Suntree Methodist Church hosted its annual Abide Women's Conference. The church invited women in its congregation to gather for a chance for them to have a "spiritual pick-me-up." 

Sisters in Faith

In a report with Hometown News Brevard, the event took place on Saturday, May 21. 

This year marked the fifth time the church held the conference. The gathering also serves as a way for women to meet like-minded sisters in the faith. 

Registration costs $20 and includes lunch and childcare. The church invited women of all faiths and denominations to join the event. 

'Come as You Are'

Associate pastor Allee Willcox encouraged women to attend. She said that it was a "come as you are" event. Willcox told attendees to invite people outside of their circle so that they might know the church. 

The church leader added that the church would love to share a morning of fellowship and fun with its congregants. 

Willcox told the news outlet that the church's understanding of friendship was grounded on Christian values. She encouraged women to consider building relationships in all aspects of their lives. 

The annual event began as a simple gathering of women watching a live stream of 'IF Gathering." The national women's conference inspired the church to host its event to inspire the local community.

Gathering of Friends

The women's conference was led by SUMC Reverend Annette Stiles Pendergrass. St. Luke's United Methodist Church pastor Jen Stiles Williams co-hosted the event. 

Pastor Willcox was one of the guest speakers at the conference. Joining her was Reverend Amy Armistead, the pastor of The Gathering Place in Ormond Beach. 

Willcox pointed out that the church offered everyone a unique opportunity to connect with other women who shared the same values. She said that everyone had something special about them, and this event gave them the chance to celebrate that uniqueness. 

The theme of the conference was "Where Friends Gather." It called to mind celebrating friendships and camaraderie in a post-COVID world. 

This year's gathering was a way for the church to welcome congregants into a sense of normalcy after the pandemic.

The event also encouraged building supportive faith-centered relationships. Fostering positive relationships and sisterhood was an important message the Abide leadership wanted to offer. 

Energizing Faith

The conference also featured some breakout activities. The conference was structured as a worship service. 

The annual event also features speakers who are considered women of faith. Music will be provided by SUMC's Contemporary Worship Band.

The church told attendees that they will leave the event refreshed and energized in the faith. Pastor Willcox shared that she has found powerful meaning in the worship and speakers.

She said that the conference helped women feel connected in their relationships and empowered them to live out their faith. 

The pastor hopes that the positive energy will continue to spread into the community. 

Inviting Seekers of Faith

According to the church website, its mission is to "invite seekers to follow Jesus." 

Its vision is to "be followers of Jesus who love God, love each other, and love our neighbors in extraordinary ways."

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