More than 300 women from the local and surrounding areas will be “one in the spirit” in March during a two-day conference at First Baptist Church.

The interdenominational women’s conference “One in the Spirit,” will include women from more than 40 local and area churches participating in inspirational services of praise and worship, said Carol Ann Pryor, coordinator of Women’s Ministries at First Baptist.

“Women who have attended our previous conferences have said they felt renewed and were encouraged by the speakers,” Pryor said.

“It is such a blessing to see women from various denominations and backgrounds coming together as one in Christ,” she said.



History



“One in the Spirit” is the fulfillment of a dream of a group of women from First Baptist Church, who, according to Pryor, “love the word of God and love the Lord’s people.”

Pryor said the women believe God gave them the dream of having a time to come together and learn more about the Lord. “One in the Spirit” was chosen as the theme to reflect the spirit of the conference.

“That is our prayer for this community of believers,” Pryor said. “That God’s will for the church — his church — would be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

The goal of the conference is not only to provide women a time to unite and worship together spiritually, but also something to sustain their daily lives.

“Our conference provides women a time to come and feel the love of the Father and to pour that love and affection back on Him,” Pryor said. “And as a result, they take that back to their homes and their workplaces and their churches.”



A time of inspiration,

and indulging



Featured speaker will be Alicia Williamson Garcia, an accomplished singer/songwriter who is emerging as a prominent author and TV host.

A native of Florence, S.C., Garcia began singing in the church at the age of 5. After graduating from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C., with a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance, she traveled six years with the contemporary Christian group TRUTH. It was during that time Garcia first recorded her signature song, “There is Hope.”

“Alicia is such a dynamic Christian speaker. We’ve heard so many wonderful things about her and we just can’t believe that she’s going to be here,” Pryor said.

In 1993, Garcia began her solo ministry and now makes nearly 200 appearances annually. In addition, she has partnered with several other ministries, including Precept Ministries, The Brooklyn Tabernacle, Dr. Tony Evans of the Urban Alternative, Women of Faith, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, “In Touch” with Charles Stanley and “The Gaither Homecoming.”

Garcia’s CD recordings include “Alicia,” “There Is a Hope,” “The Rescue” and her newest addition “We Win!!!,” a live recording done in New York with the Christ Tabernacle Choir.

In addition to inspiring conference-goers through music, Garcia also will deliver a message.

“We’ve told her to come with whatever God has laid on her heart to share with us,” Pryor said.

A special dinner on Friday and brunch on Saturday also is included. The dinner will be prepared by the women of the church and served by the men of the church.

“The men will wear white shirts and dress slacks and cater to the women,” Pryor said. “The tables will be beautifully decorated and there will be live music by Barry Germany and Miriam Chesney. It’s just going to be a wonderful time.”

And, for those with children, childcare is available for infants through kindergarten. In addition, meals will be served — all at no additional cost, Pryor said.

Want to go?

The event: “One in the Spirit,” interdenominational women’s conference. Guest speaker will be author, singer/songwriter and TV Host Alicia Williamson Garcia.

The date: March 2, begins at 6:30 p.m.; March 3, begins at 9:30 a.m.

The place: First Baptist Church, 701 26th Ave.

Cost: Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the church office through Feb. 26. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost includes meals (for the first 300 who register) and childcare.

Information: Call (601) 484-4600.