"SPAGHETTI FOR THE SOUL"

HELD at FPC OCTOBER 2, 2010

We were excited at FPC to have held an all-day conference for women that enriched us in our faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. This Biblically based program was focused on the themes of Faith, Hope and Love. The message was presented by Kathy Troccoli, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and speaker and Ellie Lofaro, a Christian writer, speaker and teacher. They took us on a journey toward better understanding and applying God's grace and truth in our lives through spirit-filled worship. Biblical teaching, stories, uplifting music and a healthy dose of humor.

Kathy and Ellie shared the amazing, exciting, abundant life that only Jesus gives. To add texture, color, aroma and some good fun to the day, they brought "a touch of Italy" to the conference and celebrated their friendship, New York roots and Italian heritage.

Seeing the sanctuary of FPC filled with approximately 350 spirit-filled women was a sight to behold. The entire building was decorated with red and white checks, with signs pointing in all directions to keep the indoor traffic moving smoothly! The outdoor traffic was handled extremely well by the very helpful men of FPC. A whole year's worth of planning culminated in a perfectly orchestrated day with a huge wonderful assortment of foods for the continental breakfast, lunch, plus morning and afternoon breaks. Starbuck's provided us with coffee, and many other local merchants provided bagels, and pastries plus a tasty lunch from DeMarco's. No one went away hungry for food or a faithlift. Kudos to everyone who assisted in this magnificent day, that will be fondly talked about for many months to come. Matawan and FPC made history on October 2, 2010!

Comments from some of the attendees (from KT's Facebook Page) and a few photos appear below.

This post is a bit long, I have to post half here and half in another post but I wanted to share my experience. Where do I start? I attended yesterday's Spaghetti For The Soul in NJ. I can honestly say that I had no idea what to expect. I knew I needed a little something "extra" in my walk with Him. I attended knowing that I might not gain anything. Everyone has stories, life aint perfect. I have my own.. depression, my Mom passed away 2 1/2 months ago, I learned 13 years ago that I was adopted, my 10 year old son is autistic, I have to care of my 87 year old Dad.., the list goes on and on. I hesitated a few moments when I approached Kathy. I thought to myself, why would she care about my problems? Let me tell you something...if ever there was someone who has such a warm, caring, sympathetic heart...it is Kathy. Speaking with her, I could tell that she has a genuine love for EVERYONE. It’s not an act. You have a story to tell....she WANTS to hear it.

I’m a 41 year old mother of 2 boys, I’m not a teenager who is looking for a role model however, she is someone I yearn to be someday. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the impact she has made on some many people. I would hope that she would know this. It’s not too swell her head that I say these words. I want her ...to know that her love for the Lord just oozes out of her. What she said & what she did for me yesterday was something I will never forget. I may have appeared to be a spiritual mess to her but inside my soul was stirring. I’d like to think that she and Ellie had ALOT to do with that. I find myself today in a very different place than I was yesterday. How can I thank you for that? I didn’t think that anything "special" was going to happen yesterday but I praise God that IT DID! You girlie, are simply amazing...I sure hope you realize how truly blessed you are and how much people really do love your honesty.

Geraldine

If only I had my camera there, these photos would have been so much better! KP