October 23, 2026

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On Sunday, October 25, 2026, we welcome Brad Wilson to preach at our morning services. Brad is studying for the priesthood at General Theological Seminary in New York City and currently serves at St. Philip’s. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome!

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, Christy Bauman and Megan Banner and their daughters will offer music at our 10:30 a.m. service. They look forward to sharing this family music as a joyful opportunity to pray, sing, listen, and celebrate together. We hope you’ll join us for this special Sunday!

• Sunday at 8:00 a.m. – During this season, we enjoy sharing the same Holy Eucharist, Rite II liturgy in our Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. spoken service as the 10:30 a.m. service.
• How the Bible came to Be at 9:15 a.m. – see below.
• Coffee & Conversation at 9:15 a.m. – see below.
• Godly Play at 9:15 a.m. – Children ages 4 through 5th grade will be engaged in Godly Play. The Godly Play approach helps them explore their faith through story, gain religious language and enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Godly Play meets in the education wing downstairs.
• Youth Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. – Middle and high school youth are invited to join us for Sunday School! We meet weekly in the education wing downstairs to discuss youth-led topics and what we can learn about them from the Bible.
• Children’s Church at 10:30 a.m. – On Sunday all children (K-5th grade) are invited to Children’s Church during the Liturgy of the Word in the 10:30 a.m. service. Children may be brought to the Sunday School room across from the Godly Play room (the youth classroom) before parents/grandparents go to church. Children will be taken to the church during the Peace and should join their family for communion.
• Sunday at 10:30 a.m. – Join us for Holy Eucharist, Rite II (with music) at our 10:30 a.m. service.
• Coffee Hour after the 10:30 a.m. service – All are invited and always welcome to join us in Miller Hall (our large upstairs meeting room) after the 10:30 a.m. service for juice or coffee and fellowship. This is a great chance to mingle, meet new people, or just relax with friends.

This fall, Coffee & Conversation will explore spiritual practices for living out the Kingdom here and now—especially in a time of upheaval and change. Together, we’ll expand our understanding of practices such as unhurriedness, radical hospitality, downward mobility, and consider how they shape the way we move through the world. Coffee & Conversation meets at 9:15 a.m. in Miller Hall, our large upstairs meeting room.

Have you ever asked (or wondered) how to read or interpret Scripture? If so, come to two sessions on “How the Bible Came to Be and How the Process Impacts Our Study and Interpretation of Scripture.” In Session 1 (October 25), we will look at the historical events recorded in Scripture and the timeline when the books were compiled. We will consider possible motivations for compiling the writings as well as possible questions the authors were trying to address. In Session 2 (November 8), we will look at the centuries of debate that culminated in the Bible, compare the Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish Scriptures, and consider the impact of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls on the study and interpretation of Scripture.

Our discussion takes place Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 9:15–10:15 a.m. in the YAC (our large downstairs meeting room).

Our Annual Giving Campaign continues. Please prayerfully consider your annual pledge. If you need a pledge card, you can print one here or pick one up in the narthex, Miller Hall foyer, or Parish Office. Every pledge—large or small—makes a difference and helps our church plan faithfully for the year ahead. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to the life of St. Philip’s!

Love helping people, organizing treasures, or sharing your favorite hobbies? The Shop of St. Philip’s needs volunteers to welcome customers, price donations, and help in several departments. Join a friendly team that supports local outreach and makes a real difference in our community!



Interested? Learn more about volunteering at The Shop!

For our new friends, CrossTown is our combined youth group made up of middle and high schoolers from Bethel A Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, and St. Philip's Episcopal Church. Every Sunday we come together for fellowship, faith, and food with retreats, service projects, and other fun events throughout the year. Read more to see what we’re doing!

In April 2009, an announcement in The Messenger signaled the arrival of something fresh and vibrant at St. Philip's: a brand-new Sunday morning group tailored to include Gen Xers, GenYers, and young Boomers. Titled simply "Coffee & Conversation," the class grew out of a simple phone call and shared recognition of an unmet need within the parish family.

It began when parishioner Veronica Morrow called Paula Benton with a thoughtful proposal. At the time, the church's younger demographic - young adults in their late teens, twenties, and thirties - lacked an Adult Sunday School offering specifically designed to resonate with their stage of life. Veronica asked if Paula would be willing to lead a new group that could serve as an open, welcoming bridge for younger adults while remaining inclusive of older generations.

Paula readily accepted the call. Under her leadership as primary facilitator, Coffee & Conversation quickly blossomed into a safe, engaging space where parishioners could wrestle with real-world questions, explore deep spiritual themes, and discuss virtually anything without judgment.

Paula established a dynamic teaching rhythm that kept discussions grounded yet expansive. She began each session with selected Scripture passages, followed by insightful quotes from theologians, historians, and contemporary scholars. From there, the floor opened for spirited, authentic dialogue. The topics were purposefully designed to bridge generational divides and speak to everyday human experiences, including memorable sessions such as:

• "Jesus and the Art of Conflict Management"
• "Wake Up to the Art of Power"
• "Wake Up to Living with Intention"
• "Change… Do You Fear It"

Originally gathering in the Youth Activity Center (YAC), the enthusiasm surrounding the class caused it to steadily expand. It eventually outgrew its original meeting space and relocated upstairs to Miller Hall.

Today, Coffee & Conversation remains one of St. Philip's most beloved adult formation offerings. Driven by a dedicated and dynamic team of facilitators, the group continues to honor its founding vision: gathering around hot coffee, open hearts, and honest conversation to deepen both faith and fellowship across every generation.

As we wind down our year of reflection and celebration of our Cornerstone Centennial, we’re gearing up to envision and image what’s next. It’s YOUR TURN - we need to hear your story! We’re working hard to listen to a wide range of people in our community, both St. Philippians and others, young and not so young, raised in the church and never been in a church, and the list goes on. The gathering of stories is very different than a survey – but it will inform us as a body of Christ and the vestry as our leadership body as we plan for the future of St. Philip’s for years to come.

So, please, raise your hand! Say yes when asked to “tell your story” – it only takes about 20 minutes. Or you can go online and complete it yourself. Or, sign up on Easel Alley and a member of the team will contact you. We want to hear your story and make it a building block of our future!

Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday, October 31, 2026, before you go to bed!

Please join us for a special worship opportunity on All Saints Day, November 1^st. Our Taizé service will be filled with the words of many Saints whose writings have survived the ages. Coupled with the contemplative Taizé chants, this will be a perfect way to honor and remember those known and unknown who have preceded us to the heavenly communion of saints. We will gather at 5:00 p.m. in Miller Hall, our large upstairs meeting room.

The Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina invites you to participate in the bishop search process! Attend an in-person listening session to hear updates, share your thoughts, and ask questions of the Search Committee. An online session is also available. Read more to view dates, locations, and details.

Be a part of something big! Book a donation appointment at our Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Philip’s on Monday, November 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m. in Miller Hall, our large upstairs meeting room!

Our Children’s Ministry Associate Claire Sikes-Clark, and her husband Zif welcomed Griffin Zifton Clark into the world on October 3, 2026. We want to shower them with meals three times a week to ease them into parenthood. If you would like to provide a meal, please click to sign up!

Advent asks something of us that the season around it rarely does. It asks us to wait. Before the carols and the candlelight, there is a stretch of expectation, and Paula Gooder's book The Meaning Is in the Waiting takes that expectation seriously as a spiritual practice in its own right.

Over three weeks in Advent on Sunday mornings (December 6, 13, and 20 at 9:15am in the YAC), Bill McCleery will lead us through the book's reflections on the biblical figures who knew what it was to wait: Abraham and Sarah, who waited for a child; the prophet Isaiah, who waited for God to act; John the Baptist, who waited in the wilderness; and Mary, whose waiting carried her from the annunciation to the foot of the cross. Each of them shows us that waiting on God is anything but passive. Please sign up for a book in Easel Alley or by e-mailing the church office. The books will be provided, but donations to Adult Formation are appreciated.

The Nominating Committee, composed of at-large members (Molly Tartt, Kathryn Polmanteer, and David Yeager) and the concluding Vestry Class (Gordon Murray, Peggy Bridges, and Jen Silva), are in the process of securing nominations for the Vestry Class of 2029. Anyone interested in suggesting a candidate (themselves or others) should contact a member of the Nominating Committee. Nominations must be in by Tuesday, November 24, 2026.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Messiah Sing-Along at St. Philip's on Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 and 5:00 pm. Once again, professional soloists and a historically informed Baroque Orchestra will make these performances of the Christmas portion of Handel's oratorio a treasured part of the holiday season for the whole community.

Check out the photos from Saturday evening’s parish gathering! These snapshots of the Bishop’s Dinner are also posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

Another wonderful celebration of our Centennial Year, the evening was a great success, thanks to the many people who worked so hard to make it happen. 

Notice how engaged Bishop José is throughout the evening. This was his last official event as Bishop of Western North Carolina before stepping into his new national leadership role. What a wonderful send-off!

Our Fall collection is very popular—from clothing to art to holiday decor and kitchen items. Come see us! We’re open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, Wednesday through Saturday.



Follow us on Facebook (The Shop of St. Philip's) to keep up with sales and special announcements.

Thank you for filling the Red Wagon with school supplies! Your generosity helped many local children start the school year with the supplies they need. Now Christian Social Concerns is asking for your help with another basic need: “Undie Sundays” at St. Philip’s!

Sharing House needs new underwear for children, women, and men, and The Children’s Center needs diapers and wipes. Please place your donations in the Red Wagon in the parish hall foyer. We’ll make sure they get to the agencies that need them. Thank you, thank you!

Healing prayer and holy anointing are now a regular part of our worship life at St. Philip’s. Rooted in the New Testament and carried through the Church’s tradition, this ministry offers prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing with holy oil as signs of God’s presence, mercy, and healing grace.

You are invited to come forward for any need—physical, emotional, or spiritual: illness, anxiety, grief, major decisions, or simply a desire to rest in God’s care. All are welcome to receive these prayers and the healing love of Christ.

Thank you for investing your treasure in the work and mission of St. Philip’s. Your gift supports our invitation: “All are Welcome” is at the core of who we are. Our parishioner and clergy relationships, email communications, and online presence invite, welcome, and connect new people into our community. Read more to explore donating.

Read more to see a list of November 2026 birthdays and anniversaries for our parish.

The Season after Pentecost is the sixth and final season of the church year. This season, sometimes referred to as “ordinary time,” is the longest of the Church Year, lasting through summer and well into late autumn, ending with the coming of Advent. During the Season after Pentecost, we recount the stories of Jesus’ ministry, read and study passages from the Old Testament, and discuss letters written by disciples for members of the early church. The color for the Season after Pentecost is green, appropriate for the season of growth.

Join us Wednesday, November 4, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Miller Hall (our large upstairs meeting room) for a musical morning presented by the Blue Ridge Community College Continuing Education Appalachian Folk Instrument Class. Enjoy songs from Songcatcher soundtrack, Appalachian favorites, and a Dolly Parton tribute medley featuring beloved hits. All are welcome!

The Family Place needs approximately 200 volunteers for its annual Festival of Lights at Deerwoode Reserve! Help with setup November 15–24, the event December 10–13, or takedown January 4–8. It’s a fun way to support a local organization and help kick off the holiday season. For volunteer opportunities and schedules, contact Sarah Miles at The Family Place, (828) 883-4857.

Join us each week at our services of Holy Eucharist!

• Sundays, 8:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II (spoken)
• Sundays, 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II (with music)
• Tuesdays, 2:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist Rite II (College Walk Community Chapel)
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing (Chapel)

The Rev. Elizabeth Roles, Rector 

Abby Glass, Children, Youth, and Family Minister

Claire Sikes-Clark, Children's Ministry Associate

Dr. Brittnee Siemon, Director of Music Ministry

Angela Patane, Maintenance Supervisor 

Bob Wesneski, Treasurer

Jill Stewart, Parish Administrator

Peggy Bridges (2026)

Gordon Murray (2026-Senior Warden)

Jen Silva (2026)

Lynn Adams (2027)

Fred Brown (2027)

Mike Wallace (2027-Junior Warden)

Jeff Ambrose (2028)

Frank Duckworth (2028)

Mike Dunham (2028)

Susan Winsor (Clerk)

Although "Soul Cake" or "A Soulin'" (as the Peter, Paul, and Mary song is titled) is usually in Christmas collections, it is actually a Halloween carol, sung by children in pre-reformation times as they wandered from door to door asking for soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the dead, often with hollowed out gourds with candles to light the way (of course you may see some of the roots of trick-or-treating in this!). See the video to watch Sting perform "Soul Cake" in 2009 on the David Letterman show.

Soul, Soul, a soul cake!I

pray thee, good missus, a soul cake!

One for Peter, two for Paul,

three for Him what made us all!''

Soul Cake, soul cake,

please good missus, a soul cake.

An apple, a plum, a peach, or a cherry,

anything good thing to make us merry.

One for Peter, one for Paul,

and three for Him who made us all.

Click here for a recipe for Soul Cakes.