Published: November 18, 2009 10:05 pm      

Women’s event celebrates friendship

DANVILLE — In times of stress, it’s good to have a best friend by your side.

That’s one of the ideas behind a fall event on Saturday, sponsored by the New Life Women’s Ministry of New Life Christian Center. The theme is “A Generous Friend.”

Special speaker will be Kendra Smiley of East Lynn, who teaches Bible-based skills and motivates people to make positive life changes.

“We are so excited we can offer this to our ladies,” said JoAnn Burge, administrative assistant at New Life. “I think it’s going to be a blast.”

Smiley, an author and motivational speaker, tells her audiences that life is a smorgasbord of choices and everyone is responsible for and empowered by the choices he or she makes.

She encourages her listeners to become aware of the myriad of choices in life and to make the next right choice. She uses a humorous approach that appeals to all ages.

Smiley will sign copies of her books after the program.

Burge said doors will open at 8:30 a.m., and the program will begin with music by the 180 youth band, which provides upbeat contemporary music. Women also will have the chance to win gifts.

In addition, the wives of area pastors will be honored. October was Pastor Appreciation Month, Burge said, but their wives deserve recognition, too.

Another speaker will be Katie Smith, who will tell about the Second Chance Polar Walk on Dec. 12. The 2-mile walk at Kennekuk Park raises money to support five girls in India sponsored by the church.

As for Saturday’s women’s event, Smith is excited about Smiley’s talk, as well as giving women a chance to get together.

“We live in such a fast-paced world,” she said. “Our church is trying to promote friendship and building those types of relationships. We need those types of relationships.”

Smith’s husband, Luke Smith, is youth pastor at New Life.

Burge expects a couple hundred women to attend the event, which will end by noon so the women can get on with their busy lives. The program will be faith-based, and will appeal to all denominations, she said.

Mostly, the morning will be a chance for girlfriends to get together.

“There’s nothing like a girlfriend to come alongside you to make your life brighter,” Burge said. “It’s one of God’s gifts to us.”

New Life Women’s Ministry also has a similar program in the spring.

COMING UP

New Life Women’s fall event will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at New Life Christian Center, 2105 N. Bowman Ave. There is no charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted.

More information about Kendra Smiley can be found at http://www.KendraSmiley.com or http://www.classervices.com/kendrasmiley.htm

For more information, call JoAnn Burge at 431-0018 or e-mail: info@newlifedanville.com