Earth & Soul Retreat

The Great Search 1

October 21–23, 2026Adult
Sponsored by Earth & Soul in cooperation with Montreat Conference Center

In 2022 John Philip Newell began a second series of annual retreats (called The Great Search) to address the deep spiritual yearnings of humanity at this moment in time amidst immense transitions in the world and religious exile for many. What are the new beginnings that are waiting to be born within us and among us today? 

The Great Search 1 is the first of a three-part series of annual retreats led by the Celtic teacher John Philip Newell and his colleague Cami Twilling in which we explore the search for expanded vision, the search for intimacy with Earth, and the search for spiritual presence.

The teachings of this retreat are based on John Philip Newell’s new book The Great Search: Turning to Earth & Soul in the Quest for Healing & Home (especially Chapters 1, 2, and 3, drawing on the wisdom of Thomas Berry, Nan Shepherd, and Martin Buber).

The text for this three-year program is John Philip Newell’s new book The Great Search. The shared prayer book for this program is Praying with the Earth.

The Great Search 1 can be taken as a stand-alone retreat or in conjunction with The Great Search 2 and The Great Search 3 which can be attended in any order and at any of our retreat centers across the country or online.

 

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Leadership

Rates & Registration

Comprehensive Rate

Comprehensive rates below include the program fee, a room (Wednesday and Thursday nights), meals in the Galax Dining Room (Wednesday dinner through Friday breakfast), plus a $2 community service fee per adult for public services provided by the Town of Montreat and the fire district.

Room check-in AFTER 4:00 pm on Wednesday. Room check-out BEFORE 10:00 am on Friday.

Assembly Inn
Single Occupancy
Private Bath
$681
Double Occupancy
Private Bath
$566 ($1132 total)

Commuter Rate

Commuter rate is $427. This rate includes the program fee, plus Wednesday dinner, Thursday lunch and dinner in the Assembly Inn's Galax Dining Room, and a $2 community services fee per person for public services provided by the Town and the fire district. This rate DOES NOT include room accommodations.

Other Housing

If you opt for non-conference center housing, Montreat suggests considering our neighbor, the William Black Lodge. The William Black Lodge is a convenient two-minute walk from the Assembly Inn, which houses the main plenary space for this conference, as well as the Galax dining room for the lunches and dinners included in commuter registration. Full details about accommodations and how to make reservations can be found on their website or by calling 828.669.6314.

Refund Policy

Cancellations received after September 6, but on or before September 21, 2026 will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meal charges (if applicable) less $75. No refunds will be issued after September 21, 2026. All requests must be in writing and received via email.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding registration, please contact the conference registrar, Sarah Akin, at 828.419.9813 or saraha@montreat.org.

Program Format and Schedule

Each day begins and ends with meditative prayer and chant. John Philip teaches from the wisdom of Celtic prophets over the centuries, applying this ancient wisdom to the most critical challenges of today. Cami Twilling invites us into spiritual practice bringing our inner attention to the presence of the sacred within us and within all things. In the early afternoon there is silence and free time for resting and walking. Our meals are shared in common.

The schedule below is tentative. An updated one will be sent to participants closer to the event start date.

Wednesday, October 21
*asterisk indicates entering meeting space in silence
2:30-4:30 pm Registration/Check In (Room check-in begins at 4 pm)
*4:45 pm Evening Prayer
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
*7:00 pm Session 1: Welcome & Introduction
9:00 pm Sacred Silence (until breakfast)
Thursday, October 22
7:30-8:30 am Breakfast (if staying in Assembly Inn)
*8:30 am Morning Prayer
9:00 am Break
*9:15 am Session 2: Teaching I
10:15 am Break
*10:45 am Session 3: Spiritual Practice I
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch
1:30 pm Siesta/Reading/Walking
*3:30 pm Sessions 4 & 5: Teaching II + Spiritual Practice II
5:00 pm Break
5:30-6:30 pm Dinner
6:45 pm Gather in Assembly Inn lobby for piping to the Barn
7:00 pm Reception, book signing, music, and outdoor fire
9:00 pm Goodnight and sleep well!
Friday, October 23
7:30-8:30 am Breakfast (if staying in Assembly Inn)
*8:30 am Morning Prayer
9:00-9:30 am Break/Room Check-Out (if necessary)
*9:30 am Session 7: Teaching III
10:30 am Break
*11:00 am Session 8: Thanksgiving and Closing
12:00 pm Departure

Main Phone Number

Physical Address

401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757

Mailing Address

Montreat Conference Center
PO Box 969
Montreat, NC 28757

Business Office

Montreat Conference Center
318 Georgia Terrace
Montreat, NC 28757

Business Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm

The Montreat Store

Phone: 828.669.5298

Moore Center, Second Floor
303 Lookout Road
Montreat, NC 28757

Store Hours:
Monday–Saturday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday, CLOSED

The Huckleberry Cafe

Phone: 828.419.9880

Moore Center, Third Floor
303 Lookout Road
Montreat, NC 28757

Year-round Cafe Hours:

Tuesday–Friday, 8:00 am–3:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am–6:00 pm
Sunday–Monday, CLOSED

Summer Cafe Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–9:00 pm
Saturday, 8:00 am–3:00 pm
Sunday, CLOSED