LEESBURG — "The church is very family-oriented, and there’s a large group of singles who are in the church, but not in the church," said John Dowell, president of the Florida Conference United Methodist Men (UMM).

For that reason, the UMM held its first Singles Retreat Oct. 27-29 at the Life Enrichment Center here. Nearly 150 people attended the weekend retreat, designed specifically as a time of spiritual renewal for single adults.

Lauri Varndadore, a member of First United Methodist Church in Port St. Lucie, said she wasn’t sure she wanted to attend a singles retreat. "Women’s retreat, maybe, but a singles retreat? Nah," she said, adding she didn’t want to attend "a meet and greet."

"I’m pretty happy with what I found," she said. "The praise and worship is pretty awesome. I’ve really enjoyed the solitude time in the morning."

Ray Crone, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville, said he was looking forward to meeting other single adults and gaining "a better awareness of what it is to be a single Christian adult in the world today."

Crone teaches physical education and referees at school sporting events. He said he wanted help "to be a good role model to others."

The retreat was also a learning experience for UMM leaders. Dowell said questionnaires and a question and answer session during the retreat were designed to ask the singles to "give us direction about what you guys want."

"We’re also looking to build bridges with other singles ministries in the conference and enhance their being a part of the church," he said.

Maritza Lago, a member of Christ Hispanic United Methodist Church in Orlando, said one of her goals was to learn about singles ministries.

"I am single, and a major reason for coming was I wanted to be in the presence of the Lord," she said. "I am also looking for information on how to start a ministry for single women in our church. We have no ministries for singles, and we want to start one under our United Methodist Women."

Lago said it was her first time attending a singles event and that it was "perfect."

"Even though English is not my first language, I could feel the presence of the Lord here," she said. "The people are all very loving."

Dowell said he was excited about the response, although the "attendance numbers aren’t too high."

"We’re satisfied," he said. "We had 65 at the first men’s retreat and 115 at the first couples’ retreat, which was almost cancelled because of the numbers."

After 25 years of couples’ retreats and 52 years of men’s retreats, both are operating at or near capacity during the four to five weekends they are offered each year.

The spirit of those in attendance also made Dowell optimistic about the retreat’s future. "These people are on fire for Jesus," he said. "The spirit is very high. The audience reaction back and forth when you’re talking to them — it’s fantastic. I think we’ve got a winner."