Women of Faith coming to Sears Centre Arena

Amy Richissin feels that women are good at trusting God with "all the really, really big stuff."

"The big stuff like, 'OK, I believe you Lord, the sun is going to come up,'" she said.

But to be reminded that God is always there for the small stuff too is just one reason why Richissin would encourage women of all walks of life to attend the Women of Faith One Day event Saturday, June 23, at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates.

"It's not your typical preaching event," said Richissin, who serves as regional manager for Live Event Management Inc., which operates nondenominational Women of Faith events throughout the country.

Standard seating for One Day - which will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature music, four speakers and worship sessions - is $59 and available by calling 888-49FAITH, visiting womenoffaith.com or at the door. The theme is "Beyond Brokenness."

Speakers at One Day include Christian comedian Ken Davis; Bible teacher and author Lisa Harper; singer, writer and former Christian Broadcasting Network talk-show host Sheila Walsh; and American-Idol finalist Scott MacIntyre.

Richissin said each speaker will share "how, truly, God has brought great redemption and joy into their life."

MacIntyre, for example, will share the challenges he has faced with a visual impairment and kidney disease and how God helped him through. Davis, who Richissin described as "funny to the core, and yet spiritually profound," will explain how God is the author of joy. Harper, Richissin said, is "a radically honest speaker" who shares her life mistakes and the "awesomeness of Jesus," and Walsh's life story spreads the message of God's hope.

Guests will also have a chance to personally meet the speakers during an autographing session.

Richissin said members of some local congregations, including Willow Creek Church, Our Redeemer's United Methodist Church, Harvest Bible Chapel and New Life Church, are registered for the event, but that women of any denomination are invited to come.

"There is something at these Women of Faith events for everyone," she said, adding that about 2,000 people are expected to attend, providing a more "intimate" setting than big arena gatherings.

Women of Faith has hosted events for 17 years, but this is the first year they are putting on One Day, which Richissin said works better for women with "crazy, busy schedules" than their typical two-day events. It's also the first Women of Faith event to be simulcast for church communities nationwide to view live. Registration for the simulcast ranges from $350 to $1,000 depending on the group or church size.

Richissin said attendees can expect to be inspired, motivated and overwhelmed with the stories they hear and that "one day could really make all the difference in your life."

"If you knew that the creator of the universe was physically going to meet you in some place wouldn't you write that down?" she said. "Write June 23 on your calendar."