Each year the clergy of the Diocese meet at least once for a Conference. We have a speaker and the time is intended to enhance and refresh our ministries and to give us half a day of retreat.
Our Diocese (the area from the west side of Lake Norman over to Murphy on NC), which is the Diocese of Western North Carolina, has two amazing retreat and conference centers. For those of you who are long time Episcopalians it might be a surprise that Kanuga is not one of them - it is an added bonus on our doorstep which is not managed by the Diocese.
The two that are are Lake Logan which is just outside of Candler, to the west of Asheville and Valle Crucis which is about two hours north of Shelby in the mountains. Valle Crucis, of course, being the home of the original Mast General Store - because most North Carolinians have heard of that!
Lake Logan is a relatively new addition to the Diocesan fold. It is set nestled in the mountains and houses several retreat cottages, a retreat house, the Diocesan summer camp, Camp Henry.. The staff there are working hard on a fairly new Outdoor School which will have a full range of outdoor classes and activities and there is even a project to re-introduce native plants. There are all sorts of programs throughout the year. Individuals and Churches can book space at any time it is available. It is also the home of the Cold Mountain Music Festival. Why not check it out here
The Valle Crucis Retreat and Conference Center Houses year round programs and also offers plenty of place for individuals and churches to rent space. The main building i
s historic but has modern amenities.
There are several group housing options and there are "hermitages" - small cottages which are intended for individuals or very small groups. These are tucked back from the main campus. Access to a walking trail on the property is popular with hikers as it leads to a waterfall. Why not take a look here
We are lucky to have two such beautiful places accessible to us. If you would like the opportunity to go to one of them but cannot afford it, ask. Sometimes there is money which they can give to defray cost.