Calvary Episcopal Church
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Who We Are
“Halfway between Asheville and Hendersonville in the mountains of North Carolina, on a plateau stretching along the Eastern food of Mount Pisgah, God made a hill higher than the other hills round about. Long ago, men of vision, men with hearts turned to God in worship, looked on this hill and dreamed of a church on the very top. So they set out to fashion and pile brick on brick. Their labors have glorified God and blessed men for a hundred years.”
– FROM THE PREFACE OF CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH, THE FIRST 100 YEARS
Calvary is a parish congregation of the Diocese of Western North Carolina and The Episcopal Church, which is the United States-based member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church is Michael Bruce Curry, the first African American bishop to serve in that position.
“Episcopal” means “having bishops.” Just as the early Church had “over-seers,” (epi-scopoi), we have bishops who provide spiritual leadership, direction, and oversight. We live our life together under the doctrine, discipline and worship in the tradition of the earliest Christians, which we have received through the Church of England.
Our worship is liturgical; that is, it follows ancient forms, involving the whole congregation but using modern language. Consisting of scripture, hymns, sermon, prayer, and celebration of the Holy Eucharist (also called the Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper), our worship involves everyone.
The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina covers the western most third of our state and is led by a bishop who is based in Asheville.
As he gathered around the table with his friends for the last time, Jesus invited them to share bread and wine, symbols of his willingness to give his body and blood to the work of healing our world. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” And we continue to respond to Christ's invitation, celebrating together the Holy Communion each Sunday and Wednesday.
Worship times
The Sacrament of Healing is offered.
The Sacrament of Healing is offered.
A Taizé Service is held on the second Sunday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The worship, modeled after the Taizé community in France, is quiet and reflective with brief readings and simple chants which are easy to sing. There is silence after each reading or chant, allowing the worshiper time for his or her own silent prayers and meditation. The church is lighted by candlelight, and icons help to draw worshipers into adoration. During the service, worshipers are invited to light a candle for any person or situation needing prayer; in this way they are surrounded by the Light of Christ. The service includes Holy Eucharist and healing.
This is a small, very informal service that takes place in the Chapel and offers healing prayers, a shared homily, and Eucharist.
Volunteer opportunities
Please email welcome@calvaryfletcher.org or visit us in person to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Ministries
Habitat for Humanity
The Episcopal parishes in the Asheville area sponsor building a Habitat house in Buncombe County every other year. Calvary’s part includes funding and lots of volunteers.
Food Pantry at Calvary
The Food Pantry opened at Calvary Episcopal in April of 2009 seeking to help those needing food who come to our door. We are open on Saturday mornings from 8:30 till 11:00 AM. The work of the panty is supported in many ways, including an annual rummage sale. We are grateful for the many community partners who make this work possible.
Room in the Inn
A program of Homeward Bound of WNC, which is their only shelter option for 12 women who for a variety of reasons can’t stay at a shelter. Homeward Bound partners with 62 faith communities who take turns hosting the women for a week, providing all of their meals, shelter, and evening activities. This gives women who aren’t a good fit for a shelter environment a safe place to sleep each night while waiting to get into permanent housing. To be considered, all women are screened and intentionally placed in this program while having daily contact and case management provided by A-Hope Day Center. Room in the Inn serves approximately 62 women per year and no more than 12 women at any given time can be actively enrolled.
Calvary partnered with Fletcher United Methodist Church and served women experiencing homelessness in July of 2018. It was a great success and we plan to be a future host.
Health Ministry at Calvary
Church Health Ministry reclaims the historic roots of health and healing. The Health Ministry meets quarterly and offers teaching, support and resources. Monthly blood pressure screenings, nutritional counseling, annual CPR training.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knitters meet regularly to knit prayer shawls to give to folks who need comfort and healing. For the person knitting, the rhythmic movement becomes prayer for the one who will receive the shawl.
Angel Tree
The parish is invited to help provide Christmas joy for families in need from around the community. This is an annual event which begins in late November.
Mite Boxes for Mission
Includes Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), Heifer Project, and United Thank Offering (UTO). Throughout the year, the various boxes are distributed to households to be used for personal thanksgiving offerings and are collected and sent to the various organizations.
2840 Hendersonville Rd
Fletcher, NC 28732
United States
