Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church Fort Washington, MD

Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
Fort Washington, MD
Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Jr. - Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning - Co-Pastor
Greetings, my Sister in Christ!
30 Years! What can one say about 30 years of doing God’s work in empowering, equipping and
enriching the women of God? We are humbled and grateful to the Lord for all He has done over
these last 30 years of Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church’s Women’s Spiritual Retreats.
From the first retreat in 1984 to the 2014 God is a Wonder to my Heart, Mind and Soul Women’s
Spiritual Retreat & Restoration Conference, the Lord has moved miraculously and mightily each
and every year.
This year’s Women’s Spiritual Retreat & Restoration Conference will be held Thursday, May 29 Saturday, May 31 on the entire campus of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, MD and it has
been divinely-designed so that you will be spiritually restored, renewed and revived. In addition, a new schedule
provides the opportunity for you to enjoy the attractions of the National Harbor property, including restaurants,
sightseeing and shopping at the newly-opened Tanger Outlets. Registration is only $93!
It is our heartfelt prayer and deepest desire that you will not let this 30th milestone pass you by. We want ALL
women to attend, and we especially invite young adult women to join us for this life-changing experience.
My sisters, we pray that you will tell another sister and meet us here May 29-May 31 along with thousands of other
sisters from around our community, nation and the world. Don’t miss this God-ordained weekend
to experience His wonder and to have your heart, mind and soul blessed!
In Christ’s Service,
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning
Co-Pastor, Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
Visionary & Convener
Pastors Grainger and Jo Ann Browning
Thursday, May 29, 2014
12:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m. Registration
3:00 p.m. Hotel Check-In Begins
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. God Is A Wonder Empowerment Sessions
5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner (on your own)
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Transportation to Church
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Opening – God Is A Wonder Worship Service
11:00 p.m. –12:00 a.m. Late Registration
11:00 p.m. Transportation to National Harbor
SCHEDULE | 2
Friday, May 30, 2014
6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast (on your own)
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Transportation to Church
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registration
8:20 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. God Is A Wonder Empowerment Sessions
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Devotions
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The Wonder of God Morning Word
10:45 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Workshop I
12:15 p.m. –1:30 p.m. Workshop II
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own), Relaxation and Restoration
1:30 p.m. Transportation to National Harbor
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. God Is A Wonder Empowerment Session FYAWO (For Young Adult Women Only)
3:00 p.m. Transportation to National Harbor
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner (on your own) and Restoration
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Transportation to Church
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. God Is A Wonder Worship Service
11:00 p.m. Transportation to National Harbor
Saturday, May 31, 2014
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast (on your own)/Check-Out
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Transportation to Church
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Morning Touch Anointing & Devotions
9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Workshop III
10:45 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Workshop IV
12:15 p.m. –1:30 p.m. Closing – God Is A Wonder Worship Service
1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own), Fellowship, Reflection and Restoration
1:30 p.m. Transportation to National Harbor
Wonder Workshops
WONDER WORKSHOPS | 4
Friday, 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
A1
“He Turned It!”: There are times when circumstances appear to be going in the wrong direction and
waiting for a turnaround can be difficult. Find out how to hold on, stay strong and not give up.
A2
“I Can Only Imagine”: Sometimes in life you can get lost and become detached in serving God and
accessing the power of His presence. Learn how to take the personal and intentional initiative to
pursue God’s presence and experience a new level of His glory.
A3
Forever Fabulous: Acknowledging and experiencing the fullness of life in your senior years. Embrace
your wisdom, strength and beauty within.
A4
“Long Walk to Freedom—A Mandela Experience”: As Christian women, we are to love and forgive!
Learn to forgive and reconcile with people, issues and situations that have hurt and negatively
impacted you.
A5
The Courage to Answer the Call: Obtain the discipline to hear from God, submit to His call and
move forward in ministry. (Women in Ministry)
Friday, 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
B1
Getting to the Root of It: There is a root to your problem that may hinder your spiritual growth and
fortitude. Sometimes you have to peel away the layers, look beneath the surface and seek God to help
you understand the real cause of your pain and problems.
B2
“The Haves and the Have Nots”: The grass is not always greener on the other side. If you are always
longing for someone else’s stuff, you will miss what is for you. Find out how to obtain peace and
fulfillment in the life God has given you.
B3
Life After: When you experience loss (loved one, job, marriage, home, etc.) it can be difficult to heal.
Discover how to allow the Lord to comfort you in your grief and get your joy back at the same time.
B4 Preachers of the Gospel…It’s not Reality TV: There have been various images and portrayals of
preachers in the media! Explore what it means to be a preacher of the gospel at a time when TV and
technology have impacted the image of women in ministry. (PANEL)
B5
“Sister Ties”: Establishing and maintaining authentic sisterhood bonds that support, encourage and
uplift you and other women.
Saturday, 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
C1
“How to Survive a Hurt Attack”: We all have challenges and situations that rock our very core. Get the
tools needed to resurrect your dreams and resuscitate your life.
C2
“Blurred Lines”: As Christian women, we may find ourselves in compromising positions and allow
others to determine and dictate our personal boundaries. “Good times” do play out. Make a decision
to embrace holy boldness and be empowered to set clear lines for living a Godly life.
C3
Standing Knee Deep in a River and Still Dying of Thirst: Often times we become so consumed by life’s
demands that we are unable to see the help right before our eyes. Learn how to tap into God’s “living
waters” to access the strength and resources needed to overcome your drought moments.
C4 “12 Years a Slave”: Whether some realize it or not, racism and sexism are still alive and well in today’s
multicultural society. Learn to recognize it, navigate it and overcome it without losing your faith and
yourself in the process.
C5 My “Selfie”: Some people have turned to social media for external affirmation, but you don’t need
likes, friends or followers to validate you. Learn to see yourself as God sees you—beautifully and
wonderfully made in His image.
WONDER WORKSHOPS | 6
Saturday, 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
D1
God, “Fix My Life”: You may think you’ve tried everything, but your life still needs “fixin.” Learn to hear from
God and receive revelation needed to deal with any chaos, confusion or turmoil.
D2
“The Gift”. . . It Looks Good on You: God has graced each of us with numerous gifts. Understand
the importance of discovering and giving your talents back to Him, so you can “wear them well.”
D3
“The Real Husbands” Part II: If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, how do we join and stay
together as husband and wife ‘til death do us part’? Obtain the necessary tools to maintain a healthy
Christian marriage.
D4 “Dancing with the Scars…From Failures to Faith”: Life’s issues and struggles can leave ugly scars.
We all come to a point where we have to deal with the “hand we‘ve been dealt.” Discover how
unrelenting faith can carry you through the disappointments and difficulties of life.
D5 “Save My Son or My Daughter!” Part II: Raising a child in the midst of 21st century realities (rebellion,
drugs, homosexuality, promiscuity, etc.) is challenging. During the process, seeking Godly wisdom,
peace and assurance that God is in control.
Empowerment Sessions
(no registration required)
Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
After 30 years of Women’s Spiritual Retreats...The Lord has Been Faithful: Find out how the Lord has
continued to give vision for 30 years. Do you feel in your Spirit that God has something for you to do at
your local church and you are ready to serve? Find out how the process works in the ministry of “spiritual
retreats” or whatever vision God has given you!
FYAWO (For Young Adult Women Only) “Girl, Get Yo Life!”: As a young adult woman, you are
gifted, beautiful and fly, but the truth is you are not financially-stable and your financial future is somewhat
dim. Get the skills and tips you need NOW to solidify your financial security for a successful future.
A Woman’s Roadmap to Health and Wholeness: Achieving and maintaining good health is a
journey; not a destination. What do you need to know about prevention and screenings, family
health history, Obamacare and more? Get educated, empowered and even entertained as you learn
to navigate the road to better health.
Friday, 8:20 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Back to Basics…Praise, Prayer and the Power of the Holy Ghost: Uncovering and experiencing a new
spiritual level in your life.
A Woman’s Roadmap to Health and Wholeness: Achieving and maintaining good health is a
journey; not a destination. What do you need to know about prevention and screenings, family
health history, Obamacare and more? Get educated, empowered and even entertained as you learn
to navigate the road to better health.
EMPOWERMENT SESSIONS | 8
Friday, 1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
FYAWO (For Young Adult Women Only) “Don’t Come for Me Unless I Send for You!”: Today’s
process of finding a meaningful and committed relationship is not always easy. The social media tools of
Facebook and relationship sites have replaced the “old school” way of dating making it difficult to remain a
loving, caring Christian young adult woman and not become a “frustrated, lonely and angry” black woman.
Learn to live a faith-filled and happy life even if it’s not exactly what you’ve prayed for or desire.
Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning
FACILITATORS | 9
Host Pastor and Visionary
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
Fort Washington, Maryland
Facilitators
Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller
Pastor
Mount Calvary A.M.E. Church
Towson, Maryland
Elder Louise Cage
Concerned Prayer Ministry
Rev. Dr. Barbara Austin Lucas
Founder and Pastor
Agape Tabernacle International Fellowship
Brooklyn, New York
Rev. Dr. Rita Colbert
Presiding Elder
A.M.E. Zion Church
Mitchellville, Maryland
Bishop Vashti McKenzie
Presiding Prelate
7th Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Claudette A. Copeland
Co-Founder and Pastor
New Creation Christian Fellowship
San Antonio, Texas
Rev. Susie Owens
Co-Pastor
Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church
Washington, D.C.
FACILITATORS | 10
Rev. Dr. Elaine McCollins Flake
Co-Pastor
The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York
Jamaica, New York
Rev. Dr. Jasmin Sculark
Pastor
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
York, Pennsylvania
Rev. Twanna Henderson
Executive Pastor
New Beginnings Church
Matthews, North Carolina
Rev. Dr. Carolyn Showell
Associate Pastor
First Apostolic Faith Church
Baltimore, Maryland
Bishop Millicent Hunter
Founder and Pastor
The Baptist Worship Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Rev. Dr. Gina Stewart
Pastor
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
Memphis, Tennessee
Rev. Jessica Ingram
Episcopal Supervisor
10th Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Renita Weems
Co-Pastor
Ray of Hope Community Church
Nashville, Tennessee
Rev. Dr. Marie Braxton
Assistant Pastor
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
Washington, DC
Sis. Kathy Freeland
CEO of A-Tek, Inc.
1st Facilitators
30 Years Ago
Dr. Sharon Allison Ottey
Exec. Dir. of The
COSHAR Foundation
Rev. Dr. Debyii Thomas
Founder & Senior Pastor
God’s Winning Women Worldwide Ministries, Inc.
Landover, Maryland
Sis. Kathy Taylor
Guest Psalmist
General Information
We are excited about the 2014 God is a Wonder to my Heart, Mind & Soul Women’s Spiritual Retreat &
Restoration Conference. God moved mightily last year and we know He will do the same again. Take a look at
some of the exciting offerings and event details below.
Fees
The registration fee for the God is a Wonder to my Heart, Mind & Soul Women’s Spiritual Retreat &
Restoration Conference is $93 per person for all attendees. We hope the cost of $93 will allow any sister
who desires to attend the opportunity to do so.
GENERAL INFORMATION | 12
All Spiritual Retreat & Restoration Conference fees are non-refundable and include entrance to all day and
evening sessions, retreat bag, workshop materials and more!
Sisters who register before Monday, April 14, 2014 will receive a complimentary 30th anniversary souvenir!
The last day for Retreat payments by check is Monday, May 12, 2014, and by other forms of payment,
Sunday, May 25, 2014. Any payments made after Sunday, May 25, 2014 will be processed on site. No
checks will be accepted during on-site registration.
This cost does not include hotel accommodations. A list of partner hotels located at the National Harbor
property is provided on page 15.
Registration and Payment Options
For your convenience, there are several registration payment options available.
n
Online registration and payments can be made by Visa and MasterCard credit cards only. To pay using
American Express and Discover, please download the registration form and mail or fax your registration
and credit card information to the address below. When paying by credit card, please include credit card
number, card holder’s name and expiration date. Payment must accompany your retreat registration
form.
n
When paying by mail, please send your payment in the form of a check, credit card, or money order
(no cash) and include at least two current contact numbers. Make all transactions payable to Ebenezer
A.M.E. Church, and please enclose your registration form. Please make a copy for your records.
Mail your completed form with payment
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church
to the Post Office address or fax your completed
c/o W2W Registration Committee
form to 301-265-0437. For further information,
P.O. Box 441635
please call 301-265-8293.
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Fax: 301-265-0437
Hotel Accommodations
We are blessed to host all retreat activities—workshops, worship services—on the campus of Ebenezer A.M.E.
Church in Fort Washington, MD again this year!
Lodging arrangements must be arranged separately and can be secured at one of the partner hotels at the
beautiful National Harbor. The National Harbor, located minutes from the church, also contains several
attractions of various tastes and styles.
When calling to make your reservation, you must mention Ebenezer A.M.E. Church to receive the
HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS | 14
discounted rate. Be sure to make your reservations as early as possible.
All reservations must be guaranteed with a one night, non-refundable deposit at the time you reserve your
room. Based on current banking procedures, use of a debit card for hotel check-in transactions and rental
cars is discouraged. This could result in additional funds being withheld for an extended period of time.
Additionally, please DO NOT send your hotel registration to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church.
Hotel options are listed below. Details regarding parking cost and amenities, including exercise facilities,
restaurants and other information are available by calling the individual hotels directly. The deadline
to book rooms is Monday, April 28, 2014. Availability is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so we
encourage you to book your room as soon as possible.
National Harbor
Waterfront Street — National Harbor, MD
www.nationalharbor.com
Gaylord Hotel | (301) 965-2000
$199 plus tax (price is inclusive of resort fee)
Residence Inn by Marriott | (301) 749-4755
$184 plus tax
The Westin Hotel | (301) 567-3999
$179 plus tax
Aloft Hotel | (301) 749-9000
$149 plus tax
Hampton Inn | (301) 567-3531
$149 plus tax
Transportation
Charter buses, vans and vehicles will be available to transport attendees from the National Harbor property
to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church for a cost of only $30 for the entire weekend. Pre-registration for transportation
services is required. On-site registration for transportation will not be available.
Travel Arrangements
Three major airports serve this region—Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport, BaltimoreWashington International Airport. Of the three, Reagan National Airport is the closest to the designated
hotels. Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International are approximately one hour
away. Amtrak Train Service is also available to New Carrollton, MD and Washington, DC, which are within 30
GENERAL INFORMATION | 16
minutes of the retreat hotels by taxi.
Meals
This year, lunch will be on your own. There will be a few vendors available to purchase food on-site and a list
of local restaurants will be provided.
Attire
Comfort is the word for the spiritual retreat and restoration conference attire. Casual, relaxed clothing
including jeans, slacks or capri pants are appropriate for this spirit- and fun-filled weekend. Please wear
orange, fuschia, red and white as much as possible.
Added Blessings!
The retreat is designed to enhance you spiritually, mentally and physically. We have a new revised schedule
to include all of your workshops along with additional restoration and relaxation time! This new schedule
provides the opportunity for you to enjoy the attractions of the National Harbor property, including
restaurants, sightseeing and shopping at the newly-opened Tanger Outlets. In addition, sisters will be able to:
∞ Meditate in the Sanctuary
∞ Pray in the Prayer Room
∞ Shop at the vendors
∞ Visit the Ebenezer Market
∞ Walk the campus
This event is for WOMEN ONLY. Children and men are not allowed.
Attendees must wear your registration badge at all times. The badge will give you access to all retreat
activities. A fee will be charged to replace any lost badges, and transportation bands.
To register, you may either PRINT out and complete a hardcopy of
this form or register online at www.godisawonder.com
Please circle any that apply:
REVEREND
EVANGELIST
MINISTER
SISTER
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY
First Name:_____________________________________________ Last Name:________________________________________ M.I.:___________
Street Address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City:___________________________________ State:_________________ Country:_________________________________Zip:_______________
Home #: (____) ____-________
Work # (____) ____-________Email:________________________________________
Are you (please circle all that apply):
Age Range:
Church Affiliation:
18-34
35-49
Single
50-65
Married
Separated
Divorced
Widowed
Step-Parent
65 and over
Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, MD
Other:
Please complete below.
Church Name:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________________________ State:____________________ Country:_____________________________________
Hotel where you are registered (no accomodations available onsite):____________________________________________________________
Wheelchair access required:
YES
NO
GENERAL WORKSHOP SERIES
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS
Please select (4) workshops.
Indicate ONLY the Letter and Number in the Choice Boxes.
Please indicate the number of items ordered in each box.
ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID IN FULL WHEN ORDERED
FIRST
CHOICE
TIME & DAY
1
10:45 AM
FRI
A
2
12:15 PM
FRI
B
3
9:15 AM
SAT
C
4
10:45 AM
SAT
D
SECOND
CHOICE
ITEM
PRICE
$15
RETREAT FEE
PRICE
Retreat Fee
$93
TRANSPORTATION
PRICE
Shuttle Fee
$30
GRAND TOTAL
$15
white
red
Fitted Warm-up
$75
black
Relaxed Warm-up
$75
black
Mug
ITEM
SUBTOTAL
Retreat Fee
1X
2X
3X
4X
$15
red
$15
orange
$15
white
$10
red
$10 orange
Fees are non-refundable. No CHECKS accepted after May 12, 2014.
Copy and return original of this form to:
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, P.O. Box 441635
Fort Washington, MD 20744
Promotional Items
Transportation Fees
GRAND TOTAL $
Total Amount Enclosed: $______________
L
red
$35
Cap
M
SUBTOTAL
$15 orange
Long Sleeve Shirt
SUBTOTAL
SUBTOTAL
QUANTITY
S
T-Shirt
Workshops fill up fast so we encourage you to register
early to secure your worshop selection.
COLOR
Cash
Check
Money Order
Master Card
Name of CardholderCard NumberExp. Date
Visa
Promotional Items
*Pre-orders must be placed by May 4th
CAPS
MUGS
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS | 20
T-SHIRTS
FITTED WARM-UP
RELAXED WARM-UP
LONG SLEEVE SHIRT
of Women’s Spiritual Retreats
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church
7707 Allentown Road
Fort Washington, MD 20744
First-Class Mail
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #5476
Ft. Washington,
MD 20744