NATCHEZ — Amid bursts of hate and violence in the country, the Christian Women’s Conference at First Baptist Church in Natchez is hoping to spread some love.

The fifth annual conference begins at 7 p.m. Friday and then at 9 a.m. Saturday with a theme of “Loving God, Loving Others — Our True Faith.” Event planning committee member Carolyn Ridley said she hopes the conference crosses denominations, race and age.

“I am sad to say, we are feeling a polarization in our country again,” Ridley said. “With so much going on in our city, as well, we felt the theme was as important as ever this year.

“As Christian women, what we need to do, is learn to love each other again. We need to have genuine love for others.”

For the fourth time, Alicia Williamson Garcia will be the guest speaker. Garcia is a multi-faceted Bible teacher, worship leader, award-winning music artist and author.

“Alicia is a nationally known speaker and recording artist,” Ridley said. “She has a very special gift. She has a gifted way of articulating the word of God.

“She does not just teach it, she articulates it in a way that changes people’s lives. We just need that.”

Ridley said Garcia will speak on the theme of the conference about loving God and loving others. For the first 100 to register, a Bible study guide will also be given out.

“The Bible study is a 40-minute study, it can be done individually and in a small group,” Ridley said. “Our theme will lay the foundation for that bible study and hopefully there will be ladies and small groups who will continue to study over the next six to eight weeks.”

Derrick Burt, the worship leader for First Baptist Church, will be joining Garcia and providing worship music intended to cross ethnic and denominational lines.

“He is able to bring us into a place of unity and harmony, no matter what church we are from,” Ridley said. “Derrick has a way with people that brings them together and makes them relax to usher into the presence of the Lord.”

Ridley said she hopes to see people from all backgrounds present at the conference.

“We are encouraging women’s groups and youth groups of all ages,” Ridley said. “This is a topic that is really pertinent to everybody, especially for this particular time in our culture.”

For those who attend, Ridley said she hopes they leave with their spirits lifted.

“It is very easy to love those who love us,” Ridley said. “I hope people leave with a sense of hope and  faith knowing that loving those who are different from us is possible through the word of God.”

Pre-conference tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the office at First Baptist Church, which is closed on Friday. On Friday evening, Ridley said potential participants can pay at the door for $25. The door will open at 6 p.m. on Friday and at 8 a.m. Saturday.

“We just hope everybody will come,” Ridley said. “I know there are always events going on during the month of January that pull us away. But this particular topic, I don’t feel like anything can compete with what we are offering this weekend and I hope to see people there.”