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Lake Logan Conference Center Lake Logan lies in a pristine valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway, where visitors soak up the serenity of God’s glorious gifts in a 300-acre sanctuary. Lake Logan Conference Center lends itself well to hosting spiritual retreats, conferences, and seminars, as well as being a beautiful and serene place to rest, relax, and recreate. All religious and nondenominational groups are welcome to this special place, where the power of nature's bounty nourishes, restores, and rejuvenates. The mission of Lake Logan Conference Center is to serve Christ by welcoming all generations to experience restoration and reconciliation with God, one another, and all creation. Visit the Lake Logan website. LAKE LOGAN PHOTO GALLERY

Piedmont Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 10th, the Piedmont Deanery of the diocese gathered at the Laboratory Mill in Lincolnton, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Hendersonville Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 7th, the Hendersonville Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Point Lookout Vineyards in Hendersonville, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Expanding the Circle The growth of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina rests in equal measure to the faith, perseverance, and ministry of women, persons of different sexual orientations, and minority persons such as Hispanic/Latinx. Our story includes early pioneer women who nurtured the faith formation of their families by collaborating with diocesan bishops, clergy, and neighbors to secure funds to construct church buildings, manage and direct diocesan schools for girls, teach Sunday School in local parishes, and lead women’s auxiliary groups. One notable churchwoman was Miss Minnie Drinker of St. James, Black Mountain, who became the first social worker in the mountains of North Carolina. Watch Bishop José's address to the Episcopal Church Women of WNC for the group's 150th anniversary. In the latter half of the 19th century, the Diocese supported the ministry of deaconesses, women set apart to care for the sick and the poor. Following the 1976 General Convention, our diocese welcomed women priests and deacons to lead and serve our congregations. The Rev. Elizabeth “Ibba” Tappe was the first woman ordained priest in the diocese, and the Rev. Sherry Mattson was the first rector of a church serving the people of St. David’s in Cullowhee. In the 1980s, the Rev. Neil Zabriskie, rector, and dean of The Cathedral of All Souls was known as "the living social conscience" of the diocese. He advocated and challenged the diocese to begin facilitating conversations around human sexuality as well as becoming a welcoming and safe church for gay and lesbian persons. By the early 1990s, we had embarked on diocesan-wide dialogues around the blessing of same-sex relationships. Today, our diocese not only welcomes all people to worship and serve in our congregations, we also celebrate the ministry of our LGBTQ clergy and lay leaders. Likewise, during the 1990s, Bishop Robert Johnson and others recognized that Western North Carolina was becoming one of the fastest-growing Hispanic/Latinx populations in the country. Bishop Johnson worked to establish our first Spanish-speaking mission at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and call our first Hispanic/ Latino Missioner, the Rev. Tim Hoyt. Today, the diocese has a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with four mission sites across the diocese, numerous parish ministries serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Hispanic/Latino missioners. The Cathedral of All Souls <<>> 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

Settlement Period The earliest known Episcopal communities to gather for regular worship west of the Catawba River, in the early 1800s, were at St. Andrew’s Chapel, about five miles outside present-day Lenoir, NC, and St. John’s Chapel, just outside present-day Morganton, as well as at White Haven Chapel, about one mile outside present-day Lincolnton, NC. All three churches were shepherded by the Rev. Robert Johnson Miller, affectionately known as “Parson Miller”. Miller arrived in the Lenoir area in 1786, and, although raised in the Episcopal Church, he was a lay missionary for several years in the Methodist Church. In 1794, Miller was ordained in the Lutheran Church with the stipulation that he would seek Episcopal Orders when a diocese was formed in North Carolina. It was during this time the three worshiping communities of St. Andrew’s, St. John’s, and White Haven were formed, comprising both Episcopalians and Lutherans. Eventually, Miller was ordained in the Episcopal Church by Bishop Moore of Virginia in 1821. In the early 1840s, St. Andrew’s Chapel was officially moved to downtown Lenoir and became the foundation of St. James Episcopal Church. Families from both St. St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Lincolnton , Upstateherd, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Andrew’s and St. John’s chapels came together and founded Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton. Similarly, White Haven Chapel moved to Lincolnton and the cornerstone of St. Luke’s was laid in 1842. St. Luke’s was the first church in the region admitted to the Diocese of North Carolina. Meanwhile, 80 miles southwest of Lincolnton, wealthy families from Charleston, South Carolina had begun establishing summer residences during the early part of the 19th century in Flat Rock, NC. A few residents built small chapels to sustain their regular worship, notably the Baring family who erected a second structure (the first destroyed by fire) on the present site of St. John in the Wilderness in 1832. This was the first church structure consecrated in our diocese. <<< Previous Page Next Page >>> Origins LEARN MORE Origins LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle Mountain Missionary Spirit Introductory text Learn more > Mountain Missionary Spirit Expanding the Circle Introduction to Youth section. Learn more > Expanding the Circle

Immigration The Episcopal Church has a long-standing history of extending radical hospitality and care to refugees and immigrants. Indeed, our church “has served immigrants new to the U.S. since the late 1800s, when the Church opened port chaplaincies to minister to sojourners on both coasts. In the 1930’s, local parishes collected donations to provide steamship passage for those fleeing Nazi Europe.”[1] The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina and many of our parishes have actively participated in welcoming refugees into our congregations and our homes. Likewise, many of our parishes are actively involved in offering care and support to immigrants in their communities. [1] Episcopal Migration Ministries Below are resources on how you and your parish can participate in this important, Gospel centered, work. El Centro Hispano LEARN MORE El Centro Hispano LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Episcopal Migration Ministries LEARN MORE Episcopal Migration Ministries LEARN MORE Pisgah Legal Services LEARN MORE Pisgah Legal Services

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 .

Supporting Humanitarian Response to the Crisis in Ukraine Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. - A Collect for Peace Among the Nations, BCP On Thursday, February 24, 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. As a result, many Ukrainians have lost their livelihoods, homes, and family members. As a diocese and as a part of the greater Episcopal Church, we support refugees and are called as servants of God to support those who have been displaced. Below, please find resources and information on how we can continue to assist humanitarian response in Ukraine, and please continue to join us in prayer for all effected. Episcopal Relief and Development Episcopal Relief & Development is an international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church. Episcopal Relief & Development works in collaboration with church partners and other local organizations to facilitate healthier, more fulfilling lives in communities that are struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Click here to read the latest press releases regarding the crisis in Ukraine from Episcopal Relief and Development Click here to donate to the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund Episcopal Migration Ministries Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of The Episcopal Church and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. Episcopal Migration Ministries welcomes refugees, educates communities, and mobilizes congregations to advocate for the protection and rights of all migrants. Click here to read a response to the crisis in Ukraine from Episcopal Migration Ministries Click here to donate to the work of Episcopal Migration Ministries Click here to request a "Refugee Sunday" toolkit from Episcopal Migration Ministries to help facilitate conversations around refugee crises at your parish ACT Alliance ACT Alliance is a global alliance of more than 145 churches and related organizations from over 120 countries to provide humanitarian aid for poor and marginalized people. Click here to read recent press releases regarding the crisis in Ukraine READ: "Ukraine: Emergency response for communities affected by Ukraine conflict UKR221" The Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church, based in the United States with additional dioceses elsewhere, is a member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE: At spring meeting, House of Bishops speaks on Ukraine, anti-trans bills Read all press releases from The Episcopal Church on Ukraine

What We Believe LEARN MORE What We Believe LEARN MORE Visiting an Episcopal Church: What to Expect LEARN MORE Resources for Newcomers Welcome! Whatever reason brought you here — perhaps simple curiosity or a hunger to know more about Jesus or The Episcopal Church — we are delighted! We hope the following resources, like sign posts on the highway, might guide you in your journey. For additional resources, please visit https://www.episcopalchurch.org/

Constitutions and Canons Meetings Convention Homepage Please mark your calendars for the following dates if you plan to attend the Zoom meetings to discuss the Constitutions and Canons. Anyone in the diocese is welcome to attend. Find the Zoom link below for these upcoming meetings. Saturday, August 28, 9:00-10:30 am Tuesday, August 31, 6:00-7:30 pm Thursday, September 2, 6:00-7:30 pm Please note: The Zoom link is the same for all three meetings. Topic: Constitution and Canons Time: Aug 28, 2021 09:00 AM Aug 31, 2021 06:00 PM Sep 2, 2021 06:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwvc-Cgqz4oHtHL_UC0GY8NdDjaCEomlb_F/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrD8jEtGQsh2CRpw-AI-gXfzwmCVBgrd1sCDQIHB0W1vYMsZIM5FaH9Xc Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88249855245?pwd=c1krYzJBdG94R1pRYTVPQlZLSEZFdz09 Meeting ID: 882 4985 5245 Passcode: 204171 One tap mobile +13017158592,,88249855245# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,88249855245# US (Chicago)

Deaneries of the Diocese Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance From the Piedmont to the Mountains, our diocese covers a diverse group of landscapes and communities. The Diocese is divided into six geographical regions designated as a deanery. One clergy leader is elected as Dean of each deanery and the Deans meet monthly with the Bishop to discuss and address diocesan affairs and local concerns. Learn more about our deaneries below: ASHEVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Robert Wetherington St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC rector@stmarysasheville.org Learn more about this deanery FOOTHILLS DEANERY The Rev. Jonathan Stepp St. Alban's, Hickory, NC frjonathan@stalbansparish.org Learn more about this deanery HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Josh Stephens Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher rector@stjohnflatrock.org Learn more about this deanery MOUNTAIN DEANERY The Rev. Andrew Hege St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock, NC rector@stmaryofthehills.org Learn more about this deanery PIEDMONT DEANERY The Rev. Tara Bartal All Saints, Gastonia allsaintsgastoniarector@gmail.com Learn more about this deanery WESTERN DEANERY The Rev. Rob Wood Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Cashiers, NC rwood.gs@gmail.com Learn more about this deanery

Convention Homepage Accommodations HOTELS: With Convention taking place in a single day this year, we are not reserving any hotel blocks. For those of you who wish to stay overnight, any hotels in the Asheville area will work well. We are recommending the following hotels for your convenience. Hampton Inn & Suites 18 Rockwood Road Fletcher, NC 28732 855-605-0317 Hampton Inn Biltmore Village 117 Hendersonville Road Asheville, NC 28803 866-994-9765 Holiday Inn & Suites 9 Brian Blvd Arden, NC 28704 828-684-6000 Courtyard by Marriott 360 Rockwood Road Arden, NC 28704 844-631-0595 Clarion Inn Asheville Airport 550 Airport Road Fletcher, NC 28732 828-483-4260 Clarion Inn Biltmore Village 234 Hendersonville Road Asheville, NC 28803 828-673-8573 Wingate by Wyndham 31 Airport Park Road Fletcher, NC 28732 866-994-9765 Comfort Inn Asheville Airport 15 Rockwood Road Fletcher, NC 28732 828-827-0705

Find a Church - Map Next Our diocese consists of 63 parishes, 5 summer chapels, 2 conference centers, 1 retirement community and 1 parochial school across the 28 western-most counties of the state. Find a church that works for you here!

Youth Leadership We invite youth to be active participants in their faith through servant leadership. Learn more about the opportunities available and how you can be a part of them below. Youth Council The Diocesan Youth Council is a group of youth and adult leaders from the six deaneries in the diocese who work with the Coordinator of Families, Children, and Youth to carry out the mission for youth ministry programs. Membership on this committee is open to all youth (grades 10–12) and adults who are actively involved in their local congregations and have had some exposure to diocesan-level youth programs. Members serve for at least one year and may be re-appointed for up to three years. The Youth Council assists the Coordinator of Families, Children, and Youth in planning and running retreats and events for diocesan youth. They meet for training and planning weekends before the actual events. Applications for the Youth Council are traditionally available in the early summer, and the commitment runs from August to June. For more information the Youth Council, contact the Coordinator of Families, Children, and Youth, Charlotte Garcia.

Safe Church Background Checks Active Screening Faith has been consolidated to Protect My Ministry. To set up an account please call the support number at 1-800-319-5581. Once you are approved, you will be sent a username and password to logon to the Protect my Ministry website. Then you can begin processing background checks using the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina (WNC) Screening package options. Background Check Packages: Staff Package: Base price of $37.50 Each educational institution and state have additional mandated processing fees. These fees are not covered in the base price; therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. For example, the National Student Clearinghouse charges $8.76 per name searched as part of the education verification, and the state of North Carolina charges an additional $12.75 for the Motor Vehicle Record processed through the state. The Initial Staff package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search Education Verification (one record only; additional records cost extra) Federal by District Criminal Search MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Volunteer Package: Base price of $12.50 The base price does not include any state processing fees, which may be required to process the reports. Therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. *Credit checks and DMV records can be added for an additional cost. The Volunteer package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search For instructions on the steps to conduct a background check click here. Note for Clergy Protect My Ministry can be used for clergy seeking licensing only. For clergy new to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, or for any clergy who will have cure at a parish in our diocese, background checks will be done using Oxford Documents, and the cost for the background check will be incurred by the clergy or the parish they are serving. The initial cost for an Oxford Document background screening is $155 and can cost more depending on how many jurisdictions the clergy has lived. Please contact Jess Ives regarding Oxford Documents background checks. Contact Info Protect My Ministry: 1-800-319-5581 or cs@activescreeningfaith.com Diocese: Eden Lewis , Director of Formation & Discipleship

Restoration and Improvement Loans Grant description Application link Supporting documents link Past Grant Recipients Title of supported project Short description about the project

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

Virtual Worship in WNC Because of the threat of COVID-19, many of the churches in our Diocese have turned to virtual worship during this time. You can find many resources and livestreams from our parishes here. How is your parish working to keep people connected during this time? Let us know , and we'll share it here.

Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grant The Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants support the development of outreach programs for and with children in need. Special consideration will be given to applications that envision children serving children. Applications for these grants are due no later than April 30. Questions regarding Children's Outreach Grants can be directed to Canon Augusta. Apply for this Grant Grant Reporting form Past Grant Recipients 2023 Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Awards by The Rev. Kevin Todd Chair, PMH Grant Committee On behalf of the newly formed Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Committee, I am pleased to... Diocese of WNC New Grant Offers Boost for Children’s Outreach By Rachel Carr, Diocesan Missioner for Communications George Howell loves helping young people. From serving as a youth pastor to raising... Diocese of WNC

Western Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 14th, the Western Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Lodge at Cat Creek in Franklin, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .