Church Women’s Spring Assembly

Finds Hope In Prayer

By Kendra Bobowick

By noon the scent of warm bread mixed with perking coffee in the Newtown Congregational Church hall on April 18. Tablecloths decorated with tea saucers, juice glasses, and bright orange placeholders cut out in the shape of butterflies all sat waiting for the gathered Church Women United (CWU) to take their places. The Congregational Church hosted this years’ Spring Assembly 2009.

Soon the muffled voices at the end of the hall became clearer when doors opened after a morning service with guest speaker Dimples Armstrong. Crossing the hall for brunch that would begin with melody and a prayer, the CWU members from surrounding towns continued their spring assembly. In town from New York City, Djamillah Samad noted the day’s theme, “A Closer Walk With Thee.”

She joined other guests minutes later as the Reverend Matthew Crebbin’s resonant voice quieted the room. He offered a blessing before brunch: “For health and strength of our daily bread, we give You thanks …” He led the CWU crowd in song.

Before settling in their seats, Jeanne Middlemass from Shelton spoke with Debbie Kaynor of West Hartford as the two women looked at a health display. Across the room were Eileen Schwartz with Church World Services and Marjorie Jordan from the Greater Bridgeport CWU. Both admired a wishing well display. Already at their table were CWU Greater Willimantic area President Carolyn Lester with her husband Kenneth, sitting beside Jennifer Peterson of Southbury.

President M. Lewis-Thorpe and Co-Vice Presidents and program chairs Darlene Jackson and JoAnn Cromwell organized the day.

Ms Samad has worked for Church Women United since 2006 and brings with her knowledge and experience for nonprofits and community service.

The day’s guests included Ms Armstrong, well known locally as an educator, civil rights activist, and board member among many nonprofit agencies. Raymond Bechard is the founder of a not-for-profit human rights organization dedicated to rescuing victims of human trafficking, enslavement, and exploitation. The next CWU event will be May 1, May Friendship Day.