This Ministry Team's objective is to assist newcomers to First Presbyterian Church in establishing themselves as involved, motivated

participants in the life of the Church. To this end, newcomers are encouraged to attend a weekend retreat at Ascension Priory -near Jerome, Idaho- where they are able to meet other newcomers, worship, meditate, and consider where they are on their spiritual journey. The Ministry Team assists the newcomers with the logistics of the weekend as well as providing spiritual guidance and counseling.

During the past year, there have been three retreats: in October and November 1997 and February 1998. Thirty-two people from these retreats were accepted into membership at First Presbyterian. A number of other retreat participants were already members or wished only to strengthen their spiritual understanding and have become involved in this faith community in a variety of other ways.