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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250926T170000
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CREATED:20250803T175057Z
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UID:10000460-1758906000-1758996000@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Footsteps Ahead of Ours
DESCRIPTION:A cultural review of the first occupants of Orange and Durham counties \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\nBeverly ScarlettCo-Founder\, Indigenous Memories\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nJoin Beverly Scarlett for a transformative overnight retreat exploring the history of the land\, water sources\, and the first occupants of Orange and Durham counties\, filled with live music\, movement\, and storytelling. Together\, we’ll learn about the lives of Indigenous\, Maroon\, Slave\, and Free People of Color who occupied land along the Historic Indian Trading Path now called Mason Road\, and how that history shapes the place many of us call home today. Footsteps Ahead of Ours is an opportunity to gain knowledge that has been erased and rewritten in familiar historical narratives\, in a way that you’ve never experienced history before. \n\n\n\nAs part of the retreat\, participants will have the opportunity to visit sacred burial spaces maintained by Indigenous Memories\, including several likely ancient Indigenous burial mounds\, disrupted burial mounds\, and a Maroon cemetery where Indigenous and Free People of Color are buried in the same space. During a 3-mile historical hike\, Beverly will share the art of dowsing\, instruction on identifying Indigenous burials and slave burials. \n\n\n\nParticipants will learn about and have the opportunity to take part in the The Hillsborough Legacy Project\, which explores the genetic and historical stories of the Hardscrabble/Pleasant Grove Plantation in Hillsborough\, North Carolina\, as well as how this history impacts the modern health of descendants. On Saturday\, participants will also enjoy live music performed by Ajusher.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe retreat begins at 5:00 pm on Friday and ends at 7:00 pm on Saturday. The registration fee of $249 will cover lodging\, meals\, and the retreat program. A limited number of commuter tickets are available\, and a discounted rate will be available to those opting to share a room. Scholarship assistance is available to those with financial need. To request a scholarship\, please email information@peacehillavila.org  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nScholarship funding is generously provided by Bluestem and individual donors.  \n\n\n\nAbout the Retreat Leader \n\n\n\nJudge Beverly A. Scarlett is a native of Orange County\, North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science from St. Augustine’s College and a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law-Evening Division. Upon graduating from law school\, she returned to her home community where she practiced law as a solo practitioner\, assistant district attorney\, and district court judge. After retiring from the State of North Carolina in 2021\, Judge Scarlett began focusing on the history of her ancestors. She co-founded Indigenous Memories along with her sister Yolanda\, being supported by her sister Jackie\, and cousins Maureen and Teresa. Through her work with Indigenous Memories\, Judge Scarlett utilizes modalities of the arts (paintings\, music\, storytelling and writing books) to share the rich history of her Indigenous\, Maroon\, and Slave ancestors as found in court records\, newspapers\, and traditional oral history. Judge Scarlett proudly shares the history of her family to provide a more complete history of the lives of People of Color in Alamance\, Durham\, and Orange counties\, and to lend context to the recorded history of North Carolina’s Piedmont. \n\n\n\nAbout the Retreat Setting \n\n\n\nAvila Center for Community Leadership\n\n\n\nThe retreat will be held at Avila Center for Community Leadership\, a rural setting 20 minutes north of downtown Durham. Originally a Carmelite monastery that has since been transformed into a center for community organizing\, Avila offers private and shared accommodations nestled into the woods. The 50-acre property includes trails\, a labyrinth\, as well as numerous spaces for conversation and quiet moments of contemplation. \n\n\n\nNourishing meals featuring local farm-fresh ingredients will be provided by Netta’s Pantry\, including dinner on Friday and breakfast\, lunch\, and dinner on Saturday\, as well as plenty of snacks and beverages. \n\n\n\nThis retreat is for those with curiosity about the place they call home and an openness to relearn what they have been taught\, as well as those looking to reconnect with the land and with each other. \n\n\n\nSponsored by Peace Hill at Avila. \n\n\n\nCancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received at least 30 days prior to the retreat for a refund\, less a $25 processing fee.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/footsteps-ahead-of-ours/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251001T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250115T181454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T181456Z
UID:10000330-1759305600-1759305600@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-4/2025-10-01/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251015T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251015T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250115T181546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T181548Z
UID:10000450-1760515200-1760515200@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-5/2025-10-15/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251024T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251026T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250703T182346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251020T133359Z
UID:10000459-1761307200-1761480000@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Weathering the Storm: A Contemplative Retreat in the Manner of Friends
DESCRIPTION:Register \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nJoin us for Weathering the Storm: A Contemplative Retreat in the Manner of Friends\, October 24-26\, 2025\, at the Avila Center for Community Leadership in Durham\, North Carolina. Together we will reflect upon the storms that we are now encountering\, whether in our nation\, community\, or as individuals. Who might we become through the storm? What may be lost? Gained? In what ways have we been faithful within the storm? \n\n\n\nAll are welcome. Participants from varying spiritual backgrounds will experience the distinctly Quaker manner of contemplation in community. There will be opportunities for both solitude and for sharing. We will have silent time for prayer and reflection\, walks among the trees\, and contemplative interaction with scripture\, as well as worship together and sharing out of the silence. Participants may\, if they wish\, meet one-on-one with a retreat leader. \n\n\n\nOur retreat leaders are April Allison of Durham Friends Meeting in North Carolina and Maryann Concannon of Red Cedar Friends in Lansing\, Michigan. This retreat is co-sponsored by School of the Spirit and Peace Hill at Avila\, and Elaina Eakle of Peace Hill will provide on-site support for the retreat. \n\n\n\nThe retreat begins with lunch at noon Friday and concludes after morning worship on Sunday. The registration fee of $560 will cover lodging\, meals\, and program. A commuter rate of $400 is also available. Scholarships are available for those with financial need. If you have questions\, email info@schoolofthespirit.org. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nApril Allison \n\n\n\nApril Allison is a member of Durham Friends Meeting (North Carolina)\, a spiritual director\, board member of Peace Hill at Avila\, and an experienced retreat leader. She has led contemplative retreats under the care of the School of the Spirit in Wisconsin\, Michigan\, and North Carolina since 2012. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaryann Concannon \n\n\n\nMaryann Concannon (Red Cedar Meeting\, Lansing\, Michigan\, Lake Erie Yearly Meeting) is a graduate of The School of the Spirit program\, Participating in God’s power. She enjoys crocheting and knitting. She lives with her rescue dog\, Evie. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule\n\n\n\nThe retreat will begin with lunch on Friday\, 10/24\, and end after morning worship on Sunday\, 10/26. \n\n\n\nA detailed schedule will be sent in advance by the retreat leaders.  \n\n\n\nFlexible Fees\n\n\n\nThe full cost of attendance is $560. A commuter rate of $400 is also available (includes meals and retreat activities but not lodging).  \n\n\n\nOur intention with Contemplative Retreats is to break even. Because retreat center costs have gone up\, we have had to increase the cost of the retreat. We recognize that this cost may be prohibitive for some attendees\, and assistance is available! Please reach out to us about scholarships at info@schoolofthespirit.org. \n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\nPlease register early\, as you are led.  \n\n\n\nRegistration is in TWO steps. \n\n\n\nSTEP 1: Please fill out the registration form. The form will ask for your personal information\, your room and dietary preferences\, and how you will pay. At the time of registration\, you will pay either the full cost of $560.00\, or the minimum payment of $75.00 and indicate that you would like to receive a scholarship form.  \n\n\n\nSTEP 2: Instructions as to how to pay will appear on your Confirmation Page. Paying online will take you to PayPal where you can pay via credit card. You do NOT need a PayPal account to do this. If you will be making multiple payments\, please reach out to us at info@schoolofthespirit.org to set up a payment plan.  \n\n\n\nAlternatively you can send a check made out to the School of the Spirit Ministry\, for the amount in the table. Mail your check to: The School of the Spirit Ministry\, c/o 4 Long Shoals Rd. Ste. B484 Arden\, NC 28704. \n\n\n\nKeep an eye out for an email from us with any further instructions. \n\n\n\nCancellation Policy30 days or more prior to the event\, full refund less $30 processing fee. 14-29 days prior to the event\, 50% refund. Less than 15 days\, no refund.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/weathering-the-storm-a-contemplative-retreat-in-the-manner-of-friends/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250115T181454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T181456Z
UID:10000331-1762329600-1762329600@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-4/2025-11-05/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251105T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250821T131809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250905T165846Z
UID:10000462-1762331400-1762353000@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Calm in the Chaos
DESCRIPTION:Lessons and Practices from the Works of Barbara Holmes \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSpend a beautiful fall day with clergy colleagues as we are led in learning about and experiencing spiritual practices from the late Rev. Dr. Barbara Holmes. The day will include large and small group conversations\, spiritual practices\, times of silence\, and a nourishing lunch. Read about Dr. Holmes\, author of Crisis Contemplation and other books on contemplative life\, here. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“When everything around you is beyond your control and you shatter\, you find within you a space of solitude\, peace\, and refuge that allows you to begin to gather yourself again.“ -barbara holmes\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThis is the third in a series of three clergy support events sponsored by Peace Hill at Avila\, The Resource Center for Women and Ministry in the South\, and Duke University Chapel.  \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRetreat Facilitators \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Dumas Harshaw\, Peace Hill Board Treasurer \n\n\n\nDr. Dumas Harshaw has dedicated over five decades to Christian ministry\, focusing on teaching\, preaching\, and spiritual formation. Ordained by the National Baptist and American Baptist conventions\, he has preached globally and studied Christian thought extensively. He is a student and researcher of the thought and impact of Howard Thurman around “Contemplative Engagement\,” allowing him to bring expertise as a board member that deepens the foundations of Peace Hill’s work. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEvelyn Craig\, Peace Hill Board Chair \n\n\n\nEvelyn Craig serves as a Spiritual Director for pastors and those studying at Duke Divinity School. She thrives on her ecumenical involvements with seekers from all denominations and those not affiliated with religious institutions. Evelyn enjoys long walks and Tai Chi. She found her “tribe” through Peace Hill at Avila\, and appreciates learning from others in the Peace Hill community\, allowing her to expand her awareness and experience.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/calm-in-the-chaos/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251119T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250115T181546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T181548Z
UID:10000451-1763539200-1763539200@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-5/2025-11-19/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251203T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250115T181454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T181456Z
UID:10000332-1764748800-1764748800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-4/2025-12-03/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250115T181546Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250115T181548Z
UID:10000452-1765958400-1765958400@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-5/2025-12-17/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T210000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20251015T164052Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T141835Z
UID:10000463-1766329200-1766350800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Seasons Within
DESCRIPTION:Register\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThe darkness invites our curiosity to rest in what we don’t yet know\, and listen with compassion. On the longest night of the year\, we’ll gather to ground\, breathe\, and remember that faith lives in the body. Together\, we’ll witness ourselves and each other\, honoring this sacred pause as the light begins to return.  \n\n\n\nCome as you are. Leave as you will. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe will gather from 3:00pm – 9:00pm to explore standing meditation\, gentle movement\, and restful reflection. Bring a yoga mat\, blankets\, pillows/bolsters\, and a journal to support your practice. Dinner is provided around 5:30pm.  \n\n\n\n\nFacilitator: Shakira Bethea \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe winter retreat will be led by Shakira Bethea. With over a decade of experience as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist\, Shakira’s deep commitment to embodied living has evolved over time\, shaping her brand Rhythmic Bloom. \n\n\n\nShe guides others on a transformative journey of spiritual and personal growth\, helping them reset after grief\, depression\, and life’s hardships. Through loving honesty and mindful movement\, she supports individuals in finding resonance\, reclaiming their rhythm\, and embracing a life of deeper connection and purpose. \n\n\n\nYou can learn more about her work at www.rhythmicbloom.com. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSeasons Within is a quarterly retreat series to celebrate the equinox and solstice sponsored by Peace Hill at Avila.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/seasons-within-9/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Winter-Seasons-Within-scaled.jpeg
GEO:36.1215512;-78.9202269
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Avila 711 Mason Road Durham NC 27712 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=711 Mason Road:geo:-78.9202269,36.1215512
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
UID:10000467-1767772800-1767772800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-01-07/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T090000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250702T162255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140938Z
UID:10000479-1768982400-1768986000@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-7/2026-01-21/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
UID:10000468-1770192000-1770192000@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-02-04/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260214T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260215T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20251111T190733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T225828Z
UID:10000464-1771059600-1771167600@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Elder Spirituality
DESCRIPTION:The Possibilities of Now \n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nRescheduled from original dates (Jan. 31-Feb. 1) due to inclement weather. \n\n\n\nOur spiritual lives change as we age and as our circumstances change with it. In this retreat\, we will explore our spiritual journeys in the context of our later years\, when there is more time in the rearview mirror than on the road ahead. What changes and losses are you grieving? What new opportunities\, gifts\, and invitations are you noticing? What are you yearning for? What signposts of wisdom are you noticing within yourself? Through creative activities\, contemplative prayer\, and reflective conversation\, we will journey together through this elder land\, discovering what might be possible and what we may need to leave behind. \n\n\n\nThe retreat begins at 9:00 am on Saturday and ends at 3:00 pm on Sunday. The registration fee of $225 covers lodging\, meals\, and the retreat program. A limited number of commuter tickets are available\, and a discounted rate will be available to those opting to share a room. Scholarship assistance is available to those with financial need. Please email information@peacehillavila.org to request a scholarship. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Facilitators\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCate Alexander\n\n\n\nCate Alexander is a spiritual companion/director and contemplative group leader\, who currently facilitates a contemplative eldering group at the Center for Action and Contemplation\, where she completed three years of study. Recognizing that the spiritual journey is lifelong\, Cate enjoys accompanying others in the sacred work that is uniquely theirs to do\, and in gathering the wisdom of their lives\, so that they might pass freely the gifts of the journey. Based in Chapel Hill\, North Carolina\, her training encompasses spiritual formation\, contemplative practice\, Ignatian spirituality\, discernment for major life decisions\, grief support\, trauma-informed companionship\, Christian and wisdom traditions\, and social justice. Cate holds academic credentials from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (sociology/political science)\, Johns Hopkins University (communications)\, and George Mason University (conflict resolution). \n\n\n\nMary Kay Glazer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Kay Glazer is a true friend\, a calm\, non-anxious presence\, and a creative and quirky soul. She typically brings her whole eclectic self to the variety of things she does\, including her work as an ordained interspiritual minister\, spiritual director\, retreat leader\, Life-Cycle Celebrant®/ceremony specialist\, and writer. Having been raised in the Roman Catholic tradition\, she has been a Quaker since 1989. Her background includes a master’s degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Spring Arbor University\, Shalem Institute’s Spiritual Guidance Program\, and School of the Spirit’s Spiritual Nurture Program. She was once a television news producer\, then worked in public relations for a variety of places\, including the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester\, NY. She lives in Eastern NC with her husband. Learn more at www.mkglazer.com and www.soulsongceremonies.com.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Retreat Setting\n\n\n\nAvila Center for Community Leadership\n\n\n\nThe retreat will be held at Avila Center for Community Leadership\, a rural setting 20 minutes north of downtown Durham. Originally a Carmelite monastery that has since been transformed into a center for community organizing\, Avila offers private and shared accommodations nestled into the woods. The 50-acre property includes trails\, a labyrinth\, as well as numerous spaces for conversation and quiet moments of contemplation. \n\n\n\nNourishing meals featuring local ingredients will be provided by Chef Netta of Netta’s Pantry\, including lunch and dinner on Saturday\, breakfast and lunch on Sunday\, and plenty of snacks and beverages. \n\n\n\nSponsored by Peace Hill at Avila. \n\n\n\nCancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the retreat in order to receive a refund\, less a $25 processing fee.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/elder-spirituality/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Avila 711 Mason Road Durham NC 27712 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=711 Mason Road:geo:-78.9202269,36.1215512
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260218T090000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250702T162255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140938Z
UID:10000480-1771401600-1771405200@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-7/2026-02-18/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
UID:10000469-1772611200-1772611200@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-03-04/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T203000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260114T200509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T200511Z
UID:10000491-1772910000-1772915400@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Public Talk with Lama Rod Owens
DESCRIPTION:Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship\, Durham NC \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\nAs the land around us awakens\, we will settle into community practice\, grounding ourselves in an awareness that helps us meet the world’s unraveling with clarity and compassion. \n\n\n\nThis ticket option is for the Saturday evening talk only. If you would like to attend the March 8-10 retreat\, please apply at this link. Please note\, registration for the retreat includes Saturday admission. \n\n\n\nPresented by Bhumi Durham in partnership with Peace Hill at Avila. \n\n\n\nLearn more about Lama Rod Owens here.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/public-talk-with-lama-rod-owens-2/
LOCATION:Eno River Unitarian Church\, 4907 Garrett Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27707\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/DSC_1937.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T203622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T190529Z
UID:10000465-1772982000-1773154800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Awakening into Spring
DESCRIPTION:Avila Center for Community Leadership\, Durham NC \n\n\n\n\nRetreat Application\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWe are excited to once again offer a retreat with Lama Rod Owens March 8-10. As the land around us awakens\, we will settle into community practice\, grounding ourselves in an awareness that helps us meet the world’s unraveling with clarity and compassion. \n\n\n\nA retreat allows us to do the deep work and healing that our minds\, bodies\, spirits\, ancestors\, and the earth are calling for so strongly. It is a gift we can give ourselves which also affects all the lives we touch. \n\n\n\nIf you are new to practice with Lama Rod or new to meditation retreats\, you are most welcome. Also most welcome are those who have formed community during last year’s retreat at Avila and previous retreats with Lama Rod. \n\n\n\nWe will meditate together and engage in movement\, compassion\, and earth-based ancestor practices and rituals. Both residential and commuter opportunities are available\, and we have scholarship assistance. There is an application process and BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks will have priority.   \n\n\n\nThe retreat begins on Sunday\, March 8\, and ends on Tuesday\, March 10. Lama Rod will also offer an evening talk that is open to the public on Saturday\, March 7\, which is included with retreat registration. \n\n\n\nIf you have any questions about the registration process or about the retreat center\, email Elaina at elaina@peacehillavila.org. \n\n\n\nIf you have other questions about the retreat\, email Karen at BhumiDurham@gmail.com.  \n\n\n\nLearn more about Lama Rod Owens here. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nPresented by Bhumi Durham in partnership with Peace Hill at Avila. \n\n\n\nREGISTRATION PROCESS: \n\n\n\nThere is an application process for this retreat. Please note\, you must have an approved application in order to register. To apply\, please fill out the form at this link: \n\n\n\n\nRetreat Application\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nWe expect this retreat to be oversubscribed\, so preference will be given to BIPOC\, LGBTQ people\, and those who have been studying with Lama Rod. Admissions will continue until the retreat is full\, after which applicants will be added to a waiting list. Often\, there are last-minute cancellations which allow those on the waiting list to be admitted. \n\n\n\nTICKET PRICING: \n\n\n\n\nResidential retreat (includes single-room accommodations and meals): $500\n\n\n\nPay-it-forward Residential retreat (help us provide support to other participants): $600\n\n\n\nNon-residential retreat (commuter ticket includes meals but not overnight accommodations): $350\n\n\n\nPay-it-forward Non-residential retreat (help us provide support to other participants): $400\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAll ticket options include the March 7 evening talk. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIMPORTANT INFORMATION: \n\n\n\nThe retreat containerAfter the opening program on the first night until the noon meal on the third day\, everyone is invited to enter into silence throughout the buildings and grounds. At times\, such as the Q&A sessions\, silence will be lifted in the meditation hall. \n\n\n\nThis supportive silence invites all yogis to refrain from verbal and written communication with others\, including telephone calls\, texts\, and emails. There will be an emergency number for emergencies. \n\n\n\nMealsCoffee and tea will be available during the retreat. Meals will be vegetarian. Please let us know allergies and food intolerances on your application form. We can usually accommodate dietary restrictions. \n\n\n\nLodgingAll rooms are single\, and some are more accessible than others.  Please let us know your accessibility needs on the application form.  Some of the rooms that require stairs are large double rooms\, and a limited number of these can be shared at a lower cost upon request. \n\n\n\nAccessibility Please help us make this retreat as accessible as possible by telling us about your accessibility needs on the application. \n\n\n\nLocation of the retreat The retreat venue is Avila Center for Community Leadership\, a 20-minute drive from downtown Durham and a 35-minute drive from the Raleigh Durham (RDU) airport. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAvila is a nonprofit community center\, where people and groups connect\, deepen their work and rejuvenate.  The mission of the center is to support and connect community organizers and leaders working together for systemic change in the South and beyond.  The buildings are surrounded by 50 acres of green space and trails. \n\n\n\nYou can learn more about Avila at this link. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you have questions about this retreat\, please contact Karen at BhumiDurham@gmail.com
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/awakening-into-spring/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260123T190644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T141048Z
UID:10000492-1773307800-1773325800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:What's Love Got To Do With It?
DESCRIPTION:How to love ourselves and each other in a divided world \n\n\n\nPhoto by Angie Wright\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nThis day retreat at Avila Center for Community Leadership will invite participants into one of the most challenging and transformative teachings shared across many spiritual traditions: the call to love one’s enemies while also learning to love oneself with honesty\, dignity\, and care.  \n\n\n\nRather than treating these practices as opposite\, we will explore how they are deeply connected and mutually empowering. What does love look like? What does love require of us? How can we embody love in the midst of discord and division?  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRev. Angie Wright and Rev. Dr. Cathy S. Gilliard will guide participants as we explore personal challenges\, unhealed wounds\, and hopes for moving forward with greater intention and grace.   \n\n\n\nSponsored by Peace Hill at Avila and RCWMS. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Facilitators\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRev. Angie Wright\n\n\n\nRev. Angie Wright is the author of Loving My Enemies & Other Outlandish Pursuits\, a memoir of family\, faith and power. Angie is a retired UCC pastor devoted to the pursuits of justice and mercy. She has two splendid sons and one precocious 8-year-old grandson. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRev. Dr. Cathy S. Gilliard\n\n\n\nRev. Dr. Cathy Gilliard is a retired United Methodist Church pastor\, having most recently served as senior minister at Park Avenue United Methodist Church\, New York\, NY. She is the proud mother of two wonderful sons and six amazing grandchildren. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLoving My Enemies & Other Outlandish Pursuits \n\n\n\nThis memoir of faith\, family\, and power follows Rev. Angie Wright’s commitment as an activist and pastor to stand against hate without indulging the temptation of hating the haters. In her story\, spirituality meets social justice\, and betrayal pushes against the ethic of forgiveness. Rev. Wright probes questions most of us have to face at times in our lives: How do we reconsider our relationship with people we’ve been taught to hate and fear? And when others wreak harm on us or our communities\, can we respond in ways that summon their humanity while protecting our own? \n\n\n\nPurchase the book here.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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GEO:36.1215512;-78.9202269
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Avila 711 Mason Road Durham NC 27712 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=711 Mason Road:geo:-78.9202269,36.1215512
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T090000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250702T162255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140938Z
UID:10000481-1773820800-1773824400@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-7/2026-03-18/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260212T195619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T195621Z
UID:10000494-1773997200-1774018800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Seasons Within
DESCRIPTION:Spring 2026  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly\, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”\n\n\n\n― Maya Angelou \n\n\n\n\nWhat changes are you being called and invited to experience\, explore\, embrace\, and embody in these seemingly turbulent times? How are you reacting or responding to the realities of change at this present time? What beautiful and wonderful things may be\, or already are\, the product of these changes? \n\n\n\nAs spring begins again\, join us to come together to hold a space for each other to discern what nature may have to teach us about change. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFacilitator: Phil Mathews\, Peace Hill Board of Directors\n\n\n\nPhil Mathews\, Peace Hill Board Secretary\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nPhil Mathews worked in pastoral ministry for over 30 years\, including serving as HIV/AIDS Chaplain\, Program Director for AIDS Interfaith Network of North Texas\, and a variety of roles at the Cathedral of Hope Metropolitan Community Church (MCC). While Associate Pastor at MCC of Washington DC\, he led mission teams in the Dominican Republic. His last service in professional ministry was as Pastor of Imani MCC of Durham NC. Peace Hill has become one of his “faith communities” since retiring from ministry in the church. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSeasons Within is a quarterly retreat series to celebrate the equinox and solstice sponsored by Peace Hill at Avila.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/seasons-within-10/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/butterfly-scaled.jpeg
GEO:36.1215512;-78.9202269
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Avila 711 Mason Road Durham NC 27712 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=711 Mason Road:geo:-78.9202269,36.1215512
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
UID:10000470-1775030400-1775030400@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-04-01/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T090000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250702T162255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140938Z
UID:10000482-1776240000-1776243600@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-7/2026-04-15/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260417T210000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260301T231332Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260302T192104Z
UID:10000495-1776452400-1776459600@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:"Etty\," A One-Woman Play by Susan Stein
DESCRIPTION:Susan Stein\, founder of Etty Project\, in “Etty”\n\n\n\n\n\nNorthStar Church of the Arts\, Durham NC \n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\nStanding alone on a bare stage\, Etty Hillesum speaks directly to the audience as she wrestles to write the life she is living–her loves\, her work\, her sense of humor\, her knowledge of self in this moment in history. She loves much of her life in 1942 occupied Amsterdam and even later in the Westerbork concentration camp\, yet she also finds it horrifying. In her gentle yet forthright way\, Etty asks us not to leave her at Auschwitz but to let her have a bit of a say in what she hopes will be a new world. \n\n\n\nA disarming one-woman play\, Etty invites the audience to be part of her intimate struggle to find a freedom within herself as the world closes in around her. Music from Westerbork’s cabaret weaves into Etty’s sharp accounts of the transports\, the image of a guard picking purple lupines\, and the shape of her lover’s mouth. The second act invites the audience to join the conversation Etty begins. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her performance of Etty at NorthStar\, Susan will be leading a weekend retreat at Avila April 18-19. \n\n\n\nPresented by Peace Hill at Avila. \n\n\n\nLearn more about Etty Project here.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/etty-a-one-woman-play-by-susan-stein/
LOCATION:NorthStar Church of the Arts\, 220 W Geer Street\, Durham\, North Carolina\, 27701\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Etty.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260206T194159Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T180316Z
UID:10000493-1776502800-1776610800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Finding the Jasmine Again and Again
DESCRIPTION:A weekend retreat with the words of Etty Hillesum\, led by Susan Stein\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRegister\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n“Ultimately\, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves\, more and more peace\, and to reflect it toward others. And the more peace there is in us\, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”– Etty Hillesum   \n\n\n\n\nEtty Hillesum\, circa 1940\n\n\n\nWhat begins for a young Dutch Jewish woman\, Etty Hillesum\, as part of her therapy―recording her thoughts in a diary―evolves into one of the most harrowing\, moving\, and beautifully written documents to emerge from the Second World War. Etty Hillesum was a sensuous\, intelligent\, and poetic young woman searching for the meaning of her life–and all life–during the terror of Nazi occupation. In the midst of two separate love affairs\, she “happens upon” prayer\, discovers a reality that she calls God\, and opens herself to the power of being fully alive and present\, bearing witness\, even to the catastrophe unfolding around her. Etty writes frankly and with compassion–even for the enemy.  She talks about wrestling with life and love\, about unflinchingly staring down reality but not allowing others to make one a victim\, about claiming what comes in life and finding meaning in it. Her diaries were published in 1981 in Dutch as “Het verstoorde leven” (An Interrupted Life)\, and an English version followed in 1982.  \n\n\n\nDuring this weekend retreat\, we will engage with Etty’s writings and her remarkable sensibility. Led by Susan Stein\, we’ll witness her act of becoming and her spiritual transformation\, exploring how Etty’s diary invites us into our deepest selves. Through close readings\, aloud and in silence\, and sharing\, we will work to understand Etty’s writing as her interior preparation for standing truth to power\, and we’ll experience her silent strength as an example of her collaboration with the world. \n\n\n\nRetreat participants will embark on both an individual and collective journey\, involving silence and solitude as well as communal time and conversation. We will write\, share from our experience\, and listen deeply to each other and ourselves. \n\n\n\nThe retreat begins at 9:00 am on Saturday and ends at 3:00 pm on Sunday. The registration fee of $250 covers lodging\, meals\, and the retreat program. A limited number of commuter tickets are available at the rate of $175 per ticket\, and a discounted rate will be available to those opting to share a room. Scholarship assistance is available to those with financial need. Please email information@peacehillavila.org to request a scholarship. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRetreat Leader\n\n\n\nSusan Stein\, founder of Etty Project\n\n\n\nSusan Stein\n\n\n\nSusan Stein\, founder of Etty Project\, is an actor\, playwright\, and teaching artist. She has spent the past eleven years touring her original\, one-woman play\, Etty\, to major theaters\, universities\, schools\, and prisons around the country and internationally\, as well as leading accompanying educational workshops. Venues where Stein has performed Etty include: 59e59 Theaters\, NYC; Next Theater\, Chicago; Kravis Center\, North Wall\, Oxford\, UK; Edinburgh Festival Fringe\, Scotland; Philly Fringe Festival; Bowery Poetry Club; Yad Vashem\, Jerusalem; Fort Monmouth Army Base\, NJ; The Museum of Jewish Heritage\, NYC; Smith College;  Anne Frank Center\, USA and UK; the Etty Hillesum Centre in Deventer\, The Netherlands; and the University of Ghent\, Belgium. Stein co-teaches “Performing History” at Duquesne University as part of the Inside/Outside Prison Exchange Program and has been an Artist/Scholar in residence at Cambridge University\, Duquesne\, Boston College\, Vanderbilt\, and Chapman University. Stein’s acting work includes Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound\, Dominique Morisseau’s Pipeline\, Meridith Friedman’s The Luckiest People\, and Wendy Wasserstein’s The Sisters Rosensweig. Stein leads workshops in playwriting\, writing\, and acting throughout the US and UK. Stein studied acting at NYU Graduate School and SUNY Purchase and received a Master’s in Writing at Wesleyan University. She taught at Princeton Day School for thirteen years. \n\n\n\nRetreat Agenda\n\n\n\nTo begin\, we will bring Etty’s voice into the room through a spoken word exercise in response to one of her letters from Westerbork Concentration Camp. Saturday will be spent closely reading Etty’s writings\, involving reflection\, sharing\, and time in silence. During the evening\, we will consider Etty’s writing as an act of resistance. Susan Stein will perform some of her play\, Etty\, and we will engage in conversation after the piece. \n\n\n\nOn Sunday morning\, we will look more deeply at how Etty’s writing prepares her for standing truth to power\, and the retreat will close with lunch. \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAbout the Retreat Setting\n\n\n\nAvila Center for Community Leadership\n\n\n\nThe retreat will be held at Avila Center for Community Leadership\, a rural setting 20 minutes north of downtown Durham. Originally a Carmelite monastery that has since been transformed into a center for community organizing\, Avila offers private and shared accommodations nestled into the woods. The 50-acre property includes trails\, a labyrinth\, as well as numerous spaces for conversation and quiet moments of contemplation. \n\n\n\nNourishing meals featuring local ingredients will be provided by Chef Netta of Netta’s Pantry\, including lunch and dinner on Saturday\, breakfast and lunch on Sunday\, and plenty of snacks and beverages. \n\n\n\nSponsored by Peace Hill at Avila. \n\n\n\nCancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be received at least 30 days prior to the retreat in order to receive a refund\, less a $25 processing fee. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nRegister
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/finding-the-jasmine-again-and-again/
LOCATION:Avila\, 711 Mason Road\, Durham\, NC\, 27712\, United States
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END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
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SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-05-06/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T080000
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CREATED:20250702T162255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140938Z
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SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-7/2026-05-20/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
UID:10000472-1780473600-1780473600@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-06-03/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T090000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20250702T162255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140938Z
UID:10000484-1781683200-1781686800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-7/2026-06-17/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T080000
DTSTAMP:20260413T155623
CREATED:20260105T140634Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T140637Z
UID:10000473-1782892800-1782892800@peacehillavila.org
SUMMARY:Morning Silence
DESCRIPTION:Morning Silence is an ongoing event that occurs from 8:00 – 9:00 am on Zoom on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Rotating facilitators provide a few words about the theme(s) for the day to introduce each session. Two sessions of silence (20 minutes) follow with a brief time of stretching in between. The time concludes with 10 minutes of sharing from the participants. To be added to the notification list\, please go to contact us page.
URL:https://peacehillavila.org/event/morning-silence-8/2026-07-01/
LOCATION:NC
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://peacehillavila.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Morning-Silence-Image-8.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR