Akron Ohio Stake News

by Elizabeth Nielson

Saturday, January 20 was a beautiful day for the women of the Akron Stake. The annual Stake Women’s Conference was held in Tallmadge, and sisters throughout the stake came together to be “nourished by the good word of God.”

Participants were edified as they heard a story of resilience from an accomplished gospel singer who, together with her husband, has adopted two children and fostered more than twenty.

Through music and through word, Renee Welsch shared the story of her journey through adoption. She had to let go of trying to control her family situation and allow God to guide the process. She felt closer to Christ in those moments than she ever had before. “Christ wants all of us—I, you, everybody—to have a safe place to land in the palm of His hand,” said Renee.

Many sisters enjoyed hearing Renee’s story. “Hearing Renee Welsch’s testimony of faith and trusting in the Lord to grant her heart’s desire was very uplifting,” said Sister Katrina Sommers of the Ashland Ward.

Sister Linda Hardy of Tallmadge was edified by Renee’s story as well. “I really enjoyed the visiting speaker,” she said. “It’s always refreshing to gather with other LDS women to learn and share.”

One of the purposes of the conference was to serve people of the community by giving to local organizations that are working to better the lives of others. Those who attended the conference were asked to bring diapers for Summit County Children Services. Over one thousand diapers were donated.

During the conference, sisters tied 53 fleece blankets to donate to Open M, a health and food ministry in Akron. They also created 50 “All About Me” posters for Akron Children’s Hospital so that children feel more comfortable during their stay at the hospital.  Finally, participants were invited to take doll kits home and finish them so the Stake Relief Society Presidency can give them to Akron Children’s Hospital. Fifty-four kits were distributed.

Another purpose of the conference was to offer classes to enrich the lives of those attending and help them progress toward their divine potential.  Four classes were offered: Journaling, with Julia Waggoner; Simplifying Your Home, with Sarah Seifert; Family History, with Peggy Lauritzen; and Nutrition and Exercise, with Michelle Kjell.

“We feel that the purposes of the conference were accomplished with the contribution of so many people who were inspired in numerous ways,” said Stake Relief Society President Denna Coburn. “It was powerful to be gathered ‘as sisters in Zion’ who were indeed working together ‘to cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.’”