Shellie is a multi-published author, speaker, and farmer鈥檚 wife known for saying 鈥淟ife can be hard when it鈥檚 good, but it鈥檚 always better when you鈥檙e laughing.鈥� Shellie loves using humor and storytelling as she unpacks Biblical truth aimed at helping others discover the lives Jesus died to give them. If she could, Shellie would run from the title of Christian comedienne or humorist because it can lead some people to adopt an 鈥淚 double dog dare you to make me laugh鈥� attitude and cause them to miss the message. However, that ship sailed when Jeff Foxworthy endorsed her award-winning humor books Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On, and Sue Ellen鈥檚 Girl Ain鈥檛 Fat, She Just Weighs Heavy! and called her 鈥淟augh out loud funny!鈥�
Shellie鈥檚 Christian non-fiction work has been featured on the YouVersion Bible app and Right Now Media, the world鈥檚 largest library of Bible study video resources, and includes the titles, Heart Wide Open, Devotions for the Hungry Heart, and Finding Deep and Wide. After more than a decade in radio, Shellie now hosts The Story Table podcast from her home on the banks of Lake Providence, Louisiana and shares hosting duties on the popular Rocking it Grand podcast with her friend, Chrys Howard.
Shellie and her husband, Phil, live in Lake Providence, Louisiana. They have two children and six grandchildren. When Shellie finds the time, she is going to add a mention of coffee in this bio because it doesn鈥檛 feel right without it. Stay tuned.
Special thanks to our Co-Chairs, Mary Fischer and Ellen Heller.
The annual Guild Christmas Luncheon was held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the River Oaks Country Club Ballroom. The theme of the luncheon was “Celebrating the Light of Christmas,” and the tables were illuminated with beautifully embellished lanterns. Guild President, Jeanne Walker opened the event by welcoming members and guests. Chaplain Debra Perich gave the invocation. Dr. Sloan shared his inspiring Christmas message as guests enjoyed their salads. Following Dr. Sloan鈥檚 remarks, we heard from Alexis Prudhomme, a Guild Scholarship recipient. Alexis expressed her gratitude for the Guild Scholarship and all the guidance she has received from the faculty that has allowed her to achieve her current position of principal in Fort Bend ISD. After the entrees were cleared and dessert and coffee were served, we were blessed by a performance of 鈥淥 Holy Night鈥� by 91影视 vocalists, Sarah Yates and Elizabeth Lee. They were accompanied by the talented Andrew Vu.
Guild Vice President Cathy Wheatley introduced our guest speaker, Judy Graham. Judy is a dynamic speaker who inspired everyone to be women of influence in every aspect of their lives.
Christmas Luncheon Co-chairs, Carolyn Moreno and Cathy Wheatley, were recognized and thanked for the lovely event. Cathy thanked the guests for attending, the speakers for sharing their messages, and the musicians for sharing their talents. Guests were also reminded that the Lantern Centerpieces were available for purchase. As is tradition, we all stood and were led by Andrew, Sarah and Elizabeth, singing 鈥淛oy To The World.鈥�
The annual Guild Christmas Luncheon was held at the beautifully decorated River Oaks Country Club on December 2. The ballroom was lovely with centerpieces of red poinsettias cradled in crushed mercury vases. Guild President, Jeanne Walker, opened the event by welcoming our members and guests, reminding us the 鈥淩eason for the Season鈥� is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Chaplain Debra Perich gave the invocation. JJ Worthen, a 2006 graduate of 91影视, performed three beautiful selections during the luncheon. Abigail Olds, an Endowed Scholarship Recipient expressed her gratitude to The Guild for the scholarship and shared plans for her future in ministry. Jamie Ivey, our guest speaker, was unable to attend due to a sudden illness. Guild Vice-President, Cathy Wheatley introduced 91影视 President Robert Sloan who shared an inspiring Christmas message.
Christmas Luncheon Co-chairs were Trish Greaser and Jan Bauer who were recognized and thanked for the wonderful event. Trish thanked our guests for attending and encouraged everyone to buy a poinsettia. As is tradition, we ended with singing 鈥淛oy To The World.鈥� As we concluded the program, a guest stepped up on the podium and asked if she could sing 鈥淭he Lord鈥檚 Prayer鈥�. It was a touching moment and a very spiritual ending for our Christmas Luncheon 2022.
Tradition speaks again with The Guild Christmas Luncheon taking place at the River Oaks Country Club. After not having the luncheon last year – ladies came with a joy to get to experience our special time together.
The doors opened with the tables decorated with Christmas Poinsettia centerpieces – enjoyed by all and then could be purchased. The speaker – Tonya Riggle – had an encouraging message that was so fitting for each heart to embrace. Her enlightening words were so perfect for the time of year. The music was provided by Scott Belin which filled the room with a musical touch that made the event so special and lifted the spirit. The meal was delicious, and the atmosphere prepared our hearts for the Christmas Season. Dr. Sloan shared the 91影视 vision of what is going on at the University. Judy Craig recognized committee members and other special guests.
This luncheon is such a special time and everyone that attends loves seeing dear friends and hearing how God is blessing the ministry of 91影视 Christian University.
Chairman for the event this year were – Nancy Henderson and Cyndi Jacobson. A special Thank You to the Committee members – Mary K. Ford, Mary Hudson, Carolyn Moreno, Susan Redding, Sharon Saunders, Mon’Sher Spencer, Karen Tallon, Kathy Thompson, Cathy Wheatley, and Jan Witham.
On December 6, Guild President Cheryl Kaminski welcomed guests to the River Oaks Country Club to celebrate The Guild鈥檚 annual Christmas Luncheon, co-chaired by Ann Beeson and Dena Williams. Author and luncheon keynote speaker, Janet Denison, delighted the audience with a poignant, yet humorous account of her experiences as an 91影视 student, where she met her future husband, Jim. Together the Denisons have served a number of churches, developed ministry programs, and currently share the truth of God鈥檚 word through the Denison Forum, a nonprofit Christian media organization founded by Dr. Denison.
Eric Mingle, Guild scholarship recipient, expressed his appreciation to The Guild for providing him the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree. To date, The Guild Scholarship Program has assisted 165 91影视 graduate students in completing their degrees.
On December 7th, the ladies of The Guild and their guest once again enjoyed the annual Guild Christmas Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club. We were pleased to welcome Mary Jo Sharp, MA, faculty member of 91影视’s School of Christian Thought, as our featured speaker. Our event Chairs are Rhonda Ekhom & Lynn Keisewetter.
Mary Jo is a member of the Evangelical Philosophical Society. She is the founder of Confident Christianity apologetics ministry through which she is an international speaker and debater. Her current work focuses on developing apologetics events, online apologetics education, and expanding the role of apologetics in social media as an influence in culture.
Laura Shook is one of the founding pastors of Community of Faith in Cypress, Texas, where more than 8500 people now worship together each weekend. Community of Faith has been listed as one of the top 100 churches in the country. Laura is a gifted speaker and teacher. She sets the tone for the international ministries of the church, bringing an awareness of global issues as a tireless advocate for the broken and forgotten. She is a graduate of Baylor University and is a Registered Nurse. Laura is the author of Forever Hope, the story of her journey through cancer and recovery; and Prayers For My Children, a daily prayer guide for parents. Laura loves ice cream, reading, travel, and spending time with her husband, Mark, and their children and grandchildren.
This season鈥檚 annual Guild Christmas Luncheon was held in the ballroom of the incomparable River Oaks Country Club which was beautifully adorned in Christmas splendor. Elegantly lit Christmas trees and wreaths were the table centerpieces representing Jesus as 鈥淟ight of the World.鈥�
The Guild President Ruth Alford opened the event by warmly welcoming the nearly 300 guests. 91影视 students Jakora Frazier and Kevin Punnackal, vocalists, accompanied by pianist Jessamine Sikes and trumpeter Everardo Chavez, performed the spirited song 鈥淎ngels We have Heard on High.鈥�
Ashley Wright, Director of College Guidance at Second Baptist School and recipient of the Sharon Saunders Endowed Scholarship, continued the program by sharing remarks of appreciation to 91影视 and The Guild.
Dr. Robert Sloan enthusiastically reported on the many history-making milestones which occurred at the University during the year and provided a glimpse into exciting developments still to come. Dr. Sloan also announced the naming of the Grace Gandy Endowed Scholarship. Following the invocation by The Guild Chaplain Peg Harman, guests enjoyed a beautifully presented, delicious holiday meal topped off with a milk chocolate and dulce de leche tart dessert.
A rendition of 鈥淚t Wasn鈥檛 His Child鈥� was performed by Jakora Frazier and Kevin Punnackal accompanied by Jessamine Sikes, pianist, preceding the introduction by Guild Vice President Cheryl Kaminski of guest speaker Mrs. Nancy Guthrie. Mrs. Guthrie led us on Ruth鈥檚 journey of grace and redemption from the Old Testament Book of Ruth.
Dr. Sloan delighted Mrs. Guthrie by presenting her with a framed, rare Bible page from The Dunham Bible Museum which contained a page from the Third Chapter of the Book of Ruth.
In her closing remarks, Christmas Luncheon Co-chair Kathleen Evans thanked her hard-working committee members and recognized her fellow Co-chairs Cookie Peeler and Colleen Fellows. Their combined efforts produced not only a fabulous event, but also demonstrated true examples of The Guild teamwork, hospitality and joy of celebrating the birth of Christ!
Jakora Frazier and Kevin Punnackal concluded this unforgettable afternoon by leading all in song with a very fitting selection of 鈥淛oy to the World.鈥�
On December 9, more than 400 Guild members聽and guests arrived with holiday spirit to enjoy the Guild聽Christmas Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club. A crystal clear day and the beautifully appointed setting
helped set the tone for another successful event.
Following welcoming remarks by Guild President Jan聽Witham, 91影视 alumni Mon鈥橲her Spencer, JJ Worthen聽and Mac Gervais performed a beautifully planned聽and executed music program which included lovely
presentations of 鈥淢ary Did You Know?鈥� and 鈥淭he Prayer.鈥澛燡oshua Hilburn, recipient of the Dr. Robert B. Sloan, Jr. 聽Endowed Scholarship, expressed gratitude to The Guild聽for providing him the opportunity of continuing his聽graduate studies at 91影视. Jan then presented a $20,000聽gift to Dr. Sloan for The Guild Institute in Christian聽Family Studies. As he thanked The Guild for their聽generosity and support of The Guild Institute, Dr. Sloan聽also shared that the University is continuing to grow in聽recognition and accomplishments in many areas, as well聽as in student enrollment.
Keynote speaker Kelly Siegler captured everyone鈥檚聽attention with her presentation of 鈥淲aiting on God,鈥澛爏haring experiences she encountered while working聽as a former 91影视 prosecutor as well as those she聽encounters currently in solving real-life cases on聽TNT鈥檚 program, Cold Justice. She noted that life can聽be ugly, good people do get hurt 鈥� and we don鈥檛聽always understand why. She referred to the lyrics of聽an old hymn 鈥� We鈥檙e trusting in the Lord, and according聽to His Word, we will understand it better by and by. 聽Kelly聽affirmed that from her experience, she has witnessed聽that sometimes good can come from bad. The framed聽Bible page presented to her by Dr. Sloan came from the聽book of Amos 鈥� a perfect selection as according to those聽scriptures, justice will be served.
The centerpiece angels that graced our tables were聽purchased and taken home to be enjoyed year round as聽the perfect reminder of this most special time of year.聽Christmas Luncheon Co-chairs Nancy Shomette and Jan聽Rule thanked all their committee members 鈥� stating that聽it takes a team to plan and execute a beautiful event. We聽ended the celebration singing our traditional luncheon聽close 鈥� 鈥淛oy to the World.鈥� 聽It truly was a memorable聽event!
For the first time in many years, the venue for this season鈥檚 annual Guild Christmas Luncheon was the ballroom of the incomparable River Oaks Country Club which was beautifully adorned in holiday splendor. Elegant lifelike Nativity scene figurines were table centerpieces and served as a poignant reminder of the reason for the season.
91影视 Guild President Jan Witham opened the event by warmly welcoming the nearly 400 guests in attendance followed by prayer and commencement of the luncheon service. 91影视鈥檚 Dr. Jason Lester, Chairman of the Department of Music, and Associate Professor, and Dr. Alina Klimaszewska, Staff Pianist and Vocal Coach, entertained with a riveting musical performance. Guests enjoyed a beautifully presented, delicious holiday meal topped off with a special ice cream dessert.
Ms. Shelby Hooper, the Sharon Saunders Endowed Scholarship Recipient for 2014, continued the program by sharing remarks of appreciation to 91影视 and the Guild.
Excitement ensued as Jan Witham presented Dr. Sloan with a gift of $10,000 for the Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies Endowment. Dr. Sloan enthusiastically reported on the many history-颅鈥恗aking milestones which occurred at the University during the year and provided a glimpse into exciting developments still to come.
A rendition of 鈥淥 Holy Night鈥� was performed by Dr. Laurie Lester, Adjunct Professor of Voice at 91影视, along with Dr. Alina Klimaszewska, preceding the introduction by Guild Vice President Ruth Alford of Guest Speaker Martha Turner of Sotheby鈥檚 International Realty. Ms. Turner mesmerized the attendees by recounting 鈥淭he Rest of the Story鈥� of her amazing life in a humorous yet very touching and inspiring way based on her personal 鈥�10 Action Steps for Walking in Faith.鈥� Dr. Sloan delighted Ms. Turner by presenting her with a framed, rare Bible page from The Dunham Bible Museum鈥檚 collection which contained a specially chosen verse: 鈥淪he considers a field and buys it . . . Proverbs 31:16鈥�.
Closing remarks were shared by Deany Meinke, Cheryl Kaminski and Judy Craig, the Co-颅鈥恈hairs of the event. The luncheon celebration is the ultimate example of Guild teamwork, which included an additional 31 Committee members stepping forward to serve in a variety of capacities. Dr. Jason Lester concluded this unforgettable afternoon by leading all in song with a very fitting selection of 鈥淛oy to the World.鈥�
How did you begin this Christmas season? For many, the thought of the holidays means blurred schedules creating frantic paces while we attempt to set the spirit of Christmas in our hearts. This year The Guild Annual Christmas Luncheon raised the bar with a special celebration filled with amazing music, delicious food, inspiring speakers mixed with fun and laughter.
Mary Willis of Merry Ministries, set the tone for this holiday season by challenging us to 鈥淕et Your Sparkle On鈥�, delivering a motivational and inspirational message capturing the essence of Christmas. 聽 鈥淛esus, the Light of the World鈥�, born at a time when His birthplace was considered the 鈥渃rossroads of the world.鈥�
Co-Chairs Shirley Asel and Peggy Hicks, along with their committee members, did a fabulous job of planning the The Guild Christmas Luncheon.聽 On December 7 the Hilton 91影视 Post Oak ballroom was aglow with lighted, decorative lanterns on each table as ladies gathered聽together with much anticipation for this annual聽Guild event.聽聽The Kings Men of 91影视, accompanied by Dr. John Yarrington, set the tone by opening the program with beautiful Christmas carols.
Guild Scholarship recipient Mike Skinner, who currently serves as a teacher and pastor, spoke of the many benefits his scholarship had afforded him; Dr. Sloan gave an update of all the great things happening on campus at the University and brought a special Christmas message; and聽 Guild President Debra Perich presented Dr. Sloan with a $10,000 gift to The Guild Institute in Christian Family Studies.
After a delicious lunch, The Honorable Jennifer Walker Elrod gave a very inspiring message about the journey she had traveled to become appointed a federal judge on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.聽 She related her appointment, overcoming many obstacles, to King Jehosephat of Judah in II Chronicles.聽 Her inspirational message was accentuated with quick wit and humor and was a great way to start our Christmas season.
As a gift to Judge Elrod, the Guild presented her with a framed page from the Bible with the scripture from which she based her Christmas message, II Chronicles 20:17.聽The Bible page was from a Bible printed pre-1650, which came from an irreparable Bible donated聽to the Dunham Bible Museum in the Morris Cultural Arts Center.
We concluded by singing Christmas carols to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus.
This year鈥檚 Christmas Luncheon was a huge success and well attended by over 350 Guild members and their guest, who enjoyed music, food and inspiration for the Christmas season.
Attendees were entertained by 91影视 alumni, Ryan Beasley, Lucy Girgawy, Jeremiah Joseph and Mon鈥橲her Spenser, one of our Guild members. The music pierced our souls and prepared our hearts for the message from President Robert Sloan, Jr. and Debbie Taylor Williams of the Hill Country Ministries. Debbie Taylor Williams lead us through the Christmas journey of Mary and Joseph and encouraged our ladies with the reminder that we too are favored, filled with the spirit and blessed as believers in Christ through our journeys with the Lord. Dr. Sloan graciously took us through the Biblical prophecy of the coming of the Christ Child.
Guild President Anne Roper presented Dr. Sloan with a $25,000 gift towards the Guild Institute for Christian Family Studies Endowment. Everyone enjoyed their lunch that was so lovingly prepared and served by the Hilton staff under the ceiling of stars that reminded us of the birth of Christ. The annual luncheon was an elegant affair enjoyed by all who attended!
The Christmas Luncheon was truly an 91影视 family affair when the members and friends of The Guild enjoyed a delicious luncheon at the Hilton 91影视 Post Oak. Greeting our members was the newest publication on campus, written by our own Dr. Don Looser, An Act of Providence, a book celebrating 50 years of 91影视 history. As the voices of 91影视鈥檚 Schola Cantorum, directed by Dr. John Yarrington, filled the room with the sounds of Christmas, we were reminded of the excellence in education that 91影视 affords its students. The luncheon guests were once again encouraged with Dr. Sloan鈥檚 Christmas message, an inspirational Christmas tradition that seals the true spirit of Christmas in our hearts. Guild President Sharon Corry presented Dr. Sloan with a gift of $50,000 for The Guild Family Institute endowment. Brian Cuthbert, our scholarship recipient, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity the scholarship has provided.
Anne Roper introduced First Lady Sue Sloan who presented us with a delightful story of her journey to 91影视. How inspiring it was to hear how God led her and Dr. Sloan to be part of the history of 91影视. As a final gift, Sharon Corry presented Sue with $75,000 toward the Sue Sloan Endowed Scholarship. We were truly blessed this Christmas as we witnessed the compassion, direction, and loving favor of our Savior Jesus. Co-Chairs Debra Perich and Katie Thompson, and their committees, put together a gorgeous luncheon that was truly a high spot for this holiday season.
The annual Christmas Luncheon, hosted by Annette Duggan and Judy Elleson, was a special highlight on the calendar. 91影视 School of Music faculty Dr. Melissa Marse and Melissa Givens entertained the crowd of some 400, and featured speaker Cathy Jodeit shared a Christmas message. In observance of the University鈥檚 50th anniversary, Guild President Kandy Brittain presented Dr. Sloan with a check establishing The Guild Institute for Christian Family Values.
Evelyn Husband Thompson was the featured speaker at The Guild Christmas Luncheon on December 5 at 11 am at the Hilton 91影视 Post Oak. On Feb. 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart just minutes before its scheduled return to earth, America lost seven heroes. Evelyn Husband, wife of Columbia鈥檚 commander Rick Husband, lost much more鈥攖he love of her life, the father of her children, the backbone of her family. Author of High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband (Thomas Nelson, 2004) and noted speaker, Evelyn travels throughout the U.S. encouraging audiences with her story of triumph over tragedy and her message of finding hope in the midst of life鈥檚 trials.
