DIscover Lake Junaluska 2021

LAKE JUNALUSKA • 2021

Recharge & Renew ——— In All Seasons ———

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO LAKE JUNALUSKA

2 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

» Table of Contents IN THIS ISSUE

DISCOVER LAKE JUNALUSKA RECHARGE & RENEW IN 2021

ON THE COVER

Autumn brings a warm glow to the mountains and bright reflections on the water. PHOTO BY

This issue of Discover magazine explores the many ways people recharge and renew themselves at scenic Lake Junaluska. From taking a family vacation and sharing a meal with friends, to going for a leisurely run or meditative walk, to playing on the water, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to see for yourself: Recharge and renew at Lake Junaluska in 2021!

4 5

DEREK DILUZIO

Welcome TOP 10

Recharge & Renew 10 ways to rest and reset

8

18

FEATURE

Lake Time The Lake Junaluska experience in days, hours or just moments

12

EXPLORE YEAR-ROUND

LODGING

Stay At The Lake Explore the lakeside hotel, historic inn, vacation rentals and more

14

DONOR PROFILE

Lifting Up

Support for Lake Junaluska abounds in challenging times

16

GROUP EVENTS

Together As One Music & Worship Arts Week

28

PROFILE

All Decked Out

34

New lakeside deck at Lake Junaluska

18

Warm hospitality and meaningful experiences all year round

29

PHOTO ESSAY

Masterpiece Moments Lake draws photographers and artists

Serene Beauty A lakeside proposal and a winter wedding

EVENTS

In All Seasons

WEDDINGS

35

Remembered Lambuth Inn celebrates 100 years

VISIT LAKE JUNALUSKA

A beloved spiritual retreat center in the mountains of Western North Carolina for more than 100 years, Lake Junaluska welcomes you for a special getaway.

Enjoy our lakeside hotel and restaurant, historic inn, vacation rentals, walking trails, gardens, lake cruises, wildlife viewing and panoramic vistas. A place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body, where better to reconnect than this peaceful slice of heaven?

Plan your visit at www.lakejunaluska.com. lakejunaluska.com 3

Discover LAKE JUNALUSKA

Executive Director

KEN HOWLE

Editorial Directors

REBECCA MATHIS TERESA TATE

Graphic Designer

SUSANNAH BRINKLEY HENRY

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bill Lowry, Rebecca Mathis, Amie Newsome, Teresa Tate, Amy Walker

S

ince 1913, individuals, families and groups have come to Lake Junaluska to recharge and renew themselves. People find solace and strength in this sacred place, whether watching a bald eagle in flight, walking on the lakeside trail, playing on the water, or spending time with God. Featured on the October 2020 cover of Our State magazine as a top fall mountain destination, Lake Junaluska and its on-site amenities create the perfect conditions for people’s transformative, renewing experiences.

This issue of Discover magazine explores the many ways people recharge and renew themselves at Lake Junaluska, a topic that’s especially relevant during challenging times. Within these pages, you’ll find heartfelt stories of refuge, restoration, fellowship, giving and gratitude, as well as information about lodging and activities.

As you’ll see, there are many opportunities for you and your group to recharge and renew yourselves at Lake Junaluska — all year-round.

Come visit and experience transformation. • 4 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

HAVE AN IDEA FOR DISCOVER MAGAZINE?

We welcome story contributions and feedback.

Contact the editor at communications@lakejunaluska.com.

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.

MAILING ADDRESS:

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:

PO Box 67 Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

91 N. Lakeshore Dr. Lake Junaluska, NC 28745 PHONE: 800-222-4930

CONNECT WITH US:

Facebook Instagram Link Email

facebook.com/lakejunaluska @lakejunaluska lakejunaluska.com communications@lakejunaluska.com

Sponsored in part by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. Plan your trip at visitncsmokies.com.

© 2021 Lake Junaluska This publication is printed on sustainably sourced paper.

MAGAZINE COVER COURTESY OF OUR STATE MAGAZINE WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY DEREK DILUZIO.

DISCOVER LAKE JUNALUSKA

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mary Bates, Liz Boyd, Daniel Craig, Derek DiLuzio, Ed Green, Mark Haskett, Ally Hibbitts, Kim Kinsella, Heather Lee, Steven McBride, Allison Melrose, Amie Newsome, Justin Pilat, Brittany Sisk, Teresa Tate, Joseph Thomas, Robert Wagner, Woody White

» Top 10

Recharge & Renew

1 0 WAY S T O F I N D R E S T & R E S E T AT L A K E J U N A L U S K A

1

CATCH THE SUNRISE

Daybreak at Lake Junaluska is a special time for meditation, prayer and reflection. From the beach near the pool or the Turbeville Footbridge, watch the rays of early morning sunshine glimmer across the water.

See the beautiful mist rising from the lake and hear the dawn chorus. lakejunaluska.com/laketrail

2

GO BIRDING

The lake is home to diverse species, including swans, ducks and a pair of bald eagles that welcomed eaglets in 2019 and 2020. While birdwatching is enjoyed year-round, winter presents unique opportunities to spot migrating birds such as brown creeper, pine siskin and fox sparrow. lakejunaluska.com/birding

lakejunaluska.com 5

3

DINE AT THE LAKESIDE BISTRO

4

VISIT THE NATIVE GARDEN

Share a meal with loved ones at the Lakeside Bistro. Located on the third floor of The Terrace Hotel, the Bistro offers casual indoor dining within the spacious restaurant and scenic outdoor dining on the patio over­ looking the lake. The menu of modern Southern cuisine features craveable starters, salads, shareable sides, entrees and desserts. lakejunaluska.com/bistro

The Corneille Bryan Native Garden is a must-see in springtime as it awakens from its winter rest. Wander along the winding paths and marvel at the seasonal splendor. The garden of more than 500 native species was created in memory of Corneille Downer Bryan, the wife of Bishop Monk Bryan. lakejunaluska.com/gardens

6 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

5

TREAT YOURSELF

Junaluska Gifts & Grounds is a favorite haunt of guests and residents.

Located in the Harrell Center, the store offers signature lattes, hand-dipped ice cream and a fine selection of foods and unique gifts year-round. Savor your treat on the porch overlooking the lake or on the café walk. lakejunaluska.com/gifts-grounds

» Top 10

6

PLAY ON THE WATER

Rent a boat and glide onto the water this summer! It’s an enjoyable way for families and friends to spend time together in the great outdoors.

Lake Junaluska Outfitters offers canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for self-guided excursions so that you can play or explore at your own pace. ljrec.org

8

PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF

9

CRUISE THE LAKE

7

WALK THE PRAYER LABYRINTH

A labyrinth is a walking meditation or path of prayer found in many cultures and religious traditions. Walk the lakeside Labyrinth to quiet your mind, nourish your soul or deepen your faith. Located on the lawn east of Memorial Chapel, it features a seating area for rest, reflection and observation. lakejunaluska.com/labyrinth

Play nine or 18 holes at the historic Lake Junaluska Golf Course. While the course is open year-round, its sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains make fall a special time when leaf color viewing opportunities are at their peak. Walking is allowed, and student and senior rates are available. lakejunaluska.com/golf

Take a summer or fall boat tour aboard the historic Cherokee IV. Learn some lake history from your tour guide or just soak up the scenery. Tours take place weekends through October, weather permitting. Tours are often included in our vacation packages.

Private cruises, including sunset cruises, are also available. ljrec.org

10

WATCH THE SUNSET

End your day with gratitude for God’s gift of nature. Watch the sunset across the lake from the iconic Junaluska Cross, Inspiration Point or the meditation and fishing pier. Find renewal in the glowing colors of dusk and the soothing sounds of nightfall. lakejunaluska.com/gardens • lakejunaluska.com 7

Lake Time

View from The Terrace Hotel

W H E T H E R Y O U H AV E D AY S , H O U R S O R J U S T A F E W M O M E N T S T O S P E N D AT L A K E J U N A L U S K A , R E N E WA L AWA I T S .

8 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

» Lake Time

DAYS

GETAWAY DAYS L E AV I N G L I F E ’ S S T R E S S O R S B E H I N D

D

eanna and Andrew Cauthen are among those who call Lake Junaluska their “home away from home.” “We’ve had a big love affair with Lake Junaluska,” said Deanna, a resident of Decatur, Georgia, whose family enjoyed their first of several summer vacations to the Lake 15 years ago. “It’s a place that transcends time. While things are done to upgrade the facilities, there’s a sameness there that makes it feel like home, from the various houses that look out over the lake to all the beautiful foliage and flowers.”

Veteran homeschoolers, Deanna and Andrew have also hosted four marriage retreats for fellow homeschoolers at the Lake. For their vacations and retreats, they’ve booked a variety of on-site accommodations, including The Terrace Hotel, Lambuth Inn, the campground and vacation rentals.

They value the variety, which lets them experience the Lake “a little bit differently each time.”

Early-riser Deanna loves to greet the day by sitting on the porch or deck and reading scriptures or taking a walk.

An avid cyclist, Andrew enjoys riding around the lake or over to Waynesville.

“I sometimes stop at a place on the Rose Walk and just look out on the lake and talk to the Lord,” said Deanna. “When my husband cycles, that’s his time to roll around the lake and be with God.” A writer and a podcaster, Deanna notes that Lake Junaluska creates a

Gloria, her husband, daughter and 8-year-old granddaughter booked their overnight stay at The Terrace Hotel in June. A visit to the Lake Junaluska Cross, the iconic beacon of light and hope, was top of Gloria’s to-do list.

“It’s like I had to get to Lake Junaluska to get to the Cross!” she said. “In the daylight, it was gorgeous lit up, and when we went back at nighttime, it looked even better with the glow across the lake. I loved being there to sit and look out and to kneel and pray.”

The Loyd family (top) and Cauthen family (bottom) enjoy family time at the Lake.

space in which she can get away from the frantic pace of life and rejuvenate her creativity.

“Going there and being quiet, the Lord can speak to me and I can hear from Him,” she said. “And so I’ll get an inspiration for a new show, topic or article, or some project that I feel He is calling me to do. I always come away inspired to do the next thing.”

Finding a place to get away to during the pandemic was Gloria Loyd’s goal when she came across Lake Junaluska online last year. Fascinated by how peaceful it looked, the Winston-Salem, North Carolina resident told her husband she thought it was a place they needed to go to bond together as a family.

During their stay, the family spent time relaxing at the hotel, playing mini-golf, watching the resident ducks and ducklings, and walking the grounds and the Labyrinth, located on the east lawn of Memorial Chapel. Many religious traditions and cultures use labyrinths for walking prayer and meditation.

“I don’t know what transpired, but something happened to our granddaughter as she walked in front of us,” said Gloria. “When she came back home, she was so peaceful and calm.

Walking around the Labyrinth helped me, too. I felt a confirmation of different things from God and confirmation of getting to walk closer with Him.” “We had the time of our lives and feel like part of the Lake Junaluska family,” said Gloria, echoing Deanna’s sentiment of feeling at home. “Lake Junaluska is a place where you can go relax, get refreshed and renewed, and spend time with God. It gave us a place to get away where we didn’t have to worry about what’s going on at the moment in the world.” lakejunaluska.com 9

The Clontz family enjoys kayaking at Lake Junaluska.

HOURS

LEISURE HOURS FOCUSING ON FITNESS AND FUN

K

athryn Clontz runs or walks at the Lake two or three times a week, taking in the beauty of the landscaping, water and mountains. Her runs along the 3.8-mile lakeside walking trail and beyond offer her time to not only exercise or connect with family and friends, but also pray and talk to God. “I love to run up to the Cross,” said Kathryn, who first came to the Lake as a teen for a youth retreat and now lives in the area with her family. “I always pause there and take a picture of it with the lake beyond. It inspires me and gives me a push to keep going.”

“The last time we were kayaking, a hawk dipped down right in front of us, grabbed a fish out of the water and flew off,” said Kathryn. “That was beautiful!”

Like Kathryn, Nanette Renegar regularly runs at the Lake and uses the quiet time to pray for her family and talk to God. “Your heart’s beating fast and you get a lot of great air, so the conversation just flows,” she said.

Nanette, her husband and two daughters moved to the Waynesville area eight years ago.

For Kathryn, Lake Junaluska has been a godsend, especially during the pandemic. “It’s one of the first places I met another person so that we could be outside and socially distanced,” she said.

“When we first took a little trip around the Lake, I told my husband ‘I really feel like we’re moving to the land of milk and honey,’” she said. “The people are wonderful, the scenery is breathtaking and I’ve never gotten tired of the Lake. It’s just been my place.”

Kayaking, fishing, biking, playing tennis and enjoying the outdoor pool top the list of activities Kathryn, her husband and two teenaged sons enjoy at the Lake when they have a few hours to spend together.

Nanette’s oldest daughter, a high school student-athlete, runs at the Lake as part of her conditioning training, and Nanette and her youngest daughter often take walks around the lake and catch up with each other.

10 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

Nanette, who’s run a couple of half-marathons, appreciates that there’s something for everyone at Lake Junaluska, from steep hills to flat stretches. “I’m also really grateful that it’s well-kept, maintained and safe,” she said.

Lake Junaluska’s pleasant and peaceful setting gives Nanette clarity, especially when something pressing is on her mind. The veteran schoolteacher ran a lot at the Lake while preparing for her teaching board certification, mentally composing her evaluation materials. While readying for a surgery last summer, “I went for a run and talked to God about what was going to happen,” she said, “and two weeks later, I was back at the Lake, celebrating and being really thankful.”

Last March, when Nanette and her colleagues were released from school due to the pandemic, she was especially grateful to be able to spend time at Lake Junaluska. “The Lake helped me to stay reminded of all the good so that I can be a reminder to others and lift them up,” she said. “It’s a place that ushers in peace and restoration.”

» Lake Time

MOMENTS

QUIET MOMENTS ENGAGING IN PEACEFUL PRACTICES

S

ome visit for days, some for hours and others for daily moments with God along the water’s edge.

“When I’m at the Lake, there’s time for me to walk or, particularly in warm weather, to go out on the porch and listen to the birds and watch what’s going on in the surrounding green spaces,” said the Rev. Mickey Rainwater, a longtime member of the Lake Junaluska community and the lead pastor at Fairview United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee.

“Part of my renewal or restoration is the devotional practices I engage in

while I’m there, such as reading and reflecting on scripture and praying.”

Approximately 20 years ago, Mickey and his wife bought a place at Lake Junaluska. While the couple and their daughter have moved many times for Mickey’s work, their Lake house has become home, a place of retreat and renewal. Mickey has always enjoyed walking at the Lake for exercise and to clear his mind. In recent years, however, he has found prayer to be a productive use of that time.

“I reach certain places on the trail where I move into different areas of

my prayer journey,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll see folks coming toward me — it might be an older person, a younger person or a couple — and I’ll feel struck to stop the direction of my prayer journey to pray for them. I don’t know them; I just feel led to pray for them.”

For Mickey, Lake Junaluska is a place of joy and community. “It occupies an important place in my life,” he said.

“I truly believe that having the ability to go there to renew, re-energize and reflect has blessed my ministry. I am filled with gratitude for the blessing and existence of Lake Junaluska.” •

lakejunaluska.com 11

Stay at the Lake D I S C O V E R A H O S T O F L O D G I N G O P T I O N S F O R E V E RY O N E

The Terrace Hotel

Lambuth Inn

lakejunaluska.com/terrace

lakejunaluska.com/lambuth

This contemporary hotel offers modern comforts and breathtaking views of the lake — perfect for getaways for couples and families.

From rocking chairs on the front porch to quaint parlors, the Lambuth Inn is a popular destination for guests looking for historic charm and old-world feel. Stroll through the gardens to nearby Inspiration Point.

With its location in the heart of Lake Junaluska, The Terrace Hotel is convenient to the Harrell Center, Stuart Auditorium and the Rose Walk. Come relax in a rocking chair on one of the balconies or read a book by the large fireplace. Dine at the Lakeside Bistro. (Read more about the Lakeside Bistro on page 25.)

12 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

The inn was built in 1921 and renovated in 2018. Also called Lake Junaluska’s “stately lady,” it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Read more about the history of Lambuth Inn on page 35.)

» Lodging

Book your stay at Lake Junaluska today!

Call 800-222-4930 or visit lakejunaluska.com.

Hillside Lodge

lakejunaluska.com/hillside-lodge Popular with groups, Hillside Lodge features 25 motel-style rooms and a large lobby. Lake Junaluska Outfitters is a short walk from Hillside Lodge.

Mountainview

lakejunaluska.com/mountainview A great budget option for hostel-hoppers or youth groups, Mountainview’s rooms offer simplicity and can accommodate four to six people.

Vacation Rentals lakejunaluska.com/rentals Privately-owned homes, cottages and apartments are available year-round throughout Lake Junaluska. Book a vacation home overlooking the lake for your family reunion, a weekend getaway with the girls or a special anniversary vacation.

Apartments

lakejunaluska.com/apartments Comfortable, convenient and economical, the apartments can host from four to 10 people. Many have kitchenettes and some are pet-friendly.

Vacation rentals offer fully-equipped kitchens and are individually furnished and outfitted by the owner, accommodating from two to 24 people.

Campground

lakejunaluska.com/campground The pet-friendly campground has RV and tent sites, a rental cabin and a meeting lodge. Guests enjoy picnic tables and fire rings at tent sites.

lakejunaluska.com 13

» Donor Profile

Lifting Up S U P P O RT F O R L A K E J U N A L U S K A A N D M I N I S T RY ABOUNDS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

A

quiet descended on Lake Junaluska last spring.

Preparations for conferences, youth retreats, weddings and more ground to a halt as postponements loomed in the face of a global pandemic. With travel limitations, Lake Junaluska’s hotel and inn, gift shop and welcome center closed. Cherished gatherings, from the Easter egg hunt to church conferences, could not be held.

As the staff embraced new ways to be in ministry and safely reopen amid challenging times, not just one person, but many stepped forward.

attendees were heartbroken about not being able to come to Lake Junaluska,” said CACNC Executive Director Deana Joy.

They prayed, shared encouragement and made financial gifts. Longtime supporters gave above and beyond.

People who had never given before made donations. Groups donated their event deposits rather than receive a refund.

That weighed heavily on the hearts of many, including Ken Howle, executive director of Lake Junaluska. Knowing the Lake had weathered many storms over the past century, he sought strength and guidance at the foot of the Cross. At a community member’s suggestion, the lights of the Junaluska Cross were turned on to shine throughout the day and night to offer a beacon of light and hope to the world. The carillon above Stuart Auditorium rang out more frequently and Memorial Chapel opened daily for prayer.

“From the onset of the pandemic, we began hearing from individuals and groups asking how they could help,” said the Rev. Rebecca Mathis, director of advancement. “We are grateful for their gifts to this beloved place.”

“When you think about the amount of trauma our attendees are inundated with through their work, it’s critical that they have people in the community who are supportive of them. Lake Junaluska has done that time and time again for us.” Deana looks forward to returning and the group has already booked upcoming symposiums.

14 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

GIVING WITH GRATITUDE For Children’s Advocacy Centers of North Carolina, donating the group’s deposit for their annual symposium and making an additional gift was an act of support and gratitude. “Our 430

For residents Jake and Libby Martinson, their 2020 gift honored their longtime relationship with the community and hope for the future. Libby’s Methodist minister father and her mother introduced her to the Lake as a 3-month-old. She remembers childhood summer nights filled with “the chorus of ‘granddaddy’ bullfrogs.”

During their daily walks last summer, Jake and Libby noted the numbers of

BE THE LIGHT Join us in being the light for all who seek renewal at Lake Junaluska by choosing to make a special gift in support of one of the following focus areas: • • • •

Where Needed Most Lake, Gardens & Grounds Worship, Events & Activities Sacred Spaces, Buildings & Facilities

Visit lakejunaluska.com/support, call 828-454-6749 or mail donations to the Office of Development, PO Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.

“We’ll continue to look to the Cross, knowing that through every storm Lake Junaluska has always been a place of enduring light and hope.”

— Executive Director Ken Howle visitors enjoying much-needed respite.

“We think it’s being seen more clearly through the fog of this virus, that this place is unique,” said Libby. “Lake Junaluska needs to grow so that it is a shining beacon, not only to those close by, but also to people from other places who want to experience the sanctuary of this place.”

Mary Covington is another resident with a lifelong relationship with Lake Junaluska who made a gift in 2020.

Her father proposed to her mother beneath the Junaluska Cross in the early 1940s and they introduced her to

the community when she was 10 weeks old. While Mary has made gifts to Lake Junaluska for years, last year she felt the organization needed undesignated money to help weather the challenges of the pandemic. “I love Lake Junaluska,” she said, “and I’m very anxious for the Lake to succeed and to become busy and active once again as it strives to fulfill its mission.”

BEING THE LIGHT Longtime resident Hattie Polk made her first visit to the grounds with her youth group and Charles, her future

husband, at the age of 18. Hattie was the first to make a gift to Lake Junaluska’s Be the Light initiative. The program invites donors to make a special gift, over and above their ongoing Annual Fund gift, that will support Lake Junaluska’s mission and ministry during this critical time.

“My hope is that Lake Junaluska will continue to be the voice and inspiration for the whole world that we have always been,” said Hattie. “I can’t think of any place I could put my money that would have the same wonderful impact on the lives of people.”

Ken Howle said the outpouring of love and support has been inspiring.

“We are very thankful for the thousands of people who have lifted Lake Junaluska up,” said Ken. “We’ll continue to look to the Cross, knowing that through every storm Lake Junaluska has always been a place of enduring light and hope.” • lakejunaluska.com 15

Group Events »

Together As One C O N N E C T I N G T H R O U G H M U S I C A N D W O R S H I P A RT S

Now as executive director of The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, he shares the Lake Junaluska experience with countless others through The Fellowship’s Music & Worship Arts Week.

This beloved event has been a multi-generational tradition held at Lake Junaluska for more than 40 years. The mission of The Fellowship is to create meaningful worship experiences that bring people into deeper relationships with God. Music & Worship Arts Week is for anyone and everyone who wants to participate by sharing their musical talents.

Each day typically begins with worship and then the more than 800 participants — from kindergarteners through senior adults — move into their rehearsals for choirs, dance groups and handbells. In the evenings, harmonies and melodies ring out from concerts and programs for the entire community to enjoy.

16 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

NOURISHING HEARTS AND SOULS Leigh Anne Taylor, the president of The Fellowship, came to Music & Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska for the first time in 1991.

As a mom, she said that the Lake always gave her kids a safe place to come and that while “other people went to the beach in the summers, we went to Music & Worship Arts Week!”

Every year the Taylor family came to this event, they had their spiritual cup filled. “It was such a great gift to me as a church musician to come and receive the gift of the week and have my own spirit lifted with such incredible preaching, worship and a wonderful time with friends,” she said.

Sarah Bridges, a teacher and part-time church music director at Salem United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, has been coming to Music & Worship Arts Week since 2009.

“No matter your experience with music or with church music, you’re going to get something out of it,” she said. “No matter who you are, no matter how old you are, no matter

PHOTOS COURTESY DANIEL CRAIG

“J

ust the view across the lake can bring me spiritual nourishment,” said David Bone, who has felt a strong sense of connection to Lake Junaluska ever since visiting as a child and later receiving a call to ministry during a family vacation.

» Group Events

what kind of church you go to, you don’t have to be United Methodist to come and enjoy it, as long as you enjoy music.”

A “newbie” to Music & Worship Arts Week, the Rev. Jeff Parker from First Baptist Church of Chattanooga, Tennessee, brought the church’s youth choir in 2019.

According to Jeff, the event provided his young people a place where they immediately felt welcomed and it was “clearly a place of inclusion on a lot of levels.”

One of the young people in the group traveled outside of Chattanooga for the first time in his life and had heard how beautiful the sunrise was at Lake Junaluska.

So Jeff and several members of the group woke early one morning and ventured out to the pedestrian bridge. He will never forget the special moment they shared watching rays of sunshine fill the sky over the lake, welcoming in another day of music and worship.

BRING YOUR GROUP Choose Lake Junaluska to host your next group event.

With a wide range of accommodations, meeting spaces, dining options and amenities, Lake Junaluska is the perfect place for your next conference, retreat, meeting, wedding, training event or reunion. In light of COVID-19, Lake Junaluska has been using more outdoor spaces for group meetings, gatherings, and weddings. From the brand new lakeside deck to the open-air gym, Lake Junaluska has plenty of spaces where groups can safely gather and socially distance.

GROUP SALES OFFICE: Call 828-454-6650 or email groupsales@lakejunaluska.com. Visit lakejunaluska.com/plan_an_event to learn more.

AMENITIES AND RECREATION

LOOKING AHEAD

• •

Jeff looks forward to returning to Lake Junaluska for Music & Worship Arts Week.

•

“This type of experience just affirms what I do and the importance of music and worship in the life of our congregation,” he said. “We all know that, but to be able to step away from a busy work week and have a week like this certainly affirms that conviction.”

Michael Dougherty of Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida, said there’s a relaxing atmosphere about the Lake itself. “There’s a sense of peacefulness and it never feels rushed or difficult,” he said.

David, The Fellowship’s executive director, conveyed how Lake Junaluska “is essential to the spiritual growth that we seek. Our music-making and worship is only a vehicle for that growth and connection to God and others.”

Looking toward the future, it’s clear that not only Music & Worship Arts Week, but also worship in local congregations will look different.

“We are in a time of rebirth and The Fellowship is trying at all levels to help make that transition,” said David. “We know that Music & Worship Arts Week will go on. It may look different in the future, but the connection to God and each other will never cease.”

For more information about The Fellowship and this event, visit UMFellowship.org.

•

200-acre lake 2.3-mile or 3.8-mile loop walking trail with Rose Walk Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards 18-hole golf course

• • • • • • •

Lakeside Bistro Gift and coffee shop Gardens Fitness center Outdoor pool Campground Mini Golf

MEETING VENUES Stuart Auditorium: Accommodates 2,000 people in permanent theater-style seating.

Lambuth International: Accommodates up to 220 people; seven breakout rooms.

Harrell Center: Accommodates up to 400 people in auditorium; four breakout rooms.

Terrace Auditorium: Accommodates up to 220 people; six breakout rooms.

Shackford Hall: Accommodates up to 600 people in auditorium with stage; 11 breakout rooms.

Kern Center: Accommodates up to 200 people; one breakout room.

York Lakeside Deck: Memorial Chapel: Accommodates up to Accommodates up to 200 people in pew seating. 220 people.

Lakeside Tent: Accommodates up to 100 people in theaterstyle seating.

Nanci Weldon Gym: Accommodates up to 475 people in open-air gym.

lakejunaluska.com 17

In All Seasons 18 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

A

beloved place to recharge and renew, Lake Junaluska welcomes individuals, couples, families and groups throughout the year.

Enjoy this overview of the year ahead with an invitation to visit in all seasons. Bookmark our website lakejunaluska.com/calendar for the most up-to-date information on events and celebrations, and begin planning your next visit to Lake Junaluska.

lakejunaluska.com 19

SPRING

S

pring is a season of new life at Lake Junaluska — of roses budding on the Rose Walk, daffodils and tulips blooming across the grounds, and baby ducks testing the water. Cool mornings give way to sunny afternoons ideal for fitness or wellness retreats and wildflower walks. In late April and early May, the landscaping team hosts an annual fundraising plant sale that supports beautification of the grounds for all to enjoy while also sharing the bounty of plants cultivated at the Lake Junaluska greenhouse.

Marriage Enrichment Retreat of 2021, which is led by a licensed professional counselor, takes place in March. Meanwhile, spring weekends are often busy with confirmation retreats.

Retreats of all kinds take place at Lake Junaluska in spring. Self-guided personal retreats can be booked mid-week. Lake Junaluska’s first

Lake Junaluska also will offer this spring the first of three yoga retreats in 2021, featuring workshops, yoga sessions, lodging and meals.

The Easter sunrise service provides hope and joy at the amphitheater below the Lake Junaluska Cross overlooking the lake. The year-round playground grows busier as the days grow warmer, and the spring season culminates in Mother’s Day weekend with roses blooming along the Rose Walk.

lakejunaluska.com/spring

20 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

PACKAGES & RETREATS

GOLF EVENTS

Packages and retreats offer guests the recreational activities and personal renewal they seek lakeside, on the water and the trails, and in the beautiful gardens and quiet spaces of Lake Junaluska. Seasonal packages include lodging at Lake Junaluska’s awardwinning lakeside hotel and historic inn, and experiences and special meals, from sunset cruises to holiday dinners.

Self-directed personal retreats are offered mid-week year-round. Visit lakejunaluska.com/packages for more information.

Enjoy a round of golf, register for a tournament or plan your own tournament at the Lake Junaluska Golf Course. Fairways deliver top-notch conditions and incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

A fun and challenging 18-hole course, the historic Lake Junaluska Golf Course offers a layout for all levels. The course is open to the public and yearly memberships are available.

Learn more and reserve a tee time at lakejunaluska.com/golf or call the pro shop at 828-456-5777.

SPRING HIGHLIGHTS March 14–16 Marriage Enrichment Retreat April 3–4 Easter Celebration at Lake Junaluska April 30 & May 1 Lake Junaluska Plant Sale May 2–4 Marriage Enrichment Retreat May 7–9 Mother’s Day Weekend May 23–26 Yoga Retreat Learn more: lakejunaluska.com/calendar

lakejunaluska.com 21

SUMMER

L

ong summer days are perfect for leisurely canoe trips, rocking on the porch, cruises aboard the Cherokee IV, quiet moments at the prayer Labyrinth and sunset dinners at the Lakeside Bistro. Lake Junaluska Outfitters offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, mini golf, shuffleboard and outdoor recreational equipment. Memorial Day weekend marks the opening of the lakeside pool.

Coming up Friday, June 25, is Lake Junaluska Day, the celebration of the Lake’s 108 years with a day of prayer, sharing and giving. The fun continues through our Summer Activities Program with campfires, movies, hikes, music and more.

Top off a summer day with hand-dipped ice cream from Junaluska Gifts & Grounds in a rocking chair by the lake. Glimpse fireflies as the sun sets over the water.

Lake Junaluska’s annual Independence Day Celebration features music, barbecue and family-friendly fun — from a parade to fireworks to floating wish lanterns. Independence Day packages for couples and families bundle lodging, special meals and more for the festivities.

Opportunities for spiritual renewal abound through small-group lakeside devotions and meaningful worship and music offered through the Summer Worship Series.

lakejunaluska.com/summer

22 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

CONFERENCES & GROUP EVENTS Lake Junaluska comes alive with conferences and many groups return year after year, especially in summer. View our calendar at lakejunaluska.com/calendar for the latest about events hosted by the Carolina Conference Camp Meeting, Holston Annual Conference, Western North Carolina Annual Conference, Music & Worship Arts Week, M28 Camps, the Salvation Army Bible Conference, Southeast Church Network and Southeast Jurisdictional Conference, as well as United Methodist Women retreats and more. For information about hosting a conference or event, call 828-454-6650 or visit lakejunaluska.com/plan_an_event.

SUMMER FUN Gear up for fun this summer with a visit to Lake Junaluska Outfitters. Rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, tennis rackets, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls and volleyballs. Buy daily pool passes, rounds of mini-golf, and drinks, snacks and frozen treats. Bring friends and family for free and low-cost activities throughout the summer that celebrate faith, recreation, the arts and education. Offerings include jam sessions, dance lessons, sharing circles, corn hole tournaments, garden tours, nature walks and more. Activities change frequently, so be sure to check lakejunaluska.com/summeractivities for an up-to-date list.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS June 14 – July 15 Summer Youth Events June 25 Lake Junaluska Day June 25–27 Native American Summer Conference July 1–4 Independence Day Celebrations July 25–27 Marriage Enrichment Retreat July 30 – August 1 Associates Celebration Weekend August 2–5 Festival of Wisdom and Grace Learn more: lakejunaluska.com/calendar lakejunaluska.com 23

FALL

E

ach fall, autumn casts a vibrant glow on Lake Junaluska as vivid hues of orange, gold and red paint the mountains and trees around the lake. The view is so breathtaking that North Carolina’s Our State magazine featured a photo of autumn reflections on Lake Junaluska on the cover of the October 2020 issue.

Fall getaways offer opportunities to take in the view from porch rocking chairs and lakeside walks, leaves floating in the air and crunching underfoot. Fish for bass, perch, crappie, brim,

bluegill and trout. Day trips can include ventures to Cataloochee to hear the elk bugle during the rutting season (mid-September through October) and outings to explore local shops and events, such as Waynesville’s annual apple festival.

Events at Lake Junaluska each fall range from Choir Music Weekend in October to a Thanksgiving feast in November. Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska packages include not only stays at The Terrace Hotel decorated for the holidays, but also a Thanksgiving dinner at the Lakeside Bistro.

lakejunaluska.com/fall

24 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

LAKESIDE BISTRO Southern cuisine with a modern twist comes with warm hospitality and spectacular lake and mountain views at the Lakeside Bistro. Located on the third floor of The Terrace Hotel, the Bistro offers casual indoor dining within the spacious restaurant and scenic outdoor dining on the heated patio overlooking the lake. The menu features craveable starters, salads, shareable sides, entrees and desserts. Specials include favorite

historical dishes from Lambuth Inn, creating a delectable tapestry of old and new flavors. The Bistro’s expansive dining room creates an ideal setting for meaningful family gatherings as well as festive banquets, receptions and events.

Call 828-454-6662 for reservations or orders for curbside pickup. To see the full menu or place online orders for contactless curbside pickup, visit lakejunaluska.com/bistro.

FALL HIGHLIGHTS September 1 – October 31 Fall Color Getaway Specials September 3–6 Labor Day Weekend September 4 Friends of the Lake 5K Race September 12–14 Marriage Enrichment Retreat September 19-22 Yoga Retreat at Lake Junaluska October 15–17 Choir Music Weekend November 24–26 Thanksgiving at Lake Junaluska Learn more: lakejunaluska.com/calendar lakejunaluska.com 25

WINTER

W

inter kicks off at Lake Junaluska with a seven-week holiday season. More than 70 volunteers and staff members decorate the lakeside village with wreaths, lights, garlands, bows and more.

Cookies and treats, Christmas movies, a candlelight service in the Moravian tradition and special events, such as seasonal concerts, help guests get in the holiday spirit. Carillon bells ring out Christmas favorites.

Holiday shoppers find unique gifts at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds and Christmas Memories, the year-round Christmas shop in Lambuth Inn. A fire warms The Terrace Hotel lobby and a variety

of decorated Christmas trees brighten Lambuth Inn’s parlors and sitting areas. Book your vacation with us early, since it’s a favorite time of year!

With clear, long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, winter is also an ideal time for hiking and birdwatching. Lake Junaluska is also a lodging partner of nearby Cataloochee Ski Area, located just 12 miles away. With one of the most advanced snowmaking systems, Cataloochee has great skiing conditions much of the winter. Each year, Lake Junaluska offers group ski packages, ski packages with customized Winter Youth Retreat programming for youth groups, and a Scouts BSA Merit Badge Weekend centered on snow sports for scout troops.

lakejunaluska.com/winter

26 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

YOUTH EVENTS

SKI LAKE JUNALUSKA Groups that book packages through Ski Lake Junaluska stay at the Lake and enjoy skiing or snowboarding at Cataloochee Ski Area. Packages include lodging, meals, ski or snowboard rentals, and lessons at Cataloochee. Learn more at lakejunaluska.com/ski-lake-junaluska.

Lake Junaluska is committed to offering transformative winter and summer retreats for youth groups.

For 2021, youth groups will be able to select their own dates and work with the Lake Junaluska staff to customize their retreats to include recreational activities, mission opportunities, workshops, music, games and devotions that are perfect for their group. Learn more at lakejunaluska.com/youth.

WINTER HIGHLIGHTS November 22, 2021 – January 10, 2022 Holidays at Lake Junaluska December 1, 2021 – February 28, 2022 Ski Lake Junaluska & Winter Youth Retreats December 2–5 Balsam Range Art of Music Festival December 25 Christmas Day December 31 New Year’s Eve Learn more: lakejunaluska.com/calendar

lakejunaluska.com 27

ALL DECKED OUT Y O R K L A K E S I D E D E C K C R E AT E S N E W O P P O RT U N I T I E S FOR OUTDOOR FELLOWSHIP

F

rom relaxing on the lakeshore to praying at the Junaluska Cross, young and old have found fellowship at Lake Junaluska’s abundant outdoor spaces for more than a century. This year, the Lake welcomes all to a new outdoor space: the York Lakeside Deck.

The accessible partially-covered deck is a recent addition to the Lake’s youth dining hall, the York Dining Commons. It doubles the facility’s square footage and provides a spacious venue for youth events, retreats, meetings, receptions, reunions, weddings and more. Constructed of steel, wood and composite wood, the clean-lined structure features down-casting LED railing lights, dimmable lights and an outdoor ceiling fan in the gazebo.

Thanks to its elevation, visitors enjoy scenic views of the lake and mountains.

The deck was made possible through gifts

to the Lake’s ongoing revitalization of youth ministry effort.

Lake executives an­ nounced plans for youth dining building renovations in 2019 following a ANN AND leadership-level gift VANN YORK from the Ann G. and W. Vann York Foundation of High Point, North Carolina. The Yorks, after whom the Lake has renamed the dining hall, joined 60 other households in pledging support to the effort.

Ann and the late Vann York have a special connection to the dining hall. They met in its cafeteria line while attending a youth conference with their Methodist Church groups in 1952. The couple wed in 1953 and went on to raise three children while

building a successful automobile dealership in High Point.

“We thought the dining hall would be a wonderful place to give to, not only because it meant so much to us, but also because renovations and new programs can help to get more youth to come,” said Ann. Lake Junaluska General Manager Mike Huber said the deck offers a unique openair space to gather and he looks forward to future improvements, such as expansion of the dining hall’s kitchen and development of a food court.

“The upgrades to the York Dining Commons — and our other facilities — allow us to continue to live into our mission by providing high-quality hospitality and programs to our guests,” said Mike. “We can’t wait to hear the life-changing stories of those who gather on the York Lakeside Deck.” •

To reserve the York Lakeside Deck or schedule a conference, church or corporate retreat, family reunion or wedding, call 828-454-6650.

28 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

MASTERPIECE

moments

GLIMPSE LAKE JUNALUSKA THROUGH THE EYES OF PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS

Refreshed & Refocused

E

d Green’s love for Lake Junaluska and drive to capture shots that are a bit different or once-in-a-lifetime have yielded some compelling photos: sun rays that appear to shine from the Cross, a double rainbow over Memorial Chapel and the supermoon above Shackford Hall. He enjoys seeing sunrise bring the water to life and the different looks the lake takes on in every season, from foggy mornings to spring wildflowers.

“Even if there is no brilliant sunrise, I like the stillness,” said Ed. “It allows me to think about life and the things that really matter to me. I don’t think anyone could sit there in the calm of morning and not feel refreshed and refocused.”

PHOTO COURTESY ED GREEN

lakejunaluska.com 29

Photo Essay »

God’s Beautiful Creations

A

t least once each season, Joseph Thomas of Carolina Photo Art takes photos at Lake Junaluska.

Among his fa­vorite captures are the Turbeville Footbridge in fall and eagles caring for new eaglets, a photo captured with a high-powered zoom lens, patience and prayer.

“I breathe much easier and feel relaxed when looking at God’s beautiful creation at the lake,” said Joseph. “The lake’s beauty is undeniable and it is what draws me and so many others to this part of our country and world.

God’s creations always amaze me!”

PHOTO COURTESY JOSEPH THOMAS

Energized

W

hen Robert Wagner heard about a pair of resident eagles at Lake Junaluska a few miles from his home, the nature photography enthusiast set out to find them. He enjoyed Lake Junaluska so much that he started coming back every week.

“It’s such a great place to be,” said Robert. “I try to go in the morning when the birds are more active and the eagles are out fishing. I’m not much of a morning person, but when I am there, I feel energized. I enjoy the company of the people that stop to talk. I just clear my head and feel like God has put me where I need to be.”

PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT WAGNER

30 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

Lake Keepsakes

O

ver the past 15 years, Russell Harris has made more than 30,000 pottery mugs, casserole dishes, bowls, communion sets, Christmas ornaments, angels, and communion and nativity set pieces using silt from Lake Junaluska.

“It’s been fun,” said Russell. “I’ve run into people literally around the world who have the pottery — people who visited from different annual conferences and then took home a piece of the lake with them.”

lakejunaluska.com 31

Moments to Remember

A

s Justin Pilat recovered from injuries sustained in a car crash, he came to Lake Junaluska for short walks. Along the way, he photographed sunrises, sunsets, eagles and the Cross. He was honored to capture a friend’s special proposal, too, at Lake Junaluska’s Susanna Wesley Garden.

“Photography and going to Lake Junaluska is how I recharge and clear my head,” said Justin. “The past year has been pretty hard for me and this was a way to let the world around me go and only focus on capturing moments.” PHOTO COURTESY

JUSTIN PILAT

32 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

Photo Essay »

Come, Creating Spirit

A

s a boy during family trips to Lake Junaluska, Ashley Calhoun frequented the craft hut to make lanyards, bracelets, shell jewelry, copper and paint-by-number pictures, baskets and more. Years later, he was creating worship visuals for Music & Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska and other events. Today, the retired United Methodist minister lives nearby and often finds inspiration for his artwork at Lake Junaluska.

“Creating works of art is one of my chief delights and privileges,” said Ashley. “I believe with all my heart that when we are creating something for good, we are in touch with the Creator of all that is good.” PHOTO COURTESY PAULA TOHLINE CALHOUN

Coming Home

W

ith a passion for documentary photography, Lisa Stockton Howell seeks to capture not only the beauty of Lake Junaluska, but also the history.

“Growing up as the daughter of a United Methodist pastor, Lake Junaluska became a consistent home for me and I spent many summers there,” said Lisa.

“My older photos are of friends from those days, many of whom I am still in touch with through visits to the Lake or social media. For me, Lake Junaluska has always been a place where I feel my soul relax and know I am home.” •

PHOTO COURTESY LISA STOCKTON HOWELL

lakejunaluska.com 33

Weddings »

COUPLE TREASURES SPECIAL M E M O R I E S AT T H E L A K E

y the time Melissa Lechler and Devin Suarez reached the Malcolm the Swan statue during a leisurely walk at Lake Junaluska, he had worked up the courage to ask her a very important question: Do you know what I want for my birthday?

“No,” she answered, after which he dropped to one knee and pulled out a custom-made ring. “For you to be my wife,” said Devin. “Will you marry me, Melissa?”

A short walk around the lake but a long journey had brought the couple to that moment and four months later, on December 28, 2017, they returned to Lake Junaluska to tie the knot.

The Lake had long held a special place in Devin’s heart, as he had grown up attending an annual summer Seventh-day Adventist Church camp meeting at Lake Junaluska. Then, after Melissa moved to the area, she was drawn to the Lake’s serene beauty and the couple enjoyed spending time together on the grounds. The Lake is where Melissa goes, she said, “when I want to take an hour away from life’s stress and be surrounded by nature, but in a place that doesn’t feel isolated. It still feels like a community.”

The couple toured several of Lake Junaluska’s picturesque indoor and outdoor wedding and reception venues before 34 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021

choosing Shackford Hall for their special day. They loved the wooden floors, high ceilings and the abundance of natural light streaming in from the windows. “It was just beautiful and I felt like it had the perfect light and space for a lovely winter wedding,” said Melissa. The couple also valued the variety of Lake Junaluska’s lodging options for their guests, who drove or flew in from all over the country.

Now, every year a Lake Junaluska Christmas ornament gifted to them adorns their tree and they fondly remember their engagement and wedding at the Lake. They also have returned on their anniversary to stay at the historic Lambuth Inn, which has rooms with a view of where they got engaged. They plan to return for many anniversaries to come.

On a recent walk around the Lake, the couple stopped at the swan statue to take in the view and reminisce when a woman walking by stopped to take their photo, she said, because they looked so happy. The couple shared with her that it was their engagement spot and Melissa, remembering, said “It was just the nicest moment.” • Learn more about weddings at Lake Junaluska at lakejunaluska.com/weddings.

PHOTO COURTESY BRITTANY SISK/ASHEVILLE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

B

serene beauty

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEJ HERITAGE CENTER

REMEMBERED

A

century ago, Lambuth Inn was built on the ashes of a miracle. Many have visited within its walls, including the famed Eleanor Roosevelt, John Glenn, Jimmy Carter, Helen Kim (Korea’s first ambassador to the United Nations), Richard Nixon and Billy Graham, along with numerous Methodist leaders. Youth, children and families have found connection and community here over the past 100 years.

But how about those ashes … and what about that miracle? Lambuth Inn is built on the site of the first major hotel of Lake Junaluska Assembly. In the spring of 1917, Junaluska Inn opened with 130 rooms, all of which faced the lake. The magnificent inn was an

instant success and was booked solid when it reopened the following spring. During the wee morning hours of July 16, 1918, however, fire erupted.

By dawn, the hotel had burned to the ground. Although every guest room was occupied and the fire happened while most slept, no one was killed or injured. Many called this a miracle.

Two years later, the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South purchased the site and began construction of Centenary Mission Inn. Completed in 1922, the inn was soon renamed Lambuth Inn to honor the memory of Bishop Walter Russell Lambuth. An early missionary bishop, Lambuth was one of the speakers at Lake Junaluska’s opening event, the 1913 Missionary Conference.

The inn initially consisted of what is now the center section that features elegant columns and a distinctive cupola. This portion of the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The inn’s west wing, added in 1956, has classrooms and guest rooms. The east wing, added in 1964, features more guest rooms and a dining area.

Thus, from the ashes of what could have been a great tragedy has come a beautiful historic hotel welcoming guests to Lake Junaluska. If only its walls could talk, my, what tales could be written? • Courtesy of Bill Lowry, author of The Antechamber of Heaven: A History of Lake Junaluska Assembly lakejunaluska.com 35

Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc. PO Box 67 Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

RECHARGE & RENEW AT THE LAKE PA G E 5

Discover Lake Junaluska A beloved spiritual retreat center for more than 100 years, scenic Lake Junaluska in the mountains of Western North Carolina welcomes individuals, families and groups seeking a special getaway experience with plenty of on-site things to do. Discover nature’s beauty and the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains at our 200-acre lake and charming village.

Relax and enjoy the lakeside hotel and restaurant, historic inn, vacation rentals, walking trails, gardens, lake cruises, wildlife viewing and panoramic vistas. A place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body, where better to reconnect with your family or group than our peaceful slice of heaven?

To plan your Lake Junaluska personal getaway or group retreat, visit lakejunaluska.com today.

36 DISCOVER MAGAZINE · 2021