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Theme
Jesus' invitation to his disciples to "come away and rest for a while."
Location
YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park, Colorado is an all-inclusive retreat center adjacent to beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park (you can walk directly into the park from the YMCA). The YMCA is located approximately 90 minutes from Denver International Airport (DEN). Multiple rental car companies serve the Denver airport, and we will facilitate a ride-sharing board for those interested in splitting costs (please indicate interest in receiving ride-sharing information during registration).
We recommend that participants schedule their flight to arrive in Denver by 3:00 PM or before, in order to arrive in time to join our welcome dinner and gathering. Participants can come directly to the YMCA at any point on Monday and enjoy the facility before the gathering. Registration and check-in will be available after 3:00 PM.
Who may attend?
This retreat is designed for new worshiping community leaders and their families.
Registration
The 1001 New Worshiping Communities wants to make it possible for every NWC leader in our network to rest and recharge at this National Gathering! Your $125 registration fee includes:
- single or double room lodging (3-nights arriving Monday and departing Thursday) at the YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park;
- all meals - beginning Monday dinner through breakfast on Thursday
- single or double room lodging at the YMCA of the Rockies – Estes Park;
- all meals - beginning Monday dinner through breakfast on Thursday;
- worship and interactive sessions designed for reflection and inspiration;
- access to fun and wonderful activities onsite at the YMCA
- a beautiful setting adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park
Travel should be booked separately by each registrant and is not included in the registration fee. A limited number of travel reimbursements for leaders actively serving NWCs are available for travel; please click here for more information and to sign up.
Can my partner or child(ren) attend?
Spouses, partners, friends, and children are welcome to stay in your room at no additional cost. You will be responsible for travel and meal expenses for non-participants. Meal packages for non-participants are available to purchase during registration.
Registration Fee
$125
Meals
Meals beginning with Monday dinner (Oct 13) through Thursday breakfast (Oct 16) are included in the cost of registration.
Meal Package for Non-Participants
$125
Interpretation
Spanish-English and Korean-English simultaneous interpretation will be available during the conference. If it would be helpful to have another language represented for use in large gatherings, please let us know during registration, and we will follow up.
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Cancellation Policy:
Attendees will receive a full refund if their registration is cancelled on or before August 1, 2025. If cancelled after August 1, 2025, there will be no refunds.
Location
2515 Tunnel Road
Estes Park, CO 80511
YMCA of the Rockies is located approximately an hour and a half northwest of Denver International Airport. Multiple rental car companies serve the Denver airport, and we will facilitate a ride-sharing board for those interested in splitting costs (please indicate interest in receiving ride-sharing information during registration).
Schedule
Leadership Team
We are excited to announce the dynamic speakers we have lined up for the 1001 NWC National Gathering that will energize, motivate and connect worshiping community leaders. Speakers include New Worshiping Community leaders Marlucia Damaceno Crispim (El Buen Pastor), Ike Sturm (Finding Our Way Home), Gilo Agwa Gora (Foundation of Life Faith Community), Erin Angeli (Commonwealth), and Dolly Dong (Linden Road Chinese Community Ministry) and our friends of the movement, pastor Rev. Dr. Winterbourne LaPuculle Harrison-Jones (Witherspoon Presbyterian Church) and vocal artist, conductor, and artistic director Dr. Jillian Harrison-Jones.
Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones
The Rev. Dr. Winterbourne Harrison-Jones serves as Senior Pastor of the historic Witherspoon Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, one of the oldest African American Presbyterian Churches in the US. To this work he brings a rich blend of theological insight, administrative prowess, and creative passion. As a dedicated art collector and cultural curator, he has assembled a private collection of nearly 500 works that explore themes of Black liberation, faith, and resistance. His work weaves together ministry, culture, and justice to inspire reflection, connection, and hope.
Dr. Jillian Harrison-Jones
Dr. Jillian Harrison-Jones is the manifestation of 3 generations of practitioners, educators, and artists whose gifts transcend sectors and genres. As a classically trained vocalist, conductor, and scholar, her gifts have led her to concert halls, competition stages, and classrooms in Prague, New Zealand, Paris, Japan, Malawi, and numerous venues around the United States.
Pastor Marlucia Damaceno Crispim
Pastor Marlucia Damaceno Crispim leads Iglesia El Buen Pastor Fellowship, a vibrant Hispanic new worshiping community in Atlanta, alongside her husband Igor Terrazas. Their ministry serves a multicultural congregation through weekly worship and community outreach. Marlucia's leadership reflects a deep commitment to spiritual growth, education, and help to build relationships with the people around us.
Ike Sturm
Ike Sturm is a bassist, composer, and worship leader who founded Finding Our Way Home, a new worshiping community in New York City. He previously served as Music Director for the Jazz Ministry at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan, where he composed the internationally acclaimed Jazz Mass. Ike is currently preparing to release RIVER, a 16-movement work for 100 voices and string orchestra, commissioned by Montview Presbyterian Church. Ike continues to create expansive, spirit-filled music that brings people together across genres and landscapes.
Rev. Gilo Agwa Gora
The Rev. Gilo Agwa Gora serves as the teaching elder for Fountain of Life Faith Community, a joint ministry of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and the St. Paul Area Synod. He also ministers as a chaplain in long-term care and leads projects supporting Ethiopian and South Sudanese refugees, especially within the Anuak community. Agwa’s work reflects deep care for those on the margins and a heart for healing.
Rev. Erin Angeli
The Rev. Erin Angeli pastors at Commonwealth in Pittsburgh, where she tends both people and place with deep curiosity and care. Her ministry centers queer affirmation, pastoral presence, and community-rooted storytelling, shaped by a love of Creation and her own journey of authenticity. Erin also coaches leaders in new ministry contexts, encouraging others to lead with vulnerability and joy.
Rev. Dr. Li Dolly Dong
The Rev. Dr. Li Dolly Dong pastors the Chinese church at First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Ohio, and leads the Ashland Chinese Church, which she founded in 2009 to serve the local Chinese community. She also serves international students as a campus pastor with the Coalition for Christian Outreach at Ashland University. Dolly’s ministry brings together church and campus life to foster cross-cultural connection, discipleship, and God’s love.
Lodging
Lodging at the YMCA will be at the Wind River Lodge. All rooms include:
2 Queen Beds
Full Private Bath
Mini Fridge
Wireless Internet
Deck or Patio
Accessible Rooms Available (please indicate on registration if accessible room is needed)
Up to four people are allowed per room at no additional cost.
Register