Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina | | | |
View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | | |
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Women writers at Valle Crucis recently published In the Beginning Was the Word: An Anthology. Read the extraordinary tales – told in poetry, short stories, and essays – written by women who gather quarterly at Valle Crucis with their friend and mentor, Katerina Whitley. The group ranges from experienced authors with multiple publications to those just beginning to put thought to paper. Proceeds support the Valle Crucis Conference Center. If you would like to join in exploring the power of writing, visit vcconferences.org/programs for information on the next workshop.
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Happy birthday, Bishop José! | | | |
Blue Ridge Service Corps Celebrates End of Year
As Tayzha Allen and Colin Rice prepare to depart the Folwell House, the diocese gathered last Thursday for a special end-of-year celebration. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
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The Church Pension Group (CPG) hosted a gathering of Province IV Chaplains to the Retired in Tampa, Florida, March 19-22. The Diocese of WNC was represented by Martha and Larry Britt; Joan Grant; Linda and Barney Hawkins; and Helen Tester. Your chaplains had a good time and learned a lot!
The conference included presentations on Health and Wellness Education, the Chaplains to the Retired Program, and Medical Trust Benefits for Retirees.
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Local news station WLOS went out to St. John in the Wilderness to report on the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser on Sunday, May 19. The fundraiser supports the local backpack program, which works to provide food security and nutrition to local children and families.
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Resources for the Conflict in the Holy Land
The Office of Government Relations in The Episcopal Church has released a webpage of resources to follow the conflict in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel. The page includes ways to take action to support the citizens affected by the conflict, statements from leaders, partner resources, prayers, social media, and a list of press releases. The page is being updated as the situation develops.
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Events around the Diocese | |
This section has been updated to be more mobile-friendly, which also allows for expanded event descriptions. Review the submission guidelines and email Sinclaire event details and a photo for consideration. This space is reserved for diocesan, parish, and conference center events. | |
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Centering Prayer Group
All are invited to participate in this weekly prayer group each Thursday. The format is 30 minutes of silent prayer followed by a reading and discussion from Into the Silent Land by Martin Laird. Copies of the reading are available.
Thursday, May 23 (and every Thursday) | 1:45 p.m. | St. John's, Asheville
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High Country Improv Collective
Friends of Music at St. Mary of the Hills presents a spontaneous hour of musical fun and invention. This concert is free.
Sunday, May 26 | 3 p.m. | St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock
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General Convention Learning Session
The Western Deanery is offering an opportunity to meet some of our Western North Carolina deputies to General Convention (in Louisville, KY).
Thursday, May 30 | 4 p.m. | Grace Church in the Mountains, Waynesville
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Acapella Concert: Asheville Barbershop Singers
The Sunday afternoon concert returns to St. Matthias with An Acapella Concert featuring the Asheville Barbershop Singers, led by Mr. Jim Gordon. There is no charge for this concert, but donations will be received. Parking and shuttle are available from the Asheville City Services lot on the corner of Charlotte and Eagle Streets.
Sunday, June 2 | 3 p.m. | St. Matthias, Asheville
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The Golden Age of American Song
Broadway comes alive on Sunday, June 23 when Friends of Music at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness concludes its 2023-24 series with a varied presentation. Vocalists Lori Griswold and Matthew Ruley will be joined by the St. John Parish Choir led by Organist and Director of Music Dewitt Tipton on piano.
The program, held in the Parish Hall across Rutledge Drive from the historic hilltop church building, is free and open to the public. Parking and handicapped transportation are readily available.
Sunday, June 23 | 4 p.m. | St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock
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Second Annual Holy Hikes Retreat
Daily hikes of varying abilities will be offered by Holy Hikes of WNC as well as morning and evening talks with this year's speaker, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Ross. Tim Ross—a pastor, professor, missionary, spouse, dad, and citizen of the Western Cherokee Nation who lives in Johnson City—will share on the intersection of Christian spirituality and Native wisdom and spirituality.
October 20–23 | Valle Crucis Conference Center
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WNC Missioner for Communication, Sinclaire Sparkman, will join a panel of Episcopal Communicators to discuss website and social media effectiveness on an Episcopal Parish Network webinar on June 3 at 3 p.m. Register to get the link here.
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This relaxing retreat at Lake Junaluska Conference Center will hear from speaker Dr. JP Moreland with a focus on Christian healing. The dates are Sept. 27–29, and registration is open now. This is a great event for prayer ministers of any level of experience.
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TEC 81st General Convention | |
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Join thousands of Episcopalians for a transformative day of love, celebration, and spiritual growth at the Episcopal Revival and Learning Party on Saturday, June 22, in Louisville, Kentucky. The whole Episcopal family will gather to give thanks for Presiding Bishop Curry’s ministry, deepen our love for God, get immersed in inspiring worship and community, kick off the 81st General Convention, and welcome new friends discovering Jesus through The Episcopal Church.
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Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
