October in Montreat

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter October in Montreat. Please find updates from our president, highlights on programmatic offerings, and ways that you can engage with Montreat below. Specifically, in this issue we are talking about our year-round commitment to youth programming, Youth & Young Adult Takeover Month, and our second annual Support the Wilderness Day.

Leaning into Fall (With a Year-Round Calling) by Richard DuBose, president of Montreat Conference Center Greetings from Montreat! I come to you with news from this beautiful valley and want to highlight to items that are particular areas of emphasis this October. First, our current schedule confirms that Montreat’s commitment to youth ministry doesn't end when summer does. For many on our staff, youth and young adult work is a year-round calling. Throughout the year, planning teams gather here to prayerfully collaborate and prepare for the season ahead. Staff create curriculum, guide group leaders through conference registration, help groups make travel plans, and recruit leadership for upcoming events… READ MORE PROGRAMS & EVENTS We are nearly one week into Youth & Young Adult Takeover Month! Throughout October, we are highlighting opportunities for young people on our social media and in our email newsletters. If you support individuals between the ages of 11 and 32, or are that age yourself, be sure to check out all of the ways you can get involved! View all of our youth & young adult offerings for 2027 here. Later this month, we will welcome author John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling for a time of spiritual exploration and study during the Earth & Soul Retreat. A few spaces remain available for those interested in attending! Come, learn about Celtic Wisdom, a shared sense of home, and our spiritual connection to the Earth. Learn more about the event or sign up here. Looking for a place to host your next event? Consider Montreat! We host a variety of groups from mid-August to mid-May, ranging from small gatherings to larger events. Our meeting spaces are designed to accommodate groups of all sizes and we also offer comfortable lodging options for overnight trips. Take this opportunity to connect with your faith and your community in the sacred setting of Montreat! Learn more. We share updates related to offerings for youth & young adults, adult conferences, and retreats in a series of topical email newsletters each month. Sign up to receive one, two, or all three directly in your inbox by clicking here. EXPERIENCE MONTREAT Be sure to join us for our second annual Support the Wilderness Day on Saturday, October 17. This free event will include a public hike, meet and greet opportunities, and presentations related to the Montreat Wilderness. Additionally, 10% of any purchases made at The Montreat Store, The Good Steward, or The Huckleberry that day will go to support the Wilderness Maintenance and Operations Fund. Find a full schedule of events here. Mark your calendars! The shops at Moore Center are hosting the inaugural Montreat Holiday Market on December 12, featuring local artists and craftspeople. Inspired by traditional European holiday markets, this event will include cozy fire pits, warm cider, and plenty of opportunities to complete your holiday shopping. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, we encourage you to submit an application here by October 24. Learn more. Leaders of small churches should consider joining us October 19–20 for our annual Wee Kirk Conference! This event offers support in the form of inspiration, practical resources, and authentic community tailored specifically for smaller congregations. Join us as we explore the remarkable ways that God accomplishes much from little. Sign up now. We share updates for locals, news about the Montreat Wilderness, and information pertaining to spiritual exploration in three monthly email newsletters specific to each topic. Select which ones you would like to receive in your inbox by clicking here. Montreat Patrons Make it Happen! Montreat Patrons are vital to the mission and ministry of Montreat Conference Center and directly support our ability to host conferences, maintain our wilderness, and offer a safe and welcoming environment for all who experience Montreat. MAKE AN END OF YEAR GIFT NOW We Hope to See You Soon! Take a moment to visit our website and learn more about the inspiring gatherings, retreats, and conferences we have planned. Whether you're returning to Montreat or visiting us for the first time, there's something meaningful waiting. VIEW UPCOMING EVENTS Montreat Conference Center, a ministry of the Mountain Retreat Association, is a national conference center located in Western North Carolina with roots in the PC(USA). Learn more at www.montreat.org.

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