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We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 counties of the westernmost portion of the state, with more than 15,000 members worshiping in 63 year-round congregations, six summer chapels, and two conference centers. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. We are the Episcopal Church in the 28 most western counties of North Carolina, with more than 15,000 members contributing to 63 year-round congregations, five summer chapels, two conference centers, a summer camp, Deerfield Retirement Community, and Christ School. It's a vibrant and exciting place to live and work and experience the glory of God's creation. The Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina Learn About Our Diocese Empowering Youth and Young Adults Youth are more than just our future—they are our present. We invite youth and young adults to participate fully in the life of the Church. Learn More Exploring Our Churches From the mountains to the foothills, in cities and towns throughout Western North Carolina, our churches offer something for everyone. Learn More Telling Our Stories Evangelism through storytelling. We believe that we can walk the Way of Love through sharing the stories of our unique and diverse diocese. Learn More Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage "Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage" is a pilgrimage celebrating and amplifying the stories of historically black parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Learn More Stay Up-To-Date Subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest news from our diocese and parishes. Have news you want to share? Email our Missioner for Communication . Download the Diocesan Seal Click image to download.

Towel Ministry What is Towel Ministry? Towel Ministry is a distinguished ministry in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and a recognized Jubilee Site in The Episcopal Church. Towel Ministry provides housing improvements, repairs and maintenance for elderly, disabled, and marginalized people. Towel Ministry operates in week-long sessions. Typical work projects might include handicap access, roofing repair, painting, yard clean-up and other simple projects that can be managed by a small group. Towel Ministry is the embodiment of "walking the talk of the Church." It provides opportunities for young people to learn skills in building homes and relationships with each other, with families, and with Christ. Summer 2026 Offerings This summer we will be offering two sessions of Towel Ministry Mission Experience for high school youth (rising 8th graders to graduated 12th graders. We will be based at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. Sessions: Session One : June 15-20 Session Two : June 22-27 Cost : $400 per person This includes all meals, lodging, and fun activities. For more information, email Eden Lewis. The History of Towel Ministry Towel Ministry began as the brainchild of the late Deacon Cris Greer and the late Rev. Gene McDowell in the 80s. It evolved as a response to the need in our community for housing improvements, repairs, and maintenance. The first camp operated out of a volunteer fire department with a total of sixteen participants. Since that time, Towel Ministry has grown and spread. From its modest beginnings in the very western tip of the state, the ministry has spread across the Diocese of Western North Carolina and beyond. The name "Towel Ministry" is representative of Jesus using a towel to dry his disciples' feet after washing them. Our Mission The Mission of Towel Ministry is about spreading the Gospel through action by being the hands and feet of God in the communities that we serve. There are three equally important missional components to the week: Action This relates to home improvement project at hand. The adults and the youth will either be actively working to complete a project or assisting with the management of the worksite. Relationship Building relationships with the homeowners is as equally as important as completing the project. Being open and available for conversation and connection with the homeowner is a missional pillar of Towel Ministry. Helping a new friend push back loneliness and isolation, even for a little while, may be the best Good News that person has heard in a long time; the home improvements are welcome, but in very they are a bonus to building new relationships. Spreading the Good News of the Gospel At Towel Ministry we spread the Good News of the Gospel through our actions and our words. This is shown through the work we do on the project and the relationship built between us and the homeowners. We are not there to just “fix” a house but to show that we love and care about the homeowner and the community we serve. How to get involved Want to volunteer with us this summer? Fill out this volunteer form We need help with cooking breakfast and managing the homesites. Contact Charlotte or Eden with any questions.

Job Openings On this page you will find job openings at parishes around the Diocese of WNC. If you have a job opening to share, please contact our Missioner for Communications . Full-Time Jobs Associate Rector PARISH: St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock LEARN MORE Rector PARISH: St. Luke's, Boone LEARN MORE Part-Time Jobs Pianist/Organist PARISH: St. Mary & St. Stephen's, Morganton LEARN MORE Organist/Church Musician PARISH: St. Luke's, Asheville LEARN MORE Organist/Pianist PARISH: Grace, Morganton LEARN MORE Organist/Pianist PARISH: St. Phillip's, Brevard LEARN MORE Parish Musician PARISH: St. Andrew's on-the-Hill, Canton LEARN MORE Children's Minister PARISH: Holy Family, Mills River LEARN MORE Youth & Family Minister PARISH: St. Alban's, Hickory LEARN MORE

Along the Way Newsletter Have a story or an event you want to share in our Along the Way newsletter? Check out our submission guidelines and send your information to katie@diocesewnc.org by Monday at noon to be considered for placement in the following day's newsletter. Along the Way - Weekly Newsletter The weekly newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, Along the Way , is published every Wednesday (excluding some holidays). The e-news offers stories and events from around the diocese, including parish events and what's coming up at our camps and conference centers. It also includes job openings, resource links for clergy and lay leadership, and national Episcopal Church news. See our latest newsletter in the archives below. Church Leadership Weekly Checklist of Upcoming Dates and Deadlines Important dates in the coming months for clergy, wardens, and staff will be posted each week, and a link is included in each newsletter. See the latest checklist here. Newsletter Archives More Archives 2025 November Along the Way November 25, 2025 Along the Way November 18, 2025 Along the Way November 11, 2025 Along the Way November 4, 2025 October Along the Way October 29, 2025 Along the Way October 22, 2025 Along the Way October 15, 2025 Along the Way October 8, 2025 Along the Way October 1, 2025 September Along the Way September 24, 2025 Along the Way September 17, 2025 Along the Way September 10, 2025 Along the Way September 3, 2025 August Along the Way August 27, 2025 Along the Way August 20, 2025 Along the Way August 13, 2025 Along the Way August 6, 2025 July 2025 Along the Way July 30, 2025 Along the Way July 23, 2025 Along the Way July 16, 2025 Along the Way July 9, 2025 Along the Way July 2, 202 5 June 2025 Along the Way June 25, 2025 Along the Way June 18, 2025 Along the Way June 11, 2025 Along the Way June 4, 2025 May 2025 Along the Way - May 28, 2025 Along the Way - May 21, 2025 Along the Way - May 14, 2025 Along the Way - May 7, 2025 April 2025 Along the Way - April 30, 2025 Along the Way - April 23, 2025 Along the Way - April 16, 2025 Along the Way - April 9, 2025 Along the Way - April 2, 2025 March 2025 Along the Way - March 26, 2025 Along the Way - March 19, 2025 Along the Way - March 12, 2025 Along the Way - March 5, 2025 February 2025 Along the Way - February 26, 2025 Along the Way - February 19, 2025 Along the Way - February 12, 2025 Along the Way - February 5, 2025 January 2025 Along the Way - January 29, 2025 Along the Way - January 22, 2025 Along the Way - January 15, 2025 Along the Way - January 8, 2025 More Archives

Transition Ministries The primary shepherd of all Transition Ministry activities is the Bishop. When there is no Rector or Priest-In-Charge, the Bishop exercises oversight in collaboration with the Vestry in the administration of the congregation. Additionally, the Bishop oversees, in a general way, all of the activities of Transition Ministry, and gives or withholds consent to the calling of new parish clergy. Day-to-day support and guidance for congregations in transition is provided by the Canon to the Ordinary (CTO). The CTO is the primary contact for questions, support, and training regarding search processes, letters of agreement, interviews and visits with candidates, election/selection processes, and any other transition activities. The CTO also assists clergy discerning the call to suitable ministry positions. Work begins when an opening is announced and comes to completion when the new ministry has been sealed by Letter of Agreement and celebrated by congregation, clergy and bishop. Clergy interested in a position within the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina are invited to have a conversation with The Rev. Canon Augusta Anderson , Canon to the Ordinary . Helpful Notes to Interested Clergy: If you would like to be considered for one of our parishes in transition, please email a copy of your résumé, your current updated OTM profile and a cover letter expressing your interest to the Canon to the Ordinary’s Office . All names of interested candidates are initially received and screened through the office of the Canon to the Ordinary. Unless otherwise instructed by the Canon’s Office, please do not directly contact congregations that are in transition. All applicants must contact the Canon to the Ordinary’s Office. This Diocese is committed to doing all it can to recruit the best qualified priests. We seek creative clergy of wide vision and diverse backgrounds who are not only excellent matches with a particular parish who also desire to participate in the life and work of our diocese. Likewise, the Diocese affirms equal opportunity employment. We do not discriminate against clergy applicants on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Transition Ministry Resources: Clergy Leave-Taking Guidelines Helpful Checklist for Clergy Leave-Taking Policy on Clergy Leave-Taking Positions Available: Parishes discerning (in Interim) St. Thomas, Burnsville Trinity, Spruce Pine Ascension, Hickory St. Matthias, Asheville St. Luke's, Asheville Calvary, Fletcher Parishes seeking a Full-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) St. Luke's, Boone Parishes seeking a Part-Time Regular Seasonal Vicar None at this time. Parishes seeking a Part-Time Rector/Priest-in-Charge (PIC) None at this time. Assistant Positions St. John-in-the-Wilderness, Flat Rock

Diocesan Calendar View our calendar below or visit our Upcoming Events page for more detailed information about select events.

Spiritual Reflection READ: Always A Guest: Speaking of Faith Far From Home Barbara Brown Taylor offers a new collection of stories and sermons of faith, grace, and hope. REFLECT: Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers This advent reader is a collaborative daily devotional from a diverse group of contributors. PRAY: Mandalas, Candles, and Prayer: A Simply Centered Advent Slow down, simplify, and add a burst of color to your Advent. The spiritual practice of coloring mandalas (circular designs), lighting candles, and praying regularly can help us stay centered on God during this busy time of year. LISTEN: Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community Across our church and our society, we are having profound dialogues about race, truth, justice, and healing. Coming this Advent, Prophetic Voices: Preaching and Teaching Beloved Community explores where that dialogue intersects with our faith. Join us and our invited guests as we share prophetic voices and explore the readings for each week of Advent and Christmas Day through the lens of social justice. Formation Resources Journeying the Way of Love Advent Calendar Find daily reflections and activities to guide you through the Advent season in this calendar from the Episcopal Church Journey the Way of Love Advent Curriculum from the Episcopal Church For the season of Advent, Journeying the Way of Love offers four sessions to be explored as we await the coming of Christ by moving through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Advent Word Join an international community of prayer this Advent season in this global advent calendar. Vibrant Church Communication Vibrant Church Communication has resources to help you with Advent & Epiphany. Each season has multiple offerings that have been developed through the years to help guide you through these seasons. A Mason Jar Advent by Salt Project A Mason Jar Advent,” is a customizable Short Film all about keeping things simple and helping preserve what’s truly important: hope, peace, joy, and love. What’s more, this lovely film has an equally lovely companion, an illustrated and printable Advent calendar for congregations, families, and individuals, featuring the same artwork seen in the film. Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Books & Curriculum Book recommendations from the Episcopal Shoppe Book recommendations from Church Publishing Advent Resources

Liturgy & Worship Resources Back The following are external links to online liturgy and worship resources. Prayer Resources The Book of Common Prayer The Revised Common Lectionary – text of upcoming Sunday Bible readings. The Daily Office -Morning and Evening Prayer for the current week, complete with lectionary readings and canticles. http://www.missionstclare.com http://dailyoffice.org/ Anglican Cycle of Prayer Cycle of Prayer Diocesan Cycle of Prayer (2025–2026) Forward Day by Day Lectionary Page - A Liturgical calendar with links to the lessons for Sundays and major Holy Days. Music Resources Anglican Online Hymnal Material in the public domain from four Anglican hymnals, including Hymnal 1979, organized both according to the Christian year and theological topics. Includes additional information about the texts. Oremus Hymnal - Over 950 Christian hymns and Gospel songs from a variety of denominations. Includes lyrics, sound, background information, photos, links, and downloadable MIDI files. Bible Resources Bible Gateway - Offers many versions in languages including Greek and Hebrew, with excellent search capabilities, both for chapter and verse searches and for keyword and phrase searches. Available at no cost. Oremus Bible Resource includes comparisons of versions including the NRSV.

Whova Tutorials Convention Homepage We will be using an event and conferencing app called Whova to facilitate voting, share documents, and help stay connected for Convention. Find guides and video tutorials from Whova at these links: • Whova How-to Guide for Attendees • Whova User Guide If you have any trouble with the app, please reach out to our Missioner for Communications, Katie Knowles , or call the diocesan office. We will be happy to help you. Download Whova

Constitutions and Canons Meetings Convention Homepage Please mark your calendars for the following dates if you plan to attend the Zoom meetings to discuss the Constitutions and Canons. Anyone in the diocese is welcome to attend. Find the Zoom link below for these upcoming meetings. Saturday, August 28, 9:00-10:30 am Tuesday, August 31, 6:00-7:30 pm Thursday, September 2, 6:00-7:30 pm Please note: The Zoom link is the same for all three meetings. Topic: Constitution and Canons Time: Aug 28, 2021 09:00 AM Aug 31, 2021 06:00 PM Sep 2, 2021 06:00 PM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Daily: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZwvc-Cgqz4oHtHL_UC0GY8NdDjaCEomlb_F/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGgrD8jEtGQsh2CRpw-AI-gXfzwmCVBgrd1sCDQIHB0W1vYMsZIM5FaH9Xc Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88249855245?pwd=c1krYzJBdG94R1pRYTVPQlZLSEZFdz09 Meeting ID: 882 4985 5245 Passcode: 204171 One tap mobile +13017158592,,88249855245# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,88249855245# US (Chicago)

Meet Bishop José The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin José Antonio McLoughlin was consecrated as the seventh bishop, and first Hispanic, of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina on October 1, 2016. Prior to his election as bishop of the diocese of Western North Carolina, José served as the Canon to the Ordinary and Chief-of-Staff for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma since 2008. Previously, José served congregations in the dioceses of Southeast Florida and Virginia. Ordained in 2005, José earned his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida. Prior to his call to the priesthood, José worked in the criminal justice field serving in the state of Florida as a police officer and in the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. in various capacities, most recently as the special assistant/senior advisor to the assistant attorney general. Photo by Jim Dohms Since becoming the Bishop of the Diocese of Western North Carolina, Bishop José has declared, in many and various ways, that he hopes to be a different kind of bishop, and he particularly does not want to be remembered as a distantly-removed dignitary. While not disregarding the great traditions of the Church, Bishop José believes that changes are necessary in the ways the church ministers in our day, and many of those changes must originate from the ministry of the bishop. He believes in being an engaged bishop who is close to the people of the diocese and the clergy who serve them. He has committed to being fully involved in the church’s ministry with youth, minorities, and underserved populations. He is passionate about raising up a new kind of leadership for the church in our day. José and his wife Laurel have two children: Alexander and Alyson. Alex graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in sports media and a minor in Spanish. Alex and his wife, Rachel, live in Oklahoma City where Alex works for the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, the triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Alyson graduated from UNC Charlotte with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in religious studies and sociology. Alyson works and lives in Charlotte. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bishop José is bilingual, and he enjoys listening to music, playing the drums, and studying 18th-century American history. A life-long aviation enthusiast, Bishop José is working on earning his private pilot’s license. View a welcome from Bishop José here. Visitation Forms and Information 2025 Visitation Schedule 2026 Visitation Schedule Visitation Form (online form — return before visit) Confirmation Certificate (online form — return after visit) Bishop's Customary

Clergy and leadership can check this list to see what is needed and happening in the diocese. Weekly Checklist for Church Leadership (Clergy, Wardens, Staff) November 8, 2025 Diocesan Annual Convention Christ School, Arden, NC Summer Memo can be found here . General Information, including the agenda, can be found here . New Delegate Orientation meeting will be held virtually on Wednesday, October 29, at 6 p.m. New delegates will need to register for this orientation event. ASAP CPG Map Access Forms for new online bill pay. Contact Linda with questions ASAP Church Audits due ASAP 2026 Mutual Ministry Pledge Commitment Due Mutual Ministry Pledge Form October 15 - November 17 Open Enrollment Follow the attached link for full info from CFO Carol Tannenbaum on Open Enrollment. Contact Linda Knowlton with questions. INFORMATION Friday, November 14 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Online) & Saturday, November 15 9:30-3:00 (In Person) Becoming Beloved Community/Dismantling Racism Workshop Parish of the Holy Communion: Holy Trinity Church/Mission House, West Jefferson Breakfast snacks will be provided including coffee and tea. Please bring your own lunch, and let us know of any food allergies. REGISTER November 21-23, 2025 High School Fall Conference Lake Logan REGISTER February 22-24, 2026 Lenten Clergy Retreat Registration Info coming soon. March 7, 2026 Vestry Leadership Day Info coming soon.

Chancellor of the Diocese The Chancellor is the attorney for the diocese. He or she has seat and voice on the Executive Council, is a member of the Trustees, and advises the Bishop, the Standing Committee, the Executive Council and the Trustees concerning all questions of law.

History of The Commission to Dismantle Racism The Commission to Dismantle Racism owes its start to General Convention of 1991, which urged the Church to combat all racism and to conduct audits of institutional racism. That same year, the Diocese of Western North Carolina, at its Annual Convention, passed a resolution to implement these actions. The resolution directed the Outreach Commission to establish a “Racism Task Force.” That task force was established, headed by the Rev. Dn. Crisler Greer, then Deacon-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s, Morganton. After a few meetings, the task force became inactive. Following the Diocesan Convention of 1993, Ms. Pamela Hemphill, a vestry member of St. Stephen’s wrote to Bishop Robert Johnson protesting that no African Americans had been elected or appointed to any diocesan office or committee. Bishop Johnson responded, acknowledging the failure, and asked Larry Thompson, Chair of Outreach Ministries, to reactivate the task force. Ms. Fay Walker, a layperson from Brevard, stepped up to lead the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues and recruited a solid and diverse corps of dedicated members who worked diligently to make anti-racism a major focus of concern for this diocese. The task force invited Mr. Enrique Brown, from the Episcopal Church headquarters to help with their planning. He emphasized that it would require long term commitment, as much “inner work” as “outer work,” and remaining centered in the faith. A portrait of Rev. Absalom Jones. Beginning with the Diocesan Convention of 1994, the Task Force introduced several resolutions designed to move the diocese forward on the journey to dismantling racism. The first resolution was one urging congregations to observe the commemoration of the feast day of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first African American priest in the Episcopal Church. In 1995, they introduced a resolution to monitor progress in eliminating institutional racism from the Episcopal Church in this diocese and to report findings to all subsequent diocesan conventions. In 1997, the resolution directed that each elected and appointed diocesan commission and committee attend and participate in a four hour workshop, “Overcoming Racism,” sponsored by the Task Force. That requirement, enforced by the diocesan bishops, remains to this day. At almost every diocesan convention since its inception, the task force nominated persons of color (and their allies) for positions on major diocesan committees and commissions. Almost every Task Force nominee was elected or appointed. An image from a "Repairing the Breach" service. In 2002, the Task Force on Racism and Cultural Issues changed its name to The Commission to Dismantle Racism, for several reasons. First, the term “task force” implied a short-term commitment, rather than a “long haul.” Second, it helped to emphasize the institutional/systemic nature and dimensions of racism, and third, better defined the purpose of the Commission – that being the “dismantling” of racism in all its forms. In that same year, the Commission requested and received a generous grant from the diocese to send 14 of its members for two weeks of comprehensive faith-based anti-racism training offered by the Mennonite Central Committee. Several of the members who attended that training are still steering the work of the Commission and conducting dismantling racism workshops in the diocese and beyond. In 2008, the Commission became involved in the “Days of Repentance” initiative mandated by the 2006 General Convention of the Episcopal Church. In April, 2011, this diocese held its “Repairing the Breach” service after over 18 months preparation, led by the Rev. SF James Abbott, a member of the Commission. Over 500 communicants participated, including virtually all clergy. The Presiding Bishop at that time, Katharine Jefferts Schori, was the celebrant. Bishop Porter Taylor made apologies for the “sins of the past” and the church’s complicity in its racist past. There were many prayers for forgiveness and healing. Today, the Commission, in addition to continuing to conduct workshops, is called to facilitate discussions about racism, racial understanding, and reconciliation. Some members of the Commission are involved in the steering of the diocese Beloved Community journey.

The Jesus Movement What is the Jesus Movement? We're following Jesus into a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God, with each other, and with earth. How do we participate? First, we follow Jesus. We are simply the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement , seeking every day to love God with our whole heart, mind and soul, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). Just like Jesus. What's the work of the movement? The Jesus Movement takes you places. For the Episcopal Church, it calls us to focus on three specific priorities. EVANGELISM Listen for Jesus' movement in our lives and in the world. Give thanks. Proclaim and celebrate it! Invite the Spirit to do the rest. Inspire Episcopalians to embrace evangelism. Gather Episcopal evangelists. Equip all to be evangelists. Send all as evangelists. RECONCILIATION Embody the loving, liberating, life-giving way of Jesus with each other. Tell the truth about church and race Rewrite the narrative Form Episcopalians as reconcilers Repair and Restore institutions & society CREATION CARE Encounter and honor the face of God in creation Develop creation care resources Grow local eco-ministries Purse eco-justice at church-wide and local level Convene conversations around climate and faith For more information about the Episcopal Church Jesus Movement click here .

Foundation Grant The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina is a non-profit corporation founded in 1963 by Bishop Henry with an initial gift from Mr. Charles Timson. The Foundation operates under its own independent charter, and the members of the Board of Directors are elected at the annual convention of the Diocese. The Foundation uses the income from its investments to make grants up to $20,000 exclusively for charitable, educational, religious, and scientific purposes. Parishes and institutions applying for these funds must present their initial request to a joint meeting the board of The Episcopal Foundation of Western North Carolina and the diocesan Finance Committee. Apply for this grant Grant budget form On April 17, the Foundation Board voted effective immediately: To reduce the maximum grant from $20,000 to $15,000, and To restrict the number of application presentations per meeting to no more than 3 including any joint grant/loan combos. This is a permanent change in order to help as many parishes as possible while withdrawing no more than 4% of funds for grants annually. We will no longer roll over any amount unspent in a previous year. It is not unusual to receive a grant award for less than the amount requested due to the increase in applications in the post-Covid era. You may also consider applying for an interest-free loan from the Diocese.

Disaster Response & Relief Hub We are grateful for the support and partnership of Episcopal Relief and Development. On this page, you can find ways to help and get help as we recover from natural disaster in our region. 1/1 DONATE NOW STORIES & MEDIA RESOURCES & PREP VOLUNTEER INFO Our Mission Leverage the gifts of our congregations, donors, and partners to support the recovery of impoverished and marginalized people affected by natural disasters in our region through building relationships and stewarding resources that center dignity and quality work at a sustainable pace for long-term recovery efforts. Our Values Dignity & Respect, Professional Quality Standards Relationships Sustainable Pace Stewardship Bearing Witness: A Story & Photo Series from Helene For our Helene Remembrance Eucharist, held on September 27, 2025, we collected stories and photos from around our diocese. These stories and photos were curated into 14 stations, echoing the 14 Stations of the Cross, and were displayed at the Eucharist. These stories and photos highlight the experiences and impact of Helene on our churches at large and on individual households throughout Western North Carolina. We believe story-telling is a sacred art in which we find healing and beauty, often in the midst of suffering, and as a means to pass on wisdom to those that come after us. To view these stories, or to share your own, follow the button below. Bearing Witness Series Diocese of Western North Carolina Give directly to our relief fund to directly support our diocesan recovery efforts. DONATE Episcopal Relief & Development: ERD is a critical partner to us in our recovery. Funds collected will be used for long-term relief efforts as well as emergency grants, which are for churches in affected areas that are in a position to respond to needs in their local community. DONATE Donate Financially Disaster Response Team The Rev. Kelsey Davis Read More Bishop’s Deputy for Disaster Response and Recovery Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Donations and Volunteers Dan Gilbert Read More Assistant Coordinator for Logistics and Technology The Rev. Oscar Rozo Read More Latino/Hispanic Community Support Tony Coggiola Read More Field Consultant & Advisor Volunteer Bailey Sommer Read More Fellow for Disaster Response & Recovery Mark Corson Read More Staff Assistant to Bishop's Deputy Volunteer Jennifer Gutierrez Read More Family Liaison Coordinator The Disaster Response Team shares an email address. Contact them Here

Congregational Vitality Grant The Diocese of Western North Carolina offers annual Congregational Vitality grants to support churches in their redevelopment work. Congregational Vitality Grants are open to any initiative that supports and sustains the vitality and mission of the local parish, including technology. Please note, preference is given to congregations who did not receive a CV grant in the previous year. If you have any questions, please contact our Chief Financial Officer or Canon to the Ordinary . Apply for this Grant Past Grant Recipients

Core Values, Identity, & Mission The mission for our Centennial Celebration gatherings is to honor and celebrate our stories, highlight our core values, and cast a vision for next 100 years. We are honored to do it alongside you, our parishioners, clergy, and staff. As we celebrate 100 years of being an established diocese, we also reflect on the many ways we have fallen short. From the church's treatment of our native brothers and sisters to the lack of representation for marginalized communities in church spaces, we confess we, as the people of God, have not always lived into our baptismal vows. As we look forward into the next 100 years and beyond, may we center our focus on being a living example of God's love in the world. This begins with each one of us. Below, please explore our core values and mission as a diocese or click here to find stories of how we have lived into these values, past, present, and future. Missionary Zeal Many of our early diocesan communities have roots as missionary outposts. Since the beginning, our diocese has identified with a strong passion for mission and with sharing the good news of God through word or action. To learn more about our passion for mission, please visit our history page . Love of Jesus Our shared love of Jesus is at the root of all that we do as a diocese and a community of faith. As Christians, we follow Jesus in the Way of Love by serving and caring for all of God’s people. To learn more about what we believe, please visit our What Is An Episcopalian and The Way of Love pages. Spirit of Adventure and Resourcefulness Like many who call Appalachia home, our stories are rooted in people who yearned for simplicity of life and for a connection with nature. This is reflected through the enduring spirit from which many of our churches were founded. To learn more, please visit our Mountain Missionary Spirit page. Justice Our diocese is committed to embodying and practicing the way of Jesus so that all people may participate in the life-giving and liberating love of God. Engaging our communities through local service and action reflects our commitment to live into our Baptismal Covenant. Learn more about some of the ways we engage our communities here . Service Service in the name of Jesus calls us to respond, by word and action, to the needs of all of God’s people. We are passionate about discerning the many ways we can serve alongside and in solidarity with others not only in Western North Carolina but also beyond in the wider world. To learn more about some of the ways we serve in our local communities and beyond, go to our Local Action and Global Partnerships pages. Hospitality Hospitality is an extension of service and love of Jesus. It means welcoming people right where they are in their lives and creating space for belonging and worth. Love of Creation We are blessed to call the beauty of Western North Carolina home and as Christians we are called to steward this gift. As a diocese, we strive to keep creation care as an integral part of our mission, paying attention to the needs of our environment with every action. Learn more on our Creation Care page. Ability to Look Back While Moving Forward We recognize that in order to consider what God is calling us to do going forward, we must be able to reflect on the past. As disciples of Jesus committed to Building Beloved Community, we believe we must tell the truth about our own history and discern who we can repair the wrongs we have committed. Doing so empowers us to walk the Way of Jesus more faithfully for the next 100 years.