This retreat focuses on broader questions of why we join the Church, what we want our churches to be like, and how we can actively engage in that work. Participants will join mixed small groups to hear ideas from people from different congregations, and also have time with their home group to continue with their own lessons and curricula.
Whether your congregation has one confirmand or a large group,
we can all learn something from each other’s
church experience and faith journey!
February 3-5, 2023
Registration is closed.
Questions about the retreat?
Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director: colleen@massanettasprings.org
Questions about registration?
Contact Sarah Grace Hall, Program Assistant: sarahgraceh@massanettasprings.org
Rev. Pam Meilands
Rev. Pamela Meilands is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, where she earned her M.Div. and M.A. in Christian Education. Since graduating, she has served churches in Michigan and Pennsylvania, focusing on youth ministry. Pam has an International Certificate in Youth, Theology, and Innovation from the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Seminary and YouthWorks in Luton, England. Pam grew up spending her summers at Camp Johnsonburg in New Jersey, where she grew to love ministry, the outdoors, and (most importantly) God. When not in the church, Pam can be found watching hockey, attempting craft projects, and spending time with her dachshund Karl Barkh.
Every church does confirmation a little bit differently, so this retreat is intentionally planned to gather confirmation students together in meaningful ways while giving space for home church groups to continue their own work, whatever that looks like!
We anticipate most youth participants will be in 8th or 9th grade, but we welcome whoever is in your confirmation class and will adapt our small groups as best we can to match the age groups present.
The program will include small groups made up of participants from different churches to discuss some of the similarities, differences, hopes, and dreams for our congregations.
The schedule will include time for home church groups to meet and work on their own lessons and curriculum, statements of faith, or whatever they need to get done for their own confirmation!
Registration Process
The cost of the retreat is $145 per person.
For questions about registration, contact Sarah Grace Hall, Program Assistant, at sarahgraceh@massanettasprings.org or 540-434-3829.
TO REGISTER YOUR GROUP
These instructions are for the group leader.
Step 1: Fill out the form below with general group information and estimated numbers to reserve spaces for your group. Please note: you must bring 1 adult for every 7 youth. We will then generate a “group hold code” and send it to your leader.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THE 2023 CONFIRMATION RETREAT.
Step 2: Once you receive the “group hold code,” share it with your group and send them to the “Participant Account” link below. Parents/guardians will be able to register their youth and adult advisors will be able to register themselves using that “group hold code.”
Step 3: As a leader, you will be able to log into a separate account to view who has registered and completed all forms. The “Leader Account” link is below. To register yourself, use the the SAME username and password at the participant link above.
Step 4: For church/group leaders only. Leaders will be able to log into their separate account to view who has registered and the remaining bill for the group. This is where the full group payment will be made.