Frequently Asked Questions___________________________

 

Why is St. Pete First having a Women’s Retreat?  Women are an essential part of St Pete First and this retreat gives all women a chance to refresh and deepen our relationship with Christ and each other.

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What is this Women’s Retreat about? What could be more precious than diamonds? YOU! “The Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 14:2). We are the precious, treasured possession of our heavenly Father, who sought us and claimed us as His own in Christ!  From coal to diamonds, we are continuously being transformed in Christ, reflecting His glory and light to a dark world.

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What can I expect from this retreat?  We will walk in the light of God’s Word together, enjoy fabulous food and tasty treats, and lift our voices in praise, all as we share encouragement, fellowship, and fun in Christ, the light of the world! 

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What are the dates of the retreat?  Activities start Friday, January 17th, and end on Sunday, January 19th.

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How many people are attending the retreat?  We have reserved space at the retreat center for 50 women to attend.

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Do I need to bring a Bible?  We will be leading small group discussions and referencing scripture.  You are encouraged to bring your Bible to each session as well as to spend time in further study while at the retreat center, but this is not a requirement.

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Is there study required before the retreat? No, there is no preparation required for the retreat.  This is a time of renewal and fellowship with other women so come prepared to enjoy that time together.

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Is there study material I need to purchase prior to the retreat? No. Any material needed during the discussion sessions will be provided to you.

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Do I have to be a church member to attend?  No.  All women are welcome to join us for this retreat.

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Can I invite a friend that doesn't attend St. Pete First? Yes, all are women are welcome to join us for this retreat.

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Are there accommodations for women with mobility issues?  Yes, we can make accommodations so you can enjoy the retreat, but please let us know when you register so we can ensure you’re on the first floor for housing.

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Is this being led by a Pastor? No, this is led by lay women for women.  The discussion sessions are just that – a chance to meet as a group with a facilitator leading the discussion.  We are all on this journey together!

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Can I bring my child?  This is a women's retreat and childcare is not provided, however, if your child is an adult, they are welcome!

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Can my husband come with me?  No, as this is a women's retreat. 

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How do I register? Click here to register online.    
Click here for a printable flyer & registration form.

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How much does this cost?  If you are sharing a room with another woman, the cost for two nights including meals Friday night through Sunday morning is $200.00.  If you are in a single room, the cost is $230.00.

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When do I need to pay?  Full payment is due upon registration.

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How do I pay?   Click here for a direct link to the payment page. If you register online, you will be directed to the payment page at the end of the registration process.  Registration forms are available online (click here), in the Information Centers, and at the Women's Retreat table in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings and need to be included with your payment.  Payment can be made by credit card (online) or by check or cash.

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What if I can't afford to cover the whole cost of attending?   While we want everyone to be able to attend, there are very limited funds available for those in need of partial assistance.  If there is someone in your life that is able and willing to help pay for you to attend this retreat, they can submit a payment of any amount on your behalf.  Please contact our team at spfumcwomen@gmail.com with any questions or concerns.

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Can I sponsor someone that can't afford to attend?  Absolutely!  If you would like to help someone that is unable to cover the cost to attend, please contact Sharon Bender at the St. Pete First administration office for more information about making this generous gift possible and to allocate your donation.

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What if I only want to come one night? It is our goal to offer a full weekend retreat with activities and small group discussion time starting Friday and ending Sunday.  In addition, our financial obligation to the retreat location is two nights for each guest.  If you are unable to cover the cost of both nights, please reach out to Pastor Bob Martin for scholarship opportunities.

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What is the cancellation policy?    Please contact the retreat team. No refunds can be given after December 31.  Registration fees forfeited can be donated to the scholarship fund as a charitable donation.

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What time can I arrive? Rooms are available for check-in at 3pm on Friday, January 17th.  Please arrive by dinner at 5:30pm.

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What time is check out? Check out and key return is no later than 11am on Sunday, January 19th. 

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What is provided in the rooms?  Each room features a full bathroom, bed linens, towels, ceiling fan, wireless internet, and climate control. Most rooms contain two twin xl beds.

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What do I need to bring?  You will need to pack comfortable clothes and shoes as well as your toiletries.  You might want to bring a water bottle to carry with you throughout the day.  All bedding, towels and meals are provided.

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What not to bring?  We will be at a drug-free, alcohol-free and firearm-free facility.  Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, fireworks, guns, weapons and pets are not allowed at Warren Willis Camp & Conference Center.

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Is WiFi available?  Wi-Fi is available in all of the lodging and meeting rooms at the Conference Center, as well as our campground area. The onsite network is set up primarily for basic web-browsing and email and is not able to support streaming or downloading of large videos or documents.

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Where is the retreat being held? The Warren Willis United Methodist Camp & Conference Center is located at 4990 Picciola Rd, Fruitland Park, Florida, 34731.  This is about 115 miles from St. Pete First near Leesburg, Florida.  Click here for map & directions.

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Can I carpool? If you are interested in carpooling or are willing to be a driver of a carpool group, you can indicate this on the registration form.  You will be notified of the details for your carpool group prior to the retreat.

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What meals are included?  Meals during the retreat are included and will be in a group dining setting. Your payment will include dinner on Friday night; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday; and breakfast on Sunday morning.

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I have special dietary needs; can these be accommodated?  Yes, accommodation can be made for dietary concerns including but not limited to food allergies, vegetarian, and gluten free.  Please indicate any of these requirements on the registration form so that information can be sent to the retreat center in advance.

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Can I make my own meals?  Retreat groups are required to purchase the meals provided as a part of our experience and is a part of the registration cost.  Accommodation can be made for dietary concerns but there is no kitchen access.

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Can I choose a roommate? Yes.  Please indicate your roommate preference on your registration form and coordinate with the person so they can do the same on their registration.  Every effort will be made to accommodate these requests.

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Can I have a single room? Yes, if available.  These will be assigned as registration is received.

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Can I bring my pet?  Only service animals that are ADA-compliant are allowed in the buildings at the retreat center.

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Can I smoke / vape? Smoking is not allowed inside any buildings at the retreat center. You can smoke only in designated outdoor areas.

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Who should I contact if I have more questions?  You can contact our team at spfumcwomen@gmail.com