THE FOCUS
Encounter is a weekend retreat designed for 6th - 12th grade students where everyone will ENCOUNTER God, and each in a very unique way. This retreat will offer passionate worship, relevant Bible study and a meaningful time with other teens at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island.
REGISTRATION
Online registration is now OPEN.
Registrations will be pending until full payment is received. Cost is $135 per person (youth & chaperones). Payment is required within 7 days of registering and $35 of the registration fee is non-refundable. Churches will register as a group and fill out individual camper's information within the same registration. Deadline is November 2, 2018. Click here to register your group.
Church leaders: Click here if you need a form to hand out to gather your student's and chaperone's information. This is not a registration form. Only online registration is accepted.
Refund Policy: Cancellation PRIOR to the deadline = Total refund less $35.00 (non-refundable deposit). Cancellation AFTER the deadline = No refund. Cancellation due to illness prior to retreat = Total refund less $35.00. Fees may be transferred to a NEW REPLACEMENT camper if the registrar is notified prior to the first day of the retreat.To make notice of cancellation or change after the deadline, you must contact the Connectional Ministries office at (912) 638-8626 and in writing to suzanne@sgaumc.com.
WEEKEND LEADERSHIP
2017 AND 2018 EVENT SPEAKER:
Jarrid Wilson is a husband, father, pastor, and author.
His articles have been viewed by tens-of-millions, showcased on some of today’s hottest talk shows, and featured on national news stations worldwide. He is a dynamic speaker whose outside-the-box perspectives have gained him national recognition from some of today’s most influential Christian leaders and pastors.
His highly unconventional way of sharing faith takes a fresh look at the way Jesus would call individuals to live out their everyday lives. Unafraid to tackle tough and controversial topics, Jarrid is known for his refreshing perspectives on what others may view as set in black and white. His blog is one of the most talked about faith-based blogs on the web, and his dedication to use social media for the sake of that faith has been paramount to his success as a writer.
Jarrid and his wife Juli live in southern California with their sons, Finch and Denham.
WORSHIP LEADERS:
Phillip and Leah George's desire is to minister in a way that leads people to a place of worship and divine encounters with God. It is in those moments that monuments are created to remind us of how and where God spoke to us, how He changed us, and what He has promised us. Based in Albany, GA, this duo known as Monument Ministries travels throughout Georgia leading worship for churches, youth retreats and camps.
RESOURCES
Adult Leader Guide: Everything you want to know about the schedule, church time, free time and a few surprises! This will be available at check-in.
SAFE SANCTUARIES COMPLIANCE
Adult chaperones are provided by each church group attending. Counselors must be 21 or older with a 1:6 ratio for counselor/youth. Both male and female counselors must be in attendance if both genders are represented with students. Click here to download the Safe Sanctuaries form. Only one form per church group is needed and this can be turned in at registration.
COST
The cost is $135 per person which includes lodging, meals, insurance and a t-shirt.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants at ENCOUNTER will be sleeping in the cabins at Epworth By The Sea. All beds are twin size. Participants will need to bring their own bed linens and towels (see a recommended list of What to Pack). In most cases, multiple church groups will be assigned to each cabin.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Friday, November 16
5:30 Registration begins (Connectional Ministries Office)
5:30-7:00 Supper line open
8:00 Adult Orientation
8:15 Opening Worship (Strickland Auditorium)
10:45 In Cabins
Saturday, November 17
7:30-8:45 Breakfast Line Open
9:00 Devotions
9:30 Worship ENCOUNTER 2 (Strickland)
11:00 Church Time
12:00 Cookout under the Oaks
12:45 Group Photo by the Gazebo
1:00 Community Groups (Girls in Strickland, Boys in Brown)
2:00-5:00 Free Time
5:30-6:45 Supper
7:00 Worship ENCOUNTER 3 (Strickland)
8:30 Church Time
9:15 Late Night Fun
11:00 In Cabins
Sunday, November 18
7:30-8:45 Breakfast line open
9:00 Pack up
9:30 Devotions
10:00 Worship ENCOUNTER 4 (Strickland)
11:15 Lunch & Depart
QUESTIONS
Suzanne Akins, Event Coordinator
(888) 266-7642 ext. 107
