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Women's spiritual conference may draw 1,600 participants

AN idea that started from a misprint in the back of a book has evolved into what could be the largest women's conference ever held in the East Bay.

As many as 1,600 women are expected at the first-ever Design for Living's Spiritual Growth Conference at Cornerstone Fellowship on Aug. 19 and 20.

The event has drawn big-name speakers and Grammy award-winning singer Amy Grant, who has gained popularity among both the Christian and pop music audiences worlds.

What first started out as a conference here at Cornerstone with a couple of local women as keynote speakers has turned into something at a national level, said event organizer Debbie Alsdorf. Every single speaker is an author and has a national platform. Then add Amy Grant to that mix. It's very exciting that it's happening here in Livermore.

Alsdorf, Cornerstone's women's ministry director and author of six books, developed the conference concept because of a misprint in a book she wrote.

The 200-page women's ministry guide mistakenly noted that Alsdorf's Design for Living ministries offers conferences and seminars. In fact, Alsdorf had previously offered only small-scale workshops and retreats.

I had thought of (doing a conference), but I was too chicken to try it, she admitted. After the misprint, I wondered if maybe I should try to do one.

When word spread that Alsdorf was organizing an event, speakers clamored to get on the program. She secured such big-name speakers as Dr. Norman Wright, Carol Kent, Julie Barnhill and Kim Dunn.

I never intended for it to be at this level the first time out, but it just came together, Alsdorf said, still clearly amazed at her good fortune.

More than 1,000 women have registered for the two-day event that runs on a Friday and Saturday. Registration will be capped at 1,600 participants.

Jean Murphy is excited that a high-caliber conference is being held in her hometown and at the church she attends.

Its going to touch the issues that we, as women, truly are experiencing, Murphy said. The real issues that are deep within our hearts are what are going to be discussed.

Murphy is looking forward to hearing keynote speaker Norman Wright, whose talks about how to cope with loss and major changes were in high demand after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

So many people have daily losses, whether it be loss of a dream or a loved one, she said. I want to be able to better come beside them and comfort them.

Murphy plans to attend the conference with her college-age daughter because its something we can enjoy together. The speakers will have information that she will find profitable for now or down the road.

Karen Benedetti, also of Livermore, looks forward to fellowship with other women and growing closer to God.

Often women are really directed toward serving others, Benedetti noted. They dont take time for their own spiritual growth. This is something women can do for themselves.

While the conference is based in Christian beliefs, Alsdorf believes all women — regardless of religion — can benefit.

Speaker Carol Kent, a national player in womens ministries, is known for her book When I Lay My Isaac Down. It details her familys struggles after her son, a Naval Academy graduate and Navy lieutenant, was found guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his wifes ex-husband.

Speaker Julie Barnhill has discussed her humorous book about dealing with stress, Shes Gonna Blow, on the Oprah Winfrey show. Kim Dunn, dubbed The Sunshine Girl, also provides comic relief.

While keynote speakers will address the bigger issues in life, the smaller breakout sessions include lighter fare.

Theres something for everything, Alsdorf said. Theres everything from learning to cook, weight loss, raising kids and dealing with menopause to deepening your spiritual life.

The conference is targeted at improving womens hearts, souls, strength and minds — the theme that runs through Design for Living, the womens ministry Alsdorf founded in 2000.

Im so excited, Alsdorf said. I didnt intend for this to be a big, national conference. I cant believe it now as I look at it. I dont know of anything like this that has ever come to the East Bay. Its a great opportunity for women.

We have a little bit of everything, she added. Women are going to laugh, theyre going to cry. Theyre going to leave encouraged and with restored hope.

Got a good column idea? Or maybe youre just curious about something around town. Send your ideas or questions to Zoe Francis at zoe@zoefrancis.com or call (925) 461-1170. Letters may be sent to 4770 Willow Road, Pleasanton 94588.