A full house of 100 women attended the first Soul Care Retreat at the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church.

The event was held on July 30 at Temple Terrace United Methodist Church and hosted by the Gulf Central District of United Women In Faith. Attendees included 24 guests who are not members of United Women in Faith.

As participants arrived, they received a bingo card to encourage them to mingle and get to know each other. Boxes on the card included items such as Did you attend the International Assembly in Orlando? Are you a Florida native? And so on.

The theme was “Fill My Cup, Lord.”  Participants received a cup to fill with items that fit each activity.  After dissolving their cares, participants wrote what they were grateful for on a paper in their prayer box.

Rev. Vicki Harrison, the Senior Pastor from New Hope UMC in Brandon, led the morning session. She asked the question: How is it with your soul? Using a teacup as an example, she asked participants if they dipped into their faith or steeped in it.

She reminded attendees to abide in Jesus and led in the exercise of P.R.A.Y.:P-pause, R-rejoice, A-ask, and Y-yield.

Medical Fitness Specialist/Athletic Trainer Tara Kaddoura led the group in some stretching and other exercises, and Lyn

Rev. Vicki Harrison

Sears led attendees in songs --“Fill My Cup Lord” and “Be Thou My Vision.”

The afternoon session focused on Senses and Scripture, such as Vision: What do we see when we see someone on the street that looks like they need help?

Touch: Jesus healed a woman who touched his garment. How has Jesus touched us? How can we touch others? 

The day concluded with the song “Thrive” by Casting Crowns. It reminded everyone to dig deep into our faith and reach out to help others.

The event generated a $624 offering to Missions.