Jeanine Siler Jones, MSW and certified Enneagram teacher, will offer a day-long introduction to the Enneagram on Saturday, October 9th, at Fay Walker's home on Eagle Lake. 9 am - 4 pm, $60 per person which includes a simple lunch. Enrollment will be limited to the first 16 who sign up. Contact faywalker@comporium.net or mail a check with your name and contact info to Fay at 121 Rice Street. Checks should be made payable to Jeanine Siler Jones. Directions and details will follow registration

Vestry Minutes

Thursday, July 15, 2010

The Vestry met in the Rodda Room of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 9:30 am on Thursday, June 17, 2010. Attendees: The Rev. Patricia Curtis, Rector; Milt Wofford, senior warden; Marie Bigham, junior warden; Helen Tugwell, roving reporter; Larry Tiner, treasurer; Mary Ellen Montague, clerk

The rector opened the meeting with a prayer.

The agenda was approved. Motion to approve Helen, seconded Marie.

The May, 2010 vestry minutes were amended to read that the cost of repairs to the Hastings House is $5200 not $4800.Motion to approve Milt, seconded Marie and passed.

The June, 2010 vestry minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Larry went over the May 2010 income, expense and assets report which the vestry received by email. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Helen, seconded by Marie and passed.  The vestry discussed the disposition of funds from the mortgage pay off from the Heinz House and adopted a resolution to open a money market account at Mountain Credit Union with a $25. 00 initial deposit to open the account and then deposit $35,000 in a money market fund in the account. The junior and seniors wardens will open the account and will complete the necessary paper work. Any withdrawals will require vestry approval. Motion presented by Helen seconded by Larry and passed.

Old Business: Junior Warden Report:

Hastings House exterior painting and repairs under way. Front storm door and porch screen door will be replaced along with screening on back porch. Rotten wood on front porch will be replaced and window frame on side of house. Don Palmer, plumber, will begin work inside the house on Monday July 19^th. Work to be completed in 2-3 days.  A $500.00, donation has been received to be used for the repair and painting of the back porch and painting of the front door. Tammy Paxton, current tenant, will be vacating HH by July 31, 2010. Letter was delivered to her on Monday, July 12, 2010. Copy is available for Vestry to read.

The propane tank hole has been filled. David Burch delivered dirt last week and Milt, Ken and Larry Tiner, shoveled dirt from truck to the hole. We were 1 cubic yard short. Fred Sutton, yard man, brought over more dirt, filled and leveled the hole, spread grass seed and covered with straw at a cost of $200. A big thanks to all for your hard work. (Nee note)

Fred Sutton mowed the HH yard, at my request, the Friday before the Farm Tour. Since Tammy Paxton had been in hospital, yard had not been mowed for several weeks. The charge for this was $50.00. Ken Cabe and I weeded the flower bed on the north side of HH. (toward Main St.) Ken cut down several walnut trees that had grown up next to the house. He also trimmed the tree at the corner of the front porch. Thank you, Ken, for your help.

I have spoken with Rick Nations about cleaning all the windows of the church, except the stained glass ones in the sanctuary. This will include outside the front window of the church. The initial estimate was $120.00. I have asked him to revise that and include the inside of Parish Hall windows. While cleaning downstairs on Monday, I noticed some marks on inside of one of the windows that left a waxy residue. I felt this required a professional touch.

Thank you for your support, Marie Bingham, Jr. Warden.

Note (The vestry agreed to let Fred Sutton finish filling the hole, seed it with grass and cover with straw at a cost not to exceed $200.)

The vestry was very pleased to accept a proposal by the rector to rent the Hastings House. The rental agreement will be worked out by the wardens. Motion to accept Mary Ellen , seconded by Marie.

Gift Policy: Milt and Helen presented a gift policy for St. John’s, (see attachment) which was accepted by the vestry. The motion to accept Marie seconded by Milt.

New Business:

The Vestry accepted a policy on Maintenance, Repair, and Acquisition presented by Pattie and Milt. Motion to accept Larry, seconded by Milt and passed (see attachment)

The Rector’s Report

We now have two people working in our nursery: Jennifer Brazelton and Leanna Erickson. Leanna will begin a regular schedule when she returns to WCU in August.

I met with Marsha Crites, landscape designer to discuss some ideas for adding plants to our front garden and rearranging some of the taller plants that are in the front of the garden. She will do a quick pencil sketch of some ideas to give the front garden more balance.

There were 15 pastoral visits since our last vestry meeting.

Harvesting and maintenance in the vegetable is going well. I still get comments from priests and others around the diocese that the idea of a vegetable garden is one that is compelling to many parishes. We have been harvesting lots of squash, zucchini, onions, pole beans and green beans for UCM. Tomatoes will be ready soon. Plans are being discussed for the second planting of our growing season. Crowder peas have been planted along the fence where the pole beans were.

I will be away August 2 – August 11 for my continuing education residency in New Windsor, MD. The 16-month program is offered by Shalem Institute and is titled "Clergy Spirituality and Leadership: Going Deeper". The second residency is scheduled for July 2011.

I will also be gone in September to St. John’s Abbey – Collegeville MN for a Benedictine retreat – September 21-26.

Diocesan activities include attending our bi-monthly advisory board meeting for the Center for Spiritual Resources at the Cathedral; meeting with my clergy support group which meets monthly. I have also been asked by the Bishop to be a mentor for the Rev. Dn. Anne McClearen who is now serving at St. George’s/Asheville. Anne is a 2010 graduate of The General Theological Seminary and was ordained to the transitional diaconate May 23, 2010.

The meeting ended with a prayer by Pattie.

The next vestry meeting is Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by: Mary Ellen Montague, clerk

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St. John’s Episcopal Church Women’s Meeting

July 19, 2010

President, Sue Ellen Bridgers, called the meeting to order and asked Helen Tugwell to offer devotions. She read a poem from the book, Sarah Laughed, celebrating, “…a group of women who have come together to achieve a common vision.”

The minutes of the May 17, 2010 meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report showed a balance of $3,313.35. The treasurer will continue to monitor our Village Outreach contributions and communicate with the church treasurer when they should be paid. Once a year she will send the collected pennies to the Miles of Pennies project. It was also agreed that the scheduled $100 donation to AWAKE be sent in memory of Ashley Osment and that the ECW Diocesan pledge continue at the $250 level and be sent at this time.

Sue Ellen thanked Helen for her article discussing the Miles of Pennies project that appeared in the Eagle. She will repeat it at a later time.

Remembering those who are ill, it was noted that Velta Cannon and Lora Mounts’ mother, Lucille Long, remain at Skyland Care Center. Our thoughts were also of

Ann Hudson, Phoebe Murray, who will be moving to Alabama, and Sandy Sandborg, who is now at a nursing facility in Brevard.

Copies of the revised By-Laws for the Women of St. John’s Episcopal Church were circulated. Primary changes include the addition of a mission statement and changes to the duties of the Treasurer. The by-laws were accepted as presented and with the change of shall to may in Article III: Membership. Copies of the by-laws will be made available to anyone that wishes a copy.

A discussion followed regarding fund raising possibilities. Considered was a Wine Tasting party in the fall, a Valentine Party (Cabaret Café), participation in the Art Council Sale at Ramsey Center in April and perhaps a performance by Barbara Bates Smith.

There being no further business, Helen led the group in a discussion of Part II, Living in a Woman’s Body, from, Sarah Laughed.

$103 was collected for United Christian Ministeries.

The next meeting of the ECW will be September 20, 2010, at noon. Lora Mount will be the hostess and Mary Ellen Montague will lead the discussion of Part III, Being a Friend, from Sarah Laughed.

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Chovan, Secretary

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Thursday Holy Eucharist is

On Summer Break!

Our Thursday 7:30am celebration of the Holy Eucharist is on summer break during the month of August. Please join us when we resume on Thursday, September 2, 7:30am.

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A reminder about

altar flowers!

This is a good time to thank each of you who provide flowers for our altar. A new sign-up sheet has been placed on the bulletin board and it has a slight change from our old one: this one has a space for you to indicate whom you choose as a flower arranger.

Please know that Ray’s Florist is always available, but you may choose any florist you wish, or you may want to provide the arrangement yourself. In each case, please indicate beside the date you wish to donate flowers whom you have chosen to prepare the flowers. If you want Ray to do them, the green liners that fit inside our brass pots will be taken to him on the Thursday prior to the Sunday you’ve chosen. If someone else will be doing the flowers for you, you may take the liners to them or you may utilize other matching vases for your flowers. Please remember that arrangements of altar flowers should not be higher than the cross on the altar.

It has been our custom to use the flowers for two weeks if possible. We now have more people wishing to provide flowers, so when you sign up please indicate if you want your flowers used for one week or for two. If someone has signed up for two weeks that includes a date that you would like to have someone honored or remembered, please check with them.

Also, don’t forget to let Pattie know how you would like your gift of flowers to appear in the bulletin. Thank you for your gift of flowers!

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Those Pennies in the Jar

You have seen the plastic jar in the fellowship hall with “Miles of Pennies” on the label.  But, do you really know what these pennies (or dimes, quarters, dollars, etc.) buy?

Miles of Pennies is a part of the Church Periodical Club or CPC, an independent affiliated organization of the Episcopal Church.  It depends entirely on voluntary contributions to carry out its unique ministry, which is a commitment to supply theological and educational materials in support of mission efforts around the world.

The Miles of Pennies (MOP) fund is to provide books for children pre-school to grade 12.  In addition to providing printed or taped books and related materials, MOP gives grants for the shipping costs of recycled children’s books.

So, when you put pennies (or other money) in the jar, you are in effect buying books for children as a part of the ECW mission ministry.  Imagine you and your family without books!  Hard to do, isn’t it?

Please show your support for books by placing your pennies in the jar.

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News from Lake Logan –

Retreats for a Retreat II

Sunday, August 29 – 4pm – 6pm

Are you looking for a way to have fun and help Lake Logan at the same time?  Look no further!  Retreats for a Retreat II - a diocesan-wide celebration of our beloved camp and conference center, will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 29.  This year, instead of one party, we decided to have four!  Held from 4 to 6pm, they will be in downtown Asheville, Blowing Rock, Highlands and Shelby.  All four will share the same $75 ticket to enter, the same grand prize and the same silent auction items.
 
Tickets for this fabulous event are now available through Lake Logan (cherylsmith@lakelogan.org, 828-646-0095).  Each ticket gains admission for one to a party and a chance to win our grand prize - a week (one of four designated) at a gorgeous home in the Florida Keys.  This fabulous 4-bedroom house in Islamorada, Florida has its own dock, pool, fantastic views and sleeps 8 people - the perfect site for a four-couple house party.  The day of the party, a multi-site silent auction with at least ten more retreats will be held, giving participants even more opportunities to win the retreat of their dreams. 
 The Asheville Retreats II party will be held in the Century Room at Pack's Tavern, adjacent to the new Pack Square Park.  Each party will feature cocktails and delicious food, and the Asheville party will even have live music, contributed by Frazier Worth and the Honeybees.  Thanks to the generosity of several of Lake Logan's Advisory Board who are covering the costs of these parties, every dollar earned through ticket sales will go directly and equally toward the Lake Logan Annual Fund and the debt reduction campaign. 
 
We would like to note a few changes from last year's tickets:
·        Ticket Price has come down from $100 to $75 per ticket.
·        Ticket admits ONE person to the party, vs. two last year.
 
For more information, and to check out the details of the silent auction items available for bid the day of the party, please visit the Lake Logan website www.lakelogan.org.  Thank you so much for all the support you have given and continue to give to our fundraising projects. 
 

August 2010 Ministries

Sunday, August 1:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Marie Bingham

Lectors:                         William Chovan

                                    Martha Chovan

Altar Guild:                        Lora and Jim Mount  

Usher:                         Jim Mount

Hospitality:            Parish Picnic!

Organist:                         Ken Cabe

Sunday, August 8:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Jim Nicholl

                                    Kathy Nicholl

Altar Guild:                        Martha Chovan

Bobby Capps

Usher:                         Milt Wofford

Hospitality:            need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Larry Fox

Sunday, August 15:

Crucifer:                         David Scales

Lectors:                         Helen Tugwell

                                    Barbara Goldstein

Altar Guild:                        Marion ElBayadi

Lucy Wofford

Usher:                         Jim Nicholl

Hospitality:                        Art and Judy Pilch

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Sunday, August 22:

Crucifer:                         Marie Bingham

Lectors:                         Steve Queen

                                    Jane Eastman  

Altar Guild:                        Marie Bingham

Jane Eastman

Usher:                         Milt Wofford

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Ken Cabe

Sunday, August 29:

Crucifer:                         Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Lucy Wofford

                                    Marie Bingham  

Altar Guild:                        Lora and Jim Mount

Usher:                         Jim Mount

Hospitality:                        Kate and John Olson

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

The fall ECW gathering will take place at Calvary Episcopal Church/Fletcher on Saturday, September 11 from 9am-2pm. The registration fee is $20 (due to Diane Mance by September 1), which covers materials and lunch. The speaker will be Jackie Robe, Province IV ECW President and Bishop Taylor will celebrate. Registration forms are on the table in the Parish Hall.

The Sylva Community Children's Chorus will begin rehearsing again on Wednesday, September 15th in the Parish Hall. Rehearsals run from 5-6 pm every Wednesday and all children from 3rd-12th grade are welcome.

For more information, please contact Ann Tiner at Tiner85@aol.com or Erin McCully at ELMcCully@gmail.com or call 803-381-6454. We look forward to singing with you again!

Follow us on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Sylva-Community-Childrens-Chorus/289810391905

St. John's is happy to welcome Jen, who has been hired to staff the nursery.

The nursery is now available from 10:30 until 12:30 on Sundays!

Our First Wednesday Potluck will be on September 1st. Bring a covered dish and join everyone for a relaxing supper together. We gather at 5:30 pm in the parish hall.

Just a reminder that we will not have our August First Wednesday Potluck, because we will be celebrating at our Annual Picnic on Sunday, August 1st, at Marion's house directly following the service. All are welcome!

Mark your calendar for our annual picnic!

Marion ElBayadi has once again agreed to host our annual picnic at her home on Sunday, August 1. We will drive over immediately following our worship service. Bring a covered dish and dress casually!

Marion’s address is available, please ask. We’ll caravan to make sure no one gets lost!

1^st Wednesday Potluck set for July 7

Our 1^st Wednesday Potluck Dinner for July will be held at the home of Helen Tugwell and we are celebrating the retirement of Larry Fox from public school teaching!

Please bring a covered dish; Helen is providing a meat course—enough for everyone, so if you haven’t RSVP’d, please do so!

St. John’s Garden will this year be a part of the Fourth Annual Jackson County Farm Tour, Sunday, July 11 from 1pm to 5pm! Featuring fifteen local farms and gardens, the 2010 Farm Tour is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to get an inside glimpse of local food sources, grean advice from experienced farmers and gardeners, and learn how to create a variety of productive landscapes in mountain ecosystems, both small spaces and large.

Let’s plan to put up the tent and provide lemonade and cookies for our guests.

Participants can by a pass and map for the tour at the Jackson Co. Farmers Market (9am – noon) on Saturday, July 3 and July 10 and anytime at Spring St. Café: one-day pass is $20; two-day pass is $30 per car.

Vestry Minutes

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Vestry met in the Rhoda Room of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 9:30 am on Thursday, June 17, 2010.

Attendees:The Rev. Pattie Curtis, Marie Bingham, junior warden; Mary Ellen Montague, clerk; Larry Tiner, treasurerMilt Wofford, senior warden; Helen Tugwell.

The rector opened the meeting with a prayer.

The agenda was approved.

The May 2010 vestry minutes were approved.  Motion to approve Marie.  Seconded by Larry.

Treasurers Report:  Treasurer, Larry Tiner

*Larry went over the May 2010 income/expense report which the vestry received by email. *2009 audit - Due September 1, Pattie will ask 2 people to help with the audit.  **Voting: A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Helen, seconded by Marie and passed.

Old Business

Junior Warden Reportby Marie Bingham

Repairs:  *Milt contacted David Birch, who will bring in a load of dirt to fill hole where propane tank was removed. *Water leak A/C room has been repaired. *Plumbing repairs for Hastings house need to be rescheduled due to illness of tenant. *Bids for exterior repairs and painting of the Hastings House approved for Bill Cogdill in the amount of $4,800.00. This price includes, primer, and 2 coats of paint for exterior.

Amount does not include repairs and re-screening to the back porch and painting of the front door which will be at an additional cost of $400.00 and those costs donated separately.

*A new pole and clergy parking sign was replaced and installed by Milt and Larry Tiner due to previous theft.

Sale of Heinz House - The satisfaction of mortgage for the Heinz house has been signed and delivered to attorney Coward.

**Voting - Senior warden Milt Wofford moved that we accept the bid of $4,800.00 to do all exterior repairs and painting, motion was seconded and approved by all members.

Tenant Issues: Rental - Tenant has not initialed the last page of her lease regarding pets. Pattie has agreed to draft a letter at the end of the month and instruct the tenant to deal with the issues regarding late fees etc. with Marie.

Nursery - Two college students have been retained to work in the church nursery on Sundays.

Online Training - Pattie has given explicit instructions regarding mandatory online training for vestry members, "Safeguarding God’s Children".

Gift Policy - Milt and Helen have agreed to formulate a policy for St. John’s regarding gifts.

Propane Tank Removal Hole - David Birch will fill in the hole left by the propane tank removal in exchange for a tank of gasoline. Freeman Gas removed the gas from the tank and refunded the church $478.00.

New Business Playground - Pattie will form feasibility committee comprised of parents to study a possible new playground area.

Guidelines and Standards for Programs and Activities for Children and Youth: A Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth was signed by all vestry members.

The Rector’s Report:  Pattie reported a first for St. John’s: We had 50 people at church on Sunday, June 6. Outside of holidays and baptisms we haven’t had that many in church in many years. There were 12 pastoral visits this past month. Pattie also visited with two families who don’t attend church here, but are in need of pastoral care and might attend church here in the future. She also received a request from Morgan Gardner (Deerfield/Asheville)  to visit a resident at Mountain Trace.  Garden harvesting has begun: lettuce and other vegetables have been delivered to UCM.  Pattie’s continuing education residency at the Shalem Institute in Bethesda MD will be August 3 – August 10. The name of the course that Pattie is taking is “Clergy Spiritual Life and Leadership: Going Deeper”. This is the first of two residencies in the 16-month program which began June 1. Pattie will also be away in September when she goes to  St. John’s Abbey in Collegeville MN for a Benedictine retreat – September 21-26. Diocesan activities that have occurred during the past month include developing the  budget request  for campus ministry at WCU and the diocesan Congregational Development Commission. Pattie attended the Clergy Ember Day at Trinity/Asheville on May 27. Her clergy support group met on June 1, the diocesan Executive Council met in Asheville on June 3, and Pattie also attended the M & M conference in Asheville on June 5. Pattie has also been asked to mentor a newly ordained transitional deacon who is now working at St. George’s in Asheville.

The meeting ended with a prayer by Pattie

The next vestry meeting is Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by: Mary Ellen Montague, clerk

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Altar Flowers!

This is a good time to thank each of you who provide flowers for our altar. A new sign-up sheet has been placed on the bulletin board and it has a slight change from our old one: this one has a space for you to indicate whom you choose as a flower arranger.

Please know that Ray’s Florist is always available, but you may choose any florist you wish, or you may want to provide the arrangement yourself. In each case, please indicate beside the date you wish to donate flowers whom you have chosen to prepare the flowers. If you want Ray to do them, the green liners that fit inside our brass pots will be taken to him on the Thursday prior to the Sunday you’ve chosen. If someone else will be doing the flowers for you, you may take the liners to them or you may utilize other matching vases for your flowers. Please remember that arrangements of altar flowers should not be higher than the cross on the altar.

Also, don’t forget to let Pattie know how you would like your gift of flowers to appear in the bulletin. Thank you for your gift of flowers!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please welcome Jen Brazelton!

 As many of you know, we have recently hired Jen to staff our nursery—how wonderful it is to have children and need someone to care for them during our worship services.

Jen comes to us as a student at WCU majoring in sports management. Her home is in Raleigh, NC where, prior to entering college, she worked in the nursery at her church. She also works for Georgia Hickes and who highly recommended her to us!

We are thrilled to have Jen with us; please take a moment to introduce yourself if you haven’t had a opportunity to do so. It is wonderful that we can now say about  St. John’s, “Nursery available”!

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Mark your calendar for our annual picnic!

Marion ElBayadi has once again agreed to host our annual picnic at her home on Sunday, August 1. We will drive over immediately following our worship service. Bring a covered dish and dress casually!

Marion’s address is 1205 Monteith Branch Road—(off Skyland Drive). We’ll caravan to make sure no one gets lost!

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1^st Wednesday Potluck set for July 7

Our 1^st Wednesday Potluck Dinner for July will be held at the home of Helen Tugwell and we are celebrating the retirement of Larry Fox from public school teaching!

Please bring a covered dish; Helen is providing a meat course—enough for everyone, so if you haven’t RSVP’d, please do so!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Those Pennies in the Jar

You have seen the plastic jar in the fellowship hall with “Miles of Pennies” on the label.  But, do you really know what these pennies (or dimes, quarters, dollars, etc.) buy?

Miles of Pennies is a part of the Church Periodical Club or CPC, an independent affiliated organization of the Episcopal Church.  It depends entirely on voluntary contributions to carry out its unique ministry, which is a commitment to supply theological and educational materials in support of mission efforts around the world.

The Miles of Pennies (MOP) fund is to provide books for children pre-school to grade 12.  In addition to providing printed or taped books and related materials, MOP gives grants for the shipping costs of recycled children’s books.

So, when you put pennies (or other money) in the jar, you are in effect buying books for children as a part of the ECW mission ministry.  Imagine you and your family without books!  Hard to do, isn’t it?

Please show your support for books by placing your pennies in the jar.

Who is That Sitting Beside You in the Pew?

This is the second interview in this series.  We all know Milt Wofford as a presence on Sunday, but I’m willing to bet that we all learn something new from his interview.

Helen:  What was the best decision you ever made?

Milt:              The best decision I ever made was to marry Lucy.  She saved me from a life of bachelorhood that would have surely shortened my life, considerably.

Helen:  What is you favorite music?

Milt:  My favorite, in general, is country.  I liked Elvis and Buddy Holley.  Some of my favorites are gospel songs which, unfortunately, are not in the Episcopal Hymnal.  My #1 favorite is Amazing Grace.

Helen:  How would you spend a totally responsibility-free day?

Milt:  I spend an average of two totally responsibility-free days a week somewhere in the Smoky Mountains on a trout stream.

Helen:  What kind of niche does St. John’s fill in your life?

Milt:  St. John’s is a big part of my life.  I spend some time there just about every day, often with my toolbox.  I think it is a great little church and I am proud to be a part of it.

Helen:  What was the best surprise you ever received?

Milt:  The best surprise I ever received was my diploma from West Point.  I had no idea I could get thru, and frankly they probably agreed with me, but let me slide.

Helen:  Tell us a little about your work/career history.

Milt:  To tell you about my work history would take volumes, but suffice it to say that I spent almost 12 years in the Army, most of it in the 82^nd Airborne Division.  When I got out, I immediately went to work at Fort Bragg as a civilian.  In my spare time, I served on the Fayetteville City Council for six years, the Public Works Commission for eight years, and the NC ElectriCities Board of Directors for three years.  I retired with about 46 years of government service, and made the second best decision of my life to move to Sylva.

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Late Breaking News!

St. John’s Garden will this year be a part of the Fourth Annual Jackson County Farm Tour, Sunday, July 11 from 1pm to 5pm! Featuring fifteen local farms and gardens, the 2010 Farm Tour is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to get an inside glimpse of local food sources, grean advice from experienced farmers and gardeners, and learn how to create a variety of productive landscapes in mountain ecosystems, both small spaces and large.

Let’s plan to put up the tent and provide lemonade and cookies for our guests.

Participants can by a pass and map for the tour at the Jackson Co. Farmers Market (9am – noon) on Saturday, July 3 and July 10 and anytime at Spring St. Café: one-day pass is $20; two-day pass is $30 per car.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

News from Lake Logan

Are you looking for a way to have fun and help Lake Logan at the same time?  Look no further!  Retreats for a Retreat II - a diocesan-wide celebration of our beloved camp and conference center, will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 29.  This year, instead of one party, we decided to have four!  Held from 4 to 6pm, they will be in downtown Asheville, Blowing Rock, Highlands and Shelby.  All four will share the same $75 ticket to enter, the same grand prize and the same silent auction items.
 
Tickets for this fabulous event are now available through Lake Logan (cherylsmith@lakelogan.org, 828-646-0095).  Each ticket gains admission for one to a party and a chance to win our grand prize - a week (one of four designated) at a gorgeous home in the Florida Keys.  This fabulous 4-bedroom house in Islamorada, Florida has its own dock, pool, fantastic views and sleeps 8 people - the perfect site for a four-couple house party.  The day of the party, a multi-site silent auction with at least ten more retreats will be held, giving participants even more opportunities to win the retreat of their dreams. 
 
The Asheville Retreats II party will be held in the Century Room at Pack's Tavern, adjacent to the new Pack Square Park.  Each party will feature cocktails and delicious food, and the Asheville party will even have live music, contributed by Frazier Worth and the Honeybees.  Thanks to the generosity of several of Lake Logan's Advisory Board who are covering the costs of these parties, every dollar earned through ticket sales will go directly and equally toward the Lake Logan Annual Fund and the debt reduction campaign. 
 
We would like to note a few changes from last year's tickets:
·        Ticket Price has come down from $100 to $75 per ticket.
·        Ticket admits ONE person to the party, vs. two last year.
 
For more information, and to check out the details of the silent auction items available for bid the day of the party, please visit the Lake Logan website www.lakelogan.org.  Thank you so much for all the support you have given and continue to give to our fundraising projects. 
 

July 2010 Ministries

Sunday, July 4:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Bobbie Capps

                                    Helen Tugwell

Altar Guild:                        Lora and Jim Mount  

Usher:                         Jim Mount

Hospitality:            Larry Fox and Ken Cabe

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Sunday, July 11:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Marie Bingham

Lectors:                         Barbara Goldstein

                                    Helen Tugwell

Altar Guild:                        Martha Chovan

Bobby Capps

Usher:                         Milt Wofford

Hospitality:            William and Martha Chovan

Organist:                         Ken Cabe

Sunday, July 18:

Crucifer:                         David Scales

Lectors:                         Jane Eastman

                                    Steve Queen

Altar Guild:                        Marion ElBayadi

Lucy Wofford

Usher:                         Jim Nicholl

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Larry Fox

Sunday, July 25:

Crucifer:                         Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Jim Nicholl

                                    Kathy Nicholl  

Altar Guild:                        Marie Bingham

Jane Eastman

Usher:                         David Scales

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Pattie has been asked by one of the deacons in our diocese to provide a list of the names and email addresses of anyone in our parish who would be willing to work on identifying needs in our community. These people will be paired with a facilitator to help them go through a process of identifying the needs and ways to address those needs. The information they gather will be compiled and discussed with the delegates at our next diocesan convention in November. If you would like more information or would be interested in identifying needs in our community, please contact Pattie at phcinnyc@yahoo.com. Thank you!

St. John's ECW will meet Monday, May 17 at noon in the Parish Hall. Please bring a sandwich or salad and join us. Dessert is provided.

The Mindfulness Meditation Group will meet this Tuesday, May 11 at 12:05 in the Parish Hall. the group will be reading Manifesting God by Thomas Keating.

Vestry Minutes

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The Vestry met in the Rodda Room of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 9:00 am on April 22, 2010. In attendance along with the rector, Pattie Curtis, were Marie Bingham, Mary Ellen Montague, Larry Tiner, Milt Wofford, and Helen Tugwell.

The rector opened the meeting with a prayer.

The agenda was approved.

The March 2010 vestry minutes were approved with changes (Marie Bingham, junior warden, not Milt Wofford, senior warden, will see to the repairs on the Hastings House.) The motion to approve was proposed by Milt, and seconded by Marie.

The Treasurer’s Report was approved. Proposed by Milt and seconded by Marie.

The "Close the Gap Campaign" report was given by the treasurer.

Old Business:

The Hastings House: Milt Wofford, senior warden, gave a report of the status of the Hastings house which we are happy to announce is now rented. The vestry gave a big thank you to Milt for taking care of this project for us.

Marie Bingham, junior warden, gave her report which included an estimate for plumbing repairs needed at the Hastings House. Marie was asked to get a second estimate and report to the vestry at its May meeting.

Helen Tugwell and Marie Bingham reported on the estimate that they have received for needed structural repairs and exterior painting needed on the Hastings House.

An offer was given to paint and repair the back porch of the Hastings House but a decision was not made at this time.

Garden Project: Pattie read a letter from the Human Hurt and Hope Fund announcing that St. John’s had received their grant for the garden project.  The letter is posted on the parish hall bulletin board. Milt and Larry reported on the completion of the garden’s split rail fence and garden beds. A thank you was made for all of their hard work.  Pattie gave a report on the upcoming publicity for Sunday, May 2^nd organic vegetable garden work day to be handled by Lucy Wofford. Thanks also to Jennie Ashlock for her gift of a wrought iron garden bench.

Safeguarding God’s Children:  Information was given by Pattie to vestry members who are expected to complete an online workshop called "Safeguarding God’s Children."

Greening Up the Mountains Festival:  St. John’s will have a booth on Saturday April 24th at the downtown Sylva street festival. The vestry discussed the advisability of continuing this project.

New Business:

Yard Service:  The vestry voted to continue the lawn service provided by Fred Sutton.

Children and Youth: The parish is required to have a written policy for Children and Youth. Pattie gave the vestry a model policy drafted by the diocese for review before the May vestry meeting. The vestry will review the model policy and discuss and adopt a policy at the next vestry meeting.

The vestry discussed the need for help with our happily growing nursery and youth groups. It was proposed by Marie, seconded by Larry and passed by the members that we hire a helper for Sunday mornings from 10:30am to 12:30am for $10 an hour. The vestry wishes to give a special thanks to Beth Jones and those members of the congregation who are giving their time downstairs during the Sunday morning worship service.

Policy on Gifts: A parishioner who wishes to remain anonymous asked the vestry for permission to give a new refrigerator to the church.  A discussion followed on the policy of the church regarding gifts. Helen reported that the church had received a copy of a diocesan policy. Pattie will check on this and report to the vestry at the next meeting. Marie proposed that we accept the gift of a new white refrigerator, Larry seconded the motion, and the vestry accepted this very kind and thoughtful gift.

The Rector’s Report:  Pattie reported that Holy Week/Easter services were wonderful and added a big thank you to the Altar guild, the Choir, organists and musicians and everyone who attended and also worked to make these services rich and meaningful.   There were about 20 people at each of the Holy Week services and our Easter Sunday attendance was 78.  Pattie also reported that our average Sunday attendance is now regularly in the upper 40s.  

Erin McCully is now helping with the website and Martha Chovan is helping with the weekly Sunday bulletins.  Helen Tugwell is interviewing our newcomers for the monthly newsletters.

Pattie encouraged each of the vestry members to attend this year’s Mission and Ministry Conference on June 5 at First Baptist Church in Asheville. Information about registration is on the diocesan website and in our parish hall.

There were 8 pastoral visits this month.  

The baptism of Liam Scales is scheduled for May 23 (Pentecost).  Richard and Helen Jones have transferred their membership to St. John’s from St. James/Hendersonville.

The meeting ended with a prayer by Pattie.

The next vestry meeting is Thursday, May 20th at 9am.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ellen Montague, clerk

Memorial Garden Update

            The small memorial nameplate for Ten “Ham” Hamilton has been affixed to the large Living Memorial Plaque near the entrance to the garden.  The nameplate denotes memorials were given to the garden in loving memory of Ten.

            Although we had a very cold winter, most of the trees, shrubs and plants in the garden have survived and are bursting forth with new growth.  The spring flowers have been bright and colorful this year.

            Early in the season, Mike Fox and crew trimmed the flowering cherry trees, holly trees, and the Chinese Elm.  They also pruned a dogwood tree in the garden which needed to be reshaped.  Mike will continue to monitor the hemlock hedge surrounding the garden for any signs of wooly adeligid.  Thanks to his continued monitoring, we have been able to control these pests.

            Skip Karby, owner of Mountain Lake And Pond Management recently installed a new pond master pump in our water feature.  He also cleaned out the water feature and replaced rocks which had been dislodged into the pond.  Including his discount, the cost was a total of $450.  This included $300 for the pump and $150 for labor.  He stated we were fortunate to get nine years service from the original one because water feature pumps usually last three to four years.  He attributes this to our good care which includes running the pump continuously which it is designed to do; and to regular maintenance.  He cautioned that children should never be around the water feature without adult supervision. Skip had built the water feature and installed the pump in 2001.  Ross Ring gave it as a memorial in loving memory of his wife, Ann who died in September of 2001.

            The most recent memorials planted in the garden include three red rose bushes in memory of Eileen Dillard, and a variety of tulips and daffodils in memory of Audrey Cox and Leah Heinz.  Two small pencil holly bushes were added to the pet memorial area by Lucy and Milt Wofford.

            Memorial Garden Committee members have started spring maintenance work in all areas of the garden.  New pine bark mulch has been added to the azalea garden near the office, and around the flowering cherry trees.  The ivy and honeysuckle hedge on the fence near the small gate has been trimmed.  Strong winds had blown over the butterfly bush near the waterfall.  It has now been anchored and secured into the ground.  Other trimming and weeding has been completed.  We will continue to “spruce up” as the need arises.  If you would like to help, please call 586-6475 to let us know.

            We appreciate those who contribute to the garden fund for upkeep and maintenance.  Thank you.

Memorial Garden Committee

Bobbie Capps, Chair

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Let’s have a Garden Party !!

Twelve beds have been installed in the St. John’s Vegetable Garden and they are partially filled with good soil. Weather permitting, we are planning a Garden Party/Work Day on Sunday, May 2 following our worship service. Bring your gardening clothes and/or garden gloves. We’ll complete filling the beds with soil and plant a few seeds and seedlings!

Community Children’s Chorus

ends their first season with a concert

The Sylva Community Children's Chorus Concertwill be held on Sunday, May 16th at Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy at 2:30 pm.   The public is invited!

The Chorus will perform a program including "How Can I Keep From Singing" (a traditional Quaker song arranged by Ginger Littleton), "Alleuia" by W.A. Mozart, "Shine On Me" (a spiritual arranged by Rollo Dilworth), and others.

The Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy is located next door to St. John's (in the old Post Office building).

Everyone is invited to the reception following the concert in the parish hall at the St. John’s.

The Sylva Community Children’s Chorus has just completed their first year at St. John’s and the children have had a fabulous time! The group is co-directed by parish members Ann Tiner, who holds a Bachelors of Music degree in Organ Performance and has extensive experience in directing children's choirs, and Erin McCully, a National Board Certified teacher with five years of experience and a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Music Education.

If you know someone who would like to be in this chorus next year, please contact Ann or Erin. Girls in 3rd-12th grade and boys in 3rd-9th grade (with unchanged voices) are invited to sing with us. The chorus meets each Wednesday, 5pm – 6pm. in the Parish Hall of St. John’s.

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First Wednesday Potluck

May 5 @ 5:30pm

Cinco de Mayo Celebration!

Our potluck will have a Mexican theme—so bring your favorite recipe from south of the border and please join us for a fun dinner! Our guest will be Brian Cooper, estate and financial planner and he will talk to us about “Things to Think About Before It’s Too Late.” Mark your calendar!

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Good news about our

Children’s Sunday School

As you have noticed, our children’s Sunday School and nursery have grown tremendously this year. We now have 11 children in Sunday School and/or the nursery and we need your help finding someone to help with the nursery and the toddlers each Sunday morning from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm.  The person we hire will need to submit to a background check and complete “Safeguarding God’s Children”,  our diocesan training for all adults who work with children in our parishes. If you know someone who would be a good candidate, please contact Pattie for more information.

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Who’s That Sharing Your Sunday Pew?

By Helen Tugwell

In the first of what I plan to be many, I am interviewing David Scales.  We know David as husband of Roya and father of Liam.  In this series of interviews, I am attempting to discover more about members of St. John’s who share the pews with us on Sunday.

Helen:  What do you hope to accomplish over the next ten years?

David:  Apart from a regular sleep schedule, I’m looking forward to finishing off the dissertation and gainful employment at a university somewhere (preferably WCU). Also, I’m trying to be the best daddy I can be.

Helen:  Describe yourself in one word.

David:  “Hmmm. . .”

Helen:  How would you like to be remembered?

David:  A good father, a great husband, and America’s foremost authority on both rock music and science fiction.

Helen:  Do you have a favorite kind of music, and if so, what is it?

David:  I like most everything.  All I ask is that it have some degree of originality and some kind of basis in something identifiable.  Nothing sounds better than two guitars, a bass and a drum kit pounding out a pop hook like the Beatles or R.E.M. do.

Helen:  When do you feel happiest?

David:  Watching Liam go to sleep on my shoulder, watching Roya go to sleep on my other shoulder, or watching a new DVD release of Doctor Who.  It doesn’t take much to make me happy.

Helen:  If your house were on fire, what one thing (other than each other and Liam) would you save?

David:  It would have to be two things:  Queenie the dog and Pogo the cat.  Afterwards, the DVD collection and the photo albums.  After that, the external hard drive for my laptop.  I’m not losing my dissertation to a stupid little house fire.

Helen:  People would be surprised to learn. . . about me.

David:  I’m usually very uncomfortable in a room full of people and can be very introverted in those situations.  I have a hearing loss in my right ear, so rooms full of people sound almost like white noise to me.

Helen:  What one person do you admire most?

David:  Apart from Roya, you mean?  That’s a really long list.  I guess I’d have to say the author Douglas Adams, the musician Robyn Hitchcock, or Ric Luecht, a professor in my department at UNCG.

Helen:  If there anything else you would like to share about yourself, please do so.

David:  I’m going to live forever or die trying to, just like Yossarian from the book, Catch-22.

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Who’s That Sharing Your Sunday Pew? (Part Two, Roya)

By Helen Tugwell

Helen: What do you hope to accomplish over the next ten years?

Roya: As a professor, I aim for promotion and tenure. As a wife and mother, I hope to continue to nurture our family and spend quality time with my husband and son. Achieving balance so that my job doesn't consume me is always a challenge! As a parishoner, I plan to become increasingly more involved in the church (and thus the community) as I find that balance.

Helen: Describe yourself in one word?

Roya: Determined.

Helen: How would you like to be remembered?

Roya: As a good and kindhearted person! Loving, devoted wife and mother, as well as a good teacher and prolific researcher who made a difference in the field of teacher education.
 
 Helen: Do you have a favorite kind of music, and if so, what is it?

Roya: I have eclectic tastes in music. Radiohead and U2 are my current faves.

Helen: When do you feel happiest?

Roya:  Snuggling on the sofa with Liam and Dave!

Helen: If your house were on fire, what one thing (other than each other and Liam) would you save?

Roya:  Probably the wedding pictures. I'm assuming the pets would follow us out the door.

Helen: People would be surprised to learn . . . about me.

Roya:  I tend to second-guess myself and my abilities. I suppose everyone does that. Hmmm... Something funny: I cannot cook using a crockpot. I've had to throw out everything I've tried to make in it.

Helen: What one person do you admire most?

Roya: My Granny, Betty Ross Qualls Greene. Granny died several years ago, but she was like a mom to me. My Granny loved me unconditionally and I miss her every day. Granny went from working in a mill to earning her beautician's license to being the president of a business owners association. She worked extremely hard and had a strong sense of family.

Helen: If there is anything else you would like to share about yourself, please do so.

Roya: I am still trying to fit into the community here and want to feel more at home by becoming more involved with the community.

May 2010 Ministries

Sunday, May 2:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Marie Bingham

Lectors:                         Lucy Wofford

                                    Steve Queen

Altar Guild:                        Marie Bingham

Jane Eastman

Usher:                                     Milt Wofford

Hospitality:                        Jim and Lora Mount

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Sunday, May 9:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Sue Ellen Bridgers

Lectors:                         Helen Tugwell

                                    Jane Eastman

Altar Guild:                        Lora Mount/Jim Mount 

Usher:                                     Jim Mount

Hospitality:            need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Ken Cabe

Sunday, May 16:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Sue Ellen Bridgers

                                    Barbara Goldstein

Altar Guild:                        Martha Chovan

Bobbie Capps 

Usher:                                     Jim Nicholl

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer

Organist:                         Larry Fox

Sunday, May 23:

Crucifer:                         Marie Bingham

Lectors:                         The Scales Family  

Altar Guild:                        Marion ElBayadi

Lucy Wofford 

Usher:                                     Milt Wofford

Hospitality:                        Scales’ Baptism reception

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Sunday, May 30:

Crucifer:                         Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Kathy Nicholl

                                    Jim Nicholl

Altar Guild:                        Marie Bingham

Jane Eastman 

Usher:                                     David Scales

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

The Mission and Ministry Conference will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2010 at First Baptist Church in Asheville from 9 am to 4 pm. The theme of this year's conference is "Reconciliation." Registration can be completed on the diocesan website. (Link: http://www.diocesewnc.org/) Information about morning and afternoon workshops is in the Parish Hall. The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland will be the keynote speaker. This diocesan conference is always a good one and a great chance to connect with other parishes in our diocese.

The Sylva Community Children's Chorus Concert will be held on Sunday, May 16th at Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy at 2:30 pm. The public is invited!

The Chorus will perform a program including "How Can I Keep From Singing" (a traditional Quaker song arranged by Ginger Littleton), "Alleuia" by W.A. Mozart, "Shine On Me" (a spiritual arranged by Rollo Dilworth), and others.

The Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy is next door to St. John's (in the old Post Office building).

Everyone is invited to attend the reception afterwards in the parish hall at the church.

The Mindfulness Meditation Group meets Tuesday, April 27 at 12:05 pm in the parish hall.

Next Sunday, May 2, following our church service all are invited to spend some time in our new vegetable garden. The beds will be in place and filled with good soil. You're invited to help plant seeds and seedlings if you'd like, so bring your gardening clothes, gloves, and hat (or wear them to church!). If your gardening skills tend more toward appreciation of the handiwork of others, bring a lawn chair and sip lemonade with us! See you there!

Clean out your closet and donate your denim!

Now through April 30, the WCU Interior Design Club (of which our own Jessie D. is a member!) will be collecting your old jeans  to be recycled into insulation for homes. All colors, conditions, and types of denim accepted. We will have a large box in the Parish Hall to collect all those old worn-out jeans!

The WCU Interior Design Club is working in conjunction with Build It Naturally of Asheville. Build it Naturally specializes in natural, non-toxic, recycled and renewable building and interior design elements. Their vision is to bring sustainability and healthy living indoors to your home or business. They accomplish this vision by offering healthy, safe, durable, long-lasting, and GREEN building materials. Check out their website at www.builditnaturally.com

We will celebrate Cinco de Mayo, so our potluck will have a Mexican theme. Please bring your favorite recipe from south of the border and join us on May 5 at 5:30 pm.

Vestry Minutes

February 18, 2010

The Vestry met in the Rodda Room of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 5:30 pm on February 18, 2010. In attendance along with the rector Pattie Curtis were Marie Bingham, Mary Ellen Montague, Larry Tiner, Helen Tugwell, and Milt Wofford.

The rector opened the meeting with a prayer.

The meeting’s agenda and the January vestry minutes were approved.

An amendment to the December, 2009 vestry minutes passed. Proposed by Milt, and seconded by Helen

The Treasurer, Larry Tiner,  will send his January Treasurer’s report by email as soon as possible.

Old Business:

The sale of the Oakwood lot was completed on January 3, 2010. Milt proposed that $9000 from the sale of the Oakwood lot be sent to the diocese to honor our Lake Logan pledge. Seconded by Helen and passed by the vestry.

The Hastings House will be vacant by May 1.

The status of the ad hoc committee to investigate the best use of the Hastings property is incomplete. Pattie reported that a group, The Communication Therapies, Inc., is interested in renting the property. The vestry discussed the rents, repairs and renovations that would need to be made to rent or lease the house for business use.

Pattie and Milt gave an update on the license agreement and insurance needed for the proposed garden plot located on property owned by the First Citizen’s Bank.

The Vestry is waiting for the diocesan committee to set up the website for "Safeguarding God’s Children." A program that is required of all members of the vestry. Pattie announced that another program will be required for vestry members on sexual harassment and human relationships.

Helen proposed that we send the $120 collected for Haiti to the Episcopal Relief Fund. Seconded by Milt and passed.

The 2010 budget was approved, three “yes” and two “no”. Pattie and Milt will write a letter to all parishioners regarding the deficit, asking those who are able to consider increasing their 2010 pledge.

Helen and Marie reported on research into using a different pest control company whose fee is less than we currently pay Terminix. No action taken. (Is this correct, Vestry?)

New Business:

The 2009 Parochial report was approved and signed. Moved by Helen and 2^nd by Marie.

Pattie asked Helen to write "getting to know you" interviews for the newsletter of our new parishioners. 

The time was changed for the monthly vestry meetings to the 3^rd Thursdays at 10AM. The time change will not take effect until the April vestry meeting.

The vestry approved $25 to meet the expenses of the church’s booth at the upcoming  “Greening Up the Mountains” Festival,  April 24^th.

The Rector’s Report:

Claire helped sort thru many boxes to gather vestry minutes over the last 10 years. We’ve kept them separate and will file them in their own box. Claire is leaving; she has a teaching job for the remainder of the school year.  A Lenten book study begins February 21^st using Barbara Brown Taylor’s most recent book, An Altar in the World.

Pattie met with Jennie on Feb 2 regarding stewardship and also met with Ann Tiner, Larry Fox and Ken Cabe to plan Lent, Holy Week and Easter services.

Wednesday night potluck continues to get interesting speakers and a good crowd. The  sign-up sheet is working well; people are volunteering for set-up and clean-up.

There were 12 pastoral visits over the last month.

Baptisms have been scheduled for  Mac Custer April 4 (Easter) and for Liam Scales May 23 (Pentecost).

In her diocesan activities Pattie has completed her two years with Fresh Start. She has now has begun her 3-yr. term on the diocesan Executive Council to which she was elected at last year’s diocesan convention.  She also serves on the Congregational Development Commission and the taskforce for Small Churches and the Advisory Board for the Centers for Christian Studies at the cathedral.

The meeting ended with a prayer by Pattie. The next vestry meeting is March 18^th at 5:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Ellen Montague, Clerk

Vestry Minutes

Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Vestry met in the Rodda Room of St. John’s Episcopal Church at 5:30 pm on March 18, 2010. In attendance along with the rector Pattie Curtis were Marie Bingham, Mary Ellen Montague, Larry Tiner and MiltWofford.  Helen Tugwell absent

The rector opened the meeting with a prayer.

The agenda was approved.

The motion passed to approve the February minutes; proposed by MiltWofford, and seconded by Marie Bingham.  

Treasurer’s Report

The January and February Treasurer’s reports (received viaemail) wereapproved. Proposed by Milt and seconded by Marie.  The treasurer gave a report on the church’s assets: The checking account balance, as of February 28, was $28, 254 and endowment fund balance was $88,085.

Milt suggested that the $9000 check given by St John’s to the Lake Logan Capital Campaign(proceeds from the sale of the Oakwood lot)   be presented on Palm Sundayat the brunch at Lake Logan. Pictures will be taken of the presentation.  To address the 2010 budget deficit of $11,558, a "Close the Gap" letter wassent to the parishioners asking for those who haven’t pledged to do so and those who can to increase their pledges.

Old Business:

Hastings House:  Milt gave a report on the status of efforts to rent the Hastings House. Milt has advertised and shown the house several times and has good prospects for a May/June occupancy.  We are asking $1200 per month. Renters will be responsible for their utilities which run about $400 per month. We are asking for the first and last month’s rent to be paid in advance to secure the lease. Several repairs will be needed before occupancy.(Windows leak air, water pressure low, may need to replace pipes.) Milt will see to those repairs

GardenProject:  An update on the garden plot use of First Citizen’s property behind the Memorial Garden was given by Pattiewho has written a grant asking for $2100 from Human Hurt and Hope foundation of the diocese. She expects an answer to her request after the Executive Council meets on Thursday, April 8^th.  Milt is awaiting the signed agreement for the use of the property by First Citizens Bank. He has been assured by email that it is signed.

The vestry passed a recommendation to proceed with the vegetable garden using a portion of the $750 set aside in the budget for the project. Proposed by Mary Ellen and seconded by Milt.

Milt will research appropriate types of fencing for the area, and wire for tomato cages willbe purchased by Ann and Larry Tinerand Ken Cabeusing these budgeted funds. They are currently researching sources for the best types of soil and compost for this organic garden.

Safeguarding God’s Children: We are still awaiting instruction on how to proceed with the required course for vestry members called "Safeguarding God’s Children."

New Business

Registration has been made for St. John’s booth at the "Greening up the Mountains" festival April 24^th. Cookies, cupcakes, coffee, punch and plants will be some of the items donated for sale by our volunteer staffers on that day.

Rector’s Report:

Pattie reported that Erin McCully will begin helping with the website; Mary Ellen will help with the newsletter; she is still looking for someone to help with bulletins—Martha Chovan might be able to and others have offered assistance.

Repairing the Breach: Ann  Tiner and Art and Judy Pilch are St. John’s representatives: Pattie will also be attending the training session in Asheville this Saturday, March 20.

Garden Project: Pattie met this week with Ann Tiner and Ken Cabe regarding the garden; many seeds and seedlings are being donated to us. Ann and Ken are currently researching sources for compost and soil for the beds. Because we will not know whether we have been awarded the $2100 in grant funds until April 8, they discussed what efforts they could do now to be ready to go once word is received about the grant.

Pastoral care:  Pattie made 13 pastoral calls during this past month. Also, baptisms this spring are scheduled and she met with the Custer’s and the godparents of Mac Custer in preparation of Mac’s April 4 (Easter) baptism. Liam Scales, son of Roya and David Scales, will be baptized on May 23 (Pentecost).

Pattie reported on the many new faces at St. John’s since January : Carolyn Toole; Currie and Kelly Custer; Bob and Martha Kent and their daughter, Jessica Kent Ange and her son, Eason; and Robert and Helen Johnson. We welcome each of them into our St. John’s family.

Campus ministry: Pattie attended a meeting of campus ministers on Mar 10 at the bishop’s office to discuss the direction of all campus ministries in our diocese.

The meeting closed with a prayer.The next vestry meeting will be at a new time Thursday, April 22 @ 9:00am.

Respectfully submitted, Mary Ellen Montague

St. John’s Episcopal Church Women’s Meeting

March 15, 2010

Sue Ellen Bridgers, President, brought the meeting to order and called on Helen Tugwell for devotions. Helen read a prayer from the book, “What She Said,” which honors women in the Bible.

The minutes of the January 18, 2010 meeting were accepted as presented in the Eagle with one correction. The treasurer reported one disbursement of $60 for tables for the yard sale on April 10^th. The ending balance was $3,046.69.

Helen, serving as the chairman for the Hospitality Committee, explained that for each activity, e.g., baptisms, receptions, etc., a sign-up sheet will be provided indicating the food and related needs. All church women will be encouraged to participate and in this way no one will need to be involved all of the time.

Referring to those who have been ill, Ann Hudson and Ashley Osment were especially remembered.

The need for helpers to assist Beth Jones in the nursery was revisited. It was felt that for now there are enough helpers available. We will continue to monitor this need and the need for more toys and materials.

Bobbie Capps reporting on our Village Outreach family, said that the social worker felt we should continue with the same family through the first half of 2010. Depending on their progress, we may then consider a new family to assist.

All of the arrangements are in place for the Custer Baptism on Easter. The Scales Baptism will take place on May 23^rd.

A discussion followed regarding the ECW yard sale to be held on Saturday April 10^th  as part of a larger sale at the Ramsey Building on the WCU Campus. Two tables, A25 and 26, have been reserved for the ECW. No clothing or shoes will be accepted and other items should be clean and usable. The items can be brought to the church anytime and will be stored in Rodda Room until they are taken to Ramsey or they may be taken directly to Ramsey after 5:00 p.m. on April 9^th. No items will be priced less than 25 cents. If possible, items should be brought already priced. The sale will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10^th. Salespeople, baggers, cashiers, and gophers will be needed during this time.

Bobbie announced that luminaires to support the Cancer Relay Team may be purchased from team members, Bobbie Capps, Helen Tugwell, or Martha Chovan. The Relay will take place on June 4^th this year.

In other business, it was announced that the Episcopal Church Women’s Spring Meeting will be held on April 29, 2010, at St. James Episcopal Church in Black Mountain. The cost is $20.00, due by April 15^th. Registration forms are available.

The remainder of the meeting was devoted to a discussion, led by Sue Ellen, of Eve taken from the book, Sarah Laughed. Marie Bingham will be the facilitator at the May meeting for the discussion of Hagar and Miriam.   

$56 was collected for United Christian Ministries.

The next meeting of the ECW will be on Monday, May 17, 2010, at noon. Judy Pilch will be the hostess.

Respectfully submitted,   Martha Chovan

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News Flash!!!

In case you haven’t heard, we have a new tenant at the Hastings House. Tammy ____ moved in the last week of March. If you see her, please take a moment to introduce yourself and welcome her to the neighborhood.

The house was once again leased for one year at a rate of $1200 per month. Thanks to Milt Wofford and Marie Bingham for working so hard to find a new tenant so quickly following Lesley Jackson’s departure!

St. John’s Garden Project

is becoming a reality!

Community Children’s Chorus

has begun at St. John’s

A new community chorus for children has begun at St. John’s and the response has been tremendous! The group is co-directed by parish members Ann Tiner, who holds a Bachelors of Music degree in Organ Performance and has extensive experience in directing children's choirs, and Erin McCully, a National Board Certified teacher with five years of experience and a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Music Education.

If you know someone who would like to be in this chorus, please contact Ann or Erin. Girls in 3rd-12th grade and boys in 3rd-9th grade (with unchanged voices) are invited to sing with us. The chorus meets each Wednesday, 5pm – 6pm. For more information, please contact Ann Tiner (828-226-1885 or Tiner85@aol.com) or Erin McCully (803-381-6454 or ELMcCully@gmail.com).

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April 2010 Ministries

Sunday, April 4

Chalice/Crucifer:             Sue Ellen Bridgers

Lectors:                         The Custer Family

Altar Guild:                        Marie Bingham

             Jane Eastman

Usher:                         Jim Nicholl

Hospitality:                        Reception for baptism

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Sunday, April 11:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Marie Bingham

Lectors:                         Kathy Nicholl and  

          Jim Nicholl

Altar Guild:                        Lora Mount/Jim Mount 

Usher:                         Jim Mount

Hospitality:            need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Ken Cabe

Sunday, April 18:

Chalice/Crucifer:             Sue Ellen Bridgers

Lectors:                         Martha Chovan and

                                    William Chovan

Altar Guild:                        Martha Chovan

Bobbie Capps 

Usher:                         Milt Wofford

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer

Organist:                         Larry Fox

Sunday, April 25

Crucifer:                         Jane Eastman

Lectors:                         Helen Tugwell

                                    Lucy Wofford

Altar Guild:                        Marion ElBayadi

Lucy Wofford 

Usher:                         David Scales

Hospitality:                        need a volunteer!

Organist:                         Ann Tiner

Ministries for Holy Week and Easter Sunday:

Maundy Thursday ( April 1 @ 5:30pm)

Chalice/Crucifer                        Marie Bingham

Lectors            Jim Nicholl and Kathy Nicholl

Good Friday (April 2 @9:00am)

Chalice/Crucifer                        Sue Ellen Bridgers

Lectors            Lucy Wofford and Marie Bingham

The Great Vigil of Easter (Saturday, April 3 at 7pm)

Chalice/Crucifer                        Jane Eastman

Lectors            Marie Bingham and Barbara Goldstein

Easter Day (and the Baptism of Mac Custer)

Chalice/Crucifer                        Sue Ellen Bridgers

Lectors                                    Custer family

If someone would like to volunteer to set up and/clean up afterwards, there is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.There will be no speaker or program this month--simply a good time sharing dinner with friends...bring a covered dish and bring a friend!