Highlights of the Women’s Conference 2026
Women’s Conference 2026 – Restoration.
Rock Christian Centre’s fourth annual Women’s Conference was held on Saturday 16th May 2026 entitled Restoration. It was born out of a very personal and moving testimony. The conference was very much anticipated since the previous year had been such a blessing. Pastor Jon Watts and his wife Tricia gave their total support in hosting this event. Paulette Forbes-Williams and the planning group sought to continue the usual high standard that people had come to expect, this was evident from the response of the ladies.
The contribution from our wonderful men folk continued much to the delight of our delegates. We hold precious memories of Barry Tipper eclectically stylish and a true gentleman who, at the inception of our women’s conference in 2023 volunteered. He is greatly missed. Fresh input from other willing and enthusiastic individuals helped greatly in the smooth running of the conference. Different coloured goodie bags also containing a laminated scripture verse and a book to strengthen our Christian walk with God was much appreciated.
The stalls that proved popular in the previous conference were back again, including our pampering therapists. The Yorkshire Adoption Agency continues to have a worthwhile presence.
As part of our Women’s Health Raising Awareness this year, was on diabetes since twice as many non-Caucasians are likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Our conference began by incorporating a warm welcome from our veteran organisers Tricia Watts and Sandie Keene. Tricia ran through housekeeping. Sandie also introduced a BSL interpreter, on hand throughout the conference. Sandie stated that the conference was the best multicultural experience for the whole year, for her, and opened the conference with prayer.
Christine Bah read Psalms 23, it truly reflected the theme of the conference.
Sandie introduced our first keynote speaker, Kate Nicholas. She is an author, preacher and public speaker with 30 years experience as a national journalist for The Observer, The Independent and, magazine editor. She has a very impressive resume. Her desire and heart was to share her remarkable story: Transformation as We Pass Through the Valley.
She stated that through life-threatening illness she was made to lie down in a hospital bed, there she saw the Lord as truly being her Shepherd. Questions that ran through her mind such as, where are you God when it hurts? Do I reject him or do I resist him?
She said that God has a plan and purpose for our lives. Kate was totally upfront in a warm and friendly manner. Sadness was one of her emotions but went on to say she wasn’t afraid as she expounded on verse 4 of Psalms 23 “ I will fear no evil…”
We can find ourselves in the ‘ valley of the shadow of death’ but at the same time walking by ‘still waters’. Kate’s navigation of this unknown journey was only done by surrendering and being still. Her mindset, priorities and perception on life totally transformed her relationship with her Saviour. She had a profound connection with God.
Everyone was deeply moved by her non-faltering account. We need to seek ways in which to be still. As a result of this period in her life Kate has written several books. Delegates had the opportunity to purchase signed copies.
Lydia Ukeye, one of our worship leaders at RCC ministered to us in song.
Our guest speaker Chante Campbell, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age, shared with us her invisible condition and how she learnt to deal with it. She said it left her feeling very vulnerable and challenged. Chante outlined what a normal day comprised of for her. Support comes in the form of family, doctors, nurses, friends and media TikTok; the latter starts a conversation. There are numerous devices, monitors etc, now readily available. Due to her perseverance and resilience Chante has not let her diagnosis define her. She holds down a very demanding job in the construction industry as a Sustainability Consultant.
The morning was varied in pace and content; more was yet to come. Workshops were announced and the ladies departed to their chosen option. In conjunction with the theme of the conference our three workshops reflected various verses/strands of Psalms 23.
Lois Willis a workshop facilitator who is a co-leader with her husband Jo at C3 Hope Sheffield. Her intriguing title was, Forgiveness-How to sit with enemies. She went on to explain/expand what it truly means to forgive and love our enemies, to be free and love like Jesus loved. She said for one to be able to live in complete freedom in all its aspects one must actually experience the act of forgiving others. She stated that we need to forgive as Jesus does since forgiveness touches the deepest parts of who we are. Lois wasn’t denying the pain but forgiveness is essential and the key. She encouraged us to name the wound, grieve, release and pray blessings on our enemies. We need to keep repeating the process as often as needed as forgiveness is often layered. Her workshop was powerful and reflective; delegates left with tools to do business with God.
Another of our workshops headed up by Valari Mitchell a senior leader within the Probation Service entitled – Provision and Protection. It was well attended with an interactive focus. Given that Valari’s career reflects the State’s provision for justice, protection and provision, God’s rod and staff comfort us and we are blessed by his goodness and mercies.
Kate also presented a workshop entitled- Led Beside Still Waters: Making Space for Transformation. She began by naming the many definitions of valleys. She exhorted that a valley can often be a place of transformation. In that time God can become closest to us. Kate punctuated her presentation with several questions: Where have you walked through a valley? Where was God in that? When have you been made to stop? What does stillness look like?
She continued stating that God restores our soul. We aren’t simply surviving but we are being restored and renewed. It can be dramatic or just quiet and gradual. We need to make space by being still and know that He is God in our busy lives.
Kate concluded with a prayer over the ladies that they would indeed to be mindful of valleys, resting and being still so that they can hear from God clearly. A number of ladies were given the opportunity to voice their experiences. All were different in their approach, but it was stressed that what worked for the individual was most important.
Lunch was announced and the ladies chatted freely whilst eating. The conference reconvened with Patricia Redhead leading a five-minute session of slow and fast tempo exercises. The Worship Team then led everyone in singing, ‘There’s no one like Jehovah.’
Our second keynote speaker was Lois who had earlier led a workshop. She spoke about ‘Out of Hiding’. She recounted about playing hide and seek as a child, but this is not limited to childhood, we need to come out of that hiding place. She stated that Adam and Eve found themselves naked and hid!
Man’s fall in creation means that our soul needs to be restored. Psalms 23:3 “He restores my soul.” God wants to bring healing; He makes us lie down and then the process can begin. The woman who had the issue of blood was made whole and called out of hiding.
Lois gave an invitation to pray for those who needed it and also prayed specific prayers on delicate topics. This was a challenging and sensitive address spoken in love and faith, to see women set free by taking the brave step of coming out of hiding.
The Rock Youth Choir comprising of 12 beautiful teenagers wearing T-shirts with Yeshua emblazoned on the front marched in clapping and sang “Holy are You Lord” and other songs. It was wonderful to see young people praising God.
Our final keynote speaker Nkechi Okoh a member of RCC and known for her knowledge of the scriptures, gives encouragement in any given situation. She is very much a teacher of the Word. She is direct and offers no apology when preaching the Word of God. Her style is one of gentle humour and insightfulness. She spoke about being restored by the Sovereign Shepherd: No Longer Hidden, No Longer Broken. She gave the illustration of a good shepherd. God is also our Sovereign Shepherd, the Shepherd of our soul who is all powerful who guards and protect us. His love compels Him to do, and His power brings it to pass, He is everywhere so everyone can know Him.
Nkechi said that restoration is our inheritance, Joel 2v25.
Restoration is not an event, it’s his nature! Nkechi used several bible characters to prove that the Sovereign Shepherd restored individuals such as Mary Magdalene, Jarius’s daughter, Naomi, the Shunammite woman, Hagar and Bathsheba. God doesn’t restore by pretending trauma never happened instead He puts a new chapter in our lives. Nkechi admonished us not to leave here as we came.
Sadly, the conference was coming to an end. Words of thanks was said by Sandie for Tricia and Jon and a host of deserving folks including our lovely serving men. Paulette our driving force was recognised and applauded; she was also presented with a bouquet of flowers. Final thanks were given to everyone for coming and being open to God‘s leading.
We concluded with the Worship Team singing ‘Sovereign over us’ and ‘Restorer’.
Janice Wardley’s famous selection of scones and the obligatory rum cake procured by Paulette was served for afternoon tea and quickly devoured. No one was in a rush to leave as groups of ladies were chatting and networking. The conference was well attended by past and new delegates.
To date this conference born out of great adversity was truly a mighty blessing.
(Patricia Redhead 3.9.26)
Highlights of 2025’s Conference
A reflection of the day. 2025
Women’s Conference 2025 – The Sower.
Saturday 10th of May 2025, heralded Rock Christian Centre women’s third consecutive conference, under the auspicious helm of Paulette Forbes-Williams. With the support from the planning group everything was in readiness. Prior purchasing of a ticket was required to take full advantage of this now well-established popular event in the annual calendar of RCC.
God blessed us with excellent weather and numerous ladies came from lengthy distances.
At registration, while maintaining our usual high standard, our wonderful men’s stewarding and marshalling team served a variety of hot and cold beverages while the ladies helped themselves to Danish pastries and a selection of fruit.
Upon arrival, the delegates were warmly welcomed as they registered and given green goodie bags. Amongst the contents was an A5 brochure and a packet of seeds to sow tying in with our theme, The Sower. This was especially handy for those that didn’t have an actual garden. The seeds can be easily planted in a plant pot, placed on a windowsill and be observed.
Leading from the doorway into the foyer were various eye catching and interesting stalls:
A second-hand Christian bookstall arranged by Kevin Day in order to accommodate the plethora of books was run by Hughes Redhead, an avid book lover. This stall proved to be very popular.
A Women’s Health stall on raising awareness of the menopause was equally favoured. Current and past female NHS workers from RCC answered numerous questions and gave out various leaflets and fact sheets. They were helpful and sensitive in their approach.
The Yorkshire Adoption Agency also presented their voluntary organisation in a bold, informative and warm manner.
Diane Rose Designs a returning favourite displayed fascinators and natural body and beauty products to sell.
Getaway2heaven hand massages was yet another favourite. The duo mother and daughter encouraged the attendees to secure times slots for this much sought after pampering.
A new addition was the Artisan Soap Shack, selling purely vegan products.
Preferences for chosen workshops also required actioning without delay to avoid disappointment, given that there was in excess 130 delegates.
A warm welcome was given by Tricia Watts and Paulette Forbes-Williams. Prayer signalled the start of a promising conference.
Jenny Sargent read the scripture Matthew 13:3-9; it reflected the theme of the conference.
The Worship team set the tone with declaring in song “I believe.” The delegates sang with fervency, affirming truth.
Our brilliant conference moderator from its inception, Sandie Keene, brought her warmth, wisdom and enthusiasm as she was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The keynote speaker Dr Joan Myers OBE, much anticipated, took the floor. Joan based her message on 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, The Sower and the seed.
She challenged us to recognise when God speaks to us through his word and by other means. We were admonished to read our Bible’s daily – seeing it as a love letter! Joan mentioned the different ways in which God had spoken to her. She said that our lives belong to Jesus, he has sown into our lives, so we need to be a sower of the seed. Joan’s love for Christ radiated from her exuding joy, excitement, energy and enthusiasm sprinkled liberally with her unique sense of humour. She is totally sold out to telling as many people that she encounters about the Good News of Christ. Joan’s workshop was a continuation of her message.
Joan also had a bookstall where she signed every one of her books that was bought.
After Joan spoke our moderator paused for a time of reflection.
A brave and plucky young teenager Ogechi Ejiogu ministered to us in song.
Claire Marie Mothersdale a trainee Church Army evangelist shared with us an explicit and powerful testimony. She was at one time incarcerated in the very prison where she now offers her time and support as a volunteer.
Claire sought to emphasise her dreadful past by recounting her past life by peeling off layers of jumpers. Each one was labelled with disgusting adjectives that she had been called. All who heard were moved to tears and stirred in their spirits by the transforming power of Jesus. It was outstanding!
This year we chose to have all our workshops in the morning of which there were three. The prison workshop was facilitated by three members of staff from Wakefield prison. Reverend Lesley Greenwood-Haigh, Beth Edwards a licensed Lay minister and Claire. The group in attendance was eager to hear and learn about female prisoners from the perspective of the staff. An overview was given and then the group was asked to get into smaller groups to discuss scenarios. This was an excellent way to tease out our perception of an inmate and how we automatically stereotyped them. The workshop concluded leaving us with a greater understanding of the ministry of the chaplaincy and how we as human beings all need to feel loved, accepted and valued.
Another of our workshops featured Bethany Sheridan-Watts (Jon and Tricia’s daughter) from the Mosaic Church in Leeds. She is very involved in her local community and neighbourhood. Bethany is passionate about sharing her faith. In her workshop she led groups in interactive exercises looking at practical ways on how to sow seeds by witnessing to others.
Time flew quickly and before we knew it, it was lunchtime. The famous and delicious food cooked by Dennis and Ricky and served by the wonderful men from RCC. The meal was terrific, meat beautifully marinated in fresh herbs and accompanied by the obligatory fried dumplings.
The conference reconvened with Patricia Redhead leading the delegates in a lively five-minute exercise with varying tempos to banish the post lunch slump. The conference room was full of women with wide smiles having fun and at complete ease.
Yan Qui ( Caddy) founder of the Mountain Rain Ministry Foundation was able to address the conference by a live video link from China. It was made possible by our tech savvy assistant Pastor Paul Hunt.
She spoke about the hardships she experienced after finding Christ. She spoke from John 12:24 to bring home the point of a single seed and its potential. The delegates found it informative, interwoven with historical facts on British evangelists being in China from 1782. Her fervent prayer is that the uncultivated ground be broken up and that the sower never stops sowing. After her address Caddy was happy to take questions from us. We were touched and truly inspired; she is incredibly brave on this dangerous mission field.
We then had a further time of worship under the direction of Reverend Clarissa Shaw-Notice, a regular contributor to our conferences. She spoke as the Holy Spirit directed her. She also did the tabletop ministry: women sharing at their tables with one another, identifying specific needs and praying for one another. Both Clarissa and Sandie guided us in this special moment.
RCC girl’s youth choir sang two songs with such sincerity. It was heartwarming as they used their voices in harmony to lift up the name of Jesus.
Prior to the conference concluding the opportunity was given for individuals to be prayed for by the prayer team.
The conference ended on a high as everyone sang “No one like Jehovah” over and over, truth being declared loud and joyously. An atmosphere of sisterhood fellowship, strength and unity was so evident.
The day went quickly and many ladies lingered to network and enjoy afternoon tea with a selection of mouthwatering confectionery. For certain RCC, Women’s Conference will be eagerly anticipated by numerous ladies for next year.
Highlights of 2024’s Conference
A reflection of the day. 2024
Women’s Conference 2024 – The Spirit Filled Woman, the Fruit of the Spirit.
Waking up on Saturday 18th May I realised it was a lovely sunny morning, a replay of this day the year before. I thanked the Lord our lovely car park attendants, men from the church, would not be standing in the rain.
So, the day began, I got ready quickly and made sure my houseguest and my husband were up and about. Then went downstairs to make a cup coffee and to contemplate the day ahead. This was our second Conference and some changes had been made. It was exciting to think of so many ladies gathering to hear what the Lord had for them today.
We set off for the Church at 7.20am. Our houseguest was manning one of the many stalls giving information and encouraging women to get involved with or seek help from various charities and action groups, the stalls invited entirely complimented and were consistent with the ministry of the Rock Christian Centre.
My husband was one of the many wonderful men of the church serving the women on this day. He was on the ‘early morning team’ and along with another guy was making drinks and serving fruit and pastries to ladies as they arrived.
Sure, enough by 8.30am there was a buzz around the place as ladies familiar and guests began to arrive, register and pick up their Conference Packs, lovingly assembled on the 2 previous evenings by members of the planning group. Pastor Jon and his right-hand man, looking very smart, dutifully recorded the arrival of each lady and welcomed them to the Conference.
The beautifully arranged fruit and pastries began to disappear, and various drinks were gratefully accepted. Ladies were encouraged to book in for hand and neck massages, and great interest was shown in the good quality hand – made jewellery stand, and the millinery stall. The bookstall was browsed, and ladies began to enter the main hall, sign up for their choice of afternoon workshop, and take their seats.
What a sight, lovely flowers everywhere, crisp white tablecloths, red table runners. It looked gorgeous. Where to sit…. near a window, out of a draught, early arrivals bagged the best seats!
At 10.00am prompt Tricia Watts opened, welcoming us all and asking the Lord’s blessing.
Lucy Swift made us smile as she had us all pointing to the emergency exits to ensure we remembered them if needed and then some of the ladies of the Rock Christian Centre worship team led us into the presence of the Lord. What a wonderful atmosphere there was in the room for the rest of the day.
Sandie Keene the moderator competently and sensitively guided us through the morning, explaining what would happen and that prayer ministry was available if needed and identifying those on the team. She then introduced Mina Smallman as the first speaker. As Mina began to talk there was silence in the room and ladies listened attentively to her. Her honesty and conviction were humbling, and no-one could fail to be moved by her accounts of pain and her forgiveness of cruelty and murder. Within that testimony there was so much encouragement for us, so much affirmation of mothers, of women, of me and of you.
There were 140 women in the room, and yet it was just as if it was you and her over a coffee in the kitchen. Question time confirmed that, with people sharing how encouraged they felt, and feeling free to ask their questions.
Our next speaker was Vivianne, who was just as inspirational, recounting her journey of betrayal, to restoration of her marriage and then from disease to amputation and the fitting of a prosthesis. Displaying no bitterness no sense of unfairness just a joy of life and forgiveness of individuals and systems that had let her down.
During the morning, we were blessed to receive ministry from two wonderful soloists, whose gifting lifted us and allowed the Lord to minister to us after each speaker had shared. Thank you, Lydia and Patricia.
At lunch time Sandie explained ‘the system’, Grace was said by Chidera and lunch was served, it was delicious, the wonderful team in the kitchen, Ric’s amazing men had done us proud and although we had planned ‘just 2 alternatives’ it felt like we had feasted on much more than that. Paulette and Sandie kept things moving serving salads and encouraging people to return to their seats quite quickly to eat.
Browsing of the stalls was once again possible and serious purchases were made, I am sure!
The afternoon began with a couple of surprises, first Sandie explained there were several envelopes under the seats. These contained gift vouchers, which, if found should be given away! There was much scrambling under seats and laughter. Secondly, Patricia made sure we were not overtaken by the ‘post lunch slump’ by leading us in a short exercise programme, which did the trick and sent us laughing to our choice of workshop.
On return from workshops, which identified and encouraged the fruit of the spirit from the experience of the lives of the different leaders, ladies enjoyed afternoon tea of delicious home-made jam and cream scones and by popular request Jamaican Fruit Cake.
We were then once again, blessed by a solo from Patricia, leading us back into the Lord’s presence ready to listen to Mina who gave the final talk.
Sandie Keene gave a word of thanks and Paulette was given a bouquet of flowers, after which she promptly displayed her gift of kindness and gave it to her sister.
Mina prayed over us a commissioning prayer and the worship team led us in a final song of praise.
I went home – tired, happy and feeling very thankful to the Lord for a wonderful day.
The men and women of the Rock Christian Centre are indeed a wonderful bunch.
The speakers, workshop leaders and Sandie had been great. How blessed we are to have Paulette to inspire us and encourage us in this Conference. I am looking forward to next year already.
Highlights of 2023’s Conference
A reflection of the day.
“The 13th of May 2023 finally came and with it dawned a warm and sunny day, Rock Christian Centre’s first women’s conference was finally a reality. From its inception from the previous mid-October the planning team had a vision for women. Within a safe and desirable environment to facilitate, cultivate, supporting each other by networking to learn, to worship, to develop spiritually through workshops and have fun.
The women were about to go on a journey and by involving the men folk of the church in stewarding, providing practical help/support and food. All the ladies had to do was to come and enjoy everything that was being provided.
Rock Christian Centre is very much involved in community outreach programmes such as Burngreave Foodbank, Street Pastors, CAP, Word 4 Weapons, The Lighthouse Project and Amen shoeboxes.
The programme was carefully planned with pampering in mind and spoiling the women with an array that would be sure to catch their attention. There were various stalls such as Christian books and cards, jewelry, quality millinery, Women’s health, The Jericho Road Project, and the Freedom Project, two vital support groups for women that are disempowered. There was also a choice of relaxing therapists so that the ladies could experience feeling cherished and pampered.
To ensure that the ladies could network and snack on Danish pastries and fresh fruit registration was off to an early start. Been warmly welcomed and handed a goodie bag by the men on the welcoming/registration team was certainly a caring gesture. Every detail had been thought through with our brothers in Christ assisting even in the car park. Some ladies who were apprehensive or unsure soon relaxed and began to mingle and engage in conversation. Gentle background music played as the ladies filtered into the conference room.
The scene that met their eyes was a delight there was a beautiful stillness in the room that struck you. White tablecloths and fresh flowers arranged in glass posey vases adorned each table not to mention the red runners and corresponding red seats.
The conference opened with prayer by Tricia Watts. Paulette Forbes-Williams introduced Jon Watts senior pastor of RCC who warmly welcomed the delegates on behalf of the leadership team. Housekeeping was delivered succinctly by Paulette and Lucy Swift. The worship team led by Josephine Kobusingye set the tone which was just a taster of what was to come.
Sandie Keene a previous accomplished leader was an excellent conference facilitator for the day. She exuded warmth and a deep understanding by her words and body language. She was efficient and her humorous approach to timekeeping using traffic light cards was very well received as chuckles echoed around the room. No one got issued with a red card.
Clarissa Notice our first speaker gave women permission to find out who they are in Christ. By allowing transformation to take place one would behold the glory of God. Three young women from RCC read bible verses following each speaker namely Bethany Kibutu, Megan Hunt and Tiffany Kibutu. Their scriptures pertained to virtuous women.
Rev Lyn Weston our second speaker addressed the conference with her personal testimony of surviving domestic abuse and encouraged women to speak out. Lyn allowed the Lord to use her which connected beautifully with what Clarissa had shared.
Our ears were treated to a medley of songs played on the saxophone by Cynthia Palmer-Golding. The delegates sang along in particular to ‘’ How great thou art ‘’
Lunch was another highlight. The cuisine was mouth-wateringly presented with a plethora of choices, catering for all dietary requirements. A very firm favourite was Ricky Williams’s fried dumplings. After lunch the ladies dispersed to their chosen workshops of which there was a total of four. Within the workshops they allowed the women to be interactive and concentrate on sharing and praying which was so special and releasing.
Afternoon tea followed with Jamaican rum cake and further networking. The worship team led the women into a time of worshipping God. The presence of the Lord was palpable as voices sang out in unison in praise and adoration. The prayer team were invited to come alongside those that needed prayer.
The closing speaker was Nkechi Aniegboka-Okoh a formidable woman of God. She communicated the Word in her unique direct style.
Nkechi reminded us that as women we have the power of influence. We are influential and not to allow ourselves to be put down.
The conference closed with the words of thanks by the moderator and Paulette. Recognition was given to all the men that had made the day a very special one for the ladies to have had a transforming experience.”