Friday June 30, 2017

An eNote from Rodney

Dear Trinity Congregation,

Man, it was a rough morning in the cutthroat world of coffee-shop bulletin board space. I have been putting up flyers for the Jazz concert on Sunday at 3:00. I went to some of the places where I had already put flyers up and the flyers were gone. Someone is hankering after our flyers. I almost got into an argument with a little old lady from a lost pet charity over a magnet. I got to start carrying my own push pins and magnets.

The concert is a benefit for ABCCM’s Veterans ministry and the Asheville Jazz Orchestra. This will be fun so bring a friend. Sunday at three.

We need help on Saturday morning putting up the stage for Sunday’s concert. We need to carry the pieces from downstairs up to the sanctuary and then put it up. I’m guessing the whole thing will take about 1.5 hours. Bring a drill if you have one. Come and help us get this thing up. Thanks

Cheryl and I want to thank you all very much for the wonderful party and gifts you gave us last Sunday. That was a great afternoon. Our thanks to you are deep and heartfelt. I was driving around Asheville early this morning and reflecting on all the places I know or people I had a contact with. I was revelling in the good fortune to have been a resident of Asheville and the pastor of Trinity for 12 years. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you Andrew, Jennie Lynn and Lee plus a few others for the funny and caring send-off.

I will be officially retired on Saturday (I think) but I am looking forward to celebrating communion with you on Sunday morning and then the concert. My last act will be to help strike the stage on Monday morning. There’s something nice about that. (Thank you Aaron Allan for the stage) The Reverends Nancy Walton and Darryl Dayson will be on call beginning July 3rd. On Sunday July 9 Jane Wood will be our visiting speaker. Ms. Wood is President of the Foundation for Evangelism at Lake Junaluska. I have heard her speak once and I still remember what she said and how strongly her point spoke to me. Come and warmly welcome Ms. Wood. James Pharr will conduct the service that morning. Sunday morning July 16, will be the first Sunday with our new pastor, the Rev. Nancy Walton.

For Sunday the Gospel Lectionary reading is Matthew 10:40-42. This passage is where Jesus says that someone who “even” gives a cup of cold water to a little one will have his reward. I’m going to retell a story I used in my first year here and talk about this offer that Jesus makes to us. I think that it will flow into our communion service nicely.

Let me say that I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Sincerely, 
Rodney