This weekend, First United Methodist Church of Alexandria will host a Winter Art & Prayer Retreat titled “Visions, Dreams, & Schemes, Oh My!” on February 6–7.

Led by Rev. Jean Sanders and Beth Ferguson Moore, the retreat begins Friday evening from 5:30–7:30 PM with “Visions,” a guided vision-board-making session facilitated by Moore. The practice is designed to help participants maintain focus on direction and intention after the early momentum of New Year resolutions fades.

Attendees return for Saturday’s session, “Dreams & Schemes,” from 9 AM to 3 PM, exploring questions of identity, spiritual discernment, and the meaning of planning within a faith context. Through multi-media artmaking interwoven with scripture, prayer, and meditation, participants are invited into a reflective, creative process. The retreat provides dedicated time for personal renewal and exploration.

Participation is $30. To register, call the FUMCA church office at 318-445-5696. To register online, visit www.fumca.org.

Later this month, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10 AM, the Urban Sketching Art Ministry with Rev. Jean Sanders meets at Tamp & Grind Coffee in downtown Alexandria. Open to the public and free to attend, the event welcomes participants of all experience levels. After coffee and fellowship, participants will head out into the surrounding area to sketch together. No prior experience is required, with the focus on presence, community, and creative engagement rather than artistic ability.

Upcoming Urban Sketching dates include March 28 (10 AM) (location to be announced) and April 11 (10 AM) at the Alexandria Museum of Art.

Together, these offerings reflect First United Methodist Church of Alexandria’s commitment to creative ministry, providing accessible spaces for thoughtful exploration of art and spirituality.