Greensburg — Westport Christian Church will host its first ever Women's Conference Jan. 21.

Set to begin at 9 a.m., the all-day event features a free continental breakfast and a lunch and is planned to offer a variety of games, notable guest speakers and other fun activities for church members as well as the general public.

Hosted by The Loyal Daughters of Westport Christian Church, the Women's Conference will feature noted Christian speakers Love Lockman and Claudia Mitchell. Mitchell, an author and creator of a program called "One Girl Can Change the World," is expected to speak in the morning portion of the program. Lockman will follow a lunch break.

According to information provided to the Daily News by Gloria Alumbaugh, chairperson for the Loyal Daughters, one of the primary hopes of the program is simply to help alleviate some of the winter doldrums.

"We're hoping to have a time where women can come together in the community, re-focus and take care of our spiritual needs," she said.

Alumbaugh went on to say that the program will have a 1950s theme complete with a faux jukebox and other period decorations in the church's basement as well as throughout the sanctuary.

In keeping with the decidedly retro stylings of the program, Alumbaugh said that "Girls to Women," a noted Westport musical act, will perform during the Women's Conference. The group primarily performs Christian songs, but Alumbaugh noted that a few Ô50s-era hits may make their way into the group's set-list.

The church member also said that a musical guessing game is planned for the event as well as a scavenger hunt and other games in the style of the popular television game show "Minute to Win It." Alumbaugh estimated that the conference will include about three hours of teaching time and an hour of music and worship.

Registration and the continental breakfast begin at 8 a.m. The conference is expected to last until 3 p.m. A flier given to the Daily News states that pre-registration for the event is required due to limited seating. The cost is $20 per person.

"It's just to have some fun Ñ to get out of the house and away from the boring winter glum," Gloria Alumbaugh said of the event.

She added that all are welcome, men included, and that the program offers a little something for everyone.

And though January may not be considered the most ideal time for grilling out, Alumbaugh said church members intend to do just that. She stated that some church members will brave the cold conditions to grill hamburgers for the event.

The Women's Conference is far from the only project The Loyal Daughters have in the works.

Throughout the year, the group partners with other church members for a smattering of community-focused programs, each intended to help those in need.

Alumbaugh said that the church group organizes rummage sales and uses proceeds obtained from those events in order to purchase items for the needy. Some of these items include laundry detergent, dish soap, bar soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste as well as a variety of other items not typically covered by food assistance programs.

An additional program allows South Decatur teachers to make a wish list of classroom items needed each year. Church members actively shop for the items on the teachers' list throughout the year. Alumbaugh explained that doing so not only assists students whose families could not afford the items but also eliminates the need for the instructor to purchase the materials out of his or her own pocket.

The group also organizes a backpack drive each year. For the present school year, Alumbaugh said that the church members provided 68 book bags to South Decatur Students.

Westport Christian Church is located at 102 West Mulberry Street in Westport. For more information, contact the church or Minister Mike Bartlett at (812) 591-3807.



Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056.