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Hospitality House Christmas Offerings

Hospitality House Christmas offerings

Following all Worship Services throughout the Season of Advent, Hospitality House Cookbooks and Honor Cards will be on sale in Skiles Hall! In addition, any warm coats, gloves, underwear, hats, or boots are greatly needed at Hospitality House. If you will drop them off at the church, they will be delivered to the House. Thank  you.

Diocesan Centennial Celebration

The Diocese of Western North Carolina
Centennial Celebration - 2022 Diocesan Calendar

We are very excited to announce a special project for our Diocesan Centennial Year, our 2022 Diocesan calendar. Inspired by the amazing work being done across the diocese, each month features a different ministry—from food pantries to community gardens and is a celebration of the many ways in which our diocese are the hands and feet of God in the world. 

In collaboration with writer and Church of the Holy Cross, Valle Crucis member Katerina Whitley, monthly prayers and reflections are offered in relation to the featured ministry. These monthly meditations may help us reflect on the many ways we can be church, far outside the walls of a building.

We have ordered a limited supply of Calendars which will be available for purchase from the Parish Office later this month. The cost is $15 per calendar. If you are interested in purchasing a calendar, please visit or email the parish office and place your order today!

Men's Night Out

Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Men’s Night Out!
5:30 to 7:30 pm (dinner around 6:15)

Location: The Dining Hall at the Valle Crucis Conference Center.

Chef Alex Fish is preparing a traditional Christmas dinner of roast turkey, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, cranberry chutney, and assorted holiday pies (apple, pecan, pumpkin, etc.) at a suggested donation of $20 per person. Bring your own mask and beverage of choice to enjoy while visiting with others in a respectful, socially distanced manner.

Guests? Absolutely! Men’s Night Out is an opportunity for men of the parish and our community to enjoy an evening together. Feel free to bring a friend... or three.

RSVP by noon Monday December 20 via email to KeithTMartin@gmail.com or by text or phone to 704.608.2755.

Note:  MNO is taking a break over the winter months of January & February. We will resume our gatherings in March 2022.

Blue Christmas

December 19 at 5:00 pm.

A “Blue Christmas” Service

Grief and loss do not abate just because of self-distancing and handwashing. Holiday times are difficulty for those who are alone. Each year, close to the longest night of the year, we gather in the sanctuary of Holy Cross in candlelight, to read scripture, remember those who have died, sing songs, sit in silence, and experience God’s presence and wait with others for Christ’s birth.

December 19, 2021, invites us to gather both in person and by Zoom for a contemplative service and a collaborative time of offering. Join in at 5 pm. Invite a friend, or other family members. To join by zoom, follow posted link at holycrossvallecrucis.net/parish-news.

Hunger and Health Coalition Needs Volunteers

The Hunger and Health Coalition  is always in need of volunteers who are passionate about helping our vulnerable neighbors in the High Country who do not have enough to eat or lack access to the critical medications they need. During COVID-19, HHC has created a drive-thru system to provide food and medications curbside to clients who remain in their vehicles. Clients are able to receive services Monday-Friday, 10a.m. - 3p.m.; HHC is closed on weekends.
The winter season — especially December and January — is a slow season for HHC in terms of volunteer participation but is a season when the nonprofit experiences an influx of clients.
For more information about HHC, visit www.hungerandhealthcoalition.com or call (828) 262-1628. To sign up to volunteer as an individual or group, or for more information about remote opportunities (such as conducting your own food drive), email HHC Volunteer Coordinator Kayla Lasure.

The Church Cracked Open

Adult Christian Education of "The Church Cracked Open" continues into January with a break for Christmas. Here is the Zoom link for all meetings - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81487111545
Please contact Pan McCaslin for any further information.

Hanging of the Greens

Special Announcement:
The 102^nd Hanging of the Greens!

The 4^th Sunday of Advent: Sunday, December 19, 2021

                       10:00 am        One Service Only – Holy Eucharist, Rite II

                       11:30 am        “102^nd Annual Greening of the Church”

Just as they have for the past 101 years, all parishioners and friends are invited to gather for the annual Hanging of the Greens in advance of Christmas. We need as many people as possible to help transform the décor of our beloved church from the somber tones of Advent to the glorious brightness of Christmas. To provide opportunities for all to participate, we will offer a single worship service at 10:00 this morning followed by a time of fellowship in Skiles Hall in preparation for the 102^nd Annual Greening of the Church commencing at 11:30 am.  

So, bring your clippers and a lot of enthusiasm!  The garlands and wreaths are purchased but we need folks to find greenery such as fir, white pine, Galax leaves, boxwood, etc. and bring it to the church by Friday, Dec. 17^th. Please let Dedy Traver know if you can help. She may be reached at 898-5771 or email traverarms@yahoo.com.

Everyone’s help is needed with the candle holders, putting greenery in the windows, hanging wreaths and garlands, etc.  Soup and sandwiches will be served!

Christmas Tree News

The “Valle Crucis Community Tree Lighting and Carol Sing” originally planned and scheduled for Friday, December 3^rd, is currently ON HOLD until further notice.

Coffee's On

Coffee's On meets via Zoom Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Here is the link to enter the virtual Coffee's On: 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87838762772

Meeting ID: 878 3876 2772

A Simple Gesture Continues