About | urbanworkersretreat.com

About UWR

Urban Workers Retreat has existed for over 15 years. We purpose to help youth workers find closer relationship to Jesus during this weekend so that we are able to love others as Christ has loved us. We do this by calling on a veteran in urban ministry every year to come and instruct us.

We also hope to enable youth workers with the necessary tools and information that will take their interactions to the next level. UWR is a way to invest in becoming more knowledgeable and prepared for incoming situations and burdens that need to be helped with at home. We do this by calling in workshop leaders to share in smaller sessions throughout the week.

The retreat takes place this year on April 14-16th, and registration is open! We would love to see you and 50 of your closest friends.

Meet the uwr Board

Isaiah Marte

I’m from Brooklyn, New York and have grown up attending urban schools. I’m currently serving the school I’ve previously attended (FJS) as a board member and I look forward to hearing and sharing my experiences with those interested in urban education

Stephen Lapp

Stephen Lapp and his wife MaryBeth live in the small town of Romney, WV, where they look for ways to serve and learn from the people around them. Having both grown up in rural settings, the switch to a (somewhat) urban life seemed big, but the town life has quickly taken a majority share in their hearts since they started their journey together in Romney in 2020. They view it as an immense opportunity to be involved in UWR, an event that equips and encourages Believers for Kingdom work in urban areas.

Tara Martin

Tara Martin lives in Denver PA, and runs her own cleaning business along with working part time at Salt & Light Cafe. She helps out with Kids Clubs at Shiloh Mennonite Church, and is passionate about showing the love of Jesus in this way, and creating a safe place for her kids to meet every week. Tara joined the board in 2023, and is excited to be a part of encouraging other urban workers through this retreat.

Katelyn Lapp

Katelyn is passionate about spreading the love of Jesus to children in urban settings. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has taught for 7 years at Way of Jesus Academy in Lancaster City. Additionally, Katelyn spent two summers working at Camp Andrews and has been involved in leading and teaching groups at Tuesday Church through Way of Jesus Ministries for over ten years. Katelyn’s experience is matched with a heart that is passionate to spread the love of Jesus to children and families and to share her knowledge and experiences as a board member.

Keeshon Washington

Keeshon Washington is a mentor, public speaker, writer, and Dispatcher in the City of York, Pa. He has been teaching in kids clubs and engaging in one-on-one discipleship since he was 13 years old. He desires to see better connection between the various Anabaptist missions in urban settings. In light of this, he takes a deep interest in ministries beyond his hometown of York.

Jason Weaver

Jason Weaver is the Middle & High School Principal at Way of Jesus Academy in Lancaster, PA. He joined the board in 2021. He has lived in Lancaster since 2011 and has been involved in youth ministry with Way of Jesus Ministries for over 15 years. He loves to hang out with young guys and mentor them as they follow Christ. He desires to see more people move into the communities that they are ministering to. He is excited about the vision of UYWR and is excited to see it continue networking ministries

Kwammaine Parson

Kwammaine, along with his wife, Emily have been involved in kids clubs for as long as they can remember. 6th Street Mission in Philadelphia is where they spent most of their time! While the doors of 6th Street have closed for them, they still find time in their daily work to still work with children. Currently, Kwammaine is teaching at Tidings of Peace and Emily is a nanny for two different families. Not only do they love their jobs with children, they enjoy hosting over a good cup of coffee with deep meaningful conversations with their family and friends.

Manny & Janessa Mercado

Emmanuel (Manny) Mercado, along with his wife Janessa Mercado live in the City of Reading and have been serving on the committee since 2018. Manny and Janessa have a passion for outreach, currently focusing on the youth that attend Shiloh Mennonite Church. They love hosting people at their home and have a personal goal to make it a safe place where anyone can join in on the everyday-life-happenings. A goal they have for UYWR is to encourage, excite, and send(it) disciples to faithfully sow into the lives of others!

Affiliate Ministries

Mission Training Center (NY)

Followers of Jesus (NY)

Tidings of Peace Christian School (PA)

Urban Lighthouse (PA)

Urban Mennonite Missions (PA)

Cornerstone Ministries (IN)

Destinations International

Olive Branch Mennonite Missions

Heart to Heart Ministries (PA)

Jesus and Me Ministries (WV)

Way of Jesus Academy (PA)

Reach 10.14 (ON)

Canton Cross Club (OH)

C2C Ministry (VA)

Pathways Ministries (IL)

Fairview Christian School (PA)

Shiloh Mennonite (PA)

AllStar Outreach (PA)

Institute for Global Opportunities

Sixth Street Mennonite Missions (PA)

Meadville Mennonite Kids Club (PA)

Ann Hope Childrens Church (SC)