Did you join us for the Colors of Hope Retreat in 2022? Will this be your first Colors of Hope Retreat? Gather with LGBTQ+ people of faith and allies from across the Church to hope in color at the most colorful time of the year at Christmount Retreat, Camp, and Conference Center in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
This second annual retreat will explore and expand upon queer spirituality and “hope as resistance.”
In the Introduction to Colors of Hope, a devotional journal that draws upon the iconic Pride flag and calls us to embody our beliefs, August Laperche writes, “Hope is an act of resistance, challenging and dismantling systemic injustices that rob people of wholeness and wellness – that deprive us of hope. It resists the depression and despair that swirl within us and around us. To hope is to imagine and shape a new reality: a brighter future, a more just and inclusive world.”
Hope is an act of resistance.
Joy is an act of resistance.
Rest is an act of resistance.
There’s an emphasis on connection over content but the themes of hope, joy, and rest will guide our retreat. The 2023 retreat hosts include the book’s editor, Rev. Melissa Guthrie (she/her), and queer faith leaders Rev. Tyler Heston (he/him) and C Stonebraker-Martinez (they/them/elle/ella). Additional voices will contribute to our sessions, sermons, spiritual practices, and conversations, to our learning and unlearning.
>> Register for the Colors of Hope Retreat <<
Event Registration
General Registration includes lodging, meals, and all retreat activities.
Costs are already subsidized and we encourage everyone who is able to select the regular registration rate. We honor the range and need of resources among us and offer a discounted registration for students or those with restricted income. If you can contribute to our scholarship fund to help make this experience accessible for others, please give beyond your registration cost.
As ministry partners commit to sponsoring the retreat, we will announce specific scholarship opportunities. We want you to join us. If needed, please fill out this scholarship request form.
New in ‘23 is a Commuter’s Registration for guests who do not need lodging at Christmount. The Commuter’s Registration includes meals and all retreat activities.
Room reservation and one registration: $499
This option secures registration for one person and a room with one king bed or two queen beds.
Room reservation and one registration for students/restricted income: $374
This option is for students or individuals with restricted income and secures registration for one person and a room with one king bed or two queen beds. When reserving your ticket, use this discount code: hopingincolor.
Additional registration: $274
This option secures an additional registration for someone in a shared room.
In addition to the above options, Christmount has a Cottage and Apartment that offer more space and some additional amenities. These options are described on the registration page. Room types are limited.
The registration form will collect information about dietary or accessibility needs. Read Christmount’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement.
Commuter’s registration: $274
This option secures registration for one person and includes meals and all retreat activities but no lodging.
>> Register for the Colors of Hope Retreat <<
Tip Sheet: A Few Scenarios for Ticket Types and Cost
“My partner and I are both attending the retreat and will share one room with one king bed” or “A friend and I are both attending the retreat and will share one room with two queen beds.”
$499 room reservation that includes one registration + $274 additional registration = $773, only $386.50 per person
“Four of us will share a room with two queen beds.”
$499 room reservation that includes one registration + three additional registrations at $274 each = $1,321.00, only $330.25 per person
Make Your Travel Plans Now
On October 9, registration will begin at 4 p.m. with an opening dinner at 6 p.m. On October 12, a closing worship experience and water ritual in the morning to conclude by 10:30 a.m.
Coming Soon
The rhythm of the retreat: a full schedule will be released in advance of our gathering.
COVID safety is still important: updates on the latest policies and procedures will be posted as the event nears. Please note that we will adhere to Christmount’s restrictions and guidelines which require either proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test result up to 10 days prior to your arrival.
Ride share board: are you looking for someone with whom to share a ride? A ride share board will be posted this fall.
- People driving from a distance who have room in their car.
- People renting a car from the airport.
- People who live in the city of nearby airports and can offer you a ride on their way.
- People flying into Asheville and want to share an Uber/Lyft.
Be a Ministry Partner
We invite you to collaborate with us as a sponsor, exhibitor, or supporter as we host the Colors of Hope Retreat at Christmount October 9-12. Will you make a gift to AllianceQ in support of the Colors of Hope Retreat and our ministry alongside the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)? Exhibitor display space is limited and available to those with the earliest reservation. Anyone – everyone – can support the retreat with a donation of any amount. Make a donation here.
More info and guidelines for ministry partners here. All inquiries can be directed to Melissa@colorsofhope.net.
Our Ministry Partners: Evergreen Christian Church
At his June 2023 installation at Evergreen Christian Church in Evergreen, Colorado, the Rev. Brandon Proffitt collected an offering to support the Colors of Hope Retreat. Brandon is an active member of AllianceQ and a dynamic leader across the life of the Church. Evergreen is an Open + Affirming Ministry with AllianceQ. Thank you, Evergreen Christian Church!
About the Book
Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians is an expansive resource for personal growth and collective change. “Hoping in color” brings the joy, beauty, and power of the rainbow to life.
About AllianceQ
The Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and gender-diverse people of faith, educates and equips faith communities for understanding, affirming, and including LGBTQ+ persons, and collaborates with ecumenical partners for intersectional justice work.
>> Register for the Colors of Hope Retreat <<
Contact us with questions.