Changes for Mount Wesley
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Mt. Wesley is a sacred space for many members of the Rio Texas Annual Conference. Countless United Methodists have committed their lives to Christ on its rocky grounds. Many of our pastors first heard their call to ministry under the shade of the live oaks. Children, young adults, men and women have felt their heart changed within the walls of the historic chapel.
As the colors of the landscape of Mt. Wesley change with the seasons, so does the life of our beloved retreat center. It is in such a season of change that we say goodbye to a fixture of Mt. Wesley as recognizable as the Bolivian Cross. Patti Zaiontz will be transitioning out of her position of Executive Director of Mt. Wesley. Not only is Patti well known to the thousands who find rest and renewal at Mt. Wesley, she has also been the steward of the center for 12 years. She has overseen the camp’s expansion and renovation and also overseen restoration projects after several severe weather events caused damage to the camp. She has been witness to hundreds of Walks to Emmaus, Chrysalis flights, youth camps, and clergy retreats.
Plans are underway for a reception in the near future where all will have a chance to thank her for her many years of service and wish her blessings on the road ahead.
Because of Mt. Wesley’s important place in the hearts and lives of the annual conference, we are taking steps to ensure Mt. Wesley’s future. The first step is the appointment of a new director to accept the mantle of leading and directing the camp. Fortunately, we did not need to look far to find a new director.
We are happy to introduce Christian D. Moore, CPRP, as the new Director of Mt. Wesley. Many know Christian as the Director of Camp & Retreat Ministry for the Crossroads District. In his current role, he provides management for the 101-acre Cathedral Oaks Worship and Retreat Center in Weimer, Texas. He will continue in his current role in the Crossroads District and add the management of Mt. Wesley to his portfolio.
Moore brings experience and an educational background to the table in his new position. Prior to joining the Crossroads District staff, Christian served in leadership positions in the parks & recreation departments of the cities of Cedar Park, Portland, and Leander, Texas. During his tenure in recreation, he was responsible for supervising comprehensive quality of life programs and services.
Christian holds a B.S. in Recreation Administration from Texas State University, and is among the 5% of parks and recreation professionals across the country to hold the Certified Parks & Recreation Professional credential.
Please continue to pray for Mt. Wesley during this time of transition and for all those people whose lives will be touched through this special place in the Hill Country.
