Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina | |
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Lenten Reflection
"I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sin." (Psalm 38:18)
I have a confession to make. I have always tried to be perfect in my own eyes, in the eyes of others, and before God. I know that sounds absurd, but I tried it for many years. I figured that if I were perfect, then nobody, not even God, could ever be mad at me and judge me harshly. Confession then was to me an admittance of my imperfection. It was a mark of me falling short of my own goals of perfection. If I could just be a little nicer, more energetic, better at prayer, and more focused at my studies and work, then I would be perfect and I would never have to confess my sins. As you can see, though, this mindset is the height of hubris. Who could ever imagine that he or she could be perfect with a little more effort and focus?
The problem with this strategy of being perfect, besides the impossibility of being perfect, is that it prevents us from being in right relationship with ourselves, the people around us, and with God. My quest to be perfect cut me off from the deep places in my heart and soul where God resides. It cut me off from the deep places in other people where God resides in them. Confessing our sins is not about hating ourselves; rather, it is about reclaiming our humanity. It is about telling God that we need God and that God is the only perfection in our lives. As I grow older, slower, flabbier, and more forgetful, I also grow more capable of telling God and my brothers and sisters in Christ that I have sinned. In that confession of my sins, I am released from the need to be perfect and allowed to be human. Confession is not only about saying yes to God's forgiveness, but it is also about saying yes to our God created humanity. O Lord, I will confess my iniquity and be sorry for my sins. Amen.
-Written by the Rev. Robert Ard, rector of Holy Cross, Tryon
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View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | |
Congratulations, Perry!
Perry Hildreth was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on Saturday, March 16, 2024. He is currently serving at the Parish of the Holy Communion in Glendale Springs. Blessings for Perry and his ministry!
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Youth Gather for Spring Conference
The high school youth of our diocese gathered this past weekend for the annual spring conference, this year themed 'Lucky You!'. Youths participated in a labyrinth walk (canvas labyrinth borrowed courtesy of Calvary), and seniors prepared a special sermon for Sunday, which was followed by a video blessing to them from Bishop José, as well as prayers and bobbleheads. We hope all youth enjoyed this time together!
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Registration is now open for learning the contemplative teaching method of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, which invites us to journey with the child toward fullness of life in Christ. The course is being offered by Micki Hill at the Cathedral of All Souls, and is open to adults who wish to deepen their understanding of scripture, liturgy, and the sacraments of the church.
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Two community fundraisers at Trinity, Asheville | |
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The Rev. Mike Reardon will be bike racing 250 miles to raise money for the Church of the Advocate in April. Mike took the helm at the Church of the Advocate in January, and hopes to raise $2,500 for the homeless outreach ministry with this race.
Donations are being accepted online at reddooravl.org (click Donate then indicate "Bike Race Fundraiser," or make a check out to Church of the Advocate and put "Bike Race Fundraiser" in the memo line. Each donor will get diary entries and pictures from the race to keep track of progress.
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Caroline Barton, a member of Trinity and junior at Carolina Day School, founded StriveTogetherNC, a nonprofit focused on keeping young girls in sports. The upcoming drive aims to help young girls stay in sports. Learn More. | |
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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.
Join the Good Friday Offering
Since 1922, the Good Friday Offering has provided a way to express support for the ministries of the three dioceses of the Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. These gifts continue to make a difference in the lives of many in the homeland of Jesus through supporting life-giving ministries, like the eye clinic in Ras Morbat and the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza.
Learn more
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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 Sinclaire for consideration. This space is reserved for diocesan, parish, and conference center events.
View submission guidelines
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Gather on the green at Reems Creek this spring for the first-ever Bishop's Cup, a golf tournament to raise funds for the support of Camp Henry and Lake Logan on Friday, April 19. Show your support by gathering your foursome (pro-level play not required!) or by becoming a sponsor. Multiple sponsorship levels and opportunities are available.
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Lenten Fish Fry
All proceeds support community outreach
Friday, March 22 | 5–7 p.m. | Good Shepherd, Hayesville
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The Spirituality
of Aging
Workshop with former bishop Porter Taylor
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Saturday, March 23 |
1:30 p.m. | Christ Church, Sparta
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Lenten Retreat
Get to know Mary, Martha, and Lazarus with NC Bishop Anne
| Saturday, March 23 | 9 a.m. | St. John's, Marion | |
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Once Upon a Tree
Cantata by Pepper Choplin
| Sunday, March 24 |
10 a.m. | Good Shepherd, Hayesville | |
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Lenten Art Experience
The Color of Lent
Sunday, March 24 | 12:45 p.m. | St. David's, Cullowhee
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Shape Note Singing
Acapella hymn singing, beginners welcome
| Friday, April 19 | 3–5 p.m. | St. Giles, Deerfield, Asheville | |
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Tuesday, March 26 |
6 p.m. | St. James, Black Mountain
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Stewardship Webinar
Planned Giving: Starting/Re-engaging Legacy Giving
| Tuesday, April 9 |
1–2 p.m. | Zoom | |
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Diocesan Anti-Bias Workshop
Taking a look at what inhibits inclusion
Saturday, April 13 | 9 a.m.–3 p.m. | St. Mary's & St. Stephen's, Morganton
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See more Holy Week offerings in the spotlight section! | |
Holy Week & Easter Happenings | |
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Trinity, Asheville
Stations of the Cross: A service of lament and hope for a war-torn world
Monday, March 25 |
5:30 p.m. | Nave
Labyrinth of Lament
Walk the labyrinth at any time with a pre-written meditation as a guide.
March 25–27 |
Tuton Hall
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St. John's, Asheville
Good Friday Christ and Creation Stations of the Cross
5:30 p.m. - Start outside at the front of the church
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St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock
Palm Sunday Services
Sunday, March 24 | 8:45 & 11 a.m.
Maundy Thursday Foot Washing Service
7 p.m. - Foot washing service
Friday
11 a.m. - Stations of the Cross
Good Friday Services at noon and 5:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday
8:45 & 11 a.m.
Easter Egg hunt in between services
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St. Francis & St. Gabriel's
Palm Sunday Services
9:30 a.m. - St. Francis
11 a.m. - St. Gabriel's
Maundy Thursday Services
5:30 p.m. - St. Gabriel's
7 p.m. - St. Francis
8:30 p.m. - Prayer Vigil at St. Francis
Good Friday Services
12 p.m. and 6 p.m. - St. Francis
Holy Saturday
9 a.m. service - St. Francis
2 p.m. Easter Egg Hunt in Rectory Yard
Easter Services
7 a.m. - Sunrise Service at St. Gabriel's
9 a.m. - Service of Light at St. Francis
9:30 - St. Francis
11 a.m. - St. Gabriel's
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St. James, Black Mountain
Palm Sunday Services
8 a.m. - Contemplative
10: 30 a.m. - Choir and donkey rides
Monday
3 p.m. - Walking the Labyrinth for Peace
Tuesday
6 p.m. - Celtic Heart Opening Concert with Simon de Voil
Wednesday
6 p.m. - Mary Magdalene Service of Anointing
Maundy Thursday
6 p.m. - Foot washing service
Good Friday
5 p.m. - Stations of the Cross
6 p.m. - Service
Easter Services
8 a.m. - Contemplative
10:30 a.m - Choir
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St. James, Hendersonville
Tuesday
7 p.m. - Tenebrae for Holy Week
Wednesday
5 p.m. - Soup & A Show with the St. James Players
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Register for the ECW Spring Fling fundraiser (with free mimosas!) by Monday, April 15. | |
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Safe Church Commission up for Lambeth Discussion
The Lambeth Call on Safe Church will be the next theme in the “Add Your Voice to the Call” discussion series being delivered by the Anglican Communion Office. It is part of Phase 3 of the Lambeth Conference, which is exploring each of the Lambeth Calls, inviting churches to take them forward in their settings.
The Lambeth Calls were discussed by the bishops of the Lambeth Conference in 2022. The Lambeth Call on Safe Church is scheduled for April and will be explored with a webinar on April 17 and 18 hosted by the Anglican Communion Office and featuring members of the Safe Church Commission.
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Episcopal Church Pairs Concert with Good Friday Offering
Each year, Episcopalians are encouraged during Holy Week to donate to The Episcopal Church’s Good Friday Offering in support of Anglican ministries in the Middle East. This year, they also are invited to spend part of their Good Friday viewing a concert offered by the church to help center themselves spiritually for the holy day that marks Jesus’ death on the cross.
The concert of sacred music, hosted by Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Norfolk, in the Diocese of Southern Virginia, will be available to view at 3 p.m. Eastern March 29 on The Episcopal Church’s online platforms. Online donations can be made now.
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