Ascent 2027
A Christian Contemplative Clergy and Leaders Retreat for Rest, Renewal, and Return
Rest and Renewal through contemplative practices while immersed in the majestic San Juan Mountains. Return refreshed, with contemplative practices and tools to incorporate into your life, ministry, congregation, or seminary.
June 6–10, 2027, in beautiful Telluride, Colorado
Beginning the evening of June 6th. Concluding the morning of June 10th
Registration: Early Bird Rate: $350 (register by Jan. 1, 2027); Regular Rate: $399.
Registration includes:
Four nights (June 6, 7, 8, 9) at Hotel Telluride https://thehoteltelluride.com/
All retreat sessions and guided practices at Christ Presbyterian Church
This retreat is made possible by a grant from the Trust for the Meditation Process, a charitable foundation encouraging meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative prayer. The grant helps make this experience accessible. Four nights at Hotel Telluride alone typically cost over $1,600.
Learn more about the Trust for the Meditation Process here: www.trustformeditation.org
For those flying to Telluride, find airport options and distance from Telluride below:
Montrose (MTJ), 1 hr. 20 min.
Durango (DRO), 2 hr. 20 min.
Albuquerque (ABQ), 5 hr. 30 min., is the closest big city airport and a good option for those visiting northern New Mexico before or after the retreat.
Denver (DEN), 7 hr., can be a good option for those who wish to spend time in Colorado mountain towns closer to the Front Range before or after the retreat.
To get to Telluride from Montrose, book a car through a major car rental company or reserve a spot on the Telluride Express shuttle service.
Description
Participants will retreat for rest and renewal through silence, nature, and contemplative practice in Telluride, Colorado’s breathtaking mountain setting.
This retreat offers:
- Training in contemplative practices: including Centering Prayer, Welcoming Prayer, and Lectio Divina
- Practical tools for incorporating contemplative spirituality into churches and denominational contexts
- Guided outdoor contemplative practices and mindfulness walks
There will be intentional rhythms of silence and community. The retreat will also offer space to explore the many walking trails, views, and magic of Telluride. Local presenter Greg Durham and host Peter Traben Haas will offer tips and guidance on where to go and what to do during free time.
Participants will leave renewed in spirit and equipped to return to their ministries with depth, groundedness, and practical contemplative tools.
Presenters
Gregory Cash Durham is a dad, writer, minister, and retreat leader based in Telluride, CO, and Austin, TX. He is the founder of the contemplative spiritual community Contemplation In The City, and a founding member of the arts-centered church Life In The City, both in Austin. He received his education at Hunter College (NYC), Université de Paris (France), and St. Stephen’s University (Canada), but is most proud of being a 2022 graduate of Richard Rohr’s Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation.He writes about the Christian mystics at lifeinthecity.substack.com and modern contemplative spiritual life at contemplationinthecity.substack.com.
Adam Luedtke is a pastor, spiritual director, and curator of contemplative spaces in Lincoln, NE. Since 2016, Adam has been the Director and Pastor of Contemplate Lincoln, a Christian contemplative community in Lincoln, NE. In 2020, Adam founded the Contemplative Cathedral, an online contemplative community and platform. In 2021, Adam co-founded the Contemplative Community Creators Network (3CN), a collective of leaders and community creators in the Christian Contemplative Tradition. In addition, Adam leads retreats for clergy, Christian denominations, churches, and individuals.
Adam has a PhD in Psychology, an MA in Transpersonal Studies, and a BA in Psychology and Religious Studies. As well as certifications in transformational coaching and spiritual direction. Adam is a meditation and centering prayer practitioner and is a teacher of spiritual practices, Christian mysticism, and Christian contemplation.
Learn more at https://contemplatelincoln.org or check out the Contemplative Cathedral at community.contemplatelincoln.or
About Our Host
Christ Presbyterian Church
Christ Presbyterian Church is a progressive and inclusive Christian community in Telluride that honors each person’s unique spiritual journey.
Organized in 1889, it was the first church established in Telluride. Located one block off Colorado Avenue, the church is surrounded by historic homes and mountain beauty.
The church grounds include contemplative gardens and a labyrinth registered with the International Labyrinth Society. The sanctuary windows open toward the surrounding mountains, and the space reflects the warmth and welcome of the congregation.
Learn more at christpresbyterianchurchtelluride.com.
Rev. Dr. Peter Traben Haas
Rev. Dr. Peter Traben Haas is an ordained Teaching Pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA) with over 25 years of ministry experience. He earned degrees from Moody Bible Institute, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Peter is the author of multiple contemplative works, including Contemplative Church and contributions to Paraclete Press’s Centering Prayers series.
He serves as Pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church in Telluride and is a respected Centering Prayer retreat leader and guest teacher.
Draft Retreat Schedule
June 6th Sunday Evening (Arrival Day)
7:00 pm: Opening Practice and Altar Building
June 7th – 9th Monday – Wednesday (Each Morning Begins With an Optional Hike)
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Morning Practice & Workshop
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Afternoon Workshop
2:30 pm – 6:30 pm: Open Time and Dinner
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Community Discussion, Conversation, and Evening Practice
8:30 pm: Sunset in Telluride. See the Alpine Glow from Sanctuary and the Mountain Top Viewing on St. Sophia Gondola
June 10th Thursday (Departure Day)
9:00 am – 10:30 am: Closing Practice