men's retreat 2022
Stay Tuned!
women's retreat 2022
Stay Tuned!
all church retreat
September 24-26, 2021
Each year when we are able, we host an All-Church retreat, open to the whole church family. It’s a time for people of all ages to pull away from the routines of life in order to connect more deeply with the Lord and with each other. The ACR is a wonderful way for people new to First Pres to make connections, and a beloved event for those who have been around for a while. There is programming for every age, plus time for us to celebrate intergenerational community. To top it all off, we head to the mountains in Montreat, NC to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
We are so excited that we can go on the retreat again in 2021! It will look a little different this year than in “normal” years, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. “Different” gives us some great opportunities to be connect in new ways. We hope that you will join us! Here is more information about the retreat that we hope will encourage you to register. Please contact us with any questions. We’d be happy to tell you all the reasons you want to come!
Speaker/Theme
Originally, our speaker was Jerry Sittser, a dynamic author, professor and mentor from Whitworth University. But Covid rearranged Jerry’s schedule and he let us know in July that he can no longer come. Thankfully, he’s already scheduled to speak in 2022. But instead of being bummed, we think this is God at work. We’ll still have great teaching from staff and covenant partners, and we’ll also have more time to focus on our main theme: being together! “One Another” is our theme and there will be new and fun ways to laugh, worship, and grow together.
Protocols
In order to love each other well (including the other groups who may be at Montreat that weekend), and respect the Montreat staff, we will adhere to Montreat’s safety protocols. This will include asking all people, 3 and over, who haven’t been vaccinated to wear masks while inside except in private rooms. In addition, all those who are vaccinated may be required to wear masks in the lobby (but not in our main gathering spaces or in private rooms). No masks will be required for anyone outside. In the dining room, there will be a buffet where people will be asked to sanitize their hands before getting individually packed silverware and a plate.
Babies
There will be the same wonderful childcare for children 2 and under available during our main sessions. Our awesome childcare workers will also be hall monitors for babies and any sleepy older kids on Friday and Saturday nights so that parents can tuck in their kids and then go visit with other adults.
Preschool/Elementary
There will be separate and engaging programming for preschool and elementary students during the main sessions so that kids can learn in ways that are developmentally appropriate and connect with kids their own age as well.
Youth
Montreat is a memory-maker for youth! The youth will join the adults for main sessions, but stay in their own rooms/lodge together (with leaders!), and stay up late for discussion groups and fun that is sure to be remembered.
Questions
Please contact Michelle Collins, MichelleC@1stpres.com
or Amy Carlan, AmyC@1stpres.com