By Sister Naola Robinson
Great God, Great Women and Great Expectations! was the theme of the 2014 Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ Women’s Weekend which took place July 18-20th. Special guest, Elect Lady Loretta J. Butts, first lady of the Maryland Central Jurisdiction, joined in the worship services and truly blessed the women of God. More importantly, throughout each portion of activities the greatness of God was felt by all who participated!
On Friday, the women of Holiness Tabernacle kicked off the annual Women’s Weekend with a dinner fellowship. These great women of God enjoyed food and shared wonderful testimonies of the great things God had done for them thus far throughout the year. The women also shared some of the great expectations they had for the future, as they wait with patience to see God work things out on their behalf. It was a beautiful time of bonding for the ladies.
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Saturday was the annual Women’s Tea and the ladies came dressed in their finest reds and aqua blues. Sister Delia Pruitte ushered God in with a powerful prayer filled with praise and adoration to our King. Following scripture reading by Sister Jean Moses and a welcome by Sister Vanessa Alexander, the praise team lifted our spirits through song. Next up: the meal. As they do every year, the ladies of Holiness Tabernacle prepared a feast and the women enjoyed delicious treats to satisfy any palate.
Following a presentation on heart health by Dr. A. Monica Dorhoi, a representative of the American Heart Association, it was time for the Word to go forth by our honored guest, Elect Lady Loretta J. Butts. Her subject was “Great Expectations for What Seems Impossible,” and she encouraged the women to trust God in everything.
Sunday morning, First Lady Vivian Pruitte brought a soul stirring message titled “Old Bread” coming from the book of Ruth. Mother Pruitte let us know that when bread gets stale and old, with a little sugar, milk, cinnamon and egg, it can be made into something useful. She likened this transformation of old bread to our walk with the Lord. Even in the midst of going through hard trials, we can bless others by refreshing ourselves and going back to “the house of bread” where our walk began. After bringing forth a mighty Word, Mother Pruitte went forth in prayer, inviting all to the altar to receive their personal refreshing from the Lord.
Sunday evening brought the conclusion of the matter. Dressed in white, the great women of Holiness Tabernacle along with distinguished guests Bishop Stanford L. Butts and Elect Lady Butts, praised the Lord in a great way. When it was time to give, the women marched around the sanctuary, praising God with their voices and their sacrificial offering. Not to be outdone, the men decided to do the same under the direction of Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Not only did the service include a special selection from the women’s choir, but the sermonic selection came from Sister Dominique Butts, granddaughter of Mother Butts, who sang our souls happy with “Thank you Lord for all you’ve done for me!”
It was then time for the Word and what a great teaching the congregation received. Coming from II Chronicles 32:1-8 and the subject “Do Something About It,” Mother Butts let the women of God know that fasting and praying are our tools we must use regularly when serving God. She also taught how we should present ourselves as women of God, whether young or old. How we walk, talk, eat and dress shows people who we are and what we’re about. The Word was awesome and inspiring. The 2014 Women’s Weekend was a blessing – I can’t wait what God has in store for us next year!