Dr. Kok
Dr. Vawter
Dr. Pickens
On March 20-21, the Sun Lakes/Chandler community will have an exciting opportunity to be part of the area’s first Care and Kindness Conference to be held at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. The conferences are an integral part of the Care and Kindness Ministries, founded by Dr. James Kok, the popular author of The Miracle of Kindness…Changing the World One Act at a Time, and the just-released Transform Belief Into Behavior.
Dr. Kok started the Care and Kindness Ministry in the late 1990’s to “inspire, motivate and equip people to care for others in a more intentional way.” The conferences have been held all across the country, but never before in this area.
Joining Dr. Kok as a keynote speaker is Dr. John Vawter, author of Achieving High Performance Friendship and Uncommon Graces. Former President of Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Vawter has spoken in 18 countries and taught Doctor of Ministry classes at seven seminaries.
According to Dr. Kok, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Dr. Kok will share “Thirteen Secret Behaviors” to help us maximize our gifts of reaching out to others, “Care and Kindness is Infectious — Others Catch It and Pass It On!” and “An Unexpected Prescription.”
Relationships are the most important commodities in our lives. So why do people often experience life without deep meaningful friendships? Dr. Vawter will focus on “How To Be a Faithful Friend” and “Achieving High Performance Friendships.”
Workshop presenters:
Christy McClendon, President/CEO of New Pathways for Youth and recipient of the 2014 Greater Phoenix ATHENA Award for the Public Sector will present “Building A Community of Inspiring and Inspired Individuals;”
Dr. Julian Pickens, founder of Intervention Services of Arizona, will present “Gaining an Understanding for Ministry to the Addicted Person;”
Kathleen Thoren, an international performer with a master’s degree in counseling and a private practice in Tempe, will be presenting “A Laughing Matter,” an interactive workshop that explains the psychological, social and physical benefits of laughter;
Hospice of the Valley will present “Caring for the Caregiver;”
Joelle Hadley, Founder of The Culture Coaches and The Southwest Institute for Emotional Intelligence, and columnist for the Arizona Republic, will speak about “Emotional Intelligence: The Science and Secret Behind Happy People”; and
Elva Coor, Co-founder of Arizona Chapter of National Organization of Women Business Owners and collaborator with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in creating SpeakOut AZ will present “We Are the Arizona We Want.”
Join us for an inspiring weekend. Seating is limited, so register early. The two-day conference is Friday, March 20 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 from 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m. The registration fee is $15 and includes lunch. Registration begins Monday, February 9. Register online at www.sunlakesumc.org or at the church office located at 9248 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes; phone 480-895-8766.