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 the one year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the reopening of Graybeard Trail, and leadership opportunities for youth.

Hurricane Helene: One Year Later by Richard DuBose, president of Montreat Conference Center When people ask me about the summer of 2025, I’ve found myself answering with a kind of quiet joy.   “It was very normal. We had a very typical Montreat summer.”   Innocuous, perhaps? A little bland? Okay, these statements may not sound like superlatives on first reading. Placed into the context of the past year, however, my heart lifts with every word. After Hurricane Helene forced us to cancel programming on our campus last fall, the ability to welcome friends, families, and congregations back this past summer for a season that felt normal and familiar was a sign of just how far we have come… READ THE FULL ARTICLE PROGRAMS & EVENTS Applications are currently open for 2027 Montreat Youth Conference and Middle School Conference Planning Teams! If you are interested in shaping themes, activities, and worship experiences during these events, this could be the perfect opportunity to get involved! Both youth and adults are invited to apply on our website. This month we will welcome leaders of small churches for our annual Wee Kirk Conference. During the event, participants will focus on the theme “Emmanuel Living.” Specifically, they’ll explore ways to practice hospitality in all forms, connecting their congregations with surrounding communities and welcoming all with open arms. Registration closes soon! We’re happy to announce that Sylvan Lodge, one of our more rustic lodges, is back online for retreats. Located away from the center of town, this lodge has 7 bedrooms with a total of 25 beds, 3 baths, a full-size kitchen, two living areas, and a large porch. This lodge is also located less than half a mile from Lookout Trail, so it’s perfect for groups or families looking to be on their own and close to the trails. Find out more about Sylvan and our other lodges by clicking here.  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 We are excited to announce that Graybeard Trail has reopened and can now be hiked directly from the trailhead! We give thanks for the dozens of volunteers and staff members who helped make this possible. To learn more about the status of Graybeard or other trails in Montreat, please read our latest blog post. Have you ever thought about working for Montreat? When available, we post openings for both full-time and part-time positions on our website! Explore all of our opportunities for employment or submit an application by clicking here. Author and scholar John Philip Newell will join us this month for the third installment of our popular Earth & Soul Retreat. During this event, participants will study Celtic wisdom and spirituality, focusing specifically on the sacredness of imagination, compassion, and the earth. Learn more or register online. 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. Development Staff Transitions After 10 years in Montreat’s Office of Development, Julie Lehman, Director of the Montreat Fund and Major Gifts, has departed our staff for a new opportunity. Several campus renovations bear Julie’s imprint, from Anderson Auditorium’s new windows to the restoration of Lake Susan. We’re grateful for Julie’s commitment to our staff and Montreat’s mission. 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 ALL 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.