Montreat College Conference Recap

KATELYN THOMAS
STAFF WRITER

2/3/2025

Alma College’s Reverend Katrina Bundy and a few of its students attended a conference held at Montreat Conference Center prior to the start of the Winter 2025 semester. Here, these individuals got the opportunity to grow and explore their relationship with God. 

Montreat Conference Center has allowed people to strengthen their relationship with God for over 100 years. The conference center is located in the mountains of North Carolina. The grounds of Montreat are a wilderness preserve and give people a space to deepen their personal and spiritual connections. Montreat was first established in 1897. 

They are a part of the Presbyterian Church and hold events, conferences and worships all year long. Montreat has housing and dining options for guests who would like to stay on the property. Alma College staff and students stayed on site during their time at the retreat, from Jan. 2 to Jan. 5.

“When I began at Alma College four years ago there were a group of students who were excited to go and helped plan. We’ve done it each year since,” said Rev. Katrina. 

The theme of this year’s conference was “Unimaginable Possibilities: God’s Hope for a Weary World.”

“It was a wonderful way to begin a new year, as every year can hold uncertainties,” said Rev. Katrina. 

“I had lots of feelings going into my last college conference. However, I expected no less than the amazement I’ve gotten from every other conference over the past couple of years,” said Kylee Lary (‘25).

Throughout the weekend there were several keynote speakers who led worship and discussions. After the larger event, attendees were able to discuss topics more in-depth in break-out groups. 

“Rev. Dr. Gail Henderson-Belsito preached at the worship services… The preacher encouraged us to think about what we are hemorrhaging, individually and as a community – whether it is money or time or energy or compassion,” said Rev. Katrina. 

 “I also really enjoyed breakout sessions because I was able to attend things that I was specifically interested in,” said Ava Kelly (‘25).

“The growth of my faith and spirituality. Montreat is considered a thin place, so my own personal connections, and ones with God, were helped, rebuilt and strengthened with the love and support of everyone in Montreat,” said Lary.  

“I have had the privilege of leading each of those trips, and always enjoy getting to know students and hearing the keynote speakers. The structure of the conference always stays the same, but the speakers change,” said Rev. Katrina.  

 “The first service every night is always full of so much excitement, joy and love from everyone in Anderson Auditorium,” said Lary.

 “Montreat has arguably been one of my best experiences while at Alma and a place I couldn’t imagine living without today,” said Lary. 

Rev. Katrina and the other Alma students led Chapel worship this past week and shared their experiences from Montreat’s Conference. Several students spoke about the impact “Unimaginable Possibilities: God’s Hope for a Weary World” had on them and how they interpreted their time in North Carolina. “My main hope with this conference is that students will engage with their faith and also build community with one another. Of course, I also hope they will bring a concept or theological understanding that challenges them or encourages them,” said Rev. Katrina.