A Letter From Our Chair
Ladies! What can we say about our retreat that was held at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel Resort in the home of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Orlando, Florida. God was definitely glorified, and we were truly edified. I’m still basking in God’s glory as my ordinary has become EXTRAODINARY. I stay on this journey called life, striving to reach the heavenly destination and collecting gems everyday.
It has been truly a pleasure serving God’s children for 32 years. Ten years as chair and twenty-two as hospitality chair. I believe God chose me for this position for such a time as this. He could have chosen anyone, I just said Yes, and used my vision, my passion, my purpose, and God has given the increase through me for this ministry. The celebration on Friday afternoon and Friday evening was just a reminder of the shoulders I am standing on and the work left to be done. The responsibility is to grow the retreat for tomorrow as we make a difference in our Sisters’ lives and truly understand the assignment and the legacy.
A big Thank You to Mr. Rosen, Travis, John, and the whole Rosen Shingle Resort Team, for the complimentary, phenomenal reception and gifts that were given to me in celebration of 10 years of being chair of the Ladies Lectureship Retreat, it was truly a humbling experience and one I’ll always hold dear to my heart. Thank you Collette Johnson(CVB) of Visit Orlando for being a part of our cause and generously welcoming us to Orlando. We appreciate your support more than words can say.
Webster’s dictionary has not come up with a word or words to describe the surprised celebration that was planned by Doris Dansby, Jarilyn Fox, Reba Rollinson, Glynda Mayo-Hall, Deb Houston, Southwestern Christian College and the cities that hosted the retreat for the last nine years. I really thank each one of you for the gifts of gratitude and love shown to me this year, I’m truly humbled and honored. To God be the Glory! I didn’t do this alone a big thank you to my Dream Team, my Ministers Bro. Chris Covington and Bro. Paul R. Mason, guest Minister Brother Andy Moss Sr, my brothers, the phenomenal speakers, song leaders, emcees, vendors, health fair sponsors, advertisement support, mass choir, group coordinators, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, Lateacha Coleman Foundation and Jonesy Girl Production.
Thanks to my sisters that gave generously. Sunday Morning offering $4,035.10, The Elsie Gilliam’s Sister 2 Sister $6,376.50, Betty Mason’s Community Project $4,492.00, S.W.C.C. $5,738.00, Jonesy Girl Production $1080.00. Our 2024 recipient of the Mattie Blackstone McIntosh and free registration - Pamela Rolle. Scholarship winners Winnie Jewel Wright Scholarship - Kaelyn Johnson $500.00 - and Latecha Coleman Foundation - Nevaeh Simone Williams $500.00 and Maliyah Walker $100.00.
Last definitely but not least a big Thank You to Sheldon Heights CoC, Chatham Avalon CoC and the windy city area wide Churches of Christ of Chicago, IL for agreeing to host our 38th Annual Ladies Lectureship Retreat for April 10-13, 2025.
To God be the Glory for what He has done and is going to do!
Chair
Elsie Gilliam