Guys’ Getaway Men gather for an overnight retreat at Camp Kirkwood BY RICH LALIBERTE


First Presbyterian men gathered for an overnight retreat on Friday and Saturday, September 8 and 9, at Kirkwood Camp and Retreat Center, in Stroudsburg, PA.


It was the first time in recent memory that our church has organized its own overnight men’s gathering at an off-site location. Te church regularly offers men’s retreats, but these are typically held at the FPCA campus during a weekend morning. Previous off-site experiences have involved First Presbyterian sending contingents to a regional men’s retreat at Lake Champion, NY.


At Kirkwood, one session on Friday evening and two on Saturday morning were organized around deeply personal testimonials in which three of the retreat’s organizers, Mike Loomis, Rich Laliberte, and Dennis Dries, presented narratives about the highs and lows of their walks of faith.


After each testimonial, Jack Haberer led the 14 or so attendees in discussions of three Bible passages that have been especially important to his formation and faith life: Romans 12:1–2, Hebrews 12:1–2, and Philippians 2:12–13.


Organizers chose Kirkwood for its flexible facilities, staff-cooked meals, accessibility, and rustic away-from-it- all charm. Te church’s youth have used Kirkwood for numerous retreats in the past, but the center is happy to accommodate adult gatherings. Cost per person was $80, which covered rental of meeting and sleeping facilities in the Stroup House main lodge plus dinner, breakfast, and lunch at the nearby dining hall.


Men gather at Stroup House lodge at Camp Kirkwood during Saturday sessions at a weekend retreat that combined testimonials with discussions led by senior pastor Jack Haberer on three key Bible verses that have shaped his life of faith. Plans are under way for another off-site retreat at a date to be announced.


Another: “Te format was great [with] three separate, interrelated scripture verses to read and discuss, [and] personal testimonies/stories. Jack was awesome. Te retreat center grounds were terrific, as well as the meals. A thoughtful and prayerful time with a great bunch of guys.”


Kirkwood also features recreational facilities such as horseshoes and hiking trails, which numerous men enjoyed (along with lively card games) in unstructured moments after


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Many attendees also participate in regular men’s groups that meet at the church (see page 5). For more information, contact Mike Loomis at loomisfamily1@gmail.com.


arrival on Friday night and early Saturday. A hearth and stockpile of dry wood at Stroup House allowed men to enjoy a warm fire during discussion and later relaxation on Friday night.


In addition to discussion around planned presentations, numerous men connected in personal conversations during breaks and unstructured time.


Organizers took notes on ways to improve future retreats— which appear likely, given positive reviews from attendees, many of whom felt the retreat could have been longer.


One comment: “It was a great time sharing devotions, fellowship, meals, and a good time with fellow Christian brothers. I hope we can do this more often in the future.”


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