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Clergy and leadership can check this list to see what is needed and happening in the diocese. Weekly Checklist for Church Leadership (Clergy, Wardens, Staff) March 1, 2026 2026 Parochial Reports Due Parochial Report Form March 7, 2026, Trinity, Asheville Vestry Leadership Day Registration March 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m., St. Philip's Brevard Clergy Renewal of Vows lunch to follow. Registration April 21, 2026, 10:30 a.m. Clergy Zoom with Bishop Zoom link will be emailed out the morning of the meeting. May 19, 2026 One on One with Bishop Email Jess for appointment June 16, 2026, 2:30 p.m. Clergy Zoom with Bishop Zoom link will be emailed out the morning of the meeting. July 23, 2026 One on One with Bishop Email Jess for appointment August 18, 2026, 2:30 p.m. Clergy Zoom with Bishop Zoom link will be emailed out the morning of the meeting. September 17, 2026 One on One with Bishop Email Jess for appointment November 17, 2026, 2:30 p.m. Clergy Zoom with Bishop Zoom link will be emailed out the morning of the meeting.

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.

Recovery Ministries The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the wellbeing and wholeness of every child of God and support efforts that equip and empower individuals to acknowledge their addictions and take the necessary steps toward health and sobriety. You can learn more by visiting the diocesan Recovery Ministry website here . For more information, contact the Rev. Deacon Priscilla Wodehouse , Director of Recovery for the WNC Episcopal Diocese. Deacon Wodehouse is available to arrange for Traveling Recovery Eucharist at your church or receive copies of the Recovery Eucharist liturgy. Additional contact information for getting help for you or someone you love: Alcoholics Anonymous: 800-524-0465 24 Hour Hotline: 800-431-5080; 800-299-6317; 800-713-7516 Be inspired by Beau’s Story .

Youth Engagement Programs High School Retreats Spring and Fall Youth Retreats are weekend events for youth held at Valle Crucis Conference Center. Spring Conference is for youth in grades 8–12 and Fall Conference is for youth in grades 9–12. The weekend is led by the Youth Council; they choose a theme for each event and then design a program of learning, reflection, and fellowship to be offered at each conference. The retreat program consists of talks, small group discussion related to the theme, singing, dancing, worship, service projects, and games. Middle School Retreat Beginning in the Middle is our retreat for youth in grades 6–8 and traditionally takes place in late September. This retreat is designed to address and respond to spiritual issues, concerns, and needs of middle school aged youth by focusing on topics such as who is Jesus, peer pressure, friendship, parents, and prayer. The weekend is led by high school youth and consists of talks, skits, small group discussion, singing, worship, crafts, and games. Fellowship Events Throughout the course of the year we have several youth events just for fellowship and fun. These events change yearly but, in the past, have included an afternoon at Lake Logan, visits to trampoline parks, skating rinks, and other fellowship opportunities. More Information Go to the Upcoming Events page or click the button below for information on upcoming retreats and events. Or contact our Coordinator for Families, Children and Youth.

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Discern God's Call for Ministry In the Episcopal Church, we believe that all people are called to ministry by virtue of baptism. The process of identifying, celebrating, and using our talents and gifts in the church and in the world is understood as “discernment.” The Diocese of Western North Carolina encourages leaders at the parish level to be companions on the journey of discernment with every lay member as they discover how they are called to participate in God’s redeeming work in the world. Sometimes individuals, alongside their congregation, discern gifts that may suggest a call to ordained ministry of a deacon or a priest in the church. The diocese desires ordained leaders who will equip our congregations to adapt to new realities and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that speak to the varied contexts and cultures of our communities. Below, you will find documents you will need should you begin down the path of discernment. Commission on Ministry Manual Parish Lay Discernment Committee Manual Financial Costs of Pursuing Ordination Constitution & Canons, Title III Suggested reading for further discernment: For more information, contact the diocesan office at 828-225-6656. The Diocese of Western North Carolina is proud to be home to Iona WNC, a part of the Iona Collaborative , a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. Click here to visit the Iona WNC page and learn more.

College Ministries Welcome! Our college ministries are inclusive and loving communities open to anyone — no matter your race or ethnicity, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Please join us as we strive to spread Christ’s love with each other and to those around us. Campus Ministry at WCU Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, NC Campus Ministry at WCU is our newest campus ministry, but quickly growing and forming a presence on the WCU campus. The group meets weekly on Wednesday nights at St. David's in the Valley Episcopal Church right off the main campus of Western Carolina University. Facebook Page | Instagram | Email the director Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry Appalachian State University - Boone, NC The members of the Presbyterian Episcopalian Campus ministry (PECM) welcome all. Please join us as we strive to spread Christ’s love with each other and those around us. We meet on Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at 3rd Place. Our weekly programs always include dinner and a rotation program such as Ted Talks, service projects, and worship. Website | Facebook Page | Instagram | Email the director Christian Athlete Circles is an athlete ministry designed to accompany student-athletes as they explore and deepen their faith, make meaning of society, ritualize their joys and griefs, celebrate their belovedness, engage in activism, and create Beloved Community. CAC provides training and coaching, guidelines, curriculum, resources, and spiritual mentorship to anyone looking to start a Circle on their campus. Currently, CAC hosts Circles on various college campuses and a virtual circle for all former and current student-athletes. Website | Instagram | Email the director Christian Athlete Circles Congregation to College The purpose of Congregation to College is to keep our young people connected to a faith community as they enter a new phase of life. We would love to keep in contact with our young people during this new journey and help them find a loving and supportive faith community.

Learn what to expect when visiting an Episcopal Church, from what to wear to the liturgical and worship practices present at our services. Visiting an Episcopal Church Visiting a church for the first time can be a daunting experience. We hope this page anticipates any questions you may have. Wherever you may end up visiting, please introduce yourself to other worshippers, the clergy or ushers so they can welcome you properly. Find an Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina. Hover or click on an image to read more about visiting an Episcopal Church! Worship in the Episcopal Church Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship. The principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as: the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Mass. In most Episcopal churches, worship is accompanied by the singing of hymns, and in some churches, much of the service is sung. Worship Styles Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. The Book of Common Prayer Unique in our church is the Book of Common Prayer, the collection of worship services that all worshipers in the Episcopal Church follow. It’s called “common prayer” because we all pray it together. The prayer book explains Christianity, describes the main beliefs of the Church, and in general serves as the main guidelines of the Episcopal life. Liturgy and Ritual Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be “liturgical,” meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from week to week during the year. This sameness gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers. If you are new to the Episcopal Church, you will quickly discover that we do a lot of sitting, standing, and kneeling in our worship services. For some first-time visitors, all this can be exhilarating… or confusing. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes. Am I Welcome? ALL are welcome in the Episcopal Church. Jesus welcomed all, and we aim to live in accordance by being an accepting, welcoming community. We welcome all regardless of race, sexual orientation, or faith. We are so excited for you to join us. The Liturgy of the Word We begin by lifting our hearts to God through song and prayer, and then listen to several readings from the Bible. A sermon, interpreting the readings appointed for the day, follows. The congregation then recites the Nicene Creed, written in the Fourth Century, which outlines the Church’s basic belief about God. The congregation prays together—for the Church, the World, and those in need. In certain seasons of the Church year, the congregation formally confesses their sins before God and one another. This is a corporate statement of what we have done and what we have left undone, followed by a pronouncement of absolution. The congregation then greets one another with a sign of “peace.” The Liturgy of the Table Next, the priest stands at the table, which has been set with a cup of wine and a plate of bread or wafers. Now begins the Eucharistic Prayer, in which the presider tells the story of our faith, from the beginning of Creation, through the choosing of Israel to be God’s people, through our continual turning away from God, and God’s calling us to return. Finally, the presider tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, and about the night before his death, on which he instituted the Eucharistic meal (communion) as a continual remembrance of him. The presider blesses the bread and wine, and the congregation recites the Lord’s Prayer. The congregation then shares the consecrated bread and the wine. Sometimes the people all come forward to receive the bread and wine; sometimes they pass the elements around in other ways. Through participation in Holy Eucharist we find ourselves strengthened in our union with the Christ and one another. All who seek a deeper relationship with God and wish to receive the presence of Jesus Christ in their lives are welcome to take part in the Holy Eucharist. Find a Church The Holy Eucharist In spite of the diversity of worship styles in the Episcopal Church, Holy Eucharist always has the same components and the same shape, including:

Exploring Our Churches Piedmont Area Up Back to Find a Church The Piedmont Deanery sits just west of the City of Charlotte. Due to its proximity to Charlotte the area has a different feel and culture than the rest of the Diocese and might be best described as blending cosmopolitan feel with undeniable Southern charm. The Piedmont Deanery has 10 Episcopal churches. Being one of the two farthest deaneries from Asheville, the clergy meet regularly for support and in order to share ministries. Major cities: Bessemer City Denver Gastonia Lincolnton Rutherfordton Shelby All Saints Episcopal Church 1201 S New Hope Rd Gastonia, NC 28054 http://www.allsaintsgastonia.org/ (704) 864-7201 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 1303 N 12th St Bessemer City, NC 28016 Facebook page (704) 629-3021 St. Luke's Episcopal Church 315 N Cedar Street Lincolnton, NC 28092 https://www.stlukeslincolnton.com/ (704) 240-3332 Our Saviour Episcopal Church 1128 Hwy 182 Lincolnton, NC 28092 Facebook page (704) 735-4810 St. Francis Episcopal Church 408 N Main St Rutherfordton, NC 28139 www.stfrancisrutherfordton.org/ (828) 287-3888 St. Mark's Episcopal Church 258 West Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28052 http://www.stmarksgastonia.org/ (704) 864-4531 Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 502 W. Sumter St. Shelby, NC 28150 https://www.redeemershelby.com/ (704) 487-5404 St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church 330 North Ridgecrest Avenue Rutherfordton, NC Facebook page ((704) 215-1882 The Episcopal Church of St. Peter by the lake 8433 Fairfield Forest Road Denver, North Carolina 28037 www.saintpeterbythelake.net/ (704) 483-3460

Core Values, Identity, & Mission The mission for our Centennial Celebration gatherings is to honor and celebrate our stories, highlight our core values, and cast a vision for next 100 years. We are honored to do it alongside you, our parishioners, clergy, and staff. As we celebrate 100 years of being an established diocese, we also reflect on the many ways we have fallen short. From the church's treatment of our native brothers and sisters to the lack of representation for marginalized communities in church spaces, we confess we, as the people of God, have not always lived into our baptismal vows. As we look forward into the next 100 years and beyond, may we center our focus on being a living example of God's love in the world. This begins with each one of us. Below, please explore our core values and mission as a diocese or click here to find stories of how we have lived into these values, past, present, and future. Missionary Zeal Many of our early diocesan communities have roots as missionary outposts. Since the beginning, our diocese has identified with a strong passion for mission and with sharing the good news of God through word or action. To learn more about our passion for mission, please visit our history page . Love of Jesus Our shared love of Jesus is at the root of all that we do as a diocese and a community of faith. As Christians, we follow Jesus in the Way of Love by serving and caring for all of God’s people. To learn more about what we believe, please visit our What Is An Episcopalian and The Way of Love pages. Spirit of Adventure and Resourcefulness Like many who call Appalachia home, our stories are rooted in people who yearned for simplicity of life and for a connection with nature. This is reflected through the enduring spirit from which many of our churches were founded. To learn more, please visit our Mountain Missionary Spirit page. Justice Our diocese is committed to embodying and practicing the way of Jesus so that all people may participate in the life-giving and liberating love of God. Engaging our communities through local service and action reflects our commitment to live into our Baptismal Covenant. Learn more about some of the ways we engage our communities here . Service Service in the name of Jesus calls us to respond, by word and action, to the needs of all of God’s people. We are passionate about discerning the many ways we can serve alongside and in solidarity with others not only in Western North Carolina but also beyond in the wider world. To learn more about some of the ways we serve in our local communities and beyond, go to our Local Action and Global Partnerships pages. Hospitality Hospitality is an extension of service and love of Jesus. It means welcoming people right where they are in their lives and creating space for belonging and worth. Love of Creation We are blessed to call the beauty of Western North Carolina home and as Christians we are called to steward this gift. As a diocese, we strive to keep creation care as an integral part of our mission, paying attention to the needs of our environment with every action. Learn more on our Creation Care page. Ability to Look Back While Moving Forward We recognize that in order to consider what God is calling us to do going forward, we must be able to reflect on the past. As disciples of Jesus committed to Building Beloved Community, we believe we must tell the truth about our own history and discern who we can repair the wrongs we have committed. Doing so empowers us to walk the Way of Jesus more faithfully for the next 100 years.

Share the Good News Evangelism Toolkit Every Episcopalian is commissioned in baptism to proclaim by word and example the loving, liberating, and life-giving good news of Jesus Christ. Through the spiritual practice of evangelism, we name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people - then invite everyone to join us in the journey of faith. The Episcopal Church has prepared this Evangelism Toolkit to help us live into that call. Download Evangelism Resources from The Episcopal Church. Transforming Evangelism, by David Gortner At once “travel guide” and vision for the future, the Transformation series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change. Click here for more information .

Parish Leadership Resources Back In this section, you will find resources that support the work and formation of lay leaders in the church. General Leadership ECF Vital Practices offers parish leaders, including vestry members, the resources and tools to respond to the changing needs of the Church. FACTS on Church Growth A look at the dynamics of growth and decline in Episcopal congregations based on the 2014 Survey of Episcopal Congregations. To view the entire report, visit the Episcopal Church website here to download a copy. A brief summary, Key Characteristics of Congregations Experiencing Growth, has been prepared by the Rev. Jason Lewis. You can download it here . ChurchNext has numerous paid and free online courses on various topics for parish leaders. The Alban Institute at Duke Divinity School provides educational materials, books, publications, and consulting services for clergy and congregations. Membership gets you a weekly e-mail and a book discount. Child and Youth Resources for formation within the youth and young adults in your parish or the diocese. Vestry Leadership Vestry Academy The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers an annual weekend retreat designed specifically for vestries of small churches. Vestry members spend time with the bishop and members of his staff, learning about their roles and responsibilities, financial oversight, and time for parish planning. Vestry Leadership Day Annual Saturday conference for vestry members, treasurers, and wardens to meet with the bishop and members of his staff for direct guidance on roles and responsibilities, leadership development, and financial oversight. A combined copy of the 2023 presentations can be found here . Vestry Manual A comprehensive guide , prepared by the Diocese of Western North Carolina, on the responsibilities and roles of the vestry. Vestry Resource Guide The Vestry Resource Guide offers an approach for leaders of congregations and faith communities to work together to become an effective, even transformational leadership team. The full guide is available for $15 from Forward Movement here . A free preview is also available at that link. Stewardship Planned Giving The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers an annual gathering for church leaders to learn strategies and best practices for planned giving at the parish level. For more information on these gatherings, please get in touch with Canon Augusta Anderson . The Partnership for ReNEWal (PfR) acts as a midwife for new ways of being church, enabling churches to be agile, resilient, and intentional about living into their divine purpose in today’s shifting religio-cultural environment. Focusing on servant-leadership development and a transformed approach to year-long stewardship, PfR provides concrete goals, tools, and continuing support for the journey. Project Resource This program provides the tools to inspire radical generosity and financial stewardship and equip faith communities in this life-changing work. Project Resource programs are periodically taught throughout the Diocese of Western North Carolina. The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) The Diocese of Western North Carolina is a member of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS), which is an association of church leaders who understand, practice, and proclaim God's call to generosity. Ecumenical Stewardship Center (ESC) The ESC is a dynamic and interactive network that connects, inspires, and equips stewardship leaders to transform their churches into faithful and generous givers. Evangelism Evangelism Toolkit Every Episcopalian is commissioned in baptism to proclaim by word and example the loving, liberating, and life-giving good news of Jesus Christ. Through the spiritual practice of evangelism, we name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people - then invite everyone to join us in the journey of faith. The Episcopal Church has prepared this Evangelism Toolkit to help us live into that call. Download the Evangelism Toolkit in English or Spanish Other evangelism resources from The Episcopal Church can be found here . Transforming Evangelism, by David Gortner At once “travel guide” and vision for the future, the Transformation series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change.

Origins The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina acknowledges the past and present members of the Indigenous communities that once occupied this land and were harmed and expelled by settlers: The Catawba (Issa, Essa, Iswa) and Cherokee (Tsalagi) nations. We stand in solidarity with all marginalized communities and condemn the acts of racism and ignorance towards any of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are dedicated to the work of dismantling racism and building Beloved Community. Visit our Unlearning Library. Any history of The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina must begin with an acknowledgement that prior to the arrival of Christian settlers, the Catawba and Cherokee Nations called the southern Appalachian region home for centuries. The Catawba lived in the Piedmont and Foothills region of North Carolina and the Cherokee were just west throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. With the arrival of European newcomers in the late 16th – 17th centuries, conciliatory trading relationships and military alliances were forged. The expansion of Europeans into what would eventually become our diocese progressed slowly through the 18th century. English settlers, mostly German, Scottish and Irish immigrants moved westward through the Piedmont, overtaking the native populations. The Cherokee and Catawba continued to control their territories through most of the first half of the 18th Century, much of which would become the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Undesirable farming land in the Western Piedmont and the ever-increasing European population resulted in encroachment on Cherokee and Catawba territory. The conflicts increased with the French and Indian War, with England respecting the Cherokee claim to the Great Smoky Mountains. The treaty was largely ignored by the European settlers who built homesteads in Cherokee land. In 1776, North Carolina militia joined with militia armies from South Carolina and Virginia and together they invaded the Cherokee Nation in the campaign known as Rutherford’s Trace. The militias destroyed more than 40 native towns including food storage and sacred places, and some natives were taken as slaves. The Cherokee never recovered their control of their tribal lands, and the European migration increased. In 1830, with the federal Indian Removal Act, most of the remaining Cherokee in Western North Carolina were forcibly moved west to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears. A small remnant of the Cherokee, who were able to avoid being removed, came to be known as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and, over time, were able to purchase the land now known as the Qualla Boundary, in and around Cherokee, NC. The Catawba, largely decimated by small-pox and tribal warfare by the beginning of the 19th century, ceded their homeland to the state of South Carolina in 1840. <<< Previous Page Next Page >>> 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

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 .

Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Disciplinary Board The Disciplinary Board consists of five clergy and four laypersons (pursuant to Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church) nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority and elected by the Convention of the Diocese. The Disciplinary Board serves as the court which guides the Ecclesiastical process of accountability and discipline for members of the clergy. Members Mr. Allan Fullwood The Rev. David Henson The Rev. Judith Whelchel The Rev. Jonathan Stepp The Rev. Patty Mouer Ms. Jillian Fisher Ms. Candace Mance

Episcopal Church Women The Episcopal Church Women are a group of

Click on your parish below to view a list of services for Holy Week 2023. Parishes are listed in alphabetical order. To add your parish's services, email a PDF to Rachel at rcarr@diocesewnc.org. Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville Grace, Asheville Holy Family, Mills River St. Francis & St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton St. John's in the Wilderness, Flat Rock St. Philip's, Brevard Christ Church, Sparta Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Redeemer, Shelby St. James, Hendersonville St. John's, Marion Transfiguration, Bat Cave Epiphany, Newton Holy Cross, Valle Crucis St. Andrew's on the Hill, Canton St. John's, Asheville St. Mary-St. Stephen's, Morganton Trinity, Asheville Trinity, Spruce Pine

Staying Centered During these uncertain times, we all need to find ways to take a deep breath. We hope the following resources will help you stay centered during challenging times. Listen and Watch Twelve Museums that Offer Virtual Tours Jeanne Robertson - "Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store!" Empty Pews Podcast The 50 Best Family Movies to Watch Together Take a Deep Breath Virtual Yoga -Yoga Nut is an Asheville-based yogi who facilitates a variety of online classes that you can do at home Calm.com - daily exercises for meditation and relaxation to help ease anxiety

Standing Committee Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Western North Carolina serves as a council of advice for the Bishop and is the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese in the absence of a Bishop. The Standing Committee gives consent for persons to become candidates for Holy Orders, consent for ordinations and consent for elections of bishops in other diocese. Likewise, the Standing Committee also provides consent to the sale or encumbrance of property of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Elected by Convention, the Standing Committee is comprised of four clergy and four lay members, each serving a four year term. Any member having served a full term shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of one year. The Rev. Susan Buchanan – St. James, Lenoir – Class of 2026 – President of Standing Committee Ms. Jane Schronce – St. Luke's, Lincolnton – Class of 2026 The Rev. Erin Kirby – St. John's Marion – Class of 2027 Ms. Kim Miller – Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville – Class of 2027 The Rev. Dn. Cynthia Nash - Trinity, Spruce Pine - Class of 2028 Mr. Alex Coimbré - Grace Church in the Mountains, Waynesville - Class of 2028 The Rev. Dr. Robert Wetherington - St. Mary's, Asheville - Class of 2029 Ms. Amanda Cook - Church of the Transfiguration, Bat Cave - Class of 2029 Standing Committee Members

What does it mean to be an Episcopalian? IT MEANS being a part of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement. IT MEANS being a part of a community of 2.2 million other Episcopalians in 110 diocese in the Americas and abroad. IT MEANS being a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion since the Episcopal Church has it's roots in the Church of England. IT MEANS loving Jesus and following his teachings by welcoming the stranger and the outcast, offering love and forgiveness to all. IT MEANS gathering around the Lord's table as a symbol of our unity. IT MEANS promising to love our neighbors as ourselves, and uphold the dignity of every human being – no exceptions. IT MEANS celebrating a diversity of people and worship styles even as we all practice a similar form of worship set out in the Book of Common Prayer. IT MEANS striving to be a faith community that both respects our religious tradition while also embracing a profound sense of awe and wonder in the mystery of God. IT MEANS practicing "via media" – or the middle way – in all that we do because we believe that, regardless of our views on particular topics, everyone is beloved by God, and Jesus calls us to always demonstrate respect and care in our deliberations. IT MEANS believing the Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, who inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. IT MEANS participating in a unique structure of community. In the Episcopal Church, the ministers are all the baptized people of God, not just the ordained clergy. The word “episcopal” is an old Greek word for bishop. Bishops, along with other elected leaders, oversee the Church in particular geographic areas, known as dioceses. Each bishop and those elected leaders in the diocese, operating through a local annual convention, determine the character of life and work in that diocese within a set of general decisions made by a triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina welcomes you! Resources for Newcomers Find a Church in WNC