Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina | |
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Lenten Reflection
“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” (John 12:20)
How I would like to see Jesus. Over the years, I have wondered what it would have been like to really see Jesus in the flesh, hear him teach, and hear him speak the words of life. What would it have been like to know that when he died, he would draw all the world to himself, and in that, God would be glorified?
And yet, we know these things, because faithful witnesses told the story of Jesus and passed it on to others in what we know as the scriptures. Over the millennia, the words of Jesus have been told over and over. We know these things because the words of scripture are sacramental; they are the outward and visible (and audible) signs of the inward grace of Jesus’ presence in our lives. When we open ourselves to the reality that Jesus is speaking today, reminding us that he has and continues to draw all the world to himself, we will see Jesus.
I hear the stories and see the photos of broken people enduring warfare, famine, and death, all lifted up before the world's eyes and ears. In them, we return to Golgotha, and if we are open to it, we will see Jesus.
-Written by the Rev. Lynn Orville, rector of All Saints, Gastonia
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View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | |
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Help us showcase the connections between faith, community, and food in our new diocesan video series, Faithful Food. Sinclaire is traveling across the diocese this spring and summer to collect culinary tales from laypeople and clergy alike. Fill out this form and email it to Sinclaire if you'd like to participate!
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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 it is open to adults who wish to deepen their understanding of scripture, liturgy, and the sacraments of the church. Please register by April 15.
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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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Teams are filling up fast! Register soon to secure your spot.
The first-ever Bishop's Cup will be held Friday, April 19 at the Reems Creek Golf Course in Weaverville (just north of Asheville). All funds will support Camp Henry and Lake Logan.
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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Re-Entry Simulation
Experience the obstacles people face after their release from prison
| Tuesday, April 9 | 5:30 p.m. | Brevard College Auxiliary Gym (in partnership with St. Philip's) | |
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Stewardship Webinar
Planned Giving: Starting/Re-engaging Legacy Giving with the Rev. Rob Wood
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Tuesday, April 9 | 1–2 p.m. | Zoom
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Communication Conversations
Organizing Your Life for Enhanced Workflow
Thursday, April 11 |
2 p.m. | Zoom
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Immigration Law Education
Two bilingual opportunities to learn
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Sunday, April 14
1–3 p.m. | First Baptist, Burnsville |Presented in English
4–6 p.m. | Trinity Episcopal, Spruce Pine |Presented in Spanish
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Shape Note Singing
Acapella hymn singing, beginners welcome
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Sunday, April 21 | 3–5 p.m. | St. Giles, Deerfield, Asheville
The date has been corrected.
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5th Grade Day Retreat
Focus on kindness.
High schoolers needed to help lead the event (apply by April 9)
Saturday, May 11 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Trinity, Asheville
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See Holy Week offerings in the spotlight section! | |
Holy Week & Easter Happenings | |
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Trinity, Asheville
Maundy Thursday
7 p.m. - Eucharist and foot washing
Good Friday
12:15 & 5:30 p.m.
Easter Sunday
6 a.m. - Easter Vigil
7:30–10:45 a.m. - Champagne breakfast in Tuton Hall
9 & 11 a.m. - Full choral Eucharist with brass quartet and chancel choir
10:30 a.m. - Egg Hunt
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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
Maundy Thursday Foot Washing Service
7 p.m. - Foot washing service
Good 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
Maundy Thursday
5:30 p.m. - St. Gabriel's
7 p.m. - St. Francis
8:30 p.m. - Prayer Vigil at St. Francis
Good Friday
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
Holy 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
Holy Wednesday
Noon - Eucharist in the Chapel
5 p.m. - Soup & A Show with the St. James Players
Maundy Thursday
7 p.m. - service followed by silent vigil and prayer watch in the Garden until midnight.
Good Friday
10 a.m. - Stations of the Cross in the Nave
Noon - Solemn liturgy
The Great Vigil of Easter
7 p.m. Saturday
candlelight, baptisms
Easter Sunday
7 a.m. - Sunrise Service in the Garden Chapel (bring a chair)
8–11 a.m. - Easter Brunch in Stillwell Hall
9 a.m. & 11 a.m. - Festive Eucharist with choir, brass, instruments
10:30 a.m. - Egg hunt
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Register for the ECW Spring Fling fundraiser (with free mimosas!) by Monday, April 15. | |
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Presiding Bishop, Global Christian Leaders Call for Cease-Fire in Gaza
More than 140 global Christian leaders, including a Guatemalan Catholic cardinal and the presiding bishops of The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, called for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and for an end to foreign military support for Israel in a March 26 letter to U.S. President Joe Biden and other politicians.
“We, as global Christian leaders, stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Palestine and around the world and say the killing must stop, and the violence must be brought to an end,” they wrote.
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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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