Dearly Beloved,
Our Weekly News is coming to you a few days early because of the Independence Day weekend and most of us will be out over the next few days celebrating our nation’s birthday with family and friends. But let us all remember who provided us with the liberty we celebrate this weekend–Almighty God. It is fitting then that we come and worship him before we head off to enjoy the weekend.
Holy Communion tomorrow, July 4, at 10:00 a.m.
If you can’t be here in the morning, come on out tonight for Holy Communion at 6:00 p.m., when we will also commemorate our Independence Day.
A Thought for Independence Day
In the Collect for the Day for Independence Day (BCP p. 263), the first thing we do is to acknowledge that it is only through Almighty God’s power that our nation was formed, a nation of liberty, a nation where we enjoy freedom. But what is this freedom we have? Is it the ability to do whatever we want to do? Absolutely not! The freedom we have as Christian people is inexorably linked with something else…love. St. Paul tells us, “You are called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants of one another.” (Galatians 5:13) Simply put, we have been given freedom to love one another. That is how freedom expresses itself. It is for this freedom, this freedom to love, that “Christ has set us free (Galatians 5:1).” Amen. Happy Independence Day!
Fare Well Party for the Millers
We had a wonderful time this past Sunday as we marked our last “official” Sunday with Steve, Jen, Abby, and Josh Miller. As you know, Steve has been here since February as an intern here in the parish and it has been my pleasure to mentor him during this time. I am blessed in that we have also struck up a very close friendship.
Two Sundays ago, I asked all of you to consider helping out the Miller family with funding to “make a dent” in retiring the student loans they took out to fund Steve’s seminary education. Your response was, to say the least, overwhelming. The generosity of this parish was so very clear that, in just one week, we were able to raise $6,100.00 for the Millers. I cannot thank all of you enough for your help in easing the family’s burden in this way. I know your response to this appeal springs fully out of Love. Thank you.
Several pictures from the party are below and here is a note from the Millers to you.
Thank You from the Millers
Dear All Saints Family,
It has been a wonderful six months getting to know you all, learning, worshiping, and growing with you.
We greatly appreciate everything you have done for us, from making us immediately feel like we were a part of your local church family to offering such generous financial support. The assistance you have given us with paying off seminary expenses is extremely kind and thoughtful. Please continue to support us with your prayers as we move toward what comes next for our family.
We could not have asked for a more loving community and look forward to future fellowship with you. We will always cherish our All Saints family! Thank you for everything!
God bless you all,
The Millers (Steve, Jen, Abby, and Josh)
Welcome
We are blessed to welcome into this parish family Ron Miller. Ron is the husband of Janette Miller. Ron is a life long Christian and he is pleased to join us in our Anglican Way of Christianity. Welcome aboard Ron!
Men’s Night at the Ballgame
The guys are heading off to watch the Asheville Tourists play on Monday, August 5. We have reserved the Ingles Picnic Pavilion for our evening, which will be for our use exclusively. The cost per ticket is $25.00. Included with your ticket is an all-you-can-eat, hot off the grill meal (burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken), which includes side dishes, dessert and soft drinks. Food service starts at 6:00 p.m. and runs for 1.5 hours. (The game starts at 7:00 p.m.) The area is under cover so we don’t have to worry about rain. We will also be seated in box seats along the right side of the field. We can accommodate as many as wish to attend. So feel free to invite any guy you know to come along with us. Can you think of a better way to introduce someone to All Saints than a fun evening of fellowship and baseball?! And for those of you who know a young man, bring him along. I will pick up the tab for anyone under the age of 18. And we may also be joined by some men from our deanery churches! Sign-up now on the bulletin board in the parish hall.
Mission Trip
Ethan and Abigail Byrd are leaving on their mission trip to Honduras next Wednesday, July 10. Please keep them in your daily prayers for safe travel and that the Gospel may shine from them as they go about the Father’s business in Honduras.
Summer Break
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All of our education classes are on break for the remainder of the summer. We will look forward to September as we continue learning more as Disciples of Christ.
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Sunday lunches and Wednesday evening dinners will also resume in September.
All Saints Choir
The choir is taking the month of July off. Many thanks to Brian and the choir for so beautifully enhancing our worship each week. Enjoy a few weeks off folks!
Craft Market 2019
It’s time once again to start preparing for our Annual Craft Market. The date for this year’s event is Saturday, October 19. If you are a crafter, artist, knitter, etc. we need you! Please see Kathy Zwingert and become a part of this year’s event. If you would like to buy a table to sell your goods, fill out the registration form in your bulletin or see Barbara Conner or Cynthia Hensley.
Food Bank
Interfaith Assistance Ministry here in Henderson County is this month’s recipient of our in-gathering of food stuffs.
Travel Prayers
Please remember to put your name on the travel prayer list as you prepare to travel this summer. This way we can pray for your safe return to us—and we can keep track of you!
That is about it for this week and keep on living that Life of Love, as our Savior Christ commanded us.
Blessings,
Fr. Erich
Miller Farewell Party Pics
This Week in the Parish
Wednesday, July 3, Independence Day Eve
· 6:00 p.m., Holy Communion
Thursday, July 4, Independence Day
· 10:00 a.m., Holy Communion
Sunday, July 7, Third Sunday after Trinity
· 8:30 a.m., Holy Communion
· 11:00 a.m., Holy Communion
Wednesday, July 10
· 6:00 p.m., Holy Communion
