About
We stand together in hope in a world full of pain, difficulty, and loss. The apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice in our sufferings, “knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3–5).
Simcha, joy in Hebrew, is a time for believers to celebrate the joy we have in Messiah. This retreat is for Jewish believers and people connected to Chosen People Ministries or Messianic congregations in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. It will feature worship, teaching, and workshops to deepen our walk with the Lord. We know this weekend together in nature will provide much-needed refreshment!
- We offer housing options for individuals, couples, double occupancy with separate beds, and family housing. All on-campus housing includes accommodations for three nights, meals for Friday through Monday morning, all main sessions for all ages, and access to the conference center grounds for activities and pool time.
- Off-campus guests for the full weekend get full access to the events and conference center activities. Meals included dinner on Friday, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and breakfast on Monday. Off-campus housing allows commuters from the local area to come and enjoy the weekend with us. If we are fully booked, this option allows guests to find housing accommodations at local hotels and still enjoy Simcha with us!
- Day guests can choose to come for a full or half day of events. A full day includes two main sessions, workshop attendance, activities on the conference grounds like the pool, and two meals (lunch and dinner). Children who attend as day guests can participate in their programs during main sessions and childcare is provided during the workshops for adults to attend. Half-day guests can choose to attend one main session, one meal, and access to the conference grounds. Half-day registration does not include workshop sessions.
A full weekend schedule will be posted later. We hope you will join us as we look forward to seeing you!
WHEN:
Begins Friday, August 30, 2024, at 4:30 pm
Ends Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:30 am
WHERE:
Bongornio Conference Center
430 Union Hall Rd
Carlisle, PA 17013
United States
COST:
- Single = $405
- Double = $340
- Triple = $295
- Teens = $199 (same price if housed with parents or in the dorm—dorm does not include bedding and linens)
- Children = $170
- Infant = $60 $70 (to cover childcare costs for the 5 main sessions)
Register by June 30, 2024, to receive a 10 percent discount. Registration closes on August 5, 2024.
Kevin and Ann McGhee
Kevin McGhee: Kevin is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy who left a successful career as a naval officer to enter full-time ministry. He was the founding pastor of Bethany Community Church in Laurel, Maryland. Over the next three decades, he would not only lead Bethany, but also spearhead a number of community impact initiatives, rallying pastors and churches for Kingdom causes. After thirty-two years of leading the church he loved, Kevin joined the senior leadership team of Converge as the director of United States engagement. The department he leads helps churches across the country focus on the Great Commission—asking God to launch a gospel movement among the least-reached peoples of the world in our generation. Among the least reached in every land are deaf people, who hold a special place in Kevin’s heart.
Ann McGhee: Ann is passionate about seeing followers of Messiah fully equipped to know Him and make Him known. Ann enjoyed serving on the pastoral staff of three churches and as an adjunct professor at two seminaries and a Bible college. She has invested her life in growing disciple-makers and equipping people for ministry. Ann serves as director of training for Converge International Ministries and as an affiliate faculty member of Kairos University, equipping leaders for ministry through online, competency-based theological education.
Kevin and Ann have been married since 1981. The McGhees have two amazing daughters who are both in full-time ministry. They have a long history of friendship with Chosen People Ministries and have made multiple trips to Israel. Kevin was selected for a special program to pursue Holocaust studies at a conference at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.
Daniel Rosenfarb
From a young age, Daniel worked as a professional musical theatre performer. He continued his craft until taking up the guitar as a teenager and immediately began to write music. Since then, he has played in and has led several worship teams and bands throughout the Hampton Roads area. He has worked as both a voice teacher and recording artist and has held several other roles in the arts. He currently serves as the worship director for Beth Messiah Synagogue.
Daniel was raised in a Messianic Jewish household. Even though he was a second-generation Messianic Jew, he knew that he only held a spark of the gospel rather than its full flame. In his early twenties he received Yeshua’s gospel in a dramatic way that completely shifted his life and his perspective! That flame instantly turned into the Gospel-in-action, giving him the desire to reach people with the Gospel wherever he went. His heart now burns for his people to come to know their Messiah as well as for the Hampton Roads area to know the truth of who Yeshua is and how we can live in Him.
Daniel currently lives in Norfolk with his lovely wife Julia and their internet fish.