Nearly one hundred women from the NC Conference United Women in Faith gathered for their biennial Spiritual Growth Retreat in Raleigh, NC. The theme was “Spiritual Growth through Self Expression & The Arts.” Attendees were able to choose from workshops that included Scripture Engagement with Art, Writing as a Spiritual Practice, Spiritual Growth through Music, and Christian Crafting.
Julie Cameron, in The Artist’s Way Every Day, says, ”When we move toward our own creativity, we move toward our Creator. When we seek to become more spiritual, we find ourselves becoming more creative. Our creativity and our spirituality are so closely interconnected they are in effect one and the same thing.” The women of the NC Conference were challenged to be courageous and lean into their creative sides as one way of growing closer to God and each other.
Participants left with new creative spiritual practices that they could use when they returned to their homes and congregations. They also took new treasured works of art, powerful writing journals, a new appreciation for their musical abilities, and Methodist Prayer Beads. New friendships forged in bravery and appreciation for the unique gifts all women carry will lead the NCCUWFaith forward in 2024.
The Church at Six Forks in Raleigh hosted the ladies by providing beautiful workshop spaces, worship, and communion, as well as amazing meals throughout the weekend. God is good every day. Every day, God is good.
Submitted by Kim R. Smith