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Grants & Loans The Diocese of Western North Carolina is blessed with resources to support parishes and diocesan-affiliated organizations with additional financial support in the form of grants and loans. There are several grants available that offer funds for different purposes. Likewise, the Executive Council of the diocese approves, with the recommendation of the diocesan Finance committee, loans for the purpose of church property restoration and improvement. Below you will find more information on each grant and loan available in the diocese, including helpful general information and the particular application for each funding source. Grant applications and questions may be directed to Canon Augusta. Restoration Application for Restoration Loans and Foundation Grants Restoration Loan or Foundation Grant General Information General General Grant application Please specify which grant you are applying for on the application (see details below). General Grant budget form Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants The Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants support the development of outreach programs for and with children in need. Special consideration will be given to applications that envision children serving children. Applications for these grants are due no later than June 30. Detailed instructions and parameters. St. Hilda's Press Grant The St. Hilda's Press Grant is intended to support congregations in printing projects, such as church history or other publishing projects related to the parish. Sustainable Development/Global Mission Grants Funds from the Global Mission Committee support international and domestic projects. Preference will be given to applications with stated purpose related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Applications for these grants are due no later than May 1. Questions regarding Global Mission Grants can be directed to The Rev. Clare Barry, Deacon . Sustainable Development/Global Mission Grant Instructions Justice and Outreach Grants The Justice and Outreach Committee will consider grant proposals for diocesan initiatives that meet the following funding criteria: Engages people in ministry that is focused on a justice and outreach issue, builds capacity in the local community and/or across the diocese to improve the quality of life for the poor, lonely, and/or disenfranchised through collaboration, has an end result that transforms the community and/or the diocese. Congregational Vitality Grants 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 Congregational Vitality grant in the previous year. Foundation Grants 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.

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

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

Convention Homepage Accommodations Accommodations at Lake Logan have been reserved for those in our diocese who are located roughly 2+ hours away. Those eligible for this lodging have already been identified and will be notified in the near future. We have curated the following recommendations for others looking for local accommodations. AirBnB or VRBO may have suitable options as well. Hilton Garden Inn - Asheville South 9 Rocky Ridge Rd Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 633-6024 Holiday Inn - Biltmore West 435 Smokey Park Hwy Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 665-2161 Best Western Smoky Mountains 130 Shiloh Tr. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-4402 Waynesville Inn by Hilton 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3551

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!

Recovery Ministries The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the wellbeing and wholeness of every child of God and support efforts that equip and empower individuals to acknowledge their addictions and take the necessary steps toward health and sobriety. You can learn more by visiting the diocesan Recovery Ministry website here . For more information, contact the Rev. Deacon Priscilla Wodehouse , Director of Recovery for the WNC Episcopal Diocese. Deacon Wodehouse is available to arrange for Traveling Recovery Eucharist at your church or receive copies of the Recovery Eucharist liturgy. Additional contact information for getting help for you or someone you love: Alcoholics Anonymous: 800-524-0465 24 Hour Hotline: 800-431-5080; 800-299-6317; 800-713-7516 Be inspired by Beau’s Story .

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

Chancellor of the Diocese The Chancellor is the attorney for the diocese. He or she has seat and voice on the Executive Council, is a member of the Trustees, and advises the Bishop, the Standing Committee, the Executive Council and the Trustees concerning all questions of law.

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)

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

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

Financial Resources The Diocese of Western North Carolina is dedicated to helping provide financial resources as we look forward to the future of ministry. To find more information about diocesan Grants and Loans, please visit our Grants and Loans page or contact our Chief Financial Officer at cfocarol@diocesewnc.org Diocesan Financial Resources First Webinar on the CARES Act and Family First Act with CFO Carol Tannenbaum Powerpoint Presentation for First Webinar on CARES & Family First Acts Online Payment Resources Give+ - Use your mobile devise to make secure donations to any church VANCO - Everything you need to take electronic donations and stay connected Network for Good - Reach your fundraising goals with all-in-one donor management software Paypal - An easy online payment service to help keep all payments in one place Tithe.ly - Increase giving and engagement with tools built for churches and ministries Stripe - Build powerful and flexible tools for internet commerce Additional Options Regarding ACS - Read more about online giving options epending on a parish's use of ACS software Support Local Agencies Pisgah Legal Services - Pisgah Legal Services seeks to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western North Carolina meet their basic needs and improve their lives. Red Door Ministry - This worship center offers basic resources, a safe haven and an accepting community to the homeless and under housed. Second Harvest Food Barn - Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina strives through education, advocacy, and partnerships to eliminate hunger by the solicitation and distribution of food. Samaritan Kitchen of Wilkes - Food pantry feeding the hungry in Wilkes Country, NC.

Whova Tutorials Convention Homepage We will be using an event and conferencing app called Whova to facilitate voting, share documents, and help stay connected for Convention. Find guides and video tutorials from Whova at these links: • Whova How-to Guide for Attendees • Whova User Guide If you have any trouble with the app, please reach out to our Missioner for Communications, Katie Knowles , or call the diocesan office. We will be happy to help you. Download Whova

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.

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

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

The Presiding Bishop event at Trinity Episcopal Church

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.

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 .

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.