Annual Valentine Tea honors women

The second annual Valentine Tea honoring and bringing together women who support their churches, often behind the scenes, is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Zebedee Center.

“(It’s for) all women, all the praying women of the area, to be able to reach out and meet and greet the other prayer warriors in our area,” said Sharon Maulding, one of the organizers of the second annual tea, which is free to all women who wish to attend.

Last year’s gathering, the first of its kind, went so well that ever since, people have been asking Maulding if there would be another Valentine Tea — and telling her they intended to go, if so.

This year’s event is intended for all the faithful women who undergird local ministries, so that they can connect with women in similar positions in other churches.

Women who attend the event are invited to bring their favorite teacups or coffee mugs, though extras will be available for those who do not.

The Valentine Tea will include tea sandwiches, fruit salad and a variety of teas.

Free baby-sitting will also be provided by a group planning a mission trip to Peru.

There won’t be a formal speaker for the event, Maulding said, with the intent that people at each table will talk to each other and share personal stories of God’s work and thankfulness.

“We are very fortunate and we want to stay that way,” Maulding said. “We want to thank God for what he has given us, individually and collectively.”

The Saturday event will be at the Zebedee Center, named for the father of fishermen James and John — disciples who left their father behind in the boat when called by Jesus.

There’s also an Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday afternoon, Maulding said, joking that the sons of Zebedee would gather to go fishing after the daughters of Zebedee gathered in the morning.

And the organizers of the event “come from all different angles,” she added — evangelical, traditional and charismatic Christian denominations, including churches and unconventional ministries as well.

The Valentine Tea is meant to be “a tool for women to make a heart connect with other women who love the Lord,” Maulding said.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at

klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: life, religion