Building Vital Congregations Congregational Vitality Ministry is an extension of the Bishop’s commitment to equip and empower our congregations for vibrant mission and ministry. We do this by providing a variety of resources to church leaders so they can then initiate new programs, practices, or paradigms that lead the whole community to be Jesus’ people in the world. One particular resource that can be immensely valuable is the Church Assessment Tool (CAT). This tool, administered by Holy Cow Consulting, is a time-tested survey instrument that allows congregations to identify key areas of parish life to celebrate or refine. If your parish is interested in learning more about the congregational vitality resources and consultants, please contact Canon Augusta Anderson . Grants The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers annual Congregational Vitality grants to support churches in their redevelopment work. Congregational Vitality grants are for the purpose of congregational vitality, development and innovation, and not for maintenance. Funds for these grants come from the Diocesan budget. Visit our Grants & Loans page for more information. Click on one of the links below to learn more about each topic: Discerning Your Congregation's Needs LEARN MORE Discerning Your Congregation's Needs LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Useful Books and Web Resources LEARN MORE Useful Books and Web Resources LEARN MORE Holy Cow Consulting LEARN MORE Holy Cow Consulting

Our Camp & Conference Centers We are proud to be a part of one summer camp and two conference centers. Click on a center to learn more, or come visit one for yourself and spend some time reflecting in nature! Camp Henry LEARN MORE Camp Henry LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE

Honoring Indigenous People and Land The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina acknowledges the past and present members of the Indigenous communities that once occupied this land and were harmed and expelled by settlers: The Catawba (Issa, Essa, Iswa) and Cherokee (Tsalagi) nations. We stand in solidarity with all marginalized communities and condemn the acts of racism and ignorance toward any of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are dedicated to the work of dismantling racism and building Beloved Community. Any history of The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina must begin with an acknowledgement that prior to the arrival of Christian settlers, the Catawba and Cherokee Nations called the southern Appalachian region home for centuries. The Catawba lived in the Piedmont and Foothills region of North Carolina and the Cherokee were just west throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Learn more about the history of indigenous peoples on this land on our "Origins" page. Native-land.ca - Explore native history in your region READ: First Immigrants: Native American Settlement of North Carolina A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Cherokee History in the North Carolina Mountains and Beyond - via Blue Ridge National Heritage Area North Carolina's First Colonists: 12,000 Years Before Roanoke - via NC Office of State Archeology The Catawba are well known in the Carolinas for their pottery. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons Webinar on Building Beloved Community from an Indigenous Perspective by United Thank Offering Statement on Indigenous boarding schools by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings Statement by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 20th session Land Acknowledgement: A path towards reconciliation or a “move to innocence”? by Dr. Trey Adcock, Ph.D Indigenous Worldviews: Pre-Columbian and Post-Columbian by the Rev. Bradley S. Hauff, M.Div., Psy.D. Kituwah Society Guiding Principles by Principal Chief Richard - Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tsalagi Soul - The Music of the Rev. Bude Van Dyke Our Indigenous Mission is still in transition. Please stay tuned for updates as we continue to work with local communities in WNC.

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

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

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

Newsletter Archives Find issues of our diocesan newsletter, including Along the Way and previous e-news editions dating back to October 2022. 2026 April 2025 Along the Way - April 29, 2026 Along the Way - April 22, 2026 Along the Way - April 15, 2026 Along the Way - April 8, 2026 Along the Way - April 1, 2026 March 2025 Along the Way - March 25, 2026 Along the Way - March 18, 2026 Along the Way - March 11, 2026 Along the Way - March 4, 2026 February 2025 Along the Way - February 25, 2026 Along the Way - February 18, 2026 Along the Way - February 11, 2026 Along the Way - February 4, 2026 January 2025 Along the Way - January 28, 2026 Along the Way - January 21, 2026 Along the Way - January 14, 2026 Along the Way, - January 7, 2026 2025 December Along the Way - December 31, 2025 Along the Way - December 17, 2025 Along the Way - December 10, 2025 Along the Way - December 3, 2025 November Along the Way - November 25, 2025 Along the Way - November 18, 2025 Along the Way - November 11, 2025 Along the Way - November 4, 2025 October Along the Way - October 29, 2025 Along the Way - October 22, 2025 Along the Way - October 15, 2025 Along the Way - October 8, 2025 Along the Way - October 1, 2025 September Along the Way - September 24, 2025 Along the Way - September 17, 2025 Along the Way - September 10, 2025 Along the Way - September 3, 2025 April 2025 Along the Way - April 30, 2025 Along the Way - April 23, 2025 Along the Way - April 16, 2025 Along the Way - April 9, 2025 Along the Way - April 2, 2025 March 2025 Along the Way - March 26, 2025 Along the Way - March 19, 2025 Along the Way - March 12, 2025 Along the Way - March 5, 2025 February 2025 Along the Way - February 26, 2025 Along the Way - February 19, 2025 Along the Way - February 12, 2025 Along the Way - February 5, 2025 January 2025 Along the Way - January 29, 2025 Along the Way - January 22, 2025 Along the Way - January 15, 2025 Along the Way - January 8, 2025 August Along the Way - August 27, 2025 Along the Way - August 20, 2025 Along the Way - August 13, 2025 Along the Way - August 6, 2025 July 2025 Along the Way - July 30, 2025 Along the Way - July 23, 2025 Along the Way - July 16, 2025 Along the Way - July 9, 2025 Along the Way - July 2, 202 5 June 2025 Along the Way - June 25, 2025 Along the Way - June 18, 2025 Along the Way - June 11, 2025 Along the Way - June 4, 2025 May 2025 Along the Way - May 28, 2025 Along the Way - May 21, 2025 Along the Way - May 14, 2025 Along the Way - May 7, 2025 2024 December 2024 Along the Way - Dec. 18, 2024 Along the Way - Dec. 11, 2024 Along the Way - Dec. 4, 2024 November 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 27, 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 20, 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 13, 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 6, 2024 October 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 30, 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 23, 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 16, 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 9, 2024 September 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 25, 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 18, 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 11, 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 4, 2024 August 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 28, 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 21, 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 14, 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 7, 2024 July 2024 Along the Way - July 31, 2024 Along the Way - July 24, 2024 Along the Way - July 17, 2024 Along the Way - July 10, 2024 Along the Way - July 3, 2024 June 2024 Along the Way - June 26, 2024 Along the Way - June 19, 2024 Along the Way - June 12, 2024 Along the Way - June 5, 2024 May 2024 Along the Way - May 29. 2024 Along the Way - May 22, 2024 Along the Way - May 15, 2024 Along the Way- May 8, 2024 Along the Way - May 1, 2024 April 2024 Along the Way - April 24, 2024 Along the Way - April 17, 2024 Along the Way - April 10, 2024 Along the Way - April 3, 2024 March 2024 Along the Way - March 27, 2024 Along the Way - March 20, 2024 Along the Way - March 13, 2024 Along the Way - March 6, 2024 February 2024 Along the Way - Feb. 28, 2024 Along the Way - Feb. 21, 2024 Alo ng the Way - Feb. 14, 2024 Along the Way - Feb. 7, 2024 January 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 31, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 24, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 17, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 10, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 3, 2024 2023 December 2023 Along the Way - Dec. 20, 2023 Along the Way - Dec. 13, 2023 Along the Way - Dec. 6, 2023 November 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 29, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 22, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 14, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 8, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 1, 2023 September 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 27, 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 20, 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 13, 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 6, 2023 August 2023 Along the Way - August 30, 2023 Along the Way - August 23, 2023 Along the Way - August 16, 2023 Along the Way - August 9, 2023 Along the Way - August 2, 2023 July 2023 Along the Way - July 26, 2023 Along the Way - July 19, 2023 Along the Way - July 12, 2023 Along the Way - July 5, 2023 June 2023 Along the Way - June 28, 2023 Along the Way - June 21, 2023 Along the Way - June 14, 2023 Along the Way - June 7, 2023 May 2023 Along the Way - May 31, 2023 Along the Way - May 24, 2023 Along the Way - May 17, 2023 Along the Way - May 10, 2023 Along the Way - May 3, 2023 April 2023 Along the Way - April 26, 2023 Along the Way - April 19, 2023 Along the Way - April 12, 2023 Along the Way - April 5, 2023 March 2023 Along the Way - March 29, 2023 Along the Way - March 22, 2023 Along the Way - March 15, 2023 Along the Way - March 8, 2023 Along the Way - March 1, 2023 February 2023 Along the Way - February 22, 2023 Weekly News - February 15, 2023 Weekly News - February 8, 2023 Weekly News - February 1, 2023 January 2023 Weekly News - January 25, 2023 Weekly News - January 18, 2023 Weekly News - January 11, 2023 Weekly News - January 4, 2023 2022 November 2022 Weekly News - November 30, 2022 Weekly News - November 23, 2022 Weekly News - November 16, 2022 Weekly News - November 9, 2022 Weekly News - November 2, 2022 December 2022 Weekly News - December 28, 2022 Weekly News - December 21, 2022 Weekly News - December 14, 2022 Weekly News - Decem ber 7, 2022 October 2022 Weekly News - October 26, 2022 Weekly News - October 19, 2022 Weekly News - October 12, 2022 Weekly News - October 5, 2022

Spanish-Language Selections As part of our Latino Ministries, we aim to build bridges between the Anglo and Latino communities in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Part of building that community is to share and understand one another's languages. Here, we have compiled a variety of Spanish-language videos from the Book of Common Prayer that can be implemented in your services and serve as a learning tool for the Anglo community to learn a bit of Spanish. Please feel free to download and include these videos in both your virtual and in-person services, or on your parish website. Below, you will find Spanish-selections from the Book of Common Prayer, or full Spanish-language services if desired. DOWNLOAD: The Book of Common Prayer (English) DOWNLOAD: El Libro De Oración Común (Español) Spanish-Language Selections from the BCP All Categories Play Video Play Video 03:53 Holy Eucharist Form B Permission to use music licensed under CCLI License No. 11502747 Size C Celebrante: El Señor sea con ustedes. Pueblo: Y con tu espíritu. Celebrante: Elevemos los corazones. Pueblo: Los elevamos al Señor. Celebrante: Demos gracias a Dios nuestro Señor. Pueblo: Es justo darle gracias y alabanza. En verdad es digno, justo y saludable, darte gracias, en todo tiempo y lugar, Padre omnipotente, Creador de cielo y tierra. Por tanto te alabamos, uniendo nuestras voces con los Angeles y Arcángeles, y con todos los coros celestiales que, proclamando la gloria de tu Nombre, por siempre cantan este himno: Santo, santo, santo es el Señor, Dios del universo. Llenos están el cielo y la tierra de tu gloria. Hosanna en el cielo. Bendito el que viene en nombre del Señor. Hosanna en el cielo. Te damos gracias, oh Dios, por la bondad y el amor que tú nos has manifestado en la creación; en el llamado a Israel para ser tu pueblo; en tu Verbo revelado a través de los profetas; y, sobre todo, en el Verbo hecho carne, Jesús, tu Hijo. Pues en la plenitud de los tiempos le has enviado para que se encarnara de María la Virgen a fin de ser el Salvador y Redentor del mundo. En él, nos has librado del mal, y nos has hecho dignos de estar en tu presencia. En él, nos has sacado del error a la verdad, del pecado a la rectitud, y de la muerte a la vida. En la víspera de su muerte por nosotros, nuestro Señor Jesucristo tomó pan; y dándote gracias, lo partió y lo dio a sus discípulos, y dijo: "Tomen y coman. Este es mi Cuerpo, entregado por ustedes. Hagan esto como memorial mío". Después de la cena tomó el cáliz; y dándote gracias, se lo entregó, y dijo: "Beban todos de él. Esta es mi Sangre del nuevo Pacto, sangre derramada por ustedes y por muchos para el perdón de los pecados. Siempre que lo beban, háganlo como memorial mío". Por tanto, oh Padre, según su mandato, Recordamos su muerte, Proclamamos su resurrección, Esperamos su venida en gloria; Y te ofrecemos nuestro sacrificio de alabanza y acción de gracias, Señor de todos; ofreciéndote, de tu creación, este pan y este vino. Te suplicamos, Dios bondadoso, que envíes tu Espíritu Santo sobre estos dones, para que sean el Sacramento del Cuerpo de Cristo y su Sangre del nuevo Pacto. Unenos a tu Hijo en su sacrificio, a fin de que, por medio de él, seamos aceptables, siendo santificados por el Espíritu Santo. En la plenitud de los tiempos, sujeta todas las cosas a tu Cristo y llévanos a la patria celestial donde, con todos tus santos, entremos en la herencia eterna de tus hijos; por Jesucristo nuestro Señor, el primogénito de toda la creación, la cabeza de la Iglesia, y el autor de nuestra salvación. Por él, y con él y en él, en la unidad del Espíritu Santo, tuyos son el honor y la gloria, Padre omnipotente, ahora y por siempre. Amen. Play Video Play Video 00:46 The Lord's Prayer Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén. Play Video Play Video 00:35 A Collect for Purity Dios omnipotente, para quien todos los corazones están manifiestos, todos los deseos conocidos y ningún secreto encubierto: Purifica los pensamientos de nuestros corazones con la inspiración de tu Santo Espíritu, para que perfectamente te amemos y dignamente celebremos tu Santo Nombre; por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén. Play Video Play Video 01:42 The Nicene Creed Creemos en un solo Dios, Padre todopoderoso, creador de cielo y tierra, de todo lo visible e invisible. Creemos en un solo Señor, Jesucristo, Hijo único de Dios, nacido del Padre antes de todos los siglos: Dios de Dios, Luz de Luz, Dios verdadero de Dios verdadero, engendrado, no creado, de la misma naturaleza que el Padre, por quien todo fue hecho; que por nosotros y por nuestra salvación bajó del cielo: por obra del Espíritu Santo se encarnó de María, la Virgen, y se hizo hombre. Por nuestra causa fue crucificado en tiempos de Poncio Pilato: padeció y fue sepultado. Resucitó al tercer día, según las Escrituras, subió al cielo y está sentado a la derecha del Padre. De nuevo vendrá con gloria para juzgar a vivos y muertos, y su reino no tendrá fin. Creemos en el Espíritu Santo, Señor y dado de vida, que procede del Padre y del Hijo. Que con el Padre y el Hijo recibe una misma adoración y gloria. y que habló por los profetas. Creemos en la Iglesia, que es una, santa, católica y apostólica. Reconocemos un solo Bautismo para el perdón de los pecados. Esperamos la resurrección de los muertos y la vida del mundo futuro. Amén. Play Video Play Video 03:33 Prayers of the People Formula I Con todo el corazón y con toda la mente, oremos al Señor, diciendo: "Señor, ten piedad". Por la paz de lo alto, por la misericordia de Dios y por la salvación de nuestras almas, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por la paz del mundo, por el bienestar de la santa Iglesia de Dios y por la unidad de todos los pueblos, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por nuestro Obispo, y por todos los clérigos y laicos, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por nuestro Presidente, por los gobernantes de las naciones y por todas las autoridades, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por esta ciudad, por todas las ciudades y comunidades, y por los que viven en ellas, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por un clima apacible y por la abundancia de los frutos de la tierra, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por la buena tierra que Dios nos ha dado, y por la sabiduría y el deseo de conservarla, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por todos los que viajan por tierra, mar o aire o el espacio, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por los ancianos e inválidos, los viudos y huérfanos, por los enfermos y los que yacen en el lecho del dolor, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por los pobres y oprimidos, por los desempleados e indigentes, por los encarcelados y cautivos, y por todos los que se acuerdan y cuidan de ellos, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por todos los que han muerto en la esperanza de la resurrección y por todos los difuntos, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por la liberación de todo peligro, violencia, opresión y degradación, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Por la absolución y remisión de nuestros pecados y ofensas, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Para que terminemos nuestra vida en fe y esperanza, sin sufrimiento ni reproche, oremos al Señor. Señor, ten piedad. Defiéndenos, líbranos, y en tu compasión protégenos, oh Señor, por medio de tu gracia. Señor, ten piedad. En la comunión de los santos, encomendémonos los unos a los otros, y toda nuestra vida a Cristo nuestro Dios. A ti, Señor nuestro Dios. Play Video Play Video 07:39 Holy Eucharist Form A Permission to use music licensed under CCLI License No. 11502747 Size C Celebrante: El Señor sea con ustedes. Pueblo: Y con tu espíritu. Celebrante: Elevemos los corazones. Pueblo: Los elevamos al Señor. Celebrante: Demos gracias a Dios nuestro Señor. Pueblo: Es justo darle gracias y alabanza. En verdad es digno, justo y saludable, darte gracias, en todo tiempo y lugar, Padre omnipotente, Creador de cielo y tierra. Aquí, todos los domingos y en las ocasiones que se indique, se canta o dice el Prefacio Propio. Por tanto te alabamos, uniendo nuestras voces con los Angeles y Arcángeles, y con todos los coros celestiales que, proclamando la gloria de tu Nombre, por siempre cantan este himno: Santo, santo, santo es el Señor, Dios del universo. Llenos están el cielo y la tierra de tu gloria. Hosanna en el cielo. Bendito el que viene en nombre del Señor. Hosanna en el cielo. Padre Santo y bondadoso: En tu amor infinito nos hiciste para ti, y cuando caímos en pecado y quedamos esclavos del mal y de la muerte, tú, en tu misericordia, enviaste a Jesucristo, tu Hijo único y eterno, para compartir nuestra naturaleza humana, para vivir y morir como uno de nosotros, y así reconciliarnos contigo, el Dios y Padre de todos. Extendió sus brazos sobre la cruz y se ofreció en obediencia a tu voluntad, un sacrificio perfecto por todo el mundo. En la noche en que fue entregado al sufrimiento y a la muerte, nuestro Señor Jesucristo tomó pan; y dándote gracias, lo partió y lo dio a sus discípulos, y dijo: "Tomen y coman. Este es mi Cuerpo, entregado por ustedes. Hagan esto como memorial mío". Después de la cena tomó el cáliz; y dándote gracias, se lo entregó, y dijo: "Beban todos de él. Esta es mi Sangre del nuevo Pacto, sangre derramada por ustedes y por muchos para el perdón de los pecados. Siempre que lo beban, háganlo como memorial mío". Por tanto, proclamamos el misterio de fe: Cristo ha muerto. Cristo ha resucitado. Cristo volverá. Padre, en este sacrificio de alabanza y acción de gracias, celebramos el memorial de nuestra redención. Recordando su muerte, resurrección y ascención, te ofrecemos estos dones. Santifícalos con tu Espíritu Santo, y así serán para tu pueblo el Cuerpo y la Sangre de tu Hijo, la santa comida y la santa bebida de la vida nueva en él que no tiene fin. Santifícanos también, para que recibamos fielmente este Santo Sacramento y seamos perseverantes en tu servicio en paz y unidad. Y en el día postrero, llévanos con todos tus santos al gozo de tu reino eterno. Todo esto te pedimos por tu Hijo Jesucristo. Por él, y con él y en él, en la unidad del Espíritu Santo, tuyos son el honor y la gloria, Padre omnipotente, ahora y por siempre. AMEN. Oremos como nuestro Salvador Cristo nos enseñó. Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo, santificado sea tu Nombre, venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo. Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día. Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden. No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal. Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén Cristo, nuestra Pascua, se ha sacrificado por nosotros. Los Dones de Dios para el Pueblo de Dios. Tómenlos en memoria de que Cristo murió por ustedes, y aliméntense de él en sus corazones, por fe y con agradecimiento. Eterno Dios, Padre celestial, en tu bondad nos has aceptado como miembros vivos de tu Hijo, nuestro Salvador Jesucristo; nos has nutrido con alimento espiritual en el Sacramento de su Cuerpo y de su Sangre. Envíanos ahora en paz al mundo; revístenos de fuerza y de valor para amarte y servirte con alegría y sencillez de corazón; por Cristo nuestro Señor. Amén. Play Video Play Video 00:32 Prefaces for the Seasons - Advent Porque enviaste a tu amado Hijo para redimirnos del pecado y de la muerte, y para hacernos en él herederos de la vida eterna; para que, cuando vuelva en poder y gran triunfo a juzgar al mundo, nos gocemos contemplando su manifestación, sin temor ni vergüenza. Play Video Play Video 00:32 Prefaces for the Seasons - Incarnation Porque nos diste a Jesucristo, tu único Hijo, que se encarnó por nosotros; quien, por el gran poder del Espíritu Santo, fue hecho Hombre perfecto, nacido de la carne de la Virgen María su madre; para que, librados del yugo del pecado, recibamos la potestad de llegar a ser hijos tuyos. Play Video Play Video 00:25 Prefaces for the Seasons-Epiphany Porque en el misterio del Verbo hecho carne, tú has hecho que una luz nueva brille en nuestros corazones, para darnos el conocimiento de tu gloria en la faz de tu Hijo, nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Load More

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

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

Disaster Resiliency Hub We are grateful for the support and partnership of Episcopal Relief and Development. On this page, you can find ways to help and get help as we recover from natural disaster in our region. STORIES & MEDIA RESOURCES & PREP DONATE NOW VOLUNTEER INFO 1/1 Our FOCUS Household Recovery Spiritual & Mental Health Support Unmet Needs Congregation & Community Recovery Grants Care for Caregivers Program Resiliency & Preparedness Education Our IMPACT Households 613 Individuals 3,454 Change Agents Trained 343 Partnerships Built 28 Counties Served 11 **Numbers updated quarterly | Updated on 7/13/26 Bearing Witness: A Partnership Between DRRT & All Souls Counseling Center 2025 Congregation & Community Recovery Grant Impact Report In 2025, 11 churches across our diocese were awarded grants from our Disaster Response and Recovery fund in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development. These churches partnered with local community organizations to provide consistent and specific care to continue recovery efforts throughout the 2025 year. You can view the full Impact Report at the link below and learn more about the specific projects and faithful work that is happening in and through our diocese. 1/1 2025 IMPACT REPORT Bearing Witness: A Story & Photo Series from Helene For our Helene Remembrance Eucharist, held on September 27, 2025, we collected stories and photos from around our diocese. These stories and photos were curated into 14 stations, echoing the 14 Stations of the Cross, and were displayed at the Eucharist. These stories and photos highlight the experiences and impact of Helene on our churches at large and on individual households throughout Western North Carolina. We believe story-telling is a sacred art in which we find healing and beauty, often in the midst of suffering, and as a means to pass on wisdom to those that come after us. To view these stories, or to share your own, follow the button below. Bearing Witness Series Our MISSION Leverage the gifts of our congregations, donors, and partners to support the recovery of impoverished and marginalized people affected by natural disasters in our region through building relationships and stewarding resources that center dignity and quality work at a sustainable pace for long-term recovery efforts. Our VALUES Dignity & Respect, Professional Quality Standards Relationships Sustainable Pace Stewardship Disaster Response Team The Rev. Kelsey Davis Read More Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Donations and Volunteers Dan Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Logistics and Technology The Rev. Oscar Rozo Read More Latino/Hispanic Community Support Jennifer Gutierrez Read More Family Liaison Coordinator Mark Corson Read More Staff Assistant to Bishop's Deputy Volunteer Tony Coggiola Read More Field Consultant & Advisor Volunteer The Disaster Response Team shares an email address. Contact them Here

Camp Henry Camp Henry continues a camping tradition that dates back to 1958 when it was established by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina to provide an affordable and memorable experience for the youth of the diocese. While preserving this initial mission, Camp Henry has continued to grow and diversify its offerings over the years so that all people and all ages have the opportunity to come to camp! Campers participate in creative, engaging, and diverse programs based on scripture, liturgy, environmental education, and conservation designed by clergy and staff. Our counselors provide opportunities for the campers to have fun and learn through traditional and nontraditional sports and games, boating, fishing, sailing, hiking, arts/crafts, singing, storytelling, worship, and much more. Families are invited to enjoy the fun in the mountains and on the lake by joining us for Family Camp, where all ages play, pray, laugh, and love together! In 2023, the first Bilingual Camp was offered for our Spanish-speaking youth and their families. Visit the Camp Henry website or contact the Camp Henry Director at director@camphenry.org CAMP HENRY PHOTO GALLERY

New Delegate Orientation Convention Homepage The New Delegate Orientation meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 28 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

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

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

Mountain Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 24th, the Mountain Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Mill at Rock Creek in Boone, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Centennial Calendar We are very excited to announce a special project for our Centennial Year, our 2022 Diocesan calendar. Inspired by the amazing work being done across the diocese, each month features a different ministry—from food pantries to community gardens and is a celebration of the many ways in which our diocese are the hands and feet of God in the world. In collaboration with writer and Holy Cross, Valle Crucis member Katerina Whitley , monthly prayers and reflections are offered in relation to the featured ministry. These monthly meditations may help us reflect on the many ways we can be church, far outside the walls of a building. Click here to order your diocesan calendar

Resources for Deacons The diaconate in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina has been a vital and active ministry for over 30 years. This diocese currently has 26 active deacons and many “retired deacons” who continue to serve the diocese and their communities through ministries that include community gardens, transitional housing, ministry to those incarcerated, parish nursing, and many other ministries. If you are a deacon who has moved to our diocese, we welcome you and look forward to discerning together possible areas of ministry and service. Please review the Requirements for Licensing and contact the Bishop’s office and the Archdeacon to let us know you are here, whether or not you wish to continue in active ministry. Our Deacons Manual is written primarily for ordained deacons serving in the Diocese of Western North Carolina. When a person senses God’s call to Holy Orders, or when someone suggests to an individual that he/she consider Holy Orders, then the individual should refer to the Commission on Ministry Manual , recently updated in October 2021. If you have any questions regarding the content of the Deacons Manual, please contact the Archdeacon of the diocese .

Convention Photos 2018

Discerning Your Congregation's Needs Every living organism goes through a life cycle that transitions from birth through growth, stability, decline, and finally, death. As a community of faith centered in the promise of resurrection, we hope any parish that may be in some form of decline encounter something that brings about new birth so the cycle can continue. However, parishes that wait to react until decline is well underway tend to get “stuck,” and moving to a place of resurrection can be more challenging. Every congregation can find itself at any stage of the life cycle. Some congregations are growing because they are new, or because the community around them is expanding, or because the parish is going through some type of Spiritual Renewal. Other congregations are seeing a decline in attendance, membership, and giving because the community around them is declining, or there is not a full-time clergy person, or for reasons unknown. One of the keys to becoming a healthy, thriving parish, even for those who are experiencing growth, is to intentionally find ways of experiencing new birth before the decline is a part of the culture. The Diocese of Western North Carolina believes every congregation has the potential to become vibrant and vital communities, even those who are experiencing an increase in attendance can become healthier, stronger communities with an intentional focus on God’s purpose for your parish in the world. Congregational Vitality Ministry offers two different tracks to help parishes thrive. The first track is for congregations that see themselves as mostly healthy and strong overall, but there may be areas, such as Christian Formation, Youth Ministry, or Stewardship that need some assistance. We invite you to survey this site and use whatever tools or standalone programs that best fit your needs. You can also join our Forums to discuss issues and connect with other parishes that are able to share their experience. For more information and the opportunities of this track, contact The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson . The second track is for all congregations, healthy as well as those struggling, which want to grow spiritually and find a renewed energy around being Church. This track consists more of a process than implementing a few programs. For many congregations, the process may take over a year to complete. Currently, several individuals (coaches) are willing to guide a congregation through a journey that begins with the question, “What Is God’s purpose for us in this place and at this time?” The journey will continue through exploring the gifts of your people, looking at your ministries in terms of your new purpose and your people’s gifts, and finding new ways of turning ministries into mission. For more information and the opportunities of this track, contact The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson .