Coming Back Together: Breathe wraps up | | All summer, two rhythms have been running side by side in the Swannanoa Valley. | | |
Here at BMPC, we’ve been breathing through ten weeks of practice — embodiment, rest, sabbath, attention, solitude — one shared breath prayer knitting together the 9 a.m. and 10:30 services. Three miles down the road, another part of our congregation has been at Montreat, sitting under different preachers, different voices, a different rhythm of summer worship among Presbyterians from across the country.
Different sanctuaries, same valley, same weeks — and in a real sense, the same question underneath it all: can you stop long enough to be held?
Now the two rhythms come back together.
August 16 — Breathe closes with its eleventh and final week: Persistence. The woman who won’t stop asking, even when the answer is “not yet” — a fitting note to end on, since so much of this summer has been about staying present to what’s hard rather than rushing past it.
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It’s also the Sunday our Montreat family rejoins us here at home. Welcome back into a room that’s been quietly shaped by ten weeks of shared breath — and if you’ve been here all along, welcome them home too.
August 23 — Summer in Review. A look back together at what we practiced, what surprised us, what other voices from Montreat might bring into the conversation, before we turn toward fall.
August 30 — As Mary Katherine takes vacation, Bob will step into the pulpit to wrap up the month of August. We hope to hear from David and his sabbatical adventures on Sept 6!
Three Sundays, one long exhale. All of us, back in the same room, breathing together again.
| | Coming Up In August @ BMPC | | |
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please contact Brittany or Katie to volunteer for our Back to School Bash!
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The theme for Music Camp is:
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
August 10-14, 2026
9am - 12:30pm (with an aftercare option)
We need volunteers! Interested? Sign up here.
To register your child for camp, click the button below.
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It’s time to sign up for the Meet & Eat small groups for Fall 2026. These groups will meet in Sep - Dec. Ask anyone who has participated in our Meet & Eat dinners, and they'll tell you that it's an opportunity you don’t want to miss! It is a wonderful way to get to know other members in the church and build new friendships!
Each Meet & Eat group will consist of around eight adult members. There are three ways to sign up:
1) Online via this Google Form.
2) On a sign-up sheet in the narthex
3) Call the church office at (828) 669-2725
The deadline for signing up is Sunday, August 23.
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Sunday, August 16 during the 11am worship service.
Children who are three years old (unless they would rather go to the nursery) through First Grade are invited to leave the 11am worship service after Faith Sharing with Children for this program.
What is Godly Play? It is a creative, Montessori-based approach to nurturing children’s faith through storytelling, wondering, and play. Each week, children enter a sacred space where they hear the stories of God’s people, explore them with hands-on materials, and are invited to wonder about how these stories connect with their own lives.
Through quiet reflection, art, and community, Godly Play helps children experience the mystery of God’s presence and grow in their understanding of God, themselves, and the church.
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Spaghetti Dinners return on Wednesday, September 2.
Volunteer Teams are needed!
Are you part of a small group at the church? Do you have friends who might like to come cook and serve spaghetti dinner one Wednesday each month? We are looking for people organize teams that come set up, cook, serve, and clean up one Wednesday each month this fall.
Please contact Brittany if you would like to be a team leader! Don't worry, Margo will be around to help train all the groups :)
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Thursday, Aug 20 from 5:30-7pm
Serving with our children and youth? Or thinking about it? Join us for an evening of equipping and inspiration! Dinner will be provided, and we will have a drawing for all in attendance!
Sign up by clicking the button below or call the church office!
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Calling all lovers of antique China, silver, crystal and vintage tableware!
Join us for a day trip September 24 to Replacements, Ltd., where we’ll enjoy a boxed lunch en route. You’ll have the opportunity to browse an incredible collection while enjoying fellowship among fellow enthusiasts.
Come share your passion and enjoy a relaxing day together. Call DC Horne for more information and to reserve your spot!
Lunch cost TBD depending on number of folks attending.
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ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” — Psalm 104:24
This fall, our stewardship season takes its cue from the oldest hymn we know — creation itself, praised simply for being what it is.
Beginning in October, we’ll spend four weeks asking what it means to be stewards of a world already full, already good, already ours to tend rather than own. Watch for letters, a pledge card, and an invitation to give as an act of becoming who God made us to be!
-Brian Gardner, generosity chair
-Mary Katherine Robinson, pastor
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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
Sunday, August 24: Blessing of the Backpacks and Celebrating Educators during all worship services
Children are encouraged to bring their backpack to whichever service they are attending for a special blessing.
They will receive a backpack tag to remind them they are a special and loved child of God.
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BIBLE PRESENTATION
Sunday, August 30: Faith Formation will be presenting Bibles during FirstLight and the 11am worship service.
Every year we gift Bibles to children who are entering a new stage - children who are three years old, going into Kindergarten, and going into fourth grade. Please contact Brittany or click HERE to sign your child up to receive a Bible.
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August Dads' Fire Circle
Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30pm
hosted by Josh Gray
Save the Date for the Fall Dads' Retreat: September 18-20
| | | | NO MOMS' GROUP this month; we'll resume in September. | | Presbyterian Women is back for the Fall! | | |
Time to begin again! September is back to circle meetings and time for all women of Black Mountain Presbyterian to find a connection and circle community. The study this year will be United Through Christ, Bound to Each Other: a study of Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians written by Rhonda Mawhood Lee.
Circles meeting on the first Tuesday of the month are:
Dorcas — 10am (Linda Stroupe and Cheryl Wilson)
Priscilla — 10am (Emily Phillips)
Esther — 10:30am (Karen Smith and Ann Wigg)
Ruth — 1:30pm (Betsy Wilson)
Naomi — 3pm (Sharon Welker and Janice Rausch)
Lydia Circle meets at 6:30pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month (Betsy Hay and Brandon Ford)
Questions? Contact DC Horne at revmomhorne1@yahoo.com.
The 2026 Montreat Women’s Connection titled “Horizon Gazing: Hope in the Here and Now” is scheduled for August 14-16, 2026. The keynote speaker will be author/scholar Kristen Kobes Du Mez. Registration is at Montreat.org/events/wc-2026.
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Dates to Remember
August 16: Back to School Bash
September 2nd: Youth and Parent Meeting at 6:30pm
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As we begin a new school year, it's the perfect time for any 6th-12 grade student to jump in and get connected. We can't wait to get to know you and help you find a place where you belong.
Feeling nervous about coming alone? Bring a friend! Our students are welcoming, our leaders are friendly, and we work hard to create a fun, safe, and encouraging environment where everyone can be themselves.
| | Thank you from BMPC Youth! | | |
Our middle and high school youth traveled to North Myrtle Beach in July for a mission retreat filled with service, fellowship, and fun. Throughout the week, our students enjoyed time together at the beach and pool, played countless card games, and built deeper friendships while serving communities along the Grand Strand.
Our first service opportunity was at North Strand Helping Hands, an organization that helps address food insecurity in the community. Students sorted and loaded shopping carts with food donated by Walmart, Aldi, IGA, and Publix before delivering groceries directly to families waiting in their vehicles.
We also spent time cleaning up the beach, collecting trash along the shoreline. Back at our house, students wrote encouraging cards for members of our church and community, sharing words of kindness and support.
Another stop was Kind Keeper, a no-kill animal shelter that cares for cats, dogs, and even a giant rescued wild boar named "Piglet". Students helped with various tasks (including giving Piglet a bath) while learning about the shelter's mission of providing compassionate care for animals in need.
Our final service project of the week took us to Shepherd's Table in Conway, South Carolina. Shepherd's Table is dedicated to providing meals, groceries, and essential supplies to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.
Our students had the opportunity to serve children from that community as they selected groceries and household items for their families. It was a meaningful experience that reminded us that service is about building relationships, treating others with dignity, and caring for our neighbors.
This retreat was a meaningful reminder that mission work happens in many different ways. Whether sorting food, caring for animals, protecting the environment, or simply offering words of encouragement, our students demonstrated God's love through acts of service. We are grateful for everyone who prayed for our group and for the organizations that welcomed us with open arms.
A heartfelt thank you to the BMPC Endowment Committee and the Hilda Hobson Fund for their generous support of our Beach Mission Retreat this year. Their gift helped make this meaningful week of service, fellowship, and faith possible for our youth. We are incredibly grateful for their investment in our students and the opportunity to serve others.
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Are you a young adult?
The Table is for you!
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The Table is our young adult group which is a welcoming community for young adults in every stage of life. Whether you're a college student, starting your career, settling into a new season, or simply looking for a place to connect, there's a seat for you.
We know that "young adult" can look different for everyone, and busy schedules often make it difficult to build meaningful relationships. That's why we gather once a month in a relaxed, low-pressure environment where you can enjoy a meal, share conversation, and get to know others without expectations or obligations.
Our hope is to create a community where people can build authentic friendships, encourage one another, and grow in faith together. Whether you've been part of BMPC for years or are visiting for the first time, you are invited to come as you are. There's always a place for you at the Table.
We'll be starting back up in September, so keep an eye out for our Table events in our upcoming Faith Formation guide and the September issue of The Window. In the meantime, join us for Church Fellowship Night at Foothills Grange on Monday, August 17. Questions? Email Katie at katie@bmpcnc.org.
| | WELCOME WEEKDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR, CINDY CAPPS! | | |
We are thrilled to introduce Cindy Capps as our new Weekday School Director, who officially stepped into her role on June 1. Cindy brings a wealth of expertise to our community, holding a B.S. in Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Supervision with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction. Her extensive background in education and ministry includes serving as the Head of School at Trinity Christian School in Rutherfordton, NC, children’s ministry director, and daycare curriculum specialist at Rutherford Life Services.
Cindy moved to the area in August of 2025 and is married to Kenny Capps, a lifelong Black Mountain resident. Together, they share a beautiful, bustling family as parents to seven children ranging in ages from 13-29 and grandparents to a beautiful three-month-old granddaughter. In her free time, Cindy loves traveling, being outdoors, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with her family, which includes supporting Kenny with his nonprofit organization, Cancer Active. Please join us in giving Cindy a warm welcome and feel free to reach out to her directly at cindy@bmpcnc.org.
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A NOTE FROM OUR WEEKDAY SCHOOL DIRECTOR
As I begin my first year as the Weekday School Director, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible path laid before me. This school has been built on a deep foundation of love, high-quality education, and rich history. I am honored to be trusted to continue this wonderful legacy.
Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of getting to know our amazing teachers, who pour their hearts into our children each day. I have also loved meeting the families and children we serve. I can say with confidence that this is a school of love and grace, paired with the highest standards for early childhood education.
Thank you for making this ministry a priority through your generous donations to our scholarship fund. Because of your support, we were able to offer $8840.00 in tuition assistance this past year. Your generosity makes quality education affordable to families who might otherwise not have this opportunity.
We also want to thank everyone who supported us by linking their Ingles Advantage cards. Thanks to your everyday grocery shopping, we earned $2,685 to purchase classroom supplies and equipment. Please note that all card links automatically expire at the end of May. As we kick off the new school year in August, we will need everyone to relink their cards to continue supporting our students. We will send out the link in the weekly emails and there will be a sign-up sheet available in the narthex. Thank you for your continued partnership, prayers, and dedication to our school community. We look forward to an incredible year ahead!
With Gratitude,
Cindy Capps
| | | | Summer Outreach Opportunities | | In August, two of our global missions will be coming to us and we at BMPC can help and participate. | | |
Tuesday, August 18-Friday, August 21 — Montreat, NC
From the 18th through to the 21st of August, the Presbytery of WNC will be hosting the MALAWI MISSION NETWORK in Montreat (Upper Anderson). Participating will be our Malawian partners, many NGOs that work in Malawi and people that have dedicated their work to Malawi. Approximately 80 people will be coming! You are invited to join in this conference or just come help. We need local support to help with serving meals and providing snacks. This is a great opportunity to meet those involved in this important support of Malawi. Talk to Anne Drummond (828-234-9711) or Bobbi White (828-674-5009) for more details. Please sign up here.
Sowing Seeds of Understanding: Ministry in a Global World
Tuesday, August 25-Thursday, September 3 — Montreat, NC
Rev. John McCall will be hosting 18 Taiwanese pastors for a retreat in Montreat. This has become a biennial event and takes place for the pastors to learn new skills as well as share their unique experiences in the life of the Taiwanese church. The pastors will be staying for most of their visit at the Glen Rock Inn where they will take most of their meals. Although cooks have been arranged, we at BMPC have the opportunity to support this mission by providing meal support and snacks. This is a perfect chance to get to know these friendly and energetic pastors who will be our guests. Talk to Betsy Murphy (828-707-8736) or John McCall (828-782-1382) for more details. Please sign up here.
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Martin Luther King, Jr., and others gave their all for voting rights, now slipping away
Submitted by Jeannie Franklin
At our May 11 meeting, members of the Earth Care Team decided to suspend our Earth Care activities this summer and fall and join any actions by the Peace and Justice Team, or other churches, designed to protect voting.
Reformed theology teaches that because a sovereign God is at work in all the world, the church and Christian citizens should be concerned about public policy. John Calvin said, “Civil Magistry is a calling not only holy and legitimate, but by far the most sacred and honorable in human life.” The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has maintained a public policy ministry in the nation’s capital since 1946.
After violence on and around “Bloody Sunday” in 1965 at the Edmund Pettus Bridge— caused by troopers on horseback who trampled protesters, bludgeoned people (including civil rights leader John Lewis), and shot tear gas into the crowd — Dr. King pled with clergy around the country, “For God’s sake, come and help us” in an upcoming march on Tuesday. Among those who came was Rabbi Abraham Heschel. When a small child saw Heschel in his flowing robes and tall hat, the child exclaimed, “There goes God!” After returning from Selma, Heschel wrote, “For many of us the march from Selma to Montgomery was about protest and prayer. Legs are not lips and walking is not kneeling. And yet our legs uttered songs. Even without
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words, our march was worship. I felt my legs were praying.” Soon after Selma, President Lyndon Johnson moved swiftly to press Congress to enact the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibited racial discrimination in voting.
Now, more than 60 years have passed. What do we think happened to all those thousands of white people, primarily Southerners, who participated in lynch mobs, who turned on their sprinklers and fire hoses, and who made it nearly impossible for Black people to vote? Do we think they were won over, transformed, the moment King proclaimed, “I have a dream”? Unfortunately, in our time their children have seized power again, have enacted violent policies on Hispanic immigrants that evoke those perpetrated on African Americans. As Dr. King wrote from a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama, “Great waves of cruelty pound us. Government officials use the law to attack the weak and vulnerable. Out of fear or indifference, citizens turn a blind eye to suffering and injustice.”
As for Black people today, it is nearly impossible to step into their shoes, to feel what they may be feeling at the rolling back of the Voting Rights Act, the crown jewel of the Civil Rights Movement, for which so many people bled and died. May we feel with them the disappointment, the disillusionment, the disgust, the despair, the sorrow; and then may we have the courage to start over again with them, in the spirit of Dr. King, Representative John Lewis, Rabbi Heschel, and many others.
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1 Kellin Murphy
2 Dave McClintock
Jeannie Franklin
Weston Hall
3 Mary Gall
4 Connor Watson Burns
Heath Rada
5 Andy Banzhoff
6 Hayden Burpeau
Frank DiPalma
Bill Christian
7 Anne Straughan
Barbara Griffin
Nora Price
Will Goins
8 Emily Munn
9 Kitty Fouche
Jeff Vancini
11 Penny Mayronne
Fiona Rachman
Mark Allebach
12 Cis Wilde
13 Betsy Atkinson
14 Travis Reece
16 Cheryl Wilson
Blake Martin
17 John LaMotte
18 Marc Begley
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19 Jan Griffin
20 John Snell
Nathan Speegle-Snell
21 Matthew Baraki
Bob Tuttle
Leslie Applewhite
Emily Greenwalt
22 Alice Freeman-Fouse
23 Rena Henderson
24 Kali Fleagle
Chelsea Goins
Amy Oxendale-Imig
26 Teddy Cappelli
Peggy Hsiao
27 William Neville
Melissa Kadau
Eva Schneider
Emily Cappelli
Tracy Munn
28 Denison Hewitt
29 Mike Beaver
Jesse Dannenberg
Melissa McElwee
Linda Sperath
30 Phil Cogbill
Wade Burns
31 Andrew Tyson
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