Annual Conference Design | Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC

In the United Methodist Church, Annual Conferences are pivotal gatherings where clergy and laity from across a regional conference come together for worship, decision-making, fellowship, and vision casting for the year ahead.

For this year’s Annual Conference, the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church sought a visual identity that would reflect both the strength of their connection and the resilience of their districts—many of which are still rebuilding from the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene in 2024.

During our conversations with leaders across the Conference, a common theme emerged: a desire to center this year’s design around a motif deeply rooted in regional heritage. The barn star—long a symbol of hope, tradition, and strength—became the starting point. This inspired us to explore another traditional Appalachian artform: quilting.

The final design we created was a quilt-inspired visual system that honors the diversity and shared story of all five districts within the WNCC. We developed custom fabric patterns to symbolize the unique character and contributions of each district:

• Mountains – Representing the natural beauty and steadfastness of the Appalachian region.

• Banjo – A nod to the region's rich tradition of folk music and storytelling.

• Crow – Symbolizing Charlotte, the “Queen City,” a hub of energy and growth.

• Beakers & Test Tubes – Representing Winston-Salem’s role in scientific advancement and research.

• River – A powerful symbol of movement, restoration, and spiritual flow throughout the Conference.

The color palette—warm oranges, purples, and dusky blues—was drawn from the iconic Appalachian sunset, reinforcing themes of unity, healing, and the promise of new creation.

Every design choice was intentional. It was important to create a visual identity that not only looked beautiful but made every person feel seen and represented. In a Conference as broad and diverse as the WNCC, thoughtful, inclusive design is more than aesthetic—it’s a ministry of presence, healing, and hope.