Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

I don’t know about you, but I have been thoroughly enjoying the cooler days and chilly nights the last couple of days. I was struggling a bit with the high temperatures of the last few weeks. It is indeed the time for some seasonal change. Temperatures are noticeable to be sure, but so is the shift in the amount of daylight. This seasonal change triggers something within our biology. With the daylight waning, we are programmed to slow down from the hectic pace that long summer days so easily invite. The slowing down invites pauses, reflection, connection, and rest. Our culture, immersed in the artificial lighting of modernity, seems to demand that we forget the natural cycles of which we are a part. I am curious if our spiritual wellbeing demands something different. Where might the changing season make space to reclaim pauses for rest, prayer, and reflection? I wonder how we might be nourished and refreshed if we allow the natural cycle more voice in our lives. Often, in the still, small, darkened silence God has spoken to those who listen. The stretching nighttime of autumn may well be inviting us to open our ears in new ways.

Faithfully,

Robert+

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 27

Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of Marjorie Godfrey on her 100th birthday by Kelly Godfrey. 

Mass Servers: (8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.) Celebrant and Preacher - – The Rev. Dr. Robert Wetherington, Deacon – The Rev. Anthony Sgro, Ed.D. (11:00 a.m.) Servers – A. Bynum, A. Maynor; Lectors – S. Parker, T. Sawallisch; Ushers – C. Bynum; Hospitality –; Counters – P. Presley, R. Hathcock (Vestry persons of the day)

September 27, 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., Bulletin Insert

Click here for our seasonal Seasonal Bulletin.

Special Adult Forum today at 9:30a.m. with guest Coby Wellshear of Guardian ad Litem – this organization equips volunteers to serve children of alleged neglect and abuse by advocating for their best interests in court. 

Lectionary readings, Lectionary study resources

Compline is now offered every Sunday at 7p.m.

Saint Francis Day liturgy: Blessing of the Animals and Dedication of the Saint Francis Chapel is Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9:30a.m.

World Communion Sunday will be celebrated Oct. 4 at 11:00a.m.

Art: The Lord of the Parables by Argentine artist Jorge Cocco Santangelo

Michelle, Linda, Richard, The Reed Family, Ken, Randi, April, Cynthia, Tom, Josh & Jennifer, Jamey, Colin, Keylani, Matt, Will, Gus and Jean, Hayes, Derek, Melinda, all those deployed in harm’s way at this time, Arlene, Paul, Ryan, Taunya, Julie, Joanne and Family, Bryce and Family, Brian & Devon and Family, Margaret, Mary, Brendan, Bill & Debbie, Julia, Hanna, Huston, Sam, Kent, Andrew and Family,  Jane, David, Carol, George, Susan, Kevin, Linda, Mike, Kathy, Gideon, Maurice, Edith, Taylor, Karl, Florence, Stephen, Ellen, Trish, Diann, Nellie, Sharon, Susan, Nicki, Sandy

Prayer for Bishop Search:  Almighty God, giver of every good gift: send forth your light and your truth, that they may lead us in discerning who we are as Christ's church now, and who God is calling us to be in our next season of shared ministry; so guide the hearts and minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this diocese, that we may receive a faithful shepherd, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Youth Group now meets every Sunday evening from 5-7:30p.m. More info is in the Youth Ministry section. 

Special Adult Forum today at 9:30a.m. with guest Coby Wellshear of Guardian ad Litem – this organization equips volunteers to serve children of alleged neglect and abuse by advocating for their best interests in court. 

Special Adult Forum on Sept. 27 with guest Coby Wellshear of Guardian ad Litem – this organization equips volunteers to serve children of alleged neglect and abuse by advocating for their best interests in court. 

Compline is now offered every Sunday at 7p.m. We welcome all interested in participating and in leading this meaningful service to complete the day. If you would like to lead, but are unfamiliar with the service, contact the Parish Administrator.  

This Saturday, October 3 at 9:30a.m.! Blessing of the Animals and Dedication of the Saint Francis Chapel in observance of this feast day, October 3 at 9:30a.m.  We will meet on the green and process to the chapel for the dedication and pet blessing. 

World Communion Sunday is next week: October 4 at 11:00a.m. – We welcome our ecumenical brothers and sisters to worship with us at 11am. Extra goodies for coffee hour afterward are welcome! Oct. 4, 8:00a.m. service will be the 19th Sunday after Pentecost. 

Crop Hunger Walk Hospitality Teams, Oct. 4 from 2:30-4:30pm: In support of this annual effort to raise money and awareness for ending hunger, we will be open to provide water and restrooms for walkers from 2:30-4:30pm. Volunteer hosts are needed - sign-up on the board outside Emmaus Hall. 

Mercer Hall Painting Party, Saturday, Oct. 10! Mercer Hall walls painting will be in 2 weeks on Saturday, Oct. 10. More details to follow. Come and help paint or provide cheer! 

Name Tags: Saint Mary’s name tags are available to members for a cost sharing portion of $7.00 each. Please print your first and last name, and preferred name on a sign-up slip.

ECW’s next meeting is Oct. 27 at 6:30pm.  ECW meets every 3rd Tuesday.

Saint Mary’s “Merch”! Show your love for Saint Mary’s with merchandise with our shield on everything from water bottles to t-shirts, and everything in between. Visit: https://articlesofreligion/collections/st-marys-asheville 

Updates to our website (saintmarysavl.org) include a printable monthly calendar and a link to the newsletters. 

Greetings,
Another great week is in the books! Father Robert led a wonderful gathering in my absence whereby covenants were discussed and created over pizza. I am truly grateful for his assistance. This week, from 5pm to 7:30pm, we will be having a small bonfire on the back porch and discussing the Changes and Challenges of the Fall season based on a passage from Ecclesiastes. Hot dogs to roast will be provided. We look forward to welcoming you! 

On another note, my phone extension is now operational. If you need me at any time, please feel free to reach me by phone at (828)-843-1641. 

God's Peace, 
Colin Joseph Rice

The Missioner's Corner is home to a few books on Sister Wendy (1930-2018).  Sister Wendy Beckett was a British Catholic religious sister and an art historian.  She was globally known as the "Art Nun".  She became a global television star in the 1990"s with her popular shows like "Sister Wendy's Odyssey" and "Sister Wendy's Story of Painting".  These shows can today be found on the internet.  She taught herself art history through books and postcards and combined spirituality with art.  Her deep Christian faith led her in viewing art, beauty, and human emotion as direct pathways to experiencing God.  She famously stated that looking at art was a way of looking at God.  Check out our Missioner's Corner.  It's full of treasures. 
--Brother John

Ministry of Hope

The MINISTRY OF HOPE serves women at the Western Correctional Center for Women - they are mothers, daughters, sisters, family, & community members. Learn more about what they do and their programs here. Also see the flyer highlighting their ministry of spiritual parenting education. 

Opportunities for Diocesan Ministry

In preparation for our Diocesan Convention, the Nominating Committee of the Diocese of WNC hopes to be able to present a full slate of nominees for open positions on Diocesan Committees. Please see the list of openings and a brief description for each committee HERE.  If you have interest or questions, please contact Jonathan Stepp, Nominating Committee Chair at jonathanstepp7@gmail.com, or any member of the committee: Jim Bowden, St. Peterby-by-the-Lake/Denver; Christine Longoria-All Souls/Asheville; Bill Hasskamp-St. James /Black Mtn; Perry Hildreth - Holy Communion/Ashe Co.; Joslyn Schaefer - Grace/Waynesville

Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM)

ABCCM has many ways you can help to provide individuals an opportunity to grow, mature and express their faith through fellowship and service for the joy set before us in Christ.  You can learn more  HERE.  ABCCM operates seven ministries that provide emergency needs and longer term efforts to help individuals heal and be restored. You can be a part of this. CLICK HERE

Click the button to see what is happening in our community of faith of Western North Carolina.

Subscribe to the Diocesan Newsletter here.

Opportunities for Diocesan Ministry

Nominations are due by October 9:  In preparation for our Diocesan Convention, the Nominating Committee of the Diocese of WNC hopes to be able to present a full slate of nominees for open positions on Diocesan Committees. Please see the list of openings and a brief description for each committee HERE.  If you have interest or questions, please contact Jonathan Stepp, Nominating Committee Chair at jonathanstepp7@gmail.com, or any member of the committee: Jim Bowden, St. Peterby-by-the-Lake/Denver; Christine Longoria-All Souls/Asheville; Bill Hasskamp-St. James /Black Mtn; Perry Hildreth - Holy Communion/Ashe Co.; Joslyn Schaefer - Grace/Waynesville

Learn more about The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church mission and ministry priorities rise from the work done at General Convention. See the depth and breadth of the work in which our church is involved HERE.

Episcopal News Service shares stories of faith lived and prayers offered.

The EPISCOPAL PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK (EPPN) is a grassroots effort of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations to educate, equip and engage individual Episcopalians in federal public policy advocacy, guided by the resolutions of the General Convention and the Executive Council.