"I look to the hills"

Greetings from the Mountain Retreat Association of North Carolina, commonly called "Montreat." It's an idyllic spot in the western Appalachians, not far from Asheville, and the home of the most populated conference center of the Presbyterian Church (USA). I'm staying in the Conference Inn, located over the left shoulder of the young lady in my picture.

Montreat is a cottage community located in the steep hills surrounding Lake Susan. As my friend Guy took me around yesterday, he pointed out homes that are literally tucked away in the nooks of mountains, many with impossibly steep driveways. And it's rarefied air; I'm writing from Billy Graham's neighborhood, and right down the street from Walter Brueggemann's summer house.

Montreat has often been described as the Mecca for Southern Presbyterians. "Southern" seems to be strange adjective, especially since the Presbyterians repaired their 120-year breach over slavery in 1983. Perhaps old adjectives die hard; someone described this year's Fourth of July Parade in which a family marched with a sign that declared how they had maintained a cottage in Montreat for the past hundred years.

In any case, it is a different slice of the church that I serve, and it's good to be here. Plus they have paddle boats on Lake Susan!

Two conferences are being held this week. This morning I sat in on a large conference that has brought together many former General Assembly moderators and the Presbyterian seminary presidents. They are leading a series of reflections on the future of the Presbyterian Church (best advice: stay tuned). It's quite interesting.

My own conference has begun well. Our keynote speaker is Dick Hardell, a creative Lutheran who is a specialist in ministry to children and their families. He is a wonderful speaker. As the executive director of the Youth and Family Institute, he has developed a number of practical strategies to build the faith of children and attract families to the church. I enjoyed getting acquainted with him over breakfast, and look forward to his additional presentations.

And I'm enjoying the company of friends. Even though Warren Cooper looks bored by the guy next to him at lunch, the two of us have appreciated some time to get caught up. Tonight we are threatening to make some music together, and that is always a blessed event.

The memory verse for today is from Psalm 121: "I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."