Koinonia’s annual Women’s Christmas Brunch is always one of the most anticipated occasions of the holiday season, and this year’s event on Saturday, December 7 was no exception. Director of the Women’s Ministries Linda Gamlen welcomed 112 women to the event, including the mothers of two families from Tanzania and Sri Lanka and a table from our neighbors at Pittsford Community Church.
At 11 a.m. our Koinonia women, some accompanied by their daughters, relatives and friends, poured through the doors of the sanctuary. All were anticipating a wonderful opening to a Christmas season that can be hectic, but incredibly meaningful. Tables had been set up (thanks to the deacons and youth group) and dressed (thanks to the brigade of women from the Tuesday Bible Study). Madelines’ Catering Service were at their stations at the buffet tables and the attendees took their seats.
The brunch featured a French-style cuisine which was absolutely scrumptious. A joyful time of worship was led by Abi Cook and Andrea McGaugh. Hearts were touched as we sat down and awaited the message by Madeline Soza, wife of John Soza, Pastor of the Rochester Salvation Army. Maddy, as she is known, has had a variety of experience in ministry and shared a stirring message about not being perfect, but serving an all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present God. He takes us just as we are and as we serve Him, He transforms us more into His likeness until one day when we see Him, (in Heaven), we shall be like Him. Maddy communicated that it’s all about patience and knowing we are still valued and useful as God’s messengers if we exchange our life for His.
Closing in prayer and a rousing chorus of “Feliz Navidad,” we all committed our lives to go forth, foibles and all, trusting that He truly loves us and that we have a job to do on His behalf. That is to tell the world that God loves each person and sent His only begotten Son to give His life in payment for our sin so that we may have everlasting life. What a high calling! What a great commission!
Thank you Maddy, thank you to all who served to make the event a success, and thanks be to God for bringing the Women of Koinonia together to share a time of community, encouragement, and enrichment in the Word of God.
Reported by Linda Gamlen, WM Director
P.S. I must also give thanks to Corinne Ardilio, for being a tremendous help in every way, the media team, Melanie Bowman and Valerie Migliore, and to our chief craft person, Nancy Montarella. Also, the ladies in the church office, Hannah Rowe and Dawn Patrick.