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.

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

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.

Building Beloved Community & Racial Reconciliation "As your Bishop, I remain deeply committed to this work not just by the words I share but in action. Since becoming your bishop, I have encouraged and guided a concerted effort to expand our dedication to Building Beloved Community and dismantling racism and be at the heart of all we do, including all diocesan-wide programming, budget, discernment for holy orders process, leadership development, and recruitment of clergy. Building Beloved Community also invites us to refine our diocesan Latino mission to equip and empower congregations to explore bi-cultural ministries as well as conversations and advocacy on immigration. Building Beloved Community invites us to listen and learn about our Eastern Band of the Cherokee brothers and sisters on the Qualla Boundary and how the Episcopal Church can partner with other Christian communities to serve alongside and support indigenous ministries. Additionally, Building Beloved Community includes strengthening our commitment to racial equity and justice for African Americans in our communities, including our support for locally owned black business that have been hit harder by the impact of this pandemic and minority communities that are disproportionately affected by the Covid-19 health crisis. As a diocese, we are committed to living by the words of John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It is with love that we will create a Beloved Community." The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin, Bishop, Diocese of Western North Carolina For decades, the Episcopal Church has extolled a consistent message of education on the systemic sin of racism and taken action to eliminate racism wherever it exists—our institutions, communities, churches, and in ourselves. Indeed, as The Episcopal Church's commission states, "Reconciliation is the spiritual practice of seeking a loving, liberating, and life-giving relationship with God and one another, and striving to heal and transform injustice and brokenness in ourselves, our communities, and society." The Episcopal Church provides a variety of resources in the vital work of racial reconciliation. One such resource is Becoming Beloved Community, a set of int errelated commitments around which Episcopalians may organize our many efforts to respond to racial injustice and grow a community of reconcilers , justice-makers, and healers. Visit our "Unlearning Library" for Building Beloved Community Resources Download Becoming Beloved Community summary. Download the full Becoming Beloved Community curriculum. Read the 2018–2020 Racial Audit of Episcopal Leadership from The Episcopal Church Racial Justice and Equity LEARN MORE Racial Justice and Equity LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Latino Ministries LEARN MORE Latino Ministries LEARN MORE Honoring Indigenous Land and People LEARN MORE Honoring Indigenous Land and People 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. The pilgrimage is part of the larger ongoing work of Becoming Beloved Community in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. To learn more about this work, please visit The Official Website by CLICKING HERE. Watch the Introduction to Barrier Breakers: The Pilgrimage Beginning in February 2021, the Diocese launched a 4-week video series featuring the stories of voices of color from around the diocese. In August 2021, the series was brought back as a monthly feature, known as Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of Color in the Diocese of Western North Carolina . Watch some of our Barrier Breakers below, or subscribe to our mailing list to get the newest video sent to your inbox each month. Barrier Breakers: Amplifying Voices of C... Play Video Play Video 03:50 BARRIER BREAKERS - Allen Fullwood Allen Fullwood is a member of St. Mary's St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Morganton, NC and has a long history with the diocese, even before he was a part of it. This is his story. To learn more about St. Mary's St. Stephen's, visit their website at https://sites.google.com/view/stmarysandststephensmorganton/stmarysandststephens To watch a full playlist of Barrier Breakers videos, please click here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyEN10joSuwK6meAnJXltcyQLLpj15hxP MEDIA IN THIS VIDEO: St Stephen's Episcopal Church Youth Choir photo was provided to the diocese by the History Museum of Burke County. Play Video Play Video 05:48 BARRIER BREAKERS - Gordon Hamilton Gordon Hamilton is a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Tryon, NC and has deep family roots in Western North Carolina. Since beginning a journey of uncovering his family history, he has found many connections to the history of Good Shepherd. This is his story. Learn more about Good Shepherd at https://goodshepherdtryon.org/ Click here to watch a full playlist of Barrier Breakers videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyEN10joSuwK6meAnJXltcyQLLpj15hxP Play Video Play Video 05:18 BARRIER BREAKERS - The Rev. Oscar Rozo The Rev. Oscar Rozo is the Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries in the Diocese of WNC. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Oscar is seeking ways to bridge the gaps between the Anglo and Latino worlds and create multicultural community. This is his story. Play Video Play Video 04:04 BARRIER BREAKERS: The Rev. Toni Belhu The Rev. Toni Belhu serves both St. Gabriel's and St. Francis Episcopal Churches in Rutherfordton, NC. As a woman of color with a special interest in language and Latinx communities, Toni was the perfect candidate to serve in Rutherfordton, a large center of Latinx communities and home to one of the diocese's oldest historically black churches. This is her story. Play Video Play Video 04:48 BARRIER BREAKERS: Judy Warner Judy Warren is a Communicant at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Burnsville, NC. For the past few years, Judy has been learning about her own story as a person of indigenous ancestry and how she can continue to learn and share the history of native peoples in the Americas. This is her story. To learn more about St. Thomas, visit https://www.stthomasonline.org/ Play Video Play Video 03:07 BARRIER BREAKERS: The Rev. Deacon Bobby Lynch and Helen Lynch Bobby and Helen Lynch have been members of St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church in Rutherfordton for over 50 years. In 1975, Bobby Lynch was ordained as one of the first deacons of color in WNC. Since his ordination, he and Helen have served the St. Gabriel's community and beyond in a number. of ways and have made quite the impact on the Rutherfordton community. This is their story. Learn more about St. Gabriel's, Rutherfordton on their website at https://www.stgabrielsepiscopal.com/ Play Video Play Video 05:25 BARRIER BREAKERS: Deacon Glenda's Story Glenda McDowell is the first female deacon of color to be ordained in the diocese. Since her ordination in 2012, she has served the Cathedral of All Souls and has been an advocate for voices of color in the Episcopal Church. This is her story. Play Video Play Video 02:58 BARRIER BREAKERS: Pam's Story Pam Hemphill is a member of St. Mary's St.Stephen's and has long been a major part of the work being done in the diocese too repair the breach. This is her story.

The Presiding Bishop event at Trinity Episcopal Church

Back Safeguarding & Securing Our Churches Below you will find resources for you and your parish to help ensure a safe church for all. If you have any further questions or need help with Safe Church, Safe Communities Training, please contact the Director for Lifelong Christian Formation, Eden Lewis. The web address for online training is https://www.praesidiumacademy.com/ Jesus Christ calls us to loving relationships that are healthy and helpful to each other. The obligation to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being is binding for all the baptized. Educating and empowering the people of our diocese is central to creating and maintaining safe churches and activities for everyone. The Diocese of Western North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training. All Safe Church, Safe Communities Training is done through online modules by Praesidium Academy . Every church is encouraged to assign an administrator to keep track of parishioners' training. If you need help setting up an administrator, please get in touch with Eden Lewis. Who is required to take Safeguarding Training? All clergy—whether stipendiary, non-stipendiary, or otherwise—who are engaged in any ministry or service to the church. All vestry members or members of similar decision-making groups who have the authority to approve the creation of ministries, programs, or activities for children or youth. All persons who teach, supervise, or assist with supervising children or youth in ministries, programs, or activities more than occasionally. All persons who provide transportation to children or youth more than occasionally. All paid or volunteer church personnel whose work regularly takes them throughout the facility or grounds, and/or who interact regularly with church members or the community. Safe Church, Safe Community Training Guidelines Clergy, Staff, and Vestry Volunteers FAQS for Learners FAQS for Administrators Resources for Securing Our Churches Background Checks Active Screening Faith has been consolidated to Protect My Ministry. To set up an account please call the support number at 1-800-319-5581. Once you are approved, you will be sent a username and password to logon to the Protect my Ministry website. Then you can begin processing background checks using the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina (WNC) Screening package options. Background Check Packages: Staff Package: Base price of $37.50 Each educational institution and state have additional mandated processing fees. These fees are not covered in the base price; therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. For example, the National Student Clearinghouse charges $8.76 per name searched as part of the education verification, and the state of North Carolina charges an additional $12.75 for the Motor Vehicle Record processed through the state. The Initial Staff package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search Education Verification (one record only; additional records cost extra) Federal by District Criminal Search MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) Volunteer Package: Base price of $12.50 The base price does not include any state processing fees, which may be required to process the reports. Therefore, the total cost will increase by the cost of the fees. *Credit checks and DMV records can be added for an additional cost. The Volunteer package includes the following information: National Sex Offender Registry Search National Criminal Database Search For instructions on the steps to conduct a background check click here. Note for Clergy Protect My Ministry 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. Please contact Jess Ives regarding Oxford Documents background checks. Contact Info Protect My Ministry: 1-800-319-5581 or cs@activescreeningfaith.com Diocese: Eden Lewis , Director of Formation & Discipleship Safe Church Policies There are several policies guiding the church in right relationships with children of all ages. Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth Policy for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Sexual Exploitation Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Additional Resources Model policy for parishes Sample application for employees or volunteers Guidelines for Social Media

Piedmont Deanery Dinner On Tuesday, May 10th, the Piedmont Deanery of the diocese gathered at the Laboratory Mill in Lincolnton, NC for a celebration of their deanery and community. To learn more about this event, please visit our Centennial Deanery Dinners Page .

General Convention The 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church is July 3-8, 2027 in Phoenix, AZ. Information about the 82nd General Convention

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

Guidelines on Parish Investments and Gifts The Trustees of the Diocese of Western North Carolina has established a policy to direct and guide their oversight of Investment Funds either owned by the diocese or entrusted to them by parishes and other entities. The Diocesan Investment Policy is provided, not only to inform the wider diocese of the policy, but also to serve as a template for parishes considering their own investment policies. Likewise, a Gift Acceptance Guideline has been established to guide the Diocese on accepting gift (of cash, real estate, or other investments). These guidelines are provided below to serve as a template for parish leaders as they consider their own gift acceptance guidelines. Diocesan Investment Policy Gift Acceptance Guidelines

Documents for the Business of Convention Convention Homepage Documents will be posted as they are received. Please check back regularly. You are encouraged to either download these documents to a smart device (phone, computer, tablet) OR print these documents and bring them with you to convention. We will not be providing hard copies at convention. Resolutions Elected Leadership Budget

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Mountain Missionary Spirit In the mountains, the seeds of our diocesan missionary spirit were planted by Bishop Ives in the 1830s and 1840s. For twenty years, he traveled extensively, on horseback, through most of the western regions of North Carolina. Upon his arrival at a particularly beautiful spot in the northern mountains of Watauga County, Bishop Ives saw, as legend has it, the image of a St. Andrew’s Cross formed by the two streams in the valley and named that area Valle Crucis (Latin for the Vale of the Cross). Here, in 1842, Bishop Ives established a center for missionary work, a classical boys’ boarding school with a focus on agriculture, a theological school for training persons for ordination, and the Order of the Holy Cross, the first monastic order in the Episcopal Church since the Reformation. All these endeavors were supported by a working farm, dairy, and a blacksmith shop. Among Bishop Ives’ notable contributions to Western North Carolina perhaps the most significant was inviting Church of the Holy Cross, Valle Crucis, NC, Brian Stansberry, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons William West Skyles to come to Valle Crucis in 1844 to serve as the manager of the farm and to teach agriculture. In 1847, Skyles was ordained deacon and became one of the first Episcopalians to enter monastic life. Beloved for his pastoral care and known affectionately as “the homely sage,” Deacon Skyles, under extremely difficult conditions, served the isolated mountain people as doctor, legal advisor, counselor, mediator, schoolmaster, public scrivener, and evangelist until his untimely death in 1862. One of the first directors of the school of ministry in Valle Crucis, ordained by Bishop Ives, was the Revd. Jarvis Buxton. Following graduation from seminary, Buxton arrived in the village of Asheville in 1847; five years later he helped establish Trinity Church. Supported by this congregation and fired by missionary zeal he was fundamental in establishing most of the churches in the Asheville area, while continuing to pastor Episopalians in Murphy, Franklin, Cherokee, Waynesville, and Burnsville. Throughout the second half of the 19th century, many other leaders were also active in missionary work, holding services and ministering to families in remote mountain areas west of Asheville, most notably the Reverends Buel and Deal. In 1872, the Revd. Buel was invited by Bishop Atkinson to direct the newly established Ravenscroft Associate Ministry, a diocesan mission center for training young men to the ordained ministry. From this mission center, clergy and students would go out to visit and care for communities beyond Asheville. The Revd. Buel tended to the growing congregations in Waynesville, Brevard, and Cullowhee in the west as well as congregations in Rutherfordton. In 1876, the Revd. Deal was invited by Bishop Lyman to serve the church in Murphy. One year later, Deal moved to Franklin and from there he shepherded Episcopal communities in Highlands, Cashiers, and Murphy, all the while building the churches in Franklin and Cartoogechaye. Rev. Henry S. McDuffy In 1887, the Revd. Henry S. McDuffey was one of the first black clergymen in the diocese, having arrived as priest-in-charge of St. Matthias. He embraced the missionary spirit and helped expand the diocese's work and ministry among African Americans. Sometime toward the end of the 19th century, Bishop Horner established the Franklin Associate Mission, and later, during the early years of the 20th century, he added the Rutherford Associate Mission. These mission centers were modeled after the Ravenscroft Associate Ministry and staffed by a new generation of ordained missionaries who served clusters of churches. A priest who influenced the whole diocese greatly in the 20th century was the Revd. A. Rufus Morgan. Born and raised in Franklin, NC, Rufus was sent by Bishop Horner to seminary in New York City. In 1914, the bishop called the now Revd. Morgan back to the mountains to help establish the diocesan Appalachian Industrial School, which later became the Penland School of Crafts. In 1918, Morgan left Western North Carolina to serve parishes in South Carolina and then headed north, across the state line, to become the assistant managing director of the new Kanuga Conference Center. He retired in the early 1940s to his native mountains west of Waynesville. In his retirement he helped build St. Francis in Cherokee and restored the original St. John’s, Cartoogechaye. All the while he was serving churches in Cullowhee, Sylva, and Highlands. This remarkable man was also one of the people who established the Appalachian Trail and was a principal developer of the route from Georgia to the Great Smoky Mountains. Up to his last days, Rufus led hikes throughout the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. A man who practiced good stewardship of the earth before it became popular, he inspired several generations of Episcopalians to an appreciation and reverence of God’s creation. We are all indebted to the work and dedication of the Revd. Rufus Morgan. <<>> 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

Care for Neighbor Resources During this time, taking care of our friends and neighbors is more important than ever. Find some resources below to explore ways to stay connected during this time, or visit our Donate Now Page for donation opportunities in the diocese during this time. Resources for Children Talking to Kids About the Corona Virus Just for Kids: A New Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus Article: How you can Help Food Insecure Children Help Your Community CNN: Here's How You Can Help Stay #AshevilleStrong Article: Balm of Gratitude Eases Corona Crisis 7 things you can to do help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic

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.

Find a Church With breathtaking natural beauty and devoted communities, the Diocese of Western North Carolina is one of the fastest growing Dioceses in the country. Comprised of six deaneries, representing 15,000 Episcopalians, the Diocese of Western North Carolina supports regional and global mission efforts. Click on one of the areas below to learn more and see a list of churches. You may also use this standard map or the traditional list below, with churches listed in alphabetical order by deanery. Click here to download a PDF map of the diocese of WNC. Asheville Deanery Western Deanery Mountain Deanery Foothills Deanery Piedmont Deanery Hendersonville Deanery Use the search box to find a church, or scroll through the list, which is organized in alphabetical order by deanery.

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

Committee on Constitution and Canons Up Back to Our Leadership & Governance The Committee on Constitution and Canons consists of members of the Diocese nominated by the Ecclesiastical Authority and elected by the Convention of the Diocese. The committee serves to receive, consider, and review any proposed amendments, edits, and changes to the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Western North Carolina brought to the committee by the Convention. The committee works between conventions of the diocese and brings recommendations to the Convention based on its work in the preceeding year. 2024 Members Mr. Greg Hilderbran, Chancellor (ex officio ) The Rev. Toni Belhu The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene The Rev. Logan Lovelace Mr. Philip Wertz