Ends of the Earth
A Contemplative Retreat to Experience the Wisdom, Food, and Musical Traditions of Celtic Christianity
September 18 @ 3:00 pm – September 20 @ 3:00 pm
Ends of the Earth will offer participants an opportunity to slow their pace, gather for thoughtful listening to each other and the natural world, enjoy nutritious communal meals, and restore energy for engagement in the world. The retreat will include teachings, practices, food, and music grounded in the Celtic Christian traditions, which took shape at the westernmost ends of Europe on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland in the 5th century.
Early themes of Celtic Christianity developed perspectives especially relevant to modern spirituality and social change, including emphasis on original goodness rather than original sin; equality for women in education and leadership; incorporation of Druidic stress on non-dominant connection of human beings to nature and creation; recognition by Jesus of economic and social iniquities; and prioritizing horizontal organizational structures over hierarchical ones.
Ends of the Earth is designed for those in the church and those who have left despairingly; for those who are fighting heartily for justice in the world and who hunger for spiritual sustenance; and for those curious about how an indigenous expression of Christianity could have taken shape so long ago yet remained mostly hidden from view, only to re-emerge recently.
A pre-retreat gathering begins on Friday, September 18, with a community supper followed by live music and storytelling by the fire pit, with perhaps a “wee dram from the water of life.”
The retreat proper begins Saturday morning and runs through mid-afternoon on Sunday, September 20. Participants can expect an easy rhythm that includes teaching, live meditative music, times of silence, hearty meals, small group sharing, opportunities for walks on the path or labyrinth, as well as rest and sleep.
The retreat will be held at the Avila Center for Community Leadership, a serene, wooded 50-acre property 20 minutes north of Durham, North Carolina. It offers multiple indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, along with nature trails, gazebos, a labyrinth, and a fire pit.
The retreat will be led by Terry Allebaugh and Esther Hethcox, who will be joined by Chef in Residence Milton Brasher-Cunningham and Musician in Residence Charles Pettee.
Terry Allebaugh, Retreat Facilitator
Terry Allebaugh is the President of Peace Hill at Avila and a graduate of The Living School Program of the Center for Action and Contemplation. Terry is also a student in the School of Earth and Spirit led by John Philip Newell, including a pilgrimage week with Newell at Iona, Scotland, the historic center of the Celtic Christian tradition.
Esther Hethcox, Retreat Facilitator
Esther Hethcox is the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Durham and a certified spiritual director, which currently includes services for inmates on death row. Celtic theology has deeply informed Esther’s prayer and spiritual life and her leadership with The Somethings, a young adult fellowship group at First Presbyterian.
Milton Brasher-Cunningham, Chef in Residence
Milton Brasher-Cunningham is the author of Keeping the Feast: Metaphors for the Meal, and chef for numerous Ireland Retreats, a program led by Gareth Higgins and Brian Ammons looking at the story of Northern Ireland as a way to learn more about peacemaking. Also a pastor, poet, and songwriter, Milton returns to Durham, the home of his heart, to cook for the retreat.
Charles Pettee, Musician in Residence
Charles Pettee is a Master Teaching Artist, performer and instructor. He is a founding member of a world traveling bluegrass group, The Shady Grove Band, and folk music project FolkPsalm, featuring his work setting the words of the Psalms to Celtic and Americana influenced melodies. Charles is currently celebrating the release of his 15th album Slippery Hill Bluegrass, a project with his oldest son, musician Jackson Pettee.
Ticket Pricing
- Two-Night Retreat (Friday–Sunday) – Join us for a pre-retreat gathering on Friday evening to share a meal, music, and time by the campfire! This ticket option includes accommodations for Friday and Saturday nights, meals, and all weekend retreat activities: $350
- Overnight Retreat (Saturday–Sunday) – This ticket option includes overnight accommodations, meals, and weekend retreat activities: $250
- Commuter Ticket – This ticket option includes Saturday-Sunday weekend retreat activities and meals, but not overnight accommodations: $175
We are committed to financial accessibility and strive to ensure retreats are not cost-prohibitive. If you would like to request a scholarship, please contact us at information@peacehillavila.org. If you are able to contribute any amount above the ticket cost, donations help us provide support to participants with financial need.
Register by August 1st to receive a 10 percent early-bird discount – use code EARLYBIRD at checkout!
Lodging
Accommodations include single rooms with twin-sized beds and double rooms with two full-sized beds, with bathrooms shared among two or three rooms. Lodging will generally be single-occupancy, though discounts are available to those electing to share a room. If you would like to share a double room with another participant, please contact us prior to registration. Some rooms are more accessible than others; please let us know your accessibility needs during registration.
Meals
Chef in Residence Milton Brasher-Cunningham will craft a menu inspired by the Celtic Christian traditions. Please share any allergies or dietary preferences during registration; we can accommodate most restrictions. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available throughout the retreat.
Retreat Location
The retreat will be held at the Avila Center for Community Leadership. Originally a Carmelite monastery that has since been transformed into a center for community organizing, Avila offers offers numerous spaces for conversation and quiet moments of contemplation, comfortable overnight lodging, a dining hall and kitchen, high-speed wireless internet, and parking.
Cancellation Policy
All refund requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the retreat. A $25 processing fee will be deducted from refunds.