Written by Keli Miller

“When Jesus shows up there’s more than enough.” - Megan Keyes

Earlier this month the women of Grace Capital City celebrated together, for the first ever Women’s Conference, “The Banquet”.

We celebrated God’s kindness and lavish love.

We celebrated the beauty of our unique stories and identity.

And most importantly, we celebrated that there is always enough room at God’s table.

The weekend kicked off with an actual Banquet dinner. On the crisp fall evening, under the night sky, we shared a meal together, taking time to ask intentional questions and meet someone new. Dinner on Friday was followed by Session one where we were led in worship by GCC women and heard from both Megan Keyes (from 10,000 Fathers) and Patty Leach (from Life Center Church), who were joining us for the weekend.

The night ended with each woman receiving a unique verse for themselves. The hope behind this verse is that it would speak to each woman’s current season and serve as a reminder of Truth.

The next day we kicked off our morning with two testimonies from women in the community. Sara Orazi, one of the founding members of our church, shared her experience with depression, how God met her in that season and how depression and joy often seem to coexist in a beautiful way. Chloe Chang, a recent GW grad shared her story about finding her place in the church and her journey of stepping fully into the identity God has given her.

These brave testimonies led us perfectly into our next session where Megan Keyes talked about how sometimes God gives us a name and it’s something that we don’t yet see for ourselves. Megan took us to scripture in Judges 6 where God calls Gideon a warrior. Gideon, overcome with fear, can’t yet see this truth in himself, but God can. “Fear and faith are made of the same fabric. Both believe in something that you haven’t seen,” said Megan. What a great and full statement of truth to ponder over.

We broke up the day with breakout groups, and lunch together outside. This was such a sweet time of fellowship with one another. In a city of chaotic busyness, it was a joy to sit with one another and reflect on what God was speaking to us. That afternoon we heard two other testimonies from women in our church. Claudene Giani and Margaux Lawson both shared powerful stories of forgiveness and how learning to see yourself the way God does opens doors for an encounter with God.

Patty closed the weekend with a challenge to listen to God, and RSVP, “yes”, for whatever He is inviting you into. It’s time to take your seat.

“When Jesus shows up there’s more than enough.” - Megan Keyes

You prepare a banquet for me,

where all my enemies can see me;

you welcome me as an honored guest

and fill my cup to the brim.

The Banquet Women's Conference

“When Jesus shows up there’s more than enough.” - Megan Keyes

You prepare a banquet for me,

where all my enemies can see me;

you welcome me as an honored guest

and fill my cup to the brim.