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Presbyterian Church (USA) Moderator Hosts Prayer Retreat At Montreat Conference Center
The Rev. Joan Gray, 217th Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA), will facilitate a prayer retreat at Montreat Conference Center, Monday-Wednesday, October 15-17.
“One of the most rewarding things I have done since being elected moderator is to lead a series of prayer retreats around the country,” said Rev. Gray. She went on to explain that the idea for these retreats came to her in the middle of the night during General Assembly in Birmingham two summers ago. She made her plans to host prayer retreats public the next day. “But this was an adventure in faith,” she continued. “I had no idea how they would happen.” An idea unfolded, however, to create an event designed not to gather information or skills, but to focus on worship, scripture, and communion with God and each other. In the months that followed, retreats have been held in South Carolina, Florida, Nevada, New York, and Virginia.
“Montreat Conference Center is honored to have the moderator here with us for this prayer retreat,” said conference center president George F. Barber, III. “Her spiritual guidance for this time of prayer, meditation on scripture, worship, and fellowship will be meaningful to all who allow themselves to slip away for a brief time of quiet, peace, and beauty.”
Space is limited, but reservations are still being accepted, with both full program (including the retreat, housing, and meals) and commuter rates still available. The retreat, which begins Monday, October 15, with registration at 4:00 PM, will continue through lunch on Wednesday.
“The purpose of these gatherings,” explained the moderator, “is to carve out a space amid the business of our daily lives to be with God. ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10) is more an invitation than a commandment.”
For further information about the retreat, itself, email pcusamoderatorprayerretreat@gmail.com. To make reservations, contact the Assembly Inn front desk, 828.669.2911, ext. 0.