Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina

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

Stories in the Diocese

Sean Rowe Elected to Serve as the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops today elected the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe to serve as the 28th Presiding Bishop. The House of Deputies confirmed the vote. Rowe is the youngest presiding bishop to be elected, at age 49, and he will begin his nine-year term on Nov. 1, succeeding Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Read More

The 81st General Convention of The Episcopal Church is taking place this week, June 23–28, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. Check out the information and links below to stay up to date.

General Information Hub

News & Updates from ENS

Watch the Revival

Please pray for our WNC deputation and all those involved with the legislative process of the 81st General Convention:

Clergy

The Rt. Rev. José A. McLoughlin - Bishop

The Rev. Dn. Kristie Neal – Chair

The Rev. Gaelyn Evangreene

The Rev. Dr. Scott White

The Rev. Susan Buchanan

The Rev. Will Bryant – Alternate

Lay

Gordon Hamilton

Jada Bryson

Betsy Biega

Jane Schronce

Susan Kleinwechter - Alternate

Ribbon Cut on Crab Orchard Falls Trail Extension

A new trail leading to Crab Orchard Falls at the Valle Crucis Conference Center is now open. The new trail provides a gentler slope up the mountain, as well as more sustainable surfacing and more opportunities for native plants to flourish near the trail. The old boardwalk to the falls has also been replaced with beautiful stone steps. Hikers can choose an up-and-back path on the new trail, or use the old trail to return to the main campus, for a total loop of 1.3 miles and an elevation gain of 324 feet.

Camp Henry Kicks Off Summer

Campers, counselors and staff gathered last week for the first official week of Camp Henry summer camp fun at Lake Logan.

There are still some spots open for camp! Register here.

Now in it's second year, Bilingual Camp will return starting July 7.

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.

The Feast of St. John: Celebrating Henderson County

With Chatham Rabbits

The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness will celebrate its patron saint with the fourth annual Feast of St. John the Baptist this Sunday at Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. All are welcome to join the festivities at the family friendly celebration featuring food, fellowship, and live music. Music begins at 6 p.m., and yard games will be offered for children. Proceeds will benefit the Community Food Pantry in Edneyville.

Sunday, June 30 | 5–8 p.m. | Hubba Hubba Smokehouse, Hendersonville

St. James Players present Remembrance

The St. James players will present Remembrance, a brief sermon drama written by Tom S. Long 25 years ago. The consequences of the reality of artificial intelligence form the background for a play about ongoing relationships, for better or worse, of living with deceased loved ones. We hope you can join us for this creative worship experience.

Sunday, June 30 | at the 10:15 a.m. and 5 p.m. services | St. James, Hendersonville

Women's Ordination Celebration

The Episcopal Church Women of Western North Carolina is partnering with the Cathedral of All Souls to bring a special celebration for the 50^th anniversary of women's ordination along with a screening of The Philadelphia Eleven.

July 19: Screening of The Philadelphia Eleven at 6:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dn. Kelsey Davis talking about the film.

July 20: Eucharist at 11 a.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Ordination in the Episcopal Church with the Rev. Carter Heyward. Lunch and reception to follow.

Please RSVP for the Saturday lunch event by July 10 to Diane Mance at mancediane40@bellsouth.net or by calling 828-275-2972.

July 19 & 20 | The Cathedral of All Souls, Asheville

The 2nd Annual Pirate 5K Run/Walk

Join St. Luke's and the community of Lincolnton for the second annual Pirate 5K. Learn the history of the fabled pirate who may or may not have been laid to rest in the graveyard at St. Luke's under the name Jean Lafitte. Pirate costumes are welcome.

Saturday, Aug. 17 | 7:30 a.m. | St. Luke's, Lincolnton

More Events

Job Openings

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR

Part-time

All Saints, Franklin

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

More Jobs

Spotlight

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

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.

You may also find resources from our diocese here.

If you have any suggestions for additions to this page, email Sinclaire.

Beyond Our Doors

Healing Winds Conference Returns

This relaxing retreat at Lake Junaluska Conference Center will hear from speaker Dr. JP Moreland with a focus on Christian healing. The dates are Sept. 27–29, and registration is open now. This is a great event for prayer ministers of any level of experience.