Highlands Cashiers Easter Event Guide

Written By: Mary Jane McCall | Issue: April - 2022

Easter, the season of hope and renewal, is a special time on the Plateau and there are lots of opportunities for guests and residents to worship and play. 

Due to ongoing pandemic concerns, uncertainty about when restrictions would be lifted, and out of an abundance of caution to the Town of Highlands is not hosting any of their traditional activities, but area churches are planning their holy week services.

The Village Green in Cashiers will be home to many of the Plateau’s Easter events beginning with the Stations of the Cross. This ecumenical walking devotional is open to all. It features scripture and prayer to recall the events of Good Friday. Participants will meet at 4:00 P.M. Friday, April 15, at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road in Cashiers.

The 9th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Green will begin at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 16, for children 10 years old and under.

“Grab your Easter basket and hippity-hoppity over to the Village Play area” says Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning, Executive Director of The Village Green. Hundreds of treat-filled Easter eggs will be scattered around the park for hunters who will be divided according to age.

Activities will also include entertainment and the opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny at The Village Green Commons Event Hall (Reservation required). Visit villagegreencashiersnc.com/programs-events for more details and to register.

The annual Community Sunrise Service will be the following day at 7:00 A.M., Sunday, April 17, at the Village Green Commons Lawn on Frank Allen Road. Those attending need to bring a lawn chair. In the event of inclement weather, the Cashiers Area Clergy will lead this as a virtual experience, please check The Village Green website for streaming information. 

Churches that had finalized their opportunities to worship as of press time are listed below, but all area churches are planning meaningful services, open to all.

Highlands United Methodist Church:

Holy Wednesday Service of Healing  –  April 13 at 6:00 P.M. (Faith and Fellowship Center) (Supper at 5:15 P.M.)

Holy Thursday Communion Service – April 14 at 5:30 P.M. (Sanctuary)

Good Friday Worship Service – April 15 at 5:30 P.M. (Sanctuary)

Easter Sunday – Sunrise Service at the Easter Cross on the front lawn, April 17 at 7:00 A.M.; 9:09 A.M. Bluegrass Worship Service followed by brunch and children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the Faith and Fellowship Center;  10:50 A.M. Traditional Worship Service in the Church Sanctuary

Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church:

Lenten Schedule:

Stations of the Cross—following Wednesday Noon Mass (March 16, 23, 30, Apr 6 & 13)

Holy Thursday, April 14 — 6:00 P.M.

Good Friday, April 15 — Stations of the Cross Noon; Confessions 12:30-1:00 P.M., Liturgy 3:00 P.M.

Holy Saturday, April 16 — 8:00 P.M.

Easter Mass, April 17 — 11:00 A.M.

Episcopal Church of the Incarnation:

Palm Sunday, April 10 – 10:30 AM

Monday in Holy Week, April 11 – Noon

Tuesday in Holy Week, April 12 – Noon

Wednesday in Holy Week, April 13 – Noon

Maundy Thursday, April 14 – 5:30 P.M.

Good Friday, April 15 – Noon

The Great Vigil of Easter, Saturday, April 16 – 8:00 P.M.

Easter Sunday, April 17 – 9:00 AM & 11:15 A.M.

Christ Church in Cashiers:

Maundy Thursday, April 14 – 6:00 P.M.

Good Friday, April 15 – Noon

Easter Sunday, April 17 – 10:30 P.M.

by Mary Jane McCall

–