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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:

Asheville Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, June 21st, the Asheville Deanery of the diocese gathered at theThe Governor's Western Residence in Asheville, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

Lent & Easter Resources Adult Resources 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. Renewal & Hope Seminary of the Southwest is offering a new Lenten project that invites the wider church into a season of renewal and hope. Designed to accompany the first five weeks of Lent, the video series creates space for prayer, conversation, and faithful reflection on repentance, discipleship, and the promise of new life. Shaped by the voices of five women members of our faculty, these gatherings reflect both the depth of Southwest’s theological life and our commitment to forming leaders for ministry, service, and healing. Each week includes resources with reflection questions and scripture references. Holy Habits Episcopal Relief & Development is offering daily Lenten Meditations in English and Spanish, inviting readers to reflect upon and deepen their spiritual practices. This year, the organization has partnered with Sister Monica Clare —Episcopal nun, best-selling author and unlikely TikTok star —to create meditations that explore the theme of “Holy Habits.” In her meditations, Sister Monica Clare reflects on the Scripture readings for Vespers (Evening Prayer) to encourage habits that support and strengthen a life of faith. Ashes: A Lenten Playlist Music for Lent selected by Lifelong Learning staff from the Virginia Theological Seminary and available on Spotify. Craft Your Own Lenten Journey Consider crafting your own Lenten journey using videos from The Work of the People , a collection of videos that helps guide people into becoming fully themselves–the journey of becoming fully human. These are open, honest videos to help those grieving, struggling with faith, diving deeper in faith, and everywhere in between. Membership costs $7/month for unlimited personal streaming. There is an extensive selection of videos for the Season of Lent . 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. Singing in the Dark: Ash Wednesday with Children Find unique ways to celebrate Ash Wednesday with children in this book. 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. Join the Journey Through Lent: Colorable calendar poster Join the Journey through Lent, illustrated by award-winning cartoonist Jay Sidebotham, invites spiritual reflection and is a wonderful companion for the Lenten season. This poster is just right for hanging on the wall or keeping on a table for daily coloring. Share these with your congregation, youth group, friends, and family, and keep them on hand for coloring fun. Ash Wednesday Bonfire at Home From Building Faith at Virginia Theological Seminary. An at-home Ash Wednesday fire can be done around a small fire pit in any backyard, on a roof top, on the beach, or on your deck. The activity can be large-scale with a community; or small-scale around a group of candles or indoor fireplace. The point is not how grand your fire, but instead that you make time for the occasion in the first place. StoryMakers: Lent Starter Kit Get to know the teachings of Jesus in Lent Three: The Parables. The introduces StoryMakers to the curious stories that Jesus told his followers in the Gospels, ultimately helping kids learn more about the surprising character of God. This 6-chapter Lent Three Zine* shines a new light on these vibrant and memorable stories, such as the Prodigal Son, and helps StoryMakers grow in their understanding Jesus’s life, ministry, death, and resurrection in a memorable way. Stations of Cross & Seven Last Words An article from Building Faith with Stations of the Cross resources and Holy Week offering for all ages. 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

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

Documents for the Business of Convention Convention Homepage Documents will be posted as they are received. Please check back regularly. Reports Reports will be available after convention. Resolutions 2025 Resolutions for Diocesan Convention 2025 Resolutions 2 & 3 for Diocesan Convention Procedural Resolutions for the 2025 Diocesan Convention General Convention Resolutions (First Readings) Elected Leadership 2025 Nominees Budget 2026 Proposed Budget

Up Bearing Witness We invite you to encounter 14 Stations of Witness — a pilgrimage of photos and stories collected from across our diocese. These 14 stations echo the sacred tradition of the Stations of the Cross, reminding us that bearing witness is a holy and courageous act. Please note that, while most photos directly tie to the story they are shown with, some are taken by someone else and curated to match that story. The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson Canon to the Ordinary That first night it was so dark. The electric grid had been destroyed. We scrambled to find flashlights and candles to bring some light into the devastation and fear. At some point I realized that it was the small points of light that were going to help us recover. For some, it was a single candle that brought first responders and saved their lives. For others, it was a small campfire in someone’s driveway that brought neighbors together to share food, comfort, and encouragement. For me, it was the stars in the night sky. For a week, before electricity was restored, I could see the holy gift of light twinkling against the dark reminding me that even when things feel bleak, God is ever-present, ever-loving, ever-merciful. Photography: Katie Knowles Craig Setzer Black Mountain The early days of Helene were bizarre. I remember leaving my house for the first time after about a day. When I drove around to check on friends at their houses, it took me four or five times longer than usual because trees were down on most streets in my neighborhood—trees blocking the road, trees that had fallen on houses, trees blocking access to and from homes. I would try a back way to get to someone, and more trees would be down. It was really challenging. At that point, the only resource we had was ourselves and our neighbors, so we grabbed our chainsaws and got to work. I helped friends, neighbors, and strangers alike cut up trees and move them out of the way. It made me realize that even the most basic necessities like road access were a huge blessing. Photography: Katie Knowles The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin VII Bishop After Helene hit, I remember searching for any cell signal to contact family, clergy, and diocesan staff. Within the first week, I went on the air with 570 WWNC radio to give updates on our parishes, to share resource information, and to offer messages of hope and shared humanity. When our usual means of communication—cell phones, social media, and the internet—were stripped away, we witnessed something both humbling and holy. Radios crackled to life, handwritten notes were passed from hand to hand, and neighbors knocked on doors just to check in. At the heart of it all was a deep, God-given impulse to connect, to care, to be present with one another. The creativity and determination people showed reminded me that even in silence, God's Spirit moves among us, drawing us together. In the absence of digital noise, we rediscovered the sacredness of human connection. Photography: Heather Davis The Rev. Toni Belhu Rector at St. Francis & St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton Early Sunday morning (September 29), the power came on at St. Francis. I was able to send a … message to St. Francis... and St. Gabriel’s letting everyone know there would be Sunday service as usual at St. Francis and that the Parish House at St. Francis would be open that day for anyone who needed to charge phones, use the WiFi, or just needed a hot cup of coffee from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm. We were fortunate that our Music Director, Steven Noll, was able to drive over from Hendersonville, and that Richard and Stephanie Williams, parishioners at St. Francis, were able to come across the street. Richard was the preacher that day. We had ingredients to make quesadillas at the Parish House so anyone who came by was able to be fed, and we gathered all the snacks we had around to give out, too. Beginning Monday morning, we again opened the Parish House at St. Francis for anyone who needed power to charge or needed WiFi... We made sandwiches to give out along with the snacks and drinks. On Wednesday, we gave out hotdog meals at St. Gabriel’s so those who normally would pick up on Wednesday at the Soup Kitchen were still able to receive a meal. On Thursday and Friday, we fried fish all day long and were able to feed anyone who came by along with those at the local hotel. We were also able to share some of the fish we had with St. Paul’s in Edneyville... We continued to receive deliveries over the next few weeks of supplies and clothes, and we continued to give out anything we had here at St. Francis... We are thankful for our lay leadership and the support of the parishes. We thank God who sustains us in our time of need and in our time of plenty. Photography: Katie Knowles The Rev. Kelsey Davis Bishop's Deputy for Disaster Response When our power went out, I remember opening and closing the refrigerator as quickly as possible to preserve the cool air. After a few days, our refrigerator was no longer cool. Our two year-old is Type 1 Diabetic. As her insulin warmed, a clock began to count down on how long the insulin would last. With no pharmacy, closed roads, and little cell service, we turned to a neighbor, who mapped us a route to Georgia. With half a tank of gas, prayers, and determination, we made it to family, resources, and a pharmacy. Unable to transfer our prescription, I pleaded with a local pharmacist. An hour later, she slid three vials of insulin across the counter. No cost. No questions asked. When I asked our two-year-old what she wanted to offer to kids back in North Carolina, she told us she wanted them to have diapers and wipes. So, we purchased diapers and wipes from the same Walmart that gifted us insulin. She helped us pack up the supplies, and I drove them back home a few days later. Living through this disaster has solidified for me: God is present in the cycles of giving and receiving. We all have something we need to receive, and we all have something to give. Ultimately, there's enough to go around when we share what we can with each other. Photography: Kelsey Davis Zebbi Sampler Hendersonville We lost our home due to downed trees. We were able to salvage most of our items, but our youngest son lost 90% of his belongings... My husband and I are still dealing with the trauma, grief, and pain of losing our home of 12 years... It’s easy to go through the motions and deal with everyone else’s trauma. Being accountable for our own was a little harder to do. We have never felt more connected as a family and more loved by our community than we do now. We have always been the caretakers and support system for others, but we never had to have that support for ourselves. We now have a first-hand experience of what it’s like to share grief and call upon our community for action and support. Photography: Katie Knowles The Rev. David Hensen Rector at St. James, Hendersonville Before cell service got too spotty ... I sent a message to a fellow priest and friend, Fr. Brad Landry, of All Saints Birmingham, and asked for help - supplies and assistance. Their response was nothing short of amazing. “Just tell us what you need and absolutely we will,” he replied. A member of the parish was a pilot, and within less than a week they had shopped for thousands of dollars’ worth of relief goods, water, and even heavy-duty chainsaws. They filed a flight plan, set to arrive the Tuesday after the storm, which would be the first of two flights and one large land-based delivery. Brad was the first person I had seen from outside the disaster area. I remember hugging him in gratitude—not just for the supplies, but for his companionship. In the midst of what felt like hell, we caught a glimpse of a world made right: the kingdom of God, where everyone had enough, no one wanted too much, and every stranger became a neighbor to love. More than anything else, I witnessed God’s abundance through the overflowing generosity of friends, neighbors, and parishes from around the region who showed up and said, “Let me help. Here am I. Send me!” Small gifts and simple gifts were often the most meaningful—a fresh bunch of bananas, a grocery run, a hot homemade meal, a quick check or visit. Every offering mattered, and every gift matters. Photography: David Hensen Raymond Nordfors Spruce Pine On the 28th we checked the house, and we had no damage and neither did our neighbors. However, when we went exploring... we couldn’t believe what we saw. A few hundred feet below our lot there was a major landslide that was 100 feet across and took out everything for at least one hundred feet down the mountain... (Another) landslide at the largest waterfall obliterated the road, which was the only way in and out. There was no way we could get off the mountain. The neighbors joined together and met to strategize and make plans for finding a way off the mountain... Over the course of the next six days the six people that lived on the mountain cut down dozens of trees, took gravel from one of the neighbor’s yards to fill in the huge ruts in the driveway... so we could get to the logging road. Despite the destruction, or maybe because of it, we had a great deal of fun during our evening meals - the direness of the situation cemented our friendly acquaintances into true friendships. Once the driveway and road were semi-passable, the other two men set out in a four-wheel drive “gator” to see what was on the other side of the pasture. The other four people continued to try to fix the driveway and logging road... They followed the road for a while to find that there were multiple trees down on the dirt road and neighbors from the other side of the mountain trying to clear it away... Once that was done, not only did we finally have a way out, but we also had a few more friends. We thank God for putting us on the mountain with the other two couples. Photography: Katie Knowles The Very Rev. Sarah Hurlbert Dean, Cathedral of all Souls in Asheville I remember the smell of the mud, I remember the feeling of unsteadiness as I walked through our office. My body was unsteady, my heart and mind were unsteady. Making my way down the cluttered hallway to my office I saw the water had reached the ceiling. Everything was destroyed and yet one item of memorabilia remained - a six pack of canned water I got when doing Katrina relief work with my campus ministry students 20 years ago. Can this be real? That water connected me back to colleagues who had been where I was standing and that connection point became the stabilizer I needed to step forward with hope. Photography: Casey Clark McKayla Knowles Black Mountain Our wedding was scheduled for October 19th in Black Mountain. Then the storm came, and we wondered if we could still pull it off. We asked our friends, and they all said yes. I remember excitement that fizzled into exhaustion from long days collecting water and searching for cell signal to contact family. Hours and days and weeks were spent focusing on the most basic necessities for ourselves and our community. And then, a sacred 48 hours began. Our chosen family from near and far stepped in to help us carry excitement and joy again. Local farms donated flowers. Strangers offered tables and chairs. Friends rationed their leftover energy to hang string lights, build bouquets, bake cookies, and set tables. I remember the tension felt trying to create beauty while surrounded by destruction. And I remember things falling perfectly into place. We made commitments to love and support one another no matter what, inspired by the example of our community. Most importantly, we promised to do so with God’s help. Photography: Marissa Irene Photography The Rev. Dr. Robert Wetherington Rector at St. Mary's, Asheville With no water, power, or communications, the neighbors around the church began to gather in the back yard of one of our neighboring homes. In fact, it was at Bishop Henry’s previous residence that we all gathered. There we listened to radio transmissions and tried to make communication with friends and family. We shared food, water, and ready hands to help each other through the first couple of days... Connections through the various members of our community started with a few U-Haul vans with water, food, and cleaning supplies... Over the next two weeks, we received seven tractor trailers carrying 63,000 pounds each... In total, including the U-Haul trucks, we had nearly 500,000 pounds of food, water, personal hygiene, and household cleaning items desperately needed by the people in our area. At one point, we received so much bottled water that we had to store it in the lower level of the church, and the line of volunteers looked like sailors loading a battleship for deployment. As the last cases of water were set down, we were informed that the Asheville School System was working to reopen but needed drinking water for at least two weeks. We had that water. We began to shuttle water to the schools and delivered two weeks of water, based on the number of students, to all of the elementary schools and some of what was needed at the middle school. It was astounding the effort and creativity that took place during these efforts. On numerous occasions, volunteers commented to me how refreshing it was to see the church doing what we say we do. Photography: Robert Wetherington Heather Davis Asheville "Autumn, you glorious season, you" ( Oct 25, 2024) did i miss it... the raucous fanfare the effortless release the flocks of pilgrims donning cameras tipsy with altitude the geese flee the crowds honking goodbyes in the traffic overhead i must have missed it all of us twisting our hands dirty nail beds waiting on water to boil Photography: Katie Knowles Fr. John Roberts Rector at Church of the Transfiguration, Bat Cave After the storm, I noticed the pastoral care questions we often ask to check in on each other were anything but “normal.” Instead I found myself asking and answering questions that focused on simple human need - “do you have water, a place to sleep, access to medical care, enough food, are you safe, have you heard from…?” For me, the questions behind these questions were harder still - “why me, why us, what is dignity, what is the role of the church in the face of so much loss, death, and need, where are you God?” In answer, our little church tried to become home for those who had lost theirs, and the simple answer required was, “yes.” For months there was hardly room to grieve, the need to grieve was very real. Yet, I think I now understand the story of the people of God more than I ever have before: God is present and faithful to humanity when we are at our worst and our best. I’ve seen both in the year since Helene, and God is still here among us. Thanks be to God. Photography: Katie Knowles The Venerable Brenda Gilbert Archdeacon In the wake of Helene’s devastation, a simple truth began to anchor us: we could find something beautiful to look at, breathe deeply, and remember that God is with us. A quiet strength emerged with our community as we held onto that truth, reminding us that even in chaos, God’s presence provided an unwavering foundation. Photography: Katie Knowles Bearing Witness Card Set for Purchase We have created a limited amount of this exact set of stories and photos in a high quality card set. Each set contains the 14 stories - the photo on the front, and the story on the back. You may order for $10 through the link below. Cost offsets manufacturing and shipping costs, and additional proceeds will benefit the Disaster Response Fund. Order Bearing Witness Card Set Do you have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. We believe story-telling is a sacred art in which we find healing and beauty, often in the midst of suffering, and pass on wisdom to those that come after us. Please share your story through the button below. Share Your Story

Exploring Our Churches Hendersonville Area Up Back to Find a Church The Hendersonville Deanery encompasses three counties from the mountains to the foothills. It is home to a large portion of the Pisgah National Forest, 200 waterfalls, and the Brevard Music Center. There are nine Episcopal parishes, one Spanish-speaking mission, and two summer multi-denominational preaching stations, originally founded by the Episcopal Church. The demographic, while including all ages, largely consists of retirees. Major cities: Bat Cave Brevard Cedar Mountain Edneyville Flat Rock Fletcher Hendersonville Lake Toxaway Mills River Saluda Tryon St. James Episcopal Church 766 N Main St Hendersonville, NC 28792 https://www.stjamesepiscopal.com/ (828) 693-7458 St. Philip's Episcopal Church 256 E. Main Street Brevard, NC 28712 www.stphilipsbrevardnc.org (828) 884-3666 St. Paul's Episcopal Church 1659 St. Paul’s Road, Edneyville, North Carolina, 28727 www.stpaulsedneyville.com (828) 393-5882 The Episcopal Church of the Holy Family 419 Turnpike Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 www.ourholyfamily.org/ P: 828-891-9375 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 106 Saylor Lane Bat Cave, NC 28710 www.ectransfiguration.org 828-625-9244 Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration 49 Episcopal Church Drive Saluda, NC 28773 www.transfigurationsaluda.org (828) 749-9740 Calvary Episcopal Church 2840 Hendersonville Rd Fletcher, NC 28732 www.calvaryfletcher.org (828) 684-6266 Holy Cross Episcopal Church 150 Melrose Ave Tryon, NC 28782 www.holycrosstryon.org (828) 859-9741 Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 814 Markham Rd Tryon, NC 28782 www.goodshepherdtryon.org (828) 859-9961 St. John in the Wilderness 1895 Greenville Hwy Flat Rock, NC 28731 www.stjohnflatrock.org/ (828) 693-9783 La Capilla de Santa Maria 186 St Marys Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792 www.lacapilla.org (323) 541- 2173

Sustainable Development Grant Funds from the Global Mission Committee support international and domestic projects. Preference will be given to applications with stated purpose related to the Sustainable Development Goals. Applications for these grants are due no later than May 1. Sustainable Development/Global Mission Grant Instructions Apply for this Grant Past Grant Recipients 2023 Global Mission/Sustainable Development Grant Awards By The Rev. Deacon Clare Barry and the Global Mission Committee With deep appreciation to the parishes in the Diocese of Western North... Diocese of WNC

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

Episcopal Church Women The Episcopal Church Women are a group of

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

Repairing the Breach The growth of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina rests in large part on the labor of enslaved people from most of the churches founding families. So many of these unnamed men and women are lost to history, but their contributions are honored. Likewise, in the aftermath of the Civil War and Emancipation, white church leaders, guided by complicated motivations of pastoral care and the growing sentiment of “separate but equal”, helped establish and build several churches for black Episcopalians. St. Matthias in Asheville, the first black congregation in the diocese, was founded in 1867 through the efforts of the Rev. Buxton and several prominent lay members of Trinity Episcopal Church, Asheville. Years later, standing at the front door of St. Matthias, Bishop Horner—the first bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina—gazed westward on Mt. Pisgah and commissioned the Diocesan seal. Bishop Atkinson—the third bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina— led the church through the various challenges following the Civil War. Notably, Atkinson was a leader in placing the Church at the forefront of The Episcopal Church’s Freedman's Commission, which had been established following the Civil War. In addition to founding St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, he also led the attempt to build a high school and college for freed male slaves in Morganton. The funding began in the early 1870s, and construction started a few years later. It was called the Wilberforce School, so named for William Wilberforce, who led the end of slavery in England. Unfortunately, while one building was under construction, the work was halted "due to lack of funding," surely an indication of both the resistance of white Episcopalians and the bleak economic realities of Reconstruction in the South. St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Asheville, NC, Farragutful, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Alongside the missionary contributions of the Rev. McDuffey, another clergyman who contributed significantly to our diocesan life is the Rev. J. T. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy was initially hired as a layman and called by Bishop Lyman—the fourth bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina—to teach and manage a school for black children in Franklin. This particular school operated a carpentry workshop where the students and Deacon Kennedy constructed church furniture for several churches in the diocese. In 1890, Bishop Lyman ordained Mr. Kennedy a deacon, and he faithfully served both St. Cyprian’s in Franklin and St. Matthias in Asheville. The Rev. Kennedy was ordained a priest in 1915, and in 1920 he was appointed Archdeacon For Colored Work to assist Bishop Horner with oversight of diocesan ministry among black Episcopalians. The Rev. J.T. Kennedy The Diocese of Western North Carolina played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. As integration spread across the South, mandated by changes in Federal laws, the Southern dioceses of the Episcopal Church began to deal with the effects of racism in their parishes and institutions. Sadly, many diocesan summer youth camps closed for a time rather than addressing the controversy. Western North Carolina Bishop Matthew George Henry insisted that our diocesan summer camp at the In-the-Oaks Conference Center in Black Mountain would remain open and welcome all children, regardless of race. Bishop Henry had previously surprised the people of the diocese when, upon his consecration as bishop in the early 1950s, he moved the diocesan office to a log cabin in his backyard. Black members could not enter through the front door of the Asheville office building proposed for the new diocesan office, so Bishop Henry built the log cabin for his offices so that everyone would enter through the same door. The diocese remains committed to the radical inclusion of persons systemically disenfranchised due to race largely through the ongoing efforts of the diocesan Commission to Dismantle Racism. Although we recognize there will always be work to do, in 2011, we held a service of Repentance, Healing, and Reconciliation, a powerful capstone event following almost two years of study and reflection on the legacy of slavery in our diocese. Today, the Diocese continues to be blessed with the vibrant ministry and leadership of five historically black congregations — located across our region in towns from Morganton to Franklin — two of which intentionally merged with neighboring white Episcopal churches, in 2015 and 2014 respectively. Visit BarrierBreakersPilgrimage.org for more information. <<>> 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

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.

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

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

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

Lent & Easter Resources Lent and Easter Resources - Church Publishing Group Find a selection of books, publications, and other resources selected for Lent and Easter by Church Publishing Group. Life Transformed: The Way of Love in Lent - by The Episcopal Church Find a series of videos from The Episcopal Church focused on following the Way of Love this Lent Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God by weaving together episodes from the life of Jesus with a child's reflections on how these stories can shape their own choices and actions throughout the season. Together at Home: Easter Resources Find resources from "Together at Home" to help share the story of Easter with your family from the comfort of your very own home. A Lego Journey Through Holy Week Read the story of how one family recognized Holy Week from home in a creative way: with legos! Holy Week Family Worship: Outline for Maundy Thursday & Good Friday from Building Faith This resource provides PDF Family Worship services that can be conducted at home to recognize Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Learning to Walk In the Dark Follow Barbara Brown Taylor on her journey to understand darkness, which takes her spelunking in unlit caves, learning to eat and cross the street as a blind person, discover-ing how "dark emotions" are prevented from seeing light from a psychiatrist, and reread-ing scripture to see all the times God shows up at night. With her characteristic charm and wisdom, Taylor is our guide through a spirituality of the nighttime, teaching us how to find God even in darkness, and giving us a way to let darkness teach us what we need to know.

2019 Spring Youth Conference at Lake Logan

Prison Ministries The Diocese of Western North Carolina has a longstanding commitment to serving and ministering among our brothers and sisters incarcerated in local prisons. St. James Episcopal Church, Black Mountain and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Asheville are active in ministry at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. Local Episcopal clergy and lay leaders from Asheville, Brevard and Hendersonville are active at Chapel of Christ the King, a ministry to men at Craggy Correctional Center. Likewise, local clergy and lay leaders from Trinity Episcopal Church in Spruce Pine are active in ministry at Avery Mitchell Correctional Center. Below are resources that provide information on the state of prisons and the challenges faced by those within them. Local and National Ministries Kairos Prison Ministry of NC Ministry of Hope at SCCW Books and Movies Prison Nation: The Warehousing of America's Poor , edited by Tara Herivel and Paul Wright The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness , by Michelle Alexander Prison Culture: Understanding Prison Inside and Out , by Lennie Spitale Dead Man Walking The Green Mile 13th