A former Austin man will direct a retreat focused on forgiveness and reconciliation.

The retreat, presented by Allan R. Smith, is free and open to the public and will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Smith is the son of Merrill and Rose Smith of Austin and has directed several retreats throughout Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan and Owatonna. The retreat will be presented in two segments. The first three topics will be held on Saturday morning starting at 9 a.m., with a break for a light lunch, which will be provided, in-between sessions and will conclude at 2 p.m.

Smith said in a press release that the subject of forgiveness and reconciliation touches lives every day. He will ask “hard-hitting” questions and will challenge the participants as he has questioned and challenged himself over the years.

The presentation topics include, who are you mad at, it’s your call, will the real God please stand up, the good stuff, and where the rubber meets the road.

The participants will be asked to take a personal, inner look at themselves during the process, and there will be other topics like a method of forgiveness, and powerful hints and suggestions to make relationships more compatible. The last session concludes with a challenge to all people to move in the direction of reconciliation.

Smith is a native of Minnesota and was born and raised in Austin. He is a graduate of St. Augustine’s High School, is retired, and he and his wife have four children and currently reside in Owatonna.