2025 Discovering Renewal

Name: 2025 Discovering Renewal
Start: 2025-04-22
End: 2025-04-25
Location: Montreat Conference Center

April 22–25, 2025 Adult

A Montreat Conference Center Event

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Our culture values hard work over rest. Burnout is rampant. Our jobs, obligations, churches often expect us to work relentlessly. Hard work is good, but it is not the goal. We often preach about the importance of Sabbath, but how often do we take our own advice? What we need is to take time to breathe, to engage our senses, to use neglected literal and figurative muscles so that we might discover the renewal Sabbath offers.

Join us as we seek to discover renewal through activities as a way to be reminded that we can find this renewal in the most common of places.

Leadership

Brian McLaren – Devotion Leader

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. McLaren is the author of numerous books, including the award-winning A New Kind of Christianity, We Make the Road by Walking and The Great Spiritual Migration. A popular conference speaker and a frequent guest lecturer for denominational and ecumenical leadership gatherings, his public speaking covers a broad range of topics including postmodern thought and culture, Biblical studies, church leadership and spiritual formation, pastoral survival and burnout, inter-religious dialogue, and global crises.

Larry "Grey" Mitchell – Track Leader (Intentional Hiking)

Guide, explorer, curious learner, pilgrim, storyteller, and listener sharing life with people through a variety of educational spaces—college professor, high school coach and teacher, pastor, spiritual director, and wilderness guide. Grey strolls the paths, sidewalks, and hallways of life with pockets stuffed full of questions, a blues tune on his lips, a hockey stick close by, and a hearty conviction that we're all pilgrims doused in grace, making our way home.

As a guide—not to mention father, grandfather, husband, and neighbor—he is compelled to create safe and challenging opportunities for his fellow pilgrims to explore the intricacies and complexities of life and faith. Exploring passion for life and compassion for the other—whether around a table, on a porch, walking gritty urban sidewalks, or dusty wilderness trails—he sets a pace and makes the space to listen and see: see, question, wonder, wander, ponder, and percolate.

Over the years, he has guided a few hundred pilgrimage experiences, helping others explore this gritty, glorious grind called life through questions, ponderings, doubts, disruptions, discoveries, laughter, tears, wanderings, and wonderings. It is all part of the walk, and he loves it.

Sue Dolamore – Track Leader (Art)

Sue Dolamore has enjoyed painting en plein air in the mountains of Western North Carolina for over 10 years. She has set up her easel in high mountain forests, open meadows nestled in valleys, on misty woodland trails, by singing rivers, and in many special places, enjoying the nature around while feeling the earth beneath and the boundless sky above.

She lives with her husband and two cats in Marshall, NC, in a round house that sits on a ridge above a river gorge. She is thankful every day for her good life, enriched by loving relationships with family and many friends, for the opportunity to serve her community as an art instructor in the greater Asheville area, for her working studio space in the River Arts District’s Warehouse, for all the beauty that surrounds her, and most of all for her connection with the Divine.

Rev. Thomas Wesley (T. Wes) Moore, IV – Track Leader (Tabletop Gaming)

Rev. Thomas Wesley (T. Wes) Moore, IV is the Bridge Pastor at Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church in Clinton, North Carolina. He met his wife, Rev. Lauren Voyles, at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. Together, they have three beagles/beagle mixes: Murphy (11), Melodie (4), and Morty (3).

In his spare time, he enjoys all things Star Trek, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, and Pathfinder. In 2013, T. Wes was introduced to Pathfinder (1st Edition), but did not really get into Tabletop Role Playing Games (TTRPGs) until December of 2019, when some of his friends, who are also ministers, needed a Game Master (GM) to run Pathfinder. Fast forward into the second half of 2020 and T. Wes found himself not only playing Pathfinder (2nd Edition), but also Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game . Currently, T. Wes plays Pathfinder and Dungeons and Dragons (5th Edition) which is led by track co-leader, Dora Rowe, and is the GM for Star Trek Adventures.

Needless to say, the friendships formed and strengthened via Zoom through Pathfinder, Dungeons and Dragons, and Star Trek Adventures have helped him cope with the harsh realities of COVID-19 and the political atmosphere in the United States. Plus, after a long Session meeting, is there any better way to release some stress than by slashing demons, looting a rich person's house, drinking with Klingons, or containing a warp core breach?

Dora Rowe – Track Leader (Tabletop Gaming)

Dora Rowe is currently the Director of the Instructional Resource Center at Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Morton Library in Richmond, VA. She also serves as the Instructional Services Librarian for both the Richmond and the Charlotte, NC campuses. She oversees research and technology instruction conducted through the library; develops and maintains Morton’s Makerspace; manages the curriculum, audiovisual, and youth collections in Richmond; and acts as the library’s events coordinator. She enjoys parlaying her love of play into her day-to-day routines, such as planning Escape Rooms and running D&D campaigns for the Seminary community.

Dora began gaming more than three decades ago, and quickly began developing her own worlds and stories. She has played in several systems, but most loves collaborative storytelling games. Currently, her games are generally run under the Dungeons and Dragon 5th edition ruleset, and she acts as the dungeon master for multiple adventuring parties. She also enjoys live action role playing as a player and is a new participant in the Numina 3 campaign. Mundanely, she combines all these interests with her research into ways to use fiction and roleplay to develop empathy in teens and young adults.

She lives in Richmond with her four cats, an elderly dog, and a dizzying number of multiple worlds half-written into stories. In her spare time, she teaches second grade religious education on Sundays in her church, travels, gardens, and wanders around rural Virginia.

Activity Tracks

Sign up for an activity track. Each day will begin with a devotion led by Brian McLaren and a challenge to use your chosen activity to find peace and renewal and to reflect on how to bring this back to your daily life. Fill in your free time in whatever way you feel led. Come to be renewed and enjoy free time to think, pray, read, sleep, or just relax.

Art Track (Limited to 15)

Find renewal through creation with this track designed for those who love art and the outdoors. Participants will be sketching en plein air for three hours each of the two days. Creating art en plein air (in the open air) awakens the senses and creates a special connection to nature. En plein air, the artist captures the essence of nature's design. This class will be beginner-friendly. Participants will be given a supply list at a later date which they will be responsible for purchasing. This track will finish by 12:30 pm each day, which leaves plenty of time for exploring Montreat's trails, reading by Lake Susan, shopping in Black Mountain, and finding other ways of renewal. Led by Sue Dolamore.

Yoga (Limited to 20)

Come renew your mind and spirit through the practice of yoga. Enjoy two different hour-long sessions each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. We will explore breathwork, movement, strengthening, and stretching as we seek to find rest for our bodies and souls. Learn what your body and mind need to feel at peace. Then, take these tools home with you to incorporate moments of Sabbath into your daily life and achieve more balance. Please bring a yoga mat. Led by Mary Carroll Dodd.

Fly Fishing (Limited to 15)

Join us as we approach fly fishing as a contemplative practice and a way to experience renewal beyond just "getting on the water." Western North Carolina boasts some of the best fly fishing on the East Coast. During this experience, participants will have opportunities to fish on sections of some of the county’s finest rivers, all within an hour and a half drive of Montreat. All levels of skill are welcome.
For those interested in learning the basics of fly fishing, we have a limited number of tenkara rods available. Tenkara fishing is a simple form of fly fishing traditionally practiced in Japan. Primarily used for mountain stream trout fishing, tenkara offers a minimalist approach that is approachable for all skill levels.

We can also connect participants with local guides for those seeking more intensive instruction—contact us to learn more.

"People fish because they are searching for something. Often it is not for a fish." — Fennel Hudson, Fly Fishing - Fennel's Journal - No. 5

Led by Tanner Pickett.

Intentional Hiking (Limited to 20)

Walking as a spiritual practice is less about using your path for the sake of transportation and more about engaging the trail for ongoing transformation. Each day of this track we will spend time immersed among the elements of wild nature that make themselves known on forest trails. With the wisdom of select poets and naturalists to guide us, we will trek and converse, exploring how to engage as participants in a community of wildness. With our senses in tune with the elements, we will saunter and reflect, exploring what it means to pray with our feet. Led by Daniel Rogers and Grey Mitchell.

Tabletop Games (Limited to 12)

Unleash your inner adventurer and delve into the captivating realm of tabletop gaming, guided by our passionate track leaders, Rev. Thomas Wesley (T. Wes) Moore, IV, and Dora Rowe. Prepare for an odyssey filled with magic, camaraderie, and boundless creativity as you explore a diverse spectrum of tabletop role-playing games, board games, and more.

As you embark on epic quests, confront mythical creatures, and immerse yourself in immersive storytelling, you'll uncover the remarkable power of imagination. Roll the dice and let your ingenuity soar, creating unforgettable moments that will resonate long after the game board is cleared.

In the mornings, there will be opportunities to be introduced to Star Trek Adventures: The Roleplaying Game and Dungeons and Dragons (5e). In the afternoons, Dora and T. Wes will introduce various competitive and cooperative board games. Then, during the evenings, participants will have the option to confront the monsters of the dungeons in hopes for loot and fame in D&D, led by Dora Rowe, or explore the mysteries of the final frontier of space in STA, led by T. Wes Moore.

And for those who believe in the sacred combination of games and snacks, fear not—there will be a delightful assortment of treats to fuel your adventures. Whether you're a seasoned campaigner or a newcomer to the world of tabletop gaming, this track promises not only fun and adventure but also a tight-knit community where friendships are forged through shared experiences. Get ready to journey alongside T. Wes and Dora, your trusty guides, into the enchanting world of tabletop gaming, where every roll of the dice holds the promise of a new and unforgettable adventure.

Contemplative Track (Limited to 20)

Interest in contemplative practice has skyrocketed in recent years as people seek to reduce stress, grow healthy relationships, and revitalize their spirituality. Ancient traditions are being rediscovered even as exciting new modalities join the landscape. In this track, we’ll explore both old and new. Expect to participate in time-honored practices like centering prayer, Lectio Divina, and sacred journaling, alongside an illuminating dive into the Enneagram type structures. The combination of these activities, enjoyed in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina, will leave you feeling refreshed, with greater self-awareness and spiritual vitality. No experience is necessary for this track. However, we request that you take the official Enneagram RHETI test prior to the retreat and bring your results with you (a $20 cost). Led by Greg Durham and Kelley Weber

Sabbath Track (No limit)*

Montreat offers a peaceful and beautiful setting for guests to commune with their Creator, rest their souls, and shed the burdens of everyday life. This track will give participants the opportunity to attend the morning devotions with Brian and join for evening events, but will not have programmed activities during the day. It can provide time and space for prayer, study, or rest, as well as opportunities outside the gate to take part in all that Western North Carolina has to offer.

*Because there is no programming, this track is offered at a reduced cost.

Rates & Registration

Comprehensive Rate

This rate is an all-inclusive and includes the conference fee, Assembly Inn housing, and meals. Check-in time will be after 3:00 pm Tuesday (3:00 pm on Monday for early arrivals). Check-out time will be no later than 11:00am Friday. Meals include Tuesday dinner through Friday breakfast.

Early Arrival Option: You now have the opportunity to arrive a day early. If you choose to arrive on Monday your price will increase by $146 for single occupancy private bath and $187 for double occupancy private bath. All early arrivals will have Monday dinner and Tuesday breakfast and Lunch added to their reservation.

Our sabbath Monday offering is your invitation to embrace Monday as a day for unstructured sabbath and rest following the bustling Easter season. Activities presented for Monday are entirely optional, with the first structured conference activities beginning Tuesday evening.

A price increase of $25 will happen after February 20.

Occupancy	Bathroom	Cost	Cost after Feb. 20
Single	Private	$625	$650
Double	Private	$467.50/person \| $935 total	$492.50/person \| $985 total

Rates for the Sabbath Track Only*

Occupancy	Bathroom	Cost	Cost after Feb. 20
Single	Private	$525	$550
Double	Private	$367.50/person \| $735 total (If both participate in the Sabbath Track)	$392.50/person \| $785 total (If both participate in the Sabbath Track)

*A Note About Discovering Renewal Sabbath Track Pricing:

When you select the Sabbath track and complete your registration, our dedicated registrars will manually adjust your fee to the correct amount of $100 before processing your payment, ensuring that you receive the discount as intended.

Commuter Rate

The commuter rate below includes the Discovering Renewal conference fee plus lunches on Wednesday and Thursday. This rate does NOT include housing accommodations.

$289 per person ($189 for the Sabbath Track)

All registrations include a $3 community services fee per adult for public services provided by the Town of Montreat and the fire district.

Cost will increase by $25 after February 20.

Need Financial Assistance?

We may be able to help! Please visit our scholarship page for more information about the scholarships we offer and to apply. Please send completed applications to our Director for Programs, Sarah Skinner, at sarahs@montreat.org.

Refund Policy

Cancellations must be received by March 11 in order to receive a full refund less a $25 service charge. Cancellations received after March 11, but on or before April 8 will receive a 50% refund of the conference fee and payments made toward room and meals charges (if applicable), less $40. No refunds will be issued after April 8. All requests must be made in writing and received via email, fax, or U.S. mail.

Tentative Schedule

Please note this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change.

Monday, April 21 - OPTIONAL Sabbath Day*
3:00 pm – Hotel Room Check-In
5:30 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Optional Casual Gathering for Fellowship in the Main Lobby

*Our sabbath Monday offering is your invitation to embrace Monday as a day for unstructured sabbath and rest, following the bustling Easter season. Activities presented for Monday are entirely optional, with the first structured conference activities beginning Tuesday evening.

Tuesday, April 22
3:00 pm-5:00 pm – Registration
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner
7:00-8:00 pm - Welcome

Wednesday, April 23
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am – Morning Reflection
9:00am – Activity Tracks

Art Track will run from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
9:15 am - Shuttles for Fly Fishing and Hiking Depart (Meet in Lower Lobby of Assembly Inn)

12:00-1:30 pm – Lunch
1:00 pm – Activity Tracks (Free Afternoon for Art Track)
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner
6:30 pm – Book Signing by Brian McLaren

Thursday, April 24
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast
8:30-9:00 am – Morning Reflection
9:00 am –Activity Tracks

Art Track will run from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
9:15 am - Shuttles for Fly Fishing and Hiking Depart (Meet in Lower Lobby of Assembly Inn)

12:00-1:30 pm – Lunch
1:00pm – Activity Tracks (Free Afternoon for Art Track)
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner
7:00 pm – Fire Pit

Friday, April 25
7:30-8:30 pm – Breakfast
11:00 am – Checkout

Additional Offerings

Kelley Webber, our esteemed Co-Leader for the Contemplative Track at Discovering Renewal, is offering individualized Spiritual Direction and Somatic Enneagram coaching. More details about both options are below. Participants have the opportunity to book sessions with Kelley directly, tailoring both the schedule and pricing to their unique needs. Please note that these services are offered separately from the registration cost and are $85 per hour. If you are interested in one of these coaching sessions, please contact Kelley directly aspiralspace@gmail.com

Spiritual Direction is a space for processing the "action" of your life where God is present. As a spiritual director Kelly will be present to you without judgement as space is allowed allow for silence where you might grow in awareness of your own interiority. Offering deep listening as well as pushing your thinking with insightful, open-ended questions, the goal of spiritual direction is always one of authenticity and freedom in one's spiritual life and relationship with God. Sessions are always held in strict confidence. (Kelley is a certified spiritual director through Aquinas Institute of Theology.)

Somatic Inquiry using the enneagram in a one on one guided experience where Kelly will assist you in developing your inner observer and guide you using breath as a primary resource from a state of overwhelm to a shifted state where you can be present to the wisdom of your body. This is a very powerful process and works best with people who have a contemplative practice as well as an understanding of their enneagram type. For those who do not come with this background, She is happy to begin that process with you. (Kelley has been training in somatic enneagram with Marion Gilbert for over three years.)