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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

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

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

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

Back Safeguarding & Securing Our Churches Below you will find resources for you and your parish to help ensure a safe church for all. If you have any further questions or need help with Safe Church, Safe Communities Training, please contact the Director for Lifelong Christian Formation, Eden Lewis. The web address for online training is https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining safe churches and activities for everyone. The Diocese of Western North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training. All Safe Church, Safe Communities Training is done through online modules by Praesidium Academy . Every church is encouraged to assign an administrator to keep track of parishioners' training. If you need help setting up an administrator, please get in touch with Eden Lewis. Who is required to take Safeguarding Training? All clergy—whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise—who are engaged in any ministry or service to the church. All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs, or activities for children or youth. All persons who teach, supervise, or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs, or activities more than occasionally. All persons who provide transportation to children or youth more than occasionally. All paid or volunteer church personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds, and/or who interact regularly with church members or the community. Safe Church, Safe Community Training Guidelines Clergy, Staff, and Vestry Volunteers FAQS for Learners FAQS for Administrators Resources for Securing Our Churches Background Checks Active Screening Faith has been consolidated to Protect My Ministry. To set up an account please call the support number at 1-800-319-5581. Once you are approved, you will be sent a username and password to logon to the Protect my Ministry website. Then you can begin processing background checks using the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina (WNC) Screening package options. Background Check Packages: Staff Package: Base price of $37.50 Each educational institution and state have additional mandated processing fees. These fees are not covered in the base price; therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. For example, the National Student Clearinghouse charges $8.76 per name searched as part of the education verification, and the state of North Carolina charges an additional $12.75 for the Motor Vehicle Record processed through the state. The Initial Staff package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search Education Verification (one record only; additional records cost extra) Federal by District Criminal Search MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Volunteer Package: Base price of $12.50 The base price does not include any state processing fees, which may be required to process the reports. Therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. *Credit checks and DMV records can be added for an additional cost. The Volunteer package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search For instructions on the steps to conduct a background check click here. Note for Clergy Protect My Ministry can be used for clergy seeking licensing only. For clergy new to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, or for any clergy who will have cure at a parish in our diocese, background checks will be done using Oxford Documents, and the cost for the background check will be incurred by the clergy or the parish they are serving. The initial cost for an Oxford Document background screening is $155 and can cost more depending on how many jurisdictions the clergy has lived. Please contact Jess Ives regarding Oxford Documents background checks. Contact Info Protect My Ministry: 1-800-319-5581 or cs@activescreeningfaith.com Diocese: Eden Lewis , Director of Formation & Discipleship Safe Church Policies There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages. Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Additional Resources Model policy for parishes Sample application for employees or volunteers Guidelines for Social Media

Spanish Speaking Ministries Our Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries is the Rev. Oscar Rozo . Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Rozo's parents grounded both he and his two younger brothers in Christian beliefs and practices through their example and teaching. He is passionate about social justice, multicultural ministry, and community development. He enjoys playing and listening to music, hiking, and having family time. Read more about his vision for Latino Ministry here , or watch the video attached. During the 1990s, Bishop Robert Johnson and others recognized that Western North Carolina was becoming home for one the fastest growing Latino populations in the country. Bishop Johnson worked to establish our first Spanish-speaking mission at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and to call our first Latino Missioner, the Rev. Tim Hoyt. Today, the diocese has a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with four mission sites across the diocese, numerous parish ministries serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Latino missioners. Our current Missioner for Spanish Speaking Ministries is the Rev. Oscar Rozo. If you would like to learn more about our Spanish Speaking Ministries, please contact the Rev. Rozo. La Misa en Español / Spanish Services in the diocese (find a map of our Latino Ministries below) La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville, every Sunday at 11 a.m. Trinity, Spruce Pine , every Sunday at 2 p.m. St. Mary’s and St. Stephen's , Morganton, every Sunday at 7 p.m. Church of the Savior , Newland, NC, at 5 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany , Newton, every Sunday at 10 a.m. (bilingual service) The Church of La Capilla de Santa Maria. The congregation at La Capilla, June 2021

Greetings! We are so glad you're here! Welcome to the Diocese of WNC. We are an accepting, open-minded community of people working to walk the Way of Love. Learn more about our mission here.

Building Beloved Community & Racial Reconciliation "As your Bishop, I remain deeply committed to this work not just by the words I share but in action. Since becoming your bishop, I have encouraged and guided a concerted effort to expand our dedication to Building Beloved Community and dismantling racism and be at the heart of all we do, including all diocesan-wide programming, budget, discernment for holy orders process, leadership development, and recruitment of clergy. Building Beloved Community also invites us to refine our diocesan Latino mission to equip and empower congregations to explore bi-cultural ministries as well as conversations and advocacy on immigration. Building Beloved Community invites us to listen and learn about our Eastern Band of the Cherokee brothers and sisters on the Qualla Boundary and how the Episcopal Church can partner with other Christian communities to serve alongside and support indigenous ministries. Additionally, Building Beloved Community includes strengthening our commitment to racial equity and justice for African Americans in our communities, including our support for locally owned black business that have been hit harder by the impact of this pandemic and minority communities that are disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 health crisis. As a diocese, we are committed to living by the words of John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It is with love that we will create a Beloved Community." The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop, Diocese of Western North Carolina For decades, the Episcopal Church has extolled a consistent message of education on the systemic sin of racism and taken action to eliminate racism wherever it exists—our institutions, communities, churches, and in ourselves. Indeed, as The Episcopal Church's commission states, "Reconciliation is the spiritual practice of seeking a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God and one another, and striving to heal and transform injustice and brokenness in ourselves, our communities, and society." The Episcopal Church provides a variety of resources in the vital work of racial reconciliation. One such resource is Becoming Beloved Community, a set of int errelated commitments around which Episcopalians may organize our many efforts to respond to racial injustice and grow a community of reconcilers , justice-makers, and healers. Visit our "Unlearning Library" for Building Beloved Community Resources Download Becoming Beloved Community summary. Download the full Becoming Beloved Community curriculum. Read the 2018–2020 Racial Audit of Episcopal Leadership from The Episcopal Church Racial Justice and Equity LEARN MORE Racial Justice and Equity LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Latino Ministries LEARN MORE Latino Ministries LEARN MORE Honoring Indigenous Land and People LEARN MORE Honoring Indigenous Land and People Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage "Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage" is a pilgrimage celebrating and amplifying the stories of historically black parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. The pilgrimage is part of the larger ongoing work of Becoming Beloved Community in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. To learn more about this work, please visit The Official Website by CLICKING HERE. Watch the Introduction to Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage Beginning in February 2021, the Diocese launched a 4-week video series featuring the stories of voices of color from around the diocese. In August 2021, the series was brought back as a monthly feature, known as Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of Color in the Diocese of Western North Carolina . Watch some of our Barrier Breakers below, or subscribe to our mailing list to get the newest video sent to your inbox each month. Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of C... Play Video Play Video 03:50 BARRIER BREAKERS - Allen Fullwood Allen Fullwood is a member of St. Mary's St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Morganton, NC and has a long history with the diocese, even before he was a part of it. This is his story. To learn more about St. Mary's St. Stephen's, visit their website at https://sites.google.com/view/stmarysandststephensmorganton/stmarysandststephens To watch a full playlist of Barrier Breakers videos, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyEN10joSuwK6meAnJXltcyQLLpj15hxP MEDIA IN THIS VIDEO: St Stephen's Episcopal Church Youth Choir photo was provided to the diocese by the History Museum of Burke County. Play Video Play Video 05:48 BARRIER BREAKERS - Gordon Hamilton Gordon Hamilton is a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tryon, NC and has deep family roots in Western North Carolina. Since beginning a journey of uncovering his family history, he has found many connections to the history of Good Shepherd. This is his story. Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherdtryon.org/ Click here to watch a full playlist of Barrier Breakers videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyEN10joSuwK6meAnJXltcyQLLpj15hxP Play Video Play Video 05:18 BARRIER BREAKERS - The Rev. Oscar Rozo The Rev. Oscar Rozo is the Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries in the Diocese of WNC. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Oscar is seeking ways to bridge the gaps between the Anglo and Latino worlds and create multicultural community. This is his story. Play Video Play Video 04:04 BARRIER BREAKERS: The Rev. Toni Belhu The Rev. Toni Belhu serves both St. Gabriel's and St. Francis Episcopal Churches in Rutherfordton, NC. As a woman of color with a special interest in language and Latinx communities, Toni was the perfect candidate to serve in Rutherfordton, a large center of Latinx communities and home to one of the diocese's oldest historically black churches. This is her story. Play Video Play Video 04:48 BARRIER BREAKERS: Judy Warner Judy Warren is a Communicant at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Burnsville, NC. For the past few years, Judy has been learning about her own story as a person of indigenous ancestry and how she can continue to learn and share the history of native peoples in the Americas. This is her story. To learn more about St. Thomas, visit https://www.stthomasonline.org/ Play Video Play Video 03:07 BARRIER BREAKERS: The Rev. Deacon Bobby Lynch and Helen Lynch Bobby and Helen Lynch have been members of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton for over 50 years. In 1975, Bobby Lynch was ordained as one of the first deacons of color in WNC. Since his ordination, he and Helen have served the St. Gabriel's community and beyond in a number. of ways and have made quite the impact on the Rutherfordton community. This is their story. Learn more about St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton on their website at https://www.stgabrielsepiscopal.com/ Play Video Play Video 05:25 BARRIER BREAKERS: Deacon Glenda's Story Glenda McDowell is the first female deacon of color to be ordained in the diocese. Since her ordination in 2012, she has served the Cathedral of All Souls and has been an advocate for voices of color in the Episcopal Church. This is her story. Play Video Play Video 02:58 BARRIER BREAKERS: Pam's Story Pam Hemphill is a member of St. Mary's St.Stephen's and has long been a major part of the work being done in the diocese too repair the breach. This is her story.

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

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:

Public Health Resources These Public Health Resources can help you stay updated on the latest COVID-19 News. Check back regularly for any important updates. Mental Health Resources North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Article: Managing Your Overall Health National Alliance on Mental Health The National Child Trauma Stress Network Hope4NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463) National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) Center for Disease Control Follow CDC on social media Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , Youtube Download/Print - "What You Need to Know" English , Spanish Download/Print - "What to do if you are sick" English , Spanish Download/Print - "Stop the Spread of Germs" English , Spanish World Health Organization Follow WHO on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube NC Public Health Department Follow NCPH on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter Youtube Episcopal Relief and Development Faith-based response to epidemics Remote Ministry WHAT YOU CAN DO Prepare Accordingly: Read CDC's Faith-Based and Community Organizations Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Checklist Read the full Red Cross, "Coronavirus: Safety and Readiness Tips for You" Coronavirus and Kids: CDC Update

Civil Discourse In an increasingly polarized and divided society, the capacity to productively talk about things that matter with family, friends and neighbors is not only a Gospel value but it is also essential for vital communities. The Diocese of Western North Carolina and many churches actively promote practices that promote civil discourse and teach the tools necessary for healthy conversations, proactive listening and compassion. Below are several resources to assist you and your congregation to integrate habits and attitudes that promote mutual understanding. The Civil Discourse Curriculum - created by the Presiding Bishop’s Office and the Office of Government Relations, this curriculum is designed “to help folks understand and practice civil discourse…and why it is so important to living out our Gospel call and solving the problems facing our communities, country and the world.” Talking About Things That Matter - created by the parish of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Boone, NC, this model comes out of "an awareness that our society is deeply divided, and it seems harder than ever to talk across those divides. We have seen this wider societal dynamic impact our congregational life, and our awareness of this division has awakened in us a deep desire to grow our capacity to have conversations about things that matter." Talking About Things that Matter -- An Introduction Baptismal Vows & Practices for Talking About Things That Matter Group Leader Instructions Conversation Prompts Practices for Talking About Things That Matter

Keeping our Churches Safe from Disaster and Violence The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to providing our parishes and institutions with the resources necessary in order to prepare for, respond to, and recover from any disaster that is a result of nature, industry, technology, or intention. In the event of a disaster, affected congregations and regions are encouraged to contact the Canon to the Ordinary who will be available to assist with any immediate diocesan support and coordinate with Episcopal Relief and Development. These resources are here to help you bring emergency readiness to your congregation and are adaptable to the size of your congregation. Getting Started The Diocese of Western North Carolina suggests seven key areas to focus on when addressing violence preparedness. Parish Planning Template A useful template for completing your church’s emergency preparedness plan. Active Shooter Response A guide to help your parish prepare an active shooter response . Disaster Relief Help for communities facing disaster.

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. For more information on the Disciplinary process & reporting, please find more information here . Members The Rev. Jonathan Stepp, President Mr. Allan Fullwood The Rev. David Henson The Rev. Judith Whelchel The Rev. Patty Mouer Ms. Jillian Fisher Ms. Jacque Dunbar The Rev. John Simpson Ms. Candace Mance, Church Attorney

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.

Human Resources Health Insurance - This page contains important information about our 2023 Health Benefits and Open Enrollment. Employee or Contractor? Download this document to learn the difference. Imputed Income – What is imputed income and how should it be reported for clergy? Learn more here . IRS Business Mileage reimbursement rate for the current year can be found here . Lay Pension Guidelines Guide to the Episcopal Church Lay Retirement Savings Plan (RSVP) and the Episcopal Church Lay Employee’s Defined Contribution Retirement Plan Guide to the Episcopal Church Lay Employee’s Defined Benefit Plan Clergy Pension Guidelines: This Guide to Clergy Benefits is designed to help you understand the provisions of The Church Pension Fund Clergy Pension Plan and other benefit plans available Safeguarding Our Churches: Please visit the Safe Church, Safe Communities page for m ore i nformation on Safeguarding and conducting a background check. New Hire Forms: W-4 NC-4 NC New Hire I-9 Church Pension Group Medical and Dental Enrollment Form Form to enroll in Church Pension Lay Employees’ Defined Benefits Plan Form to enroll in the Church Pension Defined Contribution (RSVP and Lay DC) Plan Form to enroll in Church Pension Group Term Life Insurance Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Coverage Church Pension Employment Change Form – New Assignment Notice and Change in Compensation

Our Cathedral Located in the Biltmore Village area of Asheville, All Souls is the cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. It is the seat of our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, a spiritual home to all Episcopalians in Western North Carolina, and a house of prayer for all people. All Souls is a Eucharistic-centered cathedral whose life is shaped by Scripture, the Baptismal Covenant, and engagement with the world about us. It is a community where all are welcome, trust is present, risks are taken, and where our gifts and graces enable us to be who God knows us to be. For more information on our cathedral and events there, visit the All Souls website .

Zoom Links for Convention Convention Homepage We look forward to seeing you at Convention! Please find the Zoom link below. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes ahead of time so we may begin promptly at 9AM on November 13th. Dio WNC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: 99th Annual Convention Time: Nov 13, 2021 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81896509591?pwd=ZkRCTVdrdmpSZHVTbWYyY3o0R2JSUT09 Meeting ID: 818 9650 9591 Passcode: 752143

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.

Ministry at La Capilla de Santa Maria SPANISH EUCHARIST SERVICE - Sundays at 11AM Get Directions NUESTRAS HISTORIAS: Miguel Álvarez, La Capilla Watch this video to learn more about our Regional Missioner for Latino Ministries, Miguel Álvarez, and the ministries at La Capilla. If you want to learn more about Miguel, click here to read his full bio. La Capilla de Santa Maria (The Chapel of St. Mary) is our diocesan Spanish Mission Chapel and is located in Hendersonville, NC. The mission is to bring formation, faith, companionship, and education to their congregation, and support local Latino families and communities to build bridges between Latino and Anglo-Saxon culture. La Capilla has a deep history rooted in Western North Carolina. The property is also home to the Folwell House, where the members of our Blue Ridge Service Corps reside as part of the mission to connect the Anglo and Latino communities. If you want to learn more about the history of La Capilla, a brief history can be found in the article "The History and Legacy of La Capilla de Santa Maria," or a more extended narrative can be found in the book, "La Capilla de Santa Maria: A Spiritual Tapestry" by Joy Franklin.