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Towel Ministry What is Towel Ministry? Towel Ministry is a distinguished ministry in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and a recognized Jubilee Site in The Episcopal Church. Towel Ministry provides youth with the opportunity to be the "hands and feet" of God through service with our WNC neighbors. The work primarily includes making housing improvements, repairs, and maintenance for elderly, disabled, and marginalized people. Typical work projects might consist of handicap access, roofing repair, painting, yard clean-up, and other simple projects that can be managed by a small group. Towel Ministry is the embodiment of "walking the talk of the Church." It provides opportunities for young people to learn skills in building homes and relationships with each other, with families, and with Christ. Towel Ministry offers two 5-day sessions in June. Summer 2026 Offerings This summer, we will be offering two sessions of Towel Ministry Mission Experience for youth (rising 8th graders to graduated 12th graders). We will be based at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. Our worksites will be within a 45-minute drive of the church. General Information: Session One : June 15-20 Session Two : June 22-27 Cost : $400 per person, includes all meals, lodging, and evening activities. General Schedule Group Information Packet For individual or group registration information, please email Eden Lewis. How to get involved as a Volunteer Want to volunteer with us this summer? Fill out this volunteer form We need help with cooking breakfast and managing the homesites. Contact Eden with any questions. The History of Towel Ministry Towel Ministry began as the brainchild of the late Deacon Cris Greer and the late Rev. Gene McDowell in the 80s. It evolved as a response to the need in our community for housing improvements, repairs, and maintenance. The first camp operated out of a volunteer fire department with a total of sixteen participants. Since that time, Towel Ministry has grown and spread. From its modest beginnings in the very western tip of the state, the ministry has spread across the Diocese of Western North Carolina and beyond. The name "Towel Ministry" is representative of Jesus using a towel to dry his disciples' feet after washing them. Our Mission The Mission of Towel Ministry is about spreading the Gospel through action by being the hands and feet of God in the communities that we serve. There are three equally important missional components to the week: Action This relates to home improvement project at hand. The adults and the youth will either be actively working to complete a project or assisting with the management of the worksite. Relationship Building relationships with the homeowners is as equally as important as completing the project. Being open and available for conversation and connection with the homeowner is a missional pillar of Towel Ministry. Helping a new friend push back loneliness and isolation, even for a little while, may be the best Good News that person has heard in a long time; the home improvements are welcome, but in very they are a bonus to building new relationships. Spreading the Good News of the Gospel At Towel Ministry we spread the Good News of the Gospel through our actions and our words. This is shown through the work we do on the project and the relationship built between us and the homeowners. We are not there to just “fix” a house but to show that we love and care about the homeowner and the community we serve.

Clergy Resources Back In this section, you will find resources that are unique to the life and work of ordained leaders. Bishop Visitation Forms and Information Visitation Schedule (2025) Visitation Form (return before visit) Confirmation Certificate (return after visit) Bishop's Customary Canonical Residency – transferring in & transferring out Rectors and Priests-in-Charge of churches should apply for canonical residency as soon as they arrive and begin working in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Clergy who are moving to serve a new church in another diocese should submit the Request for Letters Dimissory to the Bishop’s office as soon as possible. Requirements for Canonical Residence Application for Canonical Residence Request for Letters of Dimissory Clergy Leave-taking and Resigning When a priest (rector, interim rector, assistant, or associate) or a deacon leaves a parish, whether to accept another cure or to retire, it is important to establish a healthy “goodbye” so that all parties can move faithfully into their next chapter of ministry. Please see the link below to guidelines that will equip clergy and the congregation in this process. Guidelines for Clergy Leave-taking Helpful “to-do” List before leaving Policy on Clergy Leave-taking Clergy Licensing To be licensed or to receive a renewal, please review the Requirements for Licensing below and complete the Annual Application and Report Form. Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training (both the child and adult workshops) must be current within 5 years. If you’re uncertain when you last took the training, please contact Augusta Anderson . We will not relicense clergy without current training. Click he re for information on misconduct prevention training. Clergy who have previously received training are eligible to take online training. Contact Augusta Anderson for an online training guide and password. Requirements for Clergy Licensing Annual Application and Report Form (PDF) Annual Application and Report Form (online) Deacons Helpful information for Deacons in the Diocese. View the resources > Deans List Co ntact our office to receive a current list of the Deans in our diocese. Disciplinary Process Clergy have, by their ordination vows, accepted additional responsibilities and accountabilities for doctrine, discipline, worship, and obedience. This process of accountability, as set out in Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church ("Title IV"), seeks to promote justice, restitution, amendment of life, repentance, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation among all involved or affected by clergy misconduct. Should you have any questions or concerns, see the links below or contact the Canon to the Ordinary . Clergy Standards of Conduct Reporting Concerns Directory of Clergy The Bishop and Clergy of the Diocese of Western North Carolina value and celebrate their camaraderie and collegiality as partners in ministry. To continue to foster and nurture relationships and collaboration, clergy directories are provided. These directories are password protected to safeguard personal information. Please contact Augusta Anderson if you are a member of clergy who needs the password. View the Clergy Directory > Events View Upcoming Events > Funeral Planning Guide This guide is intended for clergy as they make decisions for their own end of life plans. This guide will equip the Bishop to provide pastoral care to the clergy’s family following the priest or deacon’s death. Should you have any questions, please contact the Bishop’s office . Here’s the link to the Funeral Planning Form > Lay Licensing Strong lay leadership is a vital, central and intentional hallmark of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Lay people exercise a wide variety of ministries in the church and in the world. Some particular lay ministries require a license from the Bishop of Western North Carolina. View Lay Licensing Information > Marriage Forms Christian marriage is an extraordinary gift of God, in which a couple are called to live in the saving grace of Christ, enriched, guided and sustained by the Holy Spirit, in communion with the community of the Church (Canon I.18-19). The following forms are meant to be a pastoral support for those seeking Christian marriage. General Guidelines for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony Declaration of Intention to Marry Application for Permission to Remarry Guidelines for Clergy from outside the Diocese Sabbatical Policy The Diocese of Western North Carolina encourages priests to take sabbaticals for the renewal and refreshment of the priest and the benefit of the parish. Download the policy here Spiritual Directors You may also want to include working with a Spiritual Director to nurture your spiritual life and journey. Here is a list of individuals who are available in Western North Carolina. Supply Clergy Clergy canonically resident or licensed in the Diocese of Western North Carolina are welcome to serve as supply clergy. If you are new to the diocese, and wish to supply, please contact the Canon to the Ordinary to schedule an appointment and complete the License to Serve Application and Report Form. (link to form provided above) Supply Clergy List Supply Clergy Honoraria Guidelines

Christian Formation for Adults Spiritual formation breathes life and renewal into our relationship with God. As followers of Jesus, we seek ways to deepen our faith and to grow in love. While your parish offers classes and programs to inform and enrich the journey, below are other resources that offer opportunities for your spiritual growth. Spiritual Direction Work one-on-one with a spiritual director to nurture your spiritual life and journey. A spiritual director helps you explore your relationship with God and go deeper into the aspects of life that call to you. Here is a list of individuals who are available in Western North Carolina. Lake Logan Conference Center One of our diocesan Conference Centers, Lake Logan, offers year-round programs for formation and connection. Learn more and find upcoming programs at www.lakelogan.org Valle Crucis Conference Center One of our diocesan Conference Centers, Valle Crucis Conference Center, offers year-round opportunities for fellowship, lodging, and spiritual formation. Learn more at https://vcconferences.org/ Episcopal Cursillo Ministry Cursillo is a three day weekend spiritual renewal gathering, often described as a “short course on Christianity.” Through a series of conversations and meditation, a team of clergy and lay leaders facilitate reflections on discerning “what is fundamental for being a Christian” in our everyday lives. Another integral part of the weekend is community prayer and worship. Learn more at https://www.episcopalcursilloministry.org/ Episcopal Church Women ECW is a diocesan-wide organization with local parish chapters that support all women in their Mission and Ministry in the world. The vision of ECW is for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church as the working hands of Christ. Learn more at https://www.ecwwnc.org/ Education For Ministry EFM is a program that provides theological education for lay people, nurturing their faith and equipping them to express that faith in day-to-day events. Learn more at https://efm.sewanee.edu/ The Living Compass Living Compass is a resource that equips individuals, families, congregations, and organizations with the tools and training for the journey toward wellness and wholeness. Learn more at https://www.livingcompass.org/ Way of Love Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life is more than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/way-of-love/ Find a Church in the Diocese of WNC Find a church that works for you in the Diocese of WNC! We serve over 60 parishes from Gastonia to Murphy NC. Learn more at www.diocesewnc.org/find-a-church eFormation Learning Community by Virginia Theological Seminary eFormation is a learning community for ministry in a digital world. They believe culturally savvy, digitally literate leadership skills are essential in every congregation and regional church body. eFormation is a ministry of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary, forming and equipping leaders for digital media for ministry since 2012. Learn more at https://eformationvts.org/

We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 counties of the westernmost portion of the state, with more than 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations, six summer chapels, and two conference centers. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 most western counties of North Carolina, with more than 15,000 members contributing to 63 year-round congregations, five summer chapels, two conference centers, a summer camp, Deerfield Retirement Community, and Christ School. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina Learn About Our Diocese Empowering Youth and Young Adults Youth are more than just our future—they are our present. We invite youth and young adults to participate fully in the life of the Church. Learn More Exploring Our Churches From the mountains to the foothills, in cities and towns throughout Western North Carolina, our churches offer something for everyone. Learn More Telling Our Stories Evangelism through storytelling. We believe that we can walk the Way of Love through sharing the stories of our unique and diverse diocese. Learn More Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage "Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage" is a pilgrimage celebrating and amplifying the stories of historically black parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Learn More Stay Up-To-Date Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news from our diocese and parishes. Have news you want to share? Email our Missioner for Communication . Download the Diocesan Seal Click image to download.

Along the Way Newsletter Have a story or an event you want to share in our Along the Way newsletter? Check out our submission guidelines and send your information to katie@diocesewnc.org by Monday at noon to be considered for placement in the following day's newsletter. Along the Way - Weekly Newsletter The weekly newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Along the Way , is published every Wednesday (excluding some holidays). The e-news offers stories and events from around the diocese, including parish events and what's coming up at our camps and conference centers. It also includes job openings, resource links for clergy and lay leadership, and national Episcopal Church news. See our latest newsletter in the archives below. Church Leadership Weekly Checklist of Upcoming Dates and Deadlines Important dates in the coming months for clergy, wardens, and staff will be posted each week, and a link is included in each newsletter. See the latest checklist here. Newsletter Archives More Archives 2025 November Along the Way November 25, 2025 Along the Way November 18, 2025 Along the Way November 11, 2025 Along the Way November 4, 2025 October Along the Way October 29, 2025 Along the Way October 22, 2025 Along the Way October 15, 2025 Along the Way October 8, 2025 Along the Way October 1, 2025 September Along the Way September 24, 2025 Along the Way September 17, 2025 Along the Way September 10, 2025 Along the Way September 3, 2025 August Along the Way August 27, 2025 Along the Way August 20, 2025 Along the Way August 13, 2025 Along the Way August 6, 2025 July 2025 Along the Way July 30, 2025 Along the Way July 23, 2025 Along the Way July 16, 2025 Along the Way July 9, 2025 Along the Way July 2, 202 5 June 2025 Along the Way June 25, 2025 Along the Way June 18, 2025 Along the Way June 11, 2025 Along the Way June 4, 2025 May 2025 Along the Way - May 28, 2025 Along the Way - May 21, 2025 Along the Way - May 14, 2025 Along the Way - May 7, 2025 April 2025 Along the Way - April 30, 2025 Along the Way - April 23, 2025 Along the Way - April 16, 2025 Along the Way - April 9, 2025 Along the Way - April 2, 2025 March 2025 Along the Way - March 26, 2025 Along the Way - March 19, 2025 Along the Way - March 12, 2025 Along the Way - March 5, 2025 February 2025 Along the Way - February 26, 2025 Along the Way - February 19, 2025 Along the Way - February 12, 2025 Along the Way - February 5, 2025 January 2025 Along the Way - January 29, 2025 Along the Way - January 22, 2025 Along the Way - January 15, 2025 Along the Way - January 8, 2025 More Archives

Job Openings On this page you will find job openings at parishes around the Diocese of WNC. If you have a job opening to share, please contact our Missioner for Communications . Full-Time Jobs Associate Rector PARISH: St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock LEARN MORE Rector PARISH: St. Luke's, Boone LEARN MORE Part-Time Jobs Pianist/Organist PARISH: St. Mary & St. Stephen's, Morganton LEARN MORE Organist/Church Musician PARISH: St. Luke's, Asheville LEARN MORE Organist/Pianist PARISH: Grace, Morganton LEARN MORE Organist/Pianist PARISH: St. Phillip's, Brevard LEARN MORE Parish Musician PARISH: St. Andrew's on-the-Hill, Canton LEARN MORE Children's Minister PARISH: Holy Family, Mills River LEARN MORE Youth & Family Minister PARISH: St. Alban's, Hickory LEARN MORE

Transition Ministries The primary shepherd of all Transition Ministry activities is the Bishop. When there is no Rector or Priest-In-Charge, the Bishop exercises oversight in collaboration with the Vestry in the administration of the congregation. Additionally, the Bishop oversees, in a general way, all of the activities of Transition Ministry, and gives or withholds consent to the calling of new parish clergy. Day-to-day support and guidance for congregations in transition is provided by the Canon to the Ordinary (CTO). The CTO is the primary contact for questions, support, and training regarding search processes, letters of agreement, interviews and visits with candidates, election/selection processes, and any other transition activities. The CTO also assists clergy discerning the call to suitable ministry positions. Work begins when an opening is announced and comes to completion when the new ministry has been sealed by Letter of Agreement and celebrated by congregation, clergy and bishop. Clergy interested in a position within the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina are invited to have a conversation with The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson , Canon to the Ordinary . Helpful Notes to Interested Clergy: If you would like to be considered for one of our parishes in transition, please email a copy of your résumé, your current updated OTM profile and a cover letter expressing your interest to the Canon to the Ordinary’s Office . All names of interested candidates are initially received and screened through the office of the Canon to the Ordinary. Unless otherwise instructed by the Canon’s Office, please do not directly contact congregations that are in transition. All applicants must contact the Canon to the Ordinary’s Office. This Diocese is committed to doing all it can to recruit the best qualified priests. We seek creative clergy of wide vision and diverse backgrounds who are not only excellent matches with a particular parish who also desire to participate in the life and work of our diocese. Likewise, the Diocese affirms equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate against clergy applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Transition Ministry Resources: Clergy Leave-Taking Guidelines Helpful Checklist for Clergy Leave-Taking Policy on Clergy Leave-Taking Positions Available: Parishes discerning (in Interim) St. Thomas, Burnsville Trinity, Spruce Pine Ascension, Hickory St. Matthias, Asheville St. Luke's, Asheville Calvary, Fletcher Parishes seeking a Full-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) St. Luke's, Boone Parishes seeking a Part-Time Regular Seasonal Vicar None at this time. Parishes seeking a Part-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) None at this time. Assistant Positions St. John-in-the-Wilderness, Flat Rock

Spiritual Reflection READ: Always A Guest: Speaking of Faith Far From Home Barbara Brown Taylor offers a new collection of stories and sermons of faith, grace, and hope. REFLECT: Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers This advent reader is a collaborative daily devotional from a diverse group of contributors. PRAY: Mandalas, Candles, and Prayer: A Simply Centered Advent Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. LISTEN: Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice. Formation Resources Journeying the Way of Love Advent Calendar Find daily reflections and activities to guide you through the Advent season in this calendar from the Episcopal Church Journey the Way of Love Advent Curriculum from the Episcopal Church For the season of Advent, Journeying the Way of Love offers four sessions to be explored as we await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Advent Word Join an international community of prayer this Advent season in this global advent calendar. Vibrant Church Communication Vibrant Church Communication has resources to help you with Advent & Epiphany. Each season has multiple offerings that have been developed through the years to help guide you through these seasons. A Mason Jar Advent by Salt Project A Mason Jar Advent,” is a customizable Short Film all about keeping things simple and helping preserve what’s truly important: hope, peace, joy, and love. What’s more, this lovely film has an equally lovely companion, an illustrated and printable Advent calendar for congregations, families, and individuals, featuring the same artwork seen in the film. Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Books & Curriculum Book recommendations from the Episcopal Shoppe Book recommendations from Church Publishing Advent Resources

Diocesan Calendar View our calendar below or visit our Upcoming Events page for more detailed information about select events.

Liturgy & Worship Resources Back The following are external links to online liturgy and worship resources. Prayer Resources The Book of Common Prayer The Revised Common Lectionary – text of upcoming Sunday Bible readings. The Daily Office -Morning and Evening Prayer for the current week, complete with lectionary readings and canticles. http://www.missionstclare.com http://dailyoffice.org/ Anglican Cycle of Prayer Cycle of Prayer Diocesan Cycle of Prayer (2025–2026) Forward Day by Day Lectionary Page - A Liturgical calendar with links to the lessons for Sundays and major Holy Days. Music Resources Anglican Online Hymnal Material in the public domain from four Anglican hymnals, including Hymnal 1979, organized both according to the Christian year and theological topics. Includes additional information about the texts. Oremus Hymnal - Over 950 Christian hymns and Gospel songs from a variety of denominations. Includes lyrics, sound, background information, photos, links, and downloadable MIDI files. Bible Resources Bible Gateway - Offers many versions in languages including Greek and Hebrew, with excellent search capabilities, both for chapter and verse searches and for keyword and phrase searches. Available at no cost. Oremus Bible Resource includes comparisons of versions including the NRSV.

Foundation Grant The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit corporation founded in 1963 by Bishop Henry with an initial gift from Mr. Charles Timson. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter, and the members of the Board of Directors are elected at the annual convention of the Diocese. The Foundation uses the income from its investments to make grants up to $20,000 exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. Parishes and institutions applying for these funds must present their initial request to a joint meeting the board of The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina and the diocesan Finance Committee. Apply for this grant Grant budget form On April 17, the Foundation Board voted effective immediately: To reduce the maximum grant from $20,000 to $15,000, and To restrict the number of application presentations per meeting to no more than 3 including any joint grant/loan combos. This is a permanent change in order to help as many parishes as possible while withdrawing no more than 4% of funds for grants annually. We will no longer roll over any amount unspent in a previous year. It is not unusual to receive a grant award for less than the amount requested due to the increase in applications in the post-Covid era. You may also consider applying for an interest-free loan from the Diocese.

Disaster Response & Relief Hub We are grateful for the support and partnership of Episcopal Relief and Development. On this page, you can find ways to help and get help as we recover from natural disaster in our region. 1/1 DONATE NOW STORIES & MEDIA RESOURCES & PREP VOLUNTEER INFO Our Mission Leverage the gifts of our congregations, donors, and partners to support the recovery of impoverished and marginalized people affected by natural disasters in our region through building relationships and stewarding resources that center dignity and quality work at a sustainable pace for long-term recovery efforts. Our Values Dignity & Respect, Professional Quality Standards Relationships Sustainable Pace Stewardship Bearing Witness: A Story & Photo Series from Helene For our Helene Remembrance Eucharist, held on September 27, 2025, we collected stories and photos from around our diocese. These stories and photos were curated into 14 stations, echoing the 14 Stations of the Cross, and were displayed at the Eucharist. These stories and photos highlight the experiences and impact of Helene on our churches at large and on individual households throughout Western North Carolina. We believe story-telling is a sacred art in which we find healing and beauty, often in the midst of suffering, and as a means to pass on wisdom to those that come after us. To view these stories, or to share your own, follow the button below. Bearing Witness Series Diocese of Western North Carolina Give directly to our relief fund to directly support our diocesan recovery efforts. DONATE Episcopal Relief & Development: ERD is a critical partner to us in our recovery. Funds collected will be used for long-term relief efforts as well as emergency grants, which are for churches in affected areas that are in a position to respond to needs in their local community. DONATE Donate Financially Disaster Response Team The Rev. Kelsey Davis Read More Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Donations and Volunteers Dan Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Logistics and Technology The Rev. Oscar Rozo Read More Latino/Hispanic Community Support Tony Coggiola Read More Field Consultant & Advisor Volunteer Bailey Sommer Read More Fellow for Disaster Response & Recovery Mark Corson Read More Staff Assistant to Bishop's Deputy Volunteer Jennifer Gutierrez Read More Family Liaison Coordinator The Disaster Response Team shares an email address. Contact them Here

Congregational Vitality Grant The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers annual Congregational Vitality grants to support churches in their redevelopment work. Congregational Vitality Grants are open to any initiative that supports and sustains the vitality and mission of the local parish, including technology. Please note, preference is given to congregations who did not receive a CV grant in the previous year. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or Canon to the Ordinary . Apply for this Grant Past Grant Recipients

Health Insurance This page contains important information about our 2026 Health Benefits and Open Enrollment. You can find general information on Open Enrollment here . View the Open Enrollment Guide from CPG here . Church Pension Group Medical and Dental Enrollment Form . Find information on 2024 Vision Coverage here . View the Network Access Instructions here . See the Diocesan Health Policy as adopted by the Executive Council Diocese of Western North Carolina.

Youth Formation Resources Our diocesan Director of Lifelong Christian Formation, Eden Lewis, is happy to help congregations find curriculum and other resources for their youth ministries. Click on the links below to see some available resources. If you are looking for Children Resources click here. Youth Program and Curriculum Resources General Unlearning Library ChurchNext Forward Movement LeaderResources Open Bible Learning Styles Living Compass Curriculum Story Makers NOOMA (Older Youth) - Study Guide Available Episcopal Curriculum for Youth The Source for Youth Ministry Egad! Ideas: Free resource for games, Bible studies, and more Fuller Youth Institute Cokesbury Youth Curriculum Options Liturgical Seasons Advent Lent & Easter Ordinary Time Youth Ministry Planning Resources Tips for Planning Your Youth Ministry Calendar (older but still relevant) Great Group Games Book Event Planning Notebook LGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adult Resources Resources for Leaders Welcoming and Affirming: A Guide to Supporting and Working with LGBTQ+ Christian Youth Rainbow Theology: Bridging Race, Sexuality, and Spirit by Patrick S. Cheng Unclobber by Colby Martin Beyond a Binary God: A Theology for Trans* Allies byTara K. Soughers A Guide to Gender (2nd Edition): The Social Justice Advocate's Handbook Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth Trans Equality Queer Theology They/Them Questions Answered The Trevor Project: Resources Resources for Families Gender Born, Gender Made: Raising Healthy Gender-Nonconforming Children Transgender Children and Youth: Cultivating Pride and Joy with Families in Transition Love Boldly: Embracing Your LGBTQ Loved Ones and Your Faith Books for Young People My New Gender Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide Queerfully and Wonderfully Made: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens Unashamed: A Coming Out Guide for LGBTQ Christians by Amber Cantorna (best for older teens/young adults) The Coming Out Handbook Local Resources https://tranzmission.org/resources/ https://www.wncchs.org/trans-health

Lake Logan Conference Center Lake Logan lies in a pristine valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway, where visitors soak up the serenity of God’s glorious gifts in a 300-acre sanctuary. Lake Logan Conference Center lends itself well to hosting spiritual retreats, conferences, and seminars, as well as being a beautiful and serene place to rest, relax, and recreate. All religious and nondenominational groups are welcome to this special place, where the power of nature's bounty nourishes, restores, and rejuvenates. The mission of Lake Logan Conference Center is to serve Christ by welcoming all generations to experience restoration and reconciliation with God, one another, and all creation. Visit the Lake Logan website. LAKE LOGAN PHOTO GALLERY

Hendersonville Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 7th, the Hendersonville Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Point Lookout Vineyards in Hendersonville, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Grants & Loans The Diocese of Western North Carolina is blessed with resources to support parishes and diocesan-affiliated organizations with additional financial support in the form of grants and loans. There are several grants available that offer funds for different purposes. Likewise, the Executive Council of the diocese approves, with the recommendation of the diocesan Finance committee, loans for the purpose of church property restoration and improvement. Below you will find more information on each grant and loan available in the diocese, including helpful general information and the particular application for each funding source. The staff liaison is the CFO, Carol Tannenbaum . Restoration Application for Restoration Loans and Foundation Grants Restoration Loan or Foundation Grant General Information General General Grant application Please specify which grant you are applying for on the application (see details below). General Grant budget form HHH Grant Prior-Year Grantee Report Foundation Grant Supports small parishes and institutions in the diocese that otherwise can't afford building, programs, renovations, capital improvements, and major repairs. READ MORE Justice and Outreach Grant Supports initiatives that engage people in ministry focused on a justice and outreach issue. These initiatives should build capacity in the community to improvee the quality of life for the poor, lonely, and/or disinfranchised. READ MORE St. Hilda's Press Grant Supports publishing and media projects that lift up the life of the parish, whether through history or other means. READ MORE Vitality Grant Supports redevelopment work of the local parish. Funds are given to needs that sustain the and uphold the vitality of the congregation, including funding for technology. READ MORE Supports the development of outreach programs for children up to age 18, especially those that involve children serving children. READ MORE Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grant Sustainable Development Grant Supports domestic and international projects that promote sustainability and economic development toward the goal of ending poverty, hunger, and disparities across socioeconomic divides. READ MORE Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants The Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants support the development of outreach programs for and with children in need. Special consideration will be given to applications that envision children serving children. Applications for these grants are due no later than April 30. Questions regarding Children's Outreach Grants can be directed to Diocesan CFO, Carol Tannenbaum . Detailed instructions and parameters. Sustainable Development/Global Mission Grants Funds from the Global Mission Committee support international and domestic projects. Preference will be given to applications with stated purpose related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Applications for these grants are due no later than May 1. Questions regarding Global Mission Grants can be directed to The Rev. Clare Barry, Deacon . Sustainable Development/Global Mission Grant Instructions Justice and Outreach Grants The Justice and Outreach Committee will consider grant proposals for diocesan initiatives that meet the following funding criteria: Engages people in ministry that is focused on a justice and outreach issue, builds capacity in the local community and/or across the diocese to improve the quality of life for the poor, lonely, and/or disenfranchised through collaboration, has an end result that transforms the community and/or the diocese. Congregational Vitality Grants The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers annual Congregational Vitality grants to support churches in their redevelopment work. Congregational Vitality Grants are open to any initiative that supports and sustains the vitality and mission of the local parish, including technology. Please note, preference is given to congregations who did not receive a CV grant in the previous year. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or Canon to the Ordinary . Foundation Grants The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit corporation founded in 1963 by Bishop Henry with an initial gift from Mr. Charles Timson. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter, and the members of the Board of Directors are elected at the annual convention of the Diocese. The Foundation uses the income from its investments to make grants up to $20,000 exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. Parishes and institutions applying for these funds must present their initial request to a joint meeting the board of The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina and the diocesan Finance Committee.

Middle School Conference 2021 On Saturday, September 25, Middle School youth from around the diocese gathered at Lake Logan Conference Center for a day of retreat, games, conversation, and community.