The blooming of springtime in the South is always beautiful, and I could think of no more wonderful way to welcome it than by gathering with precious women on March 30th, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, on a sweet Monday for Sweet Monday’s “The Most High Tea.” This special celebration marked the 30th anniversary of www.sweetmonday.org, the ministry begun by my late and amazing friend, Kim Newlen.
Sweet Monday began humbly in 1995, when Kim—a young mom, and a schoolteacher, who had left her hometown to follow her husband to a new city—found herself experiencing loneliness. She prayed and asked God for a way to help her overcome her fears to connect with her neighbors and he prompted her heart to open her home. From that prayer, one Monday night a month, hospitality was born.
Over the years, more than 650 women from all over the country and abroad, have opened their homes, offering a 90-minute time of fellowship, learning, encouragement, laughter, and refreshment. Always mindful of women’s busy schedules, Kim—and the hostesses who followed her example—faithfully honored time by ending each evening promptly with a five-minute devotional, sharing the life‑changing Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The first—and only—time I had the privilege of meeting and spending quality time with Kim Newlen in person was at an Upper C.L.A.S.S. (Christian Leaders Authors Speakers Seminar) five‑day seminar in October of 2002. It was led by the world‑renowned authors and speakers Florence and Marita Littauer, along with other incredible professionals, and held in Palm Springs, California.
This seminar was called “Upper C.L.A.S.S.” because it was limited to just five speakers at a time—each of whom had already completed the original and much larger C.L.A.S.S. training. The smaller setting allowed for personal, individualized mentoring, and we all felt deeply honored to be there. As you can imagine, we grew close in just a few short days. One of our assignments was to present our “signature talk” to the group, offer one another encouragement and constructive feedback, and then have a personal one‑on‑one session with the much‑revered Florence Littauer. Each presentation was wonderful in its own way, but Kim’s was unforgettable.
Florence often taught that using props could help bring a message to life—but I don’t think even she was prepared for what Kim had in mind. I will never forget the look on Florence’s face—or the faces of the rest of us—when Kim stood up wearing a queen’s sash made of toilet paper and a decorated construction‑paper crown. We didn’t quite know whether to laugh or feel embarrassed…until Kim opened her mouth to speak. And then, we all fell in love. To this day, I don’t remember the exact point behind the crown and sash (you’re talking to a pageant girl here—ha!), but I vividly remember Kim’s heart, her authenticity, and the story she shared about how Sweet Monday—founded in 1995—had changed her life and was changing the lives of women everywhere.
I do remember one line that made us all laugh and somehow says everything about who Kim was. In her most authentic Southern, South Carolina accent, she said something like, “Ladies, there’s one thing for sure. When you’re going through a difficult time, there’s nothin’ that Jesus, a new tube of lipstick, and a bowl of ice cream can’t fix!” That was Kim—real, joyful, faithful, and deeply loved.
Kim’s authenticity and sincerity touched us all, and it was a joy for every one of us when Florence offered her deep affirmation and encouragement. Florence urged Kim to expand Sweet Monday through written curriculum, and she was instrumental in planting the seed that eventually led to Kim’s 365 day devotional book, “Sweet and Simple Moments With God.” As educators, both Kim and Florence shared a beautiful connection, and it was a remarkable moment to watch the light bulbs go on between mentor and mentee.
When the seminar ended and we all returned to our home states, Kim and I were intentional about staying in touch—and we did, until the Lord took her home to Jesus in 2014. We had dreamed of hosting a Sweet Monday event at Billy Graham’s The Cove, with me leading worship, but that dream shifted when Kim received a diagnosis that would change her timeline and deepen her resolve.
Even in the face of cancer, Kim’s heart was fixed on building a legacy for women—one that would glorify Christ in their homes and in their daily lives. Completing her book and ensuring that Sweet Monday would continue as a Gospel‑centered ministry was paramount to her. She wanted it to be a tool God could use all over the globe, and left knowing that it would be in capable hands.
Kim was the brightest and most beautiful encourager to me. Her joy, courage, deep faith, and relentless fight changed me. And though her journey ended sooner than any of us wished, her legacy continues—one open home, one faithful woman, and one sweet invitation at a time.
From the Sweet Monday Brochure:
“Why Sweet Monday? Everyday women are lonely, discouraged, and disconnected because we live in a broken world that is moving towards isolation. Sweet Monday is about serving our local communities by inviting women into our homes to build healthy relationships and connect women to the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ….”
How it works: KISS: Keep it Simple, Sweetie!
“Sweet Monday Is a once-a-month social event where you don’t have to RSVP; You don’t have to change your clothes; You don’t have to bring something disguised as homemade; You can always bring a friend; And you always leave your wallet at home. For an hour and a half, women fellowship, learn from each other, laugh and encourage each other through God’s word. No strings attached. It is using our homes for Gospel centered hospitality. Reaching women for Christ, one Sweet invitation at a time. One simple and sweet dessert and something to drink is shared. Sweet Monday is not about entertaining, but about encouraging and welcoming women into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.”
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13
While we are all finding ways to “Live Our Best Lives…60 Plus,” I was deeply grateful to be in a room filled with women of all generations—women who are beautifully living out the Titus 2 calling of older women mentoring younger women. Listening to their stories of faith and encouragement was a gift I won’t soon forget.
I was also delighted to share the celebration with my dear friend Margo, who represented the state of Tennessee so graciously and was named fourth runner‑up at Ms. Senior America the same year I was honored to win. Being together brought back sweet memories of being mentored by one of the greatest Christian authors and speakers of the twentieth century, Florence Littauer.
To witness the fruit of Florence’s mentorship in Kim’s life—and to see the continued growth of Sweet Monday—was a beautiful reminder that faithful obedience multiplies far beyond what we can see. Kim’s labor of love lives on, and the excitement for the next thirty years is filled with both joy and holy expectation.
To learn more about the legacy and ministry of Kim Newlen and Sweet Monday, visit www.sweetmonday.org. And may we all remember—every open door, every shared dessert, every kind invitation matters.
Let’s make every day a Sweet Monday.
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Debbie was honored to serve as Ms. Senior America 2023. She holds a degree in Vocal Performance and has performed across the continental U.S. and abroad. She’s also a talent and interview coach for Miss America Scholarship Organization contestants, high school and college bound performing arts students, and conservative political candidates. Debbie is married to Scott Robbins. They have one son, Jackson, born when Debbie was 44. He is now a Freshman at the University of Louisville.
Thank you for this encouragement, my friend!
You’re welcome, dear friend!
Thank you Debbie. This was a lovely event.
Debbie, what a good and timely article – I’m in a new neighborhood and have been seeking a way to reach out to my neighbors to get some connections going on. I will definitly look into Sweet Mondays — thank you for writing this!