| Retreats & Trips |
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Mission & Music TripIn the summer of 2009 our M&M (Mission & Music) trip took us to the Atlanta area to serve a variety of organizations serving the needs of homeless and poverty-stricken people. In 2010 we will head down to San Antonio, Texas. M&M trips are an opportunity for our high school youth to serve others through both labor and music. Many of our high school students are involved in our choir or bell choir, both of which perform several times during the course of the trip. Others become more involved in serving with our hands. This mission experience is the capstone of each senior high youth experience. During the work week the students have a variety of mission experiences. The work is deeply meaningful and creates an unequaled sense of belonging and unity as a group. One of the most memorable moments in the week is Senior Vespers on our last night during which graduating seniors often share their journeys of faith.
International Mission TripNearly every year our church participates in an international mission trip. In 2010 our trip is to Belieze and take place on the first week of August. Youth in 11th and 12th grades are invited to participate with adults in this inspiring and laborious week. Ski TripEach year over Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend we offer a ski trip for youth and their friends in the 6th through 12th grades and adult sponsors. Generally we travel to Winter Park, Colorado for 3 days of skiing, evening games, and worship. The best part? Long rides in the bus with a fun-loving group of Christian friends.
Church, Synod, and Presbytery RetreatsSeveral opportunities are available throughout the year for youth to get away from their daily routines to gather with others in our church group, the presbytery, or the entire synod. There retreats vary in purpose and nature but are always positive experiences for our students.
Confirmation RetreatsEarly in the fall our Confirmation groups will take their first retreat with a focus on growing together as a group and preparing for the year to come. Our final Confirmation retreat is a mandatory requirement for Confirmation. Generally held in March at Heartland Camp, it is often considered the most fun part of the Confirmation experience.
Massanetta Middle School ConferenceThe Massanetta Middle School Conference is held at Massanetta Camp & Conference Center outside of Hendersonville, Virginia. The event is open to all rising 7th-9th grade youth. Registration materials are available in the spring. For more information, look up the conference at www.massanettasprings.org.
Montreat High School ConferenceSimilar to the Middle School Massanetta Conference, Montreat offers an incredible opportunity for 9-12th grade youth to grow in their faith and relationship with others.
Canoe TripUsually taking place near the end of July every summer, rising 9th graders through graduating seniors spend a weekend camping, building fires, swapping stories, and of course CANOEING! It is a wonderful opportunity for bonding and just having fun. Friends, as always, are welcome. |