| | View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | | |
Important Deadlines:
Open Enrollment - October 15 - November 17
Vestry Certificates of Election - due October 24th
this is a 2-step process that requires both registration
AND the certificate of election
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What Oscar does in his job:
As the Diocesan Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries, I provide oversight and support to four parishes actively serving the Latino/Hispanic community with resources, pastoral care, and spiritual formation. I also lead the Multicultural Center at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Newton, NC.
My ministry focuses on:
- Strengthening Latino/Hispanic communities by empowering lay leaders
- Creating resources for Latino/Hispanic youth
- Building partnerships with pro-immigrant organizations throughout Western North Carolina
- Supporting congregations interested in launching Latino/Hispanic ministries in their own contexts
What Oscar loves about his job:
Working with people from diverse cultures, traditions, and life experiences continually reminds me of the beautiful and unique ways God is forming new disciples. I especially value building friendships and partnerships across North Carolina that increase capacity, provide resources, and open up new opportunities for empowerment in the Latino/Hispanic community.
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As we look ahead to another wonderful program year it is time to make sure that our leaders are up to date with their SafeChurch training.
As part of this process, we wanted to share information about the Praesidium Academy Administrator Basics webinar training. This is a great opportunity for those who are new in their role as the Praesidium Administrators to learn how to use Administrator account features. Please note these training courses are not hosted by the Diocese of WNC, so we are unable to help with registration.
| | October 14 | 11:00 a.m. | Zoom | | Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert is leading this Anti Bias Workshop. This program invites us to look at the bias we all carry around any number of things, including gender, physical mobility, people’s size, shape, their age. It’s taking a look at a lot of things that get in our way of welcoming everyone into our communities in a deeply genuine way. Morning snacks will be available including coffee & tea. Please plan to bring your own lunch or place a local order for pick up. | | October 18 | 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. | St. John's, Marion | | Disaster Response Story Spotlight | | This video captures many moments, from sorrow to joy, from the Helene Remembrance Eucharist. It also includes some of the audio from both Bishop José's remarks and Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe's homily. | | Is God inviting you to be a delegate to General Convention? | | | | General Convention Deputies participate in the governance and discernment of The Episcopal Church through activities before, during and after the 82nd General Convention gathering in Phoenix, Arizona, in July 2027. Deputies also represent the Diocese at the Provincial Synod to be be held in early June of 2027. Ideal candidates will have a passion for the life of the wider Episcopal Church and be committed to the work that this leadership role entails. We need four Adult, Confirmed Laypersons; four Clergypersons; one Alternate Adult, Confirmed Layperson; and one Alternate Clergyperson. | | |
First Friday Fellowship
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Charlotte is hosting a zoom gathering called “First Friday Fellowship” for children/youth leaders of our churches, these can be volunteers or paid professionals who support and lead formation to the youth and children. The purpose of this group is to share resources, encourage one another, and share ideas.
Is there someone on your church that fits in that role? If so please have them email Charlotte at youth@diocesewnc.org
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October 10 | 10 a.m.
ZOOM
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High School
Fall Conference
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A weekend retreat for high schoolers where we will discover our connection with:
the sky above us - God, Heaven, loved ones gone before us
the earth below us - our responsibility to creation, community, and one another
the fire within us -our calling, passion, and the Spirit moving through us
Email Charlotte Garcia with questions.
Cost: $225 per person
| November 21-23 | Lake Logan Conference Center | | Becoming Beloved Community Workshop | This workshop includes interactive exercises, videos, and small group discussions. Participants explore how institutional and systemic racism impedes our ability to create an inclusive community. Facilitators from the Building Beloved Community Committee hope to raise awareness that dismantling racism is a spiritual discipline grounded in our Baptismal Covenant. | |
November 14
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Online
AND
November 15
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
St. Mary's, West Jefferson
| | Camp Henry Dates Announced! | |
Camp Henry has released the dates for sessions in Summer 2026! Camp Henry is our diocesan summer camp and they offer sessions for children from 1st through 12th grade. They also offer Family Camp for all ages.
It is never too early to start planning meaningful experiences for next summer!
| | 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. | | Festival of the Frescoes | Come celebrate the beauty of fall at the Annual Festival of the Frescoes with the Parish of the Holy Communion at Holy Trinity Church, Glendale Springs. The festival includes crafters, artisans, bakers and others selling their wares. Additionally, there is the famous Granny’s Attic rummage sale. Visitors are invited to view and learn more about Ben Long’s The Lord’s Supper Fresco at Holy Trinity. | |
October 11
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holy Trinity,
Glendale Springs
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Your furry, feathered, or even scaly friends are welcome at our outdoor Blessing of the Animals service as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi and God’s creation. Allelu!, our contemporary music group, will join us to provide music. There will be no Eucharist at this service.
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October 12
5:00 p.m.
St. James Garden Chapel, Hendersonville
| | | Poetry Reading & Book Launch | The Rev. Dn. Tim Jones (Deacon at St. James, Hendersonville) Tim Jones celebrates the release of his latest book of poetry, Love Still Here, inspired by contemplation in nature at Kanuga. The event, taking place at Kanuga, offers self-guided labyrinth walks and a nature walk led by Tim. Tim will read a selection of his poetry in front of the Lake. Tickets are required. | |
October 12
4:30 p..m.
Kanuga, Hendersonville
| | The harvest-season celebration takes over the fields in front of the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Craftspeople from across the region, High Country musicians and the community of Valle Crucis are busy putting together a joyful celebration this year. Admission to the one-day festival of mountain traditions is FREE, and ample parking is available in the adjoining field for $10 per vehicle. | |
October 18
Valle Crucis Conference Center
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John Philip Newell:
The Great Search
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In this time of transition, so many of us are longing for a spirituality of intimacy with Earth rather than a spirituality of alienation from Earth, and a vision of interrelatedness instead of division. John Philip points to a path of healing and transformation for us, both individually and together.
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October 21 | 6:00 p.m.
St. James
Black Mountain
| | | Piano Reflections Concert | |
Join us for a contemplative concert of original musical meditations on familiar hymns and scripture passages by composer and pianist Heather Niemi Savage.
A sample of what to expect is:
No.3: His Goodness Faileth Never
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October 26 | 3:00 p.m.
St. John's
Marion
| | This Holy Hikes retreat will explore the intersection of Christian spirituality and Native Wisdom and spirituality. Rev Dr Timothy Ross, a professor and member of the Western Cherokee Nation, will lead our discussions. Father Josh Stephens, Rector of St John in the Wilderness, will lead daily liturgical services. | |
October 26-29
Valle Crucis Conference Center
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St. Matthias Concert series continues with Dinah's Daydream, Asheville's premier gypsy jazz band. Admission is free. Donations will support the restoration of this historic church in the heart of the East End Valley Street neighborhood.
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November 2
4:00 p.m.
St. Matthias,
Asheville
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The Episcopal Church Women of Grace will be hosting a rummage sale in the parish hall. Proceeds help send our youth to Camp Henry as well as assisting with outreach and church projects.
Everyone is invited to attend!
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November 8
8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Grace, Asheville
| | Have a story or event to share? | | Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
