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PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – After a two-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers and participants in Jubilation finally celebrated the annual event’s 20^th anniversary May 2-4 at Black Fox Lodge in Pigeon Forge.

Attendance was down (104) from the last gathering in 2019 (175), “but I was blown away by the number of first-timers,” said the Rev. Susan Groseclose, Holston associate director of connectional ministries. She estimated about 50 to 60 percent of this year’s participants was new to the crowd.

Jubilation is Holston Conference’s annual spring retreat for older adults. A special video about the gathering’s two decades of ministry was presented Monday night.

For the first time, the event was live streamed and recorded for participants who could not join in person, Groseclose said. (See recordings below.)

Keynote speaker was Cathy Lee Phillips, author, speaker, vocalist, and humorist. Break-out presentations and activities included Bishop Richard Looney sharing “The Humor of Jesus,” Rev. Gaye King presenting “HealthRhythms Drumming,” Rev. Mike Sluder leading an afternoon hike, and Karen Wood leading bingo. Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett celebrated Holy Communion. (See list of presenters.)

Next year’s Jubilation is scheduled for April 24-26, again at Black Fox Lodge in Pigeon Forge.