2026 Theotokos Confirmation Retreats

Weekend options include: February 27 – March 1, March 13-15, March 20-22, and April 10-12. The retreats are held at Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, NC, located in the Appalachian Mountains on Lake Chatuge. Hinton is only 2+ hours from Asheville, Atlanta, Greenville, and Chattanooga. As an agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The UMC, Hinton’s confirmation ministry is an excellent connectional opportunity for local churches in the jurisdiction and features engaging worship, workshops, large and small group Scripture reflection and discussion, stole-making, and on-campus service opportunity.

Theotokos retreats are for youth participating in United Methodist Confirmation, their leaders (clergy and laity), and other accompanying adults. Although youth as young as 6th graders may participate, the Theotokos retreat will likely be more meaningful for older youth; we recommend that participants be in 7th grade or older. (Older youth confirmed during the pandemic and not able to have a retreat experience are also welcome to participate!) Theotokos retreats are designed to support and complement the Confirmation ministries of local United Methodist congregations, providing a “capstone” connectional experience.