Three speakers representing a diversity of ages and circumstances shared how they are able to use their personal gifts and abilities in their service to God’s people.

RaeAnn Dowd was the first speaker. Her husband is Ed Dowd, pastor of the Wichita, Liberal, and Salina, Kansas, congregations of United Church of God. RaeAnn is the mother of three fine boys (ages 10, 8 and 5) as well as the owner of a business, where she serves as an advocate for individuals with disabilities with social services and the courts. With all these demands on her time and her energy, RaeAnn shared lessons she has learned about balancing priorities and needs as she serves her family, the brethren and her business’s clients.

DeLee Hargrove was the next speaker. She is the wife of Vernon Hargrove, pastor of the Columbus and Cambridge, Ohio, congregations. Vernon and DeLee retired in 2009, but were willing to return to full-time pastoring in order to serve the needs of God’s people. DeLee shared a few of the many lessons she has learned over the past 49 years of service—especially ways she has supported her husband as he handled the demands of pastoring. Along with these responsibilities, DeLee is the mother of two grown sons and is a grandmother.

The final speaker was Ruth Root, who serves as the office manager of United Church of God, Australia, located in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, just south of Brisbane. With a PowerPoint presentation, Ruth introduced the office staff and shared specific ways God has answered her prayers when needs arose regarding being able to do His work in this area of the world. Ruth also has grown children and a grandchild. She is fully involved in the day-to-day operation of the work of the Church in Australia and is profoundly thankful for that opportunity.

These three presentations were followed by discussion regarding how each elder’s wife can uniquely contribute based on her personal circumstances, gifts and abilities. Challenges such as family, health and individual talents were also some of the topics in the discussion period.

The session ended with a resolve to lovingly support and serve one another as we go forward doing the work of God.