Flow of Community

Join us for Flow of Community, a weekend workshop focused on building community through guided movement, conversations, and meditation.

The workshop will be led by Tony C. Johnson, Choreographer, Activist, Mercy Associate at Sisters of Mercy, Founder of My Neighbor Ministries, and Ambassador for the American Dance Festival.

Together, workshop participants will discover ways to rebuild a community where every member is a part, is equal, and feels a sense of belonging. We all wear many masks. This workshop is for persons who are aware of the importance of community and the necessity to recreate it; people who are willing to be true and authentic about themselves, to join in a sacred space together, where they would be willing to share with each other, be there for each other, and be vulnerable.

This retreat will be followed with a performance by the participants who attended the retreat.

Sponsored by The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee of the Diocese of North Carolina.

Meals will be provided, and fruit, snacks, and beverages will be available. Please note any dietary requests when completing registration.

Overnight lodging options:

• Single room with a shared bath ($230)
• Double rooms with a shared bath can be booked individually ($260) or attendees can elect to share a room ($210 each)

We have a limited number of scholarships available. To request a scholarship, please contact us at information@peacehillavila.org. A limited number of commuter tickets (no lodging included) are also available for $150 each.

About our Retreat Leader

Tony Johnson’s story is one of deep commitment and passion for serving others, especially those
in marginalized communities. For over 29 years, he has dedicated his life to the mission of the
Sisters of Mercy in America, working to support the poor, homeless, and those living on
society’s fringes. His journey reflects a profound connection between faith, service, and the arts,
with dance serving as both an expression of his spiritual journey and a tool for deeper
community engagement.

His career began with a year-long program in discipleship at the Servant Leadership School in Washington, DC, where he interned at N St. Village, a center for homeless women. His desire to serve others then led him to AmeriCorps, where he worked for two years as a volunteer coordinator, and the Maryland Ecumenical Council, where he spent seven years mobilizing churches and volunteers to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Tony’s work didn’t stop with his involvement in existing ministries. He founded several
ministries of his own, including an AIDS Ministry in Durham, North Carolina, and 9th Street.
Ministries, which focused on serving the poor and homeless in the West Durham area. His most
A recent initiative, “My Neighbor Ministry,” launched in 2021, continues his legacy of service to
marginalized communities in the DC area.

Beyond his work in community outreach and social justice, Tony’s love for dance has been an
integral part of his ministry. Through dance, he has created over 10 original works that embody
his faith journey and reflect on scripture. His role as a dance minister reflects his belief in using
movement as a powerful means of expressing and connecting with others. In 2023, he was
commissioned by the American Dance Festival to create a piece, “Flow of Community,” that
reflects on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also premiered a documentary,
Dance Came My Voice, showcasing his unique blend of faith, community, and movement.
Tony’s life and ministry exemplify a deep commitment to service, creativity, and connection,
using every opportunity to care for those most in need. His work is a living testament to the
transformative power of faith and art in building compassionate communities.

Staying at Avila

The retreat will take place at Avila Center for Community Leadership, a retreat center located on 50 acres of wooded land in Northern Durham. Avila first opened in 1957 as a Carmelite monastery, and became a gathering place for faith groups and nonprofit organizations during the 1980’s. Today, Avila is operated by Self-Help, United for a Fair Economy, Union of Southern Service Workers, and Peace Hill.

Nestled in the woods, the residential cabins offer a tranquil and peaceful setting to step away from the busyness and noise of everyday life. The grounds of Avila include nature trails, gazebos, a labyrinth, and a fire pit, offering the perfect contemplative setting for community building.