Some define a Christian as someone who goes to church. Others even think that a Christian is simply someone who regularly attends worship services. But there is so much more to the Christian life than going to church and attending worship! A true hunger for God’s holiness can only be satisfied through a combination of worship, prayer, witness and renewal. And attending a retreat can be a wonderful way to draw closer to God.

God breathes strength into our souls when we open our hearts and minds, and allow him to rejuvenate us. At First Presbyterian Church, we invite you to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) Just as we are saved to serve others, we are also saved to be perfected in God’s likeness (Matthew 5:48). As children of God, we are called to immerse ourselves in his living Word — the Bible — which is the textbook of our faith in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

You’re invited to investigate the many opportunities for retreating with God through First Presbyterian Church.

Mo-Ranch
Have fun with the entire church family at this incredible retreat facility in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy a host of outdoor activities as you study the Scriptures and contemplate God’s creation. Experience the beauty, wonder, and serenity of Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Assembly located on the banks of the Guadalupe River, nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

Visit www.moranch.com for details.

Women’s Retreat
Join in fellowship at this refreshing annual retreat of reflection and prayer with the women and friends of First Presbyterian Church, typically held in the fall.

Women's 2100 retreat brochure








Laity Lodge
Surrounded by the beauty of nature, dig deep into God’s Word with a small group of fellow disciples. These retreats are typically led by a nationally renowned teacher. Set in the Hill Country’s most spectacular canyon, Laity Lodge presides over an extraordinary confluence of creativity and faith-building. Incredibly effective relational speakers, theologians, and artists converge here to empower lay people from various denominations in a setting that is safe, serene, and challenging. Visit www.laitylodge.org for details.

Walk to Emmaus
The focus of Emmaus is God as known in Jesus Christ and how that finds expression in the local church. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled life to be lived and shared with others. Emmaus is for the development of Christian leaders who wish to strengthen their spiritual lives, may have unanswerded Questions about prayer, study, and sharing their faith, understand that being a Christian involves responsibility, are willing to dedicate their everyday lives to God in an ongoing manner and have positions of responsibility in the church and the world. Emmaus is open to members of any denomination.

Contact Tracy Hair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 210.271.2757 for details, or visit www.diakoniaemmaus.org.

Download a Walk to Emmaus application.
 

Chrysalis (for youth)
Chrysalis offers spiritual renewal to young people through a three-day experience and follow-up.It is affiliated with the Walk to Emmaus. You'll spend three days with other people your age in worship, prayer, fellowship, creative expression, recreation, singing, and discussion. You'll experience the love of God through prayers and the acts of service from a loving support community. Think of it as three days for you to discover or re-discover you spiritual self, to analyze and realize who you are in Christ. Chrysalis is open to young people of any Christian denomination. The ages include upper high school students (ages 15-18 and completed 9th grade) and young adults (ages 19-24 and graduated from high school).

Contact Tracy Hair at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 210.271.2757 for details or visit www.upperroom.org/chrysalis.

Pilgrimage
Presbyterian Pilgrimage is a three-day weekend spiritual renewal event designed to foster and support an individual’s long term commitment to living the Christian life. Led by lay members and clergy of the Presbyterian Church, its purpose is to inspire, challenge and equip church members for Christian action in their homes, churches and communities. In a thought-provoking, relaxing and fun-filled environment, participants enjoy fellowship with other Christians and leave with a desire to serve productively and live boldly for Christ. The weekend includes conversations, song, laughter, fellowship and time set aside for worship, communion,devotional time, small group participation and reflection. The weekend is designed for members of the Presbyterian Church or any other denomination committed to Christ and His church who seek growth in their faith and a closer relationship with Christ. Because Pilgrimage enriches relationships, married couples are encouraged to attend together; however, where this is difficult, the spouse who can attend is encouraged to do so.

Contact Carter Copeland at 210.733.5122 for details, or visit www.austinpresbyterianpilgrimage.org.

Download a Presbyterian Pilgrimage application.