More than 130 young adults from 42 cities and 15 church groups gathered at Camp MiVoden for a weekend filled with connection and spiritual growth. The Upper Columbia Conference Young Adult Retreat exceeded expectations Nov. 22–24, 2024, creating lasting memories for participants.
The retreat emphasized giving young adults a time of rest and spiritual reflection. Jeff Wines, UCC youth and young adult director, opened the retreat saying, “This weekend is for you. If you want to sleep in or spend time with your friends — that’s fine! What matters to us is that you leave this place feeling rejuvenated and that you enjoy your time here together.”
After Wine’s announcement, the evening continued with worship from a praise team led by Isaac Peterson, Walla Walla Eastgate Church pastor, and a message on "Living Faith in Community" from Michael Smith, College Place Village Church pastor.
The weekend’s speakers and events of the retreat focused on topics relevant to young adults. Each morning, a prayer time was held for all who wished to pray or talk about prayer.
Featured speaker John Betlinski, an Adventist psychiatrist affiliated both clinically and academically at Oregon Health and Sciences University, gave presentations on “A Time To Laugh” and “A Time To Heal,” discussing how the brain works and how to have improved mental health. On Sabbath afternoon, Jaci Cress Solis, Walla Walla University Church member care pastor, talked about how “Curiosity Cultivates Compassion.”
In addition to presentations, a dialogue was extended on Saturday afternoon between a panel of the weekend’s speakers and the young adults who attended. “Our goal was to create a space for young adults to have community in the context of following Jesus tailored specifically for them,” said Wines. “It was important to make sure they had a voice in the discussions.”
When asked about their experience, young adults shared that they were happy to have a place to meet new people their age and have a chance to be in a relaxing environment. “I really wanted to get out and meet new people because I’m not always good at that,” said one young adult.
Saturday night, young adults were able to enjoy archery tag, table tennis, board games, a pool and hot tub, and excellent food by Camp MiVoden’s kitchen staff and Jorge Jimenez, chef, which was provided the entire weekend.
“I was impressed by an incredible sense of community; people were happy to spend time together and be genuinely engaged with one another. It was a breath of fresh air, and I’m glad we were able to foster that community here,” said Wines.
Plans for another young adult retreat in 2025 are already underway.
A large group of Young Adults gather for a group photo.
Credit: Daniel Grigoryan
A panel of the weekend's speakers hosts an open discussion on Saturday afternoon.
Credit: Daniel Grigoryan
Two young adults pray together.
Credit: Daniel Grigoryan
Isaac Peterson leads worship during the retreat.
Credit: Daniel Grigoryan
