January 2, 2025 Edition

On Sunday, January 5, we will resume our 9 AM and 11:10 AM Holy Eucharist schedule! Plus, there will be a new Adult Christian Formation class at the Sunday School hour and a wonderful fellowship gathering with Grace Lutheran for the annual Chili Cook Off, Service of Epiphany and Burning of the Greens at 5:30 PM. All are welcome!

To prepare for Epiphany, we plan to "un-decorate" the Nave following the 11:10 AM service. If you'd like to help put items away, plan to stick around! Brenda Trott will be coordinating the work.

You are invited to join the study of "Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws" starting Sunday, January 5 to February 9, during the 10 AM Adult Christian Formation hour. The Gospel of John is the most deeply spiritual of the four gospels. This writing is filled with rich images and profound truths, but John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.” During Epiphany,  let's experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal during a six-week study of Adam Hamilton’s Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws, pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today. Chuck Collier will lead the discussion following a short video at the start of each session. Please purchase the book, which is available from Amazon for $11.96 or on Kindle for $9.96. Questions? Contact Chuck Collier.

In the spirit of Invite-Welcome-Connect, you’re invited to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to the Chili Cook-Off. For many folks, it’s easier to attend a meal to get to know people than it is to attend a Sunday morning service at a new church!

Donations are being collected for Western North Carolina | Donation items are being accepted through January 5 at the Epiphany Evening service. There is a donation barrel in the Welcome Center. Here’s a list needed supplies: Dehumidifiers, Electric and propane heaters, Propane (all size tanks), “Buddy heater” adapter hoses, Hot tents, Stoves for hot tents, Diapers (sizes 5, 6, 7), Fire detectors, Carbon monoxide detectors, Fire extinguishers, Tools (of all kinds), Battery-operated lanterns, Batteries, Laundry detergent, Dish soap, and Cooking oil. Equipment should be new or very gently used. As always, please only donate that which you would want to receive. Tim Alexander, whose information can be found in Realm, will be driving donations to a distribution center in Western North Carolina in January. Contact him for details or with any questions.

Epiphany Bonfire on January 5 | You are invited to join the annual Epiphany bonfire this Sunday, January 5, after the Chili Cook Off and the service of Epiphany. This year the bonfire will return to the flat open space close to the corn garden and the upper parking spaces. Jon Pope, Gary and Tyler Kovar, and Mark Robinson have constructed a temporary fire pit for this event. The event is weather dependent and may be cancelled in the event of high winds or steady rain. At present the forecast is promising. The fire is started in advance upon approval by the fire department, who do not permit the burning of Christmas trees. We do have wreaths to use as we proclaim by word and deed that "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it."

As always, safety comes first. Water hoses, buckets filled with water, and fire extinguishers will be at hand. Parents, please remind your children of all ages about safety around a 5-foot diameter fire. After the excitement settles down, we invite you to set up your folding chair upwind and relax in front of the fire and ponder how your light might shine this year at our church, in your home, and amidst your family, friends, and our community.

Inquirer's Class – It’s Okay to Ask Questions! As we walk with Christ, asking questions is a means of growing in our faith. When we seek answers, it shows that we care deeply about our beliefs and our relationship with God. Curiosity is a sign that something matters to us. You are invited to join an enriching eight-session Inquirer's Class, led by The Reverend Mary Reese, from January 12 through March 9, 2025. The class will meet each Sunday except January 26, at 10 AM in the Parlor. This class is especially encouraged for those preparing for Confirmation, but all who are eager to deepen their faith and explore their questions are welcome. We will use the book Transforming Questions by Forward Movement, available in both Kindle and paperback formats for $7.99 on Amazon. We look forward to growing in faith together. Come with your questions – they are welcome here!

New Small Group starting January 10 | You are invited to join an 8-week study of St. Paul's letter to the Philippians. We will meet in the church parlor on Friday mornings at 10 AM, starting January 10, 2025. Come explore Paul's joy of living in Christ! Kindly reach out to Lynda Waller or Barbara Lewis with any questions.

It's Annual Report Time! All committee/ministry leaders are asked to share the work that has been accomplished in 2024. The information you provide will be used in the 2024 Annual Report, which gives the parish a detailed summary of the work of the church. The report becomes part of the history of our church for future generations. If it's helpful, you can find past Annual Reports here, then click the "Annual Report" tab. In order to prepare the annual report in time for the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26, please send Ruth Brown your reports by Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

"Bearing Witness: A Journey with Holy Land Christians" begins January 9 | "Bearing Witness" is a new free video-based study program from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (AFEDJ). "Bearing Witness" shares the stories of people living in Palestine and Israel and the remarkable ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem that bring hope and healing in this volatile part of the world. The five-week course will take place Mondays, 12-1:30 PM starting January 6 via Zoom. Click for details.

We are giving thanks to our Lord for the safe arrival of Raleigh Arabella Rogers, born to Harmony and Joshua Rogers on December 16, 2024. Raleigh is the great-granddaughter of the Rev'd Mary Reese.

We are excited to announce that Tom Lowe has been approved for ordination to the diaconate by our bishops. Tom has served twice at All Saints' as a deacon intern. His ordination is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11 AM at St. John's Episcopal Church, Wake Forest, NC.

Prayer is the foundation of the ministry of this parish. If you would like to request prayers, please share here. If you are hospitalized, please let the church know. If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask for the chaplain on call and they will make it for you. The church phone number is 704-782-2024.

Prayers have been requested for Rebecca, Martin, Rachel, and Rosalie.