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Valle Crucis Conference Center

The Valle Crucis Mission School was founded on the principles of education and spiritual formation, and we honor those traditions with a variety of programming options every year. We have a wonderful lineup of retreats and workshops available!

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1782758385/wysiwyg/b4wzaop4z0tcjvtqgzbn.jpg" style="width: 103px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 103px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">As summer softens into autumn and the New Moon invites fresh beginnings, this one-day SoulCollage&reg; retreat offers space for reflection, creativity, and renewal. Together, we will explore the archetypal energies of the season and the quiet wisdom of the dark moon through guided meditation, creative practice, journaling, and SoulCollage&reg; card making.Autumn is a threshold season &mdash; a time of gathering, letting go, discernment, and inner listening. Rooted in the contemplative beauty of Valle Crucis Conference Center, this retreat invites participants to slow down, notice what is ripening within, and deepen connection with their own inner wisdom. No artistic experience is necessary. Whether you are new to SoulCollage&reg; or a longtime practitioner, you are welcome.Facilitated by Sheree Sloop, a Certified SoulCollage&reg; and Labyrinth Facilitator trained by Catherine Anderson and Lauren Artress. For over fourteen years, Sheree has created contemplative and welcoming spaces that weave together creativity, symbolism, storytelling, and spiritual reflection. A spiritual seeker, mixed media artist, quilter, and co-host of a weekly virtual labyrinth walk gathering that has met continually for over six years, Sheree invites participants into gentle practices of listening, creativity, and inner discovery. Sheree is a member of St. Paul&rsquo;s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Autumn Archetypes & the New Moon: A SoulCollage® Retreat

One day with renowned author and retreat leader Katerina Whitley, to explore your writing and hone your craft. Join us in Crab Orchard Hall at 10:00. Lunch will be served in the Dining Hall.&nbsp; A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a>

Women Writers September 1-Day Workshop

Writing is often a lonely pursuit. You may find that it&#39;s much easier to write in the company of like-minded people and with the guidance of a professional who loves to encourage others in the craft of writing. Women Writers 2026 SEPTEMBER Workshop&nbsp;invites women of all backgrounds to step away from daily noise and into a quiet mountain setting. Over several days, you&rsquo;ll write, listen, and share in a small, supportive circle. Join this group of women writers to capture memories, define thoughts, express emotions, and bring order out of chaos. New writers are most welcome! Join master author Katerina Whitley as we explore ways to express ourselves in writing. This is a full two-day retreat, with options for commuter and one-day pricing. The program will be held in Crab Orchard Hall, with lodging in the Mission House. The program begins with an afternoon gathering and potluck on Thursday September 10 and concludes the afternoon of Saturday September 12. All meals are included.&nbsp; A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a> &nbsp;❄️

Women Writers 2026 September Workshop

Breakfast is served at 7:00 a.m. so you can make it to the Games on time. Please complete this form as best you can and follow up with notes at the bottom. This form will require you to pay now with a credit card. While we can take payments in the office, registering through this form will be most likely to guarantee you a bed/room. You are NOT guaranteed a single room! There are far too many of you and far too few beds. We will put family groups together.&nbsp; Registration note: You can decide how much you want to &quot;tip&quot; this registration platform. Most people slide the tip to 0%. REGISTRATION IS ONLY OPEN TO PEOPLE REGISTERED FOR WEEK 3 AND/OR WEEK 4 OF THE NAAPD.

2026 Grandfather Games @ Valle Crucis

Women Writers June 1-Day Workshop

Writing is often a lonely pursuit. You may find that it&#39;s much easier to write in the company of like-minded people and with the guidance of a professional who loves to encourage others in the craft of writing. Women Writers 2026 JUNE Workshop&nbsp;invites women of all backgrounds to step away from daily noise and into a quiet mountain setting. Over several days, you&rsquo;ll write, listen, and share in a small, supportive circle. Join this group of women writers to capture memories, define thoughts, express emotions, and bring order out of chaos. New writers are most welcome! Join master author Katerina Whitley as we explore ways to express ourselves in writing. This is a full two-day retreat, with options for commuter and one-day pricing. The program will be held in Crab Orchard Hall, with lodging in the Mission House. The program begins with an afternoon gathering and potluck on Thursday June 11 and concludes the afternoon of Saturday June 13. All meals are included.&nbsp; A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a> &nbsp;❄️

Women Writers 2026 June Workshop

You&rsquo;re invited to a contemplative retreat exploring the sacred dimensions of growing older. Through guided reflection, spiritual practices, and small groups, participants discover how aging can be a time of deepening wisdom, renewed purpose, and spiritual flourishing. Like the evergreen that remains vital through all seasons, we explore how to cultivate resilience, find meaning in life&#39;s transitions, and embrace the gifts that come with accumulated years.&nbsp; This gathering offers space to honor both the challenges and possibilities of aging, drawing on contemplative traditions and the lived wisdom of the group to illuminate the spiritual journey of our later chapters. Rebecca Husband Maynard&nbsp;is an ordained Baptist minister with a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary and a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Columbia Theological Seminary. After serving in congregational ministry, she founded Stacking Stones, an ecumenical ministry that offers retreats, spiritual formation events, labyrinth experiences, spiritual direction for individuals and groups, and pulpit supply. As a certified Labyrinth Facilitator and member of Spiritual Directors International, Rebecca is passionate about creating sacred spaces for spiritual growth and contemplation. She lives in Thurmond, North Carolina with her husband, Mark. Together they have four married children and two grandchildren.&nbsp;www.StackingStonesMinistry.com&nbsp;

Evergreen: The Spirituality of Aging

A sacred retreat to explore the liminal, threshold, in-between spaces and places in your life. &nbsp; We will honor the Celtic feast of Imbolc, marking the midpoint between winter and spring, and St. Brigid, the saint of liminal threshold places.&nbsp; Throughout the retreat, we will reflect on our own transitional moments through various spiritual practices, including contemplative walking in nature, group and individual reflection, dream work, reflection on the sacred stories of our lives, and creative expression. Nature will serve as our Spiritual Director, guiding us into deeper awareness and connection. &nbsp;The retreat offers a sacred space to honor transition, discover new insights, and embrace the grace found in the in-between moments of life. Come and find your place in the sacred flow of nature and spirit. Facilitated by The Rev. Karla Woggon, a retired Episcopal Priest and seasoned spiritual director, dream worker, pilgrimage leader, and lover of stories.

Soul Sauntering Celtic Retreat

Women Writers March 1-Day Workshop

Meet your neighbors and have some delicious food. At the Dining Hall at the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Doors open at 5:30, with dinner served at 6 p.m. Adults $20, children 3-12 $10. BYO beer or wine if you&#39;d like!

Spring in the Valle Community Dinner

Writing is often a lonely pursuit. You may find that it&#39;s much easier to write in the company of like-minded people and with the guidance of a professional who loves to encourage others in the craft of writing. Women Writers 2026 March Workshop&nbsp;invites women of all backgrounds to step away from daily noise and into a quiet mountain setting. Over several days, you&rsquo;ll write, listen, and share in a small, supportive circle. Join this group of women writers to capture memories, define thoughts, express emotions, and bring order out of chaos. New writers are most welcome! Join master author Katerina Whitley as we explore ways to express ourselves in writing. This is a full two-day retreat, with options for commuter and one-day pricing. The program will be held in Crab Orchard Hall, with lodging in the Mission House. The program begins with an afternoon gathering and potluck on Thursday March 19 and concludes the afternoon of Saturday March 21. All meals are included.&nbsp; A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a> &nbsp;❄️

Women Writers 2026 March Workshop

Come join us at Valle Crucis on March 14 for an experience that will give new meaning to the sacred and challenging season of Lent. This Lenten Retreat will have a different focus than others you may have attended. We will spend our time considering how the gift of Imagination can help us read the Bible with intelligence and a renewed understanding. We will learn about how the prophets imagined God&rsquo;s purpose for God&rsquo;s creation.&nbsp;<div data-block="true" data-editor="bvlvp" data-offset-key="8vfph-0-0" fr-original-style='font-family: "Optimistic 95", system-ui, sans-serif; color: rgb(28, 43, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;' style='font-family: "Optimistic 95", system-ui, sans-serif; color: rgb(28, 43, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;'><div data-offset-key="8vfph-0-0" fr-original-style="position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; direction: ltr; text-align: left; font-family: inherit;" style="position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; direction: ltr; text-align: left; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div></div>Enter more fully into the stories and emotions of the Passion with master teacher Katerina Whitley.&nbsp;<div data-block="true" data-editor="bvlvp" data-offset-key="26lu-0-0" fr-original-style='font-family: "Optimistic 95", system-ui, sans-serif; color: rgb(28, 43, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;' style='font-family: "Optimistic 95", system-ui, sans-serif; color: rgb(28, 43, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;'><div data-offset-key="26lu-0-0" fr-original-style="position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; direction: ltr; text-align: left; font-family: inherit;" style="position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; direction: ltr; text-align: left; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div></div>The program will be in the beautiful, light-filled Johnson Hall, with lunch provided. $65 covers an amazing facilitator, lunch, snacks, and program materials. A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a>

Lent & the Gift of Imagination

Writing is often a lonely pursuit. You may find that it&#39;s much easier to write in the company of like-minded people and with the guidance of a professional who loves to encourage others in the craft of writing. Women Writers 2026 Winter Workshop&nbsp;invites women of all backgrounds to step away from daily noise and into a quiet mountain setting. Over several days, you&rsquo;ll write, listen, and share in a small, supportive circle. Join this group of women writers to capture memories, define thoughts, express emotions, and bring order out of chaos. New writers are most welcome! Join master author Katerina Whitley as we explore ways to express ourselves in writing. This is a full two-day retreat, with options for commuter and one-day pricing. The program will be held in Crab Orchard Hall, with lodging in the Mission House. The program begins with an afternoon gathering and potluck on Thursday February 13 and concludes the afternoon of Saturday February 15. All meals are included.&nbsp; A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a> &nbsp;❄️

Women Writers 2026 Full Winter Workshop

Women Writers Winter 1-Day Workshop

<p fr-original-style='box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: "Maiandra GD", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;' id="isPasted" style='box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: "Maiandra GD", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5;'>Located on over 450 acres of mountain woodland and verdant farming valley, the Valle Crucis Conference Center is truly one of the more beautiful places on Earth. With its beauty comes a sense of timeless spiritual grace and hospitality that transcends denomination or faith tradition.<p fr-original-style='box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: "Maiandra GD", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;' style='box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; color: rgb(26, 26, 26); font-family: "Maiandra GD", Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5;'>The Conference Center is open year-round to accommodate groups of 5 to 150. Rates include three hearty, nutritious meals a day and arguably the best towels in Western North Carolina lodgings. Our mission and ministry is to keep our lodging and dining rates as affordable as possible; every donation helps defray the rising cost of being curators and stewards of this special place..

Located on over 450 acres of mountain woodland and verdant farming valley, the Valle Crucis Conference Center is truly one of the more beautiful places on Earth. With its beauty comes a sense of timeless spiritual grace and hospitality that transcends denomination or faith tradition.The Conference Center is open year-round to accommodate groups of 5 to 150. Rates include three hearty, nutritious meals a day and arguably the best towels in Western North Carolina lodgings. Our mission and ministry is to keep our lodging and dining rates as affordable as possible; every donation helps defray the rising cost of being curators and stewards of this special place..

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1779461297/wysiwyg/hzzomy6py1ad2jxunuxz.jpg" fr-original-style="" fr-original-class="fr-draggable" style="cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;"> Si has visitado los Ermitas en el Valle Crucis Conference Center, sabes lo especiales que son como un lugar de descanso, oraci&oacute;n y renovaci&oacute;n. Realmente son un regalo poderoso de ministerio.&nbsp; Y si has intentado reservar una Ermita en los &uacute;ltimos a&ntilde;os, &iexcl;sabes lo dif&iacute;cil que es encontrar tiempo en ellas! Las Ermitas est&aacute;n ocupadas de un 85-90% la mayor parte de los meses del a&ntilde;o. Los hu&eacute;spedes de todo el sureste atesoran su tiempo en retiro aqu&iacute;. Ampliar este ministerio permitir&iacute;a a m&aacute;s hu&eacute;spedes encontrar el b&aacute;lsamo del tranquilo silencio. Como regalo de despedida, el Obispo Jos&eacute; McLoughlin ha prometido $150,000 para crear hasta dos Ermitas m&aacute;s! La generosidad del Obispo Jos&eacute; destaca su amor perdurable por el suelo sagrado de las monta&ntilde;as y la gente del oeste de Carolina del Norte. Ahora es tu oportunidad de hacer que este regalo sea a&uacute;n m&aacute;s significativo.&nbsp;Tus donaciones ayudar&aacute;n a hacer de las nuevas Ermitas una realidad Y a apoyar el ministerio de retiro existente!&nbsp;

Si has visitado los Ermitas en el Valle Crucis Conference Center, sabes lo especiales que son como un lugar de descanso, oración y renovación. Realmente son un regalo poderoso de ministerio. Y si has intentado reservar una Ermita en los últimos años, ¡sabes lo difícil que es encontrar tiempo en ellas! Las Ermitas están ocupadas de un 85-90% la mayor parte de los meses del año. Los huéspedes de todo el sureste atesoran su tiempo en retiro aquí. Ampliar este ministerio permitiría a más huéspedes encontrar el bálsamo del tranquilo silencio.Como regalo de despedida, el Obispo José McLoughlin ha prometido $150,000 para crear hasta dos Ermitas más!La generosidad del Obispo José destaca su amor perdurable por el suelo sagrado de las montañas y la gente del oeste de Carolina del Norte. Ahora es tu oportunidad de hacer que este regalo sea aún más significativo. Tus donaciones ayudarán a hacer de las nuevas Ermitas una realidad Y a apoyar el ministerio de retiro existente!

Desafío de la Ermita del Obispo

If you&rsquo;ve visited the Hermitages at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, you know how special they are as a place of respite, prayer, and renewal. They are truly a powerful gift of ministry.&nbsp; And if you&rsquo;ve tried to book a Hermitage in the past few years, you know how difficult it is to find any time at all in them! The Hermitages stay 85-90% occupied most months of the year. Guests from all over the Southeast treasure their time in retreat here. Expanding this ministry would enable more guests to find the balm of peaceful quiet. As a parting gift, Bishop Jos&eacute; McLoughlin has committed $150,000 to create up to two more Hermitages!&nbsp;This funding was made available to Bishop Jos&eacute; in recognition of his leadership and in thanksgiving for his ministry, with him being able to choose how to make use of it. &nbsp;His choice in how to use these funds highlights his enduring love for the holy ground of the mountains and the people of western North Carolina. Now is your chance to make this gift even more meaningful. Your donations will help make the new Hermitages a reality AND support the existing ministry of retreat!&nbsp;

If you’ve visited the Hermitages at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, you know how special they are as a place of respite, prayer, and renewal. They are truly a powerful gift of ministry. And if you’ve tried to book a Hermitage in the past few years, you know how difficult it is to find any time at all in them! The Hermitages stay 85-90% occupied most months of the year. Guests from all over the Southeast treasure their time in retreat here. Expanding this ministry would enable more guests to find the balm of peaceful quiet.As a parting gift, Bishop José McLoughlin has committed $150,000 to create up to two more Hermitages! This funding was made available to Bishop José in recognition of his leadership and in thanksgiving for his ministry, with him being able to choose how to make use of it. His choice in how to use these funds highlights his enduring love for the holy ground of the mountains and the people of western North Carolina. Now is your chance to make this gift even more meaningful.Your donations will help make the new Hermitages a reality AND support the existing ministry of retreat!

Bishop's Hermitage Challenge

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1792093635/wysiwyg/yisrb5mkir6eyuocxcwt.jpg" style="width: 243px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 243px; display: inline-block; vertical-align: bottom; margin: 5px 15px 5px 0px; text-align: left; max-width: calc(100% - 5px); float: left;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> Join us&nbsp;Friday, November 20th&nbsp;for a perfect Valle kickoff to the Holiday season with twinkling lights, a holiday market, a visit from Santa, and more! And if you&#39;d like to join in to make this year&#39;s event happen, we&#39;re looking for a team of elves willing to assist with planning. Contact <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:vallecruciscommunity@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">vallecruciscommunity@gmail.com</a> to see how you can help!

Join us Friday, November 20th for a perfect Valle kickoff to the Holiday season with twinkling lights, a holiday market, a visit from Santa, and more!And if you'd like to join in to make this year's event happen, we're looking for a team of elves willing to assist with planning. Contact vallecruciscommunity@gmail.com to see how you can help!

2026 Valle Glow

We can learn to lead our lives like songs on the land! Led by Charles and Kathy Hulin, this retreat is in dialogue with traditions associated with Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, giving participants opportunities to connect imaginatively with creation. Being together with God and one another through beautiful hikes, teaching times, and reflective activities will lead participants to envision and express something of the spirit of Francis and Clare in their own lives and contexts. Prayer services will include liturgies of the Episcopal Church and original sung prayer composed by Charles Hulin.<a fr-original-style="" href="https://charleshulin.com/" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Dr. Charles Hulin</a> is a graduate of The Juilliard School and Peabody Conservatory with experience in leading and teaching in Baptist, Episcopal, and Pentecostal institutions. &nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.stjohnflatrock.org/clergy-and-staff" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">The Rev. Dr. Kathy Hulin</a> is Associate Rector for Formation and Pastoral Care at St John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock NC. Author of&nbsp;Send Us Out: The Church on Mission Though Hospitality, she also has experience leading and teaching in Baptist and Episcopal churches. The Hulins are spiritually nourished in nature and have led pilgrimages in the USA and in Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;This retreat is hosted by the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness. The program is open to all faiths and backgrounds. Both hikers and non-hikers are welcome. Optional group hikes for various ability levels will be offered by Holy Hikes-WNC on Monday and Tuesday. There are single and double occupancy as well as commuter pricing options available. Make sure you complete each set of questions for each guest you register, if you are able. Registration Note: This platform will ask for a &quot;tip.&quot; Please choose OTHER and enter 0 (unless you want to leave a tip for the platform - it does keep our fees to zero).

Holy Hikes: A Canticle with Creation

Some prayers are safe. Others change everything.&nbsp;Dangerous Prayer is an invitation into the kind of prayer that costs something&mdash;and gives back far more than you bargained for. In this gathering, the Reverend Dr. Jon Davis will take us on a journey to discover the transformative and renewing power of prayer. &nbsp; Be careful - this kind of prayer can change a person&rsquo;s life.&nbsp; The retreat starts at 9:00 a.m. at the Valle Crucis Conference Center&#39;s Johnson Hall and will conclude by 3:00 p.m. Lunch and small snacks are included in your reservation. Night before and after housing is available, and if you&#39;d like to make a weekend of it, a fantastic Advent retreat is offered the next day!

Dangerous Prayer: How to Seek God and Be Found Along the Pilgrim's Way

Observing the Seasons of the Church causes us to remember&mdash;to look at a Season anew, to anticipate as new something that we have known as of old. Advent is uniquely a gift of remembrance and of waiting. Remember: What was it like to live in the century before Christ? To live without hope?What was it like:To be living in the Age of Augustus who thought himself a god?To be living in the luxuries of the Hellenistic culture or in the misery of the Greco-Roman power that favored the rich and punished the poor? One that honored citizens of Rome but punished severely immigrants and foreigners?&nbsp; This Advent 2026 we will look back at the culture of the times, before the Holy Coming, and examine the meaning of anticipation and the wonder of fulfillment.<div data-block="true" data-editor="bvlvp" data-offset-key="26lu-0-0" fr-original-style='font-family: "Optimistic 95", system-ui, sans-serif; color: rgb(28, 43, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;' style='font-family: "Optimistic 95", system-ui, sans-serif; color: rgb(28, 43, 51); font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;'><div data-offset-key="26lu-0-0" fr-original-style="position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; direction: ltr; text-align: left; font-family: inherit;" style="position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap; direction: ltr; text-align: left; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div></div>The program will be in the beautiful, light-filled Johnson Hall, with lunch provided. $65 covers an amazing facilitator, lunch, snacks, and program materials. A native of Thessaloniki, Greece, Katerina Whitley has worked as a church journalist on the diocesan and national levels, taught at universities, and is the author of eight books and hundreds of articles, including a stunning new memoir, <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Memory-Childhood-WWII-Greece/dp/0578762919" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Myth and Memory: My Childhood in WWII Greece.</a>

At Season's Turn: Advent Retreat

Walking the Threshold from Death into Life This year, Holy Week begins at the spring equinox as the earth tips toward light and the ancient pilgrimage from death to life, unfolds alongside nature&#39;s movement from winter to spring. We will mark this double threshold with a variety of spiritual practices, including contemplative walking in nature, group and individual reflection, creative expression, dream work, and dialogue (active imagination) with the sacred stories of scripture, nature, and our lives. Nature will serve as our Spiritual Director, guiding us into deeper awareness and connection.&nbsp; The retreat offers a sacred space to honor transition, discover new insights, and embrace the sacred within you and all around you. Celtic &quot;thin place&quot; spirituality and Jungian depth psychology will guide us as we ask: what in us is dying, and what is waiting &mdash; like the greening earth &mdash; to rise? This is for anyone longing to meet Holy Week not as an observer but as a pilgrim, walking both the Church&#39;s story and the seasons into new life. Facilitated by The Rev. Karla Woggon, a retired Episcopal Priest and seasoned spiritual director, dream worker, pilgrimage leader, and lover of stories. Lodging will be in the Inn. Lodging, meals, and facilitator are all covered in the per-person rate. Single room and double room pricing available.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Valle Crucis Conference Center

Valle Crucis Conference Center

Events

Events

Holy Hikes: A Canticle with Creation

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Dangerous Prayer: How to Seek God and Be Found Along the Pilgrim's Way

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At Season's Turn: Advent Retreat

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2027 Celtic Holy Week Retreat

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