EPC’s Men Fellowship

EPC Report on the 2023 Men’s Retreat at Laurel Ridge Moravian Conference Center & Camp

Compiled by Andrew L. Mackie, with notes from the Rev. Steve Snipes

August 27, 2023, revised September 1, 2023

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From Friday, August 25- Sunday, August 27, 2023, ten adult men from Elkin Presbyterian Church held their 2023 Retreat at Laurel Ridge Moravian Conference Center & Camp in Laurel Springs, Alleghany County, NC.  Nine years have passed since 2014, when EPC’s first men’s retreat in recent memory was held at Camp Greer, the Presbyterian camp near Old Fort, NC.  Through the years, the men’s group has learned that their bonds can be strengthened from a good retreat with an excellent leader.

Laurel Ridge Moravian Conference Center and Camp was created by the Moravian Church in 1960.  It is less than an hour’s drive from Elkin through beautiful mountains and over curving, ear-popping roads.  Also in attendance at the Conference Center were about 60 members of the Hickory Choral Society, which scheduled four rehearsals.

            This year 10 men and one pastor participated in the event.  They enjoyed beautiful summer weather, with low humidity, cool breezes, flower-scented air, and the opportunity to grow spiritually.

            Participants included Dr. Andras Neumark, organizer, Ken Hon, Rev. Steve Snipes, Robin Chandler, Willis Weeks, Mike Bryant, Ab Brown, Tom Winstead, Rusty Tysor, Sam Bishop, and Andrew Mackie.  They stayed at Tise Lodge, which overlooks a multi-purpose lake.

            On Friday night, the group enjoyed a delicious supper in the Higgins Lodge Cafeteria.  Afterwards, Rev. Snipes led the group in the first of three thought-provoking sessions.  The men learned how to reflect on their faith journey and their membership with various churches.  Each man revealed the story of how important people led them to accept Christ and join their first churches.

            On Saturday morning, Steve focused on the meaning of the Bible.  They reviewed how the Bible reveals God’s image in Creation, Scripture, Jesus, and in the personal life of the attendees.  The men learned that God’s Purpose is to learn to trust God.  God’s Plan is to bless us, so that we may bless others.  God’s Promise is that by faith we are accounted righteous, have access to God’s Grace, and receive an abundance of hope. God’s Proof is that God loves the unlovely, unlovable, and unloved.  While we were sinners, Christ died for us.  God’s Path is love.  Those who love God live in God’s love and God’s love lives in them.

            On Saturday afternoon, a warm, summer rain fell, so the men relaxed by watching football on Internet TV or exploring the 36-acres of the Moravian Camp, which the Moravian Church created in 1960.  Above the lake, they discovered a large Summer Camp, which can accommodate 400 students.  At night, the men enjoyed a campfire in the cool, mountain air.

            On Sunday morning, Steve led the group to reflect the life of Christ in their lives by representing Christ in all that we say and do.  We reflect God’s love by how we love, forgive, show kindness, offer support, stand with, and give guidance to other people and the world around us.

            Afterwards, Steve led Communion, the group said their good-byes, and departed for home down the mountain, with ideas on how to continue their work together.

            One of the purposes of an effective retreat is to bring the men closer together as they cooperate in the life of the church.  Most agreed that his purpose was achieved. END