| | View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | | |
Story makers Advent Calendar: The calendar includes 25 days of creative responses, scripture, and 4 pages of stickers for families to use during the season of Advent.
Watch for the Light: A beloved Advent and Christmas anthology featuring writings from Richard Rohr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and others. Watch for the Light invites readers into a season of reflection, hope, and holy anticipation with daily readings that illuminate the mystery of Christ’s coming.
Shadow and Light: Created by Tsh Oxenreider, Shadow and Light is a guided Advent practice with daily Scripture, reflections, questions, and simple activities. This devotional helps individuals and families journey through the themes of anticipation, incarnation, and celebration as they follow the light of Christ through the season.
Keep Watch with Me: Edited by Claire Brown & Michael T McRay, Keep Watch With Me offers stories, reflections, prayers, and spiritual practices to sustain and challenge the faith of those who work for justice and peace, and long for the coming of God with us.
A Labyrinth Year: Written by Richard Kautz, this book guides readers on a labyrinth pilgrimage that winds through the seasons of the liturgical year with devotions (to be used while walking the labyrinth) based on the thoughts and emotions of biblical characters whose stories are recalled in the seasonal scripture readings.
| | Disaster Response Spotlight | | Watch this video for further updates from Bishop José on the recovery work of the Disaster Response and Recovery Team. This video specifically outlines the work in the third quarter of the 2025 calendar year (July-September). | | This Week Around the Diocese | |
Diverse Group Gathers to view Color Beyond the Lines | |
On a recent Sunday afternoon, a crowd of 85 gathered in the parish hall of St. James Hendersonville to view the award-winning documentary Color Beyond the Lines by David Weintraub of the Center for Cultural Preservation. Sponsored by the Outreach Commission, the purpose was to share the story of the integration of Henderson County Public Schools and raise awareness of its effect on the black community.
Donations were accepted for “Grow Our Own”, an initiative of the Henderson County Education Foundation, to help Henderson County Public Schools recruit and retain a teaching, administrative, and support staff that reflects the diversity of the student body.
Special guests included Peggy Marshall, Executive Director of the Education Foundation, Melinda Lowrance, and Ronnie Pepper, both of whom had attended the all-black 9th Avenue school which was closed during integration. Ms. Marshall spoke about “Grow Our Own” which has already supported 18 educators pursuing their initial certification, residency license, or National Board Certification – 12 of whom are currently in process.
Ms. Lowrance and Mr. Pepper shared their experience of moving from their community school to schools in which they were in the minority. Both emphasized the need for students of color to have teachers that look like them. The screening provided a wonderful opportunity for gaining an understanding and appreciation of the experiences of others, and it led to many meaningful conversations.
| | | | Cold Mountain Christmas Craft Fair at Lake Logan | |
We will be hosting a wonderful variety of local WNC artisans in the Bishop Johnson Dining Hall, Lake Logan’s premiere event center overlooking the Pigeon River and the great Balsam Mountains. Come enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping, kids’ activities, a Christmas carol sing-along, and a super fun holiday concert.
Guests will experience a charming holiday event in a pristine gem of Haywood County. Mile-long Lake Logan is surrounded by the Shining Rock Wilderness and Pisgah National Forest, making this a premier destination for Southern Appalachian hospitality, adventure, and down-home family fun! Folks can enjoy a cup of hot cider by the fire, warm up with a homemade lunch, or embark on a winter hiking adventure using one of our beautiful on-campus trails.
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December 13 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lake Logan Conference Center
| | To submit an event, please review the submission guidelines and email event details and a photo for consideration to katie@diocesewnc.org. This space is reserved for diocesan, parish, and conference center events. | | Advent Lessons and Carols | Plan now to attend this breathtaking service, which is an Advent tradition at St. James! Two identical services are offered and will both feature the St. James Choir and Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums. Director of Music Brad Gee will lead the choir in singing carols and anthems appropriate to the readings. Brennan Szafron will be the organist for the service. While no tickets are required, contributions of any amount are welcome and appreciated in support of the music ministry at St. James. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. | |
November 29 & 30 | 5:00 p.m.
St. James, Hendersonville
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Led by The Rev Karla Woggon and joined by musicians including Jonathan Halsey & Elizabeth Barr Bryant.
Taizé is a simple, meditative form of worship, calling us to dwell deeply on Christ's presence around and within us. Mantra songs (like "Jesus, Remember Me"), prayerful silence, and short readings guide the focus of the prayer in a candle-lit environment.
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November 30 | 5:00 p.m.
Christ Church, Sparta
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The annual "No Room at the Inn" exhibit will feature more than 100 beloved nativity scenes from around the world on display in the nave of historic St. Philip's, with live music and a scavenger hunt for children.
Admission is free.
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December 4 | 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
December 5 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
December 6 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Philip's, Brevard
| | | Centerpiece Jazz Benefit Concert | This is a free concert, but donations are highly encouraged. The Backpack Ministry is currently serving Hillcrest Elementary School with 167 bags filled with food items. This important Ministry enables food-insecure students to have access to nutritious food items on the weekends. | |
December 7 | 5 p.m.
Grace, Morganton
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St. John's Marion is hosting its 3rd Annual WinterFest in the Parish House. We will be featuring the original creations of local artists, craftspeople, and authors. If you have any questions please call/email the office. We look forward to seeing everyone!
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December 13 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
St. John's, Marion
| | | The St. Andrew Chapter of the Daughters of the King is sponsoring an Advent Quiet Day. Anna Fitch Courie, author of Walking with God (2025, Morehouse), will offer guidance and periods of quiet reflection to help us discern how we can improve both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. All are welcome! | |
December 13 | 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Andrew's, Canton
| | Sauntering on the Solstice | Celebrate the winter solstice with a peaceful day of forest bathing—a practice that connects you deeply with the natural world. Immerse yourself in nature and experience its profound health and spiritual benefits. Lunch is included. All participants are invited to come early and/or stay later to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake Logan’s campus. Led by The Rev. Karl Woggon. | |
December 17 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lake Logan Conference Center
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The retreat offers a sacred space to honor transition, discover new insights, and embrace the grace found in the in-between moments of life. Come and find your place in the sacred flow of nature and spirit.
Facilitated by The Rev. Karla Woggon, a retired Episcopal Priest and seasoned spiritual director, dream worker, pilgrimage leader, and lover of stories.
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February 1-6, 2026
Valle Crucis Conference Center
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Advent & Christmas Resources
| The Episcopal Church has put together a robust resource center for the up coming Advent and Christmas seasons. The include social media graphics and videos, lectionary readings, sermon ideas, and more. | | Have a story or event to share? | | Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
