Photos by Daniela Beas Soto and Kay Guy

Written by Diana Beas Soto

The UWF (United Women in Faith) South District gathered for a meaningful two day women’s retreat at Camp Cedar Glen. Held from March 13 to March 14, the Soul Care Retreat welcomed women from across the district for a weekend rooted in faith, healing, and connection. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the forest, this year’s theme, “What is My True Nature?” invited each participant into a deeper space of reflection. 

The retreat’s organizer, Diane Vogan, offered a gentle pause from the pace of everyday life. The retreat became a space for women to reconnect with God, with one another, and with themselves. More than 25 attendees came together, each bringing their own stories and unique perspectives.

The retreat offered a variety of guided activities from early morning tai chi to quiet time spend reflecting in the natural surroundings of the camp. The landscape itself became part of the experience, inviting women to slow down and find grounding in the trees and the earth beneath them. One of standout moments of the retreat was a letter-writing exercise in which each participant wrote a love letter to herself. These letters will be personally mailed by Diane at a later time, arriving as a thoughtful reminder of self-love just when it may be needed most. 

Throughout the retreat, both the planned experiences and the moments created in between made for a memorable weekend. In the evening of the first night, women fathered around the campfire under the stars, sharing their stories, and experiences. In that openness, some discovered shared histories and similar paths, whiles others simply found comfort in listening. Many lingered by the fire, not wanting the conversations to end.

The UWF South District continues to host gatherings throughout the year, welcoming women at every stage of their faith journey. For those looking to connect and take part in future events, more information can be here: www.calpacumc.org/UnitedWomenInFaith