As we approach the middle of April this week, it feels like a good time to let you know of the conference center’s plans for this coming summer.
Getaway in Montreat
Often times you come to Montreat for a conference or an organized retreat. While these are great reasons to make the trip, there is something to be said for coming to the mountains with no agenda. Read more…
A Thin Place
What does a thin place mean to you? Reflect by Lake Susan, worship in Anderson Auditorium, relax over breakfast in the Galax Dining Room… It’s easy to see the natural beauty of a thin place when the conference center is nestled in between the rolling hills and tall oaks… Read more.
A Montreat Summer Tradition
With summer over, you might be missing one of the most integral parts of a Montreat summer: barn dances. In 1969, Glenn Bannerman spent his first summer as director of recreation here at Montreat Conference Center. With him, he brought his love for recreation… Read more.
Beyond Lookout
Looking for an alternative hike to Lookout? Here are three trails worth trying if you’re looking for a new hiking experience.
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!
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.
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 …
Experiencing Montreat Sans Schedule
Often times you come to Montreat for a conference or an organized retreat. While these are great reasons to make the trip, there is something to be said for coming to the mountains with no agenda. Read more…
On Remembering and Repentance
As we prepare for the coming summer, I offer the following statement to remind all who love Montreat of the MRA’s continuing commitment to become more hospitable to all of its guests and conferees. Richard DuBose, President, Mountain Retreat Association “And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’” (Matthew 13:52) This passage suggests that Christian community has a treasure, a gift of God that contains both what is old and what is new. We …
What Makes Montreat
We asked lifelong Montreater Levi Bannerman, what is so special about Montreat? We know it’s hard to explain, it’s more than just a place, and can be many different things to as many different people. Here’s what Levi had to say about this place that has shaped him. Montreat’s nature and programs challenge young people and adults alike to think outside convention. Time in Montreat allows for difficult conversations in a place set apart, to retreat from the world but not run away from it. There’s a special connection that is formed between people when you spend quality time together …
My Year as a Mission Volunteer
It’s difficult for me to sum up my 8 months as a Mission Volunteer here at Montreat. In the moment, the time felt so long, but looking back now it seems like a whirlwind. It’s funny how time does that to us, but it really was both of those things. In the time that felt long there was space: space to discern, space to daydream about what my life could be, space to work with people who encouraged me to be creative and independent. In the whirlwind time there was driving the Blue Ridge Parkway before the sunrise, going to …
All are welcome here.
As you may have heard, on Wednesday the “Public Facilities and Private Security Act” was passed and signed into state law. The Montreat Conference Center is a private Christian institution that strives to demonstrate intentional hospitality to all. As a key part of that commitment, we will not tolerate on our campus discrimination against any child of God, including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. We will continue to invite our conferees, guests, and visitors to use the restrooms in which they feel most comfortable. Personally, I am dismayed that making such a statement is even …
Fall Into Montreat
Montreat Conference Center has been buzzing with life since the start of summer, and we don’t plan to slow down as we enter fall. Montreat Youth Conferences have come to a close, and now begins the season of private retreats and adult conferences. Churches, interest groups, non-profits, corporations, and family reunions from across the nation will gather at Montreat Conference Center for their very own, customized Montreat experience. It is no wonder why we host so many groups from September to November: fall in Montreat is truly remarkable. As you can imagine, fall and spring weekends are usually our busiest …
Make The Most of Your MYC
One of the great pleasures of my job at Montreat is getting to work with all kinds of great people and helping them to have a fulfilling time. I am constantly in search of helpful hints and ideas to share with folks heading our way. As this summer is gearing up, I find myself asking the question: What are ways that groups can make the most of their visit to Montreat? What information might be helpful for folks as they come through the ‘gate’- whether it is the first time or the thirtieth. During a recent visit to Bellevue Presbyterian Church …