Cape First holds 12th annual ladies tea party

For the twelfth year, area women gathered Feb. 26 for Cape First Church's annual Ladies Tea Party.

Nearly 1,400 women were attended to "enjoy an evening with friends, make acquaintances and receive inspiration," according to a Southeast Missourian story by Adrienne Ross. They crowded the Osage Centre, which was decked out in decorated tables, and drank tea while listening to speakers and chatting with friends and vendors.

So why tea?

"Every culture, every country in the world drinks tea," said Rose Brothers, who pastors Cape First with husband Gary Brothers. "When you drink it with friends, no matter how you say it, it's always fun."

The purpose of the ladies tea isn't just to have fun -- it's to be inspired. To that end, author, speaker and musician Kelly Minter spoke at this year's event.

Brothers said her goal for the event "is for women to be encouraged, to be celebrated, to be loved, for them to have an opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ."

The ladies tea is a special, one-of-a-kind event for many area women. We hope Cape First continues its the tradition for many years to come.