The Deeper Still Conference features three speakers, Kay Arthur, Beth Moore, and Priscilla Shirer, representing three different generations. Representative of women in their 30's, 50's and 70's and all that those stages of life entail, these women seek to impart wisdom, encouragement and love grounded in the truth of Jesus.
I attended the Las Vegas event. I must say, I've never been to Vegas and not seen one single slot machine. However, if you go to Vegas for a Christian women's conference....it can be done! The truth is...I didn't miss the gambling environment one single bit!
I attended the Las Vegas event. I must say, I've never been to Vegas and not seen one single slot machine. However, if you go to Vegas for a Christian women's conference....it can be done! The truth is...I didn't miss the gambling environment one single bit!
There were about 5,500 women in attendance at this event and about 125 in my group. Here we all are gathering for a group photo outside the arena.
As sisters in Christ, we shared time in praise and worship led by Travis Cottrell and the Living Proof Live worship team! The music was incredible and I enjoyed every single minute of it!
This is a view of the praise and worship inside the arena.
This is a view of the praise and worship inside the arena.
We also made time to connect with old friends....this is Julie. She works at Weber State University and has led the Women in Motion group for several years now. Women in Motion is a fitness program designed to get sedentary women up and walking. The goal of this group is to have each member participate in the Ogden Marathon by walking at least one mile. For the past two years, I have completed the half marathon (13.1 miles!) event and no matter how you slice it...13 miles is a LONG way! Anyway, as I said, Julie is the backbone of that program and she's such an encouragement to many women, including me!
And we had time to build new friendships. Here I am with my roommates. From left to right, we have Margy, Sondra, Phyllis and me. Although I've known OF these ladies for a long time, I didn't really know them personally. We all had a great time together. Margy, Sondra and Phyllis have been friends for MANY years and it was nice that they let me tag along with them for a few days. I really enjoyed the time we spent together.
Of course there was time for instruction. Each speaker instructed us using stories from her own life, her sense of humor and her unique perspective on God's Word. It was a time that ministered to many of the women I spoke with and answered questions for those who came seeking. I think it's always amazing how God will meet you wherever you are and reveal himself to you if you. Many of the women, including me, were moved to tears on more than one occassion as God revealed himself in the most remarkable ways.
Our event planners were marvelous and left nothing to chance. They scheduled time for us to attend a local worship service - worship LAS VEGAS STYLE!! And boy, was it. There is an incredible church in Las Vegas (I'm sure there is more than one incredible church in Vegas, but this is the one we attended) called Central Christian (http://www.centralchristian.com/). Below is one of several entrances.
Our event planners were marvelous and left nothing to chance. They scheduled time for us to attend a local worship service - worship LAS VEGAS STYLE!! And boy, was it. There is an incredible church in Las Vegas (I'm sure there is more than one incredible church in Vegas, but this is the one we attended) called Central Christian (http://www.centralchristian.com/). Below is one of several entrances.
Since I didn't take any pictures during the worship service, I'll just tell you that musically, it was everything you would expect in a Las Vegas concert and more. I'm not sure it was particularly worshipful, for me...but I would say it was presented with skill and excellence.
This church has implemented many of the concepts our leadership has discussed. It was really an incredible, friendly, warm and wonderful environment. Inside, they had a bookstore that rivaled Barnes & Noble. It was incredible!
They were also fully stocked with CDs of amazing Christian artists, both local and nationally known.
Their coffee shop was also amazing! They served not only coffee, but many other specialty drinks.
This church is unique because of its organizational structure. This is also something our church is considering. Central Christian is one church meeting in several different locations. On this particular Sunday, they were launching a new venue in addition to their "online" church. Everyone I spoke to was very excited about the growth of their new venues.
I really liked the way Central Christian visually depicted their mission on the wall as you enter their worship center. It seemed very effective and artistic to me. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I would agree.
As part of their celebration, they were hosting a "block party" for all youth, jr. high and above. This event was well attended and featured bands, games and a way for youth to get connected with each other in a relaxing and fun environment....BLOCK PARTY LAS VEGAS STYLE!!! Yes, that is a rock-climbing wall and a bunge-bouncing thingy (sorry, I don't know the real name of that device!) in the background.
As part of their celebration, they were hosting a "block party" for all youth, jr. high and above. This event was well attended and featured bands, games and a way for youth to get connected with each other in a relaxing and fun environment....BLOCK PARTY LAS VEGAS STYLE!!! Yes, that is a rock-climbing wall and a bunge-bouncing thingy (sorry, I don't know the real name of that device!) in the background.
And a quick pic of the band. Yes, these young people are SERIOUS musicians!
Lastly, back inside the facility, this is one of the entrances to the kids' area. Seriously, it looked so fun it made me want to go check it out.
Central Christian really has some great ideas when it comes to attracting children and making church fun for them. Here are a couple of their logos for kids' programs.
Once the service ended, we embarked on the long journey home. Here is some of the beautiful scenery Southern Utah has to offer. The red rock formations are unique to the Southern Utah/Arizona/Nevada area.
Central Christian really has some great ideas when it comes to attracting children and making church fun for them. Here are a couple of their logos for kids' programs.
Once the service ended, we embarked on the long journey home. Here is some of the beautiful scenery Southern Utah has to offer. The red rock formations are unique to the Southern Utah/Arizona/Nevada area.
We stopped for a quick lunch in St. George, Utah and I took the opportunity to snap this pic of Sondra and me. It was sad to think the weekend was coming to an end.
On a potty break stop, I noticed this beautiful creature and thought you'd like to see a shot of him! Sweet, huh? Um, I don't know if you can read the sign but I'm going to need you to stay off the animals...ok?
Finally, the bus ride home provided some quiet time for reading and reflection. A friend gave me the book, The Shack, and I started it on this trip. Although it's an unconventional take on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it's well worth the read and thought provoking to say the least! Pick it up if you get a chance. It will really make you think!
Overall, I couldn't ask for a better experience! What a great weekend of solice in the midst of a lot of chaos! I can't wait for the next time!
Finally, the bus ride home provided some quiet time for reading and reflection. A friend gave me the book, The Shack, and I started it on this trip. Although it's an unconventional take on the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it's well worth the read and thought provoking to say the least! Pick it up if you get a chance. It will really make you think!
Overall, I couldn't ask for a better experience! What a great weekend of solice in the midst of a lot of chaos! I can't wait for the next time!
2 comments:
What a cool trip! That sounds so encouraging! I want to do some kind of women's conference, I'm guessing Nashville has to draw people here. And fun that it was a little getaway too!
This looks like a great opportunity, I want to hear more about it!!
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