18 Jun 2025, 15:02Blandine Damtse, edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Church Marks Women’s Ministries Day with Healing-Focused Programme
Glasgow Church marked Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day with a spiritually enriching programme centred on the importance of setting healthy boundaries to foster emotional healing, strengthen relationships, and support holistic well-being, featuring expert discussions on psychological, educational, and relational perspectives, alongside worship and personal testimonies.
On June 7th, Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church joined the global recognition of Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day, focusing locally on the importance of boundaries in fostering healthy relationships. The programme was part of the worldwide emphasis, “Cravings of the Soul: Finding Fulfilment in Christ,” and seemed to resonate deeply with attendees, marking the beginning of emotional healing for many.
The event was organised by Geanina Rusu, ministerial student at Newbold College, in collaboration with Milliam Kasowajete, the local Women’s Ministries leader. The day featured vibrant worship, a sermon, and a practical workshop that encouraged open discussion on emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
In her sermon, titled “Vashti Says ‘No,’” Rusu emphasised the importance of setting boundaries and valuing self-respect and dignity—even in the face of authority. She also highlighted that submission in marriage has its limits and cautioned against individuals who lack respect for others. Encouraging the congregation to reflect on their relationships, she illustrated how boundaries, when grounded in love and grace, can enhance a person's ability to minister effectively for God.
The afternoon session featured a panel discussion on the psychological, relational, and educational aspects of boundaries. Specialists from mental health, education, and ministry contributed insights, while attendees shared personal experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Having Boundaries is a Form of Self-Care
From a psychological perspective, Carmen Slobozeanu, a psychologist and counsellor, referenced Genesis 1:27 to encourage attendees to reflect on their God-given dignity and self-worth. “When someone sets boundaries, they are affirming, ‘I matter because God says I matter,’” she said, highlighting how this truth can dismantle fears of rejection and empower individuals—particularly women—to reclaim their voice and space.
She spoke on the importance of developing healthy relational boundaries, drawing from Galatians 6:2 and 6:5 to emphasise the balance between supporting others and maintaining personal emotional well-being. Referencing Colossians 3:13, she underscored the liberating nature of forgiveness but cautioned against pressuring victims into unsafe reunions. “Forgiveness is unconditional, but reconciliation is optional,” she said. Slobozeanu concluded by encouraging attendees to view boundaries as a sacred act of wisdom and stewardship.
Education is Key
From an educational perspective, Dr Luana Santarossa, Data Analysis Officer for Education Services, accentuated the crucial place boundaries hold in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. “Young learners are encouraged to break ‘bad boundaries’ by understanding other cultures, forming friendships, and fostering tolerance,” she said. She also pointed to the Government’s strong policies to protect children from abuse and discrimination, as well as to promote reconciliation and social justice.
Dr Santarossa warned that when children are not taught to respect others' beliefs, privacy, and preferences, they may face loneliness, isolation, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. “Education is key to understanding and respecting others, and children are a bridge to healing the wounds of society,” she concluded.
Protecting Marriage from External Pressures
From a relational point of view, boundaries help safeguard our hearts—as taught in Proverbs 4:23. Dr Temitayo Odewusi, a university lecturer and SM Family Ministries Sponsor, encouraged women to maintain their individuality in marriage and to pursue their God-given dreams. She advocated for establishing boundaries rather than building emotional walls, warning that emotional walls can have a ripple effect, negatively impacting a couple’s children both educationally and spiritually.
To help couples protect their marriages from external pressures, she introduced the acronym PROTECT:
P – Protect personal space and emotional well-being
R – Respect each other’s boundaries
O – Open communication at all levels
T – Transparency and trust in decision-making
E – Establish clear roles and responsibilities
C – Consistency in enforcing rules
T – Time to reassess boundaries as the family evolves
Dr Odewusi also warned women against burnout, martyrdom, and self-neglect—especially in caregiving roles. “Many women are conditioned to meet others’ needs while denying their own, equating sacrifice with love,” she said. “Jesus models spiritual and psychological self-containment—He served, but from a place of replenishment.”
Reflecting on the spiritually uplifting event, the organisers shared that the programme helped some women start to overcome long-held emotional struggles. Several attendees shared experiences of trauma related to blurred boundaries, including controlling relationships, abuse, bullying, and shame. The event provided a safe space for participants to share deep emotional wounds, fostering healing through mutual support and shared brokenness while emphasising the importance of nurturing both spiritual life and emotional well-being.
Glasgow Church marked Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day with a spiritually enriching programme centred on the importance of setting healthy boundaries to foster emotional healing, strengthen relationships, and support holistic well-being, featuring expert discussions on psychological, educational, and relational perspectives, alongside worship and personal testimonies.
On June 7th, Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church joined the global recognition of Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day, focusing locally on the importance of boundaries in fostering healthy relationships. The programme was part of the worldwide emphasis, “Cravings of the Soul: Finding Fulfilment in Christ,” and seemed to resonate deeply with attendees, marking the beginning of emotional healing for many.
The event was organised by Geanina Rusu, ministerial student at Newbold College, in collaboration with Milliam Kasowajete, the local Women’s Ministries leader. The day featured vibrant worship, a sermon, and a practical workshop that encouraged open discussion on emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
In her sermon, titled “Vashti Says ‘No,’” Rusu emphasised the importance of setting boundaries and valuing self-respect and dignity—even in the face of authority. She also highlighted that submission in marriage has its limits and cautioned against individuals who lack respect for others. Encouraging the congregation to reflect on their relationships, she illustrated how boundaries, when grounded in love and grace, can enhance a person's ability to minister effectively for God.
The afternoon session featured a panel discussion on the psychological, relational, and educational aspects of boundaries. Specialists from mental health, education, and ministry contributed insights, while attendees shared personal experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Having Boundaries is a Form of Self-Care
From a psychological perspective, Carmen Slobozeanu, a psychologist and counsellor, referenced Genesis 1:27 to encourage attendees to reflect on their God-given dignity and self-worth. “When someone sets boundaries, they are affirming, ‘I matter because God says I matter,’” she said, highlighting how this truth can dismantle fears of rejection and empower individuals—particularly women—to reclaim their voice and space.
She spoke on the importance of developing healthy relational boundaries, drawing from Galatians 6:2 and 6:5 to emphasise the balance between supporting others and maintaining personal emotional well-being. Referencing Colossians 3:13, she underscored the liberating nature of forgiveness but cautioned against pressuring victims into unsafe reunions. “Forgiveness is unconditional, but reconciliation is optional,” she said. Slobozeanu concluded by encouraging attendees to view boundaries as a sacred act of wisdom and stewardship.
Education is Key
From an educational perspective, Dr Luana Santarossa, Data Analysis Officer for Education Services, accentuated the crucial place boundaries hold in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. “Young learners are encouraged to break ‘bad boundaries’ by understanding other cultures, forming friendships, and fostering tolerance,” she said. She also pointed to the Government’s strong policies to protect children from abuse and discrimination, as well as to promote reconciliation and social justice.
Dr Santarossa warned that when children are not taught to respect others' beliefs, privacy, and preferences, they may face loneliness, isolation, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. “Education is key to understanding and respecting others, and children are a bridge to healing the wounds of society,” she concluded.
Protecting Marriage from External Pressures
From a relational point of view, boundaries help safeguard our hearts—as taught in Proverbs 4:23. Dr Temitayo Odewusi, a university lecturer and SM Family Ministries Sponsor, encouraged women to maintain their individuality in marriage and to pursue their God-given dreams. She advocated for establishing boundaries rather than building emotional walls, warning that emotional walls can have a ripple effect, negatively impacting a couple’s children both educationally and spiritually.
To help couples protect their marriages from external pressures, she introduced the acronym PROTECT:
P – Protect personal space and emotional well-being
R – Respect each other’s boundaries
O – Open communication at all levels
T – Transparency and trust in decision-making
E – Establish clear roles and responsibilities
C – Consistency in enforcing rules
T – Time to reassess boundaries as the family evolves
Dr Odewusi also warned women against burnout, martyrdom, and self-neglect—especially in caregiving roles. “Many women are conditioned to meet others’ needs while denying their own, equating sacrifice with love,” she said. “Jesus models spiritual and psychological self-containment—He served, but from a place of replenishment.”
Reflecting on the spiritually uplifting event, the organisers shared that the programme helped some women start to overcome long-held emotional struggles. Several attendees shared experiences of trauma related to blurred boundaries, including controlling relationships, abuse, bullying, and shame. The event provided a safe space for participants to share deep emotional wounds, fostering healing through mutual support and shared brokenness while emphasising the importance of nurturing both spiritual life and emotional well-being.
