News and Updates

October 2, 2026

The Table is Made by People

When artist Christopher Holt references the table in the Haywood Street Fresco, he shares that the table is made by people. Whether at the Downtown Welcome Table, during worship, or at Respite, the table is at the center of Haywood St.'s call to relationship. We create the table together.

At Respite this is true on many levels. For friends resting and recovering, the table is not only where they are nourished, but also where they are provided a safe place to connect with other people. And where companions bring and share in the evening meal.

Since its inception twelve years ago, Respite has relied on the community to set the dinner table by signing up for the Meal Train. As meals are delivered, bridges are built between neighbors.

As we prepare to move back to Respite's home on the church campus, we'd like to express our appreciation to Meal Train participants. We'd love your feedback about the system and how we can all grow together in this worthwhile ministry. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out the survey (link below). If you haven't been involved and are curious to learn about it, email Jenny.

Respite Data

The Respite team has been studying data compiled over the last three years. Check out the snapshot below. If you'd like to learn more, here is a link to the presentation about their findings.

Save the Date:

House Blessing for Respite
Tuesday, December 8th

4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

More information about this special event coming soon!

Your Companion Time in Respite



Whether you're a regular or an occasional companion, if you plan to spend time at Respite, please use the Respite Companion Sign Up. Knowing who will be here helps us ensure our friends have consistent support, allows us to welcome new companions alongside experienced ones, and helps staff plan for each day's needs.

Let Jenny know if you need help navigating the form.

Opportunities to

Support Respite:

Companion Orientation

Monday, October 5th

12:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary


We hope you'll join us for Companion Orientation! Following a campus tour, we'll talk about Haywood St.'s mission and the many opportunities for connection. Haywood St.'s core programs provide a platform for the ministry of relationship. We define this simply as the act of "being with," which speaks to our deepest identity. That's what being a companion is all about. Come and learn more on Monday!

Image shown: Jane, Ava, Ronnie, and Joanie

Blessing of the Animals

Wednesday, October 7th
During Worship at 12:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

We'll be taking time during our worship service on Wednesday to remember and bless our beloved pets.

Image shown: Gypsy and Hollywood

Haywood St. Highlights

A group from Haywood St. enjoying a tour following time in the cafe at Deep Time last week. We gather for coffee at Deep Time on the fourth Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m. Join us!

Haywood St. friends celebrating PRIDE

last Saturday at Pack Square Park.

Thank you to Philip Cooper for being our guest speaker in worship this week.

Weekly Ministry Opportunities at Haywood Street:

Tuesday Prayer Group: 12:30 p.m. Gather for a time of communal prayer at Respite's Brevard Rd location.

Tuesday Book Club: Beginning on April 7th, Book Club will be meeting at Lady Gloria Ridge at 1:00 pm.

Wednesday Downtown Welcome Table: Join us for lunch between 10:00-12:00 or help with clean-up from 1:00-3:00. Click here for the DWT sign up.

Art Ministry: Due to construction, Art in the Alley can be found either in Room 4 or outside depending on the weather and other programming.

Haywood Street Salon: Open each Wednesday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Wednesday Worship: 12:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Holy Groundskeepers: Thursdays, 9-10am

Weekly Sermons

Read the weekly sermons on our website here.

~Preaching Schedule~

October 7

Pastor Jody

October 14

Pastor Brian

October 21

Pastor Laura B.

October 27

Meagan Williams

Fresco Viewing Hours:

Monday - Thursday, 10 am - 2 pm (with the exception of during our worship service, which is 12:30 pm every Wednesday).

Contact April if you would like to make an appointment to see the Fresco outside of those hours.

Respite Construction Photos

Framing of the stair well which will connect Respite with the rest of the church is almost complete.

Interior view of the stair well.

Exterior construction

HVAC and electrical installations, as well as plumbing, are nearing completion.

A witness to include the most excluded, Haywood Street not only welcomes every child of God–especially beloved siblings of every mental illness and physical disability, addiction and diagnosis, living condition and employment status, gender identity and sexual orientation, class, color, and creed–but we celebrate your presence, certain that the kingdom of God is coming closer because you are here.