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Quadrennial Assembly 2010: Reflections from a First Timer

Abstract: Quadrennial Assembly First Timer tells about her experiences at QA 2010 in Greensboro, NC

Submitted By: Marilyn Petrick
Date of News: 06/23/2010
Church or Ministry: Disciples Women's Ministries
Church City: Burnet
Area (optional): Bluebonnet

"Quadrennial Assembly? Am I planning on going? No, I prefer to go to more personsl, smaller events like our Area Retreats or our Southwest Region's Assembly of Women." Yes, these were the words (and more) that I actually said to Adonna Bowman, Executive Director of Disciples Women last fall. That was before I attended her Vision Gathering for DWM in the Southwest Region, and got even more pumped up about Women's Ministries. And that was before I registered for my very first Quadrennial Assembly. Yes, I did attend the 14th Quadrennial Assembly held in Greensboro, NC, and since returning, I have been on a steady diet of "those words."

Once I made up my mind to go, I got really excited. I had expectations for the music that I would hear, and I was not disappointed. The musical team of Emily Bowen, Julie Nicolay, and Laura Hall shared their musical gifts with us with awesome music. Guest musicians, choirs and dancers from North Carolina churches shared their music with us.

We were blessed with great preachers, Bible study, powerful worships and communion services and with so many workshops topics that it was hard to make a choice. QA also provided us the opportunity to meet our sisters and hear their stories from all over the world. One "unscheduled workshop" occurred in the pool--a beautiful afternoon, a group of Disciples Women, and conversations/discussions on a number of topics. It could have been called "Sharing with Your Sisters." Tops on my "To Do List" was to participate in a gospel service, and participate I did! Awesome! I felt like I was singing with the angels!

The "Bras for a Cause" event was an unqualified success, raising over $4000 with over 130 entries. The creativity and thought put into these creations made this a very successful fundraiser for the Susan G. komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and was great fun for all everyone who entered and supported this event.

We celebrate the efforts of the women in support of QA 2010 missions. The following items were brought to Greensboro:

*Over 5,000 purses and 5,000 books
*Blessing boxes totaling $11,712.68
*100 blankets
*150 knitted/crocheted blankets for Project Linus
*3,240 hygiene kits
*39 baby layettes

Volunteer Efforts
*21 men and women refurbished 3 houses in the Greensboro area
*16 tweeners worked at the Greensboro Urban Ministry food and clothing bank
*9 women worked at a local church to help prepare for VBS
*7 women painted Mary's House Shelter
*39 women worked at the Servant Center
*168 women signed up to work at the Welfare Reform Liaison

Here are a few more statistics:

*1887 registrants
*648 first-timers
*76 husbands
*40 tweeners
*44 states represented
*15 countries represented
*8 women who have attended all 14 Quadrennial Assemblies

And I can't say enough about the "Pajama Girls", the young women who served as our Stewards. They worked tirelessly helping in any way that was requested and they entertained us the entire week. They represent the future of DWM, and if they are an indication, then the future looks good. The stewards representing the Southwest Region were Rachel Rebegay, Coastal Plains Area, and Lindsey Rawlings, North East Texas Area.

I could go on and on and on. It was an awesome experience for me; one that I will not soon forget. QA 2014 is only four years away. I challenge you to start saving, holding fundraisers,and encouraging the women in your church to attend the next Quadrennial Assembly. Time and location is yet to be determined.