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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.

Lent & Easter Resources Adult Resources 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 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. Lent Madness Enjoy March Madness? Check out this Lenten version--but instead of basketball teams, it's 32 saints! REFLECT: Give Us This Day Give Us This Day offers meditations for every day in Lent, inviting us to connect faith "our daily bread" and the world in which we live, along with a range of bread recipes. Lenten Meditations from Episcopal Relief and Development Find daily meditations in both Spanish and English to help guide you throughout the season of Lent. Churches Uniting in Christ: Reconciling the Baptized, Seeking Unity with Justice Find a variety of resources and reflections from churches and dioceses across the nation for the Lenten season. 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. 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. 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. READ: Singing in the Dark: Ash Wednesday with Children Find unique ways to celebrate Ash Wednesday with children in this book. 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

Exploring Our Churches: Western Area Up Back to Find a Church The Western deanery is blessed with the natural beauty and culture of two national forests within the Appalachian Mountains, the grandeur of the Great Smoky National Park, the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous waterfalls in the Southern Highlands. It is home to Lake Logan Episcopal Center, John Campbell Folk School and a sovereign nation recognized by the federal government. The Eastern Band of Cherokee resides in their traditional homelands with a history that spans the millennia. Major cities: Canton Cashiers Cherokee Cullowhee Franklin Hayesville Highlands Murphy Robbinsville Sylva Waynesville All Saints Episcopal Church St. Agnes Chapel: 66 Church St. St. Cyprian's Chapel: 216 Roller Mill Rd. Franklin, NC 28734 www.allsaintsfranklin.org 828-524-4910 Grace Mountainside Church 129 S. Main Street Robbinsville, NC 28771 www.luther95.com/GMLEF-RNC/ (828) 479-1184 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 495 Herbert Hills Drive Hayesville, NC 28904 goodshepherdhayesville.org (828) 389-3397 St. David's, Cullowhee 385 Forest Hills Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 www.stdavidscullowhee.org/ (828) 331-1427 Whiteside Summer Chapel Cashiers, NC 28717 www.thesummerchapel.org/ (828) 553-8912 Church of the Good Shepherd 1448 Highway 107 South Cashiers, North Carolina 28717 www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com (828) 743-2359 St. John's Episcopal Church 18 Jackson Street Sylva, NC 28779 https://www.saintjohnssylva.org/ (828) 586-8358 Episcopal Church of the Messiah 76 Peachtree Street Murphy, NC 28906 www.messiahmurphy.com (828) 837-2021 St John's Episcopal Church 542 St Johns Church Road Franklin, NC 28734 https://www.stjohnscartoogechaye.com/ (828) 524-6370 Grace Church in the Mountains 394 N. Haywood Street Waynesville, NC 28786 www.gracewaynesville.com (828) 456-6029 Church of the Incarnation 520 Main Street @ 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 www.incarnationwnc.org (828) 526-2968 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 99 Academy Street Canton, NC 28716 http://www.standrewscanton.org/ (828) 648-7550 St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal 84 Old River Rd Cherokee, NC 28719 http://www.stfrancischerokee.com/ 828-225-6656

Palabras de bienvenida de nuestro obispo diocesano, el Reverendísimo José A. McLoughlin Síguenos en nuestras redes sociales: ¡Bienvenidos a la Iglesia Episcopal! ¿QUIENES SOMOS? La Iglesia Episcopal es una de las ramas del movimiento de fe y amor que comenzó nuestro Señor Jesucristo hace mas de dos mil años atrás . Somos una Iglesia Católica , Apostólica y Anglicana. Somos una comunidad de fe con más de 80 millones de miembros en 163 países que enfoca su trabajo en el amor infinito que Dios tiene para nosotros y que nos invita a compartir con el mundo entero. " Les doy este mandamiento nuevo: Que se amen los unos a los otros... " Juan 13:34 ¿CUALES SON NUESTRAS CREENCIAS? " Los episcopales creemos en un Dios amoroso, liberador y vivificante: Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo. Como miembros constitutivos de la Comunión Anglicana en Estados Unidos, somos descendientes y nos asociamos a la Iglesia de Inglaterra y a la Iglesia Episcopal Escocesa, y somos parte del tercer grupo más grande de cristianos en el mundo. Creemos en seguir las enseñanzas de Jesucristo, cuya vida, muerte y resurrección salvó al mundo. Tenemos un legado de inclusión en el cual, aspirando a dar a conocer y a ejemplificar el amor de Dios a todo ser humano; hombres y mujeres sirven como obispos, sacerdotes y diáconos en nuestra iglesia. Los laicos y el clero comparten el liderazgo a todos los niveles en nuestra iglesia. El liderazgo es un don de Dios, y puede ser manifestado por todas las personas en nuestra Iglesia, independientemente de su identidad u orientación sexual. Creemos que Dios nos ama a todos, sin excepción." - Iglesia Episcopal ¿DONDE PUEDO ENCONTRAR UNA IGLESIA EPISCOPAL? Si estas buscando una iglesia que te acepte como eres, que te acompañe en tu caminar de fe y te apoye en tu crecimiento espiritual, te invitamos a que nos visites. Dale clic AQUI para ver el listado de Iglesias en nuestra diócesis. ¿Estás pensando en estudiar en la universidad, pero no sabes cómo cubrir los gastos de estudio? Nosotros estamos aquí para apoyarte y lograr tus metas. La Diócesis Episcopal del Norte de Carolina del Occidente está dando becas a la comunidad Latina/Hispana para continuar sus estudios universitarios. Para mayor información sobre nuestras becas de estudio, comunícate con nosotros al orozo@diocesewnc.org . Para mayor información sobre nuestras Iglesias Latinas/Hispanas en nuestra diócesis, por favor comunicarse con nuestro Misionero Diocesano . Aplicar Aquí Ministerio en Español LEARN MORE Recursos en Español LEARN MORE

Haiti For many years, multiple parishes in the Diocese of Western North Carolina have supported and built relationships with congregations in the Diocese of Haiti. If your church is interested in developing relationships with congregations in Haiti, 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 a local parish leader on his experiences in Haiti: A word from Alister Brady – Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, Highlands Photographs by Tom Plaut of St. Matthias Episcopal Church Asheville . St. Matthias is the parish sponsor for Consider Haiti, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering Haitian communities by supporting grassroots efforts to create sustainable nutrition and medical support. Learn more about how you can get involved with Consider Haiti on their website .

Christian Formation for Adults Spiritual formation breathes life and renewal into our relationship with God. As followers of Jesus, we seek ways to deepen our faith and to grow in love. While your parish offers classes and programs to inform and enrich the journey, below are other resources that offer opportunities for your spiritual growth. Spiritual Direction Work one-on-one with a spiritual director to nurture your spiritual life and journey. A spiritual director helps you explore your relationship with God and go deeper into the aspects of life that call to you. Here is a list of individuals who are available in Western North Carolina. Lake Logan Conference Center One of our diocesan Conference Centers, Lake Logan, offers year-round programs for formation and connection. Learn more and find upcoming programs at www.lakelogan.org Valle Crucis Conference Center One of our diocesan Conference Centers, Valle Crucis Conference Center, offers year-round opportunities for fellowship, lodging, and spiritual formation. Learn more at https://vcconferences.org/ Episcopal Cursillo Ministry Cursillo is a three day weekend spiritual renewal gathering, often described as a “short course on Christianity.” Through a series of conversations and meditation, a team of clergy and lay leaders facilitate reflections on discerning “what is fundamental for being a Christian” in our everyday lives. Another integral part of the weekend is community prayer and worship. Learn more at https://www.episcopalcursilloministry.org/ Episcopal Church Women ECW is a diocesan-wide organization with local parish chapters that support all women in their Mission and Ministry in the world. The vision of ECW is for all women of the Episcopal Church is that we become a vibrant blend of all ages, coming together as a peacemaking, healing part of the Church as the working hands of Christ. Learn more at https://www.ecwwnc.org/ Education For Ministry EFM is a program that provides theological education for lay people, nurturing their faith and equipping them to express that faith in day-to-day events. Learn more at https://efm.sewanee.edu/ The Living Compass Living Compass is a resource that equips individuals, families, congregations, and organizations with the tools and training for the journey toward wellness and wholeness. Learn more at https://www.livingcompass.org/ Way of Love Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life is more than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/way-of-love/ Find a Church in the Diocese of WNC Find a church that works for you in the Diocese of WNC! We serve over 60 parishes from Gastonia to Murphy NC. Learn more at www.diocesewnc.org/find-a-church eFormation Learning Community by Virginia Theological Seminary eFormation is a learning community for ministry in a digital world. They believe culturally savvy, digitally literate leadership skills are essential in every congregation and regional church body. eFormation is a ministry of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary, forming and equipping leaders for digital media for ministry since 2012. Learn more at https://eformationvts.org/

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

The 97th Annual Convention -- November 2019

Discern God's Call for Ministry In the Episcopal Church, we believe that all people are called to ministry by virtue of baptism. The process of identifying, celebrating, and using our talents and gifts in the church and in the world is understood as “discernment.” The Diocese of Western North Carolina encourages leaders at the parish level to be companions on the journey of discernment with every lay member as they discover how they are called to participate in God’s redeeming work in the world. Sometimes individuals, alongside their congregation, discern gifts that may suggest a call to ordained ministry of a deacon or a priest in the church. The diocese desires ordained leaders who will equip our congregations to adapt to new realities and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in ways that speak to the varied contexts and cultures of our communities. Below, you will find documents you will need should you begin down the path of discernment. Commission on Ministry Manual Parish Lay Discernment Committee Manual Financial Costs of Pursuing Ordination Constitution & Canons, Title III Suggested reading for further discernment: For more information, contact the diocesan office at 828-225-6656. The Diocese of Western North Carolina is proud to be home to Iona WNC, a part of the Iona Collaborative , a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. Click here to visit the Iona WNC page and learn more.

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

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

About the "Highland Episcopalian" The Highland Episcopalian is a biannual publication of the Diocese of Western North Carolina. The magazine is sent to anyone who wishes to receive it within the boundaries of the diocese. Those outside the area may subscribe to the magazine for $5 per issue. Donations to support the cost of mailing the magazine are welcome, and may be made online (below) or sent to our office. Backdated Issues: Summer 2017 Closer to God: Conference & Camp ministries in the diocese Convention 2016 Details of the 2016 Convention. Summer 2016 Electing the next bishop February 2015 Community Gardens Fall 2016 The election of our new bishop Summer 2015 New directions, new growth

The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina provides resources such as lay licensing information, audit guidelines, the vestry handbook, and more. Back Parish Administration & Leadership Resources This page lists policies and information relevant to lay leaders, parish administrators, vestry members, and many aspects of church operation. Here you can find forms, guidelines, and links to support managing parish finances, insurance, licensing, parochial reports, and more. Jump to Leadership Resources Alcohol Policy View our diocesan policy for the responsible use of alcohol. Audits Audit Guidelines The Canons of the Episcopal Church require annual audits for all parishes, missions, and other institutions. The canons permit the auditing of congregational accounts by "an independent Certified Public Accountant," by "an independent licensed public accountant," or by such a committee as shall be authorized by the Finance Committee, or by the appropriate diocesan authority. While audits by CPAs are preferred, committee audits can be performed using alternative audit procedures to accommodate parishes with limited income. Church Property & Real Estate Transactions Intake Form for Proposed Real Estate Property Transaction When a church in the Diocese of Western North Carolina wants to sell (alienate), purchase (encumber), alter existing property, or secure bank financing for property-related transactions (encumber), parish leaders must submit a Property Transaction Form to the bishop's office to receive the required approval from the bishop, Standing Committee, Executive Council and Diocesan Trustees. Parish leaders are strongly encouraged to notify the Canon to the Ordinary with any questions and the intention to submit the necessary form. Church Personnel Management Human Resources information Communications Communications as Evangelism Workshop series Diocesan Financials 2024 Budget Most recent diocesan audit Diocesan Grants & Loans Find information on applying for our grants and loans . Diocesan Pledges 2026 Pledge Letter from Bishop José Submit a pledge for 2026 Insurance Health Benefits & Open Enrollment Property & Casualty Insurance Investments and Gifts Guidelines on parish investment management and gift acceptance Lay Leadership Lay Leader Licensing Lay Leadership Resources Lay leadership keeps our churches and our diocese moving forward. From vestry members and staff to lectors and acolytes, our communities thrive when lay people get involved. Some lay ministries require licensing from the bishop and extra training, while others require only dedication and drive. Explore the Lay Leader Licensing page for details on who needs a license, and check out the Lay Leadership Resources page for helpful information on how to grow and thrive in lay leadership. Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs Read or download the manual. A comprehensive, user-friendly manual from The Episcopal Church. The manual supports the increasingly complex work of all treasurers and parish administrators, and it includes forms, such as the parochial report form, with instructions. Parochial Report - Due March 1st Help with parochial reports. The Parochial Report, established by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church, is a tool for collecting data intended to assist The Episcopal Church in planning for its mission. Every church in the Diocese of Western North Carolina must file a parochial report. Technology Visit our Technology Resources page Treasurer Tools Generic Treasurer Checklist Sample Parish Treasurer Job Description Sample Finance Committee Job Description Sample Parish Financial Policy Vestry Leadership 2023 Vestry Leadership Day slides Vestry Handbook 2024 Leadership Resouce Parish Leadership Resources In this section, you will find resources that support the work and formation of lay leaders in the church. General Leadership ECF Vital Practices offers parish leaders, including vestry members, the resources and tools to respond to the changing needs of the Church. FACTS on Church Growth A look at the dynamics of growth and decline in Episcopal congregations based on the 2014 Survey of Episcopal Congregations. To view the entire report, visit the Episcopal Church website here to download a copy. A brief summary, Key Characteristics of Congregations Experiencing Growth, has been prepared by the Rev. Jason Lewis. You can download it here . ChurchNext has numerous paid and free online courses on various topics for parish leaders. The Alban Institute at Duke Divinity School provides educational materials, books, publications, and consulting services for clergy and congregations. Membership gets you a weekly e-mail and a book discount. Child and Youth Resources for formation within the youth and young adults in your parish or the diocese. Vestry Leadership Vestry Academy The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers an annual weekend retreat designed specifically for vestries of small churches. Vestry members spend time with the bishop and members of his staff, learning about their roles and responsibilities, financial oversight, and time for parish planning. Vestry Leadership Day Annual Saturday conference for vestry members, treasurers, and wardens to meet with the bishop and members of his staff for direct guidance on roles and responsibilities, leadership development, and financial oversight. A combined copy of the 2023 presentations can be found here . Vestry Manual A comprehensive guide , prepared by the Diocese of Western North Carolina, on the responsibilities and roles of the vestry. Vestry Resource Guide The Vestry Resource Guide offers an approach for leaders of congregations and faith communities to work together to become an effective, even transformational leadership team. The full guide is available for $15 from Forward Movement here . A free preview is also available at that link. Stewardship Planned Giving The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers an annual gathering for church leaders to learn strategies and best practices for planned giving at the parish level. For more information on these gatherings, please get in touch with Canon Augusta Anderson . The Partnership for ReNEWal (PfR) acts as a midwife for new ways of being church, enabling churches to be agile, resilient, and intentional about living into their divine purpose in today’s shifting religio-cultural environment. Focusing on servant-leadership development and a transformed approach to year-long stewardship, PfR provides concrete goals, tools, and continuing support for the journey. Project Resource This program provides the tools to inspire radical generosity and financial stewardship and equip faith communities in this life-changing work. Project Resource programs are periodically taught throughout the Diocese of Western North Carolina. The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) The Diocese of Western North Carolina is a member of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS), which is an association of church leaders who understand, practice, and proclaim God's call to generosity. Ecumenical Stewardship Center (ESC) The ESC is a dynamic and interactive network that connects, inspires, and equips stewardship leaders to transform their churches into faithful and generous givers. Evangelism Evangelism Toolkit Every Episcopalian is commissioned in baptism to proclaim by word and example the loving, liberating, and life-giving good news of Jesus Christ. Through the spiritual practice of evangelism, we name and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people - then invite everyone to join us in the journey of faith. The Episcopal Church has prepared this Evangelism Toolkit to help us live into that call. Download the Evangelism Toolkit in English or Spanish Other evangelism resources from The Episcopal Church can be found here . Transforming Evangelism, by David Gortner At once “travel guide” and vision for the future, the Transformation series is good news for the Episcopal Church at a time of fast and furious demographic and social change.

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.

Justice and Outreach Grant The Justice and Outreach Committee will consider grant proposals for diocesan initiatives that meet the following funding criteria: Engages people in ministry that is focused on a justice and outreach issue, builds capacity in the local community and/or across the diocese to improve the quality of life for the poor, lonely, and/or disenfranchised through collaboration, has an end result that transforms the community and/or the diocese. Apply for this grant Grant budget form Past Grant Recipients Winter Safe Shelter Welcomes Dozens During First Year An ecumenical effort to provide shelter for the underserved among the unhoused has welcomed more than 30 people in off the streets since... Diocese of WNC

A Reflection on Cuba By the Rev. David Henson, Associate Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville During a weeklong pilgrimage to Cuba, God was at work among us as we built relationships and learned from each other about what it meant to bridge not only cultural and language divides, but the very real divides that are still enacted by our government and were enacted for decades by The Episcopal Church. The reconciling work of Spirit was made manifest through something as simple as friendships, dancing to music on rooftops together, and visiting with church members in the community. The Cuban people were generous, welcoming, kind-hearted, and brimming with vibrant faith as our 15 youth and 5 adults spent time at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Cardenas and at the Cathedral in Havana. The bonds our group forged, particularly with the other teenagers, were both real, holy, and meaningful. There is something profoundly moving about seeing a bunch of Cuban and American teenagers tearfully saying goodbye to one another after only a few days together. The presence of God was indeed palpable as they insisted with deep emotion and across a rigid political divide enforced by our nations, that this would not be the last time they saw each other.

Fellowship and Pastoral Care Resources Pastoral Care Resources Episcopal Church Prayer Wall Covid-19 Checklist for Followers of Jesus Introducing Buddy Groups The Art of Providing Spiritual Council Online

Resources for Resilience Workshop In June 2021, members of the diocese gathered for a Resources for Resilience Workshop at Lake Logan Conference Center. The workshop focused on how we can keep ourselves centered during times of high stress and tools for managing our fight or flight responses.

Finance Committee & Treasurer of the Diocese Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Treasurer is responsible to the Convention and the Bishop for oversight of all financial dealings of the Diocese. As such, the Treasurer is a member of the Department of the Finance Committee. Audited Financial Statements for the Diocese Grants & Loans Finance Committee The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin – Bishop The Rev. Sam Tallman, Chair – St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock Diane Mance, EC Liaison – St. Matthias, Asheville Bruce Hunt – Transfiguration, Saluda Chad Hardy – Trinity, Asheville The Rev. Toby Summerour – Good Shepherd, Cashiers Cliff Hudgins - Christ Church, Sparta Diocesan Treasurer Jack Parsons

Budget Road Tour Convention Homepage The process for developing and discerning the diocesan budget is an intentional process that involves multiple opportunities for participation from many people throughout the diocese. In the early part of every summer, a memo is sent out to the whole diocese inviting people to submit proposals for budget expenditures, including new mission initiatives or ministry programs. All submissions are reviewed by the executive team of the diocese, including the Treasurer, and then incorporated into a draft budget which is reviewed for any amendments by the Executive Committee of the Diocese at their August meeting. The dates for the 2025 Virtual Budget Road Tour is Wednesday, September 3 at 5:30 p.m. This proposed draft budget is then shared with the wider diocese every September through the annual Budget Road Tour. The 2025 Budget Road Tour will by Zoom. Copies of the draft budget are provided to those who participate in the September presentations. On these Budget Road Tour Zoom meetings, the executive team (Bishop, Treasurer, and CFO) presents the proposed budget, answers questions and welcomes participant suggestions. If any suggestions are offered, people are invited to provide creative ideas to maintain a balanced budget. The Executive Council reviews the draft budget at their October meeting and then presents a final draft to the annual Convention of the Diocese, no less than two weeks prior to Convention. Convention is the canonical body that adopts the annual diocesan budget for the proceeding year. 2026 Draft Budget Slides for 2026 Budget Road Tour