Appalachian District of The United Methodist Church

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

On this Memorial Day, may we hold close the memory of those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we enjoy each day. We give thanks for their courage, their service, and their love for others.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

Our office will be closed Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

May we never forget.

04/27/2026

We are so grateful for the incredible generosity across our district! 💛

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the churches, pastors and dedicated lay members who donated homemade items for our gift basket giveaway—and to those who went the extra mile to coordinate and deliver them from all over. Your kindness, creativity, and willingness to serve made this possible.

It’s a beautiful reminder of what we can do when we come together. We truly couldn’t have done it without you! 🎁✨

04/27/2026

🎶☀️ MerleFest 2026 — What a FOUR DAY RIDE! ☀️🎶

From sunshine to rain, music to meaningful moments… this year at MerleFest was one for the books! 🙌

DAY 1 kicked us off strong with all the energy:
🧴 300+ sunscreens & chapsticks
🪭 200 fans (and yes… they were NEEDED 😅)
🗺️ 39 states + 6 countries on the map 🌍
Rev. Tracy Schumpert was basically a one-person welcome committee—tracking folks down from across the globe (even holding their place in line so they could come get on the map 😂). And we even met a new friend from Ukraine 💙💛
But the real highlight? The conversations, prayers, and connections. ❤️

DAY 2 brought the fun (and the crowds!)
Student Day was a BLAST—so much candy 🍬 and so many smiles! We kept meeting incredible people from everywhere, and were honored to have Bishop Ken Carter stop by to visit and connect.
Shoutout to an amazing volunteer crew who kept things running strong! 🙌

DAY 3… y’all came ready to TALK!
We had some of the most meaningful, thoughtful conversations yet. 💬
✔️ 48 out of 50 states reached (Alaska… we KNOW you were there 👀)
🌧️ A little rain—but nothing we couldn’t handle!

DAY 4 wrapped it all up with joy
We showed up with listening ears, open hearts, and lots of love. ❤️
🐾 Special guest Cheyenne stole the show with snuggles and “free pets”
🎁 Our gift basket found a happy winner
📍 Final count: 48 states + 11 countries represented 🌎
☀️ Sunscreen gone. 🌧️ Ponchos gone. Chip clips gone. ❤️ Love poured out.

The music? Incredible.
The conversations? Deep and meaningful.
The presence of the United Methodist Church? Full of joy, welcome, and connection.

We could NOT do this without our people:
A huge THANK YOU to our volunteers who gave their time, energy, and hearts—
including Bishop Ken Carter, Tracy Schumpert, Kelley Groce, Jeff & Christy Nash, Rich Irwin, Cade & Taylor Barefoot, Justin Nickelson, Ann & James Gibert, Todd McCullough (rocking chairs MVP! 🪑and set up ⭐️ ), Kristy Burnette, Wes Austin, Karen Roberts, Mike Marcella, Jim Brooks and Ed Glaize (who stopped by to say hi and worked the booth when we got busy!)

It truly takes a village—and this United Methodist village shows up every single year. 🙌

Already counting down to next year… 🎶💛

04/26/2026

✝Bishop Ken Carter and the appointive cabinet of the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, in consultation with the clergy and authorized lay leaders of the local churches, announce the following appointment changes, to take effect July 1, 2026. This act of ministry is in fulfillment of ¶¶ 425-429 of the 2020/2024 Book of Discipline. These projected appointments will be affirmed in the closing worship service of annual conference on June 21, 2026 at Lake Junaluska.

🙏Please lift these clergy, their families, and the local churches in prayer, in the hope that we will more fully participate in our mission - “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” (Book of Discipline, ¶120).

➡Read the full list of projected appointments here: https://www.wnccumc.org/newsdetail/2026-2027-local-church-appointment-list-19712802

04/24/2026

🎶☀️ MerleFest Day 1 = a whole vibe! ☀️🎶

Y’all showed UP and showed OUT! 🙌

We handed out:
🧴 300+ sunscreens & chapsticks
🪭 200 fans (because whew, that sun!)
🗺️ Tagged 39 states + 6 countries on our map 🌍

And listen… Rev. Tracy Schumpert was on a mission—tracking down folks from faraway places like a pro 😂 (yes, even holding spots in line so they could come get on the map!!). We even met a wonderful friend all the way from Ukraine 💙💛

But more than the numbers—so many meaningful conversations, prayers, and connections with people from literally everywhere. That’s the good stuff. ❤️

Huge shoutout to yesterday’s dream team:
✨ Rev. Kelley Groce
✨ Rev. Tracy Schumpert
Y’all brought the energy, the joy, and the love—handing out goodies, welcoming folks in, and praying over so many. We are so grateful!

AND let’s hear it for our amazing laity 🙌 who helped pack 1,000 bags of candy 🍬 for the Wilkes County kiddos coming through today!!

🎉 Day 2, we’re ready for you! Come find us at the tent—we’ve got candy, smiles, and maybe a fan if you’re lucky 😉

04/22/2026

Happy Professional Administrator Day! 🎉

Today we celebrate the incredible people who keep our churches running day in and day out—our amazing administrators!

You are the calm in the chaos, the organizers of the details, the friendly voices, the problem-solvers, and the behind-the-scenes heroes who make ministry happen. Whether it’s answering calls, managing schedules, preparing bulletins, or stepping in wherever needed—you do it all with grace and dedication.

We also want to recognize that many of you serve in this role without pay, giving your time and gifts out of love for your church and your calling. That kind of servant-hearted commitment does not go unnoticed. It is a beautiful reflection of faith in action.

As Colossians 3:23 reminds us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

Thank you for all the ways you serve, support, and strengthen our churches. We see you. We appreciate you. We are so very grateful for you. 💛

Take a moment today to thank a church administrator—you’ll be glad you did!

04/11/2026

🚨 Register Now: Pilgrimage to Cherokee | June 5–7, 2026

Don’t miss this meaningful opportunity to join the Pilgrimage to Cherokee! Experience the stories, narratives, and lived experiences of the Cherokee people — learning about their reality, their pain, and their hope — and honor them by listening.

🗓 Dates: June 5–7, 2026
✨ Option: Attend Friday & Saturday only (June 5–6)

Registration closes April 30th or when we reach 50 participants — whichever comes first!

Secure your spot today and be part of this important journey. Full details and registration here: https://www.wnccumc.org/newsdetail/register-wncc-pilgrimage-to-cherokee-june-5-7-19631588

04/04/2026

03/23/2026

ALERT! New jobs have been posted on our website at 2 of our local churches in the Appalachian District!
click here to learn more https://www.appalachiandistrict.org/jobsaroundtheappalachiandistrict

03/13/2026

Can’t make it to Annual Conference this June? Here’s what to do:

Laity: If you can no longer attend, please contact your pastor or church so a replacement can be identified. (District lay members should contact their district office.)

Active and appointed clergy: If you’re unable to attend, you will need to request an excused absence here: https://wnc-reg.brtapp.com/AC26Absence71

Retired clergy: You are automatically excused and do not need to submit a request.

Thank you for helping us ensure all churches are represented!