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A Reflection on Formation for Children By the Rev. Joslyn Schaefer, Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Less than three years ago, there were no youth programs at Grace. When I was hired as rector, the church decided to make one of its top missional priorities to develop a vibrant ministry to children, youth, and young adults. Now, we approach Christian formation of our young people in three different Sunday School classes. In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for ages 3-6, Christ is the only teacher. The adult in the room is simply the catechist, the one who guides. We use the term “Catechesis” deliberately, to differentiate the child’s spiritual formation from their academic formation where terms like teacher and classroom are used. In the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, we invite children to recognize and celebrate their innate connection with God through the image of the Good Shepherd. Cultivating and exploring this connection is the child’s “work.” Godly Play is for ages 7 - 11, a great time in a child’s life for discovering more about God and our relationship with our creator. Godly Play is based on a Montessori approach and allows the child to explore their faith through a story and play. Teachers guide the children through the stories, follow each with a time of wondering: What part did you like best? What is the most important part? Which part is about you? Rite 13 is for middle and high schoolers. The teachers of Rite 13 work tirelessly to schedule outings for the group in order to strengthen their bonds with shared activities and learn how they can apply Jesus’ teachings to the real world. This year, they started a compost bin for the church Giving Garden, assisted exuberantly with the Easter Egg Hunt, and led one of the lessons at the Lenten program with insight and laughter. Rite 13 serves as a bridge to help youth transfer into leaders in the church, the community, and beyond. This summer, in lieu of Sunday School and with the help of our Service Intern Madison Owen, we are test-driving Children’s Chapel, an interactive church experience for kids who are too old for the nursery but too young to fully absorb the lessons and Gospel as taught during the service. Children will spend the first half of the service learning the same teachings on a level closer to their mental capacities and will be encouraged to think more deeply about the Scripture through a song, game, or craft. Children’s Chapel is a safe space for the kids to ask questions, strengthen faith, and have fun.

Diocesan Calendar View our calendar below or visit our Upcoming Events page for more detailed information about select events.

Transition Ministries The primary shepherd of all Transition Ministry activities is the Bishop. When there is no Rector or Priest-In-Charge, the Bishop exercises oversight in collaboration with the Vestry in the administration of the congregation. Additionally, the Bishop oversees, in a general way, all of the activities of Transition Ministry, and gives or withholds consent to the calling of new parish clergy. Day-to-day support and guidance for congregations in transition is provided by the Associate Transition Officer (ATO). The ATO is the primary contact for questions, support, and training regarding search processes, letters of agreement, interviews and visits with candidates, election/selection processes, and any other transition activities. The ATO also assists clergy discerning the call to suitable ministry positions. Work begins when an opening is announced and comes to completion when the new ministry has been sealed by Letter of Agreement and celebrated by congregation, clergy, and bishop. Clergy interested in a position within the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina are invited to have a conversation with The Rev. Kevin Todd, Associate Transition Officer. Helpful Notes to Interested Clergy: If you would like to be considered for one of our parishes in transition, please email a copy of your resumé, your current updated OTM profile and a cover letter expressing your interest to the Associate Transition Officer. All names of interested candidates are initially received and screened through the Associate Transition Officer. Unless otherwise instructed by the Canon’s Office, please do not directly contact congregations that are in transition. All applicants must contact the Associate Transition Officer. This Diocese is committed to doing all it can to recruit the best qualified priests. We seek creative clergy of wide vision and diverse backgrounds who are not only excellent matches with a particular parish who also desire to participate in the life and work of our diocese. Likewise, the Diocese affirms equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate against clergy applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Transition Ministry Resources: Clergy Leave-Taking Guidelines Helpful Checklist for Clergy Leave-Taking Policy on Clergy Leave-Taking Positions Available: Parishes discerning (in Interim) St. Thomas, Burnsville Trinity, Spruce Pine Ascension, Hickory St. Matthias, Asheville St. Luke's, Asheville Calvary, Fletcher St. David's, Cullowhee St. Paul's, Edneyville St. Mark's, Gastonia Christ Church, Sparta Parishes seeking a Full-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) St. Luke's, Boone Parishes seeking a Part-Time Regular Seasonal Vicar None at this time. Parishes seeking a Part-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) Good Shepherd, Tryon - coming soon Assistant Positions

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!

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.

Foothills Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 17th, the Foothills Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Double "J" Farm in Lenoir, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Job Openings On this page you will find job openings at parishes around the Diocese of WNC. If you have a job opening to share, please contact our Missioner for Communications . Part-Time Jobs Pianist/Organist PARISH: St. Mary & St. Stephen's, Morganton LEARN MORE Organist/Church Musician PARISH: St. Luke's, Asheville LEARN MORE Parish Musician PARISH: St. Andrew's on-the-Hill, Canton LEARN MORE

Local Action Church of the Advocate Church of the Advocate is both a ministry and a worshiping community of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Church of the Advocate welcomes persons from all walks of life and its mission is to be present and attend to the physical and spiritual needs of the homeless in Asheville. The community meets in the Undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church and each Sunday holds a Eucharist service and serves a meal. You can learn more here . Towel Ministry Towel Ministry is a distinguished ministry in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and a recognized Jubilee Site in The Episcopal Church. Initiated in the 80s, Towel Ministry provides housing improvements, repairs and maintenance for elderly, disabled, and marginalized people. Starting out as a summer teen camp, Towel Ministry is a way for people of all ages to put the gospel into a hands-on ministry. Typical work projects might include handicap access, roofing repair, painting, yard clean-up and other simple projects that can be managed by a small group. You can learn more here . Habitat for Humanity For over 25 years, parishes all across the Diocese of Western North Carolina have collaborated in ministry to sponsor and build houses with Habitat for Humanity. Together, they continue to provide safe and decent housing for families and build stable and secure communities. Jericho Road Soup Kitchen The Jericho Road Soup Kitchen is a ministry born out of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton, NC. This weekly Wednesday soup kitchen was the dream of two parishioners and now serves upwards of 100 families weekly in the New Hope Community. To learn more about this ministry, please visit www.stgabrielsepiscopal.com/jericho-road-soup-kitchen Hope Vibes Laundry Ministry Hope Vibes is a traveling laundry ministry serving the Charlotte area. Every third Thursday, St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Gastonia, NC becomes a hub of resources for the local community--from haircuts to homemade meals, laundry services to a traveling shower. To learn more about this unique ministry, visit their website at https://www.hopevibes.org/

Iona WNC Program Iona WNC is a part of the Iona Collaborative , a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. The Iona program offers a local, residential training program to meet the particular needs of vocational deacons and bi-vocational priests, for whom the disruption and costs of a seminary education might be prohibitive. Learn more about our program and meet some of it's members in the video! Iona WNC is operated under the direction of our bishop, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, our two academic deans, and a diocesan steering committee, in cooperation with the Seminary of the Southwest, where the core faculty continually refine and expand the instructional materials. Participants in Iona WNC will have completed the discernment process in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and will be approved by the Commission on Ministry and the Bishop for acceptance. All admitted students must be committed to, and capable of, sustaining a three year program of rigorous theological education and ministerial formation. The program runs ten months per year, with two months off in the summer. The monthly residential weekends run from Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Residential weekends are held at one of our beautiful diocesan conference centers. Each weekend will include an introduction to the breadth of spiritual practices, discussion and integration of the assigned academic material, leadership development and education, and a deep immersion into the richness and diversity of Episcopal liturgical tradition and practice. In between residential weekends, students will view the Iona video modules, complete assigned readings and prepare for the fuller immersion into the material through faculty presentations, and discussions on the implications for the practice of ministry with guest experts and mentors from the diocese. In consultation with the Bishop, participants will be placed in an approved field education setting during the second and third years of the program. After three years, participants will have satisfied the canonical academic requirements for ordination in the Episcopal Church. Graduates receive a Certificate of Theological Education from the Seminary of the Southwest. For more information, please contact: The Rev. Pam Bright - pam.k.bright@gmail.com The Rev. Canon Rich Biega - richardbiega47@yahoo.com The Rev. Anita Ware - revanita@redeemershelby.com Iona WNC Graduation Ceremony Anita Ware graduates Iona WNC Iona WNC Matriculation Ceremony

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.

Young Adult Community We invite young adults to join us as we live out our calling to the Jesus Movement of the Episcopal Church. The Jesus Movement calls us to literally act as the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. We express this call through our commitment to global mission, social engagement, and local action in our young adult communities. If you would to chat about engagement, email Kelsey Davis . Connect with Local Communities: Blue Ridge Service Corps Blue Ridge Service Corps is the Episcopal Diocese of WNC's program of the Episcopal Service Corps. This program invites young adults to complete a year of service by walking their path and seeing where God is at work in their lives. The young adults will be nurtured through the work they do at local non-profits, living in intentional community, and deepening their spiritual awareness through connection with local Episcopal churches. For more information about this community please visit Blue Ridge Service Corps . 3rd Place, Boone 3rd Place is a collaboration between the Episcopal and Presbyterian (U.S.A) Churches that provides opportunities for people to experience a sense of connection, community, and belonging. We partner with a variety of faith communities, non-profits, student groups, and artists to create spaces where people can be known by their community, pursue justice, explore spirituality, and express themselves creatively. Learn more about 3rd place on their website. Be Part of the Jesus Movement: Creation Care LEARN MORE Creation Care LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Global Mission LEARN MORE Global Mission LEARN MORE Social Engagement LEARN MORE Social Engagement LEARN MORE Local Action LEARN MORE Local Action

Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Disciplinary Board The Disciplinary Board consists of five clergy and four laypersons (pursuant to Title IV of the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church) nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority and elected by the Convention of the Diocese. The Disciplinary Board serves as the court which guides the Ecclesiastical process of accountability and discipline for members of the clergy. Members Mr. Allan Fullwood The Rev. David Henson The Rev. Judith Whelchel The Rev. Jonathan Stepp The Rev. Patty Mouer Ms. Jillian Fisher Ms. Candace Mance

Dismantling Racism Workshop at Lake Logan This Dismantling Racism Workshop was offered in September 2020 to clergy and lay leaders to help prepare them to lead Dismantling Racism Workshops of their own.

Agenda Convention Homepage Details for agenda items will be added as they become available. Remember to download the Whova app for voting and to make the most of the convention.

Care for Neighbor Resources During this time, taking care of our friends and neighbors is more important than ever. Find some resources below to explore ways to stay connected during this time, or visit our Donate Now Page for donation opportunities in the diocese during this time. Resources for Children Talking to Kids About the Corona Virus Just for Kids: A New Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus Article: How you can Help Food Insecure Children Help Your Community CNN: Here's How You Can Help Stay #AshevilleStrong Article: Balm of Gratitude Eases Corona Crisis 7 things you can to do help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic

Technology Resources Over the past few years, we have had to learn how to make many of our ministries as the church available virtually in order to reach a wider audience. As we recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and learn to navigate a more interconnected world than ever, we are glad to offer technology resources to assist parishes with live streaming, website upkeep, sound systems, and more. Check out the resources below, or email our Missioner for Communications at communications@diocesewnc.org to request a consultation. Click here to download our Technology Assistance Resource list. Please note: This list is constantly updated as we connect with new technology resources in the diocese. If you know a resource you believe should be on the list, please email communications@diocesewnc.org Helpful Articles: How to use Facebook Live: The Ultimate Guide - via HubSpot How to Broadcast a Facebook Live Event in 7 Easy Steps - via Tech Soup Offering Online Worship (A Simple Guide) - via Diocese of Chicago Technology Setup Help WATCH: Tech Talks from the Episcopal Diocese of WNC - 4 Parishes share their tech setups WATCH: Technology Walkthroughs from St. Mark's, Gastonia Live Streaming Software Connecting the Audio and Video Camera Setup Live Streaming with Facebook Live Setting up a Facebook Livestream Watch Out for Scams: WATCH: Safeguarding Our Parishes in the Technology Age - via Diocese of WNC Reporting Scams to Police - via NC Council on Aging Identifying Gift Card Scams - via Federal Trade Commission Tech-Help Videos Play Video Play Video 01:32:23 Safeguarding Our Parishes in the Technology Age Join our Missioner for Communications Virginia Taylor for a webinar all about keeping our parishes safe in the technology age. In this webinar, we explore common scams, dealing with trolling on the internet, setting safety parameters on Facebook and Instagram, and the basics of copyright. Find time stamps and a link to the Safeguarding Powerpoint below. ACCESS THE "SAFEGUARDING: POWERPOINT: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Cl8J8MH-Y3anA6SpK59PcrL0tfFDec3iDB0qhDUdC8A/edit?usp=sharing Time Stamps: Play Video Play Video 05:04 TECH TALK - Trinity, Asheville Associate Rector David Henson shares the technology that helps keep his parish running during the pandemic. From live streaming software to camera equipment, check out this breakdown to learn how Trinity Episcopal Church brings their services to their parishioners. Learn more about Trinity at https://www.trinityasheville.org/ EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: Livestream Studio: https://livestream.com/studio/ Panasonic Panasonic AW-HE40HK PTZ Camera: https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-AW-HE40HK-Camera-Output-Black/dp/B01CQUAQE6 PTZ Optics 20x SDI : https://www.amazon.com/PTZOptics-20X-SDI-Streaming-Camera-Simultaneous-Outputs/dp/B01BI79TM8 PTZ Optics 30x NDI: https://www.amazon.com/PTZOptics-30X-NDI-Broadcast-Conference-PT30X-NDI-GY/dp/B07D4PTFGD Asheville Technology Services: https://ashevilletechnologyservices.com/ WNC Audio Video: info@wncav.com, 828-222-0260 PanTiltZoom App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pantiltzoom/id1223221763 Music via the Youtube Audio Library. Play Video Play Video 06:15 TECH TALK - St. Paul's, Wilkesboro Rector Stephanie Parker and parishioner Bill Hurd discuss their technology setup at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro, NC and how they connect with their parishioners both in-person and digitally. Learn more about St. Paul's at https://stpaulwilkesboro.org/ EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: Sony Handycam: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDRCX405-Recording-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B00R5LH9HO/ref=asc_df_B00R5LH9HO/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309836137809&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13328542422409410496&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1020991&hvtargid=pla-318315137946&psc=1 PTZOptics 20x-SDI Gen2 Livestream Camera: https://www.adorama.com/pt20xsdigy.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7pKFBhDUARIsAFUoMDYEDQcDAJIWQOEiD8irW1aMqRI3iYDtWiAfPWEnLMJuEMaAybdle0waAuqEEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&utm_source=nmpi-google-dsa Elgato Cam Link: https://www.cdw.com/product/Elgato-Cam-Link-video-capture-adapter-USB-3.0/5538461?cm_cat=google&cm_ite=5538461&cm_pla=NA-NA-Corsair_MY&cm_ven=acquirgy&ef_id=CjwKCAjwy42FBhB2EiwAJY0yQvoXzkCBz3yPDuLGuPBN-aLCusoRy_RRlVFVotOflQQbt4nHmn8prBoC4U8QAvD_BwE:G:s&gclid=CjwKCAjwy42FBhB2EiwAJY0yQvoXzkCBz3yPDuLGuPBN-aLCusoRy_RRlVFVotOflQQbt4nHmn8prBoC4U8QAvD_BwE&s_kwcid=AL!4223!3!359169857231!!!g!316290835560!!2050541224!79362327544 Vmix Livestream Software: https://www.vmix.com/ Yamaha TF1 16-Channel Mixer: https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/yamaha-tf1-16-channel-digital-mixer/j20925000000000?cntry=US&cur=USD&utm_content=J20925000000000--Yamaha+TF1+16+Channel+Digital+Mixer&source=3WWRWXGS&gclid=CjwKCAjwy42FBhB2EiwAJY0yQkgiRnRDNlfZifk49W4-r7cQkZU1H30CtDX2WHX7y6wszKHFqPIBeRoCxf4QAvD_BwE Double Over Ear Microphone Headset: https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Pro-PMHMS20-Headset-Omni-Directional-Microphone/dp/B003D2VT2K/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=headset+microphone&qid=1621440785&s=musical-instruments&sr=1-17 Play Video Play Video 04:19 TECH TALK - Grace, Morganton Grace, Morganton Rector Marshall Jolly and Director of Children and Youth Ministries Brittnay Deal discuss the technology used to help share Grace's services with the community during the pandemic and what they've learned along the way. Learn more about Grace, Morganton at http://www.gracechurchmorganton.org/ TECHNOLOGY MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO Mevo Start Camera: https://mevo.com/products/mevo-start Mevo Camera App: https://mevo.com/pages/mevo-camera-app Allen and Heath PA 12 Input Mixer: https://www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/pa12/ Earise T35 PA System with Wireless Mic: https://www.amazon.com/EARISE-T35-System-Wireless-Microphone/dp/B07VS7J4MM Play Video Play Video 03:36 TECH TALK - Transfiguration, Saluda Rector Chip Broadfoot took on a new task in 2020--tech whiz! Listen as he talks about Saluda's simple setup and what pieces of technology he uses to keep his parish connected even with a limited budget. EQUIPMENT MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO: UBeesize 51" Extendable Tripod Stand with Bluetooth Remote for iPhone & Android Phone: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NWC3L95/ref=olp_aod_redir_impl1?_encoding=UTF8&aod=1 Cubilux Type C Lavalier Mic: https://www.amazon.com/Cubilux-Lavalier-Microphone-Recording-Interviewing/dp/B07ZQB2VF3 Google Pixel 4: https://www.amazon.com/Google-GA01187-US-Pixel-Black-Unlocked/dp/B07YMNLXL3 Yorkville M810-2 Mixer + Amp: https://www.amazon.com/Yorkville-M810-2-Mixer-2x400W-inputs/dp/B0069V40RI Tech Help Videos:

Asheville Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 21st, the Asheville Deanery of the diocese gathered at theThe Governor's Western Residence in Asheville, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Lent & Easter Resources Adult Resources Learning to Walk In the Dark Follow Barbara Brown Taylor on her journey to understand darkness, which takes her spelunking in unlit caves, learning to eat and cross the street as a blind person, discover-ing how "dark emotions" are prevented from seeing light from a psychiatrist, and reread-ing scripture to see all the times God shows up at night. With her characteristic charm and wisdom, Taylor is our guide through a spirituality of the nighttime, teaching us how to find God even in darkness, and giving us a way to let darkness teach us what we need to know. Renewal & Hope Seminary of the Southwest is offering a new Lenten project that invites the wider church into a season of renewal and hope. Designed to accompany the first five weeks of Lent, the video series creates space for prayer, conversation, and faithful reflection on repentance, discipleship, and the promise of new life. Shaped by the voices of five women members of our faculty, these gatherings reflect both the depth of Southwest’s theological life and our commitment to forming leaders for ministry, service, and healing. Each week includes resources with reflection questions and scripture references. Holy Habits Episcopal Relief & Development is offering daily Lenten Meditations in English and Spanish, inviting readers to reflect upon and deepen their spiritual practices. This year, the organization has partnered with Sister Monica Clare —Episcopal nun, best-selling author and unlikely TikTok star —to create meditations that explore the theme of “Holy Habits.” In her meditations, Sister Monica Clare reflects on the Scripture readings for Vespers (Evening Prayer) to encourage habits that support and strengthen a life of faith. Ashes: A Lenten Playlist Music for Lent selected by Lifelong Learning staff from the Virginia Theological Seminary and available on Spotify. Craft Your Own Lenten Journey Consider crafting your own Lenten journey using videos from The Work of the People , a collection of videos that helps guide people into becoming fully themselves–the journey of becoming fully human. These are open, honest videos to help those grieving, struggling with faith, diving deeper in faith, and everywhere in between. Membership costs $7/month for unlimited personal streaming. There is an extensive selection of videos for the Season of Lent . Children, Youth & Families Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God by weaving together episodes from the life of Jesus with a child's reflections on how these stories can shape their own choices and actions throughout the season. Singing in the Dark: Ash Wednesday with Children Find unique ways to celebrate Ash Wednesday with children in this book. Holy Week Family Worship: Outline for Maundy Thursday & Good Friday from Building Faith This resource provides PDF Family Worship services that can be conducted at home to recognize Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Join the Journey Through Lent: Colorable calendar poster Join the Journey through Lent, illustrated by award-winning cartoonist Jay Sidebotham, invites spiritual reflection and is a wonderful companion for the Lenten season. This poster is just right for hanging on the wall or keeping on a table for daily coloring. Share these with your congregation, youth group, friends, and family, and keep them on hand for coloring fun. Ash Wednesday Bonfire at Home From Building Faith at Virginia Theological Seminary. An at-home Ash Wednesday fire can be done around a small fire pit in any backyard, on a roof top, on the beach, or on your deck. The activity can be large-scale with a community; or small-scale around a group of candles or indoor fireplace. The point is not how grand your fire, but instead that you make time for the occasion in the first place. StoryMakers: Lent Starter Kit Get to know the teachings of Jesus in Lent Three: The Parables. The introduces StoryMakers to the curious stories that Jesus told his followers in the Gospels, ultimately helping kids learn more about the surprising character of God. This 6-chapter Lent Three Zine* shines a new light on these vibrant and memorable stories, such as the Prodigal Son, and helps StoryMakers grow in their understanding Jesus’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection in a memorable way. Stations of Cross & Seven Last Words An article from Building Faith with Stations of the Cross resources and Holy Week offering for all ages. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina ADDRESS 900B CentrePark Drive Asheville, NC 28805 OFFICE HOURS Monday-Thursday: 8:30AM - 4:30 PM Friday: 8:30AM - 3:00PM PHONE (828)225-6656 SOCIAL MEDIA Supported browsers: Google Chrome | Safari for Mac (version 10 and above) | Windows 10 Microsoft Edge | Firefox ©2023 by The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina NEWSLETTER

Valle Crucis Conference Center Located on over 450 acres of mountain woodland and verdant farming valley, the Valle Crucis Conference Center is truly one of Earth's most beautiful places. With its beauty comes a sense of timeless spiritual grace that transcends denomination or faith tradition. The Valle Crucis Conference Center is located in the historic Mission School, featuring buildings dating from the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, nearly all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Mission of the Valle Crucis Conference Center is to inspire by loving example and service those who break bread with us and share in the quest for spiritual renewal, Christian community and stewardship of this sacred place. Visit the Valle Crucis website. VALLE CRUCIS PHOTO GALLERY

Documents for the Business of Convention Convention Homepage Documents will be posted as they are received. Please check back regularly. Reports Reports will be available after convention. Resolutions 2025 Resolutions for Diocesan Convention 2025 Resolutions 2 & 3 for Diocesan Convention Procedural Resolutions for the 2025 Diocesan Convention General Convention Resolutions (First Readings) Elected Leadership 2025 Nominees Budget 2026 Proposed Budget