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Episcopalians in our diocese are busy beyond the walls of their own congregation, reaching out to those in need, opening their doors to invite new generations and communities into the beauty and tradition of the Episcopal Church.

But we’re ready to do more. The only thing in our way is debt.

Last year alone, the $2.5 million mortgage on Lake Logan drained  $170,000 from diocesan operating funds. That’s money that could have gone for ministry. Since then, sale of a non-essential land parcel has dropped the debt below $2.4 million and a recent diocesan survey found overwhelming support for paying down the debt as much as possible so
that our parish contributions could be freed for ministry.

That same survey asked you to prioritize: as our mortgage shrinks, what ministries should grow first? Here’s what you said…

Campus Ministries

This was your first priority because in college our young people begin forming habits and opinions they will carry into adult life. What better place to build the future of the church? Currently, the diocese funds only quarter time chaplains at ASU and WCU. UNCA has no Episcopal chaplain. As money is freed from debt service, we can increase our campus presence 100% simply by funding half time chaplains at ASU and WCU and by seeding a new position at UNCA beginning with six hours a week.

More Help for Those in Need

Each year the Human Hurt and Hope Fund distributes approximately $50,000 to congregations partnering to address issues of poverty and marginalization. Our next priority is to increase available funding by as much as ten percent.

Camp Henry Scholarships

Last year, over 480 children enjoyed the Christian fellowship of Camp Henry in the pristine setting offered at Lake Logan. Nearly half of them needed scholarships to attend. Another important training ground for the Church’s future, Camp Henry should be available to all children, regardless of family circumstances. As applications grow, so should our resources for scholarship so that all children are free to join in.

Spanish-speaking Ministries

With a part-time Canon for Spanish-speaking ministries and significant start-up capital in the New Congregations Fund, we’re ideally positioned to reach out to one of the fastest-growing communities in the Episcopal Church. Funds freed from servicing the debt on Lake Logan could provide initial support for new congregations with targeted advertising, a part-time clergy salary, and program costs, such as ESL classes. Our current success at La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville testifies to the importance of this ministry.

Our recent feasibility study indicates we can raise $1.5 million. A matching grant from The Episcopal Foundation brings our total to $2 million, leaving an annual carrying cost of about $20,000. Of course, the more we raise, the more is freed for ministry. Please consider a generous pledge to the campaign.

For more information, please visit www.diocesewnc.org or contact the
campaign office at 828-225-6656.