theo-to-kos: GOD-BEARER
Theotokos retreats offer participants a "capstone" event -- or discipleship launching pad! -- in the Confirmation journey, in which Confirmands and their adult leaders experience the United Methodist Connection and get to learn about and reflect on biblical stories of call, their own story, what it means to follow Jesus, the "priesthood of believers" (giftedness and ministry of each in the Kingdom work of the Body of Christ), and the vows of Covenant Membership (prayer, presence, gifts, service, witness).
In the spring of 2025, Theotokos Confirmation Retreats will be offered four weekends at Hinton Rural Life Center, a United Methodist mission outreach and retreat agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Hinton is located in Hayesville, NC, in the Appalachian Mountains and is about two hours from Asheville, Atlanta, Greenville, and Chattanooga.
THEOTOKOS RETREATS ARE FOR . . .
Confirmands, Confirmation Leaders, and Accompanying Adults!
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, and we recommend participants be in 7th grade or older. We welcome confirmands who are in middle school or high school!
Theotokos retreats are designed to support and complement the Confirmation ministries of local United Methodist congregations, who are the faith communities, “God families,” and key disciple makers of young people.
THEOTOKOS 2026 — 4 WEEKEND RETREATS:
- February 27 - March 1
- March 13-15
- March 20-22
- April 10-12
Spots are limited to about 85 per retreat, so early registration is encouraged to secure your preferred weekend. Registration for 2026 closes when the weekends are filled or by February 9, 2026. Follow Hinton Theotokos on Facebook and Instagram for updates. Full weekends will be noted on this site!