The United Methodist Men of the South Georgia Conference will host their annual Spring Retreat April 16-18 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.
Coming together under the theme of “Living By Faith,” retreat participants will hear dynamic and inspirational messages from speakers Bishop James R. King, Jr. and Dr. Rick Lanford.
“This is a great opportunity for men to grow spiritually and be involved with other men who are trying to do the same thing,” said UMM president Chuck Cowart. “It’s a great time of fellowship and to grow with other men.”
The retreat, while a Methodist men’s event, is not just available for men or UMM members, but is open to anyone interested in participating. One unique aspect of this year’s retreat are the two retreat scholarships being provided by the UMM to each Wesley Foundation and Andrew College. The scholarships cover the registration fees and all on-campus expenses associated with the retreat to two men from each campus’ Wesley Foundation.
“We really want to reach our younger men and connect with them,” Cowart said. Scholarships are still available and information can be obtained by contacting Cowart at (229) 725-4518 or ccowart@bankofearly.net.
Beginning at noon on Friday, April 16 with a golf tournament at Brunswick’s Coastal Pines Golf Course and ending after lunch on Sunday, April 18, the retreat is designed to help participants grow spiritually and in fellowship with others.
Bishop James King will speak on Friday night and Saturday morning, and Dr. Rick Lanford will deliver messages on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
“We have two fantastic speakers, and I hope that everyone will come out and grow from the messages that they will share with us,” Cowart said.
On Saturday afternoon, retreat attendees will have an opportunity to participate in service projects in Brunswick. One project will focus on the Wolfe Street area of Brunswick, an impoverished section of town that struggles with drug and prostitution issues.
“Our hope for the United Methodist Men is that, after they experience serving in this Brunswick neighborhood, they will then return home and find the most troubled neighborhood in their town and find ways to build relationships with the people who live there,” said Rev. Wright Culpepper, who is coordinating the retreat’s outreach and service activities.
“I have personally been going to this retreat for almost 40 years, nearly ever since it started,” Cowart said. “It’s a spiritual experience, a spiritual uplift, and I totally enjoy the fellowship and meeting men from all over the conference.”
For more information and a downloadable brochure, click here.
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