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Committee on Constitution and Canons Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Committee on Constitution and Canons consists of members of the Diocese nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority and elected by the Convention of the Diocese. The committee serves to receive, consider, and review any proposed amendments, edits, and changes to the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Western North Carolina brought to the committee by the Convention. The committee works between conventions of the diocese and brings recommendations to the Convention based on its work in the preceeding year. 2024 members Mr. Greg Hilderbran, Chancellor (ex officio ) The Rev. Toni Belhu The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene The Rev. Logan Lovelace Mr. Philip Wertz

Best Western* - Hendersonville 105 Sugarloaf Rd. (828) 692-0521 Thursday night - $93 Friday night - $178 *Room block reserved. Ask for the Episcopal Diocese of WNC when booking, and please make your reservation by October 1. Book Now Hampton Inn* - Hendersonville 155 Sugarloaf Rd. (828) 697-2333 Thursday night - $169 Friday night - $179 *Room block reserved. Ask for the Episcopal Diocese of WNC when booking, and please make your reservation by October 1. Book Now Ramada by Wyndham* - Hendersonville 150 Sugarloaf Rd. (828) 697-0006 starts at $108/night *Room block reserved. Ask for the Episcopal Diocese of WNC when booking, and please make your reservation by October 1. Book Now Econo Lodge* - Hendersonville 206 Mitchell Dr. (828) 693-8800 Thursday night - $80 Friday night - $150 *Room block reserved. Ask for the Episcopal Diocese of WNC when booking, and please make your reservation by October 1. Book Now Echo Mountain Inn* - Hendersonville 2849 Laurel Park Hwy. (828) 693-9626 Thursday night - $119 Friday night - $189 *Room block reserved. Ask for the Episcopal Diocese of WNC when booking, and please make your reservation by October 1. Book Now Waverly Inn - Hendersonville 783 N. Main St. (828) 693-9193 Thursday night - $189–$279 Friday night - $245–$391 Book Now The Henderson Inn - Hendersonville 201 3rd Ave. West (828) 696-2001 Thursday night - $169–189 Friday night - $179–$199 Book Now

Indigenous Ministries Conference On March 26, 2022, we gathered as a diocese with 5 respected speakers to discuss the past, present, and future of the Diocese of WNC with our indigenous siblings. Our 5 speakers were the Rev. Dr. Brad Hauff (Indigenous Missioner for The Episcopal Church), the Rev. Dr. Bude VanDyke (Rector at the Church of The Good Shepherd in Decatur, Alabama), Dr. Trey Adkock (Director of American Indian and Indigenous studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville), Mr. James Bradley (Secretary of Education for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Mr. Richard Sneed. Photos by Pamela Mumby of Land of the Sky Photography.

Volunteer Resource page providing a Virtual Guide for those who wish to come to Western North Carolina and support Helene Recovery efforts. Volunteer Resources 1/1 Virtual Volunteer Resource Guide After thoughtful and prayerful consideration, our diocese has decided to not facilitate volunteer groups. Learn more about that decision in this video from Bishop José. Instead, our team has created a Virtual Volunteer Guide, which you can access through the button below. In it you will find trusted recommendations for where you can volunteer, worship, eat, shop, and stay in your time in Western North Carolina. This PDF is complete with links to all of these resources. Please use it and share it with all who want to contribute to our recovery efforts. 1/1 Virtual Volunteer Resource Guide Towel Ministry For those interested in our Diocesan Towel Ministry, please visit our Towel Ministry Page.

Repairing the Breach The growth of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina rests in large part on the labor of enslaved people from most of the churches founding families. So many of these unnamed men and women are lost to history, but their contributions are honored. Likewise, in the aftermath of the Civil War and Emancipation, white church leaders, guided by complicated motivations of pastoral care and the growing sentiment of “separate but equal”, helped establish and build several churches for black Episcopalians. St. Matthias in Asheville, the first black congregation in the diocese, was founded in 1867 through the efforts of the Rev. Buxton and several prominent lay members of Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville. Years later, standing at the front door of St. Matthias, Bishop Horner—the first bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina—gazed westward on Mt. Pisgah and commissioned the Diocesan seal. Bishop Atkinson—the third bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina— led the church through the various challenges following the Civil War. Notably, Atkinson was a leader in placing the Church at the forefront of The Episcopal Church’s Freedman's Commission, which had been established following the Civil War. In addition to founding St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, he also led the attempt to build a high school and college for freed male slaves in Morganton. The funding began in the early 1870s, and construction started a few years later. It was called the Wilberforce School, so named for William Wilberforce, who led the end of slavery in England. Unfortunately, while one building was under construction, the work was halted "due to lack of funding," surely an indication of both the resistance of white Episcopalians and the bleak economic realities of Reconstruction in the South. St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Asheville, NC, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Alongside the missionary contributions of the Rev. McDuffey, another clergyman who contributed significantly to our diocesan life is the Rev. J. T. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy was initially hired as a layman and called by Bishop Lyman—the fourth bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina—to teach and manage a school for black children in Franklin. This particular school operated a carpentry workshop where the students and Deacon Kennedy constructed church furniture for several churches in the diocese. In 1890, Bishop Lyman ordained Mr. Kennedy a deacon, and he faithfully served both St. Cyprian’s in Franklin and St. Matthias in Asheville. The Rev. Kennedy was ordained a priest in 1915, and in 1920 he was appointed Archdeacon For Colored Work to assist Bishop Horner with oversight of diocesan ministry among black Episcopalians. The Rev. J.T. Kennedy The Diocese of Western North Carolina played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. As integration spread across the South, mandated by changes in Federal laws, the Southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church began to deal with the effects of racism in their parishes and institutions. Sadly, many diocesan summer youth camps closed for a time rather than addressing the controversy. Western North Carolina Bishop Matthew George Henry insisted that our diocesan summer camp at the In-the-Oaks Conference Center in Black Mountain would remain open and welcome all children, regardless of race. Bishop Henry had previously surprised the people of the diocese when, upon his consecration as bishop in the early 1950s, he moved the diocesan office to a log cabin in his backyard. Black members could not enter through the front door of the Asheville office building proposed for the new diocesan office, so Bishop Henry built the log cabin for his offices so that everyone would enter through the same door. The diocese remains committed to the radical inclusion of persons systemically disenfranchised due to race largely through the ongoing efforts of the diocesan Commission to Dismantle Racism. Although we recognize there will always be work to do, in 2011, we held a service of Repentance, Healing, and Reconciliation, a powerful capstone event following almost two years of study and reflection on the legacy of slavery in our diocese. Today, the Diocese continues to be blessed with the vibrant ministry and leadership of five historically black congregations — located across our region in towns from Morganton to Franklin — two of which intentionally merged with neighboring white Episcopal churches, in 2015 and 2014 respectively. Visit BarrierBreakersPilgrimage.org for more information. <<>> 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

Episcopal Church Women The Episcopal Church Women are a group of

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 .

The Unlearning Library As a diocese, we are committed to the act of dismantling racism and to the work of building beloved community. This is done through education, discussion, and through trying to understand those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of racial background, language, or culture. In this library, we have compiled a variety of resources from in and around Western North Carolina — from readings to organizations — that help further the work of building this beloved community. You may search by category below. The name of this resource, the "Unlearning Library," derives from the idea of unlearning many of the preconceived ideas we have about people who are different from us. We hope this library acts as a resource to help us as we all strive to unlearn some of the ideas we may have been taught by society and to continue the work of building beloved community. Please note: This resource library primarily includes information from in and around WNC. We highly recommend the Virtual Library at the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing for additional reading. General Resources African American Latino/Hispanic Indigenous AAPI LGBTQ+ General Resources What is Beloved Community? Building Beloved Community - The Episcopal Church Dr. King's "Beloved Community" - via The King Center Organizations in WNC Working to Build Beloved Community Habitat for Humanity Beloved Asheville Pisgah Legal Services NC Council of Churches

Keeping our Churches Safe from Disaster and Violence The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to providing our parishes and institutions with the resources necessary in order to prepare for, respond to, and recover from any disaster that is a result of nature, industry, technology, or intention. In the event of a disaster, affected congregations and regions are encouraged to contact the Canon to the Ordinary who will be available to assist with any immediate diocesan support and coordinate with Episcopal Relief and Development. These resources are here to help you bring emergency readiness to your congregation and are adaptable to the size of your congregation. Getting Started The Diocese of Western North Carolina suggests seven key areas to focus on when addressing violence preparedness. Parish Planning Template A useful template for completing your church’s emergency preparedness plan. Active Shooter Response A guide to help your parish prepare an active shooter response . Disaster Relief Help for communities facing disaster.

Guidelines on Parish Investments and Gifts The Trustees of the Diocese of Western North Carolina has established a policy to direct and guide their oversight of Investment Funds either owned by the diocese or entrusted to them by parishes and other entities. The Diocesan Investment Policy is provided, not only to inform the wider diocese of the policy, but also to serve as a template for parishes considering their own investment policies. Likewise, a Gift Acceptance Guideline has been established to guide the Diocese on accepting gift (of cash, real estate, or other investments). These guidelines are provided below to serve as a template for parish leaders as they consider their own gift acceptance guidelines. Diocesan Investment Policy Gift Acceptance Guidelines

2019 Spring Youth Conference at Lake Logan

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.

Lent & Easter Resources Adult Resources Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent - by The Episcopal Church Find a series of videos from The Episcopal Church focused on following the Way of Love this Lent Learning to Walk In the Dark Follow Barbara Brown Taylor on her journey to understand darkness, which takes her spelunking in unlit caves, learning to eat and cross the street as a blind person, discover-ing how "dark emotions" are prevented from seeing light from a psychiatrist, and reread-ing scripture to see all the times God shows up at night. With her characteristic charm and wisdom, Taylor is our guide through a spirituality of the nighttime, teaching us how to find God even in darkness, and giving us a way to let darkness teach us what we need to know. Lent Madness Enjoy March Madness? Check out this Lenten version--but instead of basketball teams, it's 32 saints! REFLECT: Give Us This Day Give Us This Day offers meditations for every day in Lent, inviting us to connect faith "our daily bread" and the world in which we live, along with a range of bread recipes. Lenten Meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development Find daily meditations in both Spanish and English to help guide you throughout the season of Lent. Churches Uniting in Christ: Reconciling the Baptized, Seeking Unity with Justice Find a variety of resources and reflections from churches and dioceses across the nation for the Lenten season. Lent and Easter Resources - Church Publishing Group Find a selection of books, publications, and other resources selected for Lent and Easter by Church Publishing Group. Children, Youth & Families Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God by weaving together episodes from the life of Jesus with a child's reflections on how these stories can shape their own choices and actions throughout the season. Together at Home: Easter Resources Find resources from "Together at Home" to help share the story of Easter with your family from the comfort of your very own home. A Lego Journey Through Holy Week Read the story of how one family recognized Holy Week from home in a creative way: with legos! Holy Week Family Worship: Outline for Maundy Thursday & Good Friday from Building Faith This resource provides PDF Family Worship services that can be conducted at home to recognize Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. READ: Singing in the Dark: Ash Wednesday with Children Find unique ways to celebrate Ash Wednesday with children in this book. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina ADDRESS 900B CentrePark Drive Asheville, NC 28805 OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday: 8:30AM - 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30AM - 3:00PM PHONE (828)225-6656 SOCIAL MEDIA Supported browsers: Google Chrome | Safari for Mac (version 10 and above) | Windows 10 Microsoft Edge | Firefox ©2023 by The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina NEWSLETTER

Exploring Our Churches: Western Area Up Back to Find a Church The Western deanery is blessed with the natural beauty and culture of two national forests within the Appalachian Mountains, the grandeur of the Great Smoky National Park, the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. It is home to Lake Logan Episcopal Center, John Campbell Folk School and a sovereign nation recognized by the federal government. The Eastern Band of Cherokee resides in their traditional homelands with a history that spans the millennia. Major cities: Canton Cashiers Cherokee Cullowhee Franklin Hayesville Highlands Murphy Robbinsville Sylva Waynesville All Saints Episcopal Church St. Agnes Chapel: 66 Church St. St. Cyprian's Chapel: 216 Roller Mill Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 www.allsaintsfranklin.org 828-524-4910 Grace Mountainside Church 129 S. Main Street Robbinsville, NC 28771 www.luther95.com/GMLEF-RNC/ (828) 479-1184 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 495 Herbert Hills Drive Hayesville, NC 28904 goodshepherdhayesville.org (828) 389-3397 St. David's, Cullowhee 385 Forest Hills Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 www.stdavidscullowhee.org/ (828) 331-1427 Whiteside Summer Chapel Cashiers, NC 28717 www.thesummerchapel.org/ (828) 553-8912 Church of the Good Shepherd 1448 Highway 107 South Cashiers, North Carolina 28717 www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com (828) 743-2359 St. John's Episcopal Church 18 Jackson Street Sylva, NC 28779 https://www.saintjohnssylva.org/ (828) 586-8358 Episcopal Church of the Messiah 76 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC 28906 www.messiahmurphy.com (828) 837-2021 St John's Episcopal Church 542 St Johns Church Road Franklin, NC 28734 https://www.stjohnscartoogechaye.com/ (828) 524-6370 Grace Church in the Mountains 394 N. Haywood Street Waynesville, NC 28786 www.gracewaynesville.com (828) 456-6029 Church of the Incarnation 520 Main Street @ 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 www.incarnationwnc.org (828) 526-2968 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 99 Academy Street Canton, NC 28716 http://www.standrewscanton.org/ (828) 648-7550 St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal 84 Old River Rd Cherokee, NC 28719 http://www.stfrancischerokee.com/ 828-225-6656

Palabras de bienvenida de nuestro obispo diocesano, el Reverendísimo José A. McLoughlin Síguenos en nuestras redes sociales: ¡Bienvenidos a la Iglesia Episcopal! ¿QUIENES SOMOS? La Iglesia Episcopal es una de las ramas del movimiento de fe y amor que comenzó nuestro Señor Jesucristo hace mas de dos mil años atrás . Somos una Iglesia Católica , Apostólica y Anglicana. Somos una comunidad de fe con más de 80 millones de miembros en 163 países que enfoca su trabajo en el amor infinito que Dios tiene para nosotros y que nos invita a compartir con el mundo entero. " Les doy este mandamiento nuevo: Que se amen los unos a los otros... " Juan 13:34 ¿CUALES SON NUESTRAS CREENCIAS? " Los episcopales creemos en un Dios amoroso, liberador y vivificante: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Como miembros constitutivos de la Comunión Anglicana en Estados Unidos, somos descendientes y nos asociamos a la Iglesia de Inglaterra y a la Iglesia Episcopal Escocesa, y somos parte del tercer grupo más grande de cristianos en el mundo. Creemos en seguir las enseñanzas de Jesucristo, cuya vida, muerte y resurrección salvó al mundo. Tenemos un legado de inclusión en el cual, aspirando a dar a conocer y a ejemplificar el amor de Dios a todo ser humano; hombres y mujeres sirven como obispos, sacerdotes y diáconos en nuestra iglesia. Los laicos y el clero comparten el liderazgo a todos los niveles en nuestra iglesia. El liderazgo es un don de Dios, y puede ser manifestado por todas las personas en nuestra Iglesia, independientemente de su identidad u orientación sexual. Creemos que Dios nos ama a todos, sin excepción." - Iglesia Episcopal ¿DONDE PUEDO ENCONTRAR UNA IGLESIA EPISCOPAL? Si estas buscando una iglesia que te acepte como eres, que te acompañe en tu caminar de fe y te apoye en tu crecimiento espiritual, te invitamos a que nos visites. Dale clic AQUI para ver el listado de Iglesias en nuestra diócesis. ¿Estás pensando en estudiar en la universidad, pero no sabes cómo cubrir los gastos de estudio? Nosotros estamos aquí para apoyarte y lograr tus metas. La Diócesis Episcopal del Norte de Carolina del Occidente está dando becas a la comunidad Latina/Hispana para continuar sus estudios universitarios. Para mayor información sobre nuestras becas de estudio, comunícate con nosotros al orozo@diocesewnc.org . Para mayor información sobre nuestras Iglesias Latinas/Hispanas en nuestra diócesis, por favor comunicarse con nuestro Misionero Diocesano . Aplicar Aquí Ministerio en Español LEARN MORE Recursos en Español LEARN MORE

Haiti For many years, multiple parishes in the Diocese of Western North Carolina have supported and built relationships with congregations in the Diocese of Haiti. If your church is interested in developing relationships with congregations in Haiti, 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 a local parish leader on his experiences in Haiti: A word from Alister Brady – Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Highlands Photographs by Tom Plaut of St. Matthias Episcopal Church Asheville . St. Matthias is the parish sponsor for Consider Haiti, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Haitian communities by supporting grassroots efforts to create sustainable nutrition and medical support. Learn more about how you can get involved with Consider Haiti on their website .

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