You Are Invited! SMPC’s All-Church Retreat at Montreat

The SMPC All-Church Retreat, “Created for Community,” will be held at William Black Lodge in Montreat, NC from March 6 (beginning after dinner) through March 8 (ending around 11 a.m.)

We have 23 rooms reserved. Our retreat leader will be Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham, a Presbyterian pastor and Spiritual Care Volunteer in Alexandria, VA (bio below).

This retreat is designed for all ages. For young elementary or younger children, we will provide a separate children’s option during study sessions. Older children will stay with the group.

Register on Realm

Registration & Costs

Deposit: $65 per person (covers all four meals)
Room Costs: $250–$310 for the weekend (collected later)
Financial Assistance: Available upon request

SMPC Staff Lead: Rebecca Guzman; Retreat Planning Committee: Steven Ritchie, Frank Graham, Joel Winchip, Jeana Lee, Ruby Robinson

Schedule

March 6

Friday Evening

Arrival (dinner on your own beforehand)
Community-building activities as people arrive
Welcome & introductions
A brief “Created for Community” teaser
Fellowship with snacks, dessert, and beverages

March 7

Saturday Morning

Light morning movement/icebreaker
Session 1 with Retreat Leader Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham:
- What makes community? What breaks community?
- Scriptural stories of broken and restored community
- Small groups engage creative storytelling or drama
- Regather to crowdsource: “What makes community happen?”

Saturday Afternoon

Lunch together
Choose-your-own outing (sign-ups)
- Hike up Lookout Mountain
- Playground time
- Black Mountain shopping
- Arts & crafts
- Photo scavenger hunt
- Coffee + reading / quiet rest

Saturday Evening

Dinner
Session 2 with Dr. Cunningham: Exploring how Christ creates new community
Campfire with guitar (options still being explored)
Optional games, music, crafts, or fellowship

March 8

Sunday Morning

Worship with communion
Theme: New community in Christ, empowered by the Spirit
Departure around 11:00 a.m.

About Rev. Dr. Laura Cunningham

Laura is a 25-year Presbyterian pastor and Spiritual Care Volunteer in Alexandria. She has served churches across National Capital Presbytery and currently ministries as a “free-range” pastor. She finds joy in gardening, woodworking, watercoloring, mountain climbing, cooking, and cultivating relationships with her young adult children and clergy spouse. A lifelong Presbyterian, she continues to rediscover the Spirit’s movement and the gift of prayer.

About Montreat:

Montreat is a special place! Check out some of the photos below of the special times our SMPC youth, women, staff, members and friends have enjoyed at Montreat. We promise you’ll leave feeling refreshed and connected!