He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Jeremiah 18:3-6 (NIV)Dear Sisters in Faith,
I am overjoyed to share that registration for the United Women in Faith Spring Spiritual Growth Retreat is now open! We invite you to join us on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Klein United Methodist Church 5920 Farm to Market 2920, Spring, TX 77388 for a day set apart for renewal, reflection, and purpose.
Our theme this year, “Shaped by Grace: Becoming Vessels of Purpose,” invites us to step into the loving hands of the Divine Potter and allow God to form, refine, and empower us for the work we are called to do.
We are blessed to welcome Rachel Raborn Norris as our guest speaker. Her wisdom, warmth, and Spirit‑led insight will guide us deeper into understanding how God shapes our lives with intention and grace, a truth made vivid as we watch Rachel at her potter’s wheel and witnessed her at work as a potter firsthand.
We are also honored to have Rev. Hilda Marcel and Debra Ellis leading our focus groups.
- Rev. Hilda Marcel will offer a powerful session designed to help us discover how God’s grace shapes us from rough places into vessels of purpose. Through the imagery of the Potter and the clay, this session explores how God transforms our failures, fears, and flaws into something beautiful for His glory. Join us for a reflective journey into the power of grace at work in our lives.
- Debra Ellis will share inspiring stories and reflections from her recent mission trip to Gilgil, Kenya, offering a firsthand look at how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
To ensure everyone can participate, we are pleased to offer a virtual option for those who cannot be with us on-site. Whether in person or from home, you will be fully included in the worship, teaching, and fellowship of the day.
Throughout the retreat, attendees can expect:
- Meaningful worship and Spirit‑filled teaching
- Opportunities for personal reflection and group connection
- Practical tools for spiritual growth
- Stories that inspire courage, compassion, and renewed purpose
- A warm, welcoming community of women seeking God together
You will leave feeling refreshed, encouraged, and spiritually strengthened, more aware of how God is shaping your life and more confident in the purpose God is calling you to live out.
We cannot wait to gather with you for this beautiful day of growth and grace. Register today and invite a friend to join you!
With love and anticipation,
Paulette Moore-Hall, VP/Program Coordinator
Meet the Presenters
keynote speaker – Rachel Raborn Norris
Rachel Norris is not surprised that she is a potter, but she is amazed at how God has used pottery in her life. She has been making pottery for over thirty years now. She and her husband own Joy Pottery in Bryan, Texas where they make and sell handmade, functional, stoneware. She loves to work with clay because it is an incredibly versatile material, so very individual and universal at the same time.
You are invited to come and learn more about the Heavenly Father by exploring a word picture He provides in His Word. Discover the richness of the layers of meaning in the portrayal of the potter and the clay by observing the work of a potter firsthand. You will be awed and amazed by the insights into the hand of God in your own life through this experience.
focus leader – pastor hilda marcel
Pastor Hilda Marcel is a native Houstonian. She counts it all joy to help others by sharing the love of God through the word of God and service.
She desires to effect change by challenging others to grow from hearers to doers using the 3 C’s of Life. She is actively answering her call to share Christ’s love and make disciples of all nations in her local church and community.
Driven by her commitment to developing a Community of Care through the love of Christ, she founded LueWish, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to women who are experiencing life-altering issues due to cancer, heart disease, and domestic violence.
Pastor Hilda enjoys serving the needs of others as a local Pastor, Workforce Solution Specialist, Professional Christian Life Coach, Board-Certified Mental Health Coach, mediator, and community volunteer, where she helps others move from “doing” to “being” to fulfill their God-given purpose.
Pastor Hilda has one son, Jonathan, and five beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys reading, cooking, road trips, and dancing. Hilda lives by the motto: I won’t fail the love the test.
focus leader – debra ellis
Debra Ellis is a devoted member of United Women in Faith whose passion for service, mission, and spiritual growth is reflected in every area of her life. She is actively involved at John Wesley Methodist Church in Houston, where she serves in the Women’s Sunday School Class by sharing prayer requests and writing weekly words of encouragement.
Debra also serves as an usher, joyfully welcoming newcomers into worship, and participates in the Homebound Communion Ministry, bringing communion to those unable to attend in person. She is involved in Faith Circle and supports charitable organizations, especially those that serve children, including Northwest Assistance Ministries and The Children’s Activity Center.
Debra recently returned from a transformative mission trip to Gilgil, Kenya, where she and her team focused on walking alongside the community with humility and compassion. Beyond her church, she supports organizations such as the Houston SPCA, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist Children’s Home (Waco), Tupelo Children’s Mansion, Houston Food Bank, and World Vision. Known for her warm spirit and authentic connection with others, Debra looks forward to leading her focus group at the Spring Spiritual Growth Retreat and creating a welcoming space for women to reflect, grow, and discover God’s purpose in their lives.
Texas Conference 