News and Updates

March 20, 2026

Robert Stafford preaching on Wednesday

If you've been around Haywood St. for any length of time you know that Robert Stafford is no stranger to the sanctuary. Over the years, he has prepared flower arrangements for the altar - often times with flowers he has helped grow in the garden. He welcomes us into worship with his iconic, "Welcome to Haywood St where we're not friends, we're family!" And he has preached. We are delighted to share that he will be preaching again on Wednesday, March 25th. He'll be leading the conversational homily on Mark 3:13-20 and sharing a brief history of the disciples. All are welcome to join us - worship begins at 12:30.

In the Fresco - Robert holding sunflowers in one hand and the other hand reaching out in

 welcome and hospitatlity.

Lady Gloria Ridge Community Move In Support



We are thrilled to share that residents of Lady Gloria Ridge are beginning to move into their new homes! If you would like to support the effort by helping with the moves over the next few weeks, please email Laura Brown.

For more information about this wonderful milestone, check out this week's article in the Asheville Citizen-Times.

LGRC apartment interior with

East Fork Pottery.

A Message from our Friends at Olivette Farm:

"Our highest priority is to equalize the disparity between those who have access to local organic produce and do not.

For the sixth year, we will partner with Haywood Street Congregation to distribute weekly CSA shares to families who lack access to organic produce.

With the assistance of our donors, in 2025, we provided organic nutrient dense produce to 48 families in need for the duration of the 20-week CSA program.

Year to year, we continue to be in awe of your support and are forever, thankful. Being there, seeing the looks on these families’, persons’ faces while receiving this produce during the pick-up hours is forever sacred.

In 2026 We'll be providing produce to Lady Gloria Ridge Community a Sister nonprofit of Haywood Street Congregation as well.

You are invited to help us continue to share with the Haywood Street community. Click the link below to learn more about our Sharing is Caring program and how you can contribute."

Community Event

Partner Spotlight: Corner Kitchen and Chestnut

For over ten years, Corner Kitchen and Chestnut have supported Haywood St. through Chefs @the Downtown Welcome Table. They have never wavered in their desire to give back to the community, affirming that all deserve to share in delicious meals at tables surrounded by friends, new and old. The tradition continued this past week. Our gratitude is deep and profound. From Joe Scully about Haywood St.: "I like Haywood Street because they accept everybody just the way they are, and they meet them just where they are. And that's what we try to do. The definition of love is unconditional, positive regard. If you think about that, that's what this place is giving. It's unconditional and it's positive, and it's regard."

Wednesday's Menu was:



Lavender Chicken

Smoked Portabella

Parmesan Polenta

Brown Butter Broccoli

Salad with Ranch



Foccacia From Del Vecchio's

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mousse Pie from Haywood St.

Joe, Kevin, Brian, and Collin serving alongside Haywood St. companions.

Haywood Street Highlights

Students from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill spent part of their alternative Spring Break with us on Wednesday. Big thanks to them for helping with clean up and beautifying the campus.

Hazel and Jody going over music for worship.

Decorating for Spring and Easter at Respite.

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: Book Club resumes on March 3rd. Join us at 1:00 pm in Room 4b!

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.

Weekly Sermons

Read the weekly sermons on our website here.

~Preaching Schedule~

March 25

Brother Robert

April 1

Good Friday Service during

Wednesday Worship

April 8

Pastor Brian

April 15



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.

SERMON

Disrupting Just Deserts

Pastor Seth

John 9:1-12

Already in trouble with Jerusalem’s religious elite, Jesus boldly affirms his identity in a debate with a crowd of Jewish skeptics — blaspheming the patriarchs in claiming, “before Abraham was, I am,” (John 8:58). Not taking too kindly to his proclamation and convinced he is possessed, the gathered Jews pick up rocks to stone the man so blatantly challenging tradition — the execution attempt narrowly escaped by a high-tailing Jesus off to wander in low places. With all of the heat on him, the logical, self-preserving thing to do would be to let the dust settle. Of course, instead, Jesus decides to add fuel to the fire and heal a man on the Sabbath. 

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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.