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October 25, 2024

Today, it is a month since Hurricane Helene disrupted our lives and left so many in our region in crisis. Over the past weeks, I’ve seen this beautiful community respond with so much grace to those in need. The spirit of community found at St. Philip’s makes this possible. The bonds of affection that we have built with one another strengthen and animate our response to the needs in the world. I wanted to share with you a few of the many ways that St. Philippians are helping this community.

1. Moms to the rescue: The St Philip’s moms’ text group quickly identified that two of their own had significant damage to their homes (one was even rescued with her children by boat from her home). Both families needed a new place to live while their homes were repaired. The moms sprang into action and provided help, guidance, and prayers during this horrible time.
2. Tree removal: On the Saturday after the storm, 20 or so St Philippians showed up at Brittnee Siemen’s and Rence and Liam Gunnell’s home to get a huge tree off their roof so that they could cover the gaping holes with a tarp. Ed Nezelek reported, “Terry Decker and Linda White just showed up at my house and said, ‘Come on, you need to help!’”
3. Flooded Trailers: The next Saturday, several St. Philippians got word about a workday at the Ducks Trailer Community organized through El Centro, mucking out, removing molding insulation, and generally helping. The effort was discussed at the combined Adult Formation program the next morning. Several in the group felt called to do something to provide temporary housing for the families who were still living in those quickly deteriorating trailers. Dakota Chapman, a St. Philippian and owner of Sycamore Builders, took leadership and started fundraising quickly for supplies to enable volunteer labor to make the homes habitable again. Bishop José McLoughlin wanted to help and made a significant donation to El Centro to make the project possible. This is a wonderful example of how our giving to the Diocese comes back to the community.
4. Storage at St. Philip’s: Storage space is in somewhat short supply at St. Philip’s, but we were able to find room for overflow donations for Sharing House and El Centro. Polly Averette coordinated the delivery, and Angela Patane and the Tuesday Work Crew received the diapers, hygiene supplies, and camping items.
5. Laundry Project: At the normally scheduled Laundry Project that does laundry with neighbors from Sharing House, Peggy Bridges and Susan Wells encountered a hurricane victim staying at the Sunset Hotel who came in to do laundry. They, of course, helped him, too. Our mission extends as needed to meet the needs presented in the moment!

These are just a few of the stories of our community’s involvement. I know that each of us has other examples of the love and generosity found in this community. May God continue to build our Body of Christ and prepare us as a church community to meet the world’s needs whatever challenge we face.

Peace to you,

Elizabeth

For the benefit of newcomers and visitors, please wear your nametag every Sunday. If you need a nametag, please tell an usher or let the parish office know.

• Sunday at 8:00 a.m. – Through the fall, 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.
• Adult Forum at 9:15 a.m. – “Speaking Christian” -There are numerous words and phrases that Christians use to express some of our fundamental beliefs - words like eternal life, resurrection, sacrifice, forgiveness, sin, salvation. Rarely do we plumb the depths of these words to explore the history of their meaning in Jewish tradition, early Christian tradition, or their various meanings in Scripture. Join the Rev. Angela Emerson for a series of Sundays in which we look at these in Scriptures and explore both their meaning and important questions of faith that naturally arise. A good reference book – helpful but not required – is “Speaking Christian” by Marcus Borg. Adult Forum meets in the YAC, our large downstairs meeting room.
• Coffee & Conversation at 9:15 a.m. – Native American History and Spirituality - November is Native American History Month. This session of Coffee & Conversation will help us prepare to honor and acknowledge by offering an opportunity for reflection upon Indigenous history, culture, practice and spiritual practices. The conversation will be led by Jennifer Silva, LCSW-S, Chickasaw/Choctaw. Join us in Miller Hall (our large upstairs meeting room) at 9:15 a.m.
• Youth Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. – Youth in 6th through 12th grades are invited to join us for a discussion-based class. The lesson each Sunday is meant to explore a faith-based question submitted by the youth. The youth class meets in the downstairs education wing.
• 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 to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. Godly Play meets in the education wing downstairs.
• Nursery at 9:15 a.m. - Nursery for children Kindergarten age and younger is available today beginning at 9:15 a.m.
• 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 weekend, 22 women from our parish will travel to Lake Logan for a weekend of "Comfort and Joy" with our retreat leader the Rev. Canon Augusta A. Anderson, Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff for the Diocese of Western North Carolina. Under her leadership, we will be inspired in our time together with playfulness and prayer while deepening our relationship with the Holy Spirit and each other.

O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift our women on retreat to your presence, where they may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This week you’ll find more Christmas items, more fall clothing, more toys and kitchenware! We restock every day so check with us each weekend to be amazed at all the beauty just waiting for you!

And remember that you’ll be helping us give grants to our local charities who are supporting those in our community who suffered from the hurricane.

Our 2025 Giving Campaign continues, and "Ingathering Sunday" is Sunday, November 3, 2024. This year, our theme says, “For from Christ’s fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” (John 1:16). Please click here to see our Giving 2025 brochure, which shows how St. Philip's spends our money to support our mission.

If you need a pledge card, click here to print one at home, or pick one up in the narthex, the Miller Hall foyer table, and in the Parish Office. Every pledge is important and helps our church leadership plan well for the coming year. Thank you!  

Can you help? El Centro currently needs the following:

• NEW sheets: twin, double, and queen
• Blankets: twin, double, and queen
• Laundry detergent

Fill up our red wagon in the parish hall foyer and we will make sure the supplies get to the right place!

It's time again for our cleanup at St. Paul's in the Valley Cemetery, which will be held on Friday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m. Bring your work gloves, sturdy shoes, long trousers, and long sleeves, and help us spruce up this sacred place! We need lots of helpers to pick twigs, sticks, and limbs after the storm. We especially welcome all those who have “adopted” a family plot. Light refreshments will be served, and we look forward to seeing you there! (*Please note this clean up takes place on FRIDAY!)

Every 9 years The Episcopal Church elects a new Presiding Bishop to lead the church and represent us in the Anglican Communion. The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe was elected at this summer’s General Convention on the first ballot. For the first time, the installation will not be held at the National Cathedral; a simpler, scaled-down service is planned around a smaller carbon footprint and increased churchwide virtual engagement.

• 9:30 a.m. - A prelude showcasing the rich mosaic of The Episcopal Church followed by a video “roll call” of dioceses
• 11:00 a.m. - Investiture Service with Holy Eucharist

Join us for coffee and light refreshments in Miller Hall, our large upstairs meeting room, as we watch the installation and join in with the Eucharist.

How can people in our community help find temporary housing for the 74 families in Transylvania County displaced by Hurricane Helene? Please check out this flyer and consider ways to get involved.

The Rice Street Community Garden has produced over 750 pounds of organic produce this year!! The garden has worked hard and it is now time to let it rest. Everyone is welcome to help by pitching in on the following: tackling the last weeds, adding a top coat of compost to the beds, cutting back/dead heading the spent flowers, tidying up the paths and edges of the garden. If anyone has tool sharpening skills we could really use your help! We will hold the last big workday on Saturday, November 2, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Our raindate will be Monday, November 4 from 1:00- 3:00 p.m.

Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday, November 2, 2024, before you go to bed.

We are planning a monthly breakfast in Miller Hall (our large upstairs meeting room) at 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Our first Sunday will be November 3, 2024. Needed are cooks, preppers, and dish washers. No previous experience necessary. If interested in helping, please contact Richard Mayberry at mayberryfinearts@gmail.com or sign up in Easel Alley (outside the parish office).

St. Philip's is one of the Brevard faith communities that are offering non-partisan "Election Reflection" times before, during and after Election Day (November 5). Please take note of these opportunities to come together as a community and pray for our nation.

Be a part of something big! Book a donation appointment at our Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Philip’s on Monday, November 4, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m. in Miller Hall, our large upstairs meeting room!

The Vestry Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for the next Vestry Class. Here are the several ways you can be a part of the process.

1. If you know of persons who you think would serve our church well as a Vestry member, forward the names of those persons to the Nominating Committee: Paula Benton, Denis Bolena, Barbara Boerner, Craig Gralley, Molly Tartt, or David Yeager.
2. If you have been approached by the Nominating Committee about your service on the Vestry, please give this opportunity thoughtful consideration.
3. If you have not yet been approached by the Nominating Committee and would be willing to serve on the Vestry, there is a self-nominating process whereby you can put your name forward. Here is a link to the self-nomination form; you can nominate yourself until November 6, 2024.

Vestry elections will be held at the congregation’s Annual Meeting on January 26, 2025.

For those of you that viewed Bishop Jose’s message of October 9 regarding Hurricane Helene and the Relief Efforts, you will recall that he and the Executive Council challenged every parish in the diocese to spend Saturday, November 9 in a Day of Service in our communities. We have chosen to partner with the Bread of Life for the good of the community and the neighbors they serve. Please join us on Saturday, November 9 from 9:30 a.m. until mid-afternoon for a day of fun, camaraderie, and purpose. There are needs that fit everyone’s abilities - from painting, installing exterior steps, building shelving, organizing cupboards, to preparing lunch for the workers!

There will be a sign-up sheet in Easel Alley (outside the parish office) where you can indicate your desired projects or skills. We’ll have the materials, tools and team leaders on-site that morning to help make the day enjoyable as well as productive.

The Bread of Life is A Kitchen … On A Mission, and on that Saturday, our mission will be to help them clean up, repair, and rejuvenate a facility that is serving an increasing number of our neighbors every day with a hot, nutritious meal. You’ll meet the new Executive Director Sergio Fernandez and the new Kitchen Manager Ken Farr, who, along with stalwart Paula Wesley, are committed to facing the hunger needs of our community.

Ed Nezelek, Bill & Jann Mellman - Co-Chairs

The Cindy Platt Boys & Girls Club will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner of over 450 meals for children with their families. St. Philip's would like to help them provide some of the side dishes. We need cans of green beans, corn, and yams (#10 cans if possible, please!) and dry dressing mixes. Please place your donations under the table in the parish hall foyer until Thursday, November 22. We appreciate your generous contributions!

We are thrilled to announce two sing-along performances of Handel’s Messiah featuring Baroque period instruments, renowned soloists, and YOU.

This highlight of our Christmas season, coordinated by St. Philip's Director of Music Ministry, Dr. Brittnee Siemon, will take place on Saturday, December 14 under the baton of guest conductor Dr. David Gresham, in collaboration with enthusiastic singing members of the St. Philip’s Chancel Choir and our Brevard community. Bring your score and join us or simply come to listen.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/messiah-sing-along-tickets-920220011827

Local singers, we will be offering auditioned seats for 50-100 voices who will commit to attending four rehearsals in November and December before the event. Sign-up to be an auditioned singer here: https://tinyurl.com/28k6ta8c.

All knitters and crocheters are welcome! We meet every Tuesday morning from 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the church parlor. Please join us whenever it suits your schedule for knitting and lots of conversation. We enjoy spending time together. If you have any questions, please contact Susie Stubbs at susiestubbs@yahoo.com.

You are invited to please consider joining our ushers and welcomers ministry. This is a great opportunity for singles, couples, and families to be involved in a worthwhile part of the St. Philip’s community. The ministry works on your availability each month, so your commitment is flexible. Please contact Scott Elliott (sbelliott59@gmail.com) to say, “Yes, I would love to be an usher!” or to request more information.

Thank you for investing your treasure in the work and mission of St. Philip’s. Your gift supports our Worship – in Word and Sacrament and music. Visit https://www.stphilipsbrevardnc.org/donate to explore donating. To make a gift now use Realm or text STP to 73256.

November Birthdays

01 Lynne Penn

02 Ruffin Benton

02 Amarech Richmond

02 Susan Fowler

03 Evan Smith

04 Mac Morrow

04 Mary Rose

04 Sandee Ragl

04 Angela Patane

05 Tom Lewis

05 Leifton Cook

06 Jean Fallis

06 Jillian Sapp

06 Jackson Essenberg

07 Dixon Bridgers

08 Paul Averette

08 Marty Walrath

09 Tim Ballard

09 Jim Cullipher

09 Darrell Hand

10 Rebecca Smith

11 Josh Shober

11 Susan Davis

11 Mark Conard

11 Diane Nelson

12 Claire Fenner

12 Mary Richmond

13 Matthias Brown

14 Melanie McKague

15 Mary Alice Martin

16 Nancy Nahon

17 Penny Williams

18 Lena Polk

19 Sandy Briggs

19 Wayne Eberhardt

21 Gena Hawk

22 Jo Ann Moore

22 Gwen Smith

23 Hannah Lemel

23 Sam Lemel

23 Libby Brown

24 Walt Oskorip

24 Jay Williams

24 Manfred Rehm

24 Leo Maupin

27 Joe Fennessy

27 Allison Bateman

27 Wilder Bauman

30 Arnie Andresen

30 Bobbi Oldenburger

30 George Centanni

November Anniversaries

05 Bill and Nancy Harger

10 Bob and Melinda Wesneski

12 Jeff Testerman and Nancy Waclawek

17 Jim and Christine Wright

24 Bill and Jane Chandler

25 Craig and Michelle Roth

28 Duke and Ann Woodhull

To avoid interfering with Helene recovery, the November 7 Pilgrimage information meeting has been cancelled.

The Montgomery Pilgrimage envisions a 3-day interracial journey from Brevard, NC to Montgomery, AL to build community, reckon with past racial injustices, and explore how to live with their continuing legacy. We will travel to and from Alabama in a charter bus, providing opportunities for interpersonal exchanges among people of different races and generations. We expect the pilgrimage will create experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. Please watch for future postings.

For more information click here. To submit an application, click here. Submitting an application does not commit you but puts you in the cue to receive a registration form. Do not send payment. Please note scholarships are available, but you must indicate how much you will be able to pay.

Diana’s Circle is a new, free monthly mentoring group designed for Transylvania County women in their 20s. This program for young adults will offer a space for connection, learning, growth and mentoring. The intention is to provide personal/professional development, career support, skill-building and feature curated guest speakers leading interactive discussions on topics ranging from self-esteem to getting your financial house in order. Women enjoy friendship, authentic connection, laughter and empowering, kind support. Founded by Brevard-based leadership coach/author Renee Trudeau and her team, the next meeting is November 14 from 6-8 p.m. at St. Philip’s in the YAC (our large downstairs meeting room); dinner is provided by Blue Ridge Bakery. This is open to all women in their 20s; RSVP by Monday, November 11, 2024. More at www.reneetrudeau.com/dianascircle.

Join us for Tree of Lights in Hendersonville or Brevard this year and commemorate your loved one with a keepsake ornament. Ornaments can be shipped* or picked up at the event. Please submit your mail order by November 8, 2024, or your online order by November 15, 2024, to ensure your loved one is commemorated in the program.

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 Senior Living Community Chapel)
• Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing (Chapel)

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.

Barbara Boerner (2024)

Craig Gralley (2024)

Mike Wallace (2024-Junior Warden)

Jo Buescher (2025)

Jann Mellman (2025)

David Yeager (2025-Senior Warden)

Peggy Bridges (2026)

Gordon Murray (2026)

Jen Silva (2026)

Pat Dunham (Clerk)

The Rev. Elizabeth Roles, Rector

Abby Glass, Children, Youth, and Family Minister

Dr. Brittnee Siemon, Director of Music Ministry

Kate Murray, Organist

Edna Hensley, Facilities Manager

Angela Patane, Maintenance Supervisor

William Begg, Co-Treasurer, Receipts

Bob Wesneski, Co-Treasurer, Disbursements

Jill Stewart, Parish Administrator

A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA!

A Halloween Knot

Despite living in a household of accomplished knot-tiers, this E-pistle editor never can remember how to tie the special never-comes-undone knot on her slippers. Imagine her surprise to learn there is a special shoelace knot called the Halloween Shoelace Knot! Don't go out on Halloween with just any ordinary shoe-tying method - practice up! 

This time of year, you often hear "Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565” on commercials, seasonal movies, and the like. You might enjoy this talented duo’s athletic rendition of the piece.