May in Montreat

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter May 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 new lodge project, our Summer Worship Series, and the grand opening of The Good Steward.

New Paths and Shared Plans by Richard DuBose, president of Montreat Conference Center Last month on a sunny Montreat afternoon, the Mountain Retreat Association held an open meeting in the Melvin Center at Upper Anderson Auditorium to discuss its latest plans for the new lodge on its campus. (You can view a recording of that meeting, which was also livestreamed, here.) In that meeting, before a gathering of community members both present in person and online, I reported on our Board of Directors’ actions at its recent meeting, which included 1) the approval to begin construction on the new lodge as soon as appropriate financing and permits have been secured, and 2) enthusiasm an alternative plan for the project which would pair a smaller, 24-room lodge with two residential-style facilities along Georgia Terrace… READ MORE PROGRAMS & EVENTS Montreat’s Summer Worship Series begins on June 7! Each Sunday morning during the summer months, it is our privilege to host members of the community for weekly worship. Everyone is invited to join this holy gathering beginning each week at 10:30 am in Anderson Auditorium. See the lineup of guest preachers here. There is still time to sign up for Montreat Youth Conference this summer! Weeks 1 & 2 will feature Seth Lovell and Cedric Portis, Weeks 3 & 4 will feature Erin Hayes-Cook and Daniel Heath, and Weeks 5 & 6 will feature PJ Craig and Kate Haynes Murphy. Learn more about each of them on our website. Planning a fall retreat? Don’t forget about your deadlines! If you are hosting an event in August, September, or October, your 90-day deadline will take place during the summer. Make sure to reach out to our event and retreat staff early to ensure a smooth stay for all of your guests. Find out more about hosting a retreat in Montreat 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 As we close out year one of our five-year strategic plan, Montreat is moving from planning to action — and there's much to celebrate! We've clarified our identity, strengthened our staff culture, completed 21 strategic deliverables, and received a $1 million grant to continue our Thriving Congregations work through 2029. Year two brings an exciting shift toward implementation which includes new programs, facility improvements, and financial initiatives that will help Montreat thrive for generations to come. We're glad you're part of it! You are invited to join us for the grand opening of The Good Steward, Montreat’s new retail experience located on the third floor of Moore Center. The Good Steward is an extension of The Montreat Store and a mission of the Montreat Conference Center offering curated goods from local and global artisans, emphasizing conscious shopping and the human stories behind each item. Stop in after 10:00 am on Saturday, May 23 to check it all out! Share your love of the Montreat Wilderness with the greater Montreat community! We are looking for volunteers to serve as hiking guides for some of our public hikes this summer. If you are interested in participating, please reach out to our wilderness director Jason Nanz at jasonn@montreat.org or click here to learn more! Registration for our annual Wee Kirk Conference opened on May 5. Wee Kirk supports pastors serving small-membership churches by providing opportunities for inspiration, community, and encouragement. Plus, learn new skills to enrich your ministry by participating in one of a variety of themed tracks during the event. Learn more or 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. Thank You Montreat Patrons! The Montreat staff joins in deep gratitude for the generous community of donors who contributed to Montreat Conference Center in the 2025-2026 fiscal year! Each gift received ensures that Montreat remains a place of welcome and hospitality for all. READ MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF YOUR GIFTS IN 2025 Summer is Right Around the Corner Montreat’s summer season will begin very soon! We hope you will join us for one or several of our programs and experience for yourself all that Montreat has to offer. Visit our website to explore all of our upcoming conference and retreat offerings. 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.

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