Appalachian District of The United Methodist Church

10/28/2026

🎙️ New episode of Means of Grace is here!

Why Discipleship Matters More with Rev. Lory Beth Huffman

Rev. Huffman opens up about her call to ministry, what she’s learned serving as a district superintendent, and the unique challenges and opportunities facing the Appalachian District of The United Methodist Church. It’s a conversation about faith, leadership, and the resilience of mountain communities, and what all of it means for the future of the Church. ⛰️

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! 🎧 https://www.wnccumc.org/newsdetail/new-means-of-grace-episode-discipleship-matters-20052109

10/21/2026

📣 Deadline Friday: rural NC grant opportunity!

Resourceful Communities’ 2027 small grant program is open to grassroots organizations, churches, and small towns working in rural North Carolina counties. 🌱

Grants average $8,000–$12,000 (up to $15,000) for projects that advance the “triple bottom line”: social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience. Think youth leadership, community gardens and local food, nutrition education, outdoor access, entrepreneurship, heritage tourism, and more.

New this year: the first step is a short online Letter of Intent, due Friday, October 23. All applicants, including current grantees, must submit one.

👉 Learn more and submit your LOI: https://legacyworksgroup.com/cnef

10/11/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: DISTRICT DIALOGUE CANCELED TODAY.

Due to the flooding occurring throughout our district, we believe it is best to take every precaution and cancel today’s District Dialogue at First Lenoir UMC.

We ask that you please report any flooding or storm-related damage affecting you or your church, to our District Superintendent, Rev. Lory Beth Huffman, at [email protected].

We will review our calendar and explore the possibility of rescheduling today’s District Dialogue for a date toward the end of October. We will share additional details as soon as plans are confirmed.

Please know that you are all in our continued thoughts and prayers during this time.

If you or your church need assistance, please reach out and let us know how we can help. We are here for one another, and your safety is our priority.

Please stay safe, take necessary precautions, and continue to look out for one another.

Blessings,
Katie and Lory Beth

09/05/2026

Grants available to help churches switch to solar | Up to 20 churches will be selected for the UMC Solar and Battery Pilot Program. Select participating churches will be invited to apply for an UMCOR grant up to $100,000 to support their projects.

https://www.umnews.org/en/news/grants-available-to-help-churches-switch-to-solar

08/23/2026

08/23/2026

Great afternoon working on Healthy Hellos with pastors new to the Appalachian District. So grateful for leadership teams and pastors working together on Forming, Storming, Norming and Performing!

08/23/2026

Enjoyed worship this morning in the north east quadrant of Appalachian District. Starting with First UMC Elkin with their early communion service in the chapel with Reverend Dr. Kaury Edwards. And then at Sparta UMC with the Reverends Cade and Taylor Pryde Barefoot doing a dialogue sermon.

Grateful for the excellent churches and excellent leadership that are serving the kingdom in the Appalachian District! 

08/20/2026

Happy Birthday to Katie Hutton ! The Appalachian District gives thanks for your above and beyond care and support you give to the churches and pastors in our District. We hope you have the best Birthday and know how much you are loved and appreciated! (Especially by your DS!!!!😉) 🎉🥳🎈🎊🎁

07/12/2026

Please hold in prayer this morning all of the pastors leading worship for the first time in a new place and for those churches welcoming a new pastor in their pulpit today! May the Holy Spirit bless all of these new ministries across our Conferene.