EYCThe Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina      

Weekly Newsletter 
March 23, 2011
 

 


THANK YOU'S

 

Thank you to all who attended and assisted in leading the Small Church Meeting last Saturday at Grace Church in Asheville.

 

Special thanks to Paula Huston for a wonderful Clergy Lenten Retreat last week at Valle Crucis Conference Center.

 

 

 

Table of Contents: click link below to go directly to subject box.
Bishop's Reflection
Information for Clergy & Lay Leaders
Diocesan Visioning Updates
Youth, College and Young Adult News
Valle Crucis Conference Center
Episcopal News Service
    

Bishop's Reflection

 

Bishop color

Two weeks ago our Executive Council set a new course for the diocese. They adopted a new mission statement-Walk in the Way; Widen the Walls; Wake up the World---and sifted through the hundreds of vision goals to set new priorities for the diocese (the Highland Episcopalian will be coming this week with stories on these). These priorities will strengthen our identity as the Body of Christ; they will challenge us to invite more and more diverse people into our Episcopal flavor of Christianity; and they will empower us to be the hands Jesus can use to transform the world.

 

In an age addicted to division and separation, our first priority is to strengthen our sense of being connected to one another. We are called to be One as Jesus and God are One. I have read that so much of our technology actually makes us lonelier and more private-it's just me and my screen. However, a primary strategic goal is to use technology to bring us closer by equipping the Bishop Henry Center and the parishes/congregations to communicate via cyber space. With the right equipment, we can have joint confirmation classes or vestry trainings or lectures or presentations or whatever else God is calling for us to do. We can spread our knowledge, experience and resources across the diocese more easily. As gasoline goes beyond $3.50 a gallon, we could be better stewards by being connected but not having to drive for meetings.

 

I am also very excited about the commitment to spreading the Good News to our college students, our Spanish speaking brothers and sisters, and our young adults. The average Episcopalian is a 57 year old white person attending a parish with 67 members. If we do not reach out, then not only are we not obeying the Great Commission to proclaim the Good News, but we will also die away as a denomination. Moreover, the Episcopal Diocese of WNC needs to look more like the population of WNC. The harvest is plentiful and we all need to be the laborers.

 

Most of all, it's time for us to be on the move. It's time for us to cherish the best parts of our traditions and history and walk in the Way of Jesus Christ wherever he may lead us. The Church is not a monument but a movement and God is calling us to move our feet towards God's vision of the world. The St. Benedict wrote, "Always, we begin again." We are not called to stand still and protect our institution; instead, we are called to walk and to widen and to wake.

 

These are worthy goals. I hope we embrace them and commit ourselves to making them come to fruition.

 

+Porter

  

The House of Bishops meets from March 25- March 30 at Kanuga Conferences, Inc. We will focus on Young Adults and the Church, Islam and Christianity, and The Proposed Anglican Covenant.

 

Please keep the bishops in your prayers.

   

------------------------------------------------------------------  

Upcoming Visitations:

   

March 2011 
27   No Visitation  

April 2011
3  Saint James, Hendersonville
10  Messiah, Murphy
17 (Palm Sunday) Grace, Morganton
Holy Week  All Souls, Asheville
24 (Easter) All Souls, Asheville  


Information for Clergy & Lay Leaders

          

Bulletin Inserts - please click here for this week's bulletin insert.

March Bulletin Insert

 

Lenten Materials available through ERD

ERD would like to invite parishes to celebrate Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday during Lent 2011. Click here for more information.  

 

A Service of Repentance, Healing & Reconciliation

  • SAVE THE DATE: April 9, 2011- Trinity Church, Asheville- 11am
  • The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori - Presider & Preacher
  • Bring your parish Banner for the service
  • Get youth from your parish to attend the service
  • Also if you would like to reserve the Repairing the Breach Banner to display at your church (after April 10th) please contact Osondu McPeters at [email protected] 

If you have any questions or would like more information please go to the Repairing the Breach website at:
http://cdrwnc.org/Repairing_the_Breach or contact The Rev. Jim Abbott at [email protected] or 828.285.0033

 Bulletin Insert  

 

Province IV Congregational Development & Evangelism ministry network conference
May 12-14 at Dubose Conference Center at Monteagle, Tenn.

The conference, "Leadership Marks to Create and Grow Vital Congregations" is aimed at representatives from small parishes.
 

Please feel free to pass along this information to anyone you know who may benefit from this conference. For registration details please click here.
 

Overhear Intelligent Conversation at the 2011 LARCUM CONFERENCE
Mark our calendar - May 16-17
Conference Theme and Details to follow.  

 

   

The Young Clergy Women Project Conference 2011
August 8-11, 2011 at Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina
Rest and renewal, refreshment and re-connecting with God: our souls are made for times like these.  This conference is made for these things too. The 2011 Young Clergy Women Project Conference, presented in conjunction with Leadership Education at Duke Divinity School, is an opportunity for summer Sabbath.
Join with other young clergy women (under 40-yrs old) from various denominations for worship and play, prayer and reflection as we explore our spiritual health. Our time will be led by the Reverend Winnie Varghese, a leader in the Episcopal Church's clergy wellness program.  Please visit http://youngclergywomen.typepad.com/conference/ for more information and to register.  The registration deadline is June 30.  Contact the Rev. Christi O. Brown for more information at [email protected].   

 

 

INTERIM MINISTRY TRAINING FOR THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

            The Diocese will once again offer Interim Ministry Training on Monday September 26-September 30, 2011, from 9am-5pm each day. The model of training is the Appreciative Inquiry Model of Interim Ministry which Bishop Taylor endorses. This model stresses positive directions and tools for the work of Interims.

            This class is open to members of the Diocese of Western North Carolina who might be looking towards a new direction for their ministry or are available for short term transitional ministries.

            The class will be held in the Parish Hall at Calvary Church in Fletcher. Tuition includes lunch served each day. Room and board other than lunch is on your own. Motels are available off Airport Road and I 26 just a couple of miles from the church. Tuition costs are $200 per person, made payable to the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Completion of the course will certify you to work as an Interim in the Diocese of Western North Carolina.

            Contact The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Batkin, 828.749.1071 if you are interested. Deadline for participation is Friday September 12, 2011.

 

 Controller Hired
 

Sue

Sue Schwein, a former Asheville resident with more than 20 years experience in finance and accounting, has been named Controller for the Diocese of Western North Carolina. She begins work April 11.

 

Schwein will manage, supervise and control all financial and business aspects of diocesan operations, including preparing monthly reports, managing cash flow and contributions, handling payroll and taxes, accounts payable and receivable, and accounting for board-designated, restricted, endowment, and quasi-endowment funds.

 

A native of Florida, she grew up in Daytona Beach. She earned her undergraduate degree in accounting at Florida State University and her M.B.A. degree at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She worked for four-and-a-half years for Deloitte & Touche, and 17 years for Wachovia Bank. She is a certified public accountant in North Carolina.

 

We are delighted to have Sue join the diocesan staff.  

 

Diocesan Visioning Updates

On March 10 the Executive Council reviewed diocesan visioning data and set priorities. These priorities can be found here:

March 2011 Highland Issue.

 

We thank the following parishes for participating in the Visioning Process.

 

Church of the Good Shepherd, Cashiers

Transfiguration, Bat Cave

St. James, Hendersonville

St. Paul's, Edneyville

Christ Church, Sparta

Trinity, Asheville

Redeemer, Asheville

Grace, Asheville

Transfiguration, Saluda

St. John's, Ashville

St. Mary in the Hills, Blowing Rock

St. Alban's, Hickory

All Souls Cathedral, Asheville

Incarnation, Highlands

Holy Spirit, Mars Hill

Holy Family, Mills River

St. Giles Chapel, Deerfield, Asheville

Ascension, Hickory

Holy Cross, Valle Crucis

St. Paul's, Morganton

Good Shepherd, Hayesville

St. Mark's, Gastonia

St. Andrew's, Canton

All Saint's, Franklin

Good Shepherd, Tryon

Grace Church, Morganton

Holy Cross, Tryon

St. Peter-by-the-Lake, Denver

St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock

St. Luke's, Boone

Grace Church in the Mountains, Waynesville

St. Philip's, Brevard

St. John's, Franklin

Epiphany, Newton

St. James, Lenoir

St. James, Black Mountain

All Saints, Gastonia

Redeemer, Shelby

St. Mary's, Asheville

St. Luke's, Lincolnton

St. Mary's, Morganton

St. John's, Sylva

St. George's, Asheville

Messiah, Murphy

Calvary, Fletcher

Holy Communion, Glendale Springs

St. Matthias, Asheville 

  

 

 

Youth, College and Young Adult News   

EYC 2011  

 

Vocare #4 

March 25-27, 2011
Valle Crucis Conference Center 

 

Puerto Rico Diocesan Mission Trip Fundraisers

Sunday, March 27, 2011, 6:00 pm

Dinner at Trinity Episcopal Church, Tuton Hall

Cost: $20.00 per person/plate.

For questions please contact Debbie Cox at 828-253-9361.

 

Saturday, April 2, 2011, 12pm - 3pm

Fish Fry at St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Rectory

Cost $8/dinner plate (to-go plates available)

For questions please contact Jessica Guzman at 828-225-6656.


Acolyte Festival
May 13-14, 2011
St. Andrew's by the Sea, Nags Head, NC (Diocese of East Carolina)
All Acolytes
Cost is $25 for the full festival + Hotel Cost
Deadline to register is April 15, 2011
Flyer & Registration      

 

Upcoming Events for Young Adult Ministry  Lectio Divina
Every Tuesday Evening
The Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville, 6:30pm
 
Camp Henry Sessions: Early Bird Rates
June 19-25        Senior High     $495                                
June 26-July 2   Grades 6-8      $495
July 3-9             Grades 3-5      $495                                         
July 10-12         First Timers     $385
July 13-16         Mini Camp      $385                                            
July 17-23         Grades 7-9      $495
July 24-30         Grades 4-6      $495
June 16 - July 9    CIT I             $770                                  
July 17-30            CIT II            $770
Camp Henry Outdoor School          
July 17-23 Senior High        $580                                          
July 3-9     Middle School   $580

Any registration received by April 30, 2011 will get these early bird rates. Those received after that day will be charged an addition $40 per session. Please visit www.camphenry.net to get more information and to register. Online registration is a great thing they started just 3 summers ago.

 

Family Camp Sessions are now offered at Lake Logan August 1-4 & August 8-11, 2011. For details please click here.  


 


For more information about youth events go to

EYC News 

 or contact Osondu McPeters, Canon for Youth & College Ministries, at [email protected]   

 

Daily Practices for God's People

 

DAILY PRACTICES for God's People is far more than a book; it is an interactive tool for living our Christian virtues, day by day. For use by groups and individuals, each chapter guides readers to a fuller understanding and practice of one of the virtues. Each may be studied on its own, or in any order with others. For more information please go to:

http://dailypracticesforgodspeople.com/index.html

 

 

Highland Episcopalian

HE Papers

 

The March edition of the Highland Episcopalian is now available!

Please click here to view the latest issue: March 2011 Highland Issue

 

 


Upcoming Events/Announcements

 

 

Organist/Choir Director needed for St. John's Episcopal Church/Sylva, NC, a growing parish with an average Sunday attendance of 40-55, traditional worship, and a 7-member adult choir. One service at 11am each Sunday. Responsibilities include Sunday morning choir practice and working with rector to plan hymns/choral music to support the Sunday liturgy as well as special services during Christmas and Holy Week/Easter.  2-manual Allen organ and Knabe console piano. Compensation $100 per service utilizing AGO guidelines.   Contact The Rev. Pattie Curtis, 828-586-8358. Resumes may be sent to St. John's Episcopal Church, PO Box 175, Sylva, NC 28779. 


Full time Christian Education Coordinator needed for St. Paul's Episcopal Church
St. Paul's is looking for the correct person to fill this full time position. We are looking for: An individual who can express the faith; Build and maintain relationships; able to support the Rector; staff; and key volunteers in helping St. Paul's move towards its vision; a team player; an individual who is able to build and connect people; an educator. Skills desired: willingness to learn and improve; strong organizational skills; an understanding of how to educate; the ability to share the faith; a sense of humor. Looking for: college degree; experience in teaching in secular or faith community, experience at building groups, proficient in computer skills and a background in communication; Men and Women are encouraged to apply. Please send cover letter, resume, and references to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Attn. The Rev. Scott Petersen, PO Box 95 Wilkesboro, NC 28697
These documents may be attached and sent by email. Please put Christian Education Coordinator  in subject line and send to [email protected]
This position pays $25K-$30K pending experience. St. Paul's offers individual insurance and retirement compensation following the first year.

Free Items available
St. Mark's, Gastonia, has been the repository for the items from the closed Trinity Church in King's Mountain for several years. Long term storage of these items has become an issue for the parish and they are now available to any parish or other church group that might be able to use them in their ministry. These items could be used by an Episcopal Church in our diocese or by any ministry group that someone might know is looking for furniture items. Included are a wooden altar and baptismal font, railings, Hammond electronic organ (in working order), American and Episcopal flags, several pieces of office furniture, and many other smaller items. While the items are not for sale with fixed prices, any donation for their acquisition would be gratefully received and divided between the Bishop's and the Rector's Discretionary Funds. Pictures (in a power point presentation) and descriptions are available from Jim Redd ([email protected]) or Tim Grooms ([email protected]). Arrangements must be made to pick up in Gastonia anything you desired. After Easter the items will be disposed of by other means. Contact Jim or Tim or the St. Mark's office at 704-864-4531, ext 1.

 

Lenten Series at Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher, N.C.

Wednesdays in March and April

Supper at 6 PM, Program at 6:30 PM

Reconciliation:  God reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation;....that is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself....and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. For details visit: www.calvaryfletcher.org 

 

Lenten Quiet day
Saturday, March 26 � 10:00am - 3:00pm
Holy Family Episcopal Church
419 Turnpike Road, Mills River, NC
Facilitated By Vicki Hesse

Theme for this Lenten Quiet day is Forgiveness. Through silence, quiet time, creativity and fellowship, we will explore how our hearts and minds find softening in forgiving - ourselves, others, and God. And how God's grace permeates our lives when we feel God's forgiveness. Join us for a day of discovery and healing during Lent. Please sign up at the church on the sheet in the Narthex or call Carol Braud or Linda Bregartner to reserve a spot. Participation is limited to 25 people, so a waiting list will be developed when/if we meet that number of participants. The cut-off date for signing on is 20th March. The fee for the day is $15, which includes lunch and a journal-ready handout.
For more information, contact Carol Braud at 684-2716   


Dr. Don Wagner is coming to Asheville
Perhaps the leading US expert on Christian Zionism, he will have two engagements.  On Thursday, March 31 at 6:30pm, he will speak on "Tolerance is Not Good Enough: The Urgent Need for Inter-Religious Competence" at the Asheville Islamic Center, 941 Old Fairview Rd. At 11:30am on Friday, April 1, his topic at Warren Wilson College will be "Challenging Christian Zionism", an important topic for Christians today.  This lecture will be in Ransom Fellowship Hall behind the campus Chapel and will include lunch. (RSVP or questions: [email protected] or 828/664-0092. Donations for lunch will be accepted.)

Dr. Wagner is currently Professor of Interfaith Studies at Eastern Mennonite Univ.  in Harrisonburg, VA.  Previously he was the Director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at North Park Univ. in Chicago.  THE CMES was the only Middle Eastern Center at an Evangelical college in the US.  His visit is sponsored by the Asheville Islamic Center,  Mountain Area Interfaith Forum, Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting, Western Carolinians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East, and the Episcopal Peace Fellowship.  

 

Thursday, March 31st - St. Paul's, Morganton & Thursday, April 7th at St. Stephen's, Morganton, 9am - 12pm, Lenten Study

Book, "Mary, the Imagination of Her Heart"

Author: Penelope Duckworth, Episcopal priest

Facilitator:The Rev. Laura Myhr

Sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Foothills Deanery

Registration: $10

For information, contact Joan Summerfield at 828-437-1592  

 

The Sign of the Rainbow: God Loves Us All
A one day Spiritual Retreat for the GLBTQ Community of WNC
Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of WNC

April 2, 2011
 
What are the special gifts that GLBT people bring to the church?
How can the margins of the church be a crucible for healing and spiritual growth?
Where does our strength come from?
 
This weekend retreat is for all faith-seeking gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people
     � who want to be part of the church but may feel excluded or unwanted to some extent,
     � who have given up on the church yet may be wanting or willing to return
     � who seek healing and community (particularly in WNC).

Led by the Revs. Posy Jackson & Victor Mansfield.  9:30AM - 4:00PM.  Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher, NC
To register, call the church @ 828-684-6266.  Cost of $25 includes lunch.
for more information, email [email protected]   
      

"First Friday Film Fest"
Are you hungry for change? Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? Do you care about the ingredients in your food? Do you try to shop locally? Do you have a garden? Please join the Cathedral of All Souls Care of Creation Committee on the first night of our "First Friday Film Fest" film series exploring environmental issues and our call as people of faith to be stewards to the environment. When? April 1st at 6:00pm, watch the movie Food, Inc.Where? Cathedral's Warner Building Conference Room.  Light refreshments and snacks will be served. We will have a discussion after the movie about how our faith informs our response.  Go to this link www.foodincmovie.com for more information about the movie. Contact Dorrie Sieburg at [email protected] or Vicki Hesse at [email protected] for more information. All Welcome!

Protecting the Common Good
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 - 8:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
1725 N. New Hope Road
Raleigh, NC
Telephone:  919-231-6767
For more information click here  
 

A Service of Repentance, Healing & Reconciliation

    * SAVE THE DATE: April 9, 2011 - Trinity Church, Asheville- 11am
    * The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori - Presider & Preacher

    * Bring your parish Banner for the service

    * Get youth from your parish to attend the service

    * Also if you would like to reserve the Repairing the Breach Banner to display at your 

       church (after April 10th) please contact Osondu McPeters at [email protected] 

 

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact The Rev. Jim Abbott at [email protected] or 828.285.0033. 
  

Saturday April 2, 2011

Labyrinth Walk, St. George's Episcopal Church

10-11:30am Guided Meditation & Walk

1-2:30pm Labyrinth Open for Walking

Jaan Ferree, facilitator

St. George's Episcopal Church, One School Road- West, Asheville

The Rev. Deacon Anne McClearen

 

Please call 258-0211 or email any questions to [email protected].

 

As we journey through each moment, we discover anew that our daily life is our spiritual life. We extend this invitation to people from all faiths, especially those who are in transition and/or are struggling to find a means of prayer or meditation. The Labyrinth walk enhances our Lenten journey as well.

 

The Book of Common Prayer Presentation by Sharon Ely Pearson and The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Simple soup and bread dinner at 6 � Presentation at 6:30

St. John's Church, Sylva

This evening is free offering made possible by the Center for Spiritual Resources and St. John's, Sylva. (a small donation would be appreciated) Please register, especially if you are coming for dinner. For registration details please click here.

 

Enneagram Workshop
Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher, NC
Saturday, April 16, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Cost: $30, includes Lunch
Presenter: Jane Litzinger, M.Th
The first part of the workshop will be designed to familiarize participants with the Enneagram. The second part of the workshop will be devoted to the Enneagram as a tool for self understanding and spiritual growth. In preparation participants who have access to the Internet may take the Free Quest Test offered on the Enneagram Institute website, www.enneagraminstitute.com.  The link to the test in the blue column on the left side of the site.  Be careful not to go to the tests that require you to pay. This is not essential to participate in the workshop.
To register please call the church at 828-684-6266.

Cursillo 2011
There will be 2 Cursillo weekends held this year, one in the spring and one in the fall.  Servantopportunities available are: being on a team (application on website http://wnccursillo.org ),identifying and sponsoring pilgrims, parish representatives, Ultreya organizer, and Servant Community roles. Contact Don Miller  phone 828-243-1963 for details
 
We are updating our email address book.  If you have changed your address and want to continue getting the news; or, just want to added to the list, please drop a note to Dick Smith at [email protected]. Also, the on-line prayer vigil for weekend # 71 (May 5-8) is now posted at http://www.3dayol.org/Vigil/GetVigil.phtml?pvid=5414&commid=1217  

 

 

Valle Crucis Conference Center 

 

VCCC

 Upcoming Programs:

 

Sacred Pauses: Balancing Work and Worship in Daily Life

Friday, April 8, 2011

10 AM - 3 PM - $35, includes lunch
Facilitator - The Rev. Elizabeth Canham

 

The Healing Power Of Forgiveness

Saturday, April 16, 2011

10 AM - 3 PM - $35, includes lunch

Facilitator - The Rev. Charlotte Cleghorn

 

Jesus and the Parables

Friday, April 29, 2011

10 AM - 3 PM - $35, includes lunch

Facilitator - The Rt. Rev. G. Porter Taylor

 

Weekend Writers Workshop - Writing Is What We Do.

Friday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1, 2011

Cost - $200.00 includes 2 nights lodging, all meals and program

Facilitator - Katerina Whitley

 

With our 2 labyrinths

Monday, May 16, 2011

10 AM - 3 PM - $35, lunch included

Facilitator - Tom Eshelman

 

For more information on any of these programs and to get a registration form e-mail
Tom Eshelman at [email protected]   

or call 828-963-4453.
Valle Crucis Conference Center website  

Lake Logan Episcopal Center  

 

Lake Logan

Lake Logan is home to Camp Henry and a 300-acre retreat in North Carolina's Blue Ridge mountains. Groups of all sizes enjoy comfortable lodging, delicious dining, recreation and hiking, and the serene, pristine beauty of God's bountiful creation.

  

  

 

Family Camp Sessions are now available August 1-4 & August 8-11. For more details please click here:  Family Camp Details.   

 

 

For more information on Lake Logan please go to www.lakelogan.org 

 
Episcopal Shield

Episcopal News Service Weekly Bulletin Inserts

Bulletin inserts are meant as a teaching tool for congregations. They aim to provide congregants with information about the Episcopal Church and its mission and ministry.

http://www.episcopalchurch.org

 

News and notices

Looking for news and releases from The Episcopal Church?  Check News & Notices:

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/newsline_105829_ENG_HTM.htm

 


Diocese Weekly Newsletter Deadline

The deadline for submitting news items for the weekly newsletter is noon Mondays.

Send news and photos to Alice Keenan at [email protected]

 

CONTACT

Alice Keenan

Diocese of Western North Carolina

828-225-6656

800-779-2921

[email protected]

Diocese of Western North Carolina