The IGRC New Streams Team share a deep desire and hope that every member of every IGRC congregation is growing ever deeper in their relationship with God through the practice of the means of grace.

Through the DVD, Opening Ourselves to Grace, John Wesley’s “means of grace” are gradually becoming part of the vocabulary of United Methodists in the conference. However, understanding the terms is only a part of the vision. The New Streams Team seeks to help people go beyond information – to experience transformation of heart and life through direct experience of the means of grace.

To that end, the team has launched a series of experiential retreats called “Deeper Still: Experiencing God through the Means of Grace.”

The retreats will offer opportunities for those who attend to experience an act of piety (through which we grow in our love for God) and a related act of mercy (through which we grow in our love for our neighbor). Dynamic speakers, hands-on experience, and times of reflection and conversation at each event will help participants grow deeper in their own spiritual lives, and will equip them to design similar experiences for others in their local churches. Individuals and teams from local churches are welcome to attend any one event or the entire series.

Drinking Deeper and Sharing the Cup: Experiencing Worship and Hospitality, the second event in the Deeper Still series will take place April 16-17, at Mt. Vernon West Salem Trinity UMC, focusing on worship and hospitality. Throughout this two-day event, participants will have opportunities to receive and extend hospitality in the context of worship.  Through times of teaching, action and reflection, as well as inspiring preaching from Bishop Gregory Palmer, you will be renewed, equipped, and challenged to deepen your relationship with God and your neighbor through these two vital Christian practices.

This event will begin with registration and dinner at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 16, and will conclude by 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17. Breakfast and lunch on Saturday will also be provided.

Housing Accommodations

There are a limited number of host homes available for participants to stay overnight at no charge. Requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadline for host home requests is 4:30 p.m. on March 19. Please indicate your preference (host home or motel) for each participant on the completed registration form. Motel costs will be the responsibility of the participant.

Child care

Child care will be available for a limited number of young children. Please register your child(ren) for child care when you register for the event, and you will be contacted with further information.