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Iona WNC Program Iona WNC is a part of the Iona Collaborative , a consortium of dozens of Episcopal dioceses seeking to expand availability to a rigorous but accessible theological education. The Iona program offers a local, residential training program to meet the particular needs of vocational deacons and bi-vocational priests, for whom the disruption and costs of a seminary education might be prohibitive. Learn more about our program and meet some of it's members in the video! Iona WNC is operated under the direction of our bishop, The Rt. Rev. José McLoughlin, our two academic deans, and a diocesan steering committee, in cooperation with the Seminary of the Southwest, where the core faculty continually refine and expand the instructional materials. Participants in Iona WNC will have completed the discernment process in the Diocese of Western North Carolina and will be approved by the Commission on Ministry and the Bishop for acceptance. All admitted students must be committed to, and capable of, sustaining a three year program of rigorous theological education and ministerial formation. The program runs ten months per year, with two months off in the summer. The monthly residential weekends run from Friday evening through Sunday lunch. Residential weekends are held at one of our beautiful diocesan conference centers. Each weekend will include an introduction to the breadth of spiritual practices, discussion and integration of the assigned academic material, leadership development and education, and a deep immersion into the richness and diversity of Episcopal liturgical tradition and practice. In between residential weekends, students will view the Iona video modules, complete assigned readings and prepare for the fuller immersion into the material through faculty presentations, and discussions on the implications for the practice of ministry with guest experts and mentors from the diocese. In consultation with the Bishop, participants will be placed in an approved field education setting during the second and third years of the program. After three years, participants will have satisfied the canonical academic requirements for ordination in the Episcopal Church. Graduates receive a Certificate of Theological Education from the Seminary of the Southwest. For more information, please contact: The Rev. Pam Bright - pam.k.bright@gmail.com The Rev. Canon Rich Biega - richardbiega47@yahoo.com The Rev. Anita Ware - revanita@redeemershelby.com Iona WNC Graduation Ceremony Anita Ware graduates Iona WNC Iona WNC Matriculation Ceremony

Expanding the Circle The growth of the Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina rests in equal measure to the faith, perseverance, and ministry of women, persons of different sexual orientations, and minority persons such as Hispanic/Latinx. Our story includes early pioneer women who nurtured the faith formation of their families by collaborating with diocesan bishops, clergy, and neighbors to secure funds to construct church buildings, manage and direct diocesan schools for girls, teach Sunday School in local parishes, and lead women’s auxiliary groups. One notable churchwoman was Miss Minnie Drinker of St. James, Black Mountain, who became the first social worker in the mountains of North Carolina. Watch Bishop José's address to the Episcopal Church Women of WNC for the group's 150th anniversary. In the latter half of the 19th century, the Diocese supported the ministry of deaconesses, women set apart to care for the sick and the poor. Following the 1976 General Convention, our diocese welcomed women priests and deacons to lead and serve our congregations. The Rev. Elizabeth “Ibba” Tappe was the first woman ordained priest in the diocese, and the Rev. Sherry Mattson was the first rector of a church serving the people of St. David’s in Cullowhee. In the 1980s, the Rev. Neil Zabriskie, rector, and dean of The Cathedral of All Souls was known as "the living social conscience" of the diocese. He advocated and challenged the diocese to begin facilitating conversations around human sexuality as well as becoming a welcoming and safe church for gay and lesbian persons. By the early 1990s, we had embarked on diocesan-wide dialogues around the blessing of same-sex relationships. Today, our diocese not only welcomes all people to worship and serve in our congregations, we also celebrate the ministry of our LGBTQ clergy and lay leaders. Likewise, during the 1990s, Bishop Robert Johnson and others recognized that Western North Carolina was becoming one of the fastest-growing Hispanic/Latinx populations in the country. Bishop Johnson worked to establish our first Spanish-speaking mission at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and call our first Hispanic/ Latino Missioner, the Rev. Tim Hoyt. Today, the diocese has a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with four mission sites across the diocese, numerous parish ministries serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Hispanic/Latino missioners. The Cathedral of All Souls <<>> 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

Vestry Certificate of Election Convention Homepage “Canon 1 of the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church requires that lay delegates be confirmed adult (16 yrs. or older) communicants in good standing, enrolled at your church. The Certificate of Election verifies the election of lay delegates from each parish. This certificate is to be completed by the clerk of your vestry.” Vestry Certificate of Election is due October 24, 2025. Complete the Vestry Certificate of Election

St. Hilda's Press Grant The St. Hilda's Press Grant is intended to support congregations in printing projects, such as church history or other publishing projects related to the parish. Apply for this Grant

Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grant The Patricia Minkler Howell Children's Outreach Grants support the development of outreach programs for and with children in need. Special consideration will be given to applications that envision children serving children. Applications for these grants are due no later than April 30. Questions regarding Children's Outreach Grants can be directed to Diocesan CFO, Carol Tannenbaum . Apply for this Grant Grant Reporting form Past Grant Recipients 2023 Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Awards by The Rev. Kevin Todd Chair, PMH Grant Committee On behalf of the newly formed Patricia Minkler Howell Grant Committee, I am pleased to... Diocese of WNC New Grant Offers Boost for Children’s Outreach By Rachel Carr, Diocesan Missioner for Communications George Howell loves helping young people. From serving as a youth pastor to raising... Diocese of WNC

Deaneries of the Diocese Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance From the Piedmont to the Mountains, our diocese covers a diverse group of landscapes and communities. The Diocese is divided into six geographical regions designated as a deanery. One clergy leader is elected as Dean of each deanery and the Deans meet monthly with the Bishop to discuss and address diocesan affairs and local concerns. Learn more about our deaneries below: ASHEVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Robert Wetherington St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Asheville, NC rector@stmarysasheville.org Learn more about this deanery FOOTHILLS DEANERY The Rev. Jonathan Stepp St. Alban's, Hickory, NC frjonathan@stalbansparish.org Learn more about this deanery HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY The Rev. J. Clarkson Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher jclarkson@calvaryfletcher.org Learn more about this deanery MOUNTAIN DEANERY The Rev. Andrew Hege St. Mary of the Hills, Blowing Rock, NC rector@stmaryofthehills.org Learn more about this deanery PIEDMONT DEANERY The Rev. Tara Bartal St. Peter by-the-Lake, Denver mthr.tara@spbtl.com Learn more about this deanery WESTERN DEANERY The Rev. Rob Wood Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Cashiers, NC rwood.gs@gmail.com Learn more about this deanery

Restoration and Improvement Loans Grant description Application link Supporting documents link Past Grant Recipients Title of supported project Short description about the project

Spanish Speaking Ministries Our Diocesan Missioner for Latino Ministries is the Rev. Oscar Rozo . Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Rozo's parents grounded both he and his two younger brothers in Christian beliefs and practices through their example and teaching. He is passionate about social justice, multicultural ministry, and community development. He enjoys playing and listening to music, hiking, and having family time. Read more about his vision for Latino Ministry here , or watch the video attached. During the 1990s, Bishop Robert Johnson and others recognized that Western North Carolina was becoming home for one the fastest growing Latino populations in the country. Bishop Johnson worked to establish our first Spanish-speaking mission at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville and to call our first Latino Missioner, the Rev. Tim Hoyt. Today, the diocese has a vibrant Spanish-speaking ministry with four mission sites across the diocese, numerous parish ministries serving their Spanish-speaking neighbors, and two full-time Latino missioners. Our current Missioner for Spanish Speaking Ministries is the Rev. Oscar Rozo. If you would like to learn more about our Spanish Speaking Ministries, please contact the Rev. Rozo. La Misa en Español / Spanish Services in the diocese (find a map of our Latino Ministries below) La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville, every Sunday at 11 a.m. Trinity, Spruce Pine , every Sunday at 2 p.m. St. Mary’s and St. Stephen's , Morganton, every Sunday at 7 p.m. Church of the Savior , Newland, NC, at 5 p.m. Episcopal Church of the Epiphany , Newton, every Sunday at 10 a.m. (bilingual service) The Church of La Capilla de Santa Maria. The congregation at La Capilla, June 2021

Youth Leadership We invite youth to be active participants in their faith through servant leadership. Learn more about the opportunities available and how you can be a part of them below. Youth Council The Diocesan Youth Council is a group of youth and adult leaders from the six deaneries in the diocese who work with the Coordinator of Families, Children, and Youth to carry out the mission for youth ministry programs. Membership on this committee is open to all youth (grades 10–12) and adults who are actively involved in their local congregations and have had some exposure to diocesan-level youth programs. Members serve for at least one year and may be re-appointed for up to three years. The Youth Council assists the Coordinator of Families, Children, and Youth in planning and running retreats and events for diocesan youth. They meet for training and planning weekends before the actual events. Applications for the Youth Council are traditionally available in the early summer, and the commitment runs from August to June. For more information the Youth Council, contact the Coordinator of Families, Children, and Youth, Charlotte Garcia.

Disaster Relief Disaster Relief Partners The following organizations and agencies are dedicated to assisting persons and groups affected by disaster. National Episcopal Relief and Development FEMA National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) State North Carolina Department of Public Safety – Emergency Management NC VOAD Local Congregations are encouraged to develop and maintain partnerships with their local volunteer agencies such as: Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) local American Red Cross chapters Additional Resources Ready to Serve is a volunteer database organized by Episcopal Relief and Development in order to quickly locate ready and willing volunteers in the event of a disaster. Use this checklist to help determine the focus of and preparation necessary for a disaster relief mission trip. Ready , launched by FEMA, is a website designed to help the public "Prepare, plan and stay informed" in the event of a natural disaster.

Safe Church Background Checks The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina has contracted with a company called Active Screening Faith to conduct background checks. Every parish should open an account (free) with Active Screening Faith as soon as possible. How to conduct a background check with Active Screening Faith Apply for a parish account with Active Screening Faith. Call to set one up: (toll-free) 866-378-8389, ext. 102. Once you are approved, you will be sent a user name and password to logon to the Active Screening Faith website. Then you can begin processing background checks. All background checks are done online using Active Screening Faith’s AppScreen module. You will log into your Active Screening Faith account, and enter your applicant’s details (First Name, Last Name, Email Address). Then, the applicant will receive an email and follow a simple authorization process online (this takes less than 5 minutes). Active Screening Faith is more than happy to walk you through the process the first time you do one. Once all services within the applicant background check report are complete, a notification email will be sent to both the applicant and you. Both emails will include a link to the Active Screening Faith login page. Utilize your login credentials to enter the SecureSearch Faith Platform and review the results. Costs and Services The Episcopal Diocese of WNC Screening Package (Protection Package) - $15 This includes a multi-state criminal search; national sex offender search, Social Security Number validation, Social Security Number death index search, name and address history search for the past 30 years, and an alias search. It also includes a county courthouse review of criminal records for the past seven years, and a “red-flag review” by Active Screening Faith personnel. Active Screening Faith will add $8 per county if a person has lived outside of NC within the last 7 years or if a red flag has come up. Credit Report - $10 For any applicant that will have a financial component in their position. Motor Vehicle Report - $5 + $18 State Fee For any applicant who will be driving a parish-owned vehicle, transporting parishioners, or visiting parishioners off-site. Note for Clergy Active Screening Faith can be used for clergy seeking licensing only. For clergy new to the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, or for any clergy who will have cure at a parish in our diocese, background checks will be done using Oxford Documents, and the cost for the background check will be incurred by the clergy or the parish they are serving. The initial cost for an Oxford Document background screening is $155 and can cost more depending on how many jurisdictions the clergy has lived. Contact Info Active Screening Faith is a very user-friendly company and they respond quickly to questions and concerns. Please feel free to contact them at any point for help at 866-378-8389 or cs@activescreeningfaith.com The contact information is also listed on the first page of the consent form instructions. The contact at the Diocese for questions is Augusta Anderson, Canon to the Ordinary. She can be contacted at canonaugusta@diocesewnc.org

Poverty & Food Insecurity The Diocese of Western North Carolina is passionately committed to alleviating the immediate needs of those affected by poverty and working to eradicate the interrelated and systemic factors that instigate this condition for so many in our communities and around the world. In particular, our parishes participate in anti-hunger initiatives all across our diocese. From food pantries and community gardens, to soup kitchens and back-pack programs, the Diocese of Western North Carolina supports every effort to assist those in need. A sample of community-based and church-based ministries in Western North Carolina that seek to reduce poverty and hunger in our diocese: Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets , Asheville, NC Bounty and Soul , Black Mountain, NC Cooperative Christian Ministries , Hickory, NC Desoto Square Apartments , Hayesville, NC Hendersonville Rescue Mission , Hendersonville, NC Hunger and Health Coalition , Boone, NC East Lincoln Christian Ministries , Denver, NC Manna Food Bank , Asheville, NC Hospitality House , Boone, NC The Corner Table Soup Kitchen , Newton, NC Parish back-pack programs (Waynesville, Canton, Flat Rock, Asheville, Gastonia, Denver) Parish community gardens (Marion, Bessemer City, Boone, Waynesville, Hickory, Wilkesboro) Parish Food Pantries (Marion, Fletcher, Waynesville) Parish Soup Kitchens and Community Meals (Hickory, Rutherfordton, Shelby)

Executive Council Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Executive Council implements the work of the Diocese between Conventions. The Executive Council includes: Bishop José (chair); 18 elected members serving 3-year terms (1 clergy and 1 lay person from every Deanery, and 6 at-large lay members); the Dean of the Cathedral of All Souls (ex-officio); the Chancellor of the Diocese; and the Treasurer of the Diocese. Up to six meetings are held annually, plus an overnight retreat in January. Elected members having served a full term shall be ineligible for reelection for a period of two years. Likewise, Deans of Deaneries are ineligible. President of the Executive Council – The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop Vice President of the Executive Council – Jann Mellman At-Large Members: Diane Mance (2024–2026), Mike Lodico (2023–2025), Sandra Smith (2024–2026), Jann Mellmann (2024–2026), Doug Orville (2025-2027), Stephen Eaton (2025-2027) The Rev. Amy Pet erson Trinity, Asheville - 2023–2025 Sandy Rountree St. James, Black Mountain - 2023–2025 ASHEVILLE DEANERY The Rev. Logan Lovelace St. Mary's St. Stephen's - 2024–2026 Ms. Deb Allen St. James, Lenoir - 2023–2025 FOOTHILLS DEANERY MOUNTAIN DEANERY The Rev. Perry Hildreth Holy Communion - 2025–2027 HENDERSONVILLE DEANERY The Rev. David Henson St. James, Hendersonville - 2024-2026 Ms. Amy Cook St. Paul's, Edneyville - 2022–2024 PIEDMONT DEANERY The Rev. John Simpson St. Mark's, Gastonia - 2023–2025 Ms. Linda Harrill St. Francis, Rutherfordton - 2023–2025 WESTERN DEANERY The Rev. Skully Knight Incarnation, Highlands - 2025–2027 Ms. Lee Berger All Saints, Franklin - 2024–2026

Recovery Ministries The Diocese of Western North Carolina is committed to the wellbeing and wholeness of every child of God and support efforts that equip and empower individuals to acknowledge their addictions and take the necessary steps toward health and sobriety. You can learn more by visiting the diocesan Recovery Ministry website here . For more information, contact the Rev. Deacon Priscilla Wodehouse , Director of Recovery for the WNC Episcopal Diocese. Deacon Wodehouse is available to arrange for Traveling Recovery Eucharist at your church or receive copies of the Recovery Eucharist liturgy. Additional contact information for getting help for you or someone you love: Alcoholics Anonymous: 800-524-0465 24 Hour Hotline: 800-431-5080; 800-299-6317; 800-713-7516 Be inspired by Beau’s Story .

APRIL 2022 April 7, 2022 COVID-19 Update FEBRUARY 2022 February 25, 2022 COVID-19 Update February 9, 2022 COVID-19 Update JANUARY 2022 January 6, 2022 COVID-19 Update JULY 2021 July 30, 2021 COVID-19 Update JUNE 2021 June 16, 2021 Updated Regathering Guidelines El anuncio sobre el COVID-19 de 16 de junio, 2021 MAY 2021 May 24, 2021 Updated Regathering Guidelines El anuncio sobre el COVID-19 de 24 de mayo, 2021 APRIL 2021 April 29, 2021 Updated Regathering Guidelines MARCH 2021 March 19, 2021 Update on Regathering Guidelines JANUARY 2021 January 28, 2021 Update on Regathering Guidelines DECEMBER 2020 COVID-19 Update December 2020 (December 18, 2020) NOVEMBER 2020 November 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (November 11, 2020) OCTOBER 2020 Updated Guidelines for Music and Singing during Covid-19 (Last updated October 8, 2020) SEPTEMBER 2020 Read: "An Initial Approach to Regathering" (Last Updated September 2, 2020) AUGUST 2020 August 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (August 11, 2020) JULY 2020 July 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines Watch: A Message about Convention 2020 (July 24, 2020) JUNE 2020 Cancellation Announcement of the Cold Mountain Music Festival (June 29, 2020) June 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (June 24, 2020) MAY 2020 May 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (May 21, 2020) APRIL 2020 April 2020 Update on Regathering Guidelines (April 25, 2020) MARCH 2020 Watch: COVID-19 Announcement Regarding Holy Week and Easter (March 19, 2020) Watch: Bishop José's First Official Statement on COVID-19 (March 14, 2020) Bishop Curry's Statement on Coronavirus (March 10, 2020) Coronavirus Archives

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

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

Celebrating our Centennial We honor and remember our stories of things done and left undone as we envision and build for our next 100 years through our mission to proclaim the life-giving and liberating love of Jesus and serve all God's people. In 2022 the Diocese of Western North Carolina celebrated 100 years as an established diocese. As part of this celebration, we shared the stories of the diocese and discerned new opportunities to grow as a diocesan community. Centennial Resources and Reflections Scenes from Convention 2022 and Revival View photos and videos from our Centennial Celebration Weekend and Centennial Convention with special guest Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Introducing our New Diocesan Seal In honor of our Centennial Year, we are updating our Diocesan Seal to better reflect our continued journey towards Becoming Beloved Community and who we are as a diocese. Who We Are, Where We've Been, Where We're Going Watch this short documentary about the past, present, and future of The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina as we celebrate 100 years and anticipate the next 100. Learn more about our Core Values, Identity, and Mission As we celebrate our Centennial, we also reflect on what we hope to achieve moving forward as a diocese. Learn more about our Core Values, Diocesan Identity, and Mission for the Centennial year and beyond. Explore our "Unlearning Library" Find resources intended to help "unlearn" inherent biases. With a focus on voices of color, this library is intended to help us reflect on the ways we can continue to build beloved community as we approach the next 100 years. See Pictures from our Deanery Dinners Members of each deanery were invited to a dinner celebration with Bishop José to discuss the past and future of this diocese and join in community together throughout May and June 2022.

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

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