Annaoplis, MD helps rebuild lives with compassion by providing shelter and services to prevent homelessness and empower people as they transition toward self-sufficiency. The YPD of Mt. Olive also presented a contribution to The Light House to assist in their ongoing efforts in caring for the homeless.

• Closing the Winter Workshop were highlights from the WMS Executive Board Meeting held in Dallas, TX. Evaluations indicated that the majority of the attendees rated the Winter Workshop as "Outstanding."

Reported by:

 Linda Thompson, 2nd Vice President, WCB 

Chair of the Commission on Mission Education and Interpretation

Photos by: 

Cheryl Gamette

Member of the Commission of MEI