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Trustees Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance Trustees hold title to and administer all real properties and all entrusted funds not owned by congregations; the Trustees are responsible for the administration of a significant portion of Diocesan trust funds. They meet approximately six times a year. Elected members having served a full term shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of one year. The Trustees of the diocese shall consist of the Bishop, the Chancellor, the Treasurer and five additional lay persons as members at large. Terms are five years. Current members: The Rt. Rev. José A. Mcloughlin, Bishop Ed Bleynat, Chair – through 2024 Greg Hildebran, Chancellor – ex officio Jack Parsons, Treasurer – ex officio Jillian Ballard – through 2024 James Bowden – through 2026 Unelected slot for the 2022–2026 term Unelected slot for the 2022–2025 term

Nominations and Resolutions Convention Homepage Nominations Every year there are several opportunities for people to serve in leadership roles in the Diocese. You are invited to prayerfully discern for yourself or other individuals who may be called to offer their gifts and talents in service to the Church. The deadline for nominations is October 20, 2025 . Any late nominations will need to submit a PDF copy of the nomination form linked below, as well as a Motion to Suspend the Rule. At the appointed time, the Nominator needs to make a motion from the virtual floor of convention that the rules be suspended so that the nomination be considered and accepted. Offices to be Elected Memo Resolutions Every year members of the Diocese are welcome to submit resolutions for the business of the Diocese. It is essential for delegates to review resolutions prior to convention. Resolutions Memo SUBMIT RESOLUTION SUBMIT NOMINATION

A Reflection on Haiti By Alister Brady, member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Highlands Since 2001, the Church of the Incarnation has partnered with Haitians on projects in one of the poorest parts of the country, the Central Plateau. Through our visits, connections have formed between the hundreds of Americans who have traveled with us and Haitian friends, resulting in learning how people there live and motivating us to help. We have built an Episcopal school and a church, provided teachers' salaries for several schools, have sent a number of students to college and graduate programs, have provided goats to families, have supported projects to raise fish to eat and for sale and garden projects that have fed people while teaching new farming techniques.

Our Diocesan Partner Institutions Christ School The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina has a longstanding history of setting aside the necessary resources to provide educational opportunities for rural mountain children when there were no public schools in our region. Founded in 1900 by Father Thomas Wetmore and his wife Susan Allen Wetmore, Christ School was a mission of the Episcopal Church for both boys and girls, teaching classic academic subjects as well as technical trades and industrial arts and crafts. In 1927, the school became a college preparatory Episcopal boarding and day school for boys. Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community Founded in 1955, Bishop George Henry worked to establish a faith-based, non-profit retirement community. Two generous donors caught Bishop Henry’s vision and Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community was established. Guided by Christian ideals, Deerfield offers a continuum of care to all people to promote independence and the highest quality of life and to provide physical and financial security.

Exploring Our Churches Asheville Area Up Back to Find a Church Centered in the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to the Diocesan offices and The Cathedral of All Souls, the Asheville Deanery covers two counties and holds twelve parishes. St. Matthias Episcopal Church, one of the oldest parishes in the diocese, was founded in 1865 for freed slaves. While Asheville is the most populous city in the Diocese, the deanery extends into the rural mountains. Major cities: Asheville Arden Black Mountain Mars Hill The Cathedral of All Souls 9 Swan Street Asheville, NC 28803 www.allsoulscathedral.org/ (828) 274-2681 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit 433 Bone Camp Road Marshall, NC 28753 www.holyspiritwnc.org/ (828) 689-2517 St. James Episcopal Church 424 W. State Street Black Mountain, NC 28711 https://stjameswnc.org/ 828-669-2754 St. Mary's Episcopal Church 337 Charlotte Street Asheville, NC 28801 http://www.stmarysasheville.org/ (828) 254-5836 Church of the Advocate 60 Church St Asheville, NC 28801 http://www.reddooravl.org/ (828) 253-9361 Episcopal Church of the Redeemer 1201 Riverside Dr Asheville, North Carolina 28804 https://churchoftheredeemer-episcopal.com/ Phone (828) 253-3588 St. John's Episcopal Church 290 Old Haw Creek Rd. Asheville NC 28805 https://stjohnsasheville.org/ (828) 298-3553 St. Matthias Episcopal Church 1 Dundee St Asheville, NC 28801 https://stmatthiasepiscopal.org (828) 285-0033 Grace Episcopal Church 871 Merrimon Avenue Asheville, NC 28804 https://www.graceavl.com/ (828) 254-1086 St. Giles Chapel at Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community 1617 Hendersonville Road Asheville, North Carolina 28803 https://deerfieldwnc.org/ St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 219 Chunns Cove Road Asheville, NC 28805 http://stlukesavl.org/ (828) 254-2133 Trinity Episcopal Church 60 Church Street Asheville, North Carolina 28801 http://www.trinityasheville.org/ (828) 253.9361

Committee on Constitution and Canons Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Committee on Constitution and Canons consists of members of the Diocese nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority and elected by the Convention of the Diocese. The committee serves to receive, consider, and review any proposed amendments, edits, and changes to the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Western North Carolina brought to the committee by the Convention. The committee works between conventions of the diocese and brings recommendations to the Convention based on its work in the preceeding year. 2024 Members Mr. Greg Hilderbran, Chancellor (ex officio ) The Rev. Toni Belhu The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene The Rev. Logan Lovelace Mr. Philip Wertz

Registration for Convention Convention Homepage Every lay delegate, clergy, guest, and visitor to Convention must register for Diocesan Convention. Please follow the links below to find the online registration form. CONVENTION REGISTRATION (NOV. 8)

Exploring Our Churches: Western Area Up Back to Find a Church The Western deanery is blessed with the natural beauty and culture of two national forests within the Appalachian Mountains, the grandeur of the Great Smoky National Park, the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. It is home to Lake Logan Episcopal Center, John Campbell Folk School and a sovereign nation recognized by the federal government. The Eastern Band of Cherokee resides in their traditional homelands with a history that spans the millennia. Major cities: Canton Cashiers Cullowhee Franklin Hayesville Highlands Murphy Robbinsville Sylva Waynesville All Saints Episcopal Church St. Agnes Chapel: 66 Church St. St. Cyprian's Chapel: 216 Roller Mill Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 www.allsaintsfranklin.org 828-524-4910 Grace Mountainside Church 129 S. Main Street Robbinsville, NC 28771 www.luther95.com/GMLEF-RNC/ (828) 479-1184 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 495 Herbert Hills Drive Hayesville, NC 28904 goodshepherdhayesville.org (828) 389-3397 St. David's Episcopal Church 385 Forest Hills Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 www.stdavidscullowhee.org/ (828) 331-1427 Church of the Good Shepherd 1448 Highway 107 South Cashiers, North Carolina 28717 www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com (828) 743-2359 St. John's Episcopal Church 18 Jackson Street Sylva, NC 28779 https://www.saintjohnssylva.org/ (828) 586-8358 Episcopal Church of the Messiah 76 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC 28906 www.messiahmurphy.com (828) 837-2021 St John's Episcopal Church 542 St Johns Church Road Franklin, NC 28734 https://www.stjohnscartoogechaye.com/ (828) 524-6370 Grace Church in the Mountains 394 N. Haywood Street Waynesville, NC 28786 www.gracewaynesville.com (828) 456-6029 Church of the Incarnation 520 Main Street @ 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 www.incarnationwnc.org (828) 526-2968 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 99 Academy Street Canton, NC 28716 http://www.standrewscanton.org/ (828) 648-7550 Whiteside Summer Chapel Cashiers, NC 28717 www.thesummerchapel.org/ (828) 553-8912

Community Engagement "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." (Matthew 25:35-36) In The Episcopal Church, our vocation as followers of Jesus is guided by the Baptismal Covenant. The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to embodying and practicing the way of Jesus in every facet of our common life, so that we may cultivate loving, life-giving and liberating relationships with God, with each other and with our own self. Below you will find areas of social engagement the diocese and many of our parishes actively support. If you are new, we invite you to explore the eight topics described and to join us in these vital endeavors. Civil Discourse LEARN MORE Civil Discourse LEARN MORE Dismantle Racism LEARN MORE Dismantle Racism LEARN MORE Immigration LEARN MORE Immigration LEARN MORE LGBTQ+ LEARN MORE LGBTQ+ LEARN MORE Poverty and Food Insecurity LEARN MORE Poverty and Food Insecurity LEARN MORE Environment LEARN MORE Environment LEARN MORE Prison Ministries LEARN MORE Prison Ministries LEARN MORE Recovery Ministries LEARN MORE Recovery Ministries LEARN MORE

Celebrating our Centennial We honor and remember our stories of things done and left undone as we envision and build for our next 100 years through our mission to proclaim the life-giving and liberating love of Jesus and serve all God's people. In 2022 the Diocese of Western North Carolina celebrated 100 years as an established diocese. As part of this celebration, we shared the stories of the diocese and discerned new opportunities to grow as a diocesan community. Centennial Resources and Reflections Scenes from Convention 2022 and Revival View photos and videos from our Centennial Celebration Weekend and Centennial Convention with special guest Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Introducing our New Diocesan Seal In honor of our Centennial Year, we are updating our Diocesan Seal to better reflect our continued journey towards Becoming Beloved Community and who we are as a diocese. Who We Are, Where We've Been, Where We're Going Watch this short documentary about the past, present, and future of The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina as we celebrate 100 years and anticipate the next 100. Learn more about our Core Values, Identity, and Mission As we celebrate our Centennial, we also reflect on what we hope to achieve moving forward as a diocese. Learn more about our Core Values, Diocesan Identity, and Mission for the Centennial year and beyond. Explore our "Unlearning Library" Find resources intended to help "unlearn" inherent biases. With a focus on voices of color, this library is intended to help us reflect on the ways we can continue to build beloved community as we approach the next 100 years. See Pictures from our Deanery Dinners Members of each deanery were invited to a dinner celebration with Bishop José to discuss the past and future of this diocese and join in community together throughout May and June 2022.

La Virgen de Guadalupe The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (La Virgen de Guadalupe) is a tradition originating in Mexico, celebrated on December 12th each year. Learn more about the tradition in this short video and look at these photos below to see how it is celebrated at our very own Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville, NC.

Liturgy & Worship Resources Back The following are external links to online liturgy and worship resources. Prayer Resources The Book of Common Prayer The Revised Common Lectionary – text of upcoming Sunday Bible readings. The Daily Office -Morning and Evening Prayer for the current week, complete with lectionary readings and canticles. http://www.missionstclare.com http://dailyoffice.org/ Anglican Cycle of Prayer Cycle of Prayer Diocesan Cycle of Prayer (2025–2026) Forward Day by Day Lectionary Page - A Liturgical calendar with links to the lessons for Sundays and major Holy Days. Music Resources Anglican Online Hymnal Material in the public domain from four Anglican hymnals, including Hymnal 1979, organized both according to the Christian year and theological topics. Includes additional information about the texts. Oremus Hymnal - Over 950 Christian hymns and Gospel songs from a variety of denominations. Includes lyrics, sound, background information, photos, links, and downloadable MIDI files. Bible Resources Bible Gateway - Offers many versions in languages including Greek and Hebrew, with excellent search capabilities, both for chapter and verse searches and for keyword and phrase searches. Available at no cost. Oremus Bible Resource includes comparisons of versions including the NRSV.

Deanery Dinners Thank you for joining us at our Deanery Dinners with Bishop José! We enjoyed joining you for fellowship, community, and discussion surrounding our diocesan history and future. Click below to check out the photos from these fun celebrations in our beautiful Diocese of Western North Carolina. Bessemer City Denver Gastonia Lincolnton Rutherfordton Shelby PIEDMONT DEANERY - The Laboratory Mill, Lincolnton Hickory Lenoir Marion Morganton Newton Wilkesboro Little Switzerland FOOTHILLS DEANERY - The Double J Farm, Lenoir Boone Blowing Rock Burnsville Glendale Springs Linville Newland Sparta Spruce Pine Valle Crucis MOUNTAIN DEANERY - The Mill at Rock Creek, Boone Bat Cave Brevard Cedar Mountain Edneyville Flat Rock Fletcher Hendersonville Lake Toxaway Mills River Saluda Tryon HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY - Point Lookout Vineyards Canton Waynesville Sylva Cullowhee Franklin Hayesville Cashiers Highlands Murphy Robbinsville WESTERN DEANERY - The Lodge at Cat Creek, Franklin Asheville Arden Black Mountain Mars Hill ASHEVILLE DEANERY - Governor's Western Residence, Asheville

Worship Resources During these unique times, we understand that worship may not look like it always has. As a diocese, we celebrate the unique forms of worship that take place across WNC and want to help you facilitate a worship experience that is comfortable for everyone. We hope the resources below will be a good starting point. Have a resource you want to add to the list? Email our Missioner for Communications at vtaylor@diocesewnc.org Online Texts and Resources The Book of Common Prayer Electronic Common Prayer App Daily Prayer from Forward Day by Day Lenten Morning Prayers PDF Download Episcopal Prayer on "Alexa" Pray As You Go Worship at Home Resources ChurchNext - Engaging and convenient online learning from Episcopal experts Connected in Common - Home based worship and connection Faith at Home - A year-round weekly email that includes four separate lectionary-based reflection Good Book Club -Gather with other Episcopalians to read a book of the Bible throughout a season. Music Resources Hymns Unto God - Complete Public Domain Hymn List Youtube Music Library - Explore hundreds of copyright-free music options to use in online video Hymn Serve - Find a variety of copyright-free accompaniment tracks for services and videos Online Ticketing Resources Eventbrite Ticketbud Wix Events Ticket Tailor

LGBTQ+ In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church declared that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church" (1976-A069). Since then, faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God’s children. Indeed, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the leadership, ministry, equality and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning Episcopalians and their families. Below are resources for you to connect with welcoming congregations and advocate for LGBTQ persons in our communities. Project Embodied Welcome - Offers resources for churches who would like to be more inclusive. TransEpiscopal - An organization working for the full inclusion of transgender people in the church. Whosoever - An online magazine for queer Christians. Gladness of Heart - an Episcopalian match-making service that is inclusive and affirming of queer and trans people Pride Mass Gaychurch .org - A way to find queer-affirming churches. Q Christian Fellowship is a non-denomination network to advocate, educate and support churches on actively welcoming and including LGBTQ persons in their faith community. Queer Theology Believe Outloud Resources for Faith Leaders & Families

Clean-Up Day at La Capilla

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

Upcoming Events Retreat for Spouses & Partners of Clergy Fri, Apr 24 Valle Crucis Conference Center More info Learn More Congregational Development Day Sat, May 02 St. James, Hendersonville More info Learn More Becoming Beloved Community: Dismantling Racism Workshop Fri, May 15 Hybrid virtual/in-person. Read Description. More info Learn More Tweens Day Sat, May 16 The Episcopal Church of the Transfigurat More info Learn More Multiple Dates Towel Ministry - Session One Mon, Jun 15 Calvary Episcopal Church More info Learn more Multiple Dates Volunteers Needed: Towel Ministry Tue, Jun 16 Calvary Episcopal Church More info Learn More

APRIL 2022 April 7, 2022 COVID-19 Update FEBRUARY 2022 February 25, 2022 COVID-19 Update February 9, 2022 COVID-19 Update JANUARY 2022 January 6, 2022 COVID-19 Update JULY 2021 July 30, 2021 COVID-19 Update JUNE 2021 June 16, 2021 Updated Regathering Guidelines El anuncio sobre el COVID-19 de 16 de junio, 2021 MAY 2021 May 24, 2021 Updated Regathering Guidelines El anuncio sobre el COVID-19 de 24 de mayo, 2021 APRIL 2021 April 29, 2021 Updated Regathering Guidelines MARCH 2021 March 19, 2021 Update on Regathering Guidelines JANUARY 2021 January 28, 2021 Update on Regathering Guidelines DECEMBER 2020 COVID-19 Update December 2020 (December 18, 2020) NOVEMBER 2020 November 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (November 11, 2020) OCTOBER 2020 Updated Guidelines for Music and Singing during Covid-19 (Last updated October 8, 2020) SEPTEMBER 2020 Read: "An Initial Approach to Regathering" (Last Updated September 2, 2020) AUGUST 2020 August 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (August 11, 2020) JULY 2020 July 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines Watch: A Message about Convention 2020 (July 24, 2020) JUNE 2020 Cancellation Announcement of the Cold Mountain Music Festival (June 29, 2020) June 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (June 24, 2020) MAY 2020 May 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (May 21, 2020) APRIL 2020 April 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (April 25, 2020) MARCH 2020 Watch: COVID-19 Announcement Regarding Holy Week and Easter (March 19, 2020) Watch: Bishop José's First Official Statement on COVID-19 (March 14, 2020) Bishop Curry's Statement on Coronavirus (March 10, 2020) Coronavirus Archives

Coming to Convention with Intentionality Convention Homepage This year we will come together to celebrate our 1034d Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Since our Centennial Convention, we have initiated new grants, continued to live out our call to build beloved community, and welcomed many new faces to the diocesan staff. As we prepare to gather, we encourage you to take time in prayer and in study to prepare your hearts and minds intentionally for our celebration. In order to do this, we are providing links to various resources from our diocese and our guest speaker. We invite you to familiarize yourself with what is provided below. Our Constitution and Canons Learn More Building Beloved Community Learn More