Photos from the NEACE 2011 Event at the Stella Maris Conference and Retreat Center in Skaneateles, NY

The NEACE 2011 Annual Event was themed “Reframing Hope” and was held at the Stella Maris Conference and Retreat Center in Skaneateles, NY, which is in the Finger Lakes Region.

Our guest speaker was Rev. Carol Howard Merritt, author of “Tribal Church” and “Reframing Hope” who led us through new ways to think about how we keep our faith traditions and yet create the movement towards reaching out to young adults in ways that are relevant and offer relationships.

Our worship leader was Rev. Chris Shelton from the Hudson River Presbytery who wove God’s word with skillful passion, drama and music in services to fit the theme.

Thirty-five educators, both volunteer and professional, were in attendance and everyone enjoyed time to engage in a conversation style conference and completed a hands on project with decoupaged wooden frames.

Though the weather was stormy, inside we enjoyed each other’s company, delicious food and the spirit of God moving through the body as we elected a new treasurer, had someone volunteer to be the NEACE Facebook manager and three volunteers stepped forward to be the 2012 planning team...surely the presence of God was in this place!