O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Fellowship of the Camp
by Fr. Ian Williams
(This is how Fr. Ian addresses campers at Camp Henry)
Ian: “Good Morning/Evening Friends!”
Campers: (very loudly) “GOOD MORNING/EVENING FATHER IAAAAAANNNN”
It’s fun and I am thankful. As one of your priests at Holy Cross, we occasionally get called to do Diocesan work. It is part of our outreach and how we stay connected to our siblings in Christ in our Diocese.
From July 19-25 I served as the Camp Henry Chaplain for the Middle School/Jr. High week and I can report that this cornerstone ministry in our diocese is alive and thriving. The counselors are awesome, the support staff are awesome, the kitchen, maintenance, and leadership staff at Lake Logan Episcopal Center are awesome, and our very own Madison Alexander, the Director of Camp Henry is absolutely awesome. I would send (and do send y’all’s and my) children there with gusto. They are safe there, I saw it. They grow in their relationships with God, community, and self, I saw it. They have fun and get to be their beautiful unique selves there, I saw it. Trust me, I am very picky and I was impressed. It was an honor to be at camp with two members from Holy Cross, along with my nephew who goes to a church in a different deanery, and a bunch of God’s children I didn’t know. It was epic. I got to fish and teach children how to fish, swim, dance, sing, and play music. It was a spiritual blessing to have incredible conversations with campers and counselors, to learn and grow alongside of them. Thanks be to God I got to baptize a young man named Odin (I’m saving that story for a sermon) on the last day of camp.
The “theme” for this summer at camp was “Fellowship of the Ring.” I am a huge nerd and love J.R.R. Tolkien so I hope you know that I took my role as chaplain both seriously and whimsically this past week. In our theological journey at camp we discussed what it meant to find and be a part of a fellowship and how we are all unique and uniquely called to be in fellowship for a purpose. In the context of fellowship, we discussed and had activities around brokenness/being different/overcoming struggles/healing/transformation/and new life. I think the kids “got it,” and left with a deeper and wider sense of God’s work in all our lives.
When I left Saturday morning, all I saw were smiles, tears of joy, hugs, and promises to “stay in touch” from that fellowship of campers, counselors, and staff. As a former camper, counselor, CHOS (Camp Henry Outdoor School) leader, and Director of camp I have a unique view of camp. Also, I am a parent who sends our children to camp and gets to serve as a chaplain now. I’ve checked all the camp BINGO boxes I guess… AND I am here to report that Camp Henry is alive and doing very well. Camp was packed with campers and although I am about as tired as I can remember ever being, I am thankful for Camp Henry for how those children come to know Christ through their experiences. I am thankful for the campers that go there and develop a deeper and wider relationship with Christ and the world. I am thankful for the various levels of staff that keep our children safe, fed, and healthy. I am thankful for the leadership there and the people who support those leaders. I am thankful to spend time with old friends and people I have known since they were babies and are absolutely crushing it as adults now. I am thankful.
After a wild week at Camp Henry I am happy to report that I am alive and thankful for all of your prayers, I couldn’t have made it without your prayers. It was such a blessing to serve as a (ridiculous) priest from our diocese as a chaplain at Camp Henry. Send your kids to Camp Henry. It is the source, it will change their lives, swear to God.
Outreach
The Summer Food Program...
...continues! Holy Cross volunteers continue to purchase, loading, unloading, and packing lunches at Outreach in Columbus. A huge THANK YOU to all who helped out on these hot summer days!
Holy Cross at the Tryon Global Food Fest
Holy Cross and the Moldova World Children's Fund will have a booth at the third annual Tryon Global Food Fest on Saturday, August 8 from Noon to 2 p.m.Stop by for a bowl of borscht and learn more about our September trip to Moldova! Fr. Ian Williams - who is flying to Moldova in September - will be onsite to chat about our outreach efforts partnering with the Moldova World Children's Fund.
Upcoming Events
Yoga classes:Mondays @ 6:00 p.m. / Tuesdays @ 8:15 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. (Parish Hall - $10.00 per person)
Parkinson's Movement Class- Wednesdays @ 9:30 a.m. (Tryon Fine Arts Center - FREE)
Global Food Fest- Sat. 8/8 @ Noon to 2:00 p.m. (downtown Tryon)
Bluegrass Jam - Wed. 8/26 @ 6:00 p.m. (Parish Hall)
Classes and Small Groups
Foyer Groups Sign Up
It’s time to start signing up for the coming year of Foyer Groups! Foyer Groups meet the third Sunday of each month from September to May in homes or restaurants for food, fellowship and fun. You must sign up again even if you joined last time around. If you are new to Foyer Groups, this is the time to jump in! Once you sign up, you will be assigned a Foyer Group with a group coordinator for September. This is a great way to meet new people and connect with fellow Holy Cross members in a small group setting.
The 2nd Friday Book Club is on summer vacation. Reading and fellowship will resume in September. Stop by the church office and pick up your book club bookmark! Click the button to see the upcoming selections and dates.
Music Matters
Anyone age 16 and up is invited to join to be a part of this choir simply show up in the chancel area at 9:30 on any given Sunday to learn a simple anthem before the 10:30 service. The choir doesn't vest nor does it process. No regular commitment is required; just a desire to make a joyful noise! Summer choir lasts through August.
Our last summer jam is Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Bring your instruments and your voices, or just come as a spectator. Bring your favorite tunes and bring snacks or drinks if you wish.
Art Gallery
We have new art! Check out our art gallery in the upstairs hallway for stained glass, pottery, and quilts by Tyler Young.
Tyler Young
In 2013, a visit to a new fabric shop in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, sparked another artistic passion. Captivated by the vibrant fabrics, Tyler enrolled in a quilted keychain class, an experience that introduced him to the art of quilting. Since then, he has completed nearly 50 quilts, exhibiting his work in local quilt shows and collaborative arts events. His designs span styles from primitive to contemporary, with fabric selections ranging from bold and whimsical to rustic and antique-inspired. Two of his earliest quilts, Falling Leaves and Winter Wind, are featured in this exhibition.
While working at Appalachian State University from 2015 to 2019, Tyler discovered the University's Enrichment Program, which offered classes in stained glass, pottery, woodworking, and other creative disciplines. He was immediately drawn to stained glass, embracing both its beauty and the precision it demands. Many of his stained glass pieces feature botanical and wildlife themes, reflecting his enduring appreciation for the natural world.
Tyler also explored pottery through two years of study. Although he learned the fundamentals of wheel throwing, he found his true artistic voice in handbuilding with clay slabs. This technique provides a broad surface for decorative expression, allowing him to incorporate methods such as wax resist, slip trailing, stamping, and impressions made from real flowers and foliage. These organic elements continue the thread that runs throughout his work: a deep appreciation for nature's beauty and intricate details.
Whether working with flowers, fabric, glass, or clay, Tyler approaches each medium with curiosity, craftsmanship, and an eye for meaningful design. Though each art form offers its own unique challenges and possibilities, they are all united by his desire to create pieces that celebrate beauty, evoke joy, and inspire others to see the artistry found in the world around them.
