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Indigenous Ministries Conference On March 26, 2022, we gathered as a diocese with 5 respected speakers to discuss the past, present, and future of the Diocese of WNC with our indigenous siblings. Our 5 speakers were the Rev. Dr. Brad Hauff (Indigenous Missioner for The Episcopal Church), the Rev. Dr. Bude VanDyke (Rector at the Church of The Good Shepherd in Decatur, Alabama), Dr. Trey Adkock (Director of American Indian and Indigenous studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville), Mr. James Bradley (Secretary of Education for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), and Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Mr. Richard Sneed. Photos by Pamela Mumby of Land of the Sky Photography.

Creation Care The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the care of all God’s creation and supports congregations in this important act of stewardship. Below are a number of resources to enhance and inspire their current environmental ministries. Creation Care Alliance Guide LEARN MORE Creation Care Alliance Guide A Catechism of Creation LEARN MORE A Catechism of Creation LEARN MORE LEARN MORE North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light LEARN MORE North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light WNC Creation Care Stories Sacred Ground: Giving Garden Wins National Award Waynesville's wildlife haven at Grace Church in the Mountains won one of six awards from Interfaith Power and Light's 2023 Cool Congregations Challenge. The garden became an organic haven with composting, native plants, pollinator and wildlife certifications, an outdoor worship space, and a classroom for lessons on the natural world. Wild Wonder: A Hands-On Creation Care Experience for Children The Wild Wonder curriculum is designed for a 5-day camp for children ages kindergarten to 5th grade, focusing on connecting with nature and God. Based off Psalm 104, the curriculum invites children to "delight in God as creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all things by immersing them in the wonders of the created world." Representing TEC at COP 27 The Rev. Anna Shine, the diocesan missioner for Creation Care, attended COP 27 as a representative for The Episcopal Church. Reach out to The Rev. Anna Shine: ashine@diocesewnc.org .

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

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.

Camp Henry Day Camp at Grace Church in the Mountains

Parish Leadership Resources Back 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.

2019 Spring Youth Conference at Lake Logan

Find a Church 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. You may also use this standard map or the traditional list below, with churches listed in alphabetical order by deanery. Click here to download a PDF map of the diocese of WNC. Asheville Deanery Western Deanery Mountain Deanery Foothills Deanery Piedmont Deanery Hendersonville Deanery Use the search box to find a church, or scroll through the list, which is organized in alphabetical order by deanery.

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

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

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.

103rd Annual Convention November 8, 2025 Christ School, Arden Convention Agenda Registration opens Continental breakfast available Worship - Morning prayer Business Session 1 Lunch Business Session 2 8:30 am 9:30 am 10:45 – 12:15pm 12:15 1:15-4:00 pm REGISTRATION We will be using the Whova App to facilitate voting, share documents, and stay connected during Convention. Please click the button to download the app, and email katie@diocesewnc.org with any questions prior to Convention. DOWNLOAD WHOVA Nominations and Resolutions LEARN MORE Documents for the Business of Convention LEARN MORE Vestry Certificate of Election LEARN MORE Coming to Convention with Intentionality LEARN MORE Budget Road Tour LEARN MORE New Delegate Orientation LEARN MORE Whova Tutorials LEARN MORE Hotel Accommodations LEARN MORE Summer Memo 2025 LEARN MORE

Ministerio en Español Ministerio en Español en la Iglesia Episcopal Diócesis del Oeste de Carolina del Norte En inglés 2017 Ha sido un ano de muchas bendiciones para nuestra diócesis, especialmente por el crecimiento de nuestras comunidades de habla Hispana. En el 2018, la congregación de la Capilla de Santa Maria en Hendersonville ha crecido en número y conversación con la comunidad de habla Inglés. Nuestro misionero regional, el Rev. Miguel Álvarez, ha trabajado diligentemente en la parte Este de nuestra diócesis, en donde celebra Misa en Español todos los domingos en la Iglesia Trinidad de Spruce Pine, Santa Maria en Morganton, y 5 de Noviembre comenzó la celebración en Nuestro Salvador en Newland. Estos servicios son una fuente de esperanza para nuestras congregaciones en su mayoría inmigrantes y reúnen a varias iglesias locales para el ministerio compartido. En otros lugares en la diócesis tenemos servicios en español el Tercer Domingo en la iglesia de Gracia en montañas, Waynesville y el cuarto domingo en la iglesia del Espíritu Santo Mars Hills. Good Shepherd in Cashiers está considerando la posible expansión a un servicio en español. Agradecemos a los Guardianes y Rectores mayores de estas parroquias por su amistad y apoyo. Nuestras comunidades de culto son muy diversas, provienen de diferentes orígenes, cada una con su propia identidad cultural única y problemas sociales y políticos únicos. Estas ricas tradiciones culturales enriquecen a la nuestra diócesis. Nuestro trabajo incluye: Celebrando bautizos, bodas, confirmaciones y eventos de especial importancia cultural como las quinciñeras; los días de fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe; Las Posadas; Los Tres Reyes; y el Día de la Independencia Mexicana. Celebrando frente al miedo como una voz de esperanza. Muchas de nuestras familias son indocumentadas, pero lo celebramos a pesar de la inseguridad económica, los puntos de control policial y la amenaza de deportación. Celebrando nuestra juventud Algunos de nuestros jóvenes disfrutaron de la conferencia de otoño, MidBeginnings. Más asistirán a la Conferencia de otoño de la escuela secundaria. Trabajamos con voluntarios de St. James Hendersonville, Holy Family Episcopal Church y First Congregational para ofrecer un programa de tutoría de verano en lectura, matemáticas y computadoras. Queremos abrir la casa parroquial de La Capilla para programas tales como preparación universitaria y orientación profesional para jóvenes de la escuela secundaria. Compartimos nuestro viaje espiritual a través de la asociación con iglesias no hispanas a medida que compartimos servicios y eventos especiales con iglesias episcopales cercanas y una iglesia AME en gran parte afroamericana. En el próximo año esperamos desarrollar capacitación para líderes laicos hispanos / latinos y brindar asesoramiento a estudiantes hispanos / latinos de escuela secundaria para la transición a la universidad y las carreras. Por favor oren por nosotros y nuestro ministerio. Gracias por tu visita.

Formation Resources No matter what formation looks like, being together in community is a vital part of our lives as Christians. These resources are intended assist in formulating Formation opportunities even in the midst of these challenging times. Resources for Formation Godly Play Foundation Keeping Faith at Home with Children Lesson Plans that Work FORMA Vibrant Faith Forward Movement Recursos en español Looking for more resources? Youth Advent Lent & Easter Community-Building Resources Grow Christians Building Online Community The Art of Providing Spiritual Council Online Faith Formation Learning Exchange Building Beloved Community LGBTQIA Social Justice Recursos en español Episcopal Resources Church Publishing The Episcopal Church Foundation The Episcopal Church Foundation - Spanish Traveling the Way of Love Beloved Community

Agenda Convention Homepage Details for agenda items will be added as they become available. Remember to download the Whova app for voting and to make the most of the convention.

Exploring Our Churches: Foothills Area Up Back to Find a Church Sitting on the eastern boundary of the Diocese, the rolling foothills transition the Appalachians to the Piedmont. Marked by rivers, expansive farms and thriving communities, the Foothills Deanery is made up of eight parishes spread though five counties. Cities in the area include Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir and Marion. Major cities: Hickory Lenoir Marion Morganton Newton Wilkesboro Episcopal Church of the Ascension 726 1st Avenue NW Hickory, NC 28601 http://www.ascensionhickory.org/ (828) 328-5393 St. Alban's Episcopal Church 130 39th Ave Place, NW Hickory, NC 28601 www.stalbansparish.org (828) 324-1351 St. Mary's & St. Stephen's Episcopal Church 140 St Marys Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 St. Mary's St. Stephen's Website Facebook page Grace Episcopal Church 303 South King Street Morganton, NC 28655-3536 www.gracechurchmorganton.org (828) 437-1133 St. James Episcopal Church 806 College Avenue, SW Lenoir, NC 28645 www.saintjamesepiscopal.org (828) 754-3712 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 1865 N Powerhouse Rd Morganton, NC 28655 www.stpaullakejames.org (828) 584-0955 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 750 W 13th Street Newton, NC 28658 http://www.epiphanynewton.org/ (828) 464-1876 St. John's Episcopal Church 289 South Main Street Marion, NC 28752 www.stjohnsepiscopalwnc.org ( 828) 652-4144 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 206 West Cowles Street Wilkesboro, North Carolina 28697 https://stpaulwilkesboro.org/ (336) 667-4231

Share the Good News 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 Evangelism Resources from The Episcopal Church. 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. Click here for more information .

Contact The Diocesan Office We are so excited to hear from you! If you wish to contact a member of our staff directly, please find their specific information here . Contact Us Submit Thanks for submitting!

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.