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Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grant 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 April 30. Questions regarding Children's Outreach Grants can be directed to Canon Augusta. Apply for this Grant Grant Reporting form Past Grant Recipients 2023 Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Awards by The Rev. Kevin Todd Chair, PMH Grant Committee On behalf of the newly formed Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Committee, I am pleased to... Diocese of WNC New Grant Offers Boost for Children’s Outreach By Rachel Carr, Diocesan Missioner for Communications George Howell loves helping young people. From serving as a youth pastor to raising... Diocese of WNC

Western Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 14th, the Western Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Lodge at Cat Creek in Franklin, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

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.

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.

Executive Council Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Executive Council implements the work of the Diocese between Conventions. The Executive Council includes: Bishop José (chair); 18 elected members serving 3-year terms (1 clergy and 1 lay person from every Deanery, and 6 at-large lay members); the Dean of the Cathedral of All Souls (ex-officio); the Chancellor of the Diocese; and the Treasurer of the Diocese. Up to six meetings are held annually, plus an overnight retreat in January. Elected members having served a full term shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of two years. Likewise, Deans of Deaneries are ineligible. President of the Executive Council – The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop Vice President of the Executive Council – Jann Mellman At-Large Members: Sandra Smith (2024–2026), Jann Mellmann (2024–2026), Doug Orville (2025-2027), Don Hunley (2025-2027), Dr. Daniel Raiford (2026-2028), Kathy Wright (2026-2028) The Rev. David McNair St. John's, Asheville - 2026–2028 Sandy Rountree St. James, Black Mountain - 2023–2025 ASHEVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Logan Lovelace St. Mary's St. Stephen's - 2024–2026 Mr. Steve Snyder St. Alban's, Hickory - 2026–2028 FOOTHILLS DEANERY MOUNTAIN DEANERY The Rev. Perry Hildreth Holy Communion - 2025–2027 Jean Harrison St. Luke's, Boone - 2025-2027 HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY The Rev. David Henson St. James, Hendersonville - 2024-2026 Ms. Amy Cook St. Paul's, Edneyville - 2025-2027 PIEDMONT DEANERY The Rev. Ron Taylor St. Peter by the Lake, Denver - 2026–2028 Ms. Sandra Miller Camp St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton - 2026–2028 WESTERN DEANERY The Rev. Skully Knight Incarnation, Highlands - 2025–2027 Ms. Lee Berger All Saints, Franklin - 2024–2026

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

Christian Formation for Children Engaging children and families to grow in their relationship with God and Jesus is a sacred ministry of the Christian community. Below are reflections and helpful words of wisdom from local parish faith formation leaders: A word from Beth Chestnut – Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville A word from The Rev. Joslyn Schaefer – Grace in the Mountains, Waynesville Here are a variety of curriculum resources for faith formation: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Digital Devotional Godly Play Building Faith Weaving God’s Promises Children's Sabbath Resources Here are a variety of curriculum resources for faith formation: Sticky Faith , by Dr. Kara E. Powell and Dr. Chap Clack The 5 Love Languages of Children and The 5 Love Languages of Teenagers , by Gary Chapman Shepherding a Childs Heart , by Tedd Tripp A Parent's Guide to Helping Teenagers in Crisis , by Rich Van Pelt and Jim Hancock Connecting Church and Home , by Tim Kimmel Raising Wise Children , by Mark Matlock

Our Camp & Conference Centers We are proud to be a part of one summer camp and two conference centers. Click on a center to learn more, or come visit one for yourself and spend some time reflecting in nature! Camp Henry LEARN MORE Camp Henry LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Lake Logan LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE Valle Crucis LEARN MORE

Youth Engagement Programs High School Retreats Spring and Fall Youth Retreats are weekend events for youth held at Valle Crucis Conference Center. Spring Conference is for youth in grades 8–12 and Fall Conference is for youth in grades 9–12. The weekend is led by the Youth Council; they choose a theme for each event and then design a program of learning, reflection, and fellowship to be offered at each conference. The retreat program consists of talks, small group discussion related to the theme, singing, dancing, worship, service projects, and games. Middle School Retreat Beginning in the Middle is our retreat for youth in grades 6–8 and traditionally takes place in late September. This retreat is designed to address and respond to spiritual issues, concerns, and needs of middle school aged youth by focusing on topics such as who is Jesus, peer pressure, friendship, parents, and prayer. The weekend is led by high school youth and consists of talks, skits, small group discussion, singing, worship, crafts, and games. Fellowship Events Throughout the course of the year we have several youth events just for fellowship and fun. These events change yearly but, in the past, have included an afternoon at Lake Logan, visits to trampoline parks, skating rinks, and other fellowship opportunities. More Information Go to the Upcoming Events page or click the button below for information on upcoming retreats and events. Or contact our Coordinator for Families, Children and Youth.

Spiritual Reflection READ: Always A Guest: Speaking of Faith Far From Home Barbara Brown Taylor offers a new collection of stories and sermons of faith, grace, and hope. REFLECT: Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers This advent reader is a collaborative daily devotional from a diverse group of contributors. PRAY: Mandalas, Candles, and Prayer: A Simply Centered Advent Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. LISTEN: Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice. Formation Resources Journeying the Way of Love Advent Calendar Find daily reflections and activities to guide you through the Advent season in this calendar from the Episcopal Church Journey the Way of Love Advent Curriculum from the Episcopal Church For the season of Advent, Journeying the Way of Love offers four sessions to be explored as we await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Advent Word Join an international community of prayer this Advent season in this global advent calendar. Vibrant Church Communication Vibrant Church Communication has resources to help you with Advent & Epiphany. Each season has multiple offerings that have been developed through the years to help guide you through these seasons. A Mason Jar Advent by Salt Project A Mason Jar Advent,” is a customizable Short Film all about keeping things simple and helping preserve what’s truly important: hope, peace, joy, and love. What’s more, this lovely film has an equally lovely companion, an illustrated and printable Advent calendar for congregations, families, and individuals, featuring the same artwork seen in the film. Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Books & Curriculum Book recommendations from the Episcopal Shoppe Book recommendations from Church Publishing Advent Resources

Find a Church - Interactive Map With breathtaking natural beauty and devoted communities, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is one of the fastest growing Dioceses in the country. Comprised of six deaneries, representing 15,000 Episcopalians, the Diocese of Western North Carolina supports regional and global mission efforts. Click on one of the areas below to learn more and see a list of churches. Asheville Deanery Western Deanery Mountain Deanery Foothills Deanery Piedmont Deanery Hendersonville Deanery

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

Diocesan Response to COVID-19 As we navigate the impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we have put together a variety of resources for our communities. Please do not hesitate to contact our Diocesan office if you have any concerns or questions. Please note: Here you will see listed only our most recent COVID-19 Updates. If you wish to find past statements and letters from the Bishop, please visit our Coronavirus Archives . LATEST: COVID-19 Update, April 7, 2022 Seasonal Resources Financial Resources Virtual Worship in WNC Public Health Resources Worship Resources Technology Resources Formation Resources Care for Neighbor Resources Fellowship Resources Staying Centered

Origins The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina acknowledges the past and present members of the Indigenous communities that once occupied this land and were harmed and expelled by settlers: The Catawba (Issa, Essa, Iswa) and Cherokee (Tsalagi) nations. We stand in solidarity with all marginalized communities and condemn the acts of racism and ignorance towards any of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are dedicated to the work of dismantling racism and building Beloved Community. Visit our Unlearning Library. Any history of The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina must begin with an acknowledgement that prior to the arrival of Christian settlers, the Catawba and Cherokee Nations called the southern Appalachian region home for centuries. The Catawba lived in the Piedmont and Foothills region of North Carolina and the Cherokee were just west throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. With the arrival of European newcomers in the late 16th – 17th centuries, conciliatory trading relationships and military alliances were forged. The expansion of Europeans into what would eventually become our diocese progressed slowly through the 18th century. English settlers, mostly German, Scottish and Irish immigrants moved westward through the Piedmont, overtaking the native populations. The Cherokee and Catawba continued to control their territories through most of the first half of the 18th Century, much of which would become the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Undesirable farming land in the Western Piedmont and the ever-increasing European population resulted in encroachment on Cherokee and Catawba territory. The conflicts increased with the French and Indian War, with England respecting the Cherokee claim to the Great Smoky Mountains. The treaty was largely ignored by the European settlers who built homesteads in Cherokee land. In 1776, North Carolina militia joined with militia armies from South Carolina and Virginia and together they invaded the Cherokee Nation in the campaign known as Rutherford’s Trace. The militias destroyed more than 40 native towns including food storage and sacred places, and some natives were taken as slaves. The Cherokee never recovered their control of their tribal lands, and the European migration increased. In 1830, with the federal Indian Removal Act, most of the remaining Cherokee in Western North Carolina were forcibly moved west to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears. A small remnant of the Cherokee, who were able to avoid being removed, came to be known as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and, over time, were able to purchase the land now known as the Qualla Boundary, in and around Cherokee, NC. The Catawba, largely decimated by small-pox and tribal warfare by the beginning of the 19th century, ceded their homeland to the state of South Carolina in 1840. <<< Previous Page Next Page >>> Origins LEARN MORE Origins LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Settlement Period LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Mountain Missionary Spirit LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Becoming a Diocese LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Repairing a Breach LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle LEARN MORE Expanding the Circle

Lay Leader Licensing Please note: All of these ministries except for Eucharistic Ministers who do not take the sacraments out of the church are required to take some form of misconduct prevention training. For a guide on what types of training are acceptable for each ministry, please click here . Lay Leader Guidelines Catechist - Information & Application Eucharistic Minister - Information & Application Eucharistic Visitor - Information & Application Pastoral Leader - Information Preacher - Information Worship Leader - Information & Application

Lent & Easter Resources Lent and Easter Resources - Church Publishing Group Find a selection of books, publications, and other resources selected for Lent and Easter by Church Publishing Group. Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent - by The Episcopal Church Find a series of videos from The Episcopal Church focused on following the Way of Love this Lent 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. Together at Home: Easter Resources Find resources from "Together at Home" to help share the story of Easter with your family from the comfort of your very own home. A Lego Journey Through Holy Week Read the story of how one family recognized Holy Week from home in a creative way: with legos! 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. 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.

2019 Spring Youth Conference at Lake Logan