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Lent is often thought of as a season of giving things up. This year, we're also asking you to take something on: the practice of paying attention to what is already good.
Our Lenten theme — Tell Me Something Good from Sanctified Art— is an invitation to look honestly at the systems, communities, and people around us and ask: where is grace at work? It's a question worth asking of our world and our country. It's also a question worth asking of our church.
This February, all ten of BMPC's ministry teams (Endowment Committee, too) sat down to answer a version of that question. Session gathered their responses as part of our Year of Communication 2026 — and what came back was a vivid picture of a congregation alive with purpose. Teams are launching new initiatives, deepening partnerships, training volunteers, feeding bodies and minds and spirits in more ways than most of us realize.
The good news? You're going to hear about all of it.
Throughout 2026, Session and staff are committed to making the invisible visible — telling the stories behind the ministry, putting faces to the work, and helping every member of this congregation feel connected to what God is doing through BMPC. We know you receive information in different ways — through this newsletter, social media, Sunday bulletins, or a conversation after worship — and we're working to meet you where you are.
Coming soon: a brand new Staff Field Guide that will make it easier than ever to know who to call, what each person does, and how to get connected. Consider it a good news resource guide.
Tell me something good, BMPC! We've got plenty to share.
| | An update from your Endowment board | |
Looking Back and Looking Forward…Legacy is a Lasting Impact
Each new year offers an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to the
future. What activities at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church guided your faith journey? Will those same activities and programs be there for future generations? Our BMPC
Endowment fund provides for the future…it allows all of us to Look Back and Look
Forward.
In 2025 Your Endowment Fund provided more than $36,500 for the work and
mission of our church. With both named and discretionary funds, there are so many
opportunities. There are funds to support the work of our Weekday School, worship and
music ministry, mission and outreach, scholarships for youth, to supplement our Faith
Formation programming, and more.
Looking Back on 2025
Mission and Outreach
A grant to Presbyterian Women and Earth Care committee of $3,376 for a Forum on
“Climate Change and Social Justice through a Christian Lens”. This Forum filled our
Sanctuary to overflowing on the anniversary of Hurricane Helene with our members and
a community from all over the Swannanoa Valley.
A grant of $2,500 to support the work of the Community Garden
And $3,000 to support the mission to trip Guatemala
Music and Worship
Received two grants totaling $2575 for handbell refurbishment and panels for art
exhibits
Children and Youth
The Weekday School received $9907 for supplies, scholarships, and staff education
Our youth received a grant of $1022 for upgrades to their space in the Church House
Godly Play which provides a foundation of faith for our youngest members received
$3,757
Property
Two grants for improvement to our aging HVAC from the Hollins Property Fund and
Discretionary total $10610
As we Look Forward, our Endowment will need more resources to continue all the work
of our church…your spiritual home. It is where we gather in community, where we
baptize children, youth come to know Christ, couples begin new lives, and our eldest
members receive support. Leaving a Legacy can start at any time in your faith journey.
The Endowment Board can provide resources for your journey with planning guides,
explanations of our funds, or explore new options to fit your faith journey. All of this and
more can is found on the Endowment page of our church’s website, or you can reach
out to any member of the Endowment Board. In May we celebrate Legacy Month with
educational classes and a special luncheon.
Liz Riley, Endowment Board Moderator
Rev Mary Katherine Robinson, Ex Officio
Gayle Petty Johnson, Past Moderator and Legacy Month Chairperson
Rosie Johnson, Libba Fairleigh, Mary Hay, Jeff Vancini, Jim McDowell – Board
Members
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SONGBIRD: THE SINGULAR TRIBUTE TO BARBRA STREISAND
Flat Rock Playhouse
April 16
Celebrate the voice that defined an era, starring vocalist Karine Hannah — a showstopping performer praised by legendary songwriter Jim Steinman as “the best voice I’ve worked with since Céline Dion.”
From “The Way We Were” to “Evergreen,” this stunning tribute captures the grace, emotion, and timeless beauty of Barbra’s songbook. It’s an evening where melody meets memory, and one extraordinary voice reminds us why some stars never fade.
Event Time: 2:00 PM
Tickets starting at $48 (most are $60)
The Congregational Life Team invites our BMPC members (55+) to this Spring Songbird event. Each person/couple would need to purchase her/their own ticket/s. Carpooling or Bus Transportation from BMPC can be arranged once the group size is established. Contact Annamarie Arens (334-790-3134)with any questions.
| |  | Stitching Stories Reimagined | |
In partnership with Black Mountain United Methodist Church (BMUMC), the Black Mountain-based nonprofit Ministry of Hope WNC is hosting the Western North Carolina installation site for the traveling art exhibit, Stitching Stories Reimagined.
Beginning Feb. 21 and continuing through March 26, viewing will be available daily from 9 am - 6 pm on BMUMC’s green space, facing W. State Street in Downtown Black Mountain.
This traveling exhibit has visited three previous locations across North Carolina since beginning its journey in October. As the last stop (and only stop in WNC) before returning to its permanent residence in Raleigh, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this powerful exhibit’s message, translating incarcerated women’s’ individual struggles into a symbol of resilience - we hope it inspires healing, empathy, and advocacy.
More information about the Black Mountain stop of this public arts display can be found at www.MinistryOfHopeWNC.org
| | | Lunch and Learn — Lessons from Helene | |
Thursday, March 5
Noon in CR1
Please bring your own lunch.
Remember after Helene, what it was like to be unable to communicate with anyone? Remember how frighening it was to know you could not contact the police, fire department, or EMS?
Join us for our first Lunch and Learn and find out about the communications improvements that directly affect you and your safety. Learn about the actions you can take to protect yourself, your family, friends, and neighbors. Help will be on the way if you know what to do.
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New Small Group: Fiber Arts
Wednesday, March 4
Noon at Peri Social House
Knit, crochet, hook rugs, sew...if it involves fiber, we do it!
All skill levels invited.
No experience? Join us and learn about what could be your next favorite hobby.
First Wednesday of every month, at Peri Social at noon. Drinks and pastries available for sale. Bring your own lunch or snacks.
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Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, March 12 from 1:30-6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.
All donors will receive a $15 Amazon e-gift card. Schedule a time or drop in!
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Children's Choir begins Sunday, March 1!
Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade who enjoy singing are welcome to join us for our Children’s Choir program at BMPC! Rehearsals will take place on Sunday afternoons from 1:00-2:15pm, starting on March 8 and ending on May 17. The children will sing during the 11am worship services on Palm Sunday, March 29; for Alice Patton’s retirement celebration on Sunday, April 19, and on Pentecost Sunday, May 24. Sign up on Realm.
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Lenten Faith Formation
From yoga, to hiking, to book and bible studies and more - there are so many opportunities to gather as a community to celebrate what's good this Lenten season.
Visit the BMPC website to find something that speaks to you!
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Meet & Eat Dinner Groups
It’s time to sign up for the Meet & Eat small groups for Spring/Summer 2026. These groups will meet during the months of April - August. 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!
Each Meet & Eat group will consist of around eight adult members. There are three ways to sign up:
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Online via this Google Form - it's really easy!
- On the sheets you'll find in the Narthex.
- Or just call the church office at (828) 669-2725.
Be sure to indicate whether you want to sign up for a dinner group, lunch group, or would be happy to be part of either one. You'll also be asked for the number in your party and if you're willing to host the first meeting for your group.
The deadline for signing up will be Sunday, March 22. After the deadline, everyone will randomly be put into groups of up to eight. Members in each group will appoint different people to be the point person for planning where and when the group will meet during these four months.
You can start signing up today! This is the perfect opportunity to form real relationships with other members of our congregation beyond just saying a brief “hello” at church events. It's especially great for newer members, as it gives you a real chance for connection.
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Dads' Retreat
March 20-22, 2026
Join us for a weekend of hiking, great food, and genuine rest—cell phones off, presence fully on. We'll explore three defining characters and wrestle with the questions that shape every man's life: how we relate to power, prestige, and possessions. Through teaching on contemplative practice, adventure, and maybe even a cold plunge, we'll discover how to quiet the noise and begin living from our truest self.
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Dads' Group
Wednesday, March 4 at 7:30pm. Location TBD.
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Moms' Group
Tuesday, March 17 at 7:30pm at the church house. We will meet at 6pm for dinner at Thai Basil.
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Family Campout
Save the date for our Family Campout at Camp Rockmont!
April 24-26 2026
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Spring Spaghetti Dinners return on March 4 and continue through May 13.
Every Wednesday night from 5:15-6:15pm. Please RSVP for dinner!
| | | This spring, RAD! Wednesdays will focus on the Parables of Jesus. Through music, art, storytelling, and games, children will explore these timeless stories and wonder together about what they teach us about God’s love and how we live out our faith each day. This program is for kids who are 4 years old (as of March 4) through 5th grade. | | | |
If you're in 6-12th grade, we'd love to invite you to join one of our youth group opportunities this month! Whether it's your first time or you've been before, there is a place for you here. Feeling nervous about coming alone? Bring a friend! Our students are welcoming, our leaders are friendly, and we work hard to create a fun and encouraging environment for everyone. We would truly love to have you join us!
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March Youth Events
1 - Progressive Dinner 4-7pm
4 - Small Group 6:30-7:30pm
6-7 - PYC HS Mission Retreat FPC Spruce Pine
8 - Hike 2-4pm
11 - Small Group 6:30-7:30pm
15 - All Church Service Day
18 - Small Group 6:30-7:30pm
22 - Game Shows 2-4pm Fellowship Hall
25 - Small Group 6:30-7:30pm
27-29 - Forged In Faith Conversations Retreat
| | The third time's the charm for the youth group Potato Dinner! Because of the congregation's support, we were able to raise over $1,100! Thank you to Phil and Jackie Garrison at Phil's BBQ for donating the potatoes. | | | |
Our students enjoyed a fun outing snow tubing!
The day was full of laughter, adventure, and great memories made together.
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Do you have a student who has faith questions, wonders what it means to be a part of a church community, or wants to grow stronger in their faith and spirituality? We invite them to join us for our Forged in Faith Conversations Retreat, happening March 27-29.
This retreat is designed to create a space for honest questions, meaningful conversations and deeper spiritual growth in a supportive environment. Reach out to Katie to learn more or sign up!
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Making new friends across cultures
Our youth group had the wonderful opportunity to host a youth group from South Korea in February!
We played games, shared a delicious meal together, and enjoyed a performance by their group. More importantly, we had great conversations and built new friendships across cultures.
It was a joyful time of connection, laughter, and learning from one another. We’re so grateful for the chance to come together and experience community beyond borders!
| | | A reflection from our Director of Youth, College, & Young Adult Ministry | | |
In February, I had the opportunity to attend the APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) Conference in Pittsburgh, PA—and let me just say, it was cold. It was quickly determined that our southern bodies were not built for that level of winter weather! Despite the chill, the experience was incredibly rich and meaningful.
One highlight was visiting the Fred Rogers Institute, where we learned about six core fundamentals of learning and growing. Every time I learn more about Fred Rogers, I am amazed by the depth of his legacy and the way his work continues to shape how we care for and nurture others. Honestly, I’ve decided that when I grow up, I want to be Fred Rogers.
At the Andy Warhol Museum, we explored his art and participated in a workshop that examined why he chose his subjects and techniques. Warhol’s commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and acceptance resonated deeply, offering a powerful reminder that art—and ministry—can and should be for everyone. Other conference sessions
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challenged and inspired me as well: Playing in the Dark gave me new ideas for youth activities centered on trust, cooperation, and shared experience; Are Youth Seeking a “Unicorn” Church? pushed me to imagine my dream church and consider how we can intentionally create those kinds of spaces in our ministry; and sessions on Gen Z & Gen Alpha, animation theology, and games that teach and preach stretched me to rethink how we design ministry spaces and share faith in engaging ways.
Overall, my time in Pittsburgh left me encouraged, refreshed, and energized to bring these ideas back to the youth and young adults I serve. I am deeply grateful for this church community and for the support that allows me to grow as a leader alongside our middle school, high school, and young adults. Thank you for being a part of that journey with me.
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If you've been in the church office any time recently, you may be aware that our staff has been dealing with printer problems pretty consistently for the last couple of months. Just when we think it's fixed - it stops working again.
There have been a few things that have been printed later than intended, which is frustrating for all of us as we try to keep the congregation resourced and informed during our Year of Communication!
Our printer provider is on the case, but please bear with us while we work with them to find a solution. Also: send thoughts and prayers for a working printer - and for Cullen, our administrative assistant who has had it up to here.
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Young Adults: Bingo & Burgers
Thursday, March 12
6:30–7:30 PM
Lookout Brewing Company in Black Mountain
Test your music knowledge (and a little bit of luck!) with Music Bingo.
It was a blast the last time we went together, and we’re excited to do it again! Mac’s Burgers will be available for purchase, and you are welcome to grab dinner while you play. If you’re a young adult looking for connection and meaningful relationships, you’re invited to join us. Bring a friend and come hang out!
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Volunteers Needed!
We need volunteers to keep our busy church programming going:
- Spaghetti dinners - cooks, servers, set up and clean up helpers
- RAD Wednesday volunteers to drive the church bus, be a group shepherd, and help with art and storytelling activities
- Godly Play and Nursery volunteers for Sunday mornings
- Ushers and greeters for worship
- Office/Desk volunteers - looking for help on Wednesday afternoons, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- and more!
Please fill out this form if you're interested in volunteering. We'd love to have you!
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A big Thank You from Bounty & Soul
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"I just wanted to reach out and say a BIG thank you for Black Mountain Presbyterian Church's incredibly generous gift to Bounty & Soul.
We are honored to receive year end mission support from your congregation. You all are ensuring fresh, healthy food reaches our WNC neighbors that need it most. You have made it possible to provide food to over 17,000 people already in 2026.
We are so grateful for you!
With immense gratitude,
Laila, Development Director"
| | | A note of thanks from member Gay Ferguson | |
"Thank, thank, thank you.
I woke up on January 5, with a tempature of 102. My daughter took me to Urgent Care and they sent me to Mission. Mission couldn't figure out what was going on so they admitted me. I got sicker and sicker and and every test they did came out negative. I was put in ICU and I didn't think I was going to make it. But I turned the corner and could come off forced oxygen and the feeding tube. I recovered enough to go to Care Partners and now I'm here to tell the tale. I am convinced that it was the prayers of this congregation and the prayer chain that helped me recover. Bob Tuttle was by my side throughout. Also members of the church pitched in with critical needs. Margie Stansell took our dog to her house and when she went on vacation, Susan Jumper took the dog to be with her dog. Wilson Jumper even taught my dog to sit!!! Then there is the MealTrain that was set up. This congregation can cook and my daughter and I benefitted from that.
This congregation has to be the most caring church that exists. Thank you seems inadequate but that's all I can think to say."
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Earth Care:
Animal treatment according to scripture and present practice
by Jeannie Franklin
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals….
Scripture makes it clear that God wants animals to be treated humanely: An ox threshing grain should not be muzzled, but allowed to eat (Deut 25:4). Even an enemy’s ox or donkey must be led home if it wanders, and set free from a burdensome load (Exod. 23:4-5). Two animals of unequal strength may not be yoked together, overworking the weaker one (Deut.22:10). Israelites were expected, in short, to behave toward animals as their God did, the God who enjoyed animals before humans ever walked the earth (Gen. 1:21-25); who feeds the birds (Matt. 6:26); who boasts over animals’ magnificence without concern for their human usefulness (Job 39); who ‘saves humans and animals alike’ (Ps. 36:6); who gives animals their food (146:9 and is praised by wild and domestic beasts, creeping things and flying birds (148:10); whose prophets and sages compare animals favorably to people (Isa. 1:3); Jer. 8:7) and commend learning from them (Prov. 6:6-8; Job 12:7-8).
In contrast, in The Bible and Ecology, Richard Bauckham writes, “In the modern West, animal husbandry has largely been replaced by systematized brutality and exploitation. Such evil cannot possibly be justified by reference to
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the Bible, which does not regard domestic animals as mere objects for people to use, but, like wild animals, as subjects of their own lives.”
Today, Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO’S) are large agricultural operations which congregate animals, feed, manure and urine, dead animals and production operations on a small land area. Patricia Tull in Inhabiting Eden writes that in 1997 in the United States “7,000 calves, 130,000 cattle, 360,000 pigs, and 24 million chickens were killed every day in order to support our meat-based diet…. Veal calves spend their lives in boxes too small to stand. Breeding sows are kept in two-foot-wide crates, unable to move or turn around. Egg-laying hens are crowded four to a cage sixteen inches wide, unable to lie down or even stretch their wings. Beef cattle sometimes stand 50,000-100,000 together, deep in their own manure, without shelter or shade.”
When surveyed, many veterinarians said that part of what drives this “factory farming” is consumer demand for low-cost meat and lack of knowledge about its production. Patricia Tull again: “The United States faces major problems – environmental and moral – that churches could and should be addressing…. For many people of faith who experience a sense of God’s tender love, it is difficult to imagine giving thanks in a table blessing for the tissue of a mute beast whose entire life – not just its final day – was endured in misery.”
Affordable Ways for Families and Churches to Adapt:
Eat meat in smaller portions, less frequently or not at all. Buy meat from local farms, such as Hickory Nut Gap, and tailgate markets. Educate yourself. In table blessings, give thanks for the animal whose life was sacrificed that you may live.
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A note from the BMPC bookkeeper
If you are on autopay with your pledge through Realm (not through checks from a bank or other financial institution), then please check your autopay status in Realm.
If you go to your account in Realm, go to the Giving tab, then go to the Scheduled tab, you can see your monthly amount and your upcoming date for giving. The Scheduled tab is on the left upper side of the Giving page, right next to the tab that states Giving. If the Scheduled tab page is blank, then there is no autopay set up for your pledge.
If your intention is to be on autopay through Realm, please contact Suzane Churchman at finance@bmpcnc.org for help setting it up.
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Alice Patton is retiring!
Help us celebrate Alice and all she has done for the children and families of the Weekday School on Sunday, April 19th during the 11:00 service. We are seeking pictures, stories, and/or cards to commemorate the occasion. You can mail, email (info@bmpcnc.org) or drop them off at the church.
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1 Betsy Murphy
Bella Van Note
Emily Phillips
2 Alice Patton
Joe Carreiro
Perry Sprawls
Kim Reece
Wheeler Vance
Nancy Zuk
Kira Imig
Carolyn Payton
3 Neil McMillan
4 Jackie Garrison
5 Brittany Lackey
6 Virginia Fouse
7 Nancy Beaver
Emily Beaver
8 Mike Duckworth
Patti Pyle
Tyler Smith
9 Don McMahill
10 Scott Roy
David Kadau
Jennifer Partlow
Darrell Johnson
Knox Gunn
11 Pam McMurray
12 Ellen Coward
Cliff Schlegelmilch
Jonathan Ehrlich
13 Miriam Baker
14 Karen Davis
John Smith
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16 Betty Thum
Joe Tyson
Randy Peterson
Christy Carswell
17 Mary Hunnicutt
18 Evelyn Black
19 Bobbie Johnson
20 James Robinson-Long
21 Rick Hughes
22 Anne Cooper
23 Jessi Stitt
Martia Rachman
Gus Nelson
Jody Floyd
24 Scottie Cannon
Burkley Reece
Greta Ginn
Susan Verbrugge
25 Laurie Furr-Vancini
Koa Dwight
26 Josie Davis
Munroe Robinson
Mary Jo Clark
Tom Cullen
27 Paul Garrity
Jamie Munn
Harrison Partlow
Perry Mustain
29 Judith Burt
Max Dodson
30 Chloe Duncan
Charlotte Gray
31 Edith Covert
Kakki Vance
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