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

Health Insurance This page contains important information about our 2026 Health Benefits and Open Enrollment. You can find general information on Open Enrollment here . View the Open Enrollment Guide from CPG here . Church Pension Group Medical and Dental Enrollment Form . Find information on 2024 Vision Coverage here . View the Network Access Instructions here . See the Diocesan Health Policy as adopted by the Executive Council Diocese of Western North Carolina.

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

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.

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

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 .

Give to our Hurricane Helene Relief fund today. Support our ministries. Donate Now to Support Diocesan Ministries DONATE We are grateful for your generous donations as they help the ministries of our diocese flourish. To donate, Click the button above. Use the drop down menu to give a general donation through "General Donation" or to any of our specific ministries listed below. Diocesan Ministries and Funds 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. Please consider donating so this vital ministry and growing partnership can continue. Spanish-Speaking Ministries 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. Forming and Supporting 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. Likewise, our Curacy program will help us 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." Seminarian Fund Please join us in creating leaders for our church and diocese. The Seminarian Fund helps students with funding for tuition, books, and living expenses. This is not only beneficial to them in the immediate future, but also long-term, as it decreases post graduation debt. Church of the Advocate The Red Door is a place to be in community with others, find acceptance, and create lasting friendships. The Red Door provides not only worship services for those in the community, but has many active ministries, including their First Aid station, The Basics Supply Closet, Sole Mate Shoe Closet, and more. The Red Door clergy, staff and community are active participants in and host monthly meetings of The Homeless Coalition of Asheville to listen and share with other agencies, ministries and organizations so that they know the resources available to those in need and how they can best be accessed. Blue Ridge Service Corps Blue Ridge Service Corps is our diocesan service corps program. The mission of this program is to continue the perpetual spirit of Western North Carolina by building up brave leaders, engaging with our communities to strengthen our relationships with young adults, and expand young adult ministry. Our corps members serve at local nonprofits for a 9-month commitment. Give to Blue Ridge Service Corps here. Empower Youth and 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. Support our Conference Ceters Our Camp and Conference Centers Please consider donating to our Diocesan Camp and Conference Centers if you are able. Click on a center to visit their specific giving page. Camp Henry LEARN MORE Camp Henry LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN 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.

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

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

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 .

A History of the Episcopal Diocese in Western North Carolina Our Story The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina formally began in 1922, when the Missionary District of Asheville, a part of the Diocese of North Carolina, became a separate and independent Diocese of its own. But we believe our story is deeper and richer than one historical event. Indeed, the foundation of The Episcopal Church in the Blue Ridge Mountains is built upon a fundamental appreciation of the sacred nature of our geography, the perseverance of the early settlers, the humility of our missionaries, and the pioneering spirit of those who worked to exemplify the radical hospitality of God’s love to all people. We welcome you to discover more of our story and the stories of those who came before us. Indeed, these particular men and women, and many others not mentioned here, all contributed to the abiding character of our diocesan family and continue to inspire us to bear witness to the Gospel imperatives of compassion, justice, reconciliation and joy. Next Page >>> Origins LEARN MORE Origins LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle

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

Empowering Youth and Young Adults Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way of Jesus, change the world." Our youth, young adult, and college campus programs are structured to supplement the youth and young adult ministry programs of local parishes. Youth LEARN MORE Youth LEARN MORE LEARN MORE College Campuses LEARN MORE College Campuses LEARN MORE Young Adults LEARN MORE Young Adults

A Reflection on Cuba By Jack Watson, St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville A group from St. James, Hendersonville has made two trips to Cuba in the past three years and has found the Episcopal Church there to be vibrant and very much alive. As a result of these visits, St. James has established a relationship of prayer and support with nine congregations in the eastern end of the Island -- all Faith Communities which otherwise have very little companionship support from parishes outside Cuba. One of these nine churches is mentioned each Sunday in the Prayers of Intercession of the Eucharist. While the Episcopal Church in Cuba is rich in faith, it is severely lacking in financial resources and over the past three years St. James has funded the renovation of a badly deteriorated house into a House of Worship for San Joaquin, Bayamo; assisted with the replacement of a roof for Transfiguration, Tabor; funded the replacement of a roof of the rectory of San Lucas, Santiago (which was badly damaged by Hurricane Matthew); and, through a generous anonymous gift, purchased a house to be used for a House of Worship for San Pedro, Jiqui -- a mission congregation whose building was destroyed by a hurricane 33 years ago. The Cuban Church is indeed poor in material things; however, it is a faith-filled community which is manifested by the vibrancy of its worship, its outreach, and its growth. St. James is the richer for participating in this fellowship.

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

Exploring Our Churches Piedmont Area Up Back to Find a Church The Piedmont Deanery sits just west of the City of Charlotte. Due to its proximity to Charlotte the area has a different feel and culture than the rest of the Diocese and might be best described as blending cosmopolitan feel with undeniable Southern charm. The Piedmont Deanery has 10 Episcopal churches. Being one of the two farthest deaneries from Asheville, the clergy meet regularly for support and in order to share ministries. Major cities: Bessemer City Denver Gastonia Lincolnton Rutherfordton Shelby All Saints Episcopal Church 1201 S New Hope Rd Gastonia, NC 28054 http://www.allsaintsgastonia.org/ (704) 864-7201 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 1303 N 12th St Bessemer City, NC 28016 Facebook page (704) 629-3021 St. Luke's Episcopal Church 315 N Cedar Street Lincolnton, NC 28092 https://www.stlukeslincolnton.com/ (704) 240-3332 Our Saviour Episcopal Church 1128 Hwy 182 Lincolnton, NC 28092 Facebook page (704) 735-4810 St. Francis Episcopal Church 408 N Main St Rutherfordton, NC 28139 www.stfrancisrutherfordton.org/ (828) 287-3888 St. Mark's Episcopal Church 258 West Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC 28052 http://www.stmarksgastonia.org/ (704) 864-4531 Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 502 W. Sumter St. Shelby, NC 28150 https://www.redeemershelby.com/ (704) 487-5404 St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church 330 North Ridgecrest Avenue Rutherfordton, NC Facebook page ((704) 215-1882 The Episcopal Church of St. Peter by the lake 8433 Fairfield Forest Road Denver, North Carolina 28037 www.saintpeterbythelake.net/ (704) 483-3460

Zoom Links for Convention Convention Homepage We look forward to seeing you at Convention! Please find the Zoom link below. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time so we may begin promptly at 9AM on November 13th. Dio WNC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: 99th Annual Convention Time: Nov 13, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81896509591?pwd=ZkRCTVdrdmpSZHVTbWYyY3o0R2JSUT09 Meeting ID: 818 9650 9591 Passcode: 752143

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

Western Deanery Confirmation Day On Sunday, September 12, Bishop José gathered with parishioners from four parishes in our Western Deanery--St. Andrews, Canton, St. John's, Sylva, St. David's, Cullowhee, and Grace, Waynesville--at Lake Logan to celebrate confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations. Many thanks to all of the wonderful people who made this day possible! Photos by Cameron Adams Photography. Click here to visit Cameron's website and Instagram .