Ladies -
We are excited to announce that the elders have approved and Leonarda Stewart has agreed to be a part of the Women’s Ministry Team. If you’ve had a chance to be part of one of our Women’s Bible Studies the past couple of years, you have had the chance to get to know Leonarda. Many of you have had a front seat to how the Lord has gifted and used her even this past year.
We both, after praying separately over who the Lord has for the women’s ministry, received Leonarda’s name and were able to confirm together after that period of time. Serving alongside her we have been impressed and encouraged with her love for Jesus and his church, especially her love for you all. She is someone who learns diligently, leads humbly, inspires quietly (but with much excitement), and follows Jesus fervently. She is passionate about helping women grow deeper in their relationships with Jesus and wider in relationships with each other for the sake of God’s kingdom. We are so thankful the Lord has confirmed this calling for her.
As Leonarda moves from someone that we resource to an official team member, she will expand her role to providing leadership and support not just for our studies but for all of the Women’s Ministry. She and Laura are currently praying over and planning together for our Matthew study which will start after Easter. She will also be a key leader in helping us as a church love and care for all of our sisters in Christ.
I am honored to be coming alongside Christie and Laura to serve the women of UBC. Since Covid, the Lord clearly directed me to focus on community and prayer. He has been taking me out of my comfort zones, reassuring me of His love and care, and healing past wounds. I was so blessed to be learning and growing with many of you in the Ladies Sunday School class and at The Well. God is at work in and through us and it’s so exciting to see!
The UBC body of believers is diverse and beautiful. I am looking forward to reconnecting with many of you, ladies, and meeting new faces. Let’s chat and pray together! “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” Rom. 12:15 ❤️
We are thankful for how the Lord led us to this decision and we are excited for what this means for our church as a whole! Our church is only stronger when we make space for men and women that God has gifted, appointed, matured and called to places of leadership. Please join us in welcoming Leonarda into this deeper place of women’s ministry and please be praying for her (and us) as we pray, plan, and seek the Lord together for His will in how we come alongside Pastor Clifton and the elders to help grow and encourage you all.
Respectfully,
Laura Bradley & Christie Russell
Deaconesses, Women’s Ministry
Congratulations with joining the team. <3
AWESOME‼️❣️✝️🙏🏻