By Chinyere Ogbuagu
The Women of St. John the Divine Anglican Church, Ngozika Estate, Awka, have been charged to deepen their relationship with God, remain focused on their Christian journey and continually press toward the mark of their higher calling with eternity in view.
The call was made at the 2026 Annual Women Parish Conference of the church, hosted by the Splendour Group on July 25, at the church auditorium.
The conference, which brought together women from the four women groups of the church, as well as delegates, ambassadors and other invited guests, was held under the theme, “Pressing Towards the Mark,” taken from Philippians 3:14.
The event commenced with a Holy Communion Service conducted by the Vicar, Canon Josiah Anyanwutaku, assisted by the Curate, Rev. Dr. Chukwuma Ikegbo.
Speaking during the Bible study session titled “The Spiritual Woman Pressing Towards the Mark,” Sister Nonye Nwokoye described woman as a major builder of the home and, by extension, society.
She said, “The greater burden of taking care of the home, both spiritually and physically, lies on the shoulders of the woman.”
Nwokoye, therefore, urged the women to recognise their important role in building godly homes and contributing positively to the development of society.
In her exposition on the conference theme, Prof. Njideka Ebisi urged the women not to give up in their pursuit of spiritual growth and service to God.
According to her, We should keep pressing toward the mark because there is always a reward. It is a work in progress.
She explained that the ultimate goal of pressing forward is to attain the prize of the higher calling of God, with eternity in view, warning that it is possible for Christians to strive and work for God without remaining focused on the ultimate goal of eternity.
Earlier, during the service, the officiating priest, Canon Josiah Anyanwutaku, urged the women to open their hearts and seek a genuine encounter with Christ.
He said, “When one encounters Jesus, one begins to see the light. Unless one is born again, he cannot see the light.”
The Vicar encouraged the women to continually seek to know Christ, noting that a deeper relationship with Him would strengthen their faith and help them remain steadfast as they press toward the mark.
In her conference address, the President of the Women of St. John the Divine Church, Nneora Happiness Anyanwutaku, expressed appreciation to the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of the Diocese of Awka, His Grace, the Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, Ph.D., and his wife, Dr. Martha Chioma Ibezim, for their unwavering support and leadership in the church.
She also commended the Splendour Group, the host group, for its commitment and remarkable efforts toward the successful organisation of the conference.
Nneora Anyanwutaku, also highlighted some of the activities successfully undertaken by the women at both the Archdeaconry and parish levels.
Also speaking, the Archdeacon’s wife and Vice President of Awka Central Archdeaconry, Dr. Ijeoma Oranye, disclosed that the event marked the seventh Parish Women’s Conference held at St. John the Divine Anglican Church.
Dr. Oranye urged the women to continue supporting the priests and their wives in advancing the work of the church, while encouraging them to participate actively in Archdeaconry programmes and activities.
The conference provided an opportunity for the women to worship together, reflect on their Christian responsibilities, strengthen their bonds of fellowship and share experiences on issues affecting women, families and the church.
The event climaxed with prayers, launching of the Vicar’s wife’s address, cutting of conference cake and thanksgiving.
Chinyere Ogbuagu is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
