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

Creation Care The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the care of all God’s creation and supports congregations in this important act of stewardship. Below are a number of resources to enhance and inspire their current environmental ministries. Creation Care Alliance Guide LEARN MORE Creation Care Alliance Guide A Catechism of Creation LEARN MORE A Catechism of Creation LEARN MORE LEARN MORE North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light LEARN MORE North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light WNC Creation Care Stories Sacred Ground: Giving Garden Wins National Award Waynesville's wildlife haven at Grace Church in the Mountains won one of six awards from Interfaith Power and Light's 2023 Cool Congregations Challenge. The garden became an organic haven with composting, native plants, pollinator and wildlife certifications, an outdoor worship space, and a classroom for lessons on the natural world. Wild Wonder: A Hands-On Creation Care Experience for Children The Wild Wonder curriculum is designed for a 5-day camp for children ages kindergarten to 5th grade, focusing on connecting with nature and God. Based off Psalm 104, the curriculum invites children to "delight in God as creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things by immersing them in the wonders of the created world." Representing TEC at COP 27 The Rev. Anna Shine, the diocesan missioner for Creation Care, attended COP 27 as a representative for The Episcopal Church. Reach out to The Rev. Anna Shine: ashine@diocesewnc.org .

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

History of The Commission to Dismantle Racism The Commission to Dismantle Racism owes its start to General Convention of 1991, which urged the Church to combat all racism and to conduct audits of institutional racism. That same year, the Diocese of Western North Carolina, at its Annual Convention, passed a resolution to implement these actions. The resolution directed the Outreach Commission to establish a “Racism Task Force.” That task force was established, headed by the Rev. Dn. Crisler Greer, then Deacon-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s, Morganton. After a few meetings, the task force became inactive. Following the Diocesan Convention of 1993, Ms. Pamela Hemphill, a vestry member of St. Stephen’s wrote to Bishop Robert Johnson protesting that no African Americans had been elected or appointed to any diocesan office or committee. Bishop Johnson responded, acknowledging the failure, and asked Larry Thompson, Chair of Outreach Ministries, to reactivate the task force. Ms. Fay Walker, a layperson from Brevard, stepped up to lead the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues and recruited a solid and diverse corps of dedicated members who worked diligently to make anti-racism a major focus of concern for this diocese. The task force invited Mr. Enrique Brown, from the Episcopal Church headquarters to help with their planning. He emphasized that it would require long term commitment, as much “inner work” as “outer work,” and remaining centered in the faith. A portrait of Rev. Absalom Jones. Beginning with the Diocesan Convention of 1994, the Task Force introduced several resolutions designed to move the diocese forward on the journey to dismantling racism. The first resolution was one urging congregations to observe the commemoration of the feast day of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church. In 1995, they introduced a resolution to monitor progress in eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church in this diocese and to report findings to all subsequent diocesan conventions. In 1997, the resolution directed that each elected and appointed diocesan commission and committee attend and participate in a four hour workshop, “Overcoming Racism,” sponsored by the Task Force. That requirement, enforced by the diocesan bishops, remains to this day. At almost every diocesan convention since its inception, the task force nominated persons of color (and their allies) for positions on major diocesan committees and commissions. Almost every Task Force nominee was elected or appointed. An image from a "Repairing the Breach" service. In 2002, the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues changed its name to The Commission to Dismantle Racism, for several reasons. First, the term “task force” implied a short-term commitment, rather than a “long haul.” Second, it helped to emphasize the institutional/systemic nature and dimensions of racism, and third, better defined the purpose of the Commission – that being the “dismantling” of racism in all its forms. In that same year, the Commission requested and received a generous grant from the diocese to send 14 of its members for two weeks of comprehensive faith-based anti-racism training offered by the Mennonite Central Committee. Several of the members who attended that training are still steering the work of the Commission and conducting dismantling racism workshops in the diocese and beyond. In 2008, the Commission became involved in the “Days of Repentance” initiative mandated by the 2006 General Convention of the Episcopal Church. In April, 2011, this diocese held its “Repairing the Breach” service after over 18 months preparation, led by the Rev. SF James Abbott, a member of the Commission. Over 500 communicants participated, including virtually all clergy. The Presiding Bishop at that time, Katharine Jefferts Schori, was the celebrant. Bishop Porter Taylor made apologies for the “sins of the past” and the church’s complicity in its racist past. There were many prayers for forgiveness and healing. Today, the Commission, in addition to continuing to conduct workshops, is called to facilitate discussions about racism, racial understanding, and reconciliation. Some members of the Commission are involved in the steering of the diocese Beloved Community journey.

Creationtide 2021 Creationtide, or the Season of Creation, is an informal period in the church, from 1st September to 4th October, dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. During this season, all members of the Diocese of WNC are invited to deepen their connections with creation and celebrate the earth we are privileged to call home. Find resources below to help you get started, or visit our Creation Care page to learn more about how we care for creation year round. Resources from the Diocese of WNC LISTEN: "Chatting Creation Care with the Rev. Anna Shine and Sarah Ogletree" podcast Creation Care Resource Guide from the Diocese of WNC WATCH: The Mary Boyer Garden at St. Luke's, Boone The Creation Care Alliance of WNC Resources from the wider church What is the Season of Creation? - from The Church of England Creationtide Resources, liturgies, and more from the Church of England Season of Creation Resources from the Anglican Communion Learn more about Creation Care Ministries in the Episcopal Church Organizations to know Creation Justice Ministries Project Drawdown The Work that Reconnects Us Network NC Interfaith Power and Light Rural Advancement Foundation GreenFaith Energy Savers Network

Mountain Missionary Spirit In the mountains, the seeds of our diocesan missionary spirit were planted by Bishop Ives in the 1830s and 1840s. For twenty years, he traveled extensively, on horseback, through most of the western regions of North Carolina. Upon his arrival at a particularly beautiful spot in the northern mountains of Watauga County, Bishop Ives saw, as legend has it, the image of a St. Andrew’s Cross formed by the two streams in the valley and named that area Valle Crucis (Latin for the Vale of the Cross). Here, in 1842, Bishop Ives established a center for missionary work, a classical boys’ boarding school with a focus on agriculture, a theological school for training persons for ordination, and the Order of the Holy Cross, the first monastic order in the Episcopal Church since the Reformation. All these endeavors were supported by a working farm, dairy, and a blacksmith shop. Among Bishop Ives’ notable contributions to Western North Carolina perhaps the most significant was inviting Church of the Holy Cross, Valle Crucis, NC, Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons William West Skyles to come to Valle Crucis in 1844 to serve as the manager of the farm and to teach agriculture. In 1847, Skyles was ordained deacon and became one of the first Episcopalians to enter monastic life. Beloved for his pastoral care and known affectionately as “the homely sage,” Deacon Skyles, under extremely difficult conditions, served the isolated mountain people as doctor, legal advisor, counselor, mediator, schoolmaster, public scrivener, and evangelist until his untimely death in 1862. One of the first directors of the school of ministry in Valle Crucis, ordained by Bishop Ives, was the Revd. Jarvis Buxton. Following graduation from seminary, Buxton arrived in the village of Asheville in 1847; five years later he helped establish Trinity Church. Supported by this congregation and fired by missionary zeal he was fundamental in establishing most of the churches in the Asheville area, while continuing to pastor Episopalians in Murphy, Franklin, Cherokee, Waynesville, and Burnsville. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, many other leaders were also active in missionary work, holding services and ministering to families in remote mountain areas west of Asheville, most notably the Reverends Buel and Deal. In 1872, the Revd. Buel was invited by Bishop Atkinson to direct the newly established Ravenscroft Associate Ministry, a diocesan mission center for training young men to the ordained ministry. From this mission center, clergy and students would go out to visit and care for communities beyond Asheville. The Revd. Buel tended to the growing congregations in Waynesville, Brevard, and Cullowhee in the west as well as congregations in Rutherfordton. In 1876, the Revd. Deal was invited by Bishop Lyman to serve the church in Murphy. One year later, Deal moved to Franklin and from there he shepherded Episcopal communities in Highlands, Cashiers, and Murphy, all the while building the churches in Franklin and Cartoogechaye. Rev. Henry S. McDuffy In 1887, the Revd. Henry S. McDuffey was one of the first black clergymen in the diocese, having arrived as priest-in-charge of St. Matthias. He embraced the missionary spirit and helped expand the diocese's work and ministry among African Americans. Sometime toward the end of the 19th century, Bishop Horner established the Franklin Associate Mission, and later, during the early years of the 20th century, he added the Rutherford Associate Mission. These mission centers were modeled after the Ravenscroft Associate Ministry and staffed by a new generation of ordained missionaries who served clusters of churches. A priest who influenced the whole diocese greatly in the 20th century was the Revd. A. Rufus Morgan. Born and raised in Franklin, NC, Rufus was sent by Bishop Horner to seminary in New York City. In 1914, the bishop called the now Revd. Morgan back to the mountains to help establish the diocesan Appalachian Industrial School, which later became the Penland School of Crafts. In 1918, Morgan left Western North Carolina to serve parishes in South Carolina and then headed north, across the state line, to become the assistant managing director of the new Kanuga Conference Center. He retired in the early 1940s to his native mountains west of Waynesville. In his retirement he helped build St. Francis in Cherokee and restored the original St. John’s, Cartoogechaye. All the while he was serving churches in Cullowhee, Sylva, and Highlands. This remarkable man was also one of the people who established the Appalachian Trail and was a principal developer of the route from Georgia to the Great Smoky Mountains. Up to his last days, Rufus led hikes throughout the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. A man who practiced good stewardship of the earth before it became popular, he inspired several generations of Episcopalians to an appreciation and reverence of God’s creation. We are all indebted to the work and dedication of the Revd. Rufus Morgan. <<>> 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

LGBTQ+ In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church declared that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church" (1976-A069). Since then, faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God’s children. Indeed, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the leadership, ministry, equality and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Episcopalians and their families. Below are resources for you to connect with welcoming congregations and advocate for LGBTQ persons in our communities. Project Embodied Welcome - Offers resources for churches who would like to be more inclusive. TransEpiscopal - An organization working for the full inclusion of transgender people in the church. Whosoever - An online magazine for queer Christians. Gladness of Heart - an Episcopalian match-making service that is inclusive and affirming of queer and trans people Pride Mass Gaychurch .org - A way to find queer-affirming churches. Q Christian Fellowship is a non-denomination network to advocate, educate and support churches on actively welcoming and including LGBTQ persons in their faith community. Queer Theology Believe Outloud Resources for Faith Leaders & Families

Our Cathedral Located in the Biltmore Village area of Asheville, All Souls is the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. It is the seat of our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, a spiritual home to all Episcopalians in Western North Carolina, and a house of prayer for all people. All Souls is a Eucharistic-centered cathedral whose life is shaped by Scripture, the Baptismal Covenant, and engagement with the world about us. It is a community where all are welcome, trust is present, risks are taken, and where our gifts and graces enable us to be who God knows us to be. For more information on our cathedral and events there, visit the All Souls website .

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Ministerio en Español Ministerio en Español en la Iglesia Episcopal Diócesis del Oeste de Carolina del Norte En inglés 2017 Ha sido un ano de muchas bendiciones para nuestra diócesis, especialmente por el crecimiento de nuestras comunidades de habla Hispana. En el 2018, la congregación de la Capilla de Santa Maria en Hendersonville ha crecido en número y conversación con la comunidad de habla Inglés. Nuestro misionero regional, el Rev. Miguel Álvarez, ha trabajado diligentemente en la parte Este de nuestra diócesis, en donde celebra Misa en Español todos los domingos en la Iglesia Trinidad de Spruce Pine, Santa Maria en Morganton, y 5 de Noviembre comenzó la celebración en Nuestro Salvador en Newland. Estos servicios son una fuente de esperanza para nuestras congregaciones en su mayoría inmigrantes y reúnen a varias iglesias locales para el ministerio compartido. En otros lugares en la diócesis tenemos servicios en español el Tercer Domingo en la iglesia de Gracia en montañas, Waynesville y el cuarto domingo en la iglesia del Espíritu Santo Mars Hills. Good Shepherd in Cashiers está considerando la posible expansión a un servicio en español. Agradecemos a los Guardianes y Rectores mayores de estas parroquias por su amistad y apoyo. Nuestras comunidades de culto son muy diversas, provienen de diferentes orígenes, cada una con su propia identidad cultural única y problemas sociales y políticos únicos. Estas ricas tradiciones culturales enriquecen a la nuestra diócesis. Nuestro trabajo incluye: Celebrando bautizos, bodas, confirmaciones y eventos de especial importancia cultural como las quinciñeras; los días de fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe; Las Posadas; Los Tres Reyes; y el Día de la Independencia Mexicana. Celebrando frente al miedo como una voz de esperanza. Muchas de nuestras familias son indocumentadas, pero lo celebramos a pesar de la inseguridad económica, los puntos de control policial y la amenaza de deportación. Celebrando nuestra juventud Algunos de nuestros jóvenes disfrutaron de la conferencia de otoño, MidBeginnings. Más asistirán a la Conferencia de otoño de la escuela secundaria. Trabajamos con voluntarios de St. James Hendersonville, Holy Family Episcopal Church y First Congregational para ofrecer un programa de tutoría de verano en lectura, matemáticas y computadoras. Queremos abrir la casa parroquial de La Capilla para programas tales como preparación universitaria y orientación profesional para jóvenes de la escuela secundaria. Compartimos nuestro viaje espiritual a través de la asociación con iglesias no hispanas a medida que compartimos servicios y eventos especiales con iglesias episcopales cercanas y una iglesia AME en gran parte afroamericana. En el próximo año esperamos desarrollar capacitación para líderes laicos hispanos / latinos y brindar asesoramiento a estudiantes hispanos / latinos de escuela secundaria para la transición a la universidad y las carreras. Por favor oren por nosotros y nuestro ministerio. Gracias por tu visita.

A Discussion on "Living Into God's Dream: Dismantling Racism in America" Use this guide to lead a group study on, "Living Into God's Dream, Dismantling Racism in America." Each week offers a new set of reflection questions and discussion opportunities. There are nine chapters in the book, so this is a 9-week study. When we did this study as a diocese, we had a series of discussions with Dr. Catherine Meeks of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing to discuss how we can continue to Build Beloved Community together. Need a copy of the book? Click here to purchase. Click here to anonymously share your responses. Top of Page Find reflection questions for Chapter 1 Find reflection questions for Chapter 2 Find reflection questions for Chapter 3 Find reflection questions for Chapter 4 Find reflection questions for Chapter 5 Find reflection questions for Chapter 6 Find reflection questions for Chapter 7 Find reflection questions for Chapter 8 Find reflection questions for Chapter 9 WEEK ONE Chapter 1: Living Into God's Dream of Community by Luther E. Smith Jr. Discussion Questions: 1. "Racism persists because a large segment of the population benefits from it." Reflect upon this statement and list several ways you can see how segments of the population benefit from racism. How much thought have you given to this idea in the past? A few reflections: "Segments of the population benefit from racism through job hiring and promotions; education specifically public education; and ability to maintain a standard of life which includes access to healthcare, food and safety." "Indians and their lands, the Irish/Chinese/Blacks jailed to get free Labor, the cost of not caring for all in taxes and change." 2. If the transformation of hearts alone will not undo racism, what will? What other elements are needed to succeed in this challenging world? A few reflections: "Regardless of some being invested in racism, OUR jobs NOW are to come out of inaction. 'Be the change you wish to see in the world" - M. Gandhi'" "Systems that offer equal access to all. Interactions with others of different races outside of the workplace like church, clubs, teams. Get past relationships based on power dynamics. When is the last time a person of a different race visited you at home - to share a meal, coffee, etc? Being open and encouraging of our children to have relationships with people of different races. Be open to this ourselves. Speak out about anything in our systems that discourage the ability for diverse races to interact together." SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 1 WEEK TWO Chapter 2: Dissecting Racism: Healing Minds, Cultivating Spirits Discussion Questions: 1. What were you told about members of different racial or ethnic groups? What kinds of comments were made about members of different racial or ethnic groups in your household? Were there any racial or ethnic slurs or compliments or was yours a household where race wasn’t discussed, but only hinted at or acted out in innuendo? A few reflections: "Race was very rarely discussed in my household. My family and extended family are all white and grew up in middle class households. While they would discuss racism with me if I directly asked, the actual systemic elements of it were never fully discussed. Furthermore, I often noticed that race was unnecessarily included in stories--if I was being told a story of an interaction my family had with a white person, race was never mentioned, but if with a person of color, it was absolutely mentioned. Oftentimes, the interaction had the POC as the butt of the joke." 2. Where did you learn about race in school--was it from textbooks or teachers and what exactly did you learn? How did this information form your attitudes or feelings about your own ethnic or racial group and those from other racial or ethnic groups? A few reflections: "Ironically, though I attended a historically black high school, I found my education to be incredibly white-washed. The school had been transformed into a magnet school in the 90s, and had a majority white population despite being a historically black high school in a diverse neighborhood. We learned many overly glorified versions of American history, oftentimes neglecting to discuss slavery, taking land from the natives, and much more." SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 2 WEEK THREE Chapter 3: Why Is This Black Woman Still Talking About Race? Discussion Questions: 1. Do you have a story about a moment in your life that changes your viewpoint? If so, how did it change you? A few reflections: "I grew up in a very racially and ethnically diverse community in a northern city. It wasn’t until I started to travel south, that I realized how much emphasize is placed on race. It opened my eyes to how others have had different experiences than me and that I should do my best to be open and listen and acknowledge their experiences. And do what I can to share mine and the possibilities of being in communities where inclusion is the norm." "If I'm being entirely honest, it took having to travel outside of the country for me to truly recognize the privilege of my white skin. I was a student abroad (already an inherent privilege in itself) when I found myself the only white person in the room for the first time. That feeling of being "out of place" really got me thinking--why isn't this something I have experienced in my own country? I have never been the only white person in a room, I have never felt out of place for the color of my skin, I have never been treated differently because of it. My privilege was so ingrained in my day-to-day life I failed to truly recognize it until I was faced with even a small part of the opposite experience." 2. Why is the idea of race as an illusion a difficult one for Black people to embrace? A few reflections: To me, the idea of race being an "illusion" seems similar to the ill-conceived idea of "colorblindness." I hear so many people using this phrase, "I don't see color!" as a way to prove they are not racist, when in fact, the phrase discredits the experiences people inherently face because of the color of their skin. Rather, I think white people need to practice acknowledging the experiences of our brothers and sisters of color, "I see your color and it's beautiful, and I want to listen." SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 3 WEEK FOUR Chapter 4: Mama, It Is So Hard to Be Black in America Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it dangerous to the human psyche to allow small racist acts, so called microaggressions, go unchecked? A few reflections: "It is dangerous to allow microaggressions to go unchecked because if they are not brought to light, the assumption is that they are acceptable." 2. Is it difficult for you to engage in conversation about race with those outside of your race? Reflect upon the reasons for your experiences or discomfort. A few reflections: "It is not difficult for me to have discussions with people outside my race. However, it has only been in the past few years that race can be a topic of discussion across races. I think because it is very obvious that issues we thought were resolved or on the right track after the 60’s, only went under the radar. The diversity of ethnicities and races should be acknowledged, discussed and celebrated." SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 4 WEEK FIVE Chapter 5: Diary of a Spoiled White Guy Discussion Questions: 1. What do you think affected the author of this chapter the most as he learned about the reality of race? Think about the moments in your life that helped you to embrace the reality of race. A few reflections: When the author spoke about his time in Malaysia, that truly resonated with me. I too actually had a very similar experience--I went to visit friends in a small town in Malaysia, and found myself for the first time, not only the only white person in the room, but in the TOWN. It was suddenly extremely clear to me how much I took for granted in being a white person in my primarily white community back home and how I had never truly felt out of place for the color of my skin before. 2. What are some of the conflicts that you have had around issues of social justice and equality? SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 5 WEEK SIX Chapter 6: A White Lens on Dismantling Racism Discussion Questions: 1. With whom do you talk about racism or White privilege? If you are White, how and when do you talk about these issues when you are with just White friends? Is the conversation different when you are with people of color? If so, why and how does noticing that difference make you feel? A few reflections: I am a person of color. Within the past few years, I have had conversations about racism and White privilege. Usually as a result of a training or something in the news. I have some friends with which I have very natural, open conversations. These conversations are two-way and respectful of what is being shared and the feelings that sometimes surface. 2. If racism is an exploitative system set up by White people, maintained by White people, and benefiting White people, who has the primary responsibility for dismantling it? If White people have a primary responsibility for dismantling structural racism, what is a primary responsibility for people of color? SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 6 WEEK SEVEN Chapter 7: Architects of Safe Space for Beloved Community Discussion Questions: 1. What interesting coincidences have happened in your life that might have led you to greater congruence between soul and the role that you play in life? 2. When have you been confronted with your own unconscious prejudice? How did you deal with it? SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 7 WEEK EIGHT Chapter 8: The American South is Our Holy Land Discussion Questions: 1. What thoughts and feelings are provoked within you when thinking about the American South as the Holy Land? 2. "Facts don't fly high enough or reach deep enough. Poetry riding on melody is necessary," proclaims the author of this chapter as he describes the Holy Land for the United States which is the American South. Why does music help make sense of the comparisons that are being made between the American South and the biblical Holy Land? SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Chapter 8 Chater 9 WEEK NINE Chapter 9: Getting Dismantling Racism Right in America Discussion Questions: 1. This chapter tells the story of the Dismantling Racism Commission in Atlanta. What do you know about the work of dismantling racism which is occurring in your community? Who is charged with doing this work? Have you been involved in doing such work? 2. What do you believe could be the hardest part of having conversations about race such as the ones that you would expect to have in a dismantling racism workshop? SHARE YOUR REFLECTIONS Share your response... What chapter are you reflecting on? Thanks for submitting! Submit Share Your Response

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

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. For more information on the Disciplinary process & reporting, please find more information here . Members The Rev. Jonathan Stepp, President Mr. Allan Fullwood The Rev. David Henson The Rev. Judith Whelchel The Rev. Patty Mouer Ms. Jillian Fisher Ms. Jacque Dunbar The Rev. John Simpson Ms. Candace Mance, Church Attorney

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

Asheville Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 21st, the Asheville Deanery of the diocese gathered at theThe Governor's Western Residence in Asheville, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .