Previous Guild Fall Coffees

The Fall Coffee was held on October 19, 2023 in the Morris Cultural Arts Center where everyone gathered in the McNair Hall for refreshments and coffee. Attendees were seated in the Belin Chapel for presentation and speakers.

The tables were decorated with orange table clothes and embellished with fall decorations. Each table was decorated with pumpkins, Fall leaves, Thanksgiving ducks, and fall signs from Mary Fischer’s home collection.

Dr. David Kirkwood was our vocalist, sang “Give Me Jesus” and Dr. Dan Kramlich accompanied him on the piano. We were blessed and entertained with God’s message. Dr. Sloan gave the University Update. Sharon Saunders gave comments on our Scholarship Program and reminded us that our Yearbook is not just phone numbers, but a history of The Guild. Our Scholarship Recipient, Rhett Dunson inspired us with his education journey.

President Jeanne Walker reminded us of the meaning of the Fall Season and the Blessings and Joy we should receive from it.

The Co-Chairs for the event were Carla Stutts and Mary Fischer. It was a lovely morning and a wonderful event to start The Guild’s new year.

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The annual Guild New Member Fall Coffee was a lovely event. It was held on Tuesday, October 11th, in the Belin Chapel. God blessed us with beautiful weather for the coffee. We all gathered first in the McNair Hall as the Fall Coffee Committee greeted new members and guests with their nametags and new yearbooks. Hugs and more hugs to these wonderful committee ladies who furnished the most delicious goodies for everyone. They came early and decorated the tables with fall décor. They were amazing!

The Fall Coffee co-chairs, Shirley Asel and Beverly Boykin, extend a big thank you to Patti Bailey for the nametags, yearbooks, invitations and for setting up our tables. We so appreciate the great help and attention to detail Patti gave us during the planning of the coffee. Also, we love and thank Sharon Saunders for everything she does for The Guild. She makes it possible for us to carry out our projects with much success. We appreciate her so much!
The program was held in the Belin Chapel, where Jeanne Walker, The Guild President presided. Chaplain Jennifer Townsend gave the opening prayer. The lovely, inspiring music was provided by vocalist Dr. David Kirkwood, who is an HCU professor. He was accompanied by John Kirk. They are from the HCU’s Music Department in the School of Fine Arts Theatre program.

Dr. Sloan gave an update on the University. Sharon Saunders introduced the new scholarship recipient, Anita Kelley. Anita gave an inspiring talk and thanked The Guild for her scholarship. Jeanne asked chairs of the upcoming events to give updates. She cordially welcomed all the new members, and the meeting was adjourned. The program ended with a closing prayer.

Members and guests then went back to the McNair Hall to enjoy the delicious refreshments the committee had prepared. The centerpieces at each table were given to the person at each table who had the most recent birthday. The 40 people in attendance enjoyed a special day as we honored our new and current members of The Guild of Houston Christian University.

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The annual New Member Fall Coffee was held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, in the Belin Chapel on the Houston Christian University Campus from 10am. to 11:30am. Members gathered in McNair Hall in the Morris Cultural Arts Center to pick up name tags, year books and fellowship. Then members gathered in the Belin Chapel. President, Judy Craig presided over the meeting. Debra Perich, Chaplain, gave the opening prayer. Five of the eight new members were present and were recognized. An update on the University was given by Dr. Robert Sloan. Special music was provided by Assistant Professors of Music in the School of Fine Arts. Musical Theatre Program Coordinator Emily Speck was the vocalist singing, “A Beautiful Name”. She was accompanied by Dr. Kevin Klots, Director of Choral Activities.

Sharon Saunders introduced Tina Paez, the Scholarship recipient of the Sue Collier Sloan Endowed Scholarship. Tina gave an inspiring talk on her background, goals, and gratitude to The Guild. Judy asked cochairs of coming fall events to give updates. Dr. Sloan closed the meeting with prayer. Refreshments were served in McNair Hall following the meeting. Round tables decorated with fall decorations were scattered around for members to sit and enjoy an individually wrapped bag of cookie treats along with coffee or water. The treat bags were decorated with a fall leaf and the scripture “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” from Matthew 9:38. Members were reminded to take their 2021-2022 yearbook. About 38 members were in attendance for the wonderful time of fellowship.

Chairs for the Fall Coffee this year were – Judy Childress and Jane Ann Bickham. Their committee members were Rhonda Ekholm, Cindy Garbs, Tommie Lejeune, Cookie Peeler, Mon’Sher Spencer, Jan Witham.

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The 2020 Fall Coffee was one event that was not cancelled!  Co-chairs Cookie Peeler and Deany Meinke created a new event:  a coffee-less Coffee!  Endowed scholarship recipient Emely Benitez expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the members of The Guild.  Dr. Rhonda Furr, professor of Music, blessed us with “How Great Thou Art” on the beautiful pipe organ in Belin Chapel.  Student vocalist Noemi Martinez sang “The Lord’s Prayer” and Dr. Robert Sloan provided an update of upcoming activities at the school.  In closing, he presented Cheryl Kaminski, outgoing president, with a framed Bible page from the book of Isaiah.

As guests left the Coffee, they received leather-bound prayer journals and a box of refreshments to go!

The theme of the Coffee was “Pray for America,” focusing on 2 Chronicles 7:14:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their  wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

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The Guild’s Fall Coffee, chaired by Jennifer Ferguson, was held on October 17 at the home of Lisa and Al Hartman.  Guild President Cheryl Kaminski welcomed guests, recognized new members, and introduced Michael Sam, recipient of the Sue Collier Sloan Endowed Scholarship. Michael, who is working toward a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, graciously thanked The Guild members for investing in his future.

Dr. Sloan gave an overview of activities and upcoming events on the HCU campus and then presented Lisa a framed pre-1650 King James Version page from the Dunham Bible Museum.

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The Guild’s annual Fall Coffee held on October 4 was a wonderful kickoff to the 2018-2019 season. All the right ingredients were present with a hint of fall, sunshine, flowers, and a perfect setting. More than 70 women, happy to see each other after the summer months, enjoyed lively fellowship in the spacious home of Donna and Michael Bahorich, a couple well known to many of the attendees. Guests relished in sampling a delicious assortment of homemade tea sandwiches and incredible sweets prepared by members of the Fall Coffee Committee, chaired by Gail Layne and Jeanne Walker.

After opening in prayer Guild President Cheryl Kaminski welcomed everyone, specially acknowledging 18 new members. The Guild’s primary mission is to raise funds to award scholarships to students pursuing advanced degrees. For the 2018-2019 academic year, five Endowed Scholarships and 18 Annual Scholarships were presented to deserving candidates. Jade Myers, a recipient of an Endowed Scholarship, was the day’s featured speaker. Jade expressed her grateful appreciation to The Guild and shared in eloquent detail her interests and plans for a future in ministry.

Dr. Robert Sloan gave an update on the ambitious plans and activities taking place at HCU and shared other notable University news. At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Sloan presented Donna Bahorich with an ornately framed page from an antique Bible in appreciation of her gracious hospitality in making possible this memorable occasion.

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On October 5, 2017, the weather was perfect with sunshine and a touch of Houston fall in the air at the home of Laurie and Wade Phillips. Guests were welcomed into their splendid home filled with collectable family treasures including football memorabilia from both Wade and his dad, Bum. A whimsical frog décor was noted throughout the home as well as in the beautifully landscaped yard.

The dining room table was filled with delicious tea sandwiches and many wonderful treats provided by the committee. The meeting was presided over by The Guild President, Ruth Alford. She thanked our gracious hostess, Laurie, for opening their lovely home, introduced our committee chairs, Dana Grigsby and Cookie Peeler, and gave a preview of The Guild activities for the coming year. Sixteen new and returning members were introduced and given a special welcome. This year’s scholarship recipient, Calvin Williams and his wife were introduced. Calvin thanked the Guild for making it possible for him to continue his education in theology.

Dr. Sloan gave an update on the University and upcoming events, then presented Laurie with a framed Bible page containing verses from 1st Corinthians 9 pertaining to athletes exercising self-control in order to receive an imperishable reward.

The coffee was attended by over 90 guests who had a fun time visiting with old friends and making new ones. It was enjoyed by all.

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On October 13, 2016, the Fall Coffee was held in the home of Jay and Dena Williams where we honored our new members. Our opening prayer was given by Anne Roper. The meeting was conducted by our president, Ruth Alford.  Tommie Lejeune and Lynn Tyger chaired their event and all the fabulous food was prepared by Guild members.  Kandy Brittain gave an overview of what is happening on the HCU campus.  She also expressed the condolences of Dr. & Mrs. Sloan and Sharon Saunders as they were attending the services for Dr. Doug Hodo, the second president of HCU, and unable to attend the Coffee.  A framed page of the 1610 Geneva Bible was presented to Dena Williams as a sincere “thank you” for opening up their home for our Coffee.  Joshua Jones, a theology student, was the recipient of the Sue Sloan Scholarship last year.  He gave a testimonial of how this scholarship has changed his life. His wife Rebecca and their 2-month old son Jeremiah were also in attendance. Chairs, or co-chairs, of all the committees gave informative updates encouraging members to attend our events and to bring a guest. We all left feeling very blessed and thankful for HCU and The Guild.

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The 2015 Fall Coffee Co-Chairs were thrilled to learn that Sharon and William Morris offered to open their beautiful home for The HCU Guild’s Annual Fall Coffee. Their gracious hospitality and the beauty of their home was a perfect backdrop to welcome new and current members of The Guild.

Co-Chairs, Bobbi Robinson, Cheryl Dalton, and Madeline Collier, and a committee of wonderful volunteers, provided a selection of tea sandwiches and a variety of desserts served on silver trays. They were displayed on the Morris’s dining room table featuring a gorgeous centerpiece designed and created by Sharon Morris. A special thank you to Dan Kramlich from HCU’s Music Department who played the piano to our delight.

The Fall Coffee Program began with our President, Jan Witham, speaking about a special Guild scholarship recipient, Dawn Wilson.  Dr. Robert Sloan, the President of HCU, welcomed new members, discussed the University and the Morris’s art collection.  HCU Executive Director, Sharon Saunders, presented a history of the Guild’s scholarships. The program concluded with a presentation to our host and hostess, a framed page from an antique Bible that could not be restored. Needless to say Mr. and Mrs. Morris were thrilled to receive this special gift of thanks.

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The Fall Coffee was held on October 23rd in the fabulous new home of Kandy and Bill Brittain. Their gracious hospitality created a welcoming atmosphere and true love for The Guild and its mission.

Guild President Jan Witham made warm introductory remarks about The Guild’s 40th anniversary being underway on the HCU campus. She thanked the Brittains for opening their lovely home and introduced Dr. Robert Sloan who gave an update on the University’s growth and upcoming events that further the vision for this great educational institution. He then presented the Brittains with a framed pre-1650 King James Version page from the Durham Bible Museum collection!

Jan Witham recognized Alex Solorio, recipient of the 2014 Sue Sloan Endowed Scholarship, who thanked the Guild for making it possible for him to continue his higher education in theology. The program concluded with much enthusiasm for scholarship support, the importance of memorable times with like-minded friends, and the knowledge that we are blessed to serve others through the Guild.

Coffee Chairs Janice Good, Pat Ingram and Carolann Moore, along with a wonderful committee of volunteers, prepared a delicious array of assorted foods served on the Brittain’s fabulous silver collection. This event honoring new members was a special time for all.

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The fabulous home of Linda and Brad Brock was the magnificent setting for the annual coffee on October 10, 2013. The weather was perfect as the guests were welcomed by the hostess and Dr. Sloan into the grand foyer and living area. As the members enjoyed touring the spacious home of the gracious hostess they renewed friendships and met new members. Those in attendance were surrounded by lovely flowers and fall decorations and the sounds of familiar songs played on the grand piano by Jessamine Grace Sikes, a student from HCU. The exquisite dining room and dramatic dining room table with a bountiful seasonal arrangement was the gorgeous scene for the delicious selection of homemade treats provided by the committee.

Debra Perich, the Guild President, led the program by giving the members an overview of the exciting activities for the coming year. A wonderfully informative update was provided by Dr. Sloan about the vision for the future and developing plans for the University. In conclusion, heartfelt details from the benefits of receiving her scholarship and grateful appreciation were expressed by Linsey McCoun, the scholarship recipient.

Co-chairs, Heather Davis and Kathleen Evans were appreciative for all the lovely members who attended and for the committed volunteers who helped to make this event a huge success.

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On a crisp, cool fall morning, Guild members were welcomed to the annual coffee on October 4 by a colorful, harvest display at the home of Carole Look.  As the members gathered in the beautifully decorated living area and mum-adorned deck, they renewed friendships and met new members.  All in attendance enjoyed the sound of familiar hymns and tunes played by Jackie Bond.  The dining table was inviting with a bountiful seasonal arrangement and a gourmet selection of “goodies” provided by the Fall Coffee Committee.

The program, led by Guild President Debra Perich, featured enlightening words from Dr. Sloan concerning the University’s vision for the future and current developing plans.  In addition, all in attendance were impressed by the words from John Wethington, recipient of the Sue Collier Sloan Endowed Scholarship.

Co-Chairs Lucy Carl and Judy Craig were grateful for the enthusiastic members who attended and for the committed volunteers who worked diligently to make this event a success.

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On a lovely fall day the Guild met at the stunning home of Lisa and Joe Calvert for our annual Fall Coffee honoring the new members. As the ladies gathered to the beautiful piano music of familiar tunes and hymns played by Carla Barrows, the rooms filled with love and laughter as can be felt by women who share a common cause and Christian fellowship. Greeters were welcoming, the table offering was delicious, and the fall centerpiece beautifully inviting.

Dr. Robert Sloan delivered an enlightened view of the development of HCU. Anne Roper led the program which included a heart-felt prayer from Chaplain Lu Frazier, words from scholarship recipient, Cindy Shieh, who attended with her principal, a report from HCU Vice President for University Relations, Sharon Saunders, and an overview of Guild events to come.

Co-chairs, Marsha Eckermann and Peg Harman were grateful for a lovely gathering celebrating the membership and camaraderie of the HCU Guild.

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There was excitement in the air as we welcomed 28 new members to The Guild at the Fall Coffee. Between the truffles and the famous lemon sandwiches, the ladies of The Guild visited with friends as we kicked off our new Guild year. A special thanks goes to Carolyn Little for opening her beautiful home to welcome our organization. President Robert Sloan greeted our members with exciting news about Houston Christian University and the publicity that HCU is receiving from several different publications. He pointed out that First Things magazine has scored HCU as #3 in the category of “Schools on the Rise Filled with Excitement” and #11 as one of the “Best Seriously Protestant Schools.” Our own delightful Sue Sloan was there to greet us and assure us that God is in control of our destiny.

One of our annual scholarship recipients, Katie Alaniz, gave us a wonderful report of her scholarship adventure and the love that she has for teaching. Her young students are so excited that she also has homework, just like them, and that she can relate to them in this way. We are thrilled that our scholarship recipients are so talented and focused on what God can do in their lives through higher education.

Of course, the day would not have been so delightful if the gracious Fall Coffee Committee had not been hard at work cooking and organizing such a terrific event. Thanks goes to all!

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In October, Jan Benjamin and Katie Thompson chaired the Fall Coffee at the home of Lisa & Jerry Simon, where guests enjoyed an update on University activities from President Robert Sloan and a heart-filled thank you from scholarship recipient Katie Dunn.

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This year’s Fall Coffee was enjoyed at the lovely home of Anne and Stephen Pouns.

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