I still have several 2024 dates available for conferences, retreats, and events, especially this summer! There’s plenty of time to plan, and Iād love to come share with the ladies of your church or organization. Click here for more information, or to find an upcoming event near you!
I recently had a wonderful time fellowshipping and sharing with the lovely ladies of West Bend, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area at First Baptist Church’s Word First women’s conference. It was exciting to finally meet, in person, my sweet friend, Marci Ferrell (You are following her over at Thankful Homemaker and on Facebook and Instagram, right?) who served as conference coordinator and made my first trip to Wisconsin so memorable.
Friday evening, I landed in Milwaukee, where I did not get to see Arnold’s or Shotz Brewery, or meet Richie, the Fonz, or Laverne and Shirley – the only sad part of my trip. Do better, Milwaukee.š
But at least I did get to visit some snow during my stay:
Marci and her delightful husband Doug took me for a scrumptious dinner at a cozy Italian bistro, whose special that night was salmon ravioli. I love salmon, I love ravioli, and the marrying of the two did not disappoint. 100% would recommend.
After dinner, they got me settled in at The Washington House Inn, where I had a fabulous time getting my history/antiques/nostalgia nerd on.
A much better picture than I could have taken. And friends my age will appreciate this: how long has it been since you checked into your room at a hotel, opened the desk drawer, and found a folder with postcards and stationery embossed with the hotel’s name and address? A charming blast from the past for me!
Thank you, Marci, for the lovely hostess gift bag waiting for me in my room!
Saturday dawned bright and early with a crisp, sunny day to welcome the ladies to the conference.
The inviting registration area was in the capable and efficient hands of these wonderful sisters.
Awesome swag bags received by every attendee!
Lovely flowers and decor in abundance…
A hearty, healthy breakfast is a great way to start any conference!
Big thank you’s to the kitchen crew who made sure we were well fed at breakfast and lunch!
This conference was not recorded. The audio linked to the teaching sessions mentioned below is audio from previous conferences where I’ve taught similar sessions.
Marci got the ball rolling with announcements and a warm welcome.
These sweet voices started us off in song at the beginning of every session.
In session 1, we covered The Necessity of the Bible. We explored the reasons the Bible is so imperative for us as Christian women along with some tips for incorporating more Scripture into our daily lives.
Lots of good food and fellowship were enjoyed during the break time that followed!
In our second session, The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture, we took a look at how and why we are to submit to the authority of Godās Word, and why the written Word is sufficient for our every need as Christians.
Session two was capped off by a delicious lunch. The ladies enjoyed getting to know each other and discussing what they had learned.
Our final session of the day was How to Study (and Teach!) the Bible. This is such a crucial skill for Christian women today. Weāve got to be good students of the Word so we can disciple our own children and the women and children of our churches.
All too soon, it was time to go. Meeting the ladies – and chatting and taking pictures! – after conferences is one of my favorite things!
This is Timi, our number one fan of A Word Fitly Spoken! (Check out the t-shirt she had custom made. That’s dedication, baby!) Timi was so kind to review several of our most recent episodes with me and share her thoughts and what she had learned. What an encouragement!
Timi also generously blessed me with these made-in-Wisconsin snacks- fudge, taffy, and real Wisconsin cheese curds!
Another dear sister who attended graciously gave me some apple butter from her orchard.
After a joyful day with God’s people, Marci and Doug took me to another terrific eatery (with more cheese curds, fried this time – yum!)…
…and then off to my hotel for a few hours of sleep before my early morning flight home.
It was such a fantastic weekend with the ladies of First Baptist. Thanks so much to Marci, Doug, and all the other brothers and sisters of FBC for making me feel right at home. Thanks also to all the men and women who worked so hard to host a fantastic conference and extended such warm hospitality to me. If you’re ever in the area and need a good church to visit, make plans to spend the Lord’s Day with these wonderful brothers and sisters.
If your church or organization is ever in need of a speaker for a womenās event, Iād love to come share with your ladies as well. Click here for more information, or to find an upcoming event near you!
Photo Credits
Several of these photos were taken and contributed by conference attendees. You may assume that if they are good quality, or if I’m in them, that I didn’t take them. All other photos by Michelle Lesley.
Michelle Lesley 