BFM Memo: 24+ Connect Single Unificationists Retreat 2016

We are pleased to announce that this June, 24+ Unificationist singles have the opportunity to attend a 24+ Connect Retreat sponsored by the national Blessing and Family Ministry that will be taking place on the East Coast for the first time. This year’s 24+ Connect Retreat will provide an opportunity and resources for the greater 24+ Unificationist single population to connect, grow together, and prepare for future relationships.

When: Thursday, June 2, at 4pm – Sunday, June 5, at 1pm

Where: Trout Lake Retreat and Conference Center, nestled in the beautiful mountains, forests and lakes of the Pocono Mountains in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Who may attend: Anyone who considers themselves a member of the larger Unificationist community, who is single and between the ages of 24 and 39 years of age is welcome to attend. This includes previously matched/blessed individuals, jacob generation, blessed children, first generation members, and members from abroad.

How: For more information and to register check out 24plusconnect.com. The regular registration deadline is THIS Sunday, May 15, after which participants can register with a late fee until May 18.

Special Note: This retreat was planned before we learned that the God Bless America Family Festival at Belvedere would take place on June 5, where we will also welcome True Mother. Instead of canceling the retreat, for those who would like to participate in both programs, transportation will be arranged.

Get in touch with the retreat planning team at 24connect.retreat@gmail.com

Objectives of the Retreat:

1. Connect: Participants will meet and get to know other 24+ Unificationist singles over the course of four days and three nights. They will have opportunities to connect and create community through engaging in various activities, conversations and discussions.

2. Grow Together: Through engaging in activities, presentations and discussions, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their life experiences, and learn more about what they believe and what they want to achieve in their life.

3. Prepare for Future Relationships: Participants will leave with new ideas of steps they can take to create the marriage and family they desire.

Reflections from past 24+ Connect Retreat participants:

“I would recommend this to anyone who is feeling conflicted, confused, or stuck about the matching or about their place in the Unificationist community. It was a great place to be reflective and hear from others. Or to anyone who just wants to meet awesome people from all over the world.”

“I decided to attend the retreat because it seemed like the most hopeful event as far as finding like- minded people who grew up in this faith, interested in seeking a long term, committed relationship. Plus, I have never been to a singles retreat before, and thought it would be fun just to say I’ve been to one, and knew enough friends that were attending that I could feel comfortable being amongst good company.”

“My favorite part about 24+ connect was meeting new people as well as reconnecting with friends that I haven’t seen in years. It had a comfortable atmosphere with a loose structure. Nice environment to meet people. Most of the talks were informative and enlightening. What a retreat should be.”

“I would recommend this program to someone who is willing to put church concepts to the side and treat this weekend as an icebreaker. Don’t expect you will leave the weekend initiating a matching process, don’t put that pressure on yourself. The program is an opportunity to be curious in meeting other people, and make some friends. Eventually that friendship may become something more. That’s how it worked for me anyway.”

We hope that you will consider participating in this exciting retreat and, or sharing about it with others that may be interested in and benefit from what this retreat has to offer. To easily share about this retreat with others, feel free to forward this message or direct people to check out 24plusconnect.com.

Crescentia DeGoede Director, Blessing and Family Ministry