TWKUMC

UNITED Youth Gathering - CANCELLED (due to power issues after the storm)
2026-01-30 - 2026-02-01
Two Weekends • Cedar Crest Camp • TWK Conference
This winter, youth from across the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference are gathering for UNITED—a high-energy, faith-shaping retreat built for connection, fun, and spiritual growth.
This year’s theme, Cross the Street, challenges students to step toward their neighbors with courage, empathy, and the kind of love Jesus models. It’s a weekend designed to help young people see God at work in the people and places right around them—and to inspire them to be part of that story.
If you’re looking for a space to recharge, reconnect, meet new friends, and experience God in a fresh way, UNITED is the place to be.
Choose Your Weekend
– UNITED Weekend #1: January 30 – February 1, 2026
– UNITED Weekend #2: February 6 – 8, 2026
BOTH Retreats are at Cedar Crest Camp — Lyles, TN
Why You’ll Love This Retreat
UNITED mixes powerful worship, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable experiences—all set at beautiful Cedar Crest Camp.
Here’s what’s in store:
– Small Groups that help you go deeper, ask real questions, and grow in your faith
– High-energy games and activities that bring the whole retreat to life
– Inspiring worship that unites youth from every corner of the conference
– Time to slow down and reconnect with God in nature
– A chance to make friends you’ll keep long after the weekend ends
Everything about UNITED is designed to help you step into community and discover that God is closer—and more active—than you think.
Retreat Leadership
Speaker: Katie Minnis
Get ready—Katie Minnis is bringing her whole heart to UNITED. Energetic, bubbly, and deeply rooted in her faith, Katie has a gift for making God’s love feel real and accessible. She’s an ordained elder who loves helping young people connect their everyday lives with the way of Jesus. Her messages will challenge and encourage you to see your neighbors with new eyes and to “cross the street” with compassion and courage.
Worship Leader: James Touchton
If you were at UNITED last year, you already know—worship with James Touchton hits different.
James is back again to lead us in powerful, heartfelt worship that brings people together and opens space for the Holy Spirit to move. He has a way of making every song feel personal, inviting you to participate, not just watch.
Whether you love singing your heart out or soaking quietly in God’s presence, James creates moments where you can truly experience God.
Cost & Registration
Early Bird: $165 (Register by December 19)
Regular Price: $195
Register on the Cedar Crest Website:
https://www.cedarcrestcamp.org/event-details/united-youth-gathering-2026-01-30-19-00
Cost includes lodging, meals, worship, programming, activities, and all retreat elements at Cedar Crest Camp.
Take the Step. Cross the Street. Come to UNITED.
This isn’t just another weekend away—it’s a chance to grow, to breathe, to connect, and to experience God in a way that stays with you long after you head home.
Bring your group. Bring your friends. Bring your whole self.
You belong here.
Register today and get the Early Bird rate before it’s gone!

Scouting Sunday
2026-02-01
Awareness Special Sunday

Leaders Shaping Congregational Missions
2026-02-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Zoom

UNITED Youth Gathering
2026-02-06 - 2026-02-08

Mission Spark Team Meeting
2026-02-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom

Lay Servant Basic Course
2026-02-07 10:00 - 16:00
The Harpeth River District will host an in-person Basic Course for Lay Servant Ministries on February 7 at Pickwick UMC. This two-session course is a great place for anyone feeling even a small tug toward ministry to learn, grow, and discern next steps. Cost is $30 plus the purchase of the book.
Pastors, please encourage those in your congregations who may be sensing a call to consider taking part. We would love to welcome them.
LSM-Basic-Course-Flyer

TWK United Methodist Day on the Hill
2026-02-10

Developing Innovators Team Meeting
2026-02-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom

Nominations Committee Meeting
2026-02-10 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom

Harpeth River Clergy Gathering
2026-02-10 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-12 13:00 - 15:00

Justice & Mercy Team Meeting
2026-02-11 10:30 - 12:30 | Zoom

TWK Connection Map Office Hours
2026-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Faith & Innovation’s Thriving Congregations team will host a monthly office hour on the second Wednesday of each month during which we will be available to answer questions about joining the TWK Connection Map and using the Map.

Church & Society Team Meeting
2026-02-12 16:00 - 17:30 | Zoom

BHECM Meeting
2026-02-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Zoom

TWK Commission on Archives & History
2026-02-14
In-person CAH Commission meeting at the Conference Archives space.

Wesley of MT Pancake Breakfast
2026-02-14 07:00 - 10:00
Our annual pancake breakfast! We accept donations for all you can eat pancakes, we have a silent auction and also the Clergy Breakfast Battle (decide which area clergy are the best cooks!).

Equip Team Meeting
2026-02-17 11:30 - 13:00 | Zoom

Faith & Innovation Guide Team Meeting
2026-02-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Zoom

Mental Health Cohort Meeting
2026-02-18 13:30 - 14:30

Connectional Table Meeting
2026-02-19 13:00 - 16:00

Teaching the NT to Children & Youth
2026-02-20 09:30 - 16:00 | West End UMC, 2200 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203, United States

Confirmation Retreat: Being Christian
2026-02-20 19:00 - 2026-02-22 12:00
Confirmands and their mentors are invited to join us at Lakeshore as we dive into what it means to be Christian. Major lessons during this weekend include: who God is, who Jesus is, and who the Holy Spirit is; sin and redemption; the Bible; and the church. Among these wonderful lessons will be fellowship through games and activities, time to connect with other confirmands, and the opportunity to step away from the everyday and rest in God’s love.

Cedar Crest Trail Run
2026-02-21
Cedar Crest Trail Run
Continuing for 2026, we will have a half marathon, 10 kilometers, and a 5-kilometer! The half marathon and 10k courses are relatively non-technical, similar to many of the trail systems in middle Tennessee. The half marathon and 10k are great events for some higher intensity or for those looking for an event leading up to something longer later in the year, however this is also a great event for those completely new to the sport! The 5k course is on a gravel road that is pretty hilly. All the courses will be well marked and have ample aid stations.
Start Times
8:30 A.M. for both 10k and half marathon
9:00 A.M. for 5K
Location
Put in Cedar Crest Camp office into Google Maps, then once you arrive at the camp office, take a hard right. The Start/Finish is at the building at the Top of the hill once you drive out into the field(about .5 miles.)
Accommodations
Primitive Tent Camping: $10/night Bunk Style Group Lodging(Shared Bathrooms and Bunkroom, but heated!): $20/night
RV hook up: $20/night. Please contact the race director about lodging if you are interested, it is available for the nights of February 14 and 15 if you are interested.

Sabbath Life at Green Hill Farm
2026-02-21 17:00 - 20:00
Join us on the Varden family farm for time of fellowship, contemplation and being in creation. Each month there will be a time of worship based on the liturgical season and/or the season of creation.

SEJ Disaster Academy
2026-02-24 - 2026-02-28

Thriving Congregations Team Meeting
2026-02-24 16:00 - 17:15 | Zoom

BE Retreat 2026: Won't You Be My Neighbor?
2026-02-28 - 2026-03-01
Cedar Crest Camp invites 3rd–5th grade students to the 2026 BE Retreat, taking place February 28–March 1. This spiritual life retreat will explore what it means to BE a good neighbor like Jesus through engaging worship, meaningful sessions, and plenty of camp fun. Participants will enjoy games, zip line time, small-group discussions, night activities, a bonfire, and free time to connect with friends old and new. All participants receive a retreat t-shirt. Full price registration is $130. Space is limited, so register today to guarantee your spot!
