David is hosting a retreat at William Black Lodge in Montreat this Fall, Oct. 6-8,
and you are invited!
Inspiration. Conversation. Transformation.
Like David’s previous retreats, it will be a memorable weekend of creativity, reflection, growth and connection.
We are in the process of confirming leadership for this year’s retreat and we can’t wait to share this news with you!
Stories Matter
The stories we tell about ourselves and the world around us matter. Our lives can change when, as my friend Gareth Higgins is fond of saying, we tell a better story. And when we change the world around us changes as well.
Over the course of this weekend together, we will take joy in each others’ presence and in the stories we get to hear and share. We might also find ourselves changed. We will share music together, have some great conversations, rest, eat wonderful food, and make some new friends. We will also hear stories, personal and traditional, from Cherokee to Ireland and beyond. We will have a chance to consider the stories that have shaped and defined us, and to consider what we are reaching toward now, our roots and our branches.
Fall colors in the mountains of Western North Carolina should also be near their peak, and the community of people who gather at these retreats is always nourishing. We believe this time will enrich your life, and are extremely excited about the quality of the gathering to which we are inviting you.
— David & Bethanie
Leadership
- David LaMotte and Bethanie Monroe will host the weekend. David will offer a concert on Friday night and lead reflections throughout our time together.
- Laura Hope-Gill, Poet Laureate of the Blue Ridge Parkway, will host a session with the Story Shepherds, a group from Northern Ireland who will examine stories of conflict and reconciliation through the lens of their own roles and experience in the Troubles.
- Yara Allen, Theomusicology and Movement Arts Co-Director for the Poor People’s Campaign, will share and lead music on Saturday night.
- Stoneman (a.k.a. Terry Shinn) will share traditional Cherokee stories.
- Aisha Brooks-Johnson & Alonzo Johnson will lead a time of contemplation on Sunday morning, and bring musical gifts as well.
- Heather Dickens will lead gentle yoga classes each morning.
- Jason Nanz will lead a guided hike on Saturday.
Lodging Options
The retreat will take place at William Black Lodge, in Montreat, NC, and you can choose to have a private room, shared room, or arrange your own lodging. If you are coming to the retreat with a friend or partner, please provide their name when you register. If you would prefer a shared room but are not planning to attend with someone you know, we will try to pair you with a compatible roomie and you can make a new friend.
Bring Friends!
There is a small cabin just behind the lodge that can accommodate 3 to 4 people, if you and some friends want to come together (please ask folks at William Black Lodge for more details when you call).
How to Register
Please call William Black Lodge at 828.669.6314, Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3PM EDT. Just a heads up, there is not always someone in the office but they check messages frequently and will get back with you if you leave a message with your name and phone number. Be prepared to provide contact details for you and your guests so we can reach out to you with additional questions about your needs during your time with us.
Weekend Cost
Shared room: $725 (per person) — all programming, food, and lodging
Private room: $925 — all programming, food, and lodging
Commuter fee: $425 — all programming and food
At the time of registration, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining half will be automatically billed on Monday, September 18th.
Partial scholarships
We want this event to be accessible, and we know that the distribution of money in our society has little to do with our value to a community. So, if you feel led to be here, but the registration fee is beyond your ability to pay at present, please contact us to discuss your needs (before calling to register) and we will try to work with you to look for a way to make the retreat possible, either via payment plans, partial scholarship, or other creative solutions. And if you are able to pay more to enable us to share this experience with anyone regardless of ability to pay, we welcome and are grateful for your extra contribution. Decisions about scholarships will be made late in the summer.
Cancellation Policy
There is a $100 non-refundable administration fee incurred at the time of registration. If you cancel prior to September 1st, your 50% payment deposit minus this $100 fee will be refunded. After September 1st, the 50% deposit is non-refundable but you will not be responsible for the 2nd 50%. If you cancel after September 18th, your second 50% payment deposit will be refunded.
Thanks for taking a look. We hope you can join us!
