Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Retreat Fellowship from Kinder to Eighty Plus

United Women in Faith hosted the Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Retreat on September 23, 2023, at Schertz United Methodist Church in Schertz, Texas. This event invited girls and women 5 to 80 plus from three worship services: Traditional, The Gathering, and Family Praise.

Our purpose was to strengthen relationships and enjoy fellowship with women of all ages. We focused on childlike qualities that children naturally have, reminded ourselves we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and interacted with ladies and girls from all three services. We especially wanted to welcome new attendees after Senior Pastor Jon Snape’s July 2023 appointment.                   

Our UWF Vice President guided us in a calming Breath Prayer followed by a Love Letter from God based on Romans 8:38 & 39 led by our Spiritual Growth Coordinator. We then read it in unison. Our Membership Coordinator asked how we take time for ourselves. The list included reading, music, exercise, meditation, naps, cleaning, ­­art, television, computer, word and number games, time with friends, prayer, and church worship.

We viewed Christian singer Lauren Daigle’s Podcast: Find Your True Child-like Self. Key takeaways: Go into your “To Do List” from a place of rest, remember your child-like, joyful self and light-hearted nature, take a Mr. Potato Head ear with you wherever you go, live with love and grace, have the heart of God for people who make mistakes, look up child, let troubles roll off like water rolling off a duck’s back, and know you are loved, strong, and held by God. Activities centered around this beautiful podcast. 

Our Director of Music and Worship Arts sang Who You Say I Am by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan. The lead singer of The Gathering Band sang The Lord’s Prayer. We were very blessed by the performances of these young women.

Our Treasurer conducted the retreat survey. Favorite activities were the  Lord’s Prayer Beads, Chair Yoga, BeYOUtiful Vintage Earring Affirmation Card, and Psalm 139:14 color art.

We were fortunate to have our church Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader, and Treasurer and Program Coordinator present. They shared their church roles with the participants.

Our retreat introduced us to the amazing women at Schertz United Methodist Church and provided fun and fellowship. We received positive feedback and were asked to host yearly retreats.

Schertz UWF President Jennifer Felty