Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina | | |
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Lenten Reflection
For many of us, the novelty of Lent may have worn off at this point. The revelry of Shrove Tuesday and the solemnity of Ash Wednesday have faded, but the joy of Easter is still more than a month away. The disciplines we clothed ourselves in might start to look a little threadbare. Like Peter, we may be tempted to argue with Jesus about the direction in which all of this is going, only to receive what appears on the surface to be a decidedly pessimistic response. But optimism may not be our calling. Dr. Cornell West makes a distinction between optimism and hope. Optimism relies on a selective view of our situation for proof that everything will work out OK. Dr. West argues that there is not enough evidence to support that conclusion, so he describes himself as a "prisoner of hope." Hope gives us the faith of Abraham, who, despite his circumstances, believed God's promise that he and his wife, Sarah, would have a family. At this point in Lent, we are also invited to strip off the false optimism that relies on a small selection of observations and put on the hope that is wholly dependent on God's reconciling promise in Christ.
Written by the Rev. J. Clarkson, rector of Calvary, Fletcher
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View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | |
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Camp Henry will once again welcome youth and parents from our Latino/Hispanic community for another week of summer fun with $8,000 from the Evangelism Grant from The Episcopal Church. Latino Bilingual Camp will return July 7–14, 2024.
To volunteer or donate, contact Oscar Rozo, orozo@diocesewnc.org.
First Bilingual Camp Report 2023
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Take a tour at one of our diocese's oldest churches, St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock. The historically significant churchyard contains graves of un-unamed 19th century people who were enslaved as well as distinguished political figures and local citizens. Tours will take place the first Saturdays March–December and first and third Saturdays during the summer.
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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 | |
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We love your submissions! To be placed in this section, you must email the details of your event and a photo to Rachel, rcarr@diocesewnc.org, for consideration. This space is reserved for diocesan, parish, and conference center events.
View submission guidelines
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Join Eden for a Lenten Book Group on Wednesdays from February 21st through March 27th. The group will read The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown. This will be a casual weekly gathering on Zoom from Noon until 12:45 p.m. Sign up here to receive the Zoom link and more information. Purchase the book here. Email Eden with any questions.
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On Retreat with Mary Magdalene Two separate events Friday and Saturday | Feb. 23 - 6–7 p.m. & Feb. 24 - 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. | St. James, Black Mountain | |
Sunday, Feb. 25 | 12:45 p.m. | St. David's, Cullowhee | |
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Lenten Art Series
Becky Stone performs "Harriet Tubman"
Sunday, Feb. 25 |
4 p.m. | Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville
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Evensong & Eucharist
Chancel choir to sing at Celtic service
Sunday, Feb. 25 |
5:30 p.m. |
Trinity, Asheville
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Wednesday, Feb. 28 |
4–5:30 p.m. | Good Shepherd, Tryon
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Ecumenical Lenten Program
Multiple dates to watch The Gospel of John
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Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Holy Family, Mills River
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Lenten Retreat
Preparing for Holy Week with Katarina Whitley
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Saturday, March 2 |
10 a.m.–3 p.m. |
Valle Crucis
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General Convention Lunch and Learn
Meet the Diocesan delegation to General Convention for TEC
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Wednesday, March 6 | Noon | Trinity, Asheville
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The Divine Mercy
Lenten Day Away
Saturday, March 16 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Good Shepherd, Hayesville
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Registration Opens for Visitors to TEC General Convention
Online registration is now open for visitors wishing to attend the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which will take place June 23 – 28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Visitor registration fees for the entire convention are $150 in advance, or $180 at the site. The cost for day visitors is $50 per day. Youth ages 12 to 18 will pay $50 for the convention. Access to the exhibit area only is $20 per day.
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Michigan Bishop Calls for End to Gun Violence
One year after a gunman shot and killed three students and injured five others on Feb. 13 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, three new gun safety laws take effect in the state.
“I am so, so sorry that all of the students at Michigan State University and students elsewhere live with this fear and experienced that trauma,” Michigan Bishop Bonnie Perry said in a video statement. “I offer my prayers and invite you to join with me in offering prayers to our God that we may have the courage and the compassion to use the gifts God has given us to make differences — to change our world.”
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