Women’s Retreat

Terri Byrd – Weekend Speaker

Born in Tennessee and raised primarily in Georgia, Terri thrives in the diversity of nature in the Southeast, from hiking trails in the mountains to sinking her toes into the sands of the Atlantic coastline. After a ten-year career in event management, she finally said, “Yes!,” to God’s call of entering the ministry. She received a BA in Communications from Mercer University and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Beeson Divinity School of Samford University.

Terri has been a staff member at churches in Tampa, Florida and Birmingham, Alabama. After 12 years leading the Alabama Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Terri joined Johns Creek Baptist Church in 2021 as their Mobilization Pastor. Her husband, Paul, is a program director on the faculty of McAfee School of Theology and they have two adult children, Turner and Evann.

Kate Campbell – Nashville Recording Artist

We are thrilled to announce that Nashville recording artist, Kate Campbell, will be with us in concert at Be Present on Thursday evening, November 3rd! Kate Campbell is a southern singer-songwriter who writes and signs memorable folk songs infused with undercurrents of delta blues, folk, pop, and country that originate from a musical landscape spanning the less-travelled back roads from Nashville to Memphis. Her 18 albums have featured guest artists like Emmylou Harris, Nanci Griffith, John Prine, Spooner Oldham and many more. The daughter of a preacher, we are delighted to have her soulful voice inspire us.

Shelly Johnson – Worship Leader & Songwriter

On Friday and Saturday, we will be led in worship by Shelly Johnson, a familiar face and voice to those who attend the JCBC contemporary service. Shelly is a well-known worship leader and songwriter who has 7 albums and has written hundreds of songs including the powerful worship anthem, “Power of the Cross.” She is the executive worship pastor at Restoration Church in Alpharetta. We are so grateful to have her leading us in worship.

Meg Lacy Vega – Breakout Leader

Rev. Meg Lacy Vega is a minister, writer, teacher, and yoga instructor passionate about cultivating wholeness via body, mind, and spirit. Meg received a BA in Religion and Sociology from Samford University and an M.Div. from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and has served in congregations across the Southeast, from Birmingham to Richmond. Meg is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher specializing in Yin Yoga, a gentle practice that blends movement and breath to open in the body and calm the mind. Meg founded her virtual studio, Sacred Space Yoga, during the pandemic in 2020, to provide accessible opportunities for rest and renewal. Meg lives with her husband and two pups, outside of Chattanooga, TN, where she is training to become a Hospital Chaplain.

Schedule