Men's retreat at Rock Eagle reaches golden milestone
6/17/2011
By GLENN HANNIGAN
Fifty years often marks a significant
milestone, whether in marriage, business or lifespan. It
was a far different world 50 years ago.
In 1961, John Kennedy was in his first
year as president, John Glenn was training for his first
space flight John Lennon had yet to record his first
record. The Braves were still in Milwaukee. Jimmy Carter
was still in Plains. And the first Methodist men’s
retreat was held at Rock Eagle.
Men have gathered there every fall since,
with the exception of 2005 when Rock Eagle was cancelled
to allow the camp to be used to house refugees from
Hurricane Katrina.
The 2011 event, scheduled for Sept.
23-25, will feature several special events to highlight
the anniversary. Walt Boyd, Chairman for the Retreats
Committee, has been gathering information to be
presented in a historical pamphlet that will include a
listing of past Rock Eagle speakers, past Conference
Presidents for UMM, past Executive Directors, and UMM
who have received the Society of John Wesley Award.
Dr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury
Theological Seminary, will be keynote speaker. Tennent,
who grew up in Atlanta as a member of Grace UMC, will be
teaching under the theme: "Back To The Future." Rock
Eagle will feature about 18 workshops, Bible study on
the lake with Carey Gibson, cabin sharing, praise
services, a golf tournament and the Red Cross
Bloodmobile.
Music will be provided by Crystal River,
CrossWalk, Ralph Freeman - for the 42nd year in a row -
and a volunteer choir.
The registration form can be found at
www.ngcumm.org. Cost for the full lodging
and meals is $165. There is a $10 discount, for the full
cost only, if you register before July 31. You can
register for the Cross & Flame run and T-Shirt, EMS, and
Golf. For more information, call Cary Loesing or Judy
Koch at 678-533-1455.
