Dearly Beloved,
This week is the celebration of our patronal festival, All Saints Day. November 1 is the actual day of this important holy day and we did celebrate the Holy Communion for All Saints Day this past Monday. So who then are these “Saints” we commemorate on the day? Holy Scripture uses the word “saints” when referring to all the people of God, those who have been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. The Collect of the Day for All Saints, along with the lessons appointed in our prayer book (p.256-7), make it clear that the day is intended as a commemoration of all the faithful departed, not just some “noteworthy” folks like the Blessed Virgin Mary or St. Peter the Apostle.
This year we will also celebrate this great festival this coming Sunday, November 7. We are honored that our new Diocesan Bishop, the Most Rev’d Chandler H. “Chad” Jones, SSC, will be us for an Episcopal Visit, as well as confirming and receiving new members this weekend. Bishop Chad, as he is fondly called, will preach at both Sunday worship times and he will preside and celebrate at the 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion. He will take the Adult Sunday School class as he expresses his vision and hope for our Diocese and National Church, and for traditional Anglicanism throughout the world. We will end the day with a luncheon reception in thanksgiving for his visit and also in honor of all those who are confirmed and received. Please be certain to be here on Sunday to welcome our Bishop as well as to show our love and support for all our new members.
Festival of Saints
Tomorrow evening, Friday, November 5, we will gather for food and games at 5:45 p.m.—8:00 p.m. And this night is not just for our young people! To make our patronal festival special for the children and youth of our parish, we need adults to come out also to join in the festivities and extra hands are always welcome. We will have all sorts of carnival games, a hot dog supper, more candy than you can shake a stick at, and a prize store where the kids can cash in all the points they accumulate over the evening! There will be a costume contest for 5 different age groups, so everyone dress up! We look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow night.
Annual Stewardship Campaign
Our annual campaign is coming to a close. The last letter was sent out yesterday. If you have not yet made your commitment, you should see this letter tomorrow or Saturday. I cannot stress enough that it takes ALL of us together to provide for the ministry of this place. We do not receive any outside funding and we do not have fancy endowments. The Gospel work of this place is 100% supported and funded by the parishioners and friends of All Saints Church.
The vestry will meet this coming Monday, November 8, to set a budget for 2022 to present to you at the annual meeting on November 21. Please make your commitment and drop it in the offering plate this coming Sunday. It is essential for the vestry to have everyone’s input before they meet on Monday.
Annual Meeting and Annual Parish Thanksgiving Dinner
And speaking of our Annual Meeting, it will occur, as I said above, on Sunday, November 21. It will happen immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion at 12:15 p.m. Of likely more importance, the Parish Thanksgiving dinner will follow within the hour. That means we need for you to sign-up for all the side dishes and other accoutrements necessary for such a feast. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the parish hall. As usual, we will provide the turkeys and ham for the festivities. Please plan now on being here for the meeting and dinner.
Coats for the Cold
The Ladies of All Saints are collecting donations of new and gently used coats for those in need this winter. The recipient for this year’s drive is ABCCM in Buncombe County, where there is a great need for warm, winter clothing. ABCCM is seeking coats of all sizes, infant through adult, XXL. There is a rack in the parish hall to hang your donated items. If you have any questions, please see Sara Briggs or Sandy Peninger.
News of Note
Barbara Buchanan came through her hip surgery with flying colors and is doing well. She is recuperating at her sister’s home over in Flat Rock. She sends her love to all of you. Please keep her continued recovery in your prayers.
News of Note
George Davidson was released from the hospital on Monday. He was suffering from complications due to COVID-19. He is struggling, however, to get past this illness. He is very weak and needs our prayers for a full recovery.
November Food Collection
The recipient of our monthly food collection for November is Bread of Life in Transylvania County. Please be extra generous this month in order to assist others provide food for their families as the winter months set in.
Looking Ahead
In the next month, there a few more important events for you to note.
November 25, Thanksgiving Day
10:00 a.m., Holy Communion
November 28, Advent begins
December 4
1:30 p.m., Ladies Advent Luncheon
December 5, Second Sunday in Advent
5:00 p.m., Advent Lessons & Carols
6:00 p.m., St. Nicholas Party
This should catch you up on all the important news in our parish. Please do keep each other in your prayers, especially those who are sick and suffering. I look forward to seeing all of you in church on Sunday!
Blessings,
Fr. Erich
This Week in the Parish
Friday, November 5
· 5:45 p.m., Fall Festival
Sunday, November 7, All Saints Day (transferred)
· 8:30 a.m., Holy Communion
· 9:45 a.m., Sunday School (all ages)
· 11:00 a.m., Holy Communion w/ Confirmations & Receptions
· 12:30 p.m., Luncheon Reception
Monday, November 8
· 6:30 p.m., Vestry Meeting
Tuesday, November 9
· 11:00 a.m., Bible Study
Wednesday, November 10
· 6:00 p.m., Holy Communion
· 6:30 p.m., Choir Practice
· 6:30 p.m., Dinner (Bring your own)
· 7:00 p.m., Bible Study
