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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.

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 housing improvements, repairs and maintenance for elderly, disabled, and marginalized people. Towel Ministry operates in week-long sessions. Typical work projects might include 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. Summer 2026 Offerings This summer we will be offering two sessions of Towel Ministry Mission Experience for high school youth (rising 8th graders to graduated 12th graders. We will be based at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. Sessions: Session One : June 15-20 Session Two : June 22-27 Cost : $400 per person This includes all meals, lodging, and fun activities. For more information, email Eden Lewis. 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. How to get involved Want to volunteer with us this summer? Fill out this volunteer form We need help with cooking breakfast and managing the homesites. Contact Charlotte or Eden with any questions.

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

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

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.

The Presiding Bishop event at Trinity Episcopal Church

Supporting Humanitarian Response to the Crisis in Ukraine Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. - A Collect for Peace Among the Nations, BCP On Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. As a result, many Ukrainians have lost their livelihoods, homes, and family members. As a diocese and as a part of the greater Episcopal Church, we support refugees and are called as servants of God to support those who have been displaced. Below, please find resources and information on how we can continue to assist humanitarian response in Ukraine, and please continue to join us in prayer for all effected. Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Relief & Development is an international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church. Episcopal Relief & Development works in collaboration with church partners and other local organizations to facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Click here to read the latest press releases regarding the crisis in Ukraine from Episcopal Relief and Development Click here to donate to the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund Episcopal Migration Ministries Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of The Episcopal Church and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. Episcopal Migration Ministries welcomes refugees, educates communities, and mobilizes congregations to advocate for the protection and rights of all migrants. Click here to read a response to the crisis in Ukraine from Episcopal Migration Ministries Click here to donate to the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries Click here to request a "Refugee Sunday" toolkit from Episcopal Migration Ministries to help facilitate conversations around refugee crises at your parish ACT Alliance ACT Alliance is a global alliance of more than 145 churches and related organizations from over 120 countries to provide humanitarian aid for poor and marginalized people. Click here to read recent press releases regarding the crisis in Ukraine READ: "Ukraine: Emergency response for communities affected by Ukraine conflict UKR221" The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church, based in the United States with additional dioceses elsewhere, is a member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE: At spring meeting, House of Bishops speaks on Ukraine, anti-trans bills Read all press releases from The Episcopal Church on Ukraine

Young Adult Community We invite young adults to join us as we live out our calling to the Jesus Movement of the Episcopal Church. The Jesus Movement calls us to literally act as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. We express this call through our commitment to global mission, social engagement, and local action in our young adult communities. If you would to chat about engagement, email Kelsey Davis . Connect with Local Communities: Blue Ridge Service Corps Blue Ridge Service Corps is the Episcopal Diocese of WNC's program of the Episcopal Service Corps. This program invites young adults to complete a year of service by walking their path and seeing where God is at work in their lives. The young adults will be nurtured through the work they do at local non-profits, living in intentional community, and deepening their spiritual awareness through connection with local Episcopal churches. For more information about this community please visit Blue Ridge Service Corps . 3rd Place, Boone 3rd Place is a collaboration between the Episcopal and Presbyterian (U.S.A) Churches that provides opportunities for people to experience a sense of connection, community, and belonging. We partner with a variety of faith communities, non-profits, student groups, and artists to create spaces where people can be known by their community, pursue justice, explore spirituality, and express themselves creatively. Learn more about 3rd place on their website. Be Part of the Jesus Movement: Creation Care LEARN MORE Creation Care LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Global Mission LEARN MORE Global Mission LEARN MORE Social Engagement LEARN MORE Social Engagement LEARN MORE Local Action LEARN MORE Local Action

Convention Homepage 102nd Annual Convention Speaker We are thrilled to share that our keynote speaker will be renowned Cherokee scholar Mr. Thomas Belt. Mr. Belt retired in 2018 as coordinator of Wester Carolina University’s Cherokee Language Program. His work to preserve and revitalize the Cherokee language and traditional culture have had profound significance, not only for the region, but the nation as well. As a teacher and scholar at WCU, he developed vital materials for teaching Cherokee language and prepared multiple cohorts of students to read, speak and teach Cherokee language themselves. Mr. Belt has worked closely with the American Philosophical Society and the Smithsonian Institution to develop and enact protocols for the treatment of Cherokee archival materials, in particular culturally sensitive materials in the Cherokee language. He also served as a consultant to multiple university programs, providing regular addresses and workshops at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Stanford, Yale, Duke and Wake Forest regarding the importance and significance of indigenous languages and the worldview of Cherokee culture. Tom was raised in a Cherokee-speaking family in Rocky Ford, Oklahoma. He later moved to the Eastern homelands in the early 1990s. He continues to live on the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians where he first worked as a teacher in the Cherokee Central Schools. Pre-Convention Workshops Explore a diverse range of speaker workshops at our convention. From Tagan Crowe's insights on plants and medicine to Dr. Ben Steere's exploration of Cherokee Mounds, delve into history, culture, and archaeology. Join Sue Abram and Angelena Jumper for a poignant discussion on the Trail of Tears and Junaluska's story. Conclude the day with Kathi Littlejohn's captivating tales as an ECBI storyteller. Register Now Our 2024 Workshop Leaders Tagan Crowe Medicinal Plants Ben Steere Cherokee Mounds Sue Abram and Angelena Jumper Trail of Tears and Junaluska's story Kathi Littlejohn Cherokee Stories Register Now

Centennial Weekend On the weekend of Nov. 11–13, 2022, the Diocese of Western North Carolina celebrated it's 100th anniversary. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preached a special Revival service Sunday, Nov. 13.

Greetings! We are so glad you're here! Welcome to the Diocese of WNC. We are an accepting, open-minded community of people working to walk the Way of Love. Learn more about our mission here.

Western Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 14th, the Western Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Lodge at Cat Creek in Franklin, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Becoming a Diocese As the missionary endeavors faithfully established and nurtured a growing number of Episcopal congregations west of the Catawba River, in 1895, the Missionary District of Asheville was founded. The Diocese of Western North Carolina was formally organized into an independent entity in 1922. The first bishop of both the Missionary District and the Diocese of Western North Carolina was The Rev. Junius Horner. Since Horner’s consecration in 1898, there have been six other Episcopal Bishops of Western North Carolina: Robert E. Gribbin (1934–1947); Matthew George Henry (1948–1974); William Weinhauer (1975–1990); Robert H. Johnson (1990–2003); G. Porter Taylor (2004–2016); and Bishop José A. McLoughlin (2016–present), the seventh Episcopal Bishop of Western North Carolina. The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin <<>> Origins LEARN MORE Origins LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle

Piedmont Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 10th, the Piedmont Deanery of the diocese gathered at the Laboratory Mill in Lincolnton, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Communications as Evangelism Workshops The Communications as Evangelism workshop series was offered in the summer of 2023 as a resource for parish administrators, clergy, ministry managers, and anyone involved in church communications or communications for non-profits. 02 Being Present: Websites and the Episcopal Asset Map Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF 01 Being Prepared: Essential Tools for Church Communications Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF 03 Being Seen: Newsletters and Social Media Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF Download Slides (PPTX with notes) Download Slides (PDF) Being Seen: Media Outreach 04

Resources for Newcomers Welcome! Whatever reason brought you here — perhaps simple curiosity or a hunger to know more about Jesus or The Episcopal Church — we are delighted! We hope the following resources, like sign posts on the highway, might guide you in your journey. For additional resources, please visit https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ Getting Started on the Way of Love LEARN MORE Getting Started on the Way of Love LEARN MORE What We Believe LEARN MORE What We Believe LEARN MORE Visiting an Episcopal Church: What to Expect LEARN MORE

Racial Reconciliation, Justice, and Equity Click here for a list of resources for dismantling racism and combatting white supremacy. The Diocese of Western North Carolina has a long-standing commitment to dismantling and eradicating racism in our church, communities, and worldwide. We are blessed by the ongoing and compelling work of our diocesan Commission to Dismantle Racism, which exists to name, confess, resist, and confront the sin of racism through prayer, education, advocacy, and action. Learn about the history of the Commission here. While much progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve the biblical imperative of unity in Christ. We invite you and your church to join us in this important Gospel imperative. Workshops Facilitators from the Building Beloved Community Commission lead workshops for congregations and other diocesan organizations. Through interactive exercises, videos, and small group discussions, participants explore how institutional and systemic racism impede our ability to create an inclusive community. This workshop helps to raise awareness that dismantling racism is a spiritual discipline grounded in our Baptismal Covenant. For information about offering please visit the Events Page or contact Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert.