Well, I just have to say that I so enjoyed the Spiritual Gifts Retreat at St. Mary’s in Monteagle. I have thought about going for many years, but always put it off or just plain failed to get it together to sign up in time. I’m so glad I followed through this year. I was a little anxious about what it would be like, whom I’d be with and how much I’d have to share. Everyone who went was kind, open to sharing, and very respectful of not pressuring anyone into opening up more than they might have been comfortable doing.

It was a beautiful setting and the staff at St. Mary’s were great…as well as the food! We followed a focused curriculum, yet had time to get to know each other and ourselves a little bit better. It was good to learn how others see our spiritual gifts and either confirm what we thought or see the possibility of other gifts we weren’t sure we might have or not have. I felt “at home” and loved among the group, just as I do here at Christ UMC. We are blessed with a caring church and dedicated members.

So if you’ve been thinking of attending the Spiritual Gifts Retreat, then don’t put it off like me for several years – - – just sign up for next year! It is well worth the time. I learned from my 91-year-old roommate…”We all need just a little bit more steam to make it through,” and the love and encouragement I received, and hopefully gave, helped me to strengthen my faith and feel God’s love!

~Charlotte Owen

Where do I start and where do I end sharing about the Christ UMC Women’s Retreat?

One of my favorite things about the retreat is that it was made possible by the love and care of so many people in our church. We work together, offer our gifts, and voilà! a retreat is successful and we walk away refreshed from being together and sharing together. This year our theme focused on resting in who we are. Sherry Cothran Woolsey, Senior Pastor of West Nashville UMC, led us in worship and song. We spent time in small groups to discuss the barriers that keep us from resting with God, and how to rest in who we are. Our afternoon breakout sessions were focused on relaxing through writing, gardening, designing, creating, stretching, and sharing. The day was full of women discovering new talents, new friendships and new connections.

Thank you to the 104 ladies that gave their Saturday to meet together. Thank you to the five men and a pirate willing to be part of Carol Sullivan’s Catering Team for lunch. Thank you to Brenda and Butch Malone going beyond the call to cross all the t’s and dot all the i’s for registration, promotional, financial and multi-media areas. Jan Phelps helped again in developing the day and communicating our theme. Kristi Brown pulled all the small group leaders together to show participants weekly ways to connect to others at Christ UMC. The breakout leaders gave of their time and talents to offer an enjoyable afternoon. Others made soup and baked cupcakes for lunch.

Refreshment was experienced in so many different ways.

Thank you, Marne’ Price