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Emergency resources for preparing, responding, and recovering for and from disasters. Resource Center 1/1 Preparation GO/STAY PREP CHECKLIST CHURCH PREP CHECKLIST DISASTER PREP 101 SLIDES PREPARACIÓN PARA DESASTRES 101 Mental Health Resources Feeling overwhelmed, distressed, anxious? You are not alone—help is a text or call away. The National Disaster Distress Helpline is a valuable resource for our VOAD network and accessible 24/7 for responders, support teams, volunteers—for you, however and wherever you may support in the disaster/humanitarian sector. Simply text or call 1-800-985-5990 Para ayuda en español, opríma el numero “2”. For more information, visit samhsa.gov/ddh Jada Bryson has offered free spiritual direction during this time. Contact her at Northernstar.direction@gmail.com

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

Forming Disciples Equipping people of all ages to know and love Jesus and live into their Baptismal Covenant is an essential ministry of the Church. The Episcopal Church understands that Christian formation and education is a holistic, life-long process. Through study, prayer, reflection, service, worship, fellowship, and exploration we come to know more about the living Christ and the hopes of God for our lives and the world. As one of the original partners, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is guided by the principles of the Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation . If you have questions about Christian Formation contact Eden Lewis, Director of Lifelong Christian Formation. Below you will find important information and resources for Christian formation for people of all ages. You may also want to include working with a Spiritual Director to nurture your spiritual life and journey. Here is a list of individuals who are available in Western North Carolina. Children Engaging children and families to grow in their relationship with God and Jesus is a sacred ministry of the Christian community. Learn more Youth Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way, widen the walls, and wake up the world." Learn more College Connect with a college ministry on one of our four campuses. We welcome ALL! Learn more Young Adults We invite young adults to join us as we live out our calling to the Jesus Movement of The Episcopal Church. Learn more Adults Here you will find additional information and resources for the spiritual and faith formation of adults. Learn more Iona WNC Iona WNC is a part of the larger Iona Collaborative, a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. Learn more

Join the Bishop's Cup golf tournament to support the Lake Logan Conference Center and Camp Henry summer camp. The Bishop's Cup Golf Tournament Supporting Lake Logan Episcopal Conference Center and Camp Henry Friday, April 26 Reems Creek Golf Club, Asheville Check-in - 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start - 9:30 a.m. Four-Person Team/ Captain's choice $125 per person / $500 per team Includes green fee, cart fee, box lunch & snacks Player registration opens on Monday, March 11 REGISTER Prizes include stays at Lake Logan, golf swag, Camp Henry and Lake Logan merchandise, tickets to the Cold Mountain Music Festival, and more! Help spread the word! Download Flyer Press Release Don't golf but still want to support? Sen d a kid to camp Q uestions ? Contact the Rev. Will Bryant will.bryant@allsoulscathedral.org Thank you to our sponsors! Sponsorships Become a Sponsor Saints - $5,000: Sponsors two teams Two tee box signs Eight tickets to Cold Mountain Music Festival 20% discount on Lake Logan Rental* One free Session for a child at Camp Henry Special promotion at opening ceremony of the Cup Angels - $3,000: Sponsors two teams Two tee box signs Four tickets to Cold Mountain Music Festival 15% off Lake Logan Rental* Shepherds - $1,500: Sponsors one team One tee box sign Two tickets to Cold Mountain Music Festival 10% off Lake Logan Rental* Heavenly Host - $750: Sponsors one team One tee box sign One ticket to Cold Mountain Music Festival 5% off Lake Logan Rental* *Lake Logan Rentals subject to blackout dates. Become a Sponsor

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

Camp Henry Day Camp at Grace Church in the Mountains

Our Mission Walk in the Way of Jesus. Change the World. The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina is part of the worldwide Jesus movement. Together, as a community of 61 year-round congregations, five summer chapels, two conference centers, a summer camp, one retirement community, and one parochial school across the 28 westernmost counties of the state, we collectively witness to God’s love for the whole world. We believe we are partners in God’s mission to: “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ." -Book of Common Prayer, page 855.

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.

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 Quarantine with Bishop José - Seasons 1 & 2 Keep up with our Blue Ridge Service Corps Videos from Convention 2023

Youth Ministry Welcome to Youth Ministry! Our young people are a significant part of our vision in the diocese to “walk in the way, widen the walls, and wake up the world." Our programs provide opportunities for youth in grades 6th through 12th to grow in their faith through relationship-building with their peers, spiritual formation, and servant leadership. The creation, coordination, and enactment of youth programs are the responsibility of Charlotte Garcia . The mission and vision for youth ministry are implemented in collaboration with the missioner, the youth council, and the bishop. ENGAGE We strive to engage youth in diocesan youth ministry through a variety of programs. Youth Retreats & Fellowship events Camp Henry Towel Ministry LEAD Our programs are planned and led by a council of youth, young adults and adults. We provide opportunities for youth to grow as Christian leaders through serving on Diocesan Youth Council, conference leadership teams, and Camp Henry Leadership and Mission Program. Youth Council & Conference Leadership Team Camp Henry Leadership Adventure and Mission Program Resources for Children and Youth Formation Upcoming Diocesan Youth Events Fri, Nov 21 High School Fall Conference / Lake Logan Learn more Nov 21, 2025, 5:30 PM – Nov 23, 2025, 1:00 PM Lake Logan , 25 Wormy Chestnut Ln, Canton, NC 28716, USA For youth in grades 9th to 12th Share WATCH Check out the playlist below to find videos regarding Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS - Convention 2021 Play Video Youth and Young Adult Ministries - Convention 2020 Play Video Youth and Young Adult Ministry Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Close

Congregational Vitality Resources Helpful Books There are many books available on the subject of Congregational Development or individual aspects of it. Some of the best are below. Please click on a book to find more information. Helpful Website The Alban Institute New research-based information and new ways to learn and minister more effectively within and outside faith communities.

Mountain Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 24th, the Mountain Deanery of the diocese gathered at the The Mill at Rock Creek in Boone, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Learn what to expect when visiting an Episcopal Church, from what to wear to the liturgical and worship practices present at our services. Visiting an Episcopal Church Visiting a church for the first time can be a daunting experience. We hope this page anticipates any questions you may have. Wherever you may end up visiting, please introduce yourself to other worshippers, the clergy or ushers so they can welcome you properly. Find an Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina. Hover or click on an image to read more about visiting an Episcopal Church! Worship in the Episcopal Church Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship. The principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as: the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Mass. In most Episcopal churches, worship is accompanied by the singing of hymns, and in some churches, much of the service is sung. Worship Styles Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. Find a Church The Book of Common Prayer Unique in our church is the Book of Common Prayer, the collection of worship services that all worshipers in the Episcopal Church follow. It’s called “common prayer” because we all pray it together. The prayer book explains Christianity, describes the main beliefs of the Church, and in general serves as the main guidelines of the Episcopal life. Liturgy and Ritual Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be “liturgical,” meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from week to week during the year. This sameness gives worship a rhythm that becomes comfortin g and familiar to the worshipers. If you are new to the Episcopal Church, you will quickly discover that we do a lot of sitting, standing, and kneeling in our worship services. For some first-time visitors, all this can be exhilarating… or confusing. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes. What should I wear? There’s no dress code. Some people dress up in their Sunday best and others show up in jeans and a sweater. Whatever feels comfortable and appropriate for you is fine. Am I Welcome? ALL are welcome in the Episcopal Church. Jesus welcomed all, and we aim to live in accordance by being an accepting, welcoming community. We welcome all regardless of race, sexual orientation, or faith. We are so excited for you to join us. Find a Church The Holy Eucharist In spite of the diversity of worship styles in the Episcopal Church, Holy Eucharist always has the same components and the same shape, including: The Liturgy of the Word We begin by lifting our hearts to God through song and prayer, and then listen to several readings from the Bible. A sermon, interpreting the readings appointed for the day, follows. The congregation then recites the Nicene Creed, written in the Fourth Century, which outlines the Church’s basic belief about God. The congregation prays together—for the Church, the World, and those in need. In certain seasons of the Church year, the congregation formally confesses their sins before God and one another. This is a corporate statement of what we have done and what we have left undone, followed by a pronouncement of absolution. The congregation then greets one another with a sign of “peace.” The Liturgy of the Table Next, the priest stands at the table, which has been set with a cup of wine and a plate of bread or wafers. Now begins the Eucharistic Prayer, in which the presider tells the story of our faith, from the beginning of Creation, through the choosing of Israel to be God’s people, through our continual turning away from God, and God’s calling us to return. Finally, the presider tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, and about the night before his death, on which he instituted the Eucharistic meal (communion) as a continual remembrance of him. The presider blesses the bread and wine, and the congregation recites the Lord’s Prayer. The congregation then shares the consecrated bread and the wine. Sometimes the people all come forward to receive the bread and wine; sometimes they pass the elements around in other ways. Through participation in Holy Eucharist we find ourselves strengthened in our union with the Christ and one another. All who seek a deeper relationship with God and wish to receive the presence of Jesus Christ in their lives are welcome to take part in the Holy Eucharist. Find a Church

Centennial Calendar We are very excited to announce a special project for our Centennial Year, our 2022 Diocesan calendar. Inspired by the amazing work being done across the diocese, each month features a different ministry—from food pantries to community gardens and is a celebration of the many ways in which our diocese are the hands and feet of God in the world. In collaboration with writer and Holy Cross, Valle Crucis member Katerina Whitley , monthly prayers and reflections are offered in relation to the featured ministry. These monthly meditations may help us reflect on the many ways we can be church, far outside the walls of a building. Click here to order your diocesan calendar

Camp Henry Camp Henry continues a camping tradition that dates back to 1958 when it was established by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina to provide an affordable and memorable experience for the youth of the diocese. While preserving this initial mission, Camp Henry has continued to grow and diversify its offerings over the years so that all people and all ages have the opportunity to come to camp! Campers participate in creative, engaging, and diverse programs based on scripture, liturgy, environmental education, and conservation designed by clergy and staff. Our counselors provide opportunities for the campers to have fun and learn through traditional and nontraditional sports and games, boating, fishing, sailing, hiking, arts/crafts, singing, storytelling, worship, and much more. Families are invited to enjoy the fun in the mountains and on the lake by joining us for Family Camp, where all ages play, pray, laugh, and love together! In 2023, the first Bilingual Camp was offered for our Spanish-speaking youth and their families. Visit the Camp Henry website or contact the Camp Henry Director at director@camphenry.org CAMP HENRY PHOTO GALLERY

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

Upcoming Events Becoming Beloved Community Workshop Fri, Nov 14 Friday: Virtual | Saturday: In-person More info Learn More High School Fall Conference Fri, Nov 21 Lake Logan More info Learn more

Newsletter Archives Find issues of our diocesan newsletter, including Along the Way and previous e-news editions dating back to October 2022. 2024 December 2024 Along the Way - Dec. 18, 2024 Along the Way - Dec. 11, 2024 Along the Way - Dec. 4, 2024 November 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 27, 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 20, 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 13, 2024 Along the Way - Nov. 6, 2024 October 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 30, 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 23, 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 16, 2024 Along the Way - Oct. 9, 2024 September 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 25, 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 18, 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 11, 2024 Along the Way - Sept. 4, 2024 August 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 28, 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 21, 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 14, 2024 Along the Way - Aug. 7, 2024 July 2024 Along the Way - July 31, 2024 Along the Way - July 24, 2024 Along the Way - July 17, 2024 Along the Way - July 10, 2024 Along the Way - July 3, 2024 June 2024 Along the Way - June 26, 2024 Along the Way - June 19, 2024 Along the Way - June 12, 2024 Along the Way - June 5, 2024 May 2024 Along the Way - May 29. 2024 Along the Way - May 22, 2024 Along the Way - May 15, 2024 Along the Way- May 8, 2024 Along the Way - May 1, 2024 April 2024 Along the Way - April 24, 2024 Along the Way - April 17, 2024 Along the Way - April 10, 2024 Along the Way - April 3, 2024 March 2024 Along the Way - March 27, 2024 Along the Way - March 20, 2024 Along the Way - March 13, 2024 Along the Way - March 6, 2024 February 2024 Along the Way - Feb. 28, 2024 Along the Way - Feb. 21, 2024 Alo ng the Way - Feb. 14, 2024 Along the Way - Feb. 7, 2024 January 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 31, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 24, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 17, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 10, 2024 Along the Way - Jan. 3, 2024 2023 December 2023 Along the Way - Dec. 20, 2023 Along the Way - Dec. 13, 2023 Along the Way - Dec. 6, 2023 November 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 29, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 22, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 14, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 8, 2023 Along the Way - Nov. 1, 2023 September 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 27, 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 20, 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 13, 2023 Along the Way - Sept. 6, 2023 August 2023 Along the Way - August 30, 2023 Along the Way - August 23, 2023 Along the Way - August 16, 2023 Along the Way - August 9, 2023 Along the Way - August 2, 2023 July 2023 Along the Way - July 26, 2023 Along the Way - July 19, 2023 Along the Way - July 12, 2023 Along the Way - July 5, 2023 June 2023 Along the Way - June 28, 2023 Along the Way - June 21, 2023 Along the Way - June 14, 2023 Along the Way - June 7, 2023 May 2023 Along the Way - May 31, 2023 Along the Way - May 24, 2023 Along the Way - May 17, 2023 Along the Way - May 10, 2023 Along the Way - May 3, 2023 April 2023 Along the Way - April 26, 2023 Along the Way - April 19, 2023 Along the Way - April 12, 2023 Along the Way - April 5, 2023 March 2023 Along the Way - March 29, 2023 Along the Way - March 22, 2023 Along the Way - March 15, 2023 Along the Way - March 8, 2023 Along the Way - March 1, 2023 February 2023 Along the Way - February 22, 2023 Weekly News - February 15, 2023 Weekly News - February 8, 2023 Weekly News - February 1, 2023 January 2023 Weekly News - January 25, 2023 Weekly News - January 18, 2023 Weekly News - January 11, 2023 Weekly News - January 4, 2023 20 22 December 2022 Weekly News - December 28, 2022 Weekly News - December 21, 2022 Weekly News - December 14, 2022 Weekly News - Decem ber 7, 2022 November 2022 Weekly News - November 30, 2022 Weekly News - November 23, 2022 Weekly News - November 16, 2022 Weekly News - November 9, 2022 Weekly News - November 2, 2022 October 2022 Weekly News - October 26, 2022 Weekly News - October 19, 2022 Weekly News - October 12, 2022 Weekly News - October 5, 2022

Diocesan Partnership with Cuba For many years, multiple parishes in the Diocese of Western North Carolina have supported and built relationships with the Diocese of Cuba and its churches. Watch the video or read some of the reflections below to learn more! Want to donate to this ministry? Please select "Partners in Mission" and add "Cuba" as a memo. Thank you for your support of this ministry! Donate Now! If your church is interested in developing relationships with congregations in Cuba, there are several clergy and lay leaders who could assist you in identifying next steps. Contact the Canon to the Ordinary to learn more. Below are reflections and helpful words of wisdom from local parish leaders on their experiences in Cuba: A word from Jack Watson – St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville A word from Brent Norris – St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Asheville A word from David Henson – Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville Clergy members of the Diocese of Cuba. Members of Trinity, Asheville helping paint the church of San Franciso de Asis, Cardenes The Right Rev. Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Cuba speaks at our Centennial Convention.

Honoring Indigenous People and Land 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 toward any of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are dedicated to the work of dismantling racism and building Beloved Community. 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. Learn more about the history of indigenous peoples on this land on our "Origins" page. Native-land.ca - Explore native history in your region READ: First Immigrants: Native American Settlement of North Carolina A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Cherokee History in the North Carolina Mountains and Beyond - via Blue Ridge National Heritage Area North Carolina's First Colonists: 12,000 Years Before Roanoke - via NC Office of State Archeology The Catawba are well known in the Carolinas for their pottery. Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons Webinar on Building Beloved Community from an Indigenous Perspective by United Thank Offering Statement on Indigenous boarding schools by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings Statement by the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 20th session Land Acknowledgement: A path towards reconciliation or a “move to innocence”? by Dr. Trey Adcock, Ph.D Indigenous Worldviews: Pre-Columbian and Post-Columbian by the Rev. Bradley S. Hauff, M.Div., Psy.D. Kituwah Society Guiding Principles by Principal Chief Richard - Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tsalagi Soul - The Music of the Rev. Bude Van Dyke Our Indigenous Mission is still in transition. Please stay tuned for updates as we continue to work with local communities in WNC.