CWS at 61st & Division COC 2025

You’re Invited!Join us for the 47th Annual Christian Women's Seminar on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the 61st & Division Street Church of Christ.

🎉 Expect a day full of joyful fellowship, inspiring activities, and heartfelt connection as we gather in person to uplift one another and grow together in faith. If you’re unable to attend physically, no worries — you can still join us in spirit via livestream on YouTube! Just search for "61st & Division CWS" to tune in.

💬 This year’s theme is “Knowing God Through Love”, a timely reminder of Christ’s enduring compassion in a divided world. You’ll hear from three powerful speakers who will guide us through our focus scriptures:📖 1 John 4:7–17 and Hebrews 12:1–3

Also plan to stay for our Winter Revival, starting Sunday December 7th through Wednesday December 10th, featuring Orlander R. Thomas from Southside Church of Christ, Durham, NC.

Let’s come together in unity, hope, and love — we can’t wait to see you there!

Spiritual Speaker, Sister Earlene Bryson from Reseda COC, in Los Angeles, CA

Earlene Bryson is a devoted member of the Reseda Church of Christ, where she has faithfully served in ministry for over 45 years. She is the wife of Elder Everett D. Bryson, Jr., and the proud mother of two children, Everett Earl and Regina. She cherishes her role as grandmother to three: Everett, Earl, and Tameka.

A seasoned Keynote and Motivational Speaker, Earlene has shared her wisdom and inspiration across the national brotherhood of the Churches of Christ for 37 years. Her speaking engagements have included the National Lectureship of the Churches of Christ, Pepperdine University Lectureship, the National Ladies Lectureship Retreat, and numerous women’s seminars and special events throughout the country.

Earlene is the Founder and President of Empowered Incorporated and serves as the Coordinator of the annual United Sisters Symposium. These organizations are dedicated to uplifting women and youth—spiritually, professionally, socially, and economically. Through this work, she leads women's seminars, youth pageants, and various ministries designed to strengthen and support the next generation.

Spiritual Speaker, Sister Falon Sells from the McAlmont Church of Christ, in North Little Rock, AR

Falon, a native of Jacksonville, Arkansas, was baptized at age 14 at McAlmont Church of Christ in North Little Rock. Her early journey was marked by trials—leaving high school as a senior, moving to Texas at 17, and becoming a single mother at 19 to her daughter Davin, now 23. Despite adversity, including surviving sexual assault and domestic abuse, Falon persevered, earning an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts with a concentration in Food and Beverage Management.

She describes her transformation by saying, “The Lord knew me before I knew Him.” Today, Falon is a devoted member of Central Rock Church of Christ, where her faith has flourished. She serves as Youth Coordinator for the UNITY ministry, supporting youth across the Churches of Christ in Central Arkansas, and co-hosts the Beyond Her Beauty prayer call each Thursday. Her voice of encouragement reaches many through speaking engagements and prayer line contributions.

A mother of three and grandmother of two, Falon finds joy in singing and spending time with her children—James (18), Skyla (11)—and her grandchildren who keep her smiling and on the move.

Her favorite scripture, II Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV), perfectly reflects her journey:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

Falon’s testimony reminds us that our past does not define us—through Christ, we are made new. She is committed to sharing the saving grace and goodness of God for the rest of her life.

SPECIAL TREAT! On Sunday, December 7th, Sister Falon will lead the Women's Bible Study immediately following Sunday service!

Youth Keynote Speaker, Marissa Anderson, from Hawthorne COC, Los Angeles, CA.

Marissa Anderson’s spiritual journey began at the Church of Christ at 61st and Division in San Diego, where she was raised in faith and community. Even after relocating in 2017 to pursue both undergraduate and graduate studies at Arizona State University, she remained a devoted online member and active supporter of the church’s mission.

Throughout her college years, Marissa served as an after-school youth supervisor, dedicating ten years to mentoring and empowering young minds — a testament to her passion for youth development. After graduation, she moved to Houston to begin her professional career and launch her business, while becoming a member of Pearland West Church of Christ.

Marissa’s path has not been without challenges, but through every season of transition, she has remained firmly rooted in faith, drawing strength from scriptures like 1 Timothy 1:7 and hope from Lamentations 3:25.

Now back in California to continue her modeling career, Marissa worships with the Hawthorne Church of Christ and is honored to serve as this year’s Youth Keynote Speaker. She brings with her a powerful story of perseverance and belief — and she’s excited to uplift and inspire the next generation.

VERY SPECIAL TREAT - SUNDAY SPEAKER ON 12/7/2025 AND WINTER REVIVAL SPEAKER ON 12/8/2025 THROUGH 12/10/2025!

Orlander R. Thomas serves as the Senior Minister of the Southside Church of Christ in Durham, North Carolina. Minister Thomas attended Southwestern Christian College, one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Terrell, Texas, where he graduated with a B.S. in Religious Studies. In 2010, he married the beautiful Britney Scott of Compton, California. They have been married for 15 years and have three wonderful children: Omri, Orlander, and Brightlee Rose Thomas.

Info: You will enjoy a hot and hearty breakfast to start off your day.

Info: Enjoy a spiritual seminar with our amazing speakers!

Info: Stay over for a delicious lunch!

Info: We will be blessed with a message from Brother Orlander R. Thomas from Southside Church of Christ in Durham, NC on Sunday, December 8th. Please plan to stay over and be blessed!

Info: SPECIAL TREAT! On Sunday, December 8th, Sister Falon Sells will lead the Women's Bible Study immediately following Sunday service!

Info: Get ready to refresh your spirit and renew your faith at our Winter Revival! Join us each night as we gather in worship, fellowship, and powerful teaching that will warm the soul and strengthen our walk with Christ.

Host or Publisher Elizabeth Martin