Friday, October 7, 2016

An eNote from Rodney

Dear Trinity Congregation,
 
I just had an interesting conversation with Andrew. I asked him if he was worried about the weather for the Fall Festival on Sunday and he said no. There was nothing he could do about it and he would worry about it on Sunday. Wow! What a concept. Why not get a head start and worry about it now, I say. He said worrying about things before their time leads to all kinds of problems. You mean like heart problems, or eating too much? I’ll have to think about this.
 
Oh yeah, the Fall Festival is this Sunday, October 9 at 2:00 pm. The strings will play, there will be games for the kids, a cake walk will happen and there will be a chili cook-off. There will also be fried chicken and drinks provided by the church. We are asking you to bring sides. We also need cakes/cupcakes for the Cake Walk. Again, the Festival is 2 to 5 pm on Sunday afternoon and we look forward to seeing you.
 
Our hearts go out to Janet and Hannah Jarvis on the passing this week of Mitch. There will be a service for the family at 2:00 pm. on Saturday afternoon followed by a graveside service at Green Hills Cemetery. I know that you will keep Janet and Hannah in your prayers.
 
Music lovers, I have recently learned of a jazz/soul singer who has been around awhile but is starting to get some attention. His name is Gregory Porter. Go to YouTube and listen to “Take Me to the Alley” Find the “One Mic One Take” version or there is an NPR Tiny Desk Concert of him doing several songs. Here is a taste of the lyrics: “Well, they guild their houses, In preparation for the King, and they line the sidewalks, with every sort of shiny thing. They will be surprised, when they hear him say, take me to the alley, take me to the afflicted ones…” Now imagine that in a jazz/soul style. It’s not a gospel album but this song slays the spirit, to use a gospel phrase.

• Saturday October 29: Nolan Anthony will present a Halloween Organ Concert with awe-inspiring music at 7:00 pm. You are even invited to come in costume. There will be a reception after the concert.
• Sunday November 6: The Methodist Men’s Warm Morning Breakfast. Admission by donation with proceeds going to families in need of heating assistance. 8 – 9:30 am.
• Sunday November 6: Asheville Area Methodist Churches meet at Groce UMC for a celebration of church life and ministry. Our new DS, Beth Crissman, is looking forward to telling you how she sees the district moving forward.
• Sunday October 16: Trinity will host Bishop Paul Leeland as he introduces himself to the Western part of the conference. The service is at 3:00 pm with a reception to follow.

By the way, if you need a pumpkin both Abernethy UMC and Groce UMC have big pumpkin sales in their front yards. I am guessing the times will be on their websites.
 
The Gospel lectionary lesson for this week is where Jesus heals the ten lepers, but only one comes back to thank him. It’s Luke 17:11-19. Based on what I have read, Luke wants us to think about gratitude. I will preach from this passage on Sunday and I look forward to it being a great day and seeing you.
 
Sincerely,
Rodney