Diocese of Western North Carolina | | | |
View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | |
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Historically linked to Holy Cross, this prime farmland fits into the community’s broader conservation network and completes a project started over 20 years ago. Several Valle Crucis residents made generous donations that were critical to the success of this project.
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Saint Andrew’s in Bessemer City recently donated 26 school safety backpacks (“go-bags” for emergencies and field trips) and classroom school supplies to their closest public education partner, Bessemer City Primary School. The church serves as the designated evacuation site for the school’s 425 students and 70 staff in the event of an on-site emergency.
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This Quiet Day will be an opportunity to pause in the busyness of the season and listen to where we are sensing darkness and loss as we prepare for the coming of the One who is light and life. Engaging in lectio divina, silence and optional sharing, we will tend to the question “what catches my attention”, in Scripture, the natural world and our personal lives.
We will gather on Tuesday, Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Luke’s, 219 Chunns Cove Road, Asheville
Please respond at https://form.jotform.com/243196090008150 so that we know how many lunches to order.
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This workshop is for lay leaders and clergy. The workshop includes interactive exercises, videos, and small group discussions. Participants explore how institutional and systemic racism impede our ability to create an inclusive community. Through this workshop, facilitators from the Commission to Dismantle Racism hope to raise awareness that dismantling racism is a spiritual discipline grounded in our Baptismal Covenant. The Ven. Brenda Gilbert, the Rev. Toni Belhu, and the Rev. Logan Lovelace will lead the workshop.
Both sessions are virtual. The Friday night session will run from 6–9 p.m. and the Saturday session will begin at 9 a.m. and run until about 4 p.m. with breaks. Please register on our website.
REGISTER
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Advent Lessons & Carols
with the St. James Choir and Montreat Scottish Pipes & Drums
Plan now to attend this popular service which is an Advent tradition at St. James! Two services are offered and will both feature the St. James Choir and Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums. Director of Music Brad Gee will lead the choir in singing carols and anthems appropriate to the readings; Brennan Szafron will be the organist for the service. While no tickets are required, contributions of any amount are welcomed and appreciated in support of the music ministry at St. James. A minimum donation of $10 per person is suggested.
Saturday, Nov. 30 & Sunday, Dec. 1| 5 p.m. (doors open at 4 p.m.) | St. James, Hendersonville
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Understanding Emotions around the Holidays
The holidays are a special and joyous time, but also can be stressful, lonely, and overwhelming for some. This opportunity offers a time to understand these feelings and learn strategies to cope with these strong emotions. St. Francis and St. Gabriel's Episcopal Churches are hosting the event at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 395 N. Main St., Rutherfordton.
Want to register or have questions? Contact Bethany Ramos, bramos@partnersbhm.org, 828-450-7355.
Or contact the Rev. Toni Belhu at 828-287-3888.
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 2–4 p.m. | St. Francis, Rutherfordton
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Noontime Advent Recital Series
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season this December and plan to attend Trinity's Advent recital series. This year we have an eclectic mix of music over the course of three Wednesdays. Kicking things off on December 4th, we welcome Kyle Ritter, Canon for Music at All Souls Cathedral here in Asheville. Kyle will share some of his Advent and Christmas favorites on our mighty Austin pipe organ. On December 11th, we are pleased to welcome back to Trinity a duo from one of Asheville's premier chamber music groups: Pan Harmonia. Flutist Kate Steinbeck and Harpist (and Trinity member!) Jessica Schaeffer will once again join us for what promises to be a peaceful and meditative concert. Finally, on December 18th, we will welcome Bill Bares, jazz pianist and director of jazz studies at UNC-Asheville. Located in Trinity's Nave.
Wednesdays in Dec. (Dec. 4, 11, 18) | Noon | Trinity, Asheville
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Advent Quiet Morning
During this Advent Quiet Morning we will heed the call to slow down and listen for the Holy. With meditations on animals and the natural world from All Creation Waits by Gayle Boss, we will spend time in silence and in personal reflection on the challenges and promises of this quiet season.
Those who wish may bring a lunch and stay longer. The church, grounds and labyrinth are available for afternoon reflection, and Hamilton Hall will remain open until dusk. Please bring a journal and pen and wear comfortable, warm clothes as we will spend time walking outdoors, weather permitting. You may want to purchase a copy of the book for your own use. We can accommodate 25 cars. Please register at office@stlukesavl.org. Love offering donations are appreciated. For more information, please contact the Rev. Patty Mouer at 254-2133.
Friday, Dec. 6 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | St. Luke's, Asheville
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Holiday Bazaar
The ECHS outreach committee is hosting a holiday Bazaar to fundraise for two local nonprofits: Community Housing Coalition and Beacon of Hope. Do some holiday shopping and support a great cause at the same time! The event includes crafts & art sales, a silent auction, plenty of food, and more.
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 9 a.m. | Holy Spirit, Mars Hill
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Advent Quiet Day
From hymns about blooming roses to Scriptural readings about flood, the seasons of Advent and Christmas repeatedly invite us to turn our attention to the natural world. During our five hours together, we’ll interweave teaching from Duke professor the Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner with periods of quiet reflection and group discussion. Lunch will be provided.
Click the link above to register.
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 10 a.m. | Trinity, Ashville
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Messiah Sing-Along
Singers and music lovers are invited to sing – or just enjoy – the Christmas section of Handel's Messiah, with soloists and a Baroque orchestra. Two performances will be offered; advance tickets are required and cost $25.
Find details and ticket information at the event title link.
Saturday, Dec. 14 | 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. | St. Philip's, Brevard
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Cold Mountain Christmas Craft Fair & Holiday Concert
Come enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping, pictures with Santa, cookie decorating with the Camp Henry elves, a Christmas carol sing-along, and a super fun concert featuring The Moon and You (3–5 p.m.).
Vendors are welcome to apply.
Lakeside cabin rentals are available.
Click the link above for more information.
Saturday, Dec. 14 | Noon–5 p.m. | Lake Logan Conference Center
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Advent Lessons and Carols
Trinity’s annual Candlelight Lessons and Carols service will take place on December 15th at 5:30 PM. Lessons and Carols services have a rich history that dates back to 1880, when Truro Cathedral developed the service to incorporate Christmas Carols into liturgy. The first celebration of Lessons and Carols in the United States was at Brown University in Rhode Island, which instituted the service in 1916. The scriptures weave a narrative of the history of salvation, prophesies of the coming of Christ, and of course the Nativity story itself. Trinity’s Chancel Choir will lead the service, and anthems by Poston, Handel, Rachmaninoff, Howells, Tavener, and Davies will be sung. A Brass Quintet will accompany congregational hymns. This service will take the place of our normally scheduled Celtic Eucharist at this hour and nursery care will be provided.
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 5:30 p.m. | Trinity, Asheville
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A Service of Praise and Worship in the Light of Epiphany
The service centers on the light of Christ in the world and how Christ's light calls us to be His light to the world. The music ensemble will bring together various congregational choirs from the Piedmont Deanery.
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 | 3 p.m. | St. Peter by the Lake, Denver
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Diocesan Disaster Response Team
Bishop José has appointed a Disaster Response Team to lead our diocese in supporting communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. This team is committed to ensuring that every donation goes directly to helping those most in need, especially communities hardest hit by the storm.
Their work will focus on rebuilding and restoring hope in the areas that need it most. We are grateful for the generosity of so many who have already contributed to this effort.
Read Bishop José’s letter
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Survey Open for Young Persons
The Episcopal Church’s Department of Faith Formation is seeking survey participants ages 18-32 as part of a three-year, partially grant-funded project to identify the gifts and challenges of Gen Z ministry within the church and enhance program development. The survey is open until Dec. 2. Survey Link
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