Eagle Eyrie’s 2021 Special Needs Retreat Connects Friends Online

by Baylor May

Mary Buckner, retreat coordinator, welcomes attendees to the virtual retreat.

The Special Needs Retreat is one of Eagle Eyrie’s most impactful events of the year. For so many friends with disabilities, this event is a unique opportunity to reconnect over fun music and learn about God’s love! While this year’s retreat was hosted virtually, it involved some of the same memorable activities, including an exciting dance on Saturday night with the Green family. Additionally, Mary Buckner gave a warm welcome and Nick Deere, pastor of Broadus Memorial Baptist Church (Charlottesville, VA), led powerful devotionals during each of the two sessions.

John Buckner, Barry Green, and Grant Frederick lead a sing-along during the retreat.

So far, there have been 185 participant views with many expressing how this year’s virtual retreat has blessed them. One participant commented, “Thank you! We loved seeing the Buckners and the pictures of our retreat friends, the sing along, the worship, and the dance. The Greens are so personable. God willing, the fun will continue in person in 2022!” It is evident that God used this year’s virtual retreat to encourage special needs friends in new ways by providing a sense of community with each other and extending a warm reminder of God’s never ending love. Special thanks for putting this together goes to Mary and Mark Buckner, Barry and Ann Green, Nicholas Deere, Grant Frederick, Sheri Crawford, Jon Buckner, Ruth Nethery, and Meredith Green.

The Greens lead a special dance for participants.

Eagle Eyrie invites you to mark your calendar for next year’s Special Needs Retreat on October 21-23, 2022, and to visit our website for other opportunities for retreats and conferences!

For more than 50 years, Eagle Eyrie has been a vibrant location for spiritual renewal and rest for church members and leaders within BGAV and beyond.

Baylor May is the Assistant Director of Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center in Lynchburg, VA.