What to Expect


We understand the nervous feelings of attending a conference for the first time - especially if you are coming alone.  We want you to know that you will be greeted immediately by friendly caring mothers who have also experienced the loss of a child.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. - 2Cr 1:3-4 NKJV 

This Scripture is the goal of the mothers in Umbrella Ministries - to offer you the comfort with which we ourselves have been comforted by God - this is our purpose and prayer for you.  There will be moms willing and available to help you in any way you feel comfortable.  We are here to be your understanding friends.

"I was so scared to come to this conference but I was met with hugs and moms who made me feel loved and safe the whole weekend.  I met such special friends in my Circle of Love group who experienced the same loss as I have.  There are no words to express how much this conference has helped me!" ( 2012 Conference Comment)

Here is a look at what has been planned for you.

Registration - you will receive a gift bag, a name tag and materials for the conference.  One of the special things we do is make a photo button for you with your child's picture for you to wear.   You will be directed to your room to settle in before dinner at 5:30.

Leadership Training - This year we are offering Leadership Training for those who are interested in starting a ministry to grieving moms in their area.  This is open to everyone and starts at 3pm.

Friday Night's program includes Dinner, Performance by Love in Motion Signing Choir, Keynote Speaker Arlene Pellicane, Circles of Love and a Craft Time.

Circles of Love is a small group of mothers coming together with similar losses.  It is a special time where the moms are offered compassion, support, love and understanding.

Craft Time will give you the opportunity to a make a beautiful beaded bracelet with charm letters of your child's name.  It has become a treasured keepsake for all who have attended.  For returning moms there will be a different keepsake craft for you to make.

Saturday Morning begins with a Beach Prayer Walk. Here is an example of a Prayer Walk:  The morning beach prayer walks at the New Jersey conferences were called "Footprints in the Sand" where the prayer time focused on Jesus carrying them through the heartbreaking loss of losing a child.  They all were given that special poem on bookmarks to put in their Bibles.  It was so special hearing them talk about how much they loved it.  They also picked up a treasure on the beach that reminded them of their child they shared in their Circle of Love groups.  Our San Diego gals are planning a special experience for you as well.

Saturday's Program begins aboard the William D. Evans Sternwheeler.  You will then be directed to either the William D. Evans or Bahia Belle Sternwheelers for Session 1 @ 2 of our Workshops.  We will then have lunch with our Circles of Love. You will be blessed by the music and speaking ministry of Jana Alayra.  Session 2 & 3 of our Workshops continue after lunch. Then FREE TIME - enjoy the Resort -beach, pool, crafts or just rest and relax.

Saturday Evening's Program begins by meeting with your Circles of Love and then "ALL ABOARD" for our beautiful Dinner Cruise.  This will be a very memorable and special evening dedicated to the memory of our children.  Besides a wonderful dinner we will have a special candle lighting ceremony. We have planned to finish the evening on the beach with a Lantern Release (city permitting.)

Sunday Morning will begin with another Prayer Walk and Breakfast.  We will then board the William D. Evans Sternwheeler for our final program.  We will have worship, testimonies and our keynote speaker, Umbrella Ministries founder, Daisy Catchings. 

Expect to be Blessed!