Women’s Connection 2021

Covid Questions

We are so excited to welcome you to Montreat for Women’s Connection in August. We know you have questions and we have done our best to answer some of those. Please note as North Carolina regulations change some of our answers may change too.

What are current North Carolina Trends and Guidelines?

Trends in North Carolina are continuing to improve. You can always see the latest data for North Carolina here.

Current restrictions in North Carolina are here.

In late April, the CDC released updated guidance about cleaning and disinfecting, given that the risk of infection from touching a surface is low. Daily cleaning is recommended; this is a relaxation of earlier requirements.

Are masks required?

In North Carolina, masks are required in all indoor public spaces.  The requirement to wear a face covering in outdoor settings when social distancing cannot be maintained is lifted. However, it is still recommended, especially for unvaccinated individuals. People are encouraged to wear Face Coverings outdoors in certain crowded, dense, and higher-risk settings when they cannot consistently maintain six feet of social distance from non-household members.

Do you require physical distancing?

Anderson is large enough where we will be able to physically distance participants for all plenary gatherings, if necessary. We will consider our ability to physically distance in all of our workshop spaces, adjusting as needed.

What is the capacity of various spaces?

Currently there are no COVID capacity restrictions in place. We are now following all fire code capacities.

Are any special precautions taken in the dining room?

The Galax Dining Room will return to buffet service mid-May 2021. You will be asked to move through the line with a mask on and six feet apart if possible. Furniture has been arranged to meet restaurant social distancing guidelines for our state. Table occupancy may be limited. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Dining room attendants will be available if you need anything while eating.

Do you have vaccine requirements for participants and staff?

We highly recommend that all participants are vaccinated before their arrival. Nationwide, all residents age 16 and up are eligible to be vaccinated. Vaccinated people who are exposed to COVID-19 do not have to isolate for 10 days following exposure, so having vaccinated adults is great for public health and great for maintaining the functioning of your group if someone in the group comes down with symptoms!

In addition to participants, we strongly encourage all Montreat Conference Center staff to receive the vaccine.

Do you require that participants be tested before arrival?

We ask any participants to stay home as much as possible during the 14 days prior to departure, get tested 5 days prior to departure, or both. Knowing that you've done one or both of these best practices will give you peace of mind as you travel to Montreat.

Do you ask that participants complete any health screenings?

We highly encourage participants to complete health screenings.  We even have these following tools to make it easier!

What happens if I am exposed?

Vaccinated people who are exposed to COVID-19 do not have to isolate for 10 days following exposure as long as they do not exhibit symptoms, so being vaccinated adults is great for public health and great for maintaining your ability to participate in the conference if you are considered a close contact.

What will Montreat do if someone gets sick?

Montreat will work with our local health department to identify close contacts of any confirmed case. Close contacts are defined by the CDC as someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic clients, 2 days prior to positive specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.

Will worship be open to the public?

As we get closer to August, we’ll determine whether worship will be open to the public based on Auditorium capacity and other factors.

What will the evening fellowship look like?

We are examining all conference elements to determine what is possible and what adaptations can be made.

Rates & Registration

You may register for a comprehensive package which includes your conference fee, room, and meals, or if you have your own housing, you may register for the commuter rate (see below). If you are bringing a large group, please contact the registrar at SusanA@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829 for assistance.

Comprehensive Package

Comprehensive rates below include the Women’s Connection conference fee, room in Assembly Inn, Winsborough, Glen Rock Inn, or Glen Rock Apartment, meals in the Galax Dining Room (Friday supper through Sunday breakfast), plus a $2 community services fee per person for public services provided by the Town and the fire district. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. After July 2, these rates will increase by $25 per person. Room check-in AFTER 3:00 pm on Friday. Room check-out BEFORE 11:00 am on Sunday.

Housing Waiting List

As Conference Center housing fills up, the registrar will maintain a waitlist for people who would prefer our housing. Please contact the registrar at SusanA@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829 to be placed on the waitlist.

Assembly Inn- Housing in the Assembly Inn is full.

• Double Occupancy, Private Bath: $401.00 per person
• Single Occupancy, Private Bath: $506.00 per person
• Double Occupancy, Shared Bath: $386.00 per person
• Single Occupancy, Shared Bath: $476.00 per person

Glen Rock

• Double Occupancy, Shared/Private Bath: $351.00 per person
• Single Occupancy, Shared/Private Bath: $406.00 per person

The Winsborough- Please note that the Winsborough does not have central AC or elevator access.

• Double Occupancy, Shared/Private Bath: $351.00 per person
• Single Occupancy, Shared/Private Bath: $406.00 per person

Meals for Children

• Children ages 12 and older: $53.00 per child
• Children ages 5-11: $26.50 per child
• Children under 5: no charge

Commuter Rate

Commuter rates below include the Women’s Connection conference fee plus a $2 community services fee per person for public services provided by the Town and the fire district. This rate DOES NOT include room or meals. After July 2, this rate will increase by $25 per person.

• On or before July 2: $237 per person
• After July 2: $262 per person

Alternative Housing Options

For more information about alternative housing options in Montreat and neighboring Black Mountain, please check our Other Housing page.

Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received by July 2 in order to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after July 2 but on or before August 6 will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meal charges (if applicable) less $40. No refunds will be issued after August 6. All requests must be in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Contact the Registrar

Questions about conference registration, housing, or meals? Please email the registrar at SusanA@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829.

Child Care

Child care for Women’s Connection participants will be available for an additional fee. Pre-registration is required. Please email the registrar at SusanA@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829 to register.

Child Care Fees:

• $70 for children six months thru preschool age

Questions about the program? Please email the child care coordinator at childcare@montreat.org.

Workshops

Workshop Registration will open shortly

1.) Leading Our Study: What My Grandmothers Taught Me

In our time together, we will explore various approaches in teaching  the 2021-22 Horizon's Bible Study. We will consider types of group settings for study; the lesson suggestions presented; and how to best experience and share in the lesson's theme. Offered in both AM and PM sessions to different participants. Led by Dee Koza. 

2.) Creativity & Wholeness

In this session, we'll dive into our creative journeys and contemplate the intersections of creativity, spirituality, and wholeness. If you have ever said something to the effect of, "I don't have a creative bone in my body," then this session is for you. If you have many creative outlets but have never considered how they are connected to your faith, then this session is for you. Through an interactive presentation, independent journaling, and getting our hands messy with clay, we'll explore expansive definitions of creativity and its role in wholeness and well-being. Offered in both AM and PM sessions to different participants. Led by Lisle Gwynn Garrity. Limit: 40.

3.) More than Words: Using Young Adult Literature to talk about Faith

Have you ever found yourself struggling to talk to adolescents or wondering what's really on the hearts and minds of the kids in your youth group? Today's young people deal with myriad issues that impact their faith lives in ways previous generations often find difficult to relate to. But Young Adult (YA) literature is a powerful narrative tool that can help youth and their advocates better understand and empathize with one another, as well as engage pressing topics that affect their lives as followers of Christ. This workshop will highlight select YA texts and means of discussing them in order to empower churches to foster meaningful conversations and relationships with teenagers. Offered in the AM session only. Led by Jess Rigel. Limit: 25. 

4.) From Word to Action: The Biblical call for Hunger Advocacy and Food Justice

In spite of our best intentions, Christians still live in a world plagued by hunger, a problem often exacerbated by our mistreatment of God's good creation. In this workshop, participants will learn about the injustices in our food system, the links between climate change and hunger, and faith based resources and community organizations working to shift these realities. Offered in the PM session only. Led by Jess Rigel. Limit: 25. 

5.) Listening Within : A meditative yoga practice

During this 90 minute workshop we use yoga practices of breathwork, postures, and meditation to tune up our listening skills and connect with the still voice within. Martha Nelson's seasoned teaching techniques will guide you at your own pace into and out of poses to gently open the heart and mind in preparation for inward listening. Come prepared to relax and open through movement and self-inquiry! Offered in both AM and PM sessions to different participants. Led by Martha Nelson. Limit: 25+. 

6.) Spirituality in the Home

What!?! ...for many, the words "spirituality" and "home" don't go together very smoothly; and if they do, it can strike terror in the hearts of some - especially parents. This workshop will not only explore some great ideas and resources, it will be a time to share stumbling blocks and how to conquer them, theological issues to consider, and share what DOES work for families. Participants will go home with concrete ideas for individuals old and young, and families of all sizes to start using right away. Offered in the AM session only. Led by Lynn Turnage. Limit: 25. 

7.) All Together Now! 

In our compartmentalized world, it is easy for us to rarely be exposed to the wisdom and insights of children, and equally easy for children to miss the delight, friendship, and wonderful connections that can be made with adults who do not currently have children in their home. This workshop will examine theology of “intergenerational” programming, consider issues in planning, and discuss a hopeful post-covid church life. Offered in the PM session only. Led by Lynn Turnage. Limit: 25. 

8.) Prayer at the Center 

Praying is the most essential way Christians communicate with God. In worship, in our homes, in our private moments, prayer is the way we talk with God, tell God about our cares, concerns, joys and sorrows. Come and join us as we learn ways to pray and communicate with God that enrich, nourish, and deepen our commitment to a life prayer. This workshop includes the making of Prostestant prayer beads for an added cost of $30.00 Learn how to use the beads to develop disciplines in prayer and how the beads can help you focus and maintain focus while praying. We will learn the prayers used as we make the prayer beads. Offered in both AM and PM sessions to different participants.  Led by Veronica Cannon. Limit: 25

9.) The Mountains are Calling 

We will explore the Lower Piney or Rainbow trail in Montreat.   Expect to hike for an hour with some elevation and a great view!   Wear GOOD sturdy shoes AND a water bottle is a MUST! Hiking sticks or poles are recommended but not a "must." Offered in both AM and PM sessions to different participants. Led by Margie Boyd Stansell. Limit: 25+.

10.)  Arguing with Scripture: Dialogical Relationship with the Word of God

How do we encounter God in words of Scripture that raise our blood pressure—words that have silenced women’s voices and circumscribed their lives and ministries? The workshop will expand on the Saturday morning plenary Bible Study, prompting further reflection on faithful wrestling with challenging texts and on the authority of Scripture. Offered in the AM session only. Led by Frances Taylor Gench. Limit: 50+. 

11.) From Automatic to Authentic Living: The Enneagram Map as Guide

This Introductory Enneagram workshop will offer an in-depth look at the nine Enneagram Types, or Ego Structures, their patterns, inner narratives and inherent strengths. Sandra will offer type-specific practices to soften the grip of automatic patterns in order to live more fully into who God dreamed us to be. Understanding the preferences we lead with as well as our Essence, is foundational to our personal and spiritual growth. While this workshop is an introduction to the Enneagram, participants will learn a spiritual practice for each of the nine types as well as other information that may be new material. Offered in the PM session only. Led by Sandra Smith. Limit 75.

12.) Finding Your Words in Grief 

There is power in writing with intention and capturing your story as you grieve. Explore the spiritual practice of creative writing and how it can bring you comfort as you grieve.

We believe in the power of presence, to be in community with others, and the need for ritual as we grieve. During the pandemic, we have in many ways been stripped of these as we grieve. In this workshop, we will invite you to share your grief journey, be in a community with those who are grieving and explore spiritual practices that can offer a ritual for comfort. Offered in the AM session only. Led by Shelley Craig. Limit: 25. 

13.) Divine Conversations for Grief

Grief can make connections and conversations challenging, especially those with God. As we grieve, there is a need to connect and sometimes reconnect with the Divine, with God. It can be a complicated conversation and finding the words is difficult.  In this workshop, we explore the gift of lament, the beauty of the mandala prayer and other forms of divine conversations that may provide comfort & hope as you grieve.

We believe in the power of presence, to be in community with others, and the need for ritual as we grieve. During the pandemic, we have in many ways been stripped of these as we grieve. In this workshop, we will invite you to share your grief journey, be in a community with those who are grieving and explore spiritual practices that can offer a ritual for comfort. Offered in the PM session only. Led by Shelley Craig. Limit 25. 

Tentative Schedule

Friday, August 13

4:00 - 6:00 pm - Registration and Check In
5:30 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - Opening worship with Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill preaching
8:30 pm - Conference Fellowship

Saturday, August 14

7:30 - 8:30 am Breakfast
9:00 am - Morning Gathering and Bible Study with Dr. Frances Taylor Gench
10:15 am - Break
10:30 am - Workshop session I
12:00 pm - Lunch
2:00 pm - Workshop session II
3:30 pm - Free time
5:30 pm - Dinner
7:00 pm - An Evening with Jen Hatmaker
8:45 pm - Conference Fellowship

Sunday, August 15

7:30 - 8:30 am - Breakfast
9:30 am - Closing worship with Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill preaching
11:00 am - Check-out time

Schedule is tentative and subject to change

More Information

Scholarships

Limited scholarships are offered for this conference.

The Mary Katherine “K.K.” Scott Cooper Endowment

The Mary Katherine “K.K.” Scott Cooper Endowment provides support for women’s programming, leadership development, spiritual nurture and scholarship assistance at Montreat. Funds from this endowment help women with financial need to afford Montreat conferences and retreats, help Montreat provide programs that equip women for ministry, and help Montreat feature national quality speakers and conference leaders, who are themselves women leaders in the church. Download the K.K. Cooper Endowment Commitment Form to support this ministry or donate online through our giving form and include "K.K. Cooper Endowment" in the additional information section at the bottom of the page.