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Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina

Leadership Checklist

View the weekly checklist of important upcoming dates and deadlines for clergy, wardens, and staff.

Stories in the Diocese

Illuminated Bible Exhibit Coming to Waynesville


Grace Church in the Mountains will host an extraordinary exhibit August 11 through September 22 featuring 20 gallery-sized prints from The Saint John’s Bible, the first hand-written and illuminated Bible since the printing press. This unique event aims to celebrate God's Word through art, scripture, and collective experience, and the church will offer programming along with the exhibit.

Three Grants Help to Make a Difference Across the World


The Diocese of Western North Carolina awarded $20,885 in Global Mission/Sustainable Development grants for 2024. Projects include $5,200 for El Eden microbusiness Phase 2 in Guantanamo, Cuba, applied by St. James Hendersonville, enhancing food preservation and providing employment. St. James Hendersonville also secured $7,842 for Emergency Support at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, ensuring continued medical care amid conflict. Additionally, Grace in the Mountains Waynesville received $7,843 for the Hart Veterans Rehab Center in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, providing comprehensive rehabilitation services. These grants exemplify the Diocese's commitment to global outreach and support.

Resources for the Conflict in the Holy Land

The Office of Government Relations in The Episcopal Church has released a webpage of resources to follow the conflict in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel. The page includes ways to take action to support the citizens affected by the conflict, statements from leaders, partner resources, prayers, social media, and a list of press releases. The page is being updated as the situation develops.

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer

Events around the Diocese

To submit an event, please review the submission guidelines and email Sinclaire event details and a photo for consideration. This space is reserved for diocesan, parish, and conference center events.

Weekly Centering Prayer Group

Join the parish of St. John's Episcopal Church, Asheville, for a weekly prayer group following Martin Laird's Into the Silent Land.


Thursdays | 1:45 p.m.–3 p.m. | St. John's, Asheville

Communication Conversations

AI Use and Ethics

In this conversation, we'll talk about the ethics and boundaries of using AI. Let's discuss how to use tools like ChatGPT (and others) safely to aid in creating schedules, plans, and writing.


Have you used AI at work or for church communication yet? 


Parish administrators, clergy, and anyone interested in enhancing communication within their church community are welcome to join. Our goal is to provide practical strategies, share insights on current trends, and foster inspiration and collaboration among participants.


Thursday, June 13 | 2 p.m. | Zoom

St. Paul's Chicken Supper

The congregation of St. Paul’s in Edneyville is happy to announce the return of our annual Chicken Supper.


Saturday, June 15 | 5–7 p.m. | St. Paul's, Edneyville

Celtic Eucharist Hike

We’ll climb (moderate ascent and at a pace comfortable for everyone) Rufus Morgan Trail to the overlook to hear the readings, hike in silence to Geyer Longs Rock overlook (pictured above), after the silence we’ll reflect on how we’ve experienced God, and end at St. Frances Chapel for the Holy Eucharist.


The schedule for hikes for the remainder of 2024: July 27, August 24, September 21, October 26, and November 23.


The hikes are open to all and tailored to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. Each 3-hour hike includes a liturgy, silent reflection, and ends with the Holy Eucharist at St. Francis Chapel. Bring your own lunch for a shared meal on the Kanuga Lodge Patio or purchase from the Dining Hall. We’ll climb the Rufus Mogan Trail (moderate ascent and at a pace comfortable for everyone) and hear the readings, then hike in silence to Geyer Longs Rock overlook. Remember to bring sufficient water, sunscreen, snacks, a raincoat, and a head covering. Raincoat and a head covering are recommended. No RSVP or reservation required. In case of inclement weather, if a hike is canceled, the cancellation will be announced via email and posted ASAP on Facebook.


Saturday, June 22 | 8:45 a.m. | St. Francis Chapel, Kanuga

Sacred Music in the Mountains

Alumni Voices and Instruments of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir

For 36 years, members of the University of Notre Dame Folk Choir graced the campus with their unique gift of sacred song. Combining four-part harmonies, texts both ancient and modern, organ, guitar, strings, and winds, they brought their song to all corners of the English-speaking world. And now alumni of this esteemed ensemble will gather at St. James Episcopal Church in Black Mountain, NC.


Saturday, June 22 | 7–8:30 p.m. | St. James, Black Mountain

The Golden Age of American Song

Broadway comes alive on Sunday, June 23 when Friends of Music at the Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness concludes its 2023-24 series with a varied presentation. Vocalists Lori Griswold and Matthew Ruley will be joined by the St. John Parish Choir led by Organist and Director of Music Dewitt Tipton on piano.

The program, held in the Parish Hall across Rutledge Drive from the historic hilltop church building, is free and open to the public. Parking and handicapped transportation are readily available.


Sunday, June 23 | 4 p.m. | St. John in the Wilderness, Flat Rock

More Events

Job Openings

ORGANIST

Part-time

St. Luke's, Asheville

INTERIM RECTOR

Full-time

St. Luke's, Boone

ORGANIST/PIANIST

Part-time

St. Mary & St. Steven's, Morganton

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

Part-time

St. David's, Cullowhee

More Jobs

Spotlight

Resources for LGBTQ+ from The Episcopal Church

June is Pride Month! In preparation, the Episcopal Church has released a collection of resources, including a newly introduced Pride Shield. These materials offer ways to support and engage with the LGBTQ+ community, fostering inclusivity and understanding. 

Add Information to Our Parish Roster

We're in the process of updating our church contact list and would love to stay in touch with you about important diocesan events. Please fill out the linked form with your parish information so we can keep you informed and connected.

Fill out the form

Beyond Our Doors

Church Pension Group Webinar

On the 15th anniversary of the Denominational Health Plan and the Lay Employee Pension System, the Church Pension Group CPG) invites all members of The Episcopal Church into a conversation, June 14 at noon, about how the CPG has worked with the General Convention to advance the issue of parity between clergy and lay employees of the Church.

Episcopal Recovery Gathering

The annual RMEC Gatherings are a time to connect with each other, to take time to worship and share, and to support local and regional recovery ministries. The Gathering this year, June 19–21, is conveniently scheduled right before the Episcopal Church's General Convention in Louisville, KY.

In addition to our regular Gathering events, we hope to focus on our relationship with the larger Church. How are we connected, how can we help?

Province IV/V Creation Care Conference

Join Provinces IV and V for "Spiritual Resilience in Days of Trouble," a retreat led by The Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas, an Episcopal priest, author, and climate activist. This retreat, Sept. 12–15, invites participants to recognize our sacred connection to the Earth and build spiritual resilience amidst the climate crisis. The conference will explore how God speaks through nature, finding hope for environmental action, and experiencing joy in resurrected living. The weekend includes presentations, guided meditations, group discussions, singing, and personal reflection.

TEC 81st General Convention

The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church will take place June 23–28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky International Convention Center. Check the out the information and links below to stay up to date.


General Information Hub

Presiding Bishop Nominees

News & Updates from ENS

Are you curious about General Convention but don't know where to start? Take a look at this linked document to learn the basics. 

About General Convention

Listening Session about General Convention

Watch the Zoom recording with insights from the recent gathering where one of our Deputies to the 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church, the Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene, spoke about the upcoming convention and the essential work that lies ahead for our global church community.

Episcopal Revival and Learning Party

Join thousands of Episcopalians for a transformative day of love, celebration, and spiritual growth at the Episcopal Revival and Learning Party on Saturday, June 22, in Louisville, Kentucky. The whole Episcopal family will gather to give thanks for Presiding Bishop Curry’s ministry, deepen our love for God, get immersed in inspiring worship and community, kick off the 81st General Convention, and welcome new friends discovering Jesus through The Episcopal Church.

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.

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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!