Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis (Courtesy photo)

The Southern California First Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) will celebrate their 52nd Annual State Women’s Convention. The event begins on Thursday, July 26, and continues through Sunday, July 29, at the Desert Springs J. W. Marriott Resort and Spa, 74855 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert.

“The theme is “A Loving Church Seasoning The World” based on I Corinthians 13:4-8.   Dr. Barbara McCoo Lewis, general supervisor/jurisdictional supervisor, is the convention president, Bishop Joe L. Ealy is the jurisdictional prelate, and Mrs. Kathie Humphrey is the convention coordinator.

“Delegates come from all over Southern California and beyond to receive spiritual renewal from anointed vessels that have been prayerfully selected to release ‘manna’ from heaven and bless the people,” said Mother Lewis.

On Friday, the Leadership Conference will feature empowering workshops and facilitators including District Missionary Margie Houston, Administrator LaTanya Blake Allen, First Lady Dr. LaWanne Grant, National Evangelist Sonya Simpson, First Lady Gail Biggers, District Missionary Dr. Betty Purify, and Evangelist Gwendolyn Black Amie.

On Thursday night, the convention musical opens with guest artist, Nicoe “Nikki” Potts, of West Angeles COGIC. Also, the convention choir will sing.

Keynote speakers include Regional Missionary Mother Mazie Sconiers, Supervisor Barbara Bryant, Senior Executive Assistant General Supervisor Dr. LaWanne S. Grant of First Lady Kingdom Builders in Charlotte, North Carolina; Evangelist Joyce Rodgers, the International Youth Chairlady of Dallas, Texas; and National Evangelist and Administrative Assistant Betty Clark. Bishop Ealy will speak on Sunday afternoon.

In addition, Mother Lewis will confirm the successful candidates from the 2018 School of Licensing. She will also lead the early Morning Prayer and teach each day.

On Saturday, workshops will be facilitated by Dr. Betty Harden, Mother Carolyn Lindsey, Deacon and Mother Orelious Peevy, Mother Shirley Kelly, Sister Kathy Glover, and Mother Margie Houston, Missionary Sandra Daniels, Missionary Barbara Devers and National Evangelist Jacquelyn Davis.

The auxiliaries will sponsor dynamic workshops for all ages. Other highlights include Street Witnessing, Prison Visitation, Chat and Chips 18-52 with Mother Lewis, Sunday Brunch, Parade of Banners, Sunshine Band and Purity Class presentations, the COGIC MALL and the resort golf course. Children’s Church will be available at all evening sessions.

For information, call Mrs. Barbara West, chief registrar, at (323) 779-3219. Exhibitors can contact Mrs. Mary Ann LaCour at (310) 671-5794.