Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our first issue of This Week in Montreat, our summer publication which provides weekly updates and information about activities in the Montreat valley. This week, we are talking about ongoing restoration in our community following Hurricane Helene, a new column written by the summer marketing assistant, and tips for staying "bearwise" this summer. Find these, along with other important announcements, below.

A Season of Restoration and Rejoicing

by Richard DuBose, president of Montreat Conference Center

The time is at hand to welcome another vibrant summer in Montreat, to greet returning friends and new faces alike to sacred spaces here in the valley for a time of renewal, connection, and joy in our beloved mountains.  

This summer’s schedule is familiar with six Youth Conferences, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians' two Worship and Music Conferences, the Fourth of July Week, and nine weeks of recreation programs, all framed by ten worship services between May and August...

Sharing Stories from A Place Set Apart

Introducing a new weekly column written by Montreat's summer marketing assistant.

It’s a bright, clear day as I walk out of The Huckleberry holding a cup of ice cream one afternoon in late May. I hear the leaves rustling in nearby trees and see ripples on the surface of Lake Susan as a light breeze blows past. As I walk by, a pair of summer staff who have just arrived comment on how good the lake looks while, just ahead of me, three young children follow their mother around the lake. They run and laugh, overjoyed that school is out and summer is here at last...

This Sunday in Montreat

Summer Worship Series begins this Sunday! We are delighted to welcome leading preachers from across the country as they join with visual artists, musicians, and volunteers in a service of worship open to the surrounding community. All are welcome and all are invited.

This Sunday, June 1, we will be joined by Rev. Dr. Sarah Johnson, senior pastor at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Services will begin in Anderson Auditorium at 10:30 am.

Immediately following the service, lunch will be served in the Galax dining room of Assembly Inn. Find the lunch menu and meal costs here.

• Make sure you are Bearwise! In recent years, we have seen an increase in bear activity in the valley. To help limit interactions between humans and bears, please remain cautious when walking at night and make sure to properly dispose of trash in bear-proof containers. Learn more about living responsibly with bears at bearwise.org.
• Second Loaf will continue its long tradition of collecting donations for the food insecure in our community this summer. The first collection will take place next Saturday, June 7, from 7:00-11:00 am at the Montreat Gate, with subsequent collections taking place in the parking lot of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Only unopened, shelf-ready items can be accepted. Find out more here.
• Our first hymn sing of the summer will take place this Sunday, June 1, in the Assembly Inn Lobby. We will begin gathering at 7:00 pm. This week's event will be lead by Jane Alexander and Eric Wall.

• Starting this summer, recreation sites (including the boats, pool, and tennis courts) will only accept credit and debit cards as forms of payment. Cash will no longer be accepted.
• Please note that while most of our hiking trails have reopened, the lower section of the Graybeard trail, Sanctuary trail, Julia Woodward trail, and the Harry Bryan trail are still closed pending bridge and trail repairs. Similarly, Elizabeth’s Path remains partially closed due to damaged parts of the trail owned by the Town of Montreat. Find the latest hiking information on our website.
• The Barn is now ready to welcome guests following repairs made after Hurricane Helene! Our first barn dance of the summer will take place next Friday, June 6, from 7:30-10:00 pm.

• Get your hands muddy and your creativity flowing in our Thrown Bear Mugs class with the amazing Blair Hartman! Learn the basic throwing techniques and craft your own one-of-a-kind mug—perfect for sipping, scooping, and living out your Montreat ice cream dreams. Sign up here.
• This week, the Sally Jones Pottery is thrilled to welcome Susan Dodge and Caro Krech as our Artists-in-Residences! These talented artists will be bringing their creativity and expertise to Sally Jones Pottery—and they’ll also be teaching a couple of exciting classes that you won’t want to miss. Read more about them here.
• Registration for all classes offered at the Currie Craft Center and Sally Jones Pottery Studio can be completed online. To find a complete schedule of offerings, click here.

• Thank You Church Patrons! Last fiscal year 229 churches from 25 different states made gifts to support Montreat’s mission and ministry! For a full list of churches, click here.
• What is the Montreat Fund? The Montreat Fund sustains the mission and ministry of the conference center through collective, unrestricted, annual support. From speakers for conferences and preachers for worship, the Montreat Fund is vital to the Montreat experience. Make a gift today!

Montreat Conference Center, a ministry of the Mountain Retreat Association, is a national conference center located in Western North Carolina with roots in the PC(USA). More at www.montreat.org.