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

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.

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.

Resources In this section, you'll find information about parish administration and operation, finance, ministries, forms, training, grants, and educational materials, as well as a repository of other documents that support you and your church community to participate in God’s mission. One important resource that is essential for all leaders in the church are the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Western North Carolina . Every leader is encouraged to review them, especially as it pertains to their specific area of ministry. This area will be updated frequently as we gather and refine resources. Our Constitution and Canons TEC Constitution and Canons Parish Administration & Leadership LEARN MORE Parish Administration & Leadership LEARN MORE Safeguarding and Securing our Churches LEARN MORE Safeguarding and Securing our Churches LEARN MORE Liturgy and Worship LEARN MORE Liturgy and Worship LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Clergy LEARN MORE Clergy Advent Formation Resources LEARN MORE Lent & Easter Formation Resources LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Grants & Loans LEARN MORE Grants & Loans LEARN MORE En Español LEARN MORE En Español Ordinary Time Formation Resources LEARN MORE

New Delegate Orientation Convention Homepage The New Delegate Orientation meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 29 at 6 p.m. New delegates will need to register for this orientation event and we will then email all new delegates the Zoom link Register for New Delegate Orientation

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 .

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

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

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! Continue exploring... Resources for Newcomers Find a Church in WNC

Christian Formation for Children Engaging children and families to grow in their relationship with God and Jesus is a sacred ministry of the Christian community. Below are reflections and helpful words of wisdom from local parish faith formation leaders: A word from Beth Chestnut – Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville A word from The Rev. Joslyn Schaefer – Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Here are a variety of curriculum resources for faith formation: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Digital Devotional Godly Play Building Faith Weaving God’s Promises Children's Sabbath Resources Here are a variety of curriculum resources for faith formation: Sticky Faith , by Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clack The 5 Love Languages of Children and The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers , by Gary Chapman Shepherding a Childs Heart , by Tedd Tripp A Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis , by Rich Van Pelt and Jim Hancock Connecting Church and Home , by Tim Kimmel Raising Wise Children , by Mark Matlock

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

Core Values, Identity, & Mission The mission for our Centennial Celebration gatherings is to honor and celebrate our stories, highlight our core values, and cast a vision for next 100 years. We are honored to do it alongside you, our parishioners, clergy, and staff. As we celebrate 100 years of being an established diocese, we also reflect on the many ways we have fallen short. From the church's treatment of our native brothers and sisters to the lack of representation for marginalized communities in church spaces, we confess we, as the people of God, have not always lived into our baptismal vows. As we look forward into the next 100 years and beyond, may we center our focus on being a living example of God's love in the world. This begins with each one of us. Below, please explore our core values and mission as a diocese or click here to find stories of how we have lived into these values, past, present, and future. Missionary Zeal Many of our early diocesan communities have roots as missionary outposts. Since the beginning, our diocese has identified with a strong passion for mission and with sharing the good news of God through word or action. To learn more about our passion for mission, please visit our history page . Love of Jesus Our shared love of Jesus is at the root of all that we do as a diocese and a community of faith. As Christians, we follow Jesus in the Way of Love by serving and caring for all of God’s people. To learn more about what we believe, please visit our What Is An Episcopalian and The Way of Love pages. Spirit of Adventure and Resourcefulness Like many who call Appalachia home, our stories are rooted in people who yearned for simplicity of life and for a connection with nature. This is reflected through the enduring spirit from which many of our churches were founded. To learn more, please visit our Mountain Missionary Spirit page. Justice Our diocese is committed to embodying and practicing the way of Jesus so that all people may participate in the life-giving and liberating love of God. Engaging our communities through local service and action reflects our commitment to live into our Baptismal Covenant. Learn more about some of the ways we engage our communities here . Service Service in the name of Jesus calls us to respond, by word and action, to the needs of all of God’s people. We are passionate about discerning the many ways we can serve alongside and in solidarity with others not only in Western North Carolina but also beyond in the wider world. To learn more about some of the ways we serve in our local communities and beyond, go to our Local Action and Global Partnerships pages. Hospitality Hospitality is an extension of service and love of Jesus. It means welcoming people right where they are in their lives and creating space for belonging and worth. Love of Creation We are blessed to call the beauty of Western North Carolina home and as Christians we are called to steward this gift. As a diocese, we strive to keep creation care as an integral part of our mission, paying attention to the needs of our environment with every action. Learn more on our Creation Care page. Ability to Look Back While Moving Forward We recognize that in order to consider what God is calling us to do going forward, we must be able to reflect on the past. As disciples of Jesus committed to Building Beloved Community, we believe we must tell the truth about our own history and discern who we can repair the wrongs we have committed. Doing so empowers us to walk the Way of Jesus more faithfully for the next 100 years.

Convention Photos 2018

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

Clean-Up Day at La Capilla

Learn about the bishop's three focus areas for the coming year, and learn how you can support these ministries by becoming a Partner in Mission. Partners in Mission Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As your bishop, I’m asking for your help in sustaining the future of our diocese. As we look to where we want to be in the coming years, I ask that you consider walking with me as a Partner in Mission. I’ve spent the last two years traveling across our diocese. I have visited your communities, I have listened to you, I have worshiped with you, and I have prayed with you for a better tomorrow. We all have different ministries that are close to our hearts, and everything you do in Christ’s name is important to our communities. But I have heard from you, and you have helped me discern, that there are some specific ministries that need our attention and focus. I invite you to participate with me in three mission areas for the coming year. First, we need to continue to empower Youth & Young Adults . Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way, widen the walls, and wake up the world." Our youth, young adult and college campus programs are structured to supplement the youth and young adult ministry programs of local parishes. Our young people are thriving where they find vibrant faith communities of their peers, but we know that too often something happens that disconnects them from the Church. We need to offer leadership opportunities for our youth and young adults at every level of church and diocesan life so they can contribute their voices to our mission and ministries and be empowered to make a difference in their communities. We need to be a steadfast presence in their lives and we need to invite them to partake fully in our shared faith. Diocesan youth events, ministries at local colleges and universities and, young adult discernment and mission activities, these are all ways that we are already connecting with our youth and young adults. I am excited to see what they can do as we continue to put our faith and resources behind them. My second area of focus is something that has personal meaning for me. As a bilingual speaker, I know that too often language is a barrier to people coming together in common worship. Since the days of Bishop Johnson, continuing through Bishop Taylor’s time at the diocese, we have made our Spanish-speaking ministries a focus in the diocese. Today, we have a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with mission sites across the diocese, numerous parishes serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Latino missioners. But we still have a long way to go to make our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters truly a part of our community. Christ knew too well the burden of being a stranger in a new land, one who is often not welcomed and even feared. Our Spanish-speaking brothers and sisters still experience undue hardships and intolerance that are the opposite of Christ’s love, and we need to show them that our hearts—and our resources—are with them. My vision is that our diocese can become a standard for welcoming Spanish-speakers to the table – not just to worship in separate languages at separate places, but to become our friends, our partners, our leaders, our inspiration. In Western North Carolina, we are blessed by an increasing multi-cultural society and God is inviting us to participate in building beloved community among “every language, people and nation.” Every effort, including enhancing and expanding our Spanish-speaking ministries, re-envisioning an ecumenical partnership in Cherokee, honoring our historically black churches, and engaging in dismantling racism, are examples of Jesus’ mission to widen the walls so every child of God can participate at the Lord’s table. It is only by listening to all people in our communities that we can speak as one voice to glorify our Lord. Finally, the third mission priority is the way we form and support the men and women this diocese raises up for ordination as deacons and priests. We do this first by offering additional formational opportunities for those individuals who are called to serve as priests in non-traditional settings, including bi-vocational priests in small congregations. The IONA School for Ministry is an Episcopal program that can be implemented and led at the local level. Through rigorous academic reflection and study, practicums and independent learning, postulants attend monthly gatherings with local diocesan faculty and mentors. IONA will also allow us to bring together those studying for the Diaconate and those studying for the Priesthood and form a more collaborative learning community. In addition, the IONA school for ministry will allow us to develop curriculum to train the lay leaders of our diocese. Likewise, through our Curacy program, I want us to be intentional about how we encourage, place and support our newly ordained priests so that they can better enhance the life of the diocese, and so that they are better positioned to be successful and motivated to lead us into the future. By putting resources into this program, we can retain good clergy and provide the necessary post-graduation training and vocational development. I hope hearing about these three areas of focus invigorates you as much as it does for me to talk about them. I’m truly excited about the future of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina and the many ways we are working together to build vital communities of faith and make a difference in our world. I’m pleased to ask you to join me as a Partner in Mission. By focusing new resources on these mission areas, I am confident that we will have a growing, vibrant community of faith for many years to come. Please consider your contribution to become a Partner in Mission with me. Finally, we are offering a Bishop José bobblehead with every gift of $100 or more. My staff and I have had a lot of fun coming up with this playful memento of our partnership. I hope it can be a heartwarming reminder of how God delights in who we are and our faithful partnership in the mission of Jesus Christ. I give thanks for you in my life and in the life of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Blessings, Bishop José Every donation of $100 or more receives a Bishop José Bobblehead doll! Please add $8 for shipping, or indicate that you will pick up your Bobblehead in the comments section. DONATE NOW • Download this letter • Watch the video

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

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.

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

Beau's Story My mother was an alcoholic and my father died of alcoholism when I was 16. All I remember were the fights between my parents and then my mother's embarrassing behavior when she was falling down drunk. At sports, PTA, and when my friends visited. I swore I would never be like either one of them. Then one day it happened. I found myself looking into the mirror at the same face I remembered seeing every morning. Swollen eyes, puffy face, black and blues everywhere and I couldn't remember where I'd left my car, or, who this person was in my bed. After fighting getting help, I thought I would ask a friend that went to AA if he thought I was an alcoholic. He put his arm around me and said, "I don't know. Only you know. But if you'd like to join me at a meeting, I'd love to take you." I couldn't believe how kind everyone was. I felt so broken and thought these people are willing to catch me in my brokenness and teach me how to live without drinking. I can't say I made it the first time, but now I have 2 years and my life has totally changed. I love my job, my family loves me and I have hope for the future. No amount of drinking ever made me feel this good. Beau P. Don't quit before the miracle!