This wonderful quote was shared with me several years ago by a friend, the Rev. Mimsy Jones. How true it is that we are all God's pencils! We are not flashy magic markers or glitter pens but just plain old pencils that need to be constantly sharpened with God's love and wisdom throughout our lives. Here at the Valle Crucis Conference Center we are trying our best to be God's pencils. We try to let God write with us in everything we do here at the Center: in the way we make the beds and clean the rooms, in the way we prepare your food, in the way we greet you upon your arrival, in the way we develop and present new programs, in the way we lay a fire for you. We want these little things - our tiny pencil marks — to make your visit with us a memorable and a spirit-filled one. May we continue to do as Mother Teresa did her entire life: let God use us to write grace and hospitality in our daily world.

Keep up to date on all of the happenings at the Valle Crucis Conference Center with our Schedule of Events.

Our septic and sewer project is in its final stages before actual construction begins. We have been blessed to receive over $173,349 in the form of individual donations, gifts, and grants towards this important and necessary project. We still need $69,651 to reach our goal of $243,000. If you can help us or know of anyone who would be willing to assist, please do so today. This may be your last chance to throw your money down our drain!

Our special thanks go to the Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina who made an additional generous grant of $10,000 towards our septic/sewer project as an end of the year gift to the Center.

Here at the Valle Crucis Conference Center we are blessed to have many wonderful and dedicated employees. Recently, we promoted two of our employees into new positions.

Many of our guests have experienced the smiling face and wonderful laughter of Deana Coleman, recently promoted to Assistant Housekeeping Supervisor. Since she started work at the Center in 1997, Deana has met many of our guests as she cleans the buildings on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Deana graduated from Watagua High School in 1990 and is the daughter of our head housekeeper Debbie Rupard. She is married to Terry Coleman and lives in Newland with her Chihuahua named Peanut. In her spare time she is an avid drag racer and has raced all over North Carolina and Tennessee, often winning her class. She loves cars and working with her husband on their race cars. She also loves the relaxed atmosphere at the Center, our wonderful guests, and as she says, "This is a great place to work!"

Penny Wood

Penelope "Penny" Wood was promoted to Assistant Food Service Director in 1999 and does a great job preparing food for our diverse guests. Penny graduated from Appalachian State University with a major in Women’s Studies in 1997. Penny enjoys the sense of community and support she receives from both her fellow employees and the guests. She likes nurturing our groups with good food in this sacred setting. When she is not busy in our kitchen, Penny likes to bird watch, read, mountain bike, and work in her garden.

We are delighted to have such dedicated people on our staff!

Please let us know if you are receiving more than one copy of the newsletter or if you wish to have your name removed from our list. You can write, email, call, or fax us your request. Thanks for helping us be good stewards of our resources.

At the December meeting of the Executive Council of the Diocese of Western North Carolina the following were approved as members of our Board of Directors:

• Jaan Ferree, Incarnation, Highlands
• Judy Teele, Grace, Morganton
• The Rev. Tim McRee, St. Andrew’s, Canton
• Brian Cole, St. James, Black Mountain

Our officers for 2000 are:

• David Yates, President
• Diana White, Vice President
• Ann Holtz, Secretary
• Billy DuBose, Treasurer

Our many thanks go out to the following members of the Board who finished their terms in November after many years of dedicated service:

• John Goodrich
• Sally Hatch
• The Rev. Randy Ferebee
• Harper Thayer

Our hats are off to you for a job well done!!

Our world famous molasses (YES! It is truly world famous as we now even have fans in Western Australia!) is now for sale at the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. You can also still purchase some in the office. The price is $3 for a half pint; $6 for a pint,and $12 for a quart. According to many who have sampled it, this year's batch is one of the best we have had over the years.

A gracious thank you to all of our many friends who made year-end gifts to the Center. Because of your continued generosity we have made great strides in raising the needed money for our septic field, and our annual fund which helps support our general operations.

There are also other ways in which you can give to the Center and our many ministries. You can give gifts of stock; you can remember us in your estate; you can give to our scholarship fund; you can give to our newly started landscaping plan; or you can give in-kind gifts to the Center. We appreciate all gifts, large or small. They all help to further the ministry of the Gospel here at the Valle Crucis Conference Center.

• Spiritual books for our library
• Games (in good condition and with all the pieces!)
• Videos (in good condition)
• Writing tables or small desks for guest rooms
• Crosses (to hang in individual guest rooms)
• Loveseats or small sofas (must be in good condition)

Our special thanks to these individuals and organizations for their generosity in giving to the Center in recent months:

The mission of the Valle Crucis Conference Center is to inspire, by loving example and service, those who break bread with us and share in the quest for spiritual renewal, Christian community, and stewardship of the sacred place.

The Right Reverend Robert H. Johnson
Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina

David Yates, President
Diana White, Vice President
Billy DuBose, Treasurer
Ann Holtz, Secretary

The Rev. Ken Asel
The Rev. Brian Cole
Tom Eshelman (ex officio)
Jaan Ferree
John Huie
The Rev. Tim McRee
Nina-Jo Moore
Judy Teele
Ralph Tilden