By Morgan Mizell

NATCHEZ — The Women of Worship — Natchez are putting the finishing touches on their annual conference to be held at First Baptist Church Jan. 22 through 23.

Committee member Carolyn Ridley said she and other members have been planning the event since May.

The two-day event will begin with a 6 p.m. registration and 7 p.m. service on Friday Jan. 22 and registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday Jan. 23 with a service to follow at 8:30 a.m.

“We wanted to get the information out to ladies in the community early so they will have a chance to mark their calendars,” Ridley said. “While we are not affiliated with the national conference of the same name, we do have the same heart and we feel good about being able to bring an event of this caliber to Natchez at an affordable price.”

The theme of the conference is “Getting Dressed and Ready from the Inside Out.” Ridley said the conference would focus on the “bride of Christ” and preparation for His coming.

Alicia Williamson Garcia is the featured speaker, and FBC director of music ministries Derrick Burt will serve as worship leader.

“Alicia has been with us before and we are so glad she will be able to return and serve as our speaker the entire weekend,” Ridley said. “Derrick is such an energetic minister of music and it is going to be so exciting to have the two of them working together.”

In reflecting on the conference’s origin and purpose, Ridley mentioned one of the original committee members, Beth Brown Mallet.

“We started four years ago with the idea of having a conference for women, not just to have one, but to promote unity in the body of Christ, encourage diversity and help women learn to study the Bible for themselves,” Ridley said. “While we have lost folks like Beth and some are involved in different things, our mission remains the same – unity among women.”

Amy Johnson is the newest member to the committee and has enjoyed being a part of the conference in past years.

“I have attended the conference for the last two years and have enjoyed myself every time,” Johnson said. “I was honored the committee wanted to include me.”

Johnson, like other women who attend this conference, have attended similar events in other areas and knows the value this conference offers to women in this area.

“I have attended similar conferences in larger cities,” Johnson said. “It is so nice to have this women’s conference right here in Natchez.”

Ridley mentioned a time during Saturday’s schedule will be set aside for women to meet with Bible study teachers, some of whom have open studies in the area. The idea behind this time will be to focus on the one-on-one interaction with seasoned teachers and arming women with the tools to study on their own.

The planning committee works to make sure the conference is available to those who wish to attend, as it usually costs less than $50 to register for the weekend. This year will be different.

“We are going to offer the conference for $3 a day,” Ridley said. “This is a special offer to coincide with the tricentennial celebration.”

From year-to-year the conference operates and starts off with little money to begin planning.

Ridley attributes the conference’s success to the generous donations of area supporters.

“We will gladly accept any offering,” Ridley said. “We also welcome any lady who wishes to participate as a volunteer, greeter and hostess to come and join us.”

Other members of the committee include: Cheryl Givens, Beatrice Owens, Susan Smith and Dorothy Sylvester.

Ridley said anyone wishing to donate directly to the Women of Worship – Natchez can visit Regions Bank and ask for their account. If they are curious about other ways to assist with this ministry, they can call 601-304-1383.