24+ Connect Retreat
Many Unificationist young adult singles feel a contradiction as part of a faith community in which being a great spouse and parent are among the top values—especially as one nears the “ripe old age” of their mid-20s, 30s and so on. It can be and has been very difficult to feel content and at peace about being single, as some people need more time to discover themselves, to know what they are saying yes to, and to be confident in their ability to make a lifetime commitment. In addition, many people might not feel comfortable starting a matching conversation with a complete stranger; they would like the initial meeting to be more natural and with less pressure, getting to know each other as friends first.
This summer’s 24+ Connect Retreat is an opportunity for our community of singles aged 24 years and older to connect, grow together and prepare for their future relationships. It is just one effort, stemming from several previous events that have been created to support a population in our community that might feel out of place or stuck regarding future relationships.
“It is not a place to feel hopeless together or to vent, nor is it a place to speed-date and review profiles. It is a retreat that exists to get to know new people with similar life experiences, to learn more about oneself and make personal goals and action steps, while gaining connections to a larger community,” explains Wendy Fiala, program coordinator for the 24+ Connect Retreat. “We recognize that being single is a blessing in itself—a unique and crucial time to grow— and that it is a period of celebration as much as it is preparation. As a community we really need to support and encourage our single population to take their time and to wait until they do feel confident and comfortable.”
The Blessing and Family Ministry has found this retreat to be highly valuable over the years. Its goals are creating community, growing together and preparing for one’s future with plenty of opportunities for small group discussions, spending time in nature, relevant presentations and much more. The only requirements to attend are that one is single and between the ages of 24 and 39 years old.
Get more information or register for the upcoming 24+ Connect Retreat on August 21-24 along the beautiful California coastline near Santa Cruz in the redwood forest.