Sacred is launching its first gala this year, titled “The Sacred Gala, An Evening of Joy”. Aimed at people aged 15 and over, the gala will be held on December 21 at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club and hosted by Patrina “Power Girl” O’Connor.

In recent years, Arin Weller, Sacred’s owner, has expanded her business to provide not only faith-based and inspiring gift products, but also events and experiences that bring community members together to have fun in faith.

“The gala is primarily an adult event, but I think it is important to expose the younger generation to these types of events, so families with teenagers church groups’ young adults are welcome,” Ms Weller said.

Ms Weller said a gala had always been part of Sacred’s vision. “When God gives you a vision, things start falling into place, and you start to see it in your mind; I knew it was time to start working on it.

“The events part of my business, which I have started over the last few years, includes the Sacred bonfires and vision board nights, and a talk and tea. However, I've always wanted to do something that brought not just women together but the broader family, including men.

“I thought Christmas, a joyous time when we want to come together, would be a great time to have an event that incorporated food, fun, music, in an inspiring atmosphere.”

“One of the greatest inspirations is that it has been a tough year, not just for me but for many people. So many events I do directly speak to what I want to see happen. Having this event would be something I would enjoy, and I know others would enjoy it.

“So the Sacred Gala is a way to bring us all together, to have a great time, enjoy each other's company, leave our burdens to the side for one night, and come together and enjoy not just the presence of each other but also the presence of God.”

Being a self-proclaimed perfectionist, Ms Weller has been putting in the work to create an event that promises to be a great time – being “thankful that God has surrounded her with many people in different spaces” who have helped her organise it.

She added that part of the proceeds would go to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and the Gina Spence Programme, “because they are doing great things for our elders, children, and the community”.

She added: “Each experience I have, I know it is God preparing me for doing things like this, more things for His kingdom, more things for His people. So, I am just learning as much as I can.

“I am trying to build a relationship, so it has been a learning process but interesting and fun, and I am more excited to see the outcome. I have seen every part of the event, and seeing it come together will be a blessing.”

Standard and patron tickets are available on pix.bm. The standard tickets grant a great seat at the table, a gift bag, and a buffet dinner, while the patron tickets include preference seating, a larger sacred gift bag, a Mocktail hour before the event, and a meet-and-greet with the international DJ.

“I like to say that Sacred likes to create a kingdom culture of having fun but being in faith,” Ms Weller said. “Being able to have an alcohol-free event – like we are going to have – but still have fun and bring your family and be entertained in a clean and fun way. I think that's what I want people to see: see an alternative to something they might have experienced before.

“A different type of party, this is more of an inspirational party, but a party in the sense it is just a group of believers who want to have fun as well, because we should and we can have it.”

DJ Coverboy, who has been in the gospel music and events industry for more than 20 years, will be part of this event.

“We are thrilled to have him because he has done many great things for the Christian community here in Bermuda,” Ms Weller said.

“DJ Bryce G, of Joyful Noize, will be our international DJ. He calls himself the celebration expert, because he believes this is a celebration of being God’s children, that we have a God that takes care of everything, that works behind the scenes and in front of the scenes.

“And so, no matter what we are going through or what trials we face, we celebrate that God is in control at the end of the day. He has our best interests and plans to help us prosper, not harm us. If anything, I want people to leave thinking, 'That was a celebration of life, not just a celebration of Christmas’.”

Ms Weller said she wanted the gala to bring joy at a time of many challenges for Bermuda.

“We see it politically, socially, and in education; we face many different distractions and changes, but the one great thing we have is the joy of the Lord, and we can have strength in every situation we face. I hope people will be encouraged and not allow the changes to take away their faith. Our faith in God unlocks His miracles, promises, and blessings.

“Despite our challenges, we cannot let our faith waiver. To face the challenges we have in Bermuda, it will take one faith step at a time.”

Ms Weller thanks the event sponsors, Orchid Nail Spa, Kalm Salon, SC Skincare, ImpactOne International, Leah JM Dean, Bermuda Trail Mix, Bermuda Brandbox, and Next Level Preparations.

• For more information about The Sacred Gala, visit Instagram @sacred_bda, Facebook as Sacred Faith Inspired gifts, or e-mail sacredbda@gmail.com