The women of the Central Conference Woman’s Auxiliary gathered for their annual fall retreat at Free Union Free Will Baptist Church in Walstonburg, NC. This year's retreat drew an impressive attendance of over eighty women, all seeking a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship. The event was led by Donna Morgan, President of the Auxiliary from Friendship Church in Farmville, with support from Jean Averette, the Recording Secretary from First Church in Greenville.
Upon arrival, each participant was warmly welcomed and received a handmade gift, a door prize ticket, and a name tag, fostering a sense of belonging and excitement right from the start. The retreat, designed to be more relaxed and spiritually focused compared to the standard meetings, allowed the women to take a break from the formality of reports and business proceedings. Aside from a few handouts from denominational representatives to bring back to their home churches, the day centered entirely on worship, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Worship was a significant part of the retreat, led by Lynn Prescott and Janett Joyner, whose heartfelt music invited the presence of the Holy Spirit and set a peaceful, worshipful tone for the gathering. Various members of the Auxiliary’s executive committee also contributed to different aspects of the service, making it a collaborative and unified experience. A particularly moving part of the day was the Memorial Service presented by Kathy Hayes. Mrs. Hayes honored the lives of faithful women who had passed away since the previous meeting. With warmth and reverence, she reflected on how each of these women left behind a rich legacy of love, faith, and service that continues to inspire those who knew them.
Each year, the district honors one outstanding woman with the prestigious Life Membership Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication and service within the church and community. This year, the recipient of this esteemed award was Mrs. Donna Morgan from Friendship Church in Farmville, a woman whose selfless contributions have left a lasting impact on many.
The award was presented by Sandra Jones, Joan Little, and Jean Averett, who spoke with admiration and respect about Mrs. Morgan’s remarkable ministry. Known for her boundless generosity, kindness, and tireless service, Mrs. Morgan has consistently gone above and beyond in living out the values of the Woman’s Auxiliary. Her dedication to serving others, whether through acts of compassion or her leadership within the church, made her an ideal candidate for this significant honor.
In a heartwarming twist, Mrs. Morgan's family had been secretly informed of the award ahead of time, allowing them to be present for this special moment. They discreetly joined the audience just before the announcement, making the occasion even more meaningful. As Mrs. Morgan’s name was called, the surprise and joy on her face were evident, and the presence of her loved ones added a deeply personal and emotional element to the award presentation. The recognition of her lifelong service and embodiment of the Auxiliary’s mission served as a fitting tribute to her unwavering faith, commitment, and love for her church community.
The keynote speaker for the retreat was Mrs. Kristen Patrick, who came from Florence, South Carolina, where she serves as an administrative assistant at First Free Will Baptist Church of Florence. Kristen, a gifted speaker and singer, captivated the audience not only with her inspiring words but also through several stirring musical numbers that beautifully emphasized the core messages of her testimony. Kristen shared her personal story of enduring significant physical challenges and how those difficulties shaped her journey of faith. She spoke candidly about how her reliance on God through these trials not only strengthened her relationship with Him but also opened doors for her to minister to other women facing similar struggles. Her testimony was a profound reminder of how God can use even our most difficult experiences to bring encouragement and hope to others.
Following the service, the women moved to the fellowship hall for a time of sharing and connection over lunch. The meal provided a wonderful opportunity for further fellowship, allowing the women to relax, share their stories, and deepen the bonds formed during the retreat. The fall retreat was a spiritually enriching experience for all who attended, leaving the women renewed and empowered in their faith, ready to continue their ministries in their home churches.
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