Friends, Greetings from Montreat! I’m writing this morning to provide you updates on happenings this spring and on preparations for another busy summer in the valley. The MRA Board of Directors/Trustees met in March to consider matters both routine and forward-thinking. The Board heard the staff’s report on the fiscal year 2018-2019, which concluded on April 30th. Once the books are finalized we expect to have achieved a small operating surplus thanks to strong performance from the summer of 2018 against budgeted expectations. The Board also passed a $7.9 million budget for 2019-2020, in which staff is forecasting slight …
Robert Lake Park – May 2019 Update
Dear friends of Robert Lake Park, With great excitement, I write to share that the construction phase of the Robert Lake Park restoration has begun. On April 29, we received final approval and permitting from the Corps of Engineers, and our contractor began work the same day. We are grateful for the hard work of the many engineers, government officials, Montreat staff and donors who have helped us reach this point. The entirety of the park will be closed until mid-June, but the plans that have been developed should provide a more secure and flood-resistant park for years to come. …
Rev. Denise Anderson
Every Sunday during the summer months, Montreat Conference Center, along with Montreat Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds services for the Lord’s Day featuring guest preachers from around the country. The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/16/2019 was Rev. Denise Anderson, former co-moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). You can learn more about this preacher from our press release at montreat.org/the-rev-denise-anderson-to-preach-at-montreat-conference-center-on-june-16.
The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson to Preach at Montreat Conference Center on June 30
One of the highlights of Montreat Conference Center’s year-round programming is the summer worship series in which leading preachers from across the country join with visual art professionals, musicians, and volunteers in a service of worship open to the surrounding community. All are welcome and all are invited. The 2019 Sunday series continues on June 30 with the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson as guest preacher. Dr. Nelson serves as stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Prior to becoming stated clerk, he served as director of the PC(USA)’s Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C. …
The Rev. Tom Are to Preach at Montreat Conference Center on June 23
One of the highlights of Montreat Conference Center’s year-round programming is the summer worship series in which leading preachers from across the country join with visual art professionals, musicians, and volunteers in a service of worship open to the surrounding community. All are welcome and all are invited. The 2019 Sunday series continues on June 23 with the Rev. Tom Are as guest preacher. Rev. Are is pastor of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS. A sixth generation Presbyterian minister, he previously served churches in Charleston and Columbia, SC, as well as Jacksonville, FL. Rev. Are’s sermon is titled …
Rev. Dr. Damon P. Williams
Every Sunday during the summer months, Montreat Conference Center, along with Montreat Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds services for the Lord’s Day featuring guest preachers from around the country. The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/9/2019 was Rev. Dr. Damon P. Williams. You can learn more about this preacher from our press release at montreat.org/the-rev-dr-damon-p-williams-to-preach-in-montreat-on-sunday-june-9-2019.
The Rev. Denise Anderson to Preach at Montreat Conference Center on June 16
One of the highlights of Montreat Conference Center’s year-round programming is the summer worship series in which leading preachers from across the country join with visual art professionals, musicians, and volunteers in a service of worship open to the surrounding community. All are welcome and all are invited. The 2019 Sunday series continues on June 16 with the Rev. Denise Anderson as guest preacher. Rev. Anderson is the coordinator for Racial and Intercultural Justice with the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and served as co-moderator of the 222nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She is a graduate of the Virginia …
Park Update from the President
FROM THE PRESIDENT I’ve got a children’s story for you. Sometime in June, weather permitting, we expect to reopen Robert Lake Park to the young at heart, closing a year-long tale that began with flood waters from Tropical Storm Diego in May 2018. The story includes chapters that are inspiring, others confounding, and still others that are just exasperating. We have “all the king’s horses” in the roles of government representatives and engineers. There are scary parts, like a year of record rain that washes away some good progress, and cost estimates, and multiple delays. (Here’s a terrifying phrase: “You …
The Rev. Dr. Damon P. Williams to Preach in Montreat on Sunday, June 9, 2019
One of the highlights of Montreat Conference Center’s year-round programming is the summer worship series in which leading preachers from across the country join with visual art professionals, musicians, and volunteers in a service of worship open to the surrounding community. All are welcome and all are invited. The 2019 Sunday series continues on June 9 with the Rev. Dr. Damon P. Williams as guest preacher. Dr. Williams is senior pastor of Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA, and previously served in several ministerial roles at Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, MI. He is a graduate of Georgia …
Rev. Dr. Sharol Hayner
Every Sunday during the summer months, Montreat Conference Center, along with Montreat Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds services for the Lord’s Day featuring guest preachers from around the country. The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/2/2019 was Rev. Dr. Sharol Hayner. You can learn more about this preacher from our press release at montreat.org/montreat-conference-announces-summer-worship-series-lineup-for-2019.
Beyond Lookout
Looking for an alternative hike to Lookout? Here are three trails worth trying if you’re looking for a new hiking experience.
Montreat Conference Announces Summer Worship Series Lineup for 2019
One of the highlights of Montreat Conference Center’s year-round programming is the summer worship series in which leading preachers from across the country join with visual art professionals and volunteers in a service of worship open to the surrounding community. All are welcome and all are invited. The 2019 Sunday series begins on June 2 with the Rev. Dr. Sharol Hayner as guest preacher. Dr. Hayner is an ordained Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) minister, and is a worshiping member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison, WI. She previously served as associate pastor for discipleship at Peachtree Presbyterian Church and parish associate …
Thank you, the MYAEs
The rhododendrons have bloomed, preparations for summer are in full swing and the MYAEs have completed their time with Montreat. From their orientation to their final potluck party, the MYAEs want to share…
A Day In The Work Life Of An MYAE
One of the most incredible parts about the MYAE experience working in each department is… Read more to find out!
Robert Lake Park – March 2019 Update
Robert Lake Park sustained significant damage last May due to heavy rains and flooding. This project has been and remains our highest capital priority.
What to do in Montreat as an MYAE
Now in their seventh month in the valley, the MYAEs share their favorite memories, places, and much more that they’ve experienced in Montreat.
2018 Year in Review
As we approach the close of 2018, we’re recounting a few of our favorite memories from this year! 1. Friends of Robert Lake Park Fund In May of 2018, Montreat saw record rainfall and consequently some destructive flooding. One of the most beloved features of the conference center, Robert Lake Park, was hit the hardest. What was inspiring, however, was the support we received to rebuild Robert Lake Park and reopen it for the enjoyment of families and friends! 2. Logo & Website Update In 2018, our logo and website were updated! Check out this post to see the logos …
Mike Morse, Retiring VP for Hospitality and Facilities, Honored with Tribute Resolution
As Mike Morse, Vice President for Hospitality and Facilities, nears his retirement at the end of December, the entire Montreat community has joined in demonstrating deep appreciation for all he has contributed both personally and professionally for almost 14 years. On December 13, 2018, the Town of Montreat honored Mike with a Tribute Resolution, which you can read below. From Tim Helms, Mayor of the Town of Montreat: A Tribute Resolution of Heartfelt Appreciation Whereas Mike Morse has served the Mountain Retreat Association with distinction since April 8, 2005; Whereas Mike has demonstrated vision and leadership, faith, good humor, and an …
“Montreat Mural” Rededication
On December 12, 2018, Montreat Conference Center hosted a service of rededication for the “Montreat Mural,” a gift to the conference center from the family of Margaret Willcox and Wilbur Hoke Currie. This unique work of art was designed and created by James David (Jim) Southerland, Assistant Professor of Art at Montreat College and former Director of the Wilbur Hoke Currie Craft Center in Montreat. The mural is made of stoneware clay, multi-fired, multi-glazed, and lustered and features the following Montreat Motifs: Water–lake and streams; Trees–woods and forests; and Flora–dogwood, azalea, rhododendron. The “Montreat Mural” was commissioned in loving memory …
Women’s Connection Continues to Grow
Hundreds of women were mutually encouraged by each other’s faith (Romans 1:12) during Women’s Connection 2018, an annual conference whose growth is made possible by generous contributions to the endowment. These gifts help Montreat attract nationally renown speakers and worship leaders and provide need-based scholarships to participants. Highlights from Women’s Connection, August 10-12, 2018 428 guests came to hear the keynote speaker Kate Bowler, author of Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved, and conference preacher Rev. Dr. Diane L. Givens Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Seven women received scholarships to attend. …
Montreat Conference Center Hires New Vice President for Hospitality
MONTREAT, NC – Montreat Conference Center is pleased to announce that Emily Causey has been appointed as the new vice president for hospitality. Causey will oversee all hospitality operations for the conference center and lead a team committed to delivering excellent customer service to Montreat guests. The conference center has ten housing facilities, including the historic Assembly Inn, forty meeting spaces, several recreation areas, and dining facilities. “Emily has excelled as a member of our staff over the past fourteen years,” says Richard DuBose, president of the conference center. “She understands the great progress made by her predecessors in hospitality …
Montreat Young Adult Experience 2018-2019
The Montreat Young Adult Experience participants (MYAEs – pronounced “M-Yays” by us in the office) will spend ten months living together in Walnut Lodge and rotate through each department at Montreat Conference Center. They will engage with various Montreat staff throughout their time here in discernment and community activities, with the goal of growth and clarity. They’ve lived together for the past month and a half and want people to know that they’ve already completed two 1,000 piece puzzles, have adopted an aloe plant, and are hosting a Halloween themed open house! Find short bios below on each of the …
Montreat Conference Center Logos through the Years
A logo is an important piece of any institution. It’s a visual marker to let people know who you are. As we launch our latest version of the Montreat Conference Center logo, let’s take a look at the changes to our visual identity through the ages. See if you can spot all the changes in fonts, mountains, shapes, and colors! The 1960s & 1970s The 1980s The 1990s The 2000s The 2010s 2018 (Present) You might have noticed lately that the teardrop with the mountains and trees has disappeared. That’s because we’ve been keeping the new design …
General Assembly Conversations – pt. 1 (e2)
Today, we’re talking to people from the 223rd General Assembly. We asked three simple questions: why are you part of the church, what does the church needs today, and what are your greatest hopes for the future of the church. You’re gonna love the responses we got! Music credits: “Beirut’s Waltz” by Paul Tyan “Soft Music or Lonely Souls” by Kuromaru on Soundcloud
Rev. Amy Miracle
Every Sunday during the summer months, Montreat Conference Center, along with Montreat Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) holds services for the Lord’s Day featuring guest preachers from around the country. The guest preacher for Montreat Conference Center’s Summer Worship Series on 6/11/2017 was Rev. Amy Miracle.