Fall Singles Conference
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.
Psalm 24:1-2
September 27 – 30, 2024
Fall Singles Conference
Suggested for ages 40 and younger
Come and enjoy fellowship and biblical teaching with other reformed singles in the beautiful autumn weather in the mountains of Highland County Virginia! This conference will include speaking sessions by Lowell Ivey, former OPC pastor and current executive director of Metanoia Prison Ministries (PCA).
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Jesus taught His disciples that if they truly desired to follow Him, they would need to begin by denying themselves. Self-denial is at the heart of the Christian life. The world around us seeks to conform us to itself by tempting us to indulge ourselves. But a follower of Jesus Christ has learned to take up his cross and follow the Savior in the way of self-denial and self-sacrifice. What does it mean for us to live a self-denying life? What are the hindrances to cultivating self-denial in our hearts and lives? And what does the Bible have to say to singles about this vital topic? At this year’s Singles Conference at Machen Retreat and Conference Center, we will consider the theme “Singleness, Self-Denial, and Following Christ.”
In addition, there will be free time to enjoy hiking/recreational activities of your choice (feel free to bring your own recreational equipment and board games). Attendance will be limited to 40 registrations.
For any questions regarding the conference, please contact the Fall Singles Conference organizer, Ken Barnes, at kbarnes670@gmail.com.
Note that the suggested age range for the Fall Singles Conference is 40 years and younger.
Speaker: Lowell Ivey
Lowell Ivey, Pastor
Lowell Ivey was set free in prison while serving a 17-year sentence for armed robbery. He was released on parole in 2009. After graduating from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2015, Lowell served a yearlong internship at Covenant Community Church (OPC) in Taylors, South Carolina. He was called and ordained as a church planter in 2016 to Reformation Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Virginia Beach, Virginia. That church organized in 2019, and planted two daughter congregations, Peninsula Reformed Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Yorktown, Virginia, and All Saints Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Suffolk, Virginia. In 2024, Lowell sensed the Lord calling him to serve the church on both sides of the prison walls as Director of Metanoia Prison Ministries.
Lowell is married to Mae, the granddaughter of a Presbyterian (PCUS) missionary who was murdered with two of Mae’s uncles in Brazil in 1976. Mae grew up with her 9 siblings on Fazenda Boas Novas (Good News Farm) located on the edge of the Amazon basin in northern Brazil. There she learned how to do lots of things Lowell will never know how to do! Together they have five covenant children: Geneva (11), Titus (9), Lydia (7), Isaiah (5), and Ian (3). They are expecting their sixth in August 2024
Registration
The registration fee includes lodging in a bunkhouse, all meals, and use of the main lodge facilities. Tent sites are also available if you would rather to bring your own tent and sleep in it.
Registration – $150, 22 July – 21 September 2024
Online Registration Form
Machen Retreat and Conference Center
Location
6 Job’s Hill Rd
McDowell, VA 24458
Phone
Retreat: (540)396-3650
Information: (703)477-5670
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2