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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.

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!

A Reflection on Cuba By the Rev. Brent Norris, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Asheville Since 2014, St. Mary's Asheville has been in an intentional relationship with the mission congregation San Felipe el Diacono in Limonar, Cuba. This small but faithful congregation has been meeting in a garden shed since their church was destroyed by a hurricane in the 1970s. St. Mary's, along with congregations in other dioceses, have helped buy an adjacent house that is being renovated for worship, education and fellowship to use while a new church is being built. St. Mary's takes an annual trip to Cuba and the priest of San Felipe el Diacono has visited St. Mary's.

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)

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 .

The Jesus Movement What is the Jesus Movement? We're following Jesus into a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God, with each other, and with earth. How do we participate? First, we follow Jesus. We are simply the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement , seeking every day to love God with our whole heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Just like Jesus. What's the work of the movement? The Jesus Movement takes you places. For the Episcopal Church, it calls us to focus on three specific priorities. EVANGELISM Listen for Jesus' movement in our lives and in the world. Give thanks. Proclaim and celebrate it! Invite the Spirit to do the rest. Inspire Episcopalians to embrace evangelism. Gather Episcopal evangelists. Equip all to be evangelists. Send all as evangelists. RECONCILIATION Embody the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus with each other. Tell the truth about church and race Rewrite the narrative Form Episcopalians as reconcilers Repair and Restore institutions & society CREATION CARE Encounter and honor the face of God in creation Develop creation care resources Grow local eco-ministries Purse eco-justice at church-wide and local level Convene conversations around climate and faith For more information about the Episcopal Church Jesus Movement click here .

The Presiding Bishop event at Trinity Episcopal Church

Communications as Evangelism Workshops The Communications as Evangelism workshop series was offered in the summer of 2023 as a resource for parish administrators, clergy, ministry managers, and anyone involved in church communications or communications for non-profits. 02 Being Present: Websites and the Episcopal Asset Map Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF 01 Being Prepared: Essential Tools for Church Communications Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF 03 Being Seen: Newsletters and Social Media Download Slides PPT (includes notes) Download Slides PDF Download Slides (PPTX with notes) Download Slides (PDF) Being Seen: Media Outreach 04

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.

Poverty & Food Insecurity The Diocese of Western North Carolina is passionately committed to alleviating the immediate needs of those affected by poverty and working to eradicate the interrelated and systemic factors that instigate this condition for so many in our communities and around the world. In particular, our parishes participate in anti-hunger initiatives all across our diocese. From food pantries and community gardens, to soup kitchens and back-pack programs, the Diocese of Western North Carolina supports every effort to assist those in need. A sample of community-based and church-based ministries in Western North Carolina that seek to reduce poverty and hunger in our diocese: Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets , Asheville, NC Bounty and Soul , Black Mountain, NC Cooperative Christian Ministries , Hickory, NC Desoto Square Apartments , Hayesville, NC Hendersonville Rescue Mission , Hendersonville, NC Hunger and Health Coalition , Boone, NC East Lincoln Christian Ministries , Denver, NC Manna Food Bank , Asheville, NC Hospitality House , Boone, NC The Corner Table Soup Kitchen , Newton, NC Parish back-pack programs (Waynesville, Canton, Flat Rock, Asheville, Gastonia, Denver) Parish community gardens (Marion, Bessemer City, Boone, Waynesville, Hickory, Wilkesboro) Parish Food Pantries (Marion, Fletcher, Waynesville) Parish Soup Kitchens and Community Meals (Hickory, Rutherfordton, Shelby)

Racial Reconciliation, Justice, and Equity Click here for a list of resources for dismantling racism and combatting white supremacy. The Diocese of Western North Carolina has a long-standing commitment to dismantling and eradicating racism in our church, communities, and worldwide. We are blessed by the ongoing and compelling work of our diocesan Commission to Dismantle Racism, which exists to name, confess, resist, and confront the sin of racism through prayer, education, advocacy, and action. Learn about the history of the Commission here. While much progress has been made, there is still work to be done to achieve the biblical imperative of unity in Christ. We invite you and your church to join us in this important Gospel imperative. Workshops Facilitators from the Building Beloved Community Commission lead workshops for congregations and other diocesan organizations. Through interactive exercises, videos, and small group discussions, participants explore how institutional and systemic racism impede our ability to create an inclusive community. This workshop helps to raise awareness that dismantling racism is a spiritual discipline grounded in our Baptismal Covenant. For information about offering please visit the Events Page or contact Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert.

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

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 .

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 .

Foundation Grant The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit corporation founded in 1963 by Bishop Henry with an initial gift from Mr. Charles Timson. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter, and the members of the Board of Directors are elected at the annual convention of the Diocese. The Foundation uses the income from its investments to make grants up to $20,000 exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. Parishes and institutions applying for these funds must present their initial request to a joint meeting the board of The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina and the diocesan Finance Committee. Apply for this grant Grant budget form On April 17, the Foundation Board voted effective immediately: To reduce the maximum grant from $20,000 to $15,000, and To restrict the number of application presentations per meeting to no more than 3 including any joint grant/loan combos. This is a permanent change in order to help as many parishes as possible while withdrawing no more than 4% of funds for grants annually. We will no longer roll over any amount unspent in a previous year. It is not unusual to receive a grant award for less than the amount requested due to the increase in applications in the post-Covid era. You may also consider applying for an interest-free loan from the Diocese.

Back Safeguarding & Securing Our Churches Below you will find resources for you and your parish to help ensure a safe church for all. If you have any further questions or need help with Safe Church, Safe Communities Training, please contact the Director for Lifelong Christian Formation, Eden Lewis. The web address for online training is https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining safe churches and activities for everyone. The Diocese of Western North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training. All Safe Church, Safe Communities Training is done through online modules by Praesidium Academy . Every church is encouraged to assign an administrator to keep track of parishioners' training. If you need help setting up an administrator, please get in touch with Eden Lewis. Who is required to take Safeguarding Training? All clergy—whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise—who are engaged in any ministry or service to the church. All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs, or activities for children or youth. All persons who teach, supervise, or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs, or activities more than occasionally. All persons who provide transportation to children or youth more than occasionally. All paid or volunteer church personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds, and/or who interact regularly with church members or the community. Safe Church, Safe Community Training Guidelines Clergy, Staff, and Vestry Volunteers FAQS for Learners FAQS for Administrators Resources for Securing Our Churches Safe Church Policies There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages. Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Background Checks Clergy, Staff, Vestry members, or those who supervise or transport children and youth are required to undergo a background check every five years. We are currently updating our Background Checks service, and will update with new information when we have it. Additional Resources Model policy for parishes Sample application for employees or volunteers Guidelines for Social Media

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.

What does it mean to be an Episcopalian? IT MEANS being a part of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus Movement. IT MEANS being a part of a community of 2.2 million other Episcopalians in 110 diocese in the Americas and abroad. IT MEANS being a part of the world-wide Anglican Communion since the Episcopal Church has it's roots in the Church of England. IT MEANS loving Jesus and following his teachings by welcoming the stranger and the outcast, offering love and forgiveness to all. IT MEANS gathering around the Lord's table as a symbol of our unity. IT MEANS promising to love our neighbors as ourselves, and uphold the dignity of every human being – no exceptions. IT MEANS celebrating a diversity of people and worship styles even as we all practice a similar form of worship set out in the Book of Common Prayer. IT MEANS striving to be a faith community that both respects our religious tradition while also embracing a profound sense of awe and wonder in the mystery of God. IT MEANS practicing "via media" – or the middle way – in all that we do because we believe that, regardless of our views on particular topics, everyone is beloved by God, and Jesus calls us to always demonstrate respect and care in our deliberations. IT MEANS believing the Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, who inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. IT MEANS participating in a unique structure of community. In the Episcopal Church, the ministers are all the baptized people of God, not just the ordained clergy. The word “episcopal” is an old Greek word for bishop. Bishops, along with other elected leaders, oversee the Church in particular geographic areas, known as dioceses. Each bishop and those elected leaders in the diocese, operating through a local annual convention, determine the character of life and work in that diocese within a set of general decisions made by a triennial General Convention of The Episcopal Church. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina welcomes you! Resources for Newcomers Find a Church in WNC

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

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