Women called to be 'crowning glories' at luncheon

FBC photo by Ken Touchton

Nancy Sullivan, wife of Florida Baptist Convention executive director- treasurer John Sullivan, surprises Fran Murray with the Clyde Maguire Minister’s Wife award.

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DAYTONA BEACH (FBC)—Seated before tables of gold and purple adorned with jewel-encrusted crowns, more than 130 ministers' wives were called to be "crowning glories" during the annual Ministers' Wives Luncheon Nov. 13 at the Ocean Convention Center in Daytona Beach.

This year's theme, "The Crowning Qualities of a Minister's Wife," based on Proverbs 12:4, and was divided into five specific "glories," each presented by a Florida Baptist minister's wife.

Also during the luncheon, Fran Murray, wife of Darrel Murray, pastor of Norwood Baptist Church, received the Clyde Maguire Ministers' Wife Award.

The crowning quality of devotion was illustrated by Barbara Lucas, First Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, who cited her mother, a pastor's wife, as an example of extreme devotion. "She exhibited devotion in her consistency and her fervency," said Lucas, sharing that her mother sent anniversary cards to every couple her husband married in his 40 years of ministry.

"Humility is the giant emerald in the crown," said Rebecca Lambright, of First Baptist Church in Palm Coast, as she presented the second quality. Lambright cautioned the women that having humility did not mean being passive. "The humility of Jesus is the best example. He had humility in His confident belief He was in God's hand and He was set free."

Helen Yates, of Northside Baptist Church in Apopka, called the women to "trust totally, love lavishly and give generously," when exhibiting the crown­ing quality of generosity. "We cannot ignore that from Genesis through Revelations we are called to be stewards of the blessings of God," said Yates.

The Bible mandates that all Christians "share enthusiastically and give hospitality," said Karen Green, of First Baptist Church in Brandon, as she shared the fourth quality, hospitality. The command is for everyone, stressed Green, "not just if you are a good cook or you have a nice home."

Hilda Johnson, of First Baptist Church in Ocala, presented the fifth crowning quality-wisdom and virtue. "As we seek God, we increasingly become the dwelling place for his wisdom," said Johnson. Addressing virtue, she told the women, "We need to cleanse every corner of our lives, this is virtue."

Nancy Sullivan, wife of John Sullivan, executive director-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, presented this year's Clyde Maguire Minister's Wife Award to Murray, highlighting her many accomplishments including her extensive musical background and 23 years of service at the Florida Baptist Convention.

Murray and her husband have served Florida Baptists for almost 50 years.

The award is named for the late Clyde Merrill Maguire, whose husband, John, served as executive secretary-treasurer of the Florida Baptist Convention, 1945-1967. It recognizes a Florida Baptist woman who has demonstrated faithful use of her God-given gifts in support of her husband's ministry and in her own ministry. Since the award's inception in 1987, 14 women have been honored.

Accepting the award, Murray said, "I love serving my Lord and being a minister's wife. I feel very fulfilled in this role God has for me."

The luncheon also featured musical presentations by Tara Jones of First Baptist Church in South Daytona.

The 2008 Ministers' Wives Conference officers will be announced at a later date.