This African American Women in Ministry’s conference is designed for women in all phases of ministry - ordained, commissioned, in discernment, and licensed in varied ministry settings within the UCC and in other denominations. You are all welcome!
The conference is $250 per person, which includes housing (shared), meals, t-shirt and tote bag. You may also register for one-day registration without overnight accommodations ($125). Please see resources for creative fundraising tips or for a scholarship application. Scholarship application will open June 1st, registration begins on July 15th!
You are personally invited to attend this year's AAWIM conference at Franklinton Center at Bricks by the Revs. Yvonne Delk and Bernice Powell Jackson, as well as the conference co-chairs, Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins and Rev. Charmaine Penn Johnson. Read their full invitations, here.
Throughout the three decades that we have been privileged to convene the African American Women in Ministry, many themes for our gatherings have been chosen — confirming our calls to ministry, affirming our gifts and talents and nurturing the sisterhood. But perhaps none have been as poignant as this year’s theme, "Sisters Lives Matter — Facing the Fierce Urgency of Now." All around the country there is an urgency that we as a people come together to end the violence against us and among us, that we come to understand in very real ways that Black Lives Matter — to God and therefore should matter to everyone else.
This year's conference will bring together some of our best thinkers and our best activists, as we think together how we, as African American Women in Ministry, are catalysts for change our society as well as in our church. The preaching will be powerful, as always; the workshops and panels informative. But we have found that one of the most important aspects of the AAWIM conference has been sister time — the moments we uplift each other. Our hope is that growing out of this year’s conference will come an intentional and sustainable network of African American Women in Ministry both in the UCC and beyond.
The scripture passage for our conference is rooted in Esther 4:12-16. It reminds us that our lives and our ministries matter. It is our belief as co-founders of African American Women in Ministry that each of you have been called for just such a time as this. The word that was spoken to Esther is now the word for you. It is our hope that the October gathering will empower you spiritually and renew your call as you face the fierce urgency of now.
Blessings,
Yvonne Delk and Bernice Powell Jackson
Greetings…you are among the chosen!
As we gather on the sacred grounds of the historic Franklinton Center at Bricks in Whitaker, North Carolina, we welcome you to the 2017 African American Women in Ministry (AAWIM) Conference. This year’s theme is "Sisters' Lives Matter: Facing the Fierce Urgency of Now." Our founders, Rev. Dr. Yvonne Delk and Rev. Dr. Bernice Powell-Jackson; the Planning Team, Subcommittees, and The Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, our UCC Resource have designed this conference to address the challenges facing African American women in ministry.
Many of you are travelling from near and far to be renewed, refreshed, and reconnected. No matter the phase of ministry you are in: ordained, licensed, commissioned, or in discernment within the United Church of Christ and other faith traditions, you are most certainly welcome. Our focus scripture is Esther 4:12-14 - "Chosen....for just such a time as this"-NCV). The urgency of NOW demands a response to the inequities in the treatment of Black women and families.
For the first time in 15 years our conference preachers-panelists are all United Church of Christ ministers. We have an exciting line up of powerful preacher – panelist and workshop presenters starting on Thursday, March 9 and ending on Saturday, March 11. They include The Rev. Dr. Iva Carruthers, Rev. Waltrina Middleton, and Rev. Traci Blackmon. These dynamic preaching women will offer inspiration and challenge through the preached Word.
So get ready to experience the divine through worship, workshops, panel discussions, sister circles, networking, table fellowship, and sisterhood. Our journey together will include worship, music, dance, reminders of our challenges, burdens, joys and rich ancestry. We will be intentional through community building, self-care and networking as we gather on holy ground for a spirit-filled time of inspiration and renewal.
So it is our hope and fervent prayer that your journey with other sisters will create a circle of rest, renewal, reflection and reconnection that leads to the courage to face the fierce urgency of NOW.
Remember, you are chosen and who knows you may be here for just such a time as this….in the fierce urgency of NOW!
In Sisterhood and the Service of Christ,
Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins
2017 Co-Chair
Rev. Charmaine Penn Johnson
2017 Co-Chair
281 Bricks Lane, Whitakers, NC 27891 | 800-345-1850
Fly into the Raleigh/Durham Airport.
Driving to Franklinton Center at Bricks
If renting a vehicle at the airport:
From the airport, take 540 east to NC-West.
Take 64 West to US-301 N (N. Wesleyan Blvd.).
Continue to follow US 301 N (about 15 minutes).
Turn left onto 281 Bricks Lane (Franklinton Center at Bricks), between two drive-ways with bricks columns.
Take I-95 N.
Take exit 150 for North Carolina 33, toward Whitakers.
Turn right onto N Carolina 33 E (about 6 minutes).
Turn left onto US-301 (White Street) continue to follow US-301 N (5 minutes).
Turn left onto 281 Bricks Lane (Franklinton Center at Bricks) between two drive-ways with brick columns.
Take I-95 S.
Take exit 154 for North Carolina 481 toward Enfield.
Turn left onto NC-481 E (about 6 minutes).
Continue onto NC 481 Bypass E (about 2 minutes).
Turn right onto US-301 South (about 2 minutes).
Turn right onto 281 Bricks Lane (Franklinton Center at Bricks) between two drive-ways with brick columns.
Take US-64 East.
Take exit 464 toward Interstate 95 N toward Richmond.
Continue on the ramp and merge onto I-95-N (about 9 minutes).
Take exit 150 for N Carolina 33, toward Whitakers.
Turn right onto N Carolina 33 E (about 6 minutes).
Turn left onto US-301 N/S (White Street).
Continue to follow US 301 N (about 5 minutes).
Turn left onto 281 Bricks Lane (Franklinton Center at Bricks) between two drive-ways with bricks columns.
• The Valerie Russell Scholarship Fund for African American Laywomen.
Contact Elizabeth Dilley
Inquiries: 216-736-3841
Email: dilleye@ucc.org
Franklinton Center at Bricks: 800-345-1850
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