Experiencing Connection - Thank You for a Wonderful Summer

Thank You for a Wonderful Summer! Montreat Youth Conference has officially concluded for the 2026 summer season. As we look back on this year’s event, we are filled with gratitude for everyone — attendees, volunteers, and staff members alike — who helped make it such an unforgettable experience. We would like to take some time today to say thanks and to provide you with an update about next year’s conference… READ THE FULL ARTICLE NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Submit a Planning Team Application We are currently looking for youth and adults to serve on the Planning Teams for our 2028 youth and middle school conferences! Planning Team members are responsible for helping shape future conferences, including selecting the theme, developing Small Group and recreation activities, supporting worship services, and more. Apply today! A Gathering for Young Adults Save the date for The Manna Retreat, our annual event for young adults between the ages of 22 and 32(ish)! Taking place next January, this retreat offers support for young adults navigating the messiness of their “defining decade.” The Manna Retreat is three days, 100 young adults, one old hotel, and ten small groups dedicated to creating deeper faith and deeper relationships. Learn more or sign up for registration alerts here. Photo courtesy of Murtagh Masterpieces. Arts, Recreation, and Worship Registration is currently open for the Arts, Recreation, and Worship Conference (ARW), hosted in partnership with re:create. ARW is a week-long opportunity to engage in hands-on learning related to community, creativity, and leadership in ministry settings. In addition to whole group worship and recreation events, participants select from a wide range of unique classes — many of which address topics related to youth ministry. Find out more. We Love Our Clubbies! Summer in Montreat wouldn't be the same without our Clubs and Child Care programs. Read about Montreat Clubs and what makes it so special in this blog post written by our summer marketing assistant! One of Montreat Conference Center’s core values, “experiencing connection” refers to our belief that we are called to experience life in the community of others. We encourage connection through learning, playing, listening deeply, and being fully present in ways that strengthen lasting relationships with God, each other, and the world around us. You can learn more about Montreat’s mission and values by clicking here.

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RNS Morning Report - Feds surveilled anti-ICE churches

 

DHS, probing anti-ICE activists, spied on at least five Midwest churches, court records indicate   Federal agents surveilled at least five churches in Minnesota and Michigan as part of an investigation into activists opposing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, according to newly revealed court filings, RNS National Reporter Jack Jenkins found.   The revelations have alarmed faith leaders — but they haven’t silenced them. Instead, pastors and congregations say the surveillance has reinforced their commitment to immigrant advocacy and caring for vulnerable neighbors.   “We don’t hide the fact that we care about our neighbors,” First Universalist Church pastor Jen Crow told Jenkins. “There’s nothing that the government’s going to do that’s going to make us too scared to care for our neighbors.”         Top Stories DHS, probing anti-ICE activists, spied on at least five Midwest churches, court records indicate (RNS) — Church leaders were outraged and vowed to continue their advocacy for immigrants. 11 faith groups accuse Trump administration of violating court order while spying on churches (RNS) — Religious groups now argue that the government has committed ‘multiple egregious violations’ of a preliminary injunction handed down in their case back in February. As AI enters Sikh life, old debates on technology and tradition continue (RNS) — A machine may reproduce words, images or melodies. But Sikh practice, many argue, remains rooted in intention, consciousness and connection. Pope Leo: War fuels a ‘vicious cycle’ of environmental destruction VATICAN CITY (RNS) — The pope linked war, environmental destruction and inequality to the same crisis of the human heart, calling for a spiritual and ecological transformation.     Opinion Wouldn’t it be more Catholic of Ross Douthat not to pick a side? (RNS) — Amid our hyper-polarized politics, it helps to have religious communities that do not align with either side. Hind Rajab, the 5-year-old killed in Gaza, should have been enough (RNS) — Hind Rajab was killed while pleading for help in a car with her six dead relatives. On Wednesday (Aug. 19), the Israeli military acknowledged for the first time its firing on the car.  Do former Mormons join another religion? (RNS) — Most former Mormons don't officially resign, but they're not coming back to the LDS Church. They're also not likely to join another religion. ICYMI California inmates celebrate a unique b’nai mitzvah SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (RNS) — 'I’m making a promise to never return to bloodshed or drugs,' one said. 13 US citizens denied entry to Israel for weeklong trip to learn about Palestinian Christians (RNS) — Amid escalating violence in the West Bank, an interfaith group, led by a retired Emory University theology professor, was turned back at Israel's border.     Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com. Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend. Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here. We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

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