Frequently Asked Questions
Our upcoming retreats FAQs cover a range of topics to ensure your experience is seamless and enjoyable. You’ll find information on what to wear during retreat activities, suggestions for what to bring to enhance your stay, details about meals provided during the retreat, including any dietary accommodations we can make, and guidelines for cell phone usage during retreat sessions to help maintain a focused and reflective environment. If you have specific questions beyond these topics, feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.
Excel is a self-administered spiritual retreat ministry started in the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Excel was started in 1975 and there are approximately 20 teams in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South Africa. Excel is patterned after the Cursillo movement which began in 1949 in Spain. Hundreds of people attend Excel weekends each year.
Excel is an “Exercise in Christian Community Living”. The Excel principles are shared during a retreat by a team of committed Christians who are employing these principles in their own lives. These principles have been known for thousands of years as the Christian Way, yet today’s busy world sometimes makes Christina living seem very difficult or complex. Excel gets you back to the basics!
The weekend begins Friday evening and runs through late Sunday afternoon. Since all parts of the weekend build on each other, you need to be present for each. Pray that you will be able to enter the weekend as free as possible from all outside distractions and in a spirit to learn from God. There will be a series of talks, small group discussions, activities and worship experiences. Each part of the weekend is designed to allow you to individualize your spiritual growth.
Transportation assistance can be arranged, as we care about everyone and want to be sure all are able to attend – no matter what their transportation situation is. If you need transportation, please indicate this on your application form. We will match you up with someone within your area.
All parts of the weekend are informal and comfortable. Sweaters or light jackets are recommended for possibly cool days and evenings. If the weather forecast indicates rain, please plan to bring the appropriate clothing and footwear.
Of couse, invite all your friends to register and join in on the fun. This way, you can grow together as a group and individually!
By coming to the weekend, you are making a commitment to forget the use of cell phones, telephones and all other distractions.
Please do. This is not a church membership drive weekend. Members of Excel and participants alike come from many different religious and non religious backgrounds; all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Church membership or affiliation is not a prerequisite. In fact, there are no prerequisites for attending the weekend. However, curiosity and an open mind are recommended.
