Meet Karen Oyer!

Karen Oyer, along with a team of women, have been very busy getting ready for Women's Day Away on Saturday, September 24th!  They are very excited for this big day and we are so thankful for their hard work!  I have known Karen for many years and she has such a heart for reaching women and her love for the Lord is evident in all that she does!  Thank you Karen!  

Can you guess by the pictures what this year's theme is for Women's Day Away?

  

How many years have you been organizing Women's Day Away?  

This is year 16 for me for Women's Day Away and I can't believe it!  Donna Yost, on staff at Grace, knew I had been wanting to see a one day women's conference offered by Wooster Grace and she asked me to join her to put together an event.  I was very excited to be a part of a day that would bring encouragement to women.  We asked some other amazingly talented women to join us that was the beginning of Women's Day Away!

Who are the other team members that have helped you with this BIG event?

Our team is the same as last year: In addition to Donna and me, Chris Hawkins and Wanda Doohan share catering responsibilities, working directly with Panera Bread. Celeste Kern leads a prayer team for us. Vicki Andrea transforms the Grace campus each year  (can't wait to see what she does in the men's rooms this year!).  Jackie Buckwalter uses her writing talents for our advertising; Shelly Eberly arranges and participates in the music/worship; Gwen Lemmon creates the fabulous themed stage in the worship center; Mary Misner works with facility and gets all those handsome fellows to say yes to pamper us all day; and Cathy Simms is hostess coordinator and also does a myriad of responsibilities as part of the church staff.
 
What is the most exciting part for you with planning this event?

I'll have to say there are many things about Day Away that are exciting, but the most exciting part is seeing women who are discouraged, overwhelmed, lonely, or just plain tired make their way to Day Away (often by themselves) and find that just a few hours to open their hearts to God can bring a new perspective to their lives.  When we come together and unite as women, God never disappoints- there is  hope and encouragement and we have a blast together.

The evaluations are always overwhelmingly positive which is a tremendous motivator - no one ever regrets coming!

How can we pray for you and the team during this last 2 months before Women's Day Away?

You can pray especially for our speaker, Renee Swope, who will be traveling from North Carolina, as she prepares to speak on our theme: "Road Trip - Travel Essentials for Life." In addition, you can pray for our other seven presenters who are preparing on a variety of topics. 

What is your favorite verse you would like to share with women to encourage them? 

Our theme verse this year has always been a favorite of mine: "Trust in the Lord . . . in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." Pv. 3:5-6. 

What are your hobbies/interests?

I love spending time with my husband and two children, traveling, hanging out with girlfriends, and organizing whatever I can. 

Any last thoughts you would like to share with our bloggers.

Taking time to renew yourself with God may be the best thing you can do with your time - come to Day Away! Registration brochures are now available at woostergrace.org.

By the way, scholarships are available to Grace attenders and are very confidential, available at the Women's Ministry Table.