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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 .

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

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

India In 2005, The Diocese of Western North Carolina embarked on a twelve year companion relationship with the Diocese of Durgapur in India. Through this partnership, we helped establish 7 schools, two hostels where the children live, one school for primarily Muslim children, three sewing centers, three chapters of the Order of St Luke's, two chapters of the Daughters of the King, and even one junior DOK chapter. In 2016, the diocese decided to officially conclude the companion relationship with the Diocese of Durgapur and initiated the “Friends of Durgapur”, a method to support ongoing sponsorships of children in need. If you would like to learn more about “Friends of Durgapur” and sponsorships, please contact Ms. Judi Gustafson .

The Episcopal Foundation of WNC Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Foundation was founded in 1963 to hold funds to be used “to foster, develop and contribute to the support of the religious, educational and charitable work of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of WNC, or elsewhere, by making gifts, grants, loans and advances solely and exclusively for religious, educational and charitable purposes to any individual, organization, institution, agency other body within the Church or associated or affiliated in any way with the Church.” The Board consists of 9 members and the Bishop. Meetings are held no more frequently than quarterly. Members’ responsibilities include: making a modest (minimum $10) contribution to the Foundation; becoming a member of the “Living Stones Society” (leaving money to either the Diocese or Parish), attending all meetings, except in unavoidable conflict, soliciting contributions for endowment, speaking in parish/vestry about Foundation & activities; reading individual grant requests before the meeting; and occasionally visiting applicant site before awarding grant, if site is near Board member. Members must be communicants in good standing in the Episcopal Church. Current Members The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin Dillon Manley, Chair Allen Fullwood John Russell Dale Ward Amy Cook Jane Erickson Jann Mellman Judy Hopkins Matt Henry

Exploring Our Churches Hendersonville Area Up Back to Find a Church The Hendersonville Deanery encompasses three counties from the mountains to the foothills. It is home to a large portion of the Pisgah National Forest, 200 waterfalls, and the Brevard Music Center. There are nine Episcopal parishes, one Spanish-speaking mission, and two summer multi-denominational preaching stations, originally founded by the Episcopal Church. The demographic, while including all ages, largely consists of retirees. Major cities: Bat Cave Brevard Cedar Mountain Edneyville Flat Rock Fletcher Hendersonville Lake Toxaway Mills River Saluda Tryon St. James Episcopal Church 766 N Main St Hendersonville, NC 28792 https://www.stjamesepiscopal.com/ (828) 693-7458 St. Philip's Episcopal Church 256 E. Main Street Brevard, NC 28712 www.stphilipsbrevardnc.org (828) 884-3666 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 1659 St. Paul’s Road, Edneyville, North Carolina, 28727 www.stpaulsedneyville.com (828) 393-5882 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family 419 Turnpike Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 www.ourholyfamily.org/ P: 828-891-9375 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 106 Saylor Lane Bat Cave, NC 28710 www.ectransfiguration.org 828-625-9244 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 49 Episcopal Church Drive Saluda, NC 28773 www.transfigurationsaluda.org (828) 749-9740 Calvary Episcopal Church 2840 Hendersonville Rd Fletcher, NC 28732 www.calvaryfletcher.org (828) 684-6266 Holy Cross Episcopal Church 150 Melrose Ave Tryon, NC 28782 www.holycrosstryon.org (828) 859-9741 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 814 Markham Rd Tryon, NC 28782 www.goodshepherdtryon.org (828) 859-9961 St. John in the Wilderness 1895 Greenville Hwy Flat Rock, NC 28731 www.stjohnflatrock.org/ (828) 693-9783 La Capilla de Santa Maria 186 St Marys Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792 www.lacapilla.org (323) 541- 2173

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.

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

Our Mission Walk in the Way of Jesus. Change the World. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina is part of the worldwide Jesus movement. Together, as a community of 61 year-round congregations, five summer chapels, two conference centers, a summer camp, one retirement community, and one parochial school across the 28 westernmost counties of the state, we collectively witness to God’s love for the whole world. We believe we are partners in God’s mission to: “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ." -Book of Common Prayer, page 855.

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

Emergency resources for preparing, responding, and recovering for and from disasters. Resource Center Up 1/1 Preparation GO/STAY PREP CHECKLIST CHURCH PREP CHECKLIST DISASTER PREP 101 SLIDES PREPARACIÓN PARA DESASTRES 101 Community Resources Food Connection works to fight food scarcity by partnering with local restaurants and packaging and distributing chef-prepared meals to anyone who needs it. They have served over 1,000,000 meals in the greater Asheville area. Bounty & Soul offers weekly free produce markets around Asheville. They partner with local grocery stores and farms to reduce food waste and to provide quality fresh ingredients to local households. Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry runs several programs, made possible in partnership with over 300 churches. They have a Crisis Ministry that helps provide food an clothing; free clinics for uninsured adults; transitional housing; and more. Pisgah Legal provides free civil legal aid to the most vulnerable people in WNC: disadvantaged children, seniors, at-risk families, and domestic violence victims. Homeward Bound is an organization that works toward preventing and ending houselesness. They are an exceptionally effective program with a retention rate of 96.5% in their permanent supportive housing. Mental Health Resources The National Disaster Distress Helpline is a valuable resource for our VOAD network and accessible 24/7 for responders, support teams, volunteers—for you, however and wherever you may support in the disaster/humanitarian sector. Simply text or call 1-800-985-5990 Para ayuda en español, opríma el numero “2”. For more information, visit samhsa.gov/ddh All Souls Counseling - is a local counseling center offering affordable individual, couples, and group therapy on a sliding scale to adults who are uninsured or underinsured. Jada Bryson offers spiritual direction. Contact her at Northernstar.direction@gmail.com

Click on your parish below to view a list of services for Holy Week 2023. Parishes are listed in alphabetical order. To add your parish's services, email a PDF to Rachel at rcarr@diocesewnc.org. Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville Grace, Asheville Holy Family, Mills River St. Francis & St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton St. John's in the Wilderness, Flat Rock St. Philip's, Brevard Christ Church, Sparta Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Redeemer, Shelby St. James, Hendersonville St. John's, Marion Transfiguration, Bat Cave Epiphany, Newton Holy Cross, Valle Crucis St. Andrew's on the Hill, Canton St. John's, Asheville St. Mary-St. Stephen's, Morganton Trinity, Asheville Trinity, Spruce Pine

Spiritual Reflection READ: Always A Guest: Speaking of Faith Far From Home Barbara Brown Taylor offers a new collection of stories and sermons of faith, grace, and hope. REFLECT: Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers This advent reader is a collaborative daily devotional from a diverse group of contributors. PRAY: Mandalas, Candles, and Prayer: A Simply Centered Advent Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. LISTEN: Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice. Formation Resources Journeying the Way of Love Advent Calendar Find daily reflections and activities to guide you through the Advent season in this calendar from the Episcopal Church Journey the Way of Love Advent Curriculum from the Episcopal Church For the season of Advent, Journeying the Way of Love offers four sessions to be explored as we await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Advent Word Join an international community of prayer this Advent season in this global advent calendar. Vibrant Church Communication Vibrant Church Communication has resources to help you with Advent & Epiphany. Each season has multiple offerings that have been developed through the years to help guide you through these seasons. A Mason Jar Advent by Salt Project A Mason Jar Advent,” is a customizable Short Film all about keeping things simple and helping preserve what’s truly important: hope, peace, joy, and love. What’s more, this lovely film has an equally lovely companion, an illustrated and printable Advent calendar for congregations, families, and individuals, featuring the same artwork seen in the film. Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Books & Curriculum Book recommendations from the Episcopal Shoppe Book recommendations from Church Publishing Advent Resources

Bishop José A. McLoughlin leads the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina along with a handful of staff that operate from Asheville and locations across the diocese. Office of the Bishop and Bishop's Staff Not sure whom to contact? Use our general Contact Form located here . The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin Bishop The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin is the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. He is the chief pastor of the diocese and visits a different congregation almost every Sunday. The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff canonaugusta@diocesewnc.org Canon Augusta assists the bishop with general oversight of the diocese. Get in touch with her if you have questions about parish property transactions, church transitions, leadership development, or parenting four children and three pets with a sense of humor . The Venerable Brenda Gilbert Archdeacon The Archdeacon is a deacon of the diocese who is appointed by, responsible to, and with access to the Bishop. The Archdeacon is the liaison between the Bishop and the deacons in the Diocese, which includes but is not limited to advocating for deacons, assisting the bishop in addressing the pastoral needs of deacons, and assisting the deacons and Bishop in arranging and maintaining parochial assignments. The Archdeacon is also involved in the discernment process for deacons as well as deacon formation. archdeacon@diocesewnc.org Cliff Hudgins Chief Financial Officer Cliff earned his CPA license in 1994 and spent 25 years in the software industry at what became the Ultimate Kronos Group, Inc., following earlier work as a controller for Budd Services in Winston-Salem. A North Carolina native, Cliff and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 37 years and have two adult children. Formerly a longtime Lutheran, Cliff joined Christ Episcopal Church in Sparta after moving to Alleghany County in 2020. He is active in the local community through Alleghany JAM, Alleghany Rotary, the Alleghany Educational Foundation, and MerleFest. In his spare time, Cliff enjoys vintage sports cars, audio equipment, and playing pickleball with Kathy. cfocliff@diocesewnc.org Linda Knowlton Benefits Administrator Prior to this role, Linda served as Vice President of Client Services at Church Insurance Agency for 26 years. In her current role, Linda oversees pension, health and dental coverage, group life insurance, and disability benefits for the diocese. She also supports Institutional Administrators working within the Church Pension Group’s MAP system. Linda lives in Hickory with her husband, Dave. They have three grown daughters and five grandchildren. Outside of work, she enjoys beekeeping and gardening—spending much of her free time in the apiary and among her plants. linda@diocesewnc.org Jessica Ives Executive Assistant to the Bishop Jess manages Bishop José’s calendar and visitation schedule and assists with diocesan committees such as Executive Council and Commission on Ministry. Contact Jess if you need to make an appointment with the bishop, have questions about the discernment process, clergy licensing, or canonical transfers. jess@diocesewnc.org Eden Lewis Director of Formation & Discipleship Eden assists the Bishop with overseeing Christian faith formation for the diocese, by supporting all ministries with children, youth, young adults, and adults. She works to equip and empower our congregations, lay and clergy leaders, providing collaborative working groups, initiating new ideas, and bringing innovative programs, resources, and events to the diocese. elewis@diocesewnc.org Charlotte Garcia Coordinator for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Charlotte oversees Christian formation for middle school youth, high school youth and young adults. She coordinates (with the help of youth and youth ministers) programs such as conferences, mission trips, and pilgrimages for middle school and high school youth. She also oversees the youth council and deanery events. youth@diocesewnc.org Katie Knowles Missioner for Communications With a background in music education, photography, and brand work, Katie brings a love for art, story-telling, and community-building to her role in communications. She grew up in Bradenton, Florida, but has called Black Mountain, NC her home for over a decade. She and her wife McKayla are parishioners of St James in Black Mountain. In her free time, you can find Katie playing music, planning her next travels, or hiking with her wife and their dog. katie@diocesewnc.org The Rev. Oscar Rozo Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries The Rev. Oscar A. Rozo was born in Bogotá, Colombia. During his first years in the Episcopal Church he served as musician for the Latino ministry at Grace and camp counselor for the diocesan summer camp. He attended seminary and received his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. He is married to the Rev. Elizabeth Tester and together they have two children. He is passionate about social justice, multicultural ministry, and community development. He enjoys playing and listening to music, hiking and family time. orozo@diocesewnc.org The Rev. Miguel Alvarez Regional Missioner for Latino Ministries The Rev. Miguel Alvarez was born in Jalupa, Tabasco (Mexico). He grew up in a Catholic family. He entered seminary of the "Religious Order" of Missionaries of Guadalupe to become a priest. He earned two bachelor's degrees - one in philosophy and one in theology - at the Continental University in Mexico City. He spent nearly five years as a missioner in South Korea studying Korean at the Sogang University and serving at Guadalupe Missionaries' Missions. He was ordained as a priest under the Rite of the Roman Catholic church in 1995, and was received as an Episcopalian Priest as the Diocese of Nevada in 2013. In 2015, he transitioned to the Diocese of WNC. Currently, he leads La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and St. Mary's and St. Stephen's in Morganton. He likes reading, playing guitar and piano, and sharing time with his wife and son. He loves his ministry. miguel@diocesewnc.org The Rev. Anna Shine Campus Missioner, PECM App State and Missioner for Creation Care & Social Justice at St. Luke's, Boone ashine@diocesewnc.org Anna serves as the Campus Missioner to Appalachian State University, working with the undergraduate students through the Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry (PECM) as well as serving as the coordinator for 3rd Place. In addition, she serves as the Missioner to Creation Care and Social Justice at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Boone. She aspires to walking alongside others in their faith journeys and delving into the deep questions of faith and life. She considers part of her job to be a collector, keeper, and purveyor of story, which started early on with her appreciation for the stories from Godly Play. Her passions include any and all things related to stewarding and caring for the planet and all that inhabit it. Mary-Margaret Curely Campus Missioner to Western Carolina University Raised in Canton, North Carolina, in the Diocese of Western North Carolina, Mary-Margaret "Moe" Curely found her spiritual home through diocesan youth programs that shaped her early faith. She graduated from Berea College in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and Religion and earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Kentucky in 2023. Moe has remained actively connected to the diocese through youth ministry, serving as a mentor and chaperone for youth conferences and as a program assistant for Towel Ministry in 2025. She is honored to return to the Diocese of Western North Carolina and looks forward to accompanying students at WCU as they explore faith and grow in community. mcurley@diocesewnc.org The Rev. Kevin Todd Diocesan Associate Transition Officer & Director of Blue Ridge Service Corps The Rev. Kevin Todd serves as Associate Transition Officer and Director of Blue Ridge Service Corps. As Associate Transition Officer, Kevin offers guidance and support for congregations in transition. In this role, Kevin is the primary contact for questions, support, and training regarding search processes and also assists clergy discerning the call to suitable ministry positions. Kevin also directs Blue Ridge Service Corps, a diocesan program for young adults. BRSC is a transformative, residential experience for young adults looking for intentional community, service with non-profit organizations, while finding sacred time for spiritual formation and exploration, personal growth, and leadership development. ktodd@diocesewnc.org The Rev. Kelsey Davis Bishops Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery The Rev. Kelsey Davis serves as the Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery. Many of you know Kelsey from her years as the Director of Blue Ridge Service Corps and Campus Missioner at UNCA and Western Carolina University. Kelsey brings years of experience and training in community engagement and organization, which is essential to this role. Kelsey’s gifts in building and sustaining healthy relationships across the various sectors of our communities will be invaluable to all of us in our work. kdavis@diocesewnc.org Lewis Sorrells Office Assistant and Receptionist Lewis serves as the office assistant at the bishop's office, answering calls and keeping things organized. A genuine native of WNC, Lewis grew up in Haywood County. He graduated from Carson Newman College with some further study at Vanderbilt University. He had a 40-year career as a bookseller and bookstore owner in Asheville, operating Accent On Books for 30 years until retiring in 2014. An active member of the Cathedral of All Souls since 1977, he has served in many capacities as a vestry member, senior warden, usher, and committee chair. He currently chairs the Altar Guild. Lewis is married to Christine Longoria and has a daughter Rachel and a son Franklin, both longtime Camp Henry attendees and counselors. There are now four grandchildren. He can most often be found in the garden or out on a hike. admin@diocesewnc.org Laura Elliot Executive Director of Lake Logan Conference Center Fueled by her passion for community-building and transformative work, Laura brings nearly thirty years of experience in the fields of education, outdoor recreation, and nonprofit leadership. Laura was born and raised in the Episcopal Church in Eastern NC and has now called Western North Carolina home since 1999. She and her wife Jenny are members of St. Andrews on the Hill in Canton, NC and live at Lake Logan with pups Nola, dock diver extraordinaire and Layla, queen of the Gazebo trail. When not working you can find Laura in the woods or on the water, spending time with family and friends, playing music, traveling for learning and adventure, and “being ever curious about the world around us”. Laura brings with her the pursuit of life-long learning and the ability to show up as a transformational, vision- and mission-driven leader – cultivating love, joy, connections, and community. laura@lakelogan.org Madison Alexander Director of Camp Henry & the Outdoor School Raised in Tryon, NC attending Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Madison grew up an active part of the Diocese of WNC. Madison is a proud Camp Henry alum having spent ten summers at Camp Henry as camper and two summers as a counselor. He brings to Lake Logan over eight years of experience in nonprofit management and social impact. Madison and his wife Catherine (who were married at Lake Logan in 2017) have moved to Lake Logan and are settling with their dogs Juniper and Laurel and their cat Thistle. He has a passion for working with kids and families, he is an avid outdoor adventurer, and he spends his free time walking and hiking with his wife Catherine and their dogs Juniper and Laurel. madison@lakelogan.org Margaret Love Executive Director of Valle Crucis Conference Center Margaret is a native of Columbia, South Carolina and holds a BA in History from Davidson College. She has worked in conference planning, education and training, and grants management for nearly 20 years, and has extensive experience in working with boards of directors, fiscal management, human resources, and professional education and training. She has been fortunate to have lived in Anchorage, Alaska; North Yorkshire, England; and most recently, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Margaret and her husband share a household with two young children and a rotating cast of dogs, cats, fish, and frogs. She can answer questions about new and existing reservations, marketing, programming, newsletters, social media, history, or general information. director@vcconferences.org

Find a Church - Interactive Map With breathtaking natural beauty and devoted communities, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is one of the fastest growing Dioceses in the country. Comprised of six deaneries, representing 15,000 Episcopalians, the Diocese of Western North Carolina supports regional and global mission efforts. Click on one of the areas below to learn more and see a list of churches. Asheville Deanery Western Deanery Mountain Deanery Foothills Deanery Piedmont Deanery Hendersonville Deanery

Diocesan Calendar View our calendar below or visit our Upcoming Events page for more detailed information about select events.

A Reflection on Formation for Children By the Rev. Joslyn Schaefer, Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Less than three years ago, there were no youth programs at Grace. When I was hired as rector, the church decided to make one of its top missional priorities to develop a vibrant ministry to children, youth, and young adults. Now, we approach Christian formation of our young people in three different Sunday School classes. In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for ages 3-6, Christ is the only teacher. The adult in the room is simply the catechist, the one who guides. We use the term “Catechesis” deliberately, to differentiate the child’s spiritual formation from their academic formation where terms like teacher and classroom are used. In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we invite children to recognize and celebrate their innate connection with God through the image of the Good Shepherd. Cultivating and exploring this connection is the child’s “work.” Godly Play is for ages 7 - 11, a great time in a child’s life for discovering more about God and our relationship with our creator. Godly Play is based on a Montessori approach and allows the child to explore their faith through a story and play. Teachers guide the children through the stories, follow each with a time of wondering: What part did you like best? What is the most important part? Which part is about you? Rite 13 is for middle and high schoolers. The teachers of Rite 13 work tirelessly to schedule outings for the group in order to strengthen their bonds with shared activities and learn how they can apply Jesus’ teachings to the real world. This year, they started a compost bin for the church Giving Garden, assisted exuberantly with the Easter Egg Hunt, and led one of the lessons at the Lenten program with insight and laughter. Rite 13 serves as a bridge to help youth transfer into leaders in the church, the community, and beyond. This summer, in lieu of Sunday School and with the help of our Service Intern Madison Owen, we are test-driving Children’s Chapel, an interactive church experience for kids who are too old for the nursery but too young to fully absorb the lessons and Gospel as taught during the service. Children will spend the first half of the service learning the same teachings on a level closer to their mental capacities and will be encouraged to think more deeply about the Scripture through a song, game, or craft. Children’s Chapel is a safe space for the kids to ask questions, strengthen faith, and have fun.

Global Partnerships Mission is the hallmark of our vocation as followers of Jesus. Jesus invited his friends to share with all people everywhere, by word and action, the Good News of God’s love for the whole world. In The Episcopal Church, we understand this movement out into our neighborhoods across the street and communities on the other side of the world must be grounded in relationships of mutual respect, care and trust. Mission is no longer simply an act of benevolent charity; it truly is engaging in relationship building. Haiti LEARN MORE Haiti LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Cuba LEARN MORE Cuba Global Mission Grants Global Mission Grants further support efforts to exemplify Jesus’ promise to bring an abundant life to all, particularly those who due to prejudice, injustice, and poverty, live in scarcity. To learn more about these grants, please click here .

MAIN HEADINGS EPISCOPAL DIOCESE of WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA Episcopal arial black Episcopal proxima nova Episcopal palatino linotype Episcopal barlow medium Episcopal roboto bold Episcopal raleway semibold Episcopal poppins semibold Episcopal cinzel Episcopal oswaldo medium SECONDARY HEADINGS Impact Open Sans Overlock Kepler Questrial Roboto Bold Museo Suez One Spinnaker PARAGRAPH TEXT Libre Baskerville We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. DIN Next light We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Clarendon LT We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Noticia Text We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Palatino Linotype We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Playfair Display We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Times New Roman We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Georgia We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Adobe Caslon We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Tahoma We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Verdana We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village. Proxima Nova We are comprised of over 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations; six summer chapels; two conference centers - Lake Logan Conference Center and Valle Crucis; Deerfield Retirement Community; and Christ School. In addition, we are blessed with the presence of Kanuga Conference Center, serving many local, regional and national bodies within the Episcopal Church. Our cathedral, the Cathedral of All Souls, is located in Asheville at Biltmore Village.

Recursos en español Back Recursos, programmas y servicios en Español para las feligresias y la communidad Latina/Hispanica. Ministerio en Español Recursos en español para ECF Vital Practices (Prácticas Vitales de la Fundación de la Iglesia Episcopal), y seleccione “ECFVP en Español” Si desea recibir correos electrónicos regularmente sobre lo último en español de ECF Vital Practices o para más información, por favor póngase en contacto con Sandra Montes al smontes@episcopalfoundation.org . El Movimiento de Jesús en la Iglesia Episcopal : El obispo presidente Michael B. Curry nos invita a responder al llamado Bienvenidos a la Iglesia Episcopal /Welcome to the Episcopal Church: Scott Gunn; Eduardo Rivera, Ema Rosero-Nordalm A few questions about the Episcopal Church : Manual de Metodo Administrativos Epsanol Facebook: Ministerio Latino WNC latinosepiscopales Instagram: @latinoministrywnc Twitter: @latinoepiscopal Ayuda en español The Rev. Oscar Rozo, Misioner Latino: orozo@diocesewnc.org The Rev. Miguel Alvarez: fr.alvarezmissioner@yahoo.com The Rev. Erin Maxfield-Steele: erinsaintgeorge@gmail.com The Rev. Joslyn Ogden Shaefer: rector@gracewaynesville.com The Rev. Brent Norris: r ector@stmarysasheville.org Pisgah Legal Services -- Asheville Address: 62 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801; Phone: (828) 253-0406; Hendersonville Office -- 440 S. Church Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792: Phone: (828)-692-7622; Rutherfordton Office -- 169 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139; phone: (828)-247-0297.