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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 . If you have an update to your listing following Helene please contact Katie ASAP. Full-Time Jobs Associate Rector PARISH: St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock 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

Documents for the Business of Convention Convention Homepage Documents will be posted as they are received. Please check back regularly. Reports Reports will be available after convention. Resolutions 2025 Resolutions for Diocesan Convention 2025 Resolutions 2 & 3 for Diocesan Convention Procedural Resolutions for the 2025 Diocesan Convention General Convention Resolutions (First Readings) Elected Leadership 2025 Nominees Budget 2026 Proposed Budget

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.

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) November 8, 2025 Diocesan Annual Convention Christ School, Arden, NC Summer Memo can be found here . General Information, including the agenda, can be found here . New Delegate Orientation meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 29, at 6 p.m. New delegates will need to register for this orientation event. ASAP CPG Map Access Forms for new online bill pay. Contact Linda with questions ASAP Church Audits due ASAP 2026 Mutual Ministry Pledge Commitment Due Mutual Ministry Pledge Form October 15 - November 17 Open Enrollment Follow the attached link for full info from CFO Carol Tannenbaum on Open Enrollment. Contact Linda Knowlton with questions. INFORMATION Friday, November 14 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Online) & Saturday, November 15 9:30-3:00 (In Person) Becoming Beloved Community/Dismantling Racism Workshop Parish of the Holy Communion: Holy Trinity Church/Mission House, West Jefferson Breakfast snacks will be provided including coffee and tea. Please bring your own lunch, and let us know of any food allergies. REGISTER November 21-23, 2025 High School Fall Conference Lake Logan REGISTER February 22-24, 2026 Lenten Clergy Retreat Registration Info coming soon. March 7, 2026 Vestry Leadership Day Info coming soon.

Bishop José A. McLoughlin leads the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina along with a handful of staff that operate from Asheville and locations across the diocese. Office of the Bishop and Bishop's Staff Not sure whom to contact? Use our general Contact Form located here . The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin Bishop The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin is the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. He is the chief pastor of the diocese and visits a different congregation almost every Sunday. Contact the Bishop The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff Canon Augusta assists the bishop with general oversight of the diocese. Get in touch with her if you have questions about parish property transactions, church transitions, leadership development, or parenting four children and three pets with a sense of humor. Contact Augusta The Venerable Brenda Gilbert Archdeacon The Archdeacon is a deacon of the diocese who is appointed by, responsible to, and with access to the Bishop. The Archdeacon is the liaison between the Bishop and the deacons in the Diocese, which includes but is not limited to advocating for deacons, assisting the bishop in addressing the pastoral needs of deacons, and assisting the deacons and Bishop in arranging and maintaining parochial assignments. The Archdeacon is also involved in the discernment process for deacons as well as deacon formation. Contact Brenda Carol Tannenbaum Chief Financial Officer Before joining the diocese, Carol served as the Corporate Director of Finance for BayCare Health System, a large mission-based not-for-profit healthcare organization in Florida. She earned her Master's in Business Administration and Bachelor of Business in Accounting from Kennesaw State University in Atlanta and she currently holds a CPA license in Tennessee. Carol is excited to serve the people and churches of the diocese. Contact Carol Linda Knowlton Benefits Administrator Prior to this role, Linda served as Vice President of Client Services at Church Insurance Agency for 26 years. In her current role, Linda oversees pension, health and dental coverage, group life insurance, and disability benefits for the diocese. She also supports Institutional Administrators working within the Church Pension Group’s MAP system. Linda lives in Hickory with her husband, Dave. They have three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys beekeeping and gardening—spending much of her free time in the apiary and among her plants. Contact Linda Jessica Ives Executive Assistant to the Bishop Jess manages Bishop José’s calendar and visitation schedule and assists with diocesan committees such as Executive Council and Commission on Ministry. Contact Jess if you need to make an appointment with the bishop, have questions about the discernment process, clergy licensing, or canonical transfers. Contact Jess Eden Lewis Director of Lifelong Christian Formation Eden assists the Bishop with overseeing Christian faith formation for the diocese, by supporting all ministries with children, youth, young adults, and adults. She works to equip and empower our congregations, lay and clergy leaders, providing collaborative working groups, initiating new ideas, and bringing innovative programs, resources, and events to the diocese. Contact Eden Charlotte Garcia Coordinator for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Charlotte oversees Christian formation for middle school youth, high school youth and young adults. She coordinates (with the help of youth and youth ministers) programs such as conferences, mission trips, and pilgrimages for middle school and high school youth. She also oversees the youth council and deanery events. Contact Charlotte Katie Knowles Missioner for Communications With a background in music education, photography, and brand work, Katie brings a love for art, story-telling, and community-building to her role in communications. She grew up in Bradenton, Florida, but has called Black Mountain, NC her home for over a decade. She and her wife McKayla are parishioners of St James in Black Mountain. In her free time, you can find Katie playing music, planning her next travels, or hiking with her wife and their dog. Contact Katie The Rev. Oscar Rozo Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries The Rev. Oscar A. Rozo was born in Bogotá, Colombia. During his first years in the Episcopal Church he served as musician for the Latino ministry at Grace and camp counselor for the diocesan summer camp. He attended seminary and received his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. He is married to the Rev. Elizabeth Tester and together they have two children. He is passionate about social justice, multicultural ministry, and community development. He enjoys playing and listening to music, hiking and family time. Contact Oscar The Rev. Miguel Alvarez Regional Missioner for Latino Ministries The Rev. Miguel Alvarez was born in Jalupa, Tabasco (Mexico). He grew up in a Catholic family. He entered seminary of the "Religious Order" of Missionaries of Guadalupe to become a priest. He earned two bachelor's degrees - one in philosophy and one in theology - at the Continental University in Mexico City. He spent nearly five years as a missioner in South Korea studying Korean at the Sogang University and serving at Guadalupe Missionaries' Missions. He was ordained as a priest under the Rite of the Roman Catholic church in 1995, and was received as an Episcopalian Priest as the Diocese of Nevada in 2013. In 2015, he transitioned to the Diocese of WNC. Currently, he leads La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and St. Mary's and St. Stephen's in Morganton. He likes reading, playing guitar and piano, and sharing time with his wife and son. He loves his ministry. Contact Miguel The Rev. Anna Shine Campus Missioner, PECM App State and Missioner for Creation Care & Social Justice at St. Luke's, Boone Anna serves as the Campus Missioner to Appalachian State University, working with the undergraduate students through the Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry (PECM) as well as serving as the coordinator for 3rd Place. In addition, she serves as the Missioner to Creation Care and Social Justice at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. She aspires to walking alongside others in their faith journeys and delving into the deep questions of faith and life. She considers part of her job to be a collector, keeper, and purveyor of story, which started early on with her appreciation for the stories from Godly Play. Her passions include any and all things related to stewarding and caring for the planet and all that inhabit it. Contact Anna The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene Campus Missioner to Western Carolina University The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene is the rector of St. David’s, Cullowhee and Campus Missioner for Western Carolina University, a ministry focused on spreading God’s love and the inclusivity of that love which can be found in the Episcopal Church. Gaelyn is also on staff at the Wild Goose Festival, where she handles administration, finance, and worship. She loves running, watching her daughter play basketball, murder mysteries, and being outside in the mountains of WNC with her wife, Sarah. Contact Gaelyn The Rev. Kevin Todd Director of Blue Ridge Service Corps The Rev. Kevin Todd is the rector of St. Paul's Edneyville and interim director of Blue Ridge Service Corps. Kevin spent several years working as a palliative care chaplain after graduating from Duke Divinity School. Kevin began serving on the board of Blue Ridge Service Corps in the spring of 2021. He looks forward to continuing this phenomenal work and is excited to journey with corps members through their program year. He and his family have called Hendersonville home for ten years, and during that time, Kevin has worked at the intersection of food insecurity and community building. Contact Kevin The Rev. Kelsey Davis Bishops Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery The Rev. Kelsey Davis serves as the Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery. Many of you know Kelsey from her years as the Director of Blue Ridge Service Corps and Campus Missioner at UNCA and Western Carolina University. Kelsey brings years of experience and training in community engagement and organization, which is essential to this role. Kelsey’s gifts in building and sustaining healthy relationships across the various sectors of our communities will be invaluable to all of us in our work. Contact Kelsey Lewis Sorrells Office Assistant and Receptionist Lewis serves as the office assistant at the bishop's office, answering calls and keeping things organized. A genuine native of WNC, Lewis grew up in Haywood County. He graduated from Carson Newman College with some further study at Vanderbilt University. He had a 40-year career as a bookseller and bookstore owner in Asheville, operating Accent On Books for 30 years until retiring in 2014. An active member of the Cathedral of All Souls since 1977, he has served in many capacities as a vestry member, senior warden, usher, and committee chair. He currently chairs the Altar Guild. Lewis is married to Christine Longoria and has a daughter Rachel and a son Franklin, both longtime Camp Henry attendees and counselors. There are now four grandchildren. He can most often be found in the garden or out on a hike. Contact Lewis Laura Elliot Executive Director of Lake Logan Conference Center Fueled by her passion for community-building and transformative work, Laura brings nearly thirty years of experience in the fields of education, outdoor recreation, and nonprofit leadership. Laura was born and raised in the Episcopal Church in Eastern NC and has now called Western North Carolina home since 1999. She and her wife Jenny are members of St. Andrews on the Hill in Canton, NC and live at Lake Logan with pups Nola, dock diver extraordinaire and Layla, queen of the Gazebo trail. When not working you can find Laura in the woods or on the water, spending time with family and friends, playing music, traveling for learning and adventure, and “being ever curious about the world around us”. Laura brings with her the pursuit of life-long learning and the ability to show up as a transformational, vision- and mission-driven leader – cultivating love, joy, connections, and community. Contact Laura Madison Alexander Director of Camp Henry & the Outdoor School Raised in Tryon, NC attending Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Madison grew up an active part of the Diocese of WNC. Madison is a proud Camp Henry alum having spent ten summers at Camp Henry as camper and two summers as a counselor. He brings to Lake Logan over eight years of experience in nonprofit management and social impact. Madison and his wife Catherine (who were married at Lake Logan in 2017) have moved to Lake Logan and are settling with their dogs Juniper and Laurel and their cat Thistle. He has a passion for working with kids and families, he is an avid outdoor adventurer, and he spends his free time walking and hiking with his wife Catherine and their dogs Juniper and Laurel. Contact Madison Margaret Love Executive Director of Valle Crucis Conference Center Margaret is a native of Columbia, South Carolina and holds a BA in History from Davidson College. She has worked in conference planning, education and training, and grants management for nearly 20 years, and has extensive experience in working with boards of directors, fiscal management, human resources, and professional education and training. She has been fortunate to have lived in Anchorage, Alaska; North Yorkshire, England; and most recently, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Margaret and her husband share a household with two young children and a rotating cast of dogs, cats, fish, and frogs. She can answer questions about new and existing reservations, marketing, programming, newsletters, social media, history, or general information. Contact Margaret

New Delegate Orientation Convention Homepage The New Delegate Orientation meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 29 at 6 p.m. New delegates will need to register for this orientation event and we will then email all new delegates the Zoom link Register for New Delegate Orientation

103rd Annual Convention November 8, 2025 Christ School, Arden Convention Agenda Registration opens Continental breakfast available Worship - Morning prayer Business Session 1 Lunch Business Session 2 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:45 – 12:15pm 12:15 1:15-4:00 pm REGISTRATION We will be using the Whova App to facilitate voting, share documents, and stay connected during Convention. Please click the button to download the app, and email katie@diocesewnc.org with any questions prior to Convention. DOWNLOAD WHOVA Nominations and Resolutions LEARN MORE Documents for the Business of Convention LEARN MORE Vestry Certificate of Election LEARN MORE Coming to Convention with Intentionality LEARN MORE Budget Road Tour LEARN MORE New Delegate Orientation LEARN MORE Whova Tutorials LEARN MORE Hotel Accommodations LEARN MORE Summer Memo 2025 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.

Hate Divides, Love Unites About Download PDF

Diocesan Partnership with Cuba For many years, multiple parishes in the Diocese of Western North Carolina have supported and built relationships with the Diocese of Cuba and its churches. Watch the video or read some of the reflections below to learn more! Want to donate to this ministry? Please select "Partners in Mission" and add "Cuba" as a memo. Thank you for your support of this ministry! Donate Now! If your church is interested in developing relationships with congregations in Cuba, there are several clergy and lay leaders who could assist you in identifying next steps. Contact the Canon to the Ordinary to learn more. Below are reflections and helpful words of wisdom from local parish leaders on their experiences in Cuba: A word from Jack Watson – St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville A word from Brent Norris – St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Asheville A word from David Henson – Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville Clergy members of the Diocese of Cuba. Members of Trinity, Asheville helping paint the church of San Franciso de Asis, Cardenes The Right Rev. Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba speaks at our Centennial Convention.

A History of the Episcopal Diocese in Western North Carolina Our Story The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina formally began in 1922, when the Missionary District of Asheville, a part of the Diocese of North Carolina, became a separate and independent Diocese of its own. But we believe our story is deeper and richer than one historical event. Indeed, the foundation of The Episcopal Church in the Blue Ridge Mountains is built upon a fundamental appreciation of the sacred nature of our geography, the perseverance of the early settlers, the humility of our missionaries, and the pioneering spirit of those who worked to exemplify the radical hospitality of God’s love to all people. We welcome you to discover more of our story and the stories of those who came before us. Indeed, these particular men and women, and many others not mentioned here, all contributed to the abiding character of our diocesan family and continue to inspire us to bear witness to the Gospel imperatives of compassion, justice, reconciliation and joy. 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

Keeping our Churches Safe from Sexual Misconduct Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining churches and activities that are safe for everyone. The Diocese of Western North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training. All Safe Church Training is now done through online modules by Praesidium Academy. You can learn more here and find the link directly to the training website. Those required to take Safe Church Training are listed here in our Required Training List. Every church is encouraged to assign an administrator to keep track of parishioner's training. If you need help setting up your administrator, please contact Eden Lewis . Who is required to take Safeguarding Training? All clergy—whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise—who are engaged in any ministry or service to the church All persons who teach, supervise or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs or activities more often than occasionally All paid or volunteer church personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds All persons who provide transportation to children or youth without other adults in the vehicle more than occasionally All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs or activities for children or youth. Below, you will find the resources you need to help prevent sexual misconduct. Safe Church Policies There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages. Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Background Checks The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina has contracted with a company called Secure Search Faith to conduct background checks. Learn more here . Additional Resources Model policy for parishes Sample application for employees or volunteers Guidelines for Social Media Screening Checklist – who needs a background check and what type Training Checklist – who needs training and what modules are required

Learn about the bishop's three focus areas for the coming year, and learn how you can support these ministries by becoming a Partner in Mission. Partners in Mission Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As your bishop, I’m asking for your help in sustaining the future of our diocese. As we look to where we want to be in the coming years, I ask that you consider walking with me as a Partner in Mission. I’ve spent the last two years traveling across our diocese. I have visited your communities, I have listened to you, I have worshiped with you, and I have prayed with you for a better tomorrow. We all have different ministries that are close to our hearts, and everything you do in Christ’s name is important to our communities. But I have heard from you, and you have helped me discern, that there are some specific ministries that need our attention and focus. I invite you to participate with me in three mission areas for the coming year. First, we need to continue to empower Youth & Young Adults . Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way, widen the walls, and wake up the world." Our youth, young adult and college campus programs are structured to supplement the youth and young adult ministry programs of local parishes. Our young people are thriving where they find vibrant faith communities of their peers, but we know that too often something happens that disconnects them from the Church. We need to offer leadership opportunities for our youth and young adults at every level of church and diocesan life so they can contribute their voices to our mission and ministries and be empowered to make a difference in their communities. We need to be a steadfast presence in their lives and we need to invite them to partake fully in our shared faith. Diocesan youth events, ministries at local colleges and universities and, young adult discernment and mission activities, these are all ways that we are already connecting with our youth and young adults. I am excited to see what they can do as we continue to put our faith and resources behind them. My second area of focus is something that has personal meaning for me. As a bilingual speaker, I know that too often language is a barrier to people coming together in common worship. Since the days of Bishop Johnson, continuing through Bishop Taylor’s time at the diocese, we have made our Spanish-speaking ministries a focus in the diocese. Today, we have a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with mission sites across the diocese, numerous parishes serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Latino missioners. But we still have a long way to go to make our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters truly a part of our community. Christ knew too well the burden of being a stranger in a new land, one who is often not welcomed and even feared. Our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters still experience undue hardships and intolerance that are the opposite of Christ’s love, and we need to show them that our hearts—and our resources—are with them. My vision is that our diocese can become a standard for welcoming Spanish-speakers to the table – not just to worship in separate languages at separate places, but to become our friends, our partners, our leaders, our inspiration. In Western North Carolina, we are blessed by an increasing multi-cultural society and God is inviting us to participate in building beloved community among “every language, people and nation.” Every effort, including enhancing and expanding our Spanish-speaking ministries, re-envisioning an ecumenical partnership in Cherokee, honoring our historically black churches, and engaging in dismantling racism, are examples of Jesus’ mission to widen the walls so every child of God can participate at the Lord’s table. It is only by listening to all people in our communities that we can speak as one voice to glorify our Lord. Finally, the third mission priority is the way we form and support the men and women this diocese raises up for ordination as deacons and priests. We do this first by offering additional formational opportunities for those individuals who are called to serve as priests in non-traditional settings, including bi-vocational priests in small congregations. The IONA School for Ministry is an Episcopal program that can be implemented and led at the local level. Through rigorous academic reflection and study, practicums and independent learning, postulants attend monthly gatherings with local diocesan faculty and mentors. IONA will also allow us to bring together those studying for the Diaconate and those studying for the Priesthood and form a more collaborative learning community. In addition, the IONA school for ministry will allow us to develop curriculum to train the lay leaders of our diocese. Likewise, through our Curacy program, I want us to be intentional about how we encourage, place and support our newly ordained priests so that they can better enhance the life of the diocese, and so that they are better positioned to be successful and motivated to lead us into the future. By putting resources into this program, we can retain good clergy and provide the necessary post-graduation training and vocational development. I hope hearing about these three areas of focus invigorates you as much as it does for me to talk about them. I’m truly excited about the future of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina and the many ways we are working together to build vital communities of faith and make a difference in our world. I’m pleased to ask you to join me as a Partner in Mission. By focusing new resources on these mission areas, I am confident that we will have a growing, vibrant community of faith for many years to come. Please consider your contribution to become a Partner in Mission with me. Finally, we are offering a Bishop José bobblehead with every gift of $100 or more. My staff and I have had a lot of fun coming up with this playful memento of our partnership. I hope it can be a heartwarming reminder of how God delights in who we are and our faithful partnership in the mission of Jesus Christ. I give thanks for you in my life and in the life of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Blessings, Bishop José Every donation of $100 or more receives a Bishop José Bobblehead doll! Please add $8 for shipping, or indicate that you will pick up your Bobblehead in the comments section. DONATE NOW • Download this letter • Watch the video

The Presiding Bishop event at Trinity Episcopal Church

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

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 2025 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 17-22 Session Two : June 24-29 Cost : $400 per person Which includes all meals, lodging, and fun activities. Register: HERE Individual youth from the Diocese of WNC who do not have a youth leader (paid or volunteer) can attend without a chaperone. 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. For those outside of the Diocese of WNC, please fill out this interest form or email Charlotte or Eden for more information. Contact Charlotte or Eden with any questions.

General Convention The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church is June 23–28, 2024 at Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY. Information about the 81st General Convention Information about the election of the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church

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 (2024–2025) 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.

Dismantling Racism Workshop at Lake Logan This Dismantling Racism Workshop was offered in September 2020 to clergy and lay leaders to help prepare them to lead Dismantling Racism Workshops of their own.