What Happens at an Excel Weekend?
Can I bring my cell phone and beeper?
I am not a member of or have a home Church. Can I still attend?
Why is it called an “exercise”?
What is Excel?
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.What does Excel do?
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!What Happens at an Excel Weekend?
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.Is Transportation provided?
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.What should I wear?
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.Can I bring a friend?
Yes. However, please remember this is each persons individual walk with Christ.Can I bring my cell phone and beeper?
By coming to the weekend, you are making a commitment to forget the use of cell phones, beepers, telephones and all other distractions.I am not a member of or have a home Church. Can I still attend?
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.How does this all happen?
You will share in a weekend exercise with a group of others living together and learning more about being a member of the body of Christ. You work, play, and worship together throughout the weekend. This common experience serves as the corner stone for building a strong relationship with God, members of your local church, and the larger community of faith.What is the weekend like?
The weekend begins on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. and lasts through Sunday afternoon. You need to attend the entire exercise, as each part fits together and builds upon the previous piece. Detaching yourself from all outside concerns and distractions assists in creating an atmosphere for reflection and growth.Why is it called an “exercise”?
Saint Ignatius Loyola first popularized the term several centuries ago when he developed his famous spiritual exercises. The EXCEL weekend, finds its roots in these time-tested exercises.