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Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina

A Message from Bishop José After Hurricane Helene

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Recovery Information and Resources

In light of the significant impact of Hurricane Helene on our community, we invite you to explore the resources available on our diocesan website, designed to assist those seeking help during this challenging time.


Hurricane Helene Relief and Information Hub


Carol Tannenbaum, our Chief Financial Officer, is collaborating with Church Insurance to monitor and manage the ongoing claims associated with our congregations, currently totaling 15 active claims.


The Cathedral of All Souls property in Biltmore Village sustained significant damage, necessitating the congregation to temporarily convene for worship at Trinity in Asheville.


The Church of the Transfiguration in Bat Cave remains structurally intact; however, access is hindered due to washed-out roads, prompting the congregation to engage in virtual worship services until the situation improves.


Many church properties in the Diocese sustained minor damages that will not displace the congregation, but there may be limited access to utilities as well as modifications to services and outreach efforts.


We are working on ways to streamline the coordination of item collection and distribution efforts, ensuring that assistance is accessible and efficient for everyone involved. We encourage collaboration within our diocesan community and your local community, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility and collective action as we navigate this crisis together.


Our thoughts are with each person and congregation affected by this disaster, and we are here to support you. We hope to soon have a temporary part-time position added to the diocesan staff to coordinate relief efforts. For now, continue to email Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert (archdeacon@diocesewnc.org) and Communication Missioner Sinclaire Sparkman (sinclaire@diocesewnc.org) to update our information hub.

Diocesan Convention

102nd Annual Diocesan Convention


Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the Executive Council of our diocese voted unanimously to hold a virtual session instead of an in-person convention on Friday, Nov. 8. Bishop José has declared Saturday, Nov. 9 as a day of service.


Please continue to make nominations and submit resolutions.

Find forms and additional information at diocesewnc.org/convention.

Parish events, job listings, and our other regular sections will return next week.

Episcopal Resources

The Episcopal Church

Center for Racial Healing

Episcopal Migration Ministries

Episcopal

Relief and Development

Have a story or event to share?

Review our submission guidelines and submit your stories and events for Along the Way to Sinclaire by 5 p.m. Tuesday for consideration.

Connect with Us

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Diocesewnc.org

Other diocesan accounts to follow:

@wncyouth, @uncaepiscopal, @episcopalwcu, @latinoministrywnc, @blueridgeservicecorps, @pecmappstate

#diownc

Thank you for being a part of our Diocese!