Greetings from Montreat! As we begin 2026 and approach midwinter, this is to share news on several fronts.
First, I want to call your attention to Montreat Conference Center’s newly published 2025 Annual Report, now available on our website. The report offers a thoughtful review of a year marked by significant transition, deepened mission, and renewed engagement across the many generations who participate here. Within its (virtual) pages you will find stories of faithful programs and tangible progress in service to the vision that guides our work. We are grateful for the many ways that you – not only participants, but donors, staff, volunteers, and partners – made 2025 a meaningful year, and I encourage you to spend a few minutes reflecting on the ways on ways that, together, we seek to serve the church and the wider world.
Over the last couple of weeks, like many across the region, winter has reminded us of its beauty and power. Severe weather in January and early February disrupted programming, requiring us to reschedule several gatherings, including The Manna Retreat for Young Adults. While these disruptions are never easy, we are particularly grateful that The Manna Retreat could be successfully rescheduled for February 20–22. Manna is a relatively new offering, but over the past few winters it has developed a strong and growing following among young adults seeking space for rest, reflection, and connection. The goodwill with which the rescheduling occurred is a credit to our staff, to the excellent planning team, and to all those participants who responded with grace to the necessary change. Their willingness to pivot so quickly reflects both the spirit of this growing gathering and the promise it has for the future.
Finally, this past weekend, as I prepared this brief update of celebration and disruption, a message reached me with the news of the unexpected death of Nicholas Poulos, age 28. Nicholas, the son of Michael Poulos and Julie Lehman and brother of Gabe, was a frequent presence in Montreat all his life and known to many in our Montreat community. Nicholas grew up attending conferences and events here and was a member of our Summer Staff. Many of you know his mother, Julie, who also served Montreat faithfully as a member of our development team for more than a decade.
While the Poulos family is asking for space as they begin to process this loss, I ask that you join so many others in holding Michael, Julie, Gabe, and all who loved Nicholas close in your prayers.
At such times, it can be as difficult as it is important to trust the steady work of God’s faithfulness in our lives and this community. We move forward together, sustained by grace, hope, and the shared life that binds us to one another. Thanks be to God.
Richard DuBose
President, Montreat Conference Center