Tres Dias is an
inter-denominational 3-day weekend retreat. The focus of the weekend is "God's
Unmerited Love. The weekend is designed to show the
"agape" love that God pours out on us. This is love that is unconditional,
unmerited, and for which the only true response can be love in return. The goal is to
empower Christians to become leaders within their families, their small groups, their
churches, and their communities. Participants often return to their own
church with renewed commitment.
DESIGN OF THE WEEKEND:
The weekend runs
from Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. In addition to other
participants, the weekend consists of committed Christian volunteers who serve
as team members. They will attempt to share the "Christ within them " with the
participants, while expecting nothing in return. (Experience shows that God
richly blesses the team members more than any "thank you" from a participant
ever could!). During the weekend, you can expect:
- Group discussions of topics that are of vital interest to the Body of Christ.
- Times of prayer, sharing and fellowship.
- Lots of music and singing.
- Lots of fun and surprises!
- LOTS of food. (This isn't the weekend to plan a fast or begin a diet!).
- More surprises! !
- Most importantly, you can expect that God will meet you exactly where you are!
Generally, the retreat is designed for men to go first, followed several weeks
later by their wives. (The reason for this is that, according to Tres Dias
tradition, women generally have more of a desire to attend, so they will usually
"encourage" their husbands to attend so they can then go themselves!)
Tres Dias is the Protestant counter-part of the Catholic Cursillo movement. However, many Catholics are active in both organizations, and this also assists
in the breaking down of denominational walls as Christians find they can share
in those areas that bind us together in Christ, while downplaying areas of
disagreement! Open communion is practiced, and anyone who acknowledges Jesus
Christ as Lord is welcome to partake.
WHAT TRES DIAS IS NOT!
Tres Dias is a "once in a
lifetime" experience. Once a person has attended a weekend, they are not
permitted to attend again, unless they do so as a future team member. Following
the weekend, participants are strongly encouraged to participate in small "share
groups" or "home groups" (referred to in Tres Dias lingo as "reunion groups").
- It is NOT intended to become an alternative to your home church or practice of
worship.
- It is not a denomination, nor is it designed to become a focal point of
worship, other than during the particular weekend.
- There is no proselytizing! No particular denomination or group is encouraged
or discouraged, as long as that denomination or group follows the basic tenets
of the Tres Dias Statement of Belief.
Essentially, Tres Dias is the expression of unmerited Christian love exhibited
by the Father through His people! It is the desire of the Tres Dias Community
that participants will return to their home churches with the empowerment of a
revitalized relationship with Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit!
WHY IS TRES DIAS SO SPECIAL?
There are two things that make every Tres Dias weekend special!
-The first, and most important, is prayer! Once a person completes a weekend,
they become part of the Tres Dias "Community". The community is made aware of
the weekend schedules, and it is the responsibility and desire of the community
to hold each weekend up in prayer! These weekend retreats are literally "bathed"
in prayer, love, and support.
- The second is the support of the Tres Dias Community. Very often, people are
touched by God's Love in a powerful way on their weekend, and it becomes their
desire to share that experience with others. It is this community of believers
that support the weekend retreats with their prayers and their physical labors. Christians work behind the scenes of every weekend to make certain that the
needs of the participants are met!
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
Anyone who wishes to participate in a weekend must be sponsored
by someone who has previously completed a weekend. The sponsor carries
significant responsibility to assure that the participant's family is taken care
of, so the participant can focus on the activities of the weekend and not worry
about what's happening at home. It's not unusual for a sponsor to help in
chauffeuring children on a woman's weekend, and even fixing leaks when a problem
occurs during the husband's weekend.
The only requirement is that an application form be completed, and that it be
signed by a leader (pastor , elder, etc) of your home church. If a participant
does not have a home church, other arrangements can be made. The sponsor can
help with this.
Once accepted on a weekend, you will be provided with a list of recommended
items to bring (such as
blankets, pajamas, etc). Other than that, your sponsor will take care of all
other details. All you have to do is walk out of your front door, as your
sponsor will even drive you to the retreat site.
WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS (SUCH AS DIET OR MEDICATION)?
Be sure to let your sponsor know of these needs in advance. All
special diets can be accommodated as long as the cooks know the details ahead of
time. If medication is needed during the night or at
special times, members of the team will awaken you as needed and even bring a
glass of water!
IS THERE A FEE?
There is a suggested tax deductible donation of $200.00 to cover the cost of
the weekends. It's important to note that donations received on a weekend pay for
the FOLLOWING weekend! (In other words, your weekend is already paid for when
you arrive and you are donating to the following weekend!). Team members are also requested to make the same donation. No pressure is placed on people to make donations, and
no list is
kept. Experience has shown that participants and team members who can afford to generally give
more than the recommended donation, which more than offsets those who
cannot afford to give. Most importantly, inability to pay should NEVER be a
reason for not attending! Also, we strongly suggest that this
donation not be taken away from any tithe you would normally give to your
church!
WHERE IS THE RETREAT HELD?
All retreats are held at the Mt. Alvernia facility in
Wappingers Falls, NY. (Click here for directions
to Mt. Alvernia).