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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This year we will gather in Cherokee to celebrate the 102nd Annual Convention of our diocese Nov. 7–9. Although one purpose of convention is to conduct the business that keeps our diocese moving forward, we hope you will take the opportunities provided to listen and learn about the Cherokee people during this time. We will again offer Prelude to Convention events, including a Savor & Share dinner on Thursday evening with Cherokee Elder Tom Belt, morning workshops on Friday, and a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee People on Friday afternoon.
"One of the ways we endeavor to live into our Baptismal Covenant is deepening relationships with and honoring the legacy, culture and people of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (ECBI). We are blessed to live on the land that the Cherokee and Catawba have called home for over two millennia, and we are called to build and sustain beloved community with our brothers and sisters on and around the Qualla Boundary," Bishop José said in a recent letter to clergy.
For registration details, business documents, information about the Budget Road Tour and more, visit diocesewnc.org/convention.
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Youth from our diocese and beyond participated in Towel Ministry recently, experiencing what it means to put love into action. Throughout the week, participants worked on various projects in the Saluda area, including removing old flooring, building decks, and pressure washing homes, all while forming meaningful relationships with homeowners and each other.
Afternoons and evenings were spent in fellowship and worship, reinforcing the spiritual connections made during the day. The week concluded with a powerful foot washing service, where one homeowner shared her gratitude and love for the youth, highlighting the impact of the ministry. This transformative experience united the youth in service and faith, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
This is the fifth year for Towel Minstry at the Church of the Transfiguration.
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"Through the Red Door" tells the story of The Church of the Advocate, a diocesan homeless ministry housed in the undercroft of Trinity Church, Asheville. Since 1997, this ministry has stood in solidarity with Asheville's materially poor, creating relationships across boundaries. Author, The Rev. Dr. Dena Bearl Whalen, a priest in the Episcopal Church for 31 years, brings her extensive experience in parish churches, Episcopal schools, urban cathedrals, and diocesan leadership to this inspiring narrative. The Rev. Dr. R. Scott White, Rector of Trinity Church, praises the book as a gripping narrative of faith, dedication, and community.
"Through the Red Door" is available now.
Discover the heartwarming and challenging stories of faith, passion, and community within its pages.
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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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To submit an event, please 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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Communication Conversations: Website Optimization
Join Diocesan Missioner for Communication, Sinclaire Sparkman, for a conversation about keeping your church website looking its best. Elevate your communication strategy by hearing from others and discussing how we get the word out in our context. Come to share or listen. Find the Zoom link on our event page.
Thursday, July 11 | 2 p.m. | Zoom
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Choral Evensong
Please join the choir of St. Mary's for a solemn choral Evensong. Music includes Hear the Voice and Prayer by Tallis, and Sumsion's Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in A.
Sunday, July 14 | 3 p.m. | St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock
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Songs of Love and Liberation & French Class
Join the community of Good Shepherd, Tryon for a Pre-Bastile Day concert on July 13 to benefit the church scholarship committee, which is currently supporting a student at USC-S for four years, as well as two students at Camp Henry this summer.
On July 27, a companion French class and cooking demo will celebrate the culinary and musical arts. Reserve a ticket by calling 828-329-2217.
Concert: Saturday, July 13 | 3:30 p.m.
Class: Saturday, July 27 | 11:30 a.m.
Good Shepherd, Tryon
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Women's Ordination Celebration
The Episcopal Church Women of Western North Carolina is partnering with the Cathedral of All Souls to bring a special celebration for the 50th anniversary of women's ordination along with a screening of The Philadelphia Eleven.
July 19: Screening of The Philadelphia Eleven at 6:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dn. Kelsey Davis talking about the film.
July 20: Eucharist at 11 a.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination in the Episcopal Church with the Rev. Carter Heyward. Lunch and reception to follow.
Please RSVP for the Saturday lunch event by July 10 to Diane Mance at mancediane40@bellsouth.net or by calling 828-275-2972.
July 19 & 20 | The Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville
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Mt Soul Presents Amythyst Kiah
Join the Mt Soul music ministry from Christ Church for Tennessee-bred folk singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah. With an unforgettable voice that's both unfettered and exquisitely controlled, Kiah expands on the uncompromising artistry she most recently revealed as part of all-women-of-color supergroup Our Native Daughters, for which she penned the Grammy Award-nominated song "Black Myself", a song that also won Song of the Year at the 2019 Folk Alliance International Awards.
Sunday, July 21 | 6 p.m. | Christ Church, Sparta
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Please join us in giving thanks for 28th Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and his family. Rowe will begin in his role as the face and voice of the Episcopal Church on Nov. 1. In addition to your weekly prayers for Bishop José and our current Presiding Bishop, Michale Curry, Bishop José asks that all congregations add our Presiding Bishop-elect to the prayers of the people.
Read the bishop's letter
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We're in the process of updating our church contact list and would love to stay in touch with you about important diocesan events. Please fill out the linked form with your parish information so we can keep you informed and connected.
Fill out the form
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Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
