Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina | |
First Absalom Jones Day Service a Success | St. Matthias Episcopal Church proudly hosted the inaugural diocesan celebration of Absalom Jones Day. The day celebrated the rich legacy of Absalom Jones, the first black priest in the Episcopal Church, and highlighted the imperative of Becoming Beloved Community. The Rev. Dr. Mark Jefferson's poignant sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing the past as a springboard for collective progress. Bishop José echoed Dr. Jefferson's sermon in unity and reverence, inviting attendees to carry forward the love of Christ and enact positive change in our world. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a cherished annual tradition, fostering growth, reflection, and community building. | | |
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Please join Bishop José and other leaders from the diocese for our annual Vestry Leadership Day at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. This is an opportunity for both new Vestry members and seasoned leaders to learn about the various roles and responsibilities of vestries.
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View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | |
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Installation of Kevin Todd
God willing and the people of God consenting, the Rev. Kevin Todd will be installed as rector of St. Paul's, Edneyville, on February 25, 2024, as part of the 10 a.m. Sunday service and Bishop José's visitation.
Your prayers and presence are requested.
Clergy, please vest in cassock, surplice, and red stole.
A reception will follow.
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Recently, the choir of St. Philip's in Brevard posted a listing offering to donate their choir robes to any who had need of them. The Parish of the Holy Communion responded. Deacon-in-Charge, the Rev. Perry Hildreth, expresses his thanks:
"We are so grateful to St. Philip’s for sharing these vestments with us. In our small church, they have helped set our choir apart in worship and made our worship services even more festive!"
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Linens available
St. Philip’s ECW is cleaning out their linen closet. They have 10 unused 84” round purple table cloths up for grabs just in time for Lent. Text Carrie at (205) 837-7150 if your parish would like to have them!
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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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Thursday, Feb. 7 | 1:45–3 p.m. | St. John's, Asheville | |
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Choral Evensong
Celebrating Candlemas and Black History Month
Friday, Feb. 9 | 5 p.m. | St. Philip's, Brevard
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Color, Coffee, and Chat
Let your creative side flourish at this intergenerational event
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Friday, Feb. 9 |
5–7 p.m. | St. Francis, Rutherfordton
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A Valentine Concert
Do You Love Me?
Charting the lifecycle of relationships
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Sunday, Feb. 11 |
4 p.m. |
St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock
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Pancake Supper
All proceeds benefit upcoming youth trips
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Tuesday, Feb. 13 |
5:30–7 p.m. |
St. Francis, Rutherfordton
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Fat Tuesday Feast
With Feed the Kids; two dinner seatings available
Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 5 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. | St. James, Hendersonville
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Concert
In honor of
Black History Month
Sunday, Feb. 18 | 6 p.m. | St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock
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On Retreat with Mary Magdalene Two separate events Friday and Saturday | 6–7 p.m. Feb. 23 &
9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Feb 24 | St. James, Black Mountain | |
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Volunteer Weekend
For Lake Logan and
Camp Henry
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Register for Camp Henry
Spots are still open throughout the summer for Camp Henry, the Outdoor School, LAMP, and Bilingual Camp!
- Camp Henry runs from Sunday at 3 PM. to the following Saturday at 9 AM.
- Traditional sessions run according to the campers' school level — Elementary, Middle, and High School sessions are available.
- Camp Henry Outdoor School (CHOS) sessions take campers backpacking, rafting, and climbing. Campers attending a CHOS session are taught basic survival and backpacking skills that are put to use with an overnight trip into Pisgah National Forest.
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Leadership Mission Adventure Program (LAMP) sessions equip older campers with leadership skills while engaging in community service and exciting adventures, all while playing a role in the camp experience for others!
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Bilingual Camp is a session for campers who speak Spanish, especially those from families where English is not their first language. This session is the first of its kind for all ages, even parents who would prefer to attend with their children.
Financial Aid is available for all campers.
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Elisabeth Von Trapp Available for Concerts
The granddaughter of Maria and Baron Von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music, will be touring in the Southeast over the next 18 months and is available for performances at Episcopal churches at no cost to the church. Elisabeth is an accomplished vocalist and is also an Episcopalian, a member of Christ Episcopal Church of Montpelier, Vermont. A collection is requested. More Info.
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Organize Portion of Parochial Report with New Web App
The General Convention Office has released a new web-based app that helps tally items on the annual parochial report relating to church services and attendance.
The parish register app allows users to track aspects of every liturgy that takes place in their congregation and then adds that data to the church’s parochial report, the Rev. Molly James, deputy executive officer of General Convention, told Episcopal News Service. Every congregation in The Episcopal Church is required to complete the parochial report annually. This year’s report based on 2023 data is due March 1.
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Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
