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Kirkwood Family Conference 2004 "Rebuilding the Village: Why Family Matters" Gathering the entire family for teaching, fellowship and praise, Kirkwood Family Conference 2004 was attended by over 200 registrants and guests! The Family Conference kicked off on Thursday, April 29, 2004 with a Gospel Literary Cafe featuring authors of Christian works discussing their books. We were blessed with the presence of Ramona Bailey, author of Sexplosion; Jonetta Britt, author of Pickin' Ground and In Due Season; and Camellia Johnson, author of What Now. Each had a wonderful testimony of how the book actually came into being and shared portions of the books with the audience. JoKae's African American bookstore was on hand to sell these and other Christian works. Special thanks also to Penny Harris Smith, author of A Fenced Yard and Simple Lessons, who was unable to attend but sent us two books which were awarded as door prizes to two lucky attendees. The Conference continued on Friday with inspirational and insightful sessions for the entire family. For singles, Dr. Sheron Patterson, pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, and her "Love Clinic" team dealt with the topic "Single, Save and Satisfied." For married couples, Rev. Regina Reese-Young, pastor of Century Chapel CME in Sacramento, CA, spoke on the topic of "Sustaining Healthy Christian Marriages through Biblical Principles - The 3 C's: Communication, Commitment and Connection." Rev. Stephen Brown, Associate Pastor of Youth at Concord Baptist Church in Dallas, encouraged the Youth with the challenge of "Living Holy in a Changing World." And Rev. S. Michael Greene, Associate Pastor of Children at Concord Baptist Church in Dallas, worked with the children on the subject of "The Well-Rounded Child." On Saturday morning, Bishop Marshall Gilmore conducted the Plenary Session challenging us to learn family values from the best possible teacher, Jesus Christ himself. Sessions continued throughout the day including: Adult Sessions: "The Proverbial Woman," presenters Rev. Ouida Lee, Associate Pastor, St. Luke United Methodist in Dallas and Rev. Susan Stephens, Pastor of Outreach Ministries at Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas. This session was designed to explore the characteristics of a Godly woman - one who is strong, loving, kind and of wise counsel as expressed in Proverbs 31. "Empowered to Serve: The Role of God's Spiritual Leader," presenter, Dr. Kenneth Carter, Pastor, Carter Metropolitan CME in Fort Worth.. This session explored the need for men to have a spiritual awakening through prayer, praise, patience, participation, and perseverance. "The Ships on which the Family Sails - WorSHIP, StewardSHIP and LeaderSHIP." Women's presenter: Rev. Regina Reese-Young; Men's Presenter Rev. Jimmy Washington, Pastor of Phillips Temple CME in Dayton, Ohio. This session was designed to strengthen our commitment to god and the family by developing the necessary tools to sustain a healthy and cohesive family structure. Youth Sessions: "Living Holy in a Changing World," presenter Rev. Stephen Brown. This session focused on encouraging young men and women to understand the need to exhibit Godly characteristics in their everyday lives through: Sacrifice of selfish desires; Christian boldness; Witnessing to God's people; Submission to God's will. "Fighting Temptations," presenter Ms. Cecelia Criner, Praise Dance Ministry leader, Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas. In this day and time, young people are faced with various temptations in every walk of life. This session focused on exploring and examining steps to resist, avoid and overcome obstacles, challenges and vices that may lure and entice one to destructive situations. "Youth Movement: A Call to Action," presenter Rev. Adrian Drake, Host, Inspirations Across the Metroplex.. This session was designed to help young people step up, speak out and make concrete decisions pertaining to present and future situations concerning social justice, political, economic, spiritual and community development. Children's Session: "The Well-Rounded Child," presenter Rev. S. Michael Greene. This session was designed to teach children how to feel loved, secure, safe and respected in the church, home, school and community. "Kids are People Too," presenter Mr. Mark Morgan, Youth Assistant, Kirkwood Temple. This session emphasized the importance of kids knowing that they too are important in the family structure and although small in size, they are important, share responsibility, have a voice and can make a difference. Storytelling by Ms. Ruby Jackson, poet and children's writer. Other activities included: Prayer and meditation room Dallas Police Department providing ID cards, fingerprinting and a crime prevention presentation for children. Mobile Mammography Unit provided by UT Southwestern Medical Center Health screenings for Diabetes, Sickle Cell, Cholesterol, Prostrate, Aids and others. Job Fair The 2004 Family conference coordinators were Dr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Christian, Sr.
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