In May more than 100 women and girls gathered at Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Eagan, Minnesota, for the Daughters of the King high tea—a celebration of faith, sisterhood, and mental health awareness. Hosted by the church’s Women’s Ministry, this annual event doubled in attendance from the previous year and welcomed guests of all ages, including girls as young as 10.
This year’s tea party extended beyond the Adventist community. For the first time, women from different faith backgrounds joined the celebration, opening the door for spiritual conversations and new friendships. Held in Southview’s newly acquired church building, the elegant setting created a warm, welcoming environment where every guest felt seen, supported, and valued.
The event featured food that accommodated all dietary needs, and the church’s youth and deaconesses helped set the stage—literally and figuratively. Carefully chosen decorations and intentional discussions helped create a space where deep connections could grow.
The high tea began in 2019 as “Afternoon Tea with Pastor T,” started by former Women’s Ministry leader Mary Nyarusa and Pastor Darnisha Thomas. That first gathering focused on sisterhood through the biblical story of Mary and Elizabeth. Though the pandemic paused the event, it returned in 2024 with the name “Daughters of the King,” led by Sister Pauline Misiak. The theme continued this year with renewed purpose: to honor all women, married or not, and help young girls feel confident in their identity as daughters of God.
The event also featured a special mental health session facilitated by Sister Jane Nyachae, a mental health expert, with support from Pastor Darnisha Thomas and Elder Alison Pichel.
Mentorship played a key role in the gathering. Women of all ages led and learned from one another. As attendee Ceciliah Mwebi described it,
“The tea party was a heartwarming and enriching gathering… A special highlight was the mentorship session, led by both young and older women, which provided spiritual nourishment and opportunities for personal growth.”
Many guests shared how meaningful the day was for them. Phebe Samson appreciated the talks on mental health and the beautiful decorations.
“It was a great way to connect with the other girls and ladies,”
she said.
Cindy Kaigama, who recently lost her husband to cancer, attended with her daughter.
“We were grateful to have the opportunity to fellowship with others… It blessed my family to be invited.”
Mary Nyarusa shared a joyful message of thanks, joking about learning to wear her hat properly for the occasion and praising the team for creating an amazing “Only Women” party. She gave special thanks to Leader Pauline and her team.
In a touching act of care, gift bags with Bible verses were delivered to a woman recovering from surgery and her daughter who had recently been baptized. This thoughtful gesture reminded everyone that the spirit of the event extended beyond the walls of the church.
Behind the scenes, the event was made possible by a team of women who used their talents to bring the vision to life. Leaders like Marie Denniston, Lynette Nyabuto, Dr. Yolanda Lewis, Pauline K. Misiak, Jane Nyachae, Dr. Cheryl Saunders, and Alison Pichel played key roles in planning and hosting the event. One committee member summed it up by saying, “We poured our hearts into this project, and it was all worth it to experience eating as Daughters of the King.”
By Pauline Kenyanya Misiak, as told to Hugh Davis
