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.

General Convention The 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church is July 3-8, 2027 in Phoenix, AZ. Information about the 82nd General Convention

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

Exploring Our Churches Hendersonville Area Up Back to Find a Church The Hendersonville Deanery encompasses three counties from the mountains to the foothills. It is home to a large portion of the Pisgah National Forest, 200 waterfalls, and the Brevard Music Center. There are nine Episcopal parishes, one Spanish-speaking mission, and two summer multi-denominational preaching stations, originally founded by the Episcopal Church. The demographic, while including all ages, largely consists of retirees. Major cities: Bat Cave Brevard Cedar Mountain Edneyville Flat Rock Fletcher Hendersonville Lake Toxaway Mills River Saluda Tryon St. James Episcopal Church 766 N Main St Hendersonville, NC 28792 https://www.stjamesepiscopal.com/ (828) 693-7458 St. Philip's Episcopal Church 256 E. Main Street Brevard, NC 28712 www.stphilipsbrevardnc.org (828) 884-3666 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 1659 St. Paul’s Road, Edneyville, North Carolina, 28727 www.stpaulsedneyville.com (828) 393-5882 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family 419 Turnpike Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 www.ourholyfamily.org/ P: 828-891-9375 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 106 Saylor Lane Bat Cave, NC 28710 www.ectransfiguration.org 828-625-9244 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 49 Episcopal Church Drive Saluda, NC 28773 www.transfigurationsaluda.org (828) 749-9740 Calvary Episcopal Church 2840 Hendersonville Rd Fletcher, NC 28732 www.calvaryfletcher.org (828) 684-6266 Holy Cross Episcopal Church 150 Melrose Ave Tryon, NC 28782 www.holycrosstryon.org (828) 859-9741 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 814 Markham Rd Tryon, NC 28782 www.goodshepherdtryon.org (828) 859-9961 St. John in the Wilderness 1895 Greenville Hwy Flat Rock, NC 28731 www.stjohnflatrock.org/ (828) 693-9783 La Capilla de Santa Maria 186 St Marys Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792 www.lacapilla.org (323) 541- 2173

Foundation Grant 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. Apply for this grant Grant budget form On April 17, the Foundation Board voted effective immediately: To reduce the maximum grant from $20,000 to $15,000, and To restrict the number of application presentations per meeting to no more than 3 including any joint grant/loan combos. This is a permanent change in order to help as many parishes as possible while withdrawing no more than 4% of funds for grants annually. We will no longer roll over any amount unspent in a previous year. It is not unusual to receive a grant award for less than the amount requested due to the increase in applications in the post-Covid era. You may also consider applying for an interest-free loan from the Diocese.

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. Apply for this Grant

Upcoming Events Middle School Fall Retreat 2026 Fri, Oct 23 Lake Logan Episcopal Center More info Learn More High School Fall Retreat Fri, Nov 20 Valle Crucis Conference Center More info Learn More Multiple Dates Clergy Beloved Community Workshop Wed, Jan 13 Online & In-Person More info Learn More Discernment Conversation - Lay Leadership Wed, Jan 20 ZOOM More info Learn More Discernment Conversation - Holy Orders Wed, Jan 27 ZOOM More info Learn More Safe Church, Safe Community Training Sat, Jan 30 St Francis Episcopal Church More info Learn More Feast of Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration Sat, Feb 13 St Matthias' Episcopal Church More info Learn more Vestry Leadership Day Sat, Feb 27 Trinity Episcopal Church More info Learn More

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.

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.

Staying Centered During these uncertain times, we all need to find ways to take a deep breath. We hope the following resources will help you stay centered during challenging times. Listen and Watch Twelve Museums that Offer Virtual Tours Jeanne Robertson - "Don't Send a Man to the Grocery Store!" Empty Pews Podcast The 50 Best Family Movies to Watch Together Take a Deep Breath Virtual Yoga -Yoga Nut is an Asheville-based yogi who facilitates a variety of online classes that you can do at home Calm.com - daily exercises for meditation and relaxation to help ease anxiety

Disaster Relief Disaster Relief Partners The following organizations and agencies are dedicated to assisting persons and groups affected by disaster. National Episcopal Relief and Development FEMA National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) State North Carolina Department of Public Safety – Emergency Management NC VOAD Local Congregations are encouraged to develop and maintain partnerships with their local volunteer agencies such as: Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) local American Red Cross chapters Additional Resources Ready to Serve is a volunteer database organized by Episcopal Relief and Development in order to quickly locate ready and willing volunteers in the event of a disaster. Use this checklist to help determine the focus of and preparation necessary for a disaster relief mission trip. Ready , launched by FEMA, is a website designed to help the public "Prepare, plan and stay informed" in the event of a natural disaster.

Clergy and leadership can check this list to see what is needed and happening in the diocese. Weekly Checklist for Church Leadership (Clergy, Wardens, Staff) ASAP Clergy Sign Up for Emergency Texts We are setting up our emergency communications plan and a crucial piece is for all clergy to sign up for emergency text communications. Text Sign Up October 14 - November 6, 2026 Open Enrollment Enrollment Letter & Info October 14, 6:00 p.m. & October 15, 1:00 p.m. Virtual Budget Presentation Oct. 14 Zoom Meeting Oct. 15 Zoom Meeting Passcode: Budget October 19, 2026 Certificates of Election Due Unless a parish’s bylaws state otherwise the delegates for this November’s convention will also be the delegates to the Electing Convention next July. Certificates of Election Form October 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Clergy Zoom with Standing Committee Zoom Link Zoom ID: 828 754 3712 Passcode: StJames October 28, 2026 New Delegate Orientation New Delegate Registration November 7, 2026 at Lake Logan Annual Diocesan Convention Registration November 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Clergy Zoom with Standing Committee Zoom Link Zoom ID: 828 754 3712 Passcode: StJames December 15, 2026, 10:00 a.m. | Zoom Clergy Zoom with Standing Committee Zoom Link Zoom ID: 828 754 3712 Passcode: StJames January 13, 2026, 1:00 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Zoom January 14, 2026, 10: a.m. - 3 p.m. | Diocesan Office Clergy Beloved Community Workshop Registration January 20 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. Discernment Conversation - Lay Leadership Registration January 20 | 12:00 p.m. - 12:50 p.m. Discernment Conversation - Holy Orders Registration January 30 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Safe Church, Safe Community Registration February 13, 2027 at St. Matthias Absalom Jones with guest preacher The Rev. Dr. Judy Fentress-Williams More Info February 27, 2027 at Trinity, Asheville Vestry Leadership Day Registration

Documents for the Business of Convention Convention Homepage Documents will be posted as they are received. Please check back regularly. You are encouraged to either download these documents to a smart device (phone, computer, tablet) OR print these documents and bring them with you to convention. We will not be providing hard copies at convention. Resolutions Elected Leadership Budget

Our Stories “We’re not a collection of dioceses and institutions, a collection of ways of doing things. We are one church, one church in Jesus Christ. God has given us the ability to share our resources and talents and invest in ministry happening on the ground—ministry in which everyday faithful people, Christians all around the world, are building communities, advocating for justice, and saving lives." - Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe The Diocese of WNC has a rich history, from the mountains to the foothills. We want to share what makes the parishes in our diocese truly unique, from their histories to their events to their Sunday-afternoon yoga classes. We are excited to share a unique set of stories from our communities. Have something cool about your parish you want to share? Contact our Missioner for Communications. Find more stories on our diocesan YouTube Channel and visit our blog. Featured Stories: Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of Color in the Diocese of WNC Nuestras Historias: Get to Know Our Latinx Leaders Disaster Response & Recovery Keep up with our Blue Ridge Service Corps Convention Videos 2025

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)

Congregational Vitality Grant 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 CV grant in the previous year. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or Canon to the Ordinary . Apply for this Grant Past Grant Recipients

History of The Commission to Dismantle Racism The Commission to Dismantle Racism owes its start to General Convention of 1991, which urged the Church to combat all racism and to conduct audits of institutional racism. That same year, the Diocese of Western North Carolina, at its Annual Convention, passed a resolution to implement these actions. The resolution directed the Outreach Commission to establish a “Racism Task Force.” That task force was established, headed by the Rev. Dn. Crisler Greer, then Deacon-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s, Morganton. After a few meetings, the task force became inactive. Following the Diocesan Convention of 1993, Ms. Pamela Hemphill, a vestry member of St. Stephen’s wrote to Bishop Robert Johnson protesting that no African Americans had been elected or appointed to any diocesan office or committee. Bishop Johnson responded, acknowledging the failure, and asked Larry Thompson, Chair of Outreach Ministries, to reactivate the task force. Ms. Fay Walker, a layperson from Brevard, stepped up to lead the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues and recruited a solid and diverse corps of dedicated members who worked diligently to make anti-racism a major focus of concern for this diocese. The task force invited Mr. Enrique Brown, from the Episcopal Church headquarters to help with their planning. He emphasized that it would require long term commitment, as much “inner work” as “outer work,” and remaining centered in the faith. A portrait of Rev. Absalom Jones. Beginning with the Diocesan Convention of 1994, the Task Force introduced several resolutions designed to move the diocese forward on the journey to dismantling racism. The first resolution was one urging congregations to observe the commemoration of the feast day of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church. In 1995, they introduced a resolution to monitor progress in eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church in this diocese and to report findings to all subsequent diocesan conventions. In 1997, the resolution directed that each elected and appointed diocesan commission and committee attend and participate in a four hour workshop, “Overcoming Racism,” sponsored by the Task Force. That requirement, enforced by the diocesan bishops, remains to this day. At almost every diocesan convention since its inception, the task force nominated persons of color (and their allies) for positions on major diocesan committees and commissions. Almost every Task Force nominee was elected or appointed. An image from a "Repairing the Breach" service. In 2002, the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues changed its name to The Commission to Dismantle Racism, for several reasons. First, the term “task force” implied a short-term commitment, rather than a “long haul.” Second, it helped to emphasize the institutional/systemic nature and dimensions of racism, and third, better defined the purpose of the Commission – that being the “dismantling” of racism in all its forms. In that same year, the Commission requested and received a generous grant from the diocese to send 14 of its members for two weeks of comprehensive faith-based anti-racism training offered by the Mennonite Central Committee. Several of the members who attended that training are still steering the work of the Commission and conducting dismantling racism workshops in the diocese and beyond. In 2008, the Commission became involved in the “Days of Repentance” initiative mandated by the 2006 General Convention of the Episcopal Church. In April, 2011, this diocese held its “Repairing the Breach” service after over 18 months preparation, led by the Rev. SF James Abbott, a member of the Commission. Over 500 communicants participated, including virtually all clergy. The Presiding Bishop at that time, Katharine Jefferts Schori, was the celebrant. Bishop Porter Taylor made apologies for the “sins of the past” and the church’s complicity in its racist past. There were many prayers for forgiveness and healing. Today, the Commission, in addition to continuing to conduct workshops, is called to facilitate discussions about racism, racial understanding, and reconciliation. Some members of the Commission are involved in the steering of the diocese Beloved Community journey.

Creationtide 2021 Creationtide, or the Season of Creation, is an informal period in the church, from 1st September to 4th October, dedicated to God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. During this season, all members of the Diocese of WNC are invited to deepen their connections with creation and celebrate the earth we are privileged to call home. Find resources below to help you get started, or visit our Creation Care page to learn more about how we care for creation year round. Resources from the Diocese of WNC LISTEN: "Chatting Creation Care with the Rev. Anna Shine and Sarah Ogletree" podcast Creation Care Resource Guide from the Diocese of WNC WATCH: The Mary Boyer Garden at St. Luke's, Boone The Creation Care Alliance of WNC Resources from the wider church What is the Season of Creation? - from The Church of England Creationtide Resources, liturgies, and more from the Church of England Season of Creation Resources from the Anglican Communion Learn more about Creation Care Ministries in the Episcopal Church Organizations to know Creation Justice Ministries Project Drawdown The Work that Reconnects Us Network NC Interfaith Power and Light Rural Advancement Foundation GreenFaith Energy Savers Network