A conference for finding purpose
and renewal in the second half of life
AUGUST 19-22, 2024
Held annually, the Festival of Wisdom and Grace invites participants to explore how we flourish as we age and how we navigate transitions, live into our talents and passions and cultivate our relationship with Christ. In 2024, we will explore the theme “Wesleyan Roots” and enjoy worship, workshops, recreation, entertainment, learning and plenty of time for fellowship. Our keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Ashely Boggan D., and our conference preacher will be Bishop Lawson Bryan. You will also have time to explore Lake Junaluska and enjoy the gardens and places of meditation, lakeside trail and more.
- Photo Gallery
- Schedule
- Register Online for the Program, Lodging & Meals Package
OR print and mail in a Registration Form (PDF)
OR Register Online for the Program Only - Contact Us
We invite you to subscribe to festival updates to receive the latest news about the conference. Continuing education units will be available in connection with this event.
Learning Circles & Optional Activities
Learning Circles
Learning Circles are free, small-group clinics offered during the festival on a variety of topics and led by qualified festival participants on subjects they are passionate about. Is there a subject or skill you would like to share with others? Are you a crafter, photographer, dancer, birder, history buff, genealogist, or an “expert” in another topic you’d love to share with fellow festival-goers? If you are interested in leading a learning circle, email [email protected].
Optional Activities
Optional activities during the festival include a historical boat tour of Lake Junaluska aboard the Cherokee IV pontoon boat (additional charge).
Sample Schedule
Monday
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Dinner
5:30 p.m. – Leadership Dinner, Terrace, Room 319
6:30 p.m. – Late Registration – Harrell Auditorium
7:00 p.m. – Worship – Harrell Auditorium
7:30 p.m. – Concert
8:30 p.m. – Reception – Under the white tent by Lake
Tuesday
6:45-7:30 a.m. – Lake Devotional Walk
7:30-8:30 a.m. – Breakfast at The Terrace
8:30 a.m. – Gathering Music – Harrell Auditorium
8:45-9:45 a.m. – Teaching Pastor
10:00-11:00 a.m. –Workshop A
11:00-11:15 a.m. – Break
11:30-12:30 p.m. – Workshop B
12:30-1:30 p.m. – Lunch at The Terrace
4:00-5:00 p.m. – Optional Historical Boat Tour – $
5:30-6:30 p.m. – Dinner at The Terrace
6:45 p.m. – Gathering Music – Harrell Auditorium
7:00 p.m. – Worship
Wednesday
6:45-7:30 am – Lake Devotional Walk
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast at the Terrace
8:30 am – Gathering Music – Harrell Auditorium
8:45-9:45 am – Teaching Pastor
10:00-11:00 am – Workshop C
11:00-11:15 am – Break
11:15-12:15 pm – Workshop D
12:30-1:30 pm – Lunch at The Terrace
12:30-1:30 pm – Meeting with Conference Older Adult Leaders – Room 319 Terrace
1:30-2:00 pm – Free time
2:00-3:00 pm – Optional Learning Circles
4:00 pm – Optional Historical Boat Tour – $
5:30-6:30 pm – Dinner at The Terrace
6:45 pm – Gathering Music
7:00 pm – Worship
8:00 pm – Walk/Ride to the Cross (Trolleys & air-conditioned church vans will be
available to ride also)
Thursday
6:45-7:30 am – Lake Devotional Walk
7:30-8:30 am – Breakfast at the Terrace
9:00-9:15 am – Gathering music – Harrell Auditorium
9:15 am – Sending Forth and Holy Communion
CONTACT US
Program Questions
Email [email protected] or call 828-454-6716.
Reservations Questions
Call 800-222-4930 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or email [email protected].
Would you be interested in leading a learning circle?
Learning Circles are free small group clinics on a variety of topics led by qualified Festival participants on subjects they are passionate about. If you are interested in leading a learning circle, email [email protected].
