News and Updates

September 11, 2026

Companion Orientation

Monday, September 14

12:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Join us on Monday, September 14th at 12:00 p.m. in the sanctuary for Companion Orientation. Following a campus tour, we will talk about Haywood St.'s mission and the many opportunities for connection. All are welcome - please join us and invite your friends.

Companions Max, Jill, and Terry

Parking Lot Update

Over the next few weeks the Haywood St. parking lot will be impacted by the installation of new pipes in the garden area parallel to the sanctuary. So that crews will have room to work, some parking spaces will be impacted beginning next week. There will be single car access coming in and exiting the parking lot during working hours. Please use caution. Because of the reduction in spaces, consider carpooling or parking offsite.

Knitting Circle

Tuesday, September 15, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Lady Gloria Ridge Community Room

Led by art room companion Jess, Knitting Circle is a time for learning to knit or for working on your own project. Materials are provided, but if you have your own, please bring them. Light refreshments will be served.

11th Annual

Golf for Awareness, Oct. 19th

Golf for Awareness is right around the corner! This tournament is a holy excuse to gather together in fun and friendship. We are pleased to be returning to the Country Club of Asheville this year. We'll have a full day on the course followed by a reception in the Donald Ross Dining Room. Click the link below to register. Image shown: Jean and Wayne at the 2025 Golf for Awareness.

Community Events

Central United Methodist Church Guest Preacher

Sunday, September 13th

Haywood St. founding pastor Rev. Brian Martinez de la Combs will be guest preacher at Central UMC this Sunday, September 13th. Central's worship service is at 10:00 a.m. in their sanctuary.

Pastor Brian and John leading Haywood St. worship earlier this year.

Blue Ridge Pride Festival

September 26, Pack Square Park


We are so grateful to partner with Central UMC's Reconciling Ministry Group (RMG) at Blue Ridge Pride on September 26th! If you'd like to share about Haywood Street Congregation with new companions, there are tabling opportunities on Saturday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Please email Laura B. for more information.

Save the date: Pride Interfaith Worship Service Saturday 26 at 10:30 am at Central UMC.

Haywood Street Highlights

Last week Lady Gloria Ridge residents participated in the WECAN Progressive Porch Dinner. It was a joy to host neighbors in the Community Room.

For more news from Lady Gloria Ridge, check out the September Newsletter.

Wednesday at Haywood St.

Fresh vegetables from this week's CSA

from Olivette Farm.

Sallie and Neal (and Bella!)

Healing Through Harm Reduction, led by Vinny and Kim, meets every Wednesday at 12:30 in Room 1.

Weekly Ministry Opportunities at Haywood Street:

Tuesday Prayer Group: 12:30 p.m. Gather for a time of contemplative prayer at Respite's Brevard Rd location. Contact Seth for more information.

Tuesday Book Study: Join us at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room of Lady Gloria Ridge. The current book is Hell Bent by Brian Recker. Contact Laura B. for more information.

Wednesday Welcome Visits: New to Haywood St. or haven't been in awhile? Meet at the host table outside the sanctuary at 9:00 or 11:00 a.m. for a tour and welcome visit.

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.

Haywood Street Music Club:

Wednesdays from 10:30 -11:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Healing Through Harm Reduction: Wednesday at 12:30 in Room 1

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

Holy Groundskeepers: Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Meet in the church parking lot.

Weekly Sermons

Read the weekly sermons on our website here.

~Preaching Schedule~

September 16

Pastor Brian

September 23

Pastor Seth

September 30

Philip Cooper

October 7

Pastor Jody

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.

Shout out to Hidden River Events as they are providing us with flowers for the Downtown Welcome Table. We are grateful for their generosity and partnership!

Hospitality's Invitation

On September 2, Chai Pani was the host restaurant for the Downtown Welcome Table. They cooked and served a beautiful meal and were such a joy to hang out with. They have been showing up for Haywood St. in a multitude of ways over the years including co-hosting the annual Nourish & Nest event to benefit Haywood Street Community Development. Thank you Chai Pani!

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.