The next Martin Luther King Ski Weekend is scheduled for January 13-16, 2012. It is for youth in 6^th grade through 12^th grade. This year over 150 youth and adults from the Southern and Southeast Conferences gathered together to understand how to be peacemakers, “Peacemakers: Nurturing Peace Within”. Together as a community of Christ they explored ways in which they could be instruments of God’s peace in their community.

This is a perfect opportunity for youth groups to bond, to meet UCC youth from other churches and states and to have a fun day in the snow. This retreat is designed for youth to stretch their spiritual muscles and to have fun meeting new friends and learn from other youth. The weekend will provide opportunity for creating new friendships, enjoying the snow, getting some exercise, eating fabulous food, spiritual growth, and life changing conversation. There is something here for everyone.

Rev. Kristin Gerner Vaughn is the Chair person for the planning committee. Rev. Kristin is now serving as pastor of

Brick Church. Rev. Kristin is a native of Guilford County and has recently moved back to North Carolina from Atlanta, Georgia. She is now residing in our community. Kristin is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ since 2004. She has served in a variety of churches and institutions that range from Chaplain of a Regional Oncology Center to Associate Pastor of Youth and Children in a mid-sized church. Rev. Kristin completed her undergraduate degree at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC and her Master of Divinity Degree from Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, NC. After completion, she was accepted into the Chaplaincy Residency Program at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center's Clinical Pastoral Education Program. Pastor Kristin is excited about her call to Brick Church and is looking forward to seeing where God is calling us to move and grow.

Our Special Days event held this year  June 6 through 9th, 2011 was one of the best we've experienced. This is an annual event for adults with special needs. Our theme for this year was "I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help". Please make a note for next years event to be held June 13-16 2012. This will be a Wednesday to Saturday program.

Lynne Hinton leads this event. Lynne, as most of you know, is a native of North Carolina, but now makes her home in Albuquerque, NM.  She has been leading our Special Days since June 2000. She has been the pastor of churches in North Carolina, New Mexico, and Washington state. She is a noted author, that includes the Hope Springs series. Her latest book, Pie Town will be released on June 7, 2011. Her love for the Special Days folks is most evident in her leadership. We are grateful to have her guidance for this yearly June program.

We have a sing-a-long on Monday night, followed by ice cream sundaes. Each morning Lynne leads our morning devotions. Following on Tuesday morning are crafts and recreation until 11:30. We have a Talent Show on Tuesday night. It is an anticipated event, with the participants sharing their talents and lifting our hearts. It is a blessing to watch as everyone is cheered on during their performance.  

We have set aside Friday as Beach Day. We will have more information at a later date.

Please join us for this annual event. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at 828-295-7813.