Dearly Beloved, It has been amazing watching the pictures and stories coming out of Texas this week. The destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey seems practically without precedent. The only other hurricanes in my memory which rival it are Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and Hurricane Andrew in Miami. I myself have lived through 5 hurricanes and several tropical storms and, while I have experienced damage to my home and to the churches I was assigned, never have I experienced the utter devastation seen in the Houston area. It is our duty to pray for everyone affected, especially for those who have lost loved ones in the flooding. It is also our duty to help in whatever way we can. Many national organizations, both Christian and secular, are already on the ground helping in the survival and recovery efforts. A brother priest of mine, Fr. John Lohmann, who now lives in Conroe, Texas, north of Houston, reports what happened to him and his wife Marcella this past Monday in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. The Army Corps of Engineers had “to let out enough water from Lake Conroe to flood the San Jacinto River to record levels. Monday morning we woke to a car horn. We had 2 hours to pack up what we could, move some valuables upstairs and leave. Approximately 5 feet of water came into the house, ruining our refrigerator, freezer, washer & dryer, microwave, altar, dining furniture, couches, and all stored items in the house, garage, and storage shed.” Here is a picture of some of the debris from the destruction of Fr. John’s house yesterday.
A mere 8 hours after they evacuated, not knowing what happened to his property, Fr. John was on a boat with his brother-in-law, rescuing people in the flooding. Fr. John and Marcella have been ski trip chaperones in the past and our children here at All Saints have benefited from their ministry. I am presently awaiting information on what resources Fr. John has available to him and, if we can help him, we will do so. I will let you know on Sunday. Life here at All Saints is getting ready to kick into high gear. With September upon us, there is much to tell about all the activities we have going on around here. The announcements below tell you everything happening shortly. Please do read on and make to plans to join us for all these events in our parish life together. News of NoteBob Brooks had an accident on his construction site this past Wednesday. He smashed his left middle finger with a pile driver. Unfortunately, most of the finger could not be saved and had to be amputated. He is in very good spirits and is looking forward to getting back to work, and to church, soon. He extends his thanks to all who prayed for him. Please continue to do so as he recovers. News of Note #2While I was away this month, David Hinson’s sister Nancy died. Please pray for the repose of her soul and that our Lord brings comfort to David and the whole family in their loss. Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen.News of Note #3Shelly Wyatt had surgery on her left knee this past Tuesday to remove a bone spur. The surgery was a success and she is recovering well. We expect to see her in church on Sunday. Don’t forget to check out the announcements below. And keep on praying for each other, for those near and dear to us, and especially for those for whom no one else will pray! Blessings,Fr. Erich P.S. I couldn’t help sharing this picture of the biggest baby yawn ever from my grandson Tucker!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Homeschool Choir· The Blue Ridge Homeschool Choir resumes regular Tuesday practices this Tuesday, September 5, at 1:00 p.m. In addition to their usual musical practices, this year they will be preparing for a Madrigal, which they will host here at the church in December. Wednesday Evening Activities· This coming Wednesday evening, Holy Communion and Choir Practice will happen as usual but there will not be a Fellowship Dinner or a study class. College Care Packages· It’s that time again! College students are settled in their dorms and ready to start receiving care packages. Please sign-up on the bulletin board in the parish hall if you would like to participate in this ministry for our college students. Please see Sara Briggs, Alice Owen, or Sandy Peninger if you have any questions. Parish Workday· We will be having a parish workday, inside and outside, next Saturday, September 9, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Ladies Meeting· The ladies will hold their quarterly meeting during the parish workday next Saturday, September 9. The meeting will begin at 11:00 a.m. Please join us as we give updates on all that has been happening as well as plan our autumn and winter activities. Adult Sunday School· Our Adult Sunday School class returns Sunday, September 10, at 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall. In September and October, we will be focusing on why Anglicanism is unique and distinct in Christianity. Youth Confirmation Class· Confirmation class for our young folks resumes Sunday, September 10, at 12:30 p.m. Fall Youth Activities· An email has gone to all parents regarding our activities for this fall. It has also been posted on the bulletin board. If you have any questions, or did not get the email, please see Cynthia Hensley or Rebekah Byrd. Tuesday Book Study· Tuesday Book Study returns on September 12 at 11:00 a.m. We will be studying C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters. See Cynthia Hensley to get your copy for $10.00. Bible Study· Bible Study returns on Wednesday, September 13. We will be studying St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Make your plans to join us as we delve into this masterpiece of St. Paul’s writings and the theology he taught. Food Bank· Western Carolina Rescue Mission in Buncombe County is this month’s recipient of our in-gathering of food stuffs. Christmas Craft Market· The annual Craft Market will be held this year on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please plan now on coming out that day and bringing family and friends to shop and support this fundraiser for the Ladies of All Saints.· We are looking for volunteers for this event as greeters, guides and general help. Please speak with Kathy Zwingert if you would like to help.· We will also have a classic “Church Bake Sale” during the Market. Pies, cookies, breads, cakes sell well and other offerings such as muffins, brownies, sweet rolls, etc. would be appreciated. Please see Julie to help with this, or she will track you down!· Are you in the process of canning your garden abundance from this year? Have you set aside some of your canned goods for sale at the Market? You can start bringing those items in, if you wish.Fall Fish Fry· The Fall Fish Fry this year is scheduled for Friday, October 13. Ticket packets will be available to sign out next week so that we can get a jump on making this fish fry a great success.
This Week in the Parish
Sunday, September 3, Twelfth Sunday after Trinity· 8:30 a.m., Holy Communion· 9:45 a.m., Children’s Sunday School· 11:00 a.m., Holy CommunionMonday, September 4, Labor Day· Office ClosedTuesday, September 5· 1:00 p.m., Homeschool Choir practices resumeWednesday, September 6· 6:00 p.m., Evening Prayer· 7:00 p.m., Choir PracticeSaturday, September 9· 9:00 a.m., Parish Workday· 11:00 a.m., Ladies Meeting
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