Camps and Conference Centers Archives

Working on our blind spots

Posted January 7th, 2019

Catey Gans, a junior studying public health at Furman University in Greenville, S.C., said the 2019 College Conference at Montreat “was all about compassion” and helped students “focus on their blind spots.”

‘We weren’t arrested — we were rescued’

Posted January 7th, 2019

By simply sharing their heartrending personal stories Friday night, two inmates at the nearby Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women hit just the right note near the close of the 2019 College Conference at Montreat.

Bread, oil and resurrection

Posted January 4th, 2019

Touching once again on the theme of a God who draws the circle wider than we might expect or be comfortable with, the Rev. Aisha Brooks-Lytle on Thursday took worshipers attending the 2019 College Conference at Montreat through the 1 Kings 17 account of Elijah, the widow of Zarephath (Queen Jezebel’s hometown) — and the widow’s son, whom God through the prophet restores to life.

The early 20s — the perfect age for leadership

Posted January 3rd, 2019

Eboo Patel, an interfaith leader in his own right, told the 1,000 or so Presbyterian students attending the 2019 College Conference at Montreat Thursday stories of how his friends, colleagues and mentors are using innovation and chutzpah to bridge religious divides and even save lives when government can’t.

Giving God a divine shout-out and a high five

Posted January 3rd, 2019

When we see the world through the eyes of love, compassion and mercy – the way the Good Samaritan did – it’s like giving God a divine shout-out and a high five.

PC(USA) conference center celebrates the holiness of harvest

Posted October 11th, 2018

“It was an amazing night.” “The food and the spirit of the people of people there.” “The renewed sense of a community persevering together.” These were some of the reflections from those present at the annual Farm-to-Table Gala that benefits Stony Point, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) conference center located about 45 minutes northwest of New York City.

Debra Hepler announces retirement as executive director of Ghost Ranch

Posted August 28th, 2018

Today, Debra Hepler announced her retirement as the Executive Director of the Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), effective February 1, 2019. Hepler has served as Ghost Ranch’s chief executive since April 2008.

Montreat to host ‘Better Angels’ event

Posted August 14th, 2018

Montreat Conference Center will host an event in October titled “Better Angels: Using the Power of Community to Change the World.” The conference will focus on understanding power and privilege and their relationship to the Gospel, society and daily living.

California presbyteries keep tabs on raging wildfires

Posted August 2nd, 2018

The wildfires raging in parts of California are being described by some state officials as among the most destructive in the state’s history. More than 100,000 acres have been charred by the flames, including over 1,300 structures, mostly homes.

Closing message at Presbyterian older adult conference: ‘Draw close to God’

Posted June 11th, 2018

In the closing message at the 2018 Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries (POAMN) conference, titled “Savoring the Journey,” the Rev. Dr. Ray Jones encouraged attendees to awaken to their purpose by drawing close to God.