Fellowship
In the daily life of our parish these groups provide social opportunities to make friends, deepen relationships, and minister to those in need. Visit our upcoming events calendar for these details on the latest opportunities to connect.
Fellowship Groups
Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour Guild prepares coffee and snacks for our time of fellowship following the 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 La Misa Sunday services. Coffee Hour is held in the area adjacent to the parish hall (Henry Hall). To volunteer, contact Sissy Poland or sign up at this link.
Community Dinners
Community Dinners are held every Wednesday evening from 5:45-7:00 in Henry Hall. We welcome parishioners and guests to enjoy a meal and engage in lively conversation at the table. $5 donation suggested. For more information and to volunteer, contact Jessica.
Men's Social Night
The men of the parish gather on the fourth Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Brewers at Yancey. This is an opportunity for the men to meet for social time and a beverage.
Women's Social Night
Women are invited to enjoy a causal evening of conversation and fellowship on the first Thursday of each month from 6-8 pm. During the spring and summer months we meet in the Van Every courtyard. Bring your own beverage and lawn chair. In case of rain, we meet in the Atkinson library. Occasionally we meet in the in a local brewery or restaurant. Regardless of the location, friendships are created!
Comforting Treasures
Comforting Treasures provides the opportunity to shop for faith-based gifts and greeting cards while supporting the mission and ministries of Holy Comforter. Most recently, funds have helped to offset the costs of the Senior Luncheons. The Gift Shop, located in the Atkinson lobby, is open on Sunday mornings between services and offers a variety of gifts for young and old alike. Volunteers are needed to operate the shop; no retail experience necessary – just a friendly attitude. Contact Karen Crane.
Darrow-Owens Women's Guild
Darrow-Owens Women’s Guild welcomes women of all ages who bring the richness of multiple generations to bear on our faith journeys. We meet on the third Monday of each month of the school year for fellowship, potluck supper and a program featuring enriching, informative, educational, and entertaining speakers. Beyond monthly meetings, Darrow-Owens women are active in a range of ministries from Promising Pages and Loaves & Fishes to Women in Transition at the YWCA. The annual parish tradition of making gingerbread houses is organized and facilitated by Darrow-Owens and enjoyed by adults and children alike. Contact Mary Amos
Focus
Women of the parish and their friends are invited to an hour of coffee, fellowship, prayer, and inspiration at the weekly Focus meetings on Friday mornings. Contact Susanne Shaw.
Oyster Roast
Oyster Roast is held on Saturday evening in November in the parish courtyard and features oyster shucking and low country boil. A bluegrass band provides music to kick up your heels, and fire pits provide a cozy gathering spot for friendly conversation.
Parents Connect
Holy Comforter Parents Connect is intended to support Holy Comforter families interested in raising children with a strong Christian foundation. True to our mission statement: 'We strive to connect families to God and each other, so that we can share and grow our Christian community by building meaningful relationships and supporting one another in our efforts to raise children of faith.' We integrate with Children's and Youth Ministries, Loaves & Fishes, Room in the Inn, and many outreach opportunities. We also provide social outings for men, women, and families to nurture our communal relationships.
Parish Retreat at Montreat
The Parish Retreat is a decades old tradition at Holy Comforter where all members of our parish family are invited to a weekend in the mountains to enjoy a time of fun, relaxation, and spiritual growth. Those who have attended for years as well as those who are new to Holy Comforter have found this to be a richly rewarding experience as we grow in faith and fellowship.
Our 2023 dates are April 21-23. This year, there is a two-step registration process:
- Complete the attached registration form and return to Jessica Dunlap with programming fee payment (make check payable to Holy Comforter Episcopal Church and note 2023 Retreat in memo line).
2023 Parish Retreat Information & Holy Comforter Registration - Book your room(s) directly through Montreat online. Room and board registration is through Montreat directly at this link.
Montreat Registration
You must book your room(s) by January 28 to guarantee your space. Contact Jessica with any questions or for more information.
Senior Luncheons
Senior Luncheons are offered quarterly for all seniors and their friends. Dr. Patrick Pope offers a beautiful concert, followed by Eucharist. Holly Williams and the cooking team delight guests with tasty and filling lunches served in the parish hall. Invitations are sent to all seniors in the parish. For more information, contact Holly Williams.
Spatula Ministry
Spatula Ministry is on hold due to Covid. Volunteers are needed to resume this ministry.
During the school year a group of dedicated “Spatula Ministry” men prepare and serve breakfast on Sunday morning following the 8:00 AM service. The menu rivals any restaurant buffet and the fellowship is engaging and lively. This is a free offering to the parish although monetary donations are welcomed and encouraged. The income is used to support this ministry as well as other needs in the parish and community, such as Habitat for Humanity, camp scholarships, pilgrimages, and mission trips.
Vocare
Vocare is a gathering of Holy Comforter men who meet weekly on Friday morning to engage in study and share intercessory prayers. The group acts as the nucleus for men’s fellowship and outreach by promoting and sponsoring events throughout the year for the men of the church. Contact Jim Muse.
