| | 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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What Brenda does in her job:
As Archdeacon of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, I serve at the direction of the Bishop to support and oversee the ministry of deacons across our 64 parishes. My work focuses on strengthening community service and outreach, helping parishes live into their call to serve their neighbors. In addition to my diocesan responsibilities, I remain active in my home parish of St. Mark’s, Gastonia.
What Brenda loves about her job:
Every day is different and full of surprises. I may be asked about financial or material donations for Helene recovery efforts, social services, parish gardens or maybe a Deacon just needs a minute to be heard. All of it is a blessing and having other members of our diocesan staff to lean on is invaluable to me.
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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 | | As we approach the one-year mark of Helene, we have been releasing weekly videos that provide resources and bear witness to the storm’s impact and the ongoing work of recovery and hope. This week, we are honored to share the story of the Church of the Transfiguration in Bat Cave, as told by Fr. John Roberts. | | Is God inviting you to serve on Finance Committee? | | | | The Finance Committee reviews and approves the financial policies of the Diocese; monitors diocesan accounting; oversees investment policy and management; and also advises the Bishop and diocesan leadership on issues having financial implications for the Diocese. It meets six times per year, both in-person and by Zoom. Ideal candidates will have an understanding of financial statements and, preferably, experience in finance, accounting, investment management, and/or auditing, or a willingness to learn these skills. We need one Adult Layperson and one Clergyperson at large (from anywhere in the Diocese.) | |
Bishop José Visits Cuba for Consecration of New Bishop | |
Bishop José visited Cuba for the consecration of Ángel Rodríguez as Bishop of the Diocese of Cuba on Thursday. He enjoyed the fellowship with the clergy of Cuba, both connecting with old friends and making new friends.
About his time he shares, “Our diocese has a long history of partnership with the Diocese of Cuba, and it was a blessing for me to be present for the consecration of Ángel Rodríguez as Bishop. I reinforced our commitment to the new bishop and the people of the diocese, and I look forward to finding new ways to partner in ministry. I carry a deep awareness of both the struggles and the hope that live in the Cuban people. My mother is from Cuba and I still have family in Cuba, so this connection is very close to my heart.”
| | | | High School Fall Conference | |
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.
| 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. | | Mountain Laurels Free Concert at St. Mary of the Hills | |
The Mountain Laurels bring their unique "Celti-Lachian" style of music to the next free concert at St. Mary of the Hills. Known for their blend of traditional Appalachian music with its Celtic roots, the group will perform both traditional songs and original music inspired by our Blue Ridge mountains.
For more information, please call the church office at 828.295.7323.
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September 28
3:00 p.m.
St. Mary of the Hills
Blowing Rock
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Choral Evensong:
One Year after Helene
| 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. Prelude begins at 4:30 p.m. | |
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
| | | 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
| | 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
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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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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
Registration Ends September 30, 2025
| | Have a story or event to share? | | Thank you for being a part of our Diocese! | | | | |
