Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis
Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis

The Southern California First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ will hold their 50th State Women’s Convention from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24, at the Desert Springs J. W. Marriott Resort & Spa, 74855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert.

Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis is Assistant General Supervisor/Jurisdictional Supervisor and president of the Convention. Bishop Joe L. Ealy is the Jurisdictional Prelate.

“Delegates will gather from throughout Southern California and beyond to receive fresh ‘manna’ from the Lord. The anointing will flow like the dew in the morning from hand-selected vessels that have been chosen to be a blessing to the attendees,” said Dr. Lewis.

“Our prayer teams are consecrated and around-the-clock prayer is in session to set the atmosphere for miracles, signs and wonders. We anticipate a mighty release of God’s presence to be manifested and it will pull down strong holds, and delegates will be delivered and set free.

“Workshops have been carefully designed to educate, equip, empower and launch women into their god given purpose. Our convention theme is “Pursuing Righteousness…Preserving Our Legacy…Preparing For Posterity,” she added.

The Thursday night musical opens with Psalmist Crystal Rucker of Kansas City, Missouri and the Convention choir will sing. Keynote speakers include Supervisor Dr. Wilma Hughey of Elmia, New York; Supervisor Vanessa Winbush Gatlin of Lafayette, Louisiana; Shepherdess Rene Winston of South San Francisco, California; and Evangelist Joyce Rodgers of Denton Texas. Bishop Ealy will speak on Sunday Afternoon. Also, Mother Lewis will license candidates from the 2016 School of Licensing as well as teach and lead early Morning Prayer each day.

On Friday, the conference will feature workshops by Dr. Glenda Goodson, Supervisor Gladys Lockett Ross, Dr. Eddye Rambo, Dr. Carla Galbraith, Administrator Sharon Green, Mrs. Mary Paige and Missionary Sonja Simpson. Topics include “COGIC Women in History” (California focus) and “Bullying: Urgency in the 21st Century.”

The auxiliaries will sponsor workshops for all ages. Other highlights include the “Reflections of Fifty Years,” a drama presentation by Ms. Kesha Ealy, president of the Jurisdictional Fine Arts Department; “Honoring Fifty Women of Excellence” with Supervisor Barbara Bryant as guest moderator and Attorney Rosalyn Lee as coordinator; Sunday morning Brunch, the Parade of Banners, Sunshine Band and Purity Class presentations, Children’s Church at all evening sessions, the COGIC MALL, and the resort golf course.

Mrs. Kathie Humphrey is the convention coordinator. For information or to RSVP, call Chief Registrar, Mrs. Barbara West at (323) 779-3219. Exhibitors may call Mrs. Mary Ann Le Cour at (310) 671-5794.