Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
All are invited to join St. John in the Wilderness for any or all of our Lenten Series sessions, to take place each Thursday evening in Lent. The evenings each have three offerings, all of which are open to the public with adults and youth most welcome. You do not have to be present for all three portions of the event to participate. See below for details.
-
Evening Prayer at 6:00 in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall
-
Dinner at 6:30 in the Parish Hall – RSVP required below – $8/person or $20/family of 3+
-
Program from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Parish Hall, or join via Zoom with RSVP
Our Lenten program this year will be led by the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary. These Episcopal Nuns live at their convent in Sewanee, TN and are members of a monastic movement that goes back to 1865 when their order was started in New York. The sisters will take turns sharing with us the richness of their ancient monastic way of life. Together we will learn about their Benedictine way of living that includes prayers, work, radical hospitality, rich community, accountability, and more. While many think of monks and nuns as being something restricted to the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church has a long history of monastic life that continues to influence our churches to this day.
For the first session on March 3, we will host the Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Sister Madeleine Mary, who will travel from Sewanee to be with us. Sister Madeleine Mary has been living in religious life for over 50 years having entered the cloister after teaching middle school in New York and spending time advocating for environmental justice issues.
In the sessions following on March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31, and April 7, we will meet in person at the Parish Hall to gather for a virtual visit with other Sisters from the Order, including Sister Hannah Winkler, who made her life profession in January 2021, and Sister Elizabeth Grace, who will share on the Rule of St. Benedict’s emphasis on humility. You may also participate on Zoom for any of the sessions, but we will hope you will join us in person if you can. Click here to sign up to be emailed a Zoom link.
All are also invited to join us for Evening Prayer in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall at 6:00pm on each Thursday in Lent (March 3 – April 7). Dinner follows at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. RSVP and pay for dinner by clicking one of the boxes below by Tuesday of each week so food is not wasted. Masks will be required except when eating.
Sister Madeleine Mary will also be preaching at St. John in the Wilderness on Sunday, March 6, at the 8:45 and 11:00 services. Please join us as we journey through Lent together.
All are invited to join St. John in the Wilderness for any or all of our Lenten Series sessions, to take place each Thursday evening in Lent. The evenings each have three offerings all of which are open to the public with adults and youth most welcome. You do not have to be present for all three portions of the event to participate. See below for details.
-
Evening Prayer at 6:00 in the Atrium Chapel in the Parish Hall
-
Dinner at 6:30 in the Parish Hall – RSVP required below – $8/person or $20/family of 3+
-
Program from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Parish Hall, or join via Zoom with RSVP
Our Lenten program this year will be led by the Sisters of the Community of St. Mary. These Episcopal Nuns live at their convent in Sewanee, TN and are members of a monastic movement that goes back to 1865 when their order was started in New York. The sisters will take turns sharing with us the richness of their ancient monastic way of life. Together we will learn about their Benedictine way of living that includes prayers, work, radical hospitality, rich community, accountability, and more. While many think of monks and nuns as being something restricted to the Roman Catholic Church, the Episcopal Church has a long history of monastic life that continues to influence our churches to this day.
For the first session on March 3, we will host the Prioress of the Community of St. Mary, Sister Madeleine Mary, who will travel from Sewanee to be with us. Sister Madeleine Mary has been living in religious life for over 50 years having entered the cloister after teaching middle school in New York and spending time advocating for environmental justice issues.
In the sessions following on March 10, March 17, March 24, March 31, and April 7, we will meet in person at the Parish Hall to gather for a virtual visit with other Sisters from the Order, including Sister Hannah Winkler, who made her life profession in January 2021, and Sister Elizabeth Grace, who will share on Rule of St. Benedict’s emphasis on humility. You may also participate on Zoom for any of the sessions, but we will hope you will join us in person if you can. Click here to sign up to be emailed a Zoom link.
All are also invited to join us for Evening Prayer in the Atrium Chapel of the Parish Hall at 6:00pm on each Thursday in Lent (March 3 – April 7). Dinner follows at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall. RSVP and pay for dinner by clicking the one of the boxes below by Tuesday of each week so food is not wasted. Masks will be required except when eating.
Sister Madeleine Mary will also be preaching at St. John in the Wilderness on Sunday, March 6, at the 8:45 and 11:00 services. Please join us as we journey through Lent together.
For more information:
https://www.communityofstmarysouth.org/about
https://www.facebook.com/communityofstmarysouth/
The ‘What Are We Waiting For’ tour is coming to you on April 8, 2022! We’ll be bringing the Official Album Release Concert Experience to Asheville, with brand new music from our new album and an all new stage design to present to you an evening you won’t soon forget. And our good friend Dante Bowe of Bethel and Maverick City Music will also be joining us! Consider this your personal invitation.. grab your friends & loved ones and a ticket, and we’ll look forward to seeing you there.
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness welcomes children of all ages to join the Young Families group hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at 10am on
Easter Sunday, April 17.
Participants are encouraged to join the fun in the Rector’s Garden and Parish Hall Lawn next to the Parish Hall across Rutledge Drive from the church. Parking is
available.
Church of St. John in the Wilderness celebrates its patron saint with the Feast of St. John
the Baptist. In 2021, the historic church extended the festivities outside the parish to the
broader community and will do so again this year.
All are welcome to join the festivities at the family-friendly celebration featuring food,
fellowship and live music. “Since our earliest days in the 1800s, we have gathered with
friends and neighbors to fellowship and find renewal with God and one another,” Rector
Josh Stephens said. “The Feast of St. John is a time for our broader community to gather
and to reconnect.”
Local bluegrass band Pretty Little Goat will set the mood beginning at 6 p.m. and yard
games will be offered for children. Barbecue and other family-favorite foods and
beverages will be available for purchase at Hubba Hubba. Seating at the picturesque
outdoor courtyard is limited, so guests are encouraged to bring portable chairs.
"St. John in the Wilderness as a parish has deep roots in Flat Rock and this corner of
Western North Carolina,” Stephens said. “We are incredibly grateful to live in a place with
such natural beauty and with so many wonderful friends, parishioners, and neighbors.
The rain date is set for Wednesday, June 29 at 5:00pm at Hubba Hubba.
Join us for another Parish Breakfast hosted by the Chefs of St. John, this one in celebration of the arrival of our new Curate, his family, and our visiting summer scholar. The Chefs will serve up bacon, sausage, eggs, grits, gravy, fruit salad, potatoes, biscuits, French toast and juice/coffee/tea. There is no cost for this breakfast, but donations are welcome and appreciated. Please sign up by Wednesday, June 29 to aid in planning.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
The Rev. Dr. Robert MacSwain
2022 Summer Scholar-in-Residence
Dr. Rob MacSwain is the Associate Professor of Theology at the seminary at The University of the South, in Sewanee, TN. For a number of years, Dr. MacSwain has been researching how the lives of holy people serve as evidence of God’s existence.
Dr. MacSwain is no stranger to North Carolina, having been ordained as a priest of the Church in the eastern part of the state in 2002. He holds masters degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary and The University of Edinburgh in Scotland. He completed his Ph.D. at The University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 2010. He has authored and edited several works including his book Solved by Sacrifice: Austin Farrer, Fideism, and the Evidence of Faith (2013). While in Flat Rock, he intends to relax in the mountains of Western North Carolina and he hopes to find time to continue working on his book to be titled The Saint is our Evidence.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
Presented as part of the Faith in Arts Institute, hosted by BMCM+AC, these conversations and interviews with a diverse group of artists, faith leaders, and scholars explore the role of arts in spiritual practice and religious life.
“I dare suggest that the clearest examples of relationship are to be found in geometry…With geometry as the body reference for learning about relationship, we can best illustrate principles of mathematics and arithmetic. Given this understanding, one is equipped with the foundation for critical and clear thinking, and is best prepared to navigate with a healthy respect for self in relation to other in the domain of community.”
Vandorn Hinnant is a visual artist, poet and educator based in Durham, North Carolina. He grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina and received a Bachelor’s of Art degree from North Carolina A&T University. After college, he moved to New York City and worked for the printmaker Josef Werner. Known for his visual exploration of metaphysical ideas, Hinnant utilizes Sacred Geometry (studied formally under his mentor, inventor and physicist Robert L. Powell, Sr.), fractal mathematics, the golden ratio, and the logarithmic spiral to create his dynamic two and three-dimensional artworks. Referencing Buckminster Fuller, Leonardo da Vinci, Frank Lloyd Wright, and M.C. Escher as inspirations because of their use of geometry and math in making their artworks, Hinnant catalyzes dialogue through and around his work about the golden proportion, human relationships, and metaphysical energy. His work has been exhibited widely, including at the Fayetteville Museum of Art, Antioch College, and Saugerties Performing Arts Factory, and belongs to numerous private and corporate collections.
Spirit Fest Turns 30! Online ticket sales coming soon.
Spirit Fest 2022 returns to The Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday September 4, 2022! This year is a celebration of three decades of presenting gospel music in the Upstate of SC.
We celebrate “Shining 30 Years of Hope, Love, and Light to our Families, Faith, and Communities.”
Performing at Spirit Fest this year is Tye Tribbett, Tamela Mann, Bishop William Murphy, Tim Rogers, Roy and Revelation, Kelontae Gavin, and the Gospel Legends! More information to come on other Spirit Fest activities and artists to the 30th celebration!
Tickets go on sale Thursday May 5, 2022 at the GSP International Airport Box Office at the Arena and Ticketmaster.com. Early bird tickets will be available through June 17.
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
Tours of St. John in the Wilderness are sponsored and led by a team of volunteer docents who seek to tell the story of our historic parish. Tours are held every third Saturday of the month at 11:00am and last about one hour.
There is no cost to tour the churchyard. Please wear comfortable shoes, and meet in the Carriage Entrance of the church. Space is limited to 30 people per tour
David Jeremiah Announces New Teaching Series and Fall Tour Coming This October to South Carolina.
As Turning Point embarks on its fortieth year of ministry, Dr. David Jeremiah shares how we can find hope in God’s Word, even as our world seems to be spinning out of control.
Turning Point for God is pleased to announce the schedule for David Jeremiah’s 2022 Fall Tour. The website for An Evening with David Jeremiah: HIS VOICE! OUR VOICE! has launched, and tickets are now available at DavidJeremiah.org/TOUR.
There is One Voice we ought to trust more than other voices, One Voice we need to hear—the voice of Jesus Christ. We are living in a time when Bible prophecy is intersecting with our world as never before, and there is an urgency to communicate the message of hope and peace that only Jesus Christ can offer!
Each event will include a night of dynamic worship led by The Voice contestant Michael Sanchez, life-changing teaching by renowned Bible teacher and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. David Jeremiah, from his new series, The World of the End, and the opportunity to secure exclusive resources and merchandise.
As we begin the tour in Raleigh, North Carolina, on October 6, the Grammy-award-winning Gaither Vocal Band will be joining us. Additional guest artists for other locations will be announced at a later date.
This special event is a great opportunity to share an uplifting message from God’s Word with those in your community and around the world.
Turning Point is also grateful for the partnership and support of local radio stations in and around Greenville, South Carolina, and looks forward to a successful tour season.
Admission is free, but tickets are required. Visit davidjeremiah.org for tickets.
*Please note no ticket sales are available at the GSP International Box Office or via Ticketmaster. Tickets are available via the event website only.
Lets get together at Peanberry Press for coffee and conversation. Discuss some plans for the group, meet up events and activities (Ideas encouraged).
In this seminar we look into the fundamentals of bad habits and how to overcome them. How are habits formed, and how can they be changed? Many struggle with a variety of habits ranging from anger, lack of forgiveness, lust, addictions to substances, repetitive unhealthy thoughts and a host of other vices. In this seminar we look at scientific, health, and Biblical principles that aid in the victory over habits. Presented by Chad and Fadia Kreuzer. Chad and Fadia share seminars on health, the Bible, and overcoming habits. They have taught in Europe and throughout North America.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
In this seminar we look into the fundamentals of bad habits and how to overcome them. How are habits formed, and how can they be changed? Many struggle with a variety of habits ranging from anger, lack of forgiveness, lust, addictions to substances, repetitive unhealthy thoughts and a host of other vices. In this seminar we look at scientific, health, and Biblical principles that aid in the victory over habits. Presented by Chad and Fadia Kreuzer. Chad and Fadia share seminars on health, the Bible, and overcoming habits. They have taught in Europe and throughout North America.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
In this seminar we look into the fundamentals of bad habits and how to overcome them. How are habits formed, and how can they be changed? Many struggle with a variety of habits ranging from anger, lack of forgiveness, lust, addictions to substances, repetitive unhealthy thoughts and a host of other vices. In this seminar we look at scientific, health, and Biblical principles that aid in the victory over habits. Presented by Chad and Fadia Kreuzer. Chad and Fadia share seminars on health, the Bible, and overcoming habits. They have taught in Europe and throughout North America.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
In this seminar we look into the fundamentals of bad habits and how to overcome them. How are habits formed, and how can they be changed? Many struggle with a variety of habits ranging from anger, lack of forgiveness, lust, addictions to substances, repetitive unhealthy thoughts and a host of other vices. In this seminar we look at scientific, health, and Biblical principles that aid in the victory over habits. Presented by Chad and Fadia Kreuzer. Chad and Fadia share seminars on health, the Bible, and overcoming habits. They have taught in Europe and throughout North America.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness will offer a traditional and simple service of
Choral Evensong on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 4pm in the church.
The service will include prayer as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, and sung by the
clergy, choir and congregation.
“Evensong is one of the great liturgical traditions of Christianity. This service will be similar to
those celebrated in the Church of England and by Anglican churches around the world,” said Fr.
Josh Stephens, the rector of St. John. “We hope it enriches your journey through Lent as we set
aside this sacred time for evening worship.”
Dialogues between Priest and congregation, Anglican Chant Psalm, ancient canticles sung to
plainsong tones, scripture lessons appointed by the lectionary, prayers, choral anthems and
organ music will be a part of this meditative Mid-Lenten Friends of Music offering.
The public is invited to come and worship with the parishioners of St. John for this special
offering.
The service will include prayer as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, and sung by the
clergy, choir and congregation.
“Evensong is one of the great liturgical traditions of Christianity. This service will be similar to
those celebrated in the Church of England and by Anglican churches around the world,” said Fr.
Josh Stephens, the rector of St. John. “We hope it enriches your journey through Lent as we set
aside this sacred time for evening worship.”
Dialogues between Priest and congregation, Anglican Chant Psalm, ancient canticles sung to
plainsong tones, scripture lessons appointed by the lectionary, prayers, choral anthems and
organ music will be a part of this meditative Mid-Lenten Friends of Music offering.
The public is invited to come and worship with the parishioners of St. John for this special
offering.
The Holy Week schedule begins April 2. Here is a list of all services:
Palm Sunday, April 2
8:45 and 11:00 a.m. Rite I Eucharists
Maundy Thursday, April 6
7:00 p.m. Service with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar
Good Friday, April 7
11:00 a.m. Stations of the Cross – meet in the parking lot of the Parish Hall
12:00 p.m. Good Friday Service (No Eucharist)
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Veneration of the Cross in the church
5:30 p.m. Good Friday Service (No Eucharist)
Easter Sunday, April 8
8:45 a.m. Easter Service – Rite II Eucharist
10:00 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt in the Rector's Garden and Parish Hall Lawn
11:00 a.m. Easter Service – Rite II Eucharist
The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness welcomes children of all ages to participate in an
Easter Egg Hunt at 10am on Easter Sunday, April 9th. The annual event is hosted by St. John's Young
Family Ministry.
Participants are encouraged to join the fun in the Rector’s Garden and Parish Hall lawn next to the Parish
Hall across Rutledge Drive from the church. Parking is available.
“We invite neighbors, friends, and visitors to join us for Easter at St. John in the Wilderness this year,”
said Fr. Josh Stephens, Rector. “We are excited to offer the Easter Egg Hunt for the community, as well
as the beautiful worship with a warm welcome as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection.”
Charles Davidson, minister and author of Foster’s Pie Pan: Stories of Grace Abounding in a Fallen World, will read from his new book and sign copies for purchase at Calvary Presbyterian Church. Profits from the event benefit Homeward Bound of Western North Carolina. Jim Lowder will speak briefly about the work of Homeward Bound.
A Retreat in Wilderness and Discipleship:
Encounter God in Wild Places
through the Story of Hudson Stuck
Patrick Dean, author of A Window to Heaven: The Daring First Ascent of Denali: America’s Wildest Peak
October 22-25, 2023
$456 single/private room; $381 double/shared room; $231 commuter rate
Accommodations in the Inn
Patrick Dean is the author of A Window to Heaven: The Daring First Ascent of Denali, America’s Wildest Peak and Nature’s Messenger: Mark Catesby and His Adventures in a New World. Dean lives, works, and plays in and around Monteagle, Tennessee. He has written speeches for Congressional candidates, taught inner-city high-school English, and earned a master’s degree in theology.
Since 2012, Patrick has been a free-lance writer, social-media content creator, and website designer. He is also the executive director of the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a walking and cycling trail on a former railroad bed. Patrick is a content ambassador for Territory Run Co.
A Window to Heaven is his first book.
Register for the Holy Hikes: A Retreat in Wilderness & Discipleship here!
The longest night of the year happens at the time of the winter solstice. This event is for all our
friends, neighbors and visitors to the community who may be experiencing sadness or grieving a loss, and struggling to find comfort
and joy during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Longest Night service offers a reflective, sacred space, holding out healing
and hope.