Joy is growing.

Since March 2006, Joy International's four fellowship and inspirational gatherings has nearly doubled in attendance, organizers say.

More than 500 women representing 60 churches attended the most recent event in March, the largest number so far, said Fran Dwelle, of Bismarck, founder of Joy International and one of the coordinators of the twice-yearly breakfast gatherings. Women who indicated no particular church home made up the largest group attending, Dwelle said.

"This ministry is such an opportunity to reach out to women and meet them where they are at," said Ann Persico, one of the event's organizers.

The nondenominational Joy (standing for "Jesus, Others, You") International events welcome women from all denominations as well as the unchurched, she said.

"We are gratified to see women from various Christian traditions joining hands in a common effort. There is strength and blessing in that," Dwelle said.

Organizers have set the next gathering for Nov. 3 at the Ramkota Hotel in Bismarck. The breakfast runs from 9 until 11:15 a.m. Tickets are available at local churches and at the Rainbow Shop, 551 S. Seventh St., for $10 per ticket.

The theme is "Thirsty? Quench the Thirst Inside," with speaker Norene Antin from Seattle, a professional counselor and author.

The last event was packed, a full house, said Bonnie Dirk, of Bismarck. She suggests those interested in attending get their tickets early and come early on the day of the event.

Those coming with friends, family members or in a group will be seated at tables together, she said. Each table will have a leader join them and get everyone introduced, Dirk said.

"You can bring a friend, a family member or your best friends and be fed a breakfast," she said. "We try not to separate anybody."

Inspirational speakers focus on portraying their faith in Christ, she said, "and the peace he brings and the small miracles he does in our lives. We can do this as women. For everything going on in our lives, regardless, he is with us."

What women gain is a feeling of not being alone, Dirk said.

"Being a woman (with) all the things we face, we all have one common denominator in our faith, and that's Jesus Christ."

In addition to inspirational programs, the event features singing and skits, Dirk said, "then the main speaker for 15 to 20 minutes. It's just very inspirational, a very fast morning."

These Joy international breakfasts lead to more outreach to women, she said. Connecting at this breakfast encourages women to keep going in their small group Bible studies, Dirk said, "and keep God center in your life."

Be they Catholic or Baptist or unchurched women seeking spiritual connection, no one asks, "What church do you go to?" Dirk said.

The basic message is, "You're not in the boat alone."

For those in a "down" state in their lives, "What's important to know is that this is also fun," she said. "That they can come together to have fun as they are opening themselves up to God if they choose to. Fun and fellowship."

Fran Dwelle, of Bismarck, created the first Joyevents while she and her husband, the Rev. Arland Dwelle, former senior pastor at Evangel Assembly of God in Bismarck, were serving in Vienna, Austria.

Those initial gatherings were designed to be multicultural as well as multidenominational, bringing women together of all ethnic backgrounds.

"It really is a wonderful way to bring people into a larger experience of faith," said Allison Krumm, who said that Catholic women who have attended the events have spread the word in their own churches. "Sometimes we have a tendency to isolate ourselves."

Women are connecting with Bible studies and other ways to nurture the faith life of women, she said. "We're here to encourage each other."

Krumm said that organizers have done a tremendous job in having a leader and a facilitator for each table to help with group sharing and good healthy conversation, said.

"It's a beautiful meal and it's feminine, a lot of hospitality and kindness," she said.

The breakfast also is a great opportunity to bring someone who hasn't been churched, Krumm said.

"They would love the experience. The message is that Christian women try to make the world a better place.

"If we do that one act of kindness at a time, it can make a tremendous change."

(Reach reporter Karen Herzog at 250-8267 or karen.herzog@;bismarcktribune.com.)