WELCOME VISITORS If you are worshiping here for the first time today, welcome! We are glad to have you with us. Please fill out a visitor information card, located on the right as you enter the chapel, and place it in the offering plate.
OFFERING Plates are just inside the doors to the chapel as you enter and exit. Our gifts take many forms: open-hearted presence here, voices lifted in song, the prayers that rise in us, the material gifts we share with neighbors, and our willingness to live in a world as allies and advocates for those whose needs are overlooked. The monies we bring symbolize the offering of our lives in all circumstances. A separate labeled basket is available each week to receive Our Daily Change offerings.
COMMUNITY JOYS AND CONCERNS: If you would like to add or update a prayer request, please contact the church office.
We celebrate: Wonderful progress being made with the Chapel staining ⸰ Celebrating glorious weather, inviting us to open windows and spend time outdoors as the seasons transition.
We remember in prayer: Peggy Rada, who is now in skilled care nursing and for her husband, Heath Rada, a former moderator of the general assembly. They live at Highland Farms. ⸰ The Pastor Nominating Committee as they begin interviews. ⸰ Dennis Riley’s friend, Carlin, who is unhoused and facing chronic health conditions. ⸰ Mary Craig recuperating at home.
GUEST PIANIST We are delighted to welcome back today’s guest musician, Dr. Eunice Wonderly Stackhouse. Dr.Stackhouse has piano degrees from Grace College, Indiana University, and U of Kansas. She retired from 23 years at Montreat College, and is now a private piano instructor in Black Mountain. She has performed many classical recitals as well as countless services and ceremonies in numerous states.
SVCM COLLECTION The Community Engagement Ministry of WWPC has been made aware of a shortage of items that cannot be purchased with SNAP/food stamps that are needed at SVCM. Through November we will be collecting toilet paper, laundry soap, paper towels, shampoo, and other general personal care items. Items will be collected in our Narthex and delivered to SVCM at the end of November.
MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES Both the Chapel Choir and the Handbell Choir are back for the fall and both would love to have you join! If you are interested, join an upcoming rehearsal and see all the fun you’ve been missing! Handbells are Wednesdays at 6:00 in the Adult Classroom of the Fellowship Hall. Choir is in the Choir Loft Wednesdays at 7:00.
TOGATHER “Come, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Matthew 11:28 – Jesus invites us to come to him and to come together to share our burdens and find rest. You are invited to join the Togather Group, meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 1:30 in the church parlor for a time of sharing, contemplation, and prayer. Please note Together will NOT be meeting 9/23 or 10/28.
HURRICANE REMEMBRANCES There are multiple events happening in our community to mark the anniversary of Hurricane Helene. Here are a few:
- The Blue Ridge Orchestra is hosting a concert in our Chapel on September 27 at 3:00 entitled Post-Helene: Remembering, Rebuilding, Reimagining More information at blueridgeorchestra.org
- The Center for Conscious Living & Dying is hosting an event in the Chapel on September 26 from 5:30-9 called “Remembering Helene” – an evening of ritual and reflection, story and song. There is a community meal followed by the service. All are welcome. More information at https://www.ccld.community/events-1/hurricane-helene-wnc-community-remembrance
- On September 27 at 3:00, Black Mountain Presbyterian is marking the anniversary with a climate change and social justice symposium. For free tickets and more information, email earthcare@bmpcnc.org.
- On September 24 from 5:30-8 PM WWC is presenting “Out of Chaos into Community: Healing Ourselves and All of Creation”. Featuring two extraordinary voices of justice and healing: Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu and Mungi Ngomane. Together, they’ll explore how we move through chaos toward collective healing – for ourselves, our communities, and our planet. This event is free and open to the public with dinner to follow. RSVP required.
IMMIGRATION LECTURE On September 29 at 7:00 there will be a lecture from Dr. Stephanie Madison entitled “Immigration: Opportunities for Mission”. Stephanie is a professor at Clemson University and a volunteer at EL REFUGIO, a hospitality house serving the families of detainees at the Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, GA. She’ll provide some context for the current practice of detaining people and how our churches might offer support to detainees and their families. The event is happening at the Walkup Building, Community Circle, Montreat, NC. Please bring donations of new adult underwear, socks, and backpacks.
HOMECOMING SERVICE & POTLUCK October 5th is the Homecoming worship service followed by a Potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall. If you know what dish you’ll be bringing, please sign up in the narthex. And of course all are welcome!!