Set for April 16 through April 18 at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island, the annual retreat has been a gathering place of older adults for many years. Worship and spiritual growth are the main focus of this retreat, and participants are able to totally immerse themselves in the atmosphere and become spiritually renewed.
“This retreat gives people a break from everyday life to be renewed spiritually, physically, and mentally, and become more knowledgeable about scriptures,” said Ann Davis, a member of the South Georgia Conference’s Older Adult Council. “We’ll be able to associate with great people who have the same ideas, issues, joys and blessings, and share with one another.”
The retreat is not just designed for older adults, however. It is open to anyone who works with older adults, is interested in older adult ministries, is an older adult or plans on becoming an older adult. Included in the retreat are workshops designed for people who work with older adult ministries in the local church.
One of the purposes of the retreat is to help people go back to their local church and get involved, Davis said.
“You’re never too old to participate and be a part of activities that are going on,” she said.
Highlights of the retreat include preacher Dr. Hal Brady; Bible study leader Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr.; song leaders Frank Lowery and Carl Tott; and special entertainment by Bruce Goddard.
Retreat preacher Dr. Hal Brady is a recently retired United Methodist minister who has served the South Georgia, North Georgia and North Texas Conferences. He is also the author of several books including, “Keeping the Faith of our Christian Heritage.”
Bible study leader Rev. V.L. Daughtery, Jr. has served in numerous positions throughout the South Georgia Conference and abroad, most recently serving as co-president of the Eagles organization for retired United Methodist ministers and spouses.
Song leaders Frank Lowery and Carl Tott have been singing and playing together for many years, and their love and music and their love of the Lord comes shining through. Both attend Americus First United Methodist Church, where they sing in the choir.
Humorist and motivational speaker Bruce Goddard has entertained and motivated thousands of people throughout the United States. He inspires and amuses with thought-provoking observations funny stories about his life.
Time for fellowship and fun is scheduled into the three-day conference. Goddard will entertain at 8 p.m. on Tuesday and a Cokesbury hymn sing-a-long is set for Monday evening. Event organizers invite everyone to attend Goddard’s performance.
“I’ve met some of the best people in the world through this organization,” Davis said. “It’s a joy to go back and have a ‘family reunion’ every year and see all these friends.”
For more information, contact Diane Giles at the Connectional Ministries Office at (888) 266-7642 or by email at diane@sgaumc.com. Click here to download the brochure.