| | View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff. | | |
Important Finance Notices:
CPG MAP access forms for new online bill pay - due
2024 Church Audits - due
Open Enrollment - October 15 - November 17
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A Message from the House of Bishops
Bishop José and his fellow bishops gathered this past week in the Dominican Republic for the House of Bishops this past week. They shared this message from their time together:
"Dear people of God,
The bishops of The Episcopal Church gathered in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, send greetings in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. We are deeply grateful for the generous hospitality offered by our siblings in Christ in the Dominican Republic, and we give thanks for the faithful and visionary leadership of their bishop, the Rt. Rev. Moisés Quezada Mota, and his wife, Mary Jeannette. We also give thanks for the presence and leadership of our presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Sean Rowe, and we renew our commitment to the work of missional partnership and collaboration as together we seek to be a wholesome example for the entire flock of Christ.
While gathered, we have been keenly aware of the pain, fear, and uncertainty experienced by many in this present moment across our various contexts. On the first day of our meeting, we received reports of yet another school shooting, followed by the news of yet another politically motivated killing. The disturbing increase in political violence; the ongoing atrocities associated with war and global conflict; the continued starvation of God’s children; the intimidation and persecution of the vulnerable and those who have been marginalized; and the rise of authoritarianism across the globe all require a robust Christian response..."
Read the full message here.
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To honor the one year mark of Helene, we are holding a Diocesan Eucharist at Lake Logan Conference Center. This event is open to all. Please join us as we continue to heal and rebuild together.
We are grateful that Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe will be joining us for this time of worship and fellowship.
This is a family friendly event! There will be programming for kids and youth after worship and Lake Logan is graciously inviting all to spend their day on property - enjoy the lakefront, play in the creek, go for a hike, or just rest in the beauty of God's creation at Lake Logan.
LAST CALL FOR REGISTRATION. There will be a lunch at no cost to follow. It is very important that we have an accurate number of guests to account for food and seats for all. Registration closes on Thursday 9/18 at midnight.
| | September 27 | 10 a.m. | Lake Logan Conference Center | | |
What Eden does in her job:
I am the Director of Lifelong Christian formation, and my role is to equip, support, and provide resources to clergy, lay leadership, and Diocesan staff as they seek to form disciples of all ages. I oversee Diocesan ministries for Children through Adults and work directly with our Campus Ministers, Blue Ridge Service Director, and the Coordinator for Children, Youth and Families to provide transformational formation for children, youth and young adults.
What Eden loves about her job:
I have been on staff since 2017, and throughout this time I have loved being able to build lasting relationships with clergy and lay leaders in our Diocesan community. It continues to bring me great joy to connect with leaders who are passionate about Christian Education and enjoy dreaming up new and creative ways to provide engaging formation for all ages.
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Discernment Day is intended to help those who feel a call to service, through ordained or lay ministry. We will help answer questions such as: What am I getting myself into? Why do I feel called? What are the first steps? Do I have to move to attend seminary? We will cover topics such as Commission on Ministry, Iona School for Ministry, Ordained Ministry (priest or deacon), and lay ministry. We hope this experience will help you find a path to your call.
Please Register to receive lunch.
| October 4 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | St. Luke's, Asheville | |
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 | | Disaster Response & Recovery Team Spotlight | | The Rev. Kelsey Davis, Bishop's Deputy for Disaster Response, put together this video as a helpful tutorial for packing an emergency "Go/Stay Prep Kit." Click the button below for a Go/Stay Prep Kit Checklist. | | |
Is God inviting you to serve on the
Board of Trustees of the University of the South?
| | | | The University of the South, familiarly known as Sewanee, is a private Episcopal liberal arts college in Sewanee, Tennessee. The Board elects and appoints a Board of Regents, a Chancellor, a Vice-Chancellor, and a Chaplain to serve the University and governs matters related to the University. Expenses incurred are the responsibility of the Board members. Ideal candidates would care deeply about collegiate level spiritual and academic formation in the Episcopal Church and have experience with serving on a vestry or other non-profit board. We need one Clergyperson at large (from anywhere in the Diocese.) | | All Souls Counseling 5K Benefit | |
We are proud to sponsor the Mental Health Matters Walk/Run for Awareness, a family-friendly 5k hosted by All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC). The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the mental health resources available in our community and help to end the stigma around seeking help. In addition to being active, come out to learn about some of the mental health and supportive resources available in WNC. Sign up and join our team to support this worthy cause!
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September 20 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
UNC-Asheville
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High School
Fall Conference
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Save the date for Fall Conference!
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.
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November 21-23
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. | | We will gather at St. Francis (outdoor) Chapel, across the road from Kanuga Inn. We’ll hike the Rufus Morgan Trail, reflect on how we’ve experienced God, and end at St. Francis Chapel for the Holy Eucharist. | |
September 20 | 8:45 a.m.
St. Francis Chapel, Kanuga
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Award Winning Harpist:
Amber Joy Koeppen
| The award winning harpist will share an eclectic collection of some of her favorite works for solo harp and will also be joined by two special guest students. Come enjoy an engaging concert full of great music and interesting stories. | |
September 21 | 4:00 p.m.
St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock
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Choral Evensong:
One Year after Helene
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Join us for a moving candlelight service of Choral Evensong, led by The Rev. David Henson, Officiant, with music offered by the St. James Choir; Brad Gee, Conductor; Artist-in-Residence Tate Addis, Organist; and Phillip Haynie, Cantor. This unique musical offering is a chance to reflect, heal, and find peace since Hurricane Helene devastated our area one year ago.
Service is at 5:00 p.m.; prelude is at 4:30 p.m.
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September 28 | 5:00 p.m.
St. James, Hendersonville
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Contemplative Pride Mass
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The Table at St. George's (a small, monthly contemplative gathering) and the congregation of the Cathedral of All Souls are partnering for a contemplative pride eucharist. Community potluck to follow.
All are welcome.
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September 28 | 5:30 p.m.
St. George's, West Asheville
| | An Evening with WNC Writers | This event will showcase a talented lineup of authors, each sharing distinctive voices and stories rooted in the heritage and culture of WNC. Guests will enjoy an afternoon of readings, discussion, and live music celebrating the region’s literary and artistic spirit. The evening will also highlight the newly released poetry anthology Had I a Dove, with proceeds from book sales benefiting flood victims. | |
October 4 | 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
St. John's, Marion
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The Chancel Choir of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Hickory will sing Choral Evensong for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The hymns and readings of the service will focus on the ministry of St. Francis of Assisi.
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October 5 | 5:00 p.m.
St. Alban's, Hickory
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Holy Communion
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. All are welcome. | |
October 11 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Holy Trinity, Glendale Springs
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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.
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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
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2025 Holy Hikes Retreat
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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. All faiths and backgrounds are welcome.
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October 26-29
Valle Crucis Conference Center
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Healing Winds Conference is associated with International Order of St. Luke the Physician. Come for a relaxing retreat focused on Christian Healing. Take time for rest, reflection, and prayer. Learn how to pray for others more effectively. This is a great event for prayer ministers of any experience level.
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September 26-28
Lake Junaluska
Conference Center
Waynesville, NC
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Join The Rev. Karla Woggon on a soul-enriching pilgrimage along the rugged Atlantic coast to Santiago de Compostela. Through reflection, prayer, and shared journeying, we walk in a rhythm of step, breath, and spirit—carrying one another’s hopes and forming sacred fellowship. This journey leads not only to Santiago, but inward toward clarity, connection, and renewal.
Contact Karla Woggon at soulsauntering@gmail.com with questions.
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April 23, 2026 - May 5, 2026
Portugal
| | Have a story or event to share? | | Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
