The Big Questions Group has started back and will meet every other Monday (so March 6, 20, April 3, etc.) 5:30pm at Eluvium Brewing in Weaverville, which has a full dinner menu. This series will be focused on Community: What is it? And how do we know if it’s good? We’ll be using a great study entitled, Called to Community. (Check it out HERE.)
Anyone’s welcome to join the conversation!
Blankets & Coats Donation Drive
Our local charity, ABCCM North, will be collecting blankets and coats to help the elderly, families with children, and veterans in our area stay warm through the winter.
Place any items you would like to donate in the box provided by ABCCM, which has been placed outside the elevator on the first floor.
Leaving a Legacy that Lasts – Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6:00 pm
During our weekly Bible study time on January 25, we will hear from guest speaker Allen Schuyler, a representative from the North Carolina Baptist Foundation. He’ll talk about how people can leave a lasting legacy that prepares for their future and helps build God’s kingdom through intentional estate planning. He’ll share advice for making a family legacy plan, with practical actions and helpful ways to set up your will and estate. All are welcome.
Ordination Service for Regina Johnson – Saturday, Jan. 7, 2:00 pm
Please join us for a special service as we ordain Regina to the gospel ministry. It was a meaningful time of worship and an opportunity to encourage Regina as she continues her calling to minister.
The New Church Directory is Ready!
The hard copy version of the new church directory is finally complete!
Contact the church office for a link to download your own copy of the PDF version for free. And professionally printed copies can be purchased from Regina for $25 apiece.
The online version is available at all times and can be accessed and updated using your own individual sign-in. The advantage of using the online version is that it will be more up-to-date and contains additional information. The online version has lists of our current deacons, committees, and teams. So, if you find yourself wondering who is serving this year or who the head of a committee or team is, find out from the directory! However, since this information changes yearly it will not be included in printed versions.
Also, if you access the information using the app on your phone, you can contact someone directly by clicking the phone number or email for that person right in the app. No need to dial in their information or save each person's information in your phone contact list. Very convenient.
New technology can be confusing, so please don't hesitate to reach out to Regina for help.
Car Sales and Repairs for Those in Need
Imagine how difficult your life would be without a car. Working Wheels repairs and recycles donated vehicles, transforming them into working wheels for working families. The process is simple, the donation is tax-deductible, and the impact is real. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.workingwheelswnc.org or call 828-633-6888.
“I’ve been working on getting back on my feet after an abusive relationship. This car makes my employment and housing possible. I can’t thank Working Wheels enough for their help with making sure my kids and I have a safe vehicle. Also, to the donor who selflessly donated this vehicle, you’ve touched our hearts and helped my sons and I so much! Thank you!”
-- Brittney, referred by Helpmate
Creative and Helpful Ways to Give
With the recent rise in inflation and interest rates, people are getting creative about supporting ministries they care about. There might be less cash leftover after groceries are bought these days, so some people opt to donate stocks. Donating stocks directly to one’s church makes an immediate impact on the church’s mission while also saving cash for current living needs. It also allows people to benefit during tax season: if you itemize deductions, you can take a charitable deduction for the entire donation and avoid paying the capital gains tax—allowing you to give and save at the same time. Just call our administrative assistant Debbie Sprinkle in the church office, and she can walk you through the process.
Another tax-savvy way to support the work of churches is through IRA gifts. Anyone who is 70 ½ or older can donate directly from their IRA accounts. This immediately helps support the church and helps save money on your taxes in the process. For anyone who is 72 or older, IRA gifts also help you meet the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—the legal amount you must withdraw from your retirement assets. (The Cooperative Baptist Foundation has a helpful online tool here for calculating one’s RMD, learning more about potential savings, and creating a gift that will have an eternal impact.)
Christmas Treat Bags for Inmates and Staff
The holidays are especially hard on prison inmates. We will once again provide items for Christmas treat bags for inmates and staff at Craggy Prison. Please put any contributions in the designated box in the Fellowship Hall by Sunday, December 18.
Only store bought boxes of items like cookies, cakes, candy, gum, bags of nuts, etc. are allowed. All food items must come from a vendor or store in their original packaging. No fresh or dried fruit including raisins. Please strictly follow those guidelines. *Easy items to pick up are Little Debbie cakes, brownies, and cookies.* This is a wonderful opportunity to express to the inmates that they have not been forgotten and that God does indeed love and care for them.
Celebrate An Appalachian Christmas
Create wonderful Christmas memories as we present Appalachian Consort on Friday, December 16th, 7 pm. Experience a special evening of hearing and singing traditional Christmas carols with the unique stylings of this superb musical ensemble.
Appalachian Consort is a group of four accomplished musicians who are proficient in a diversity of styles and genres. Playing music with Appalachian mountain roots, they regularly perform at a variety of events and venues, including the Mountain Music Festival, Shindig on the Green, and the Mountain Dance & Folk Festival. Appalachian Consort works to preserve the rich heritage of music found in our coves and valleys, showcasing the beauty of the blend of cultures from which it has evolved. To hear a sampling of the group’s recorded music, visit their website here.
Mark Clevenger - hammered dulcimer
Leonard Hollifield - guitar
Josie Moe - violin and vocals
Lee Metcalf - double bass
This event is free and the community is encouraged to participate.
Last Call for Photos
Wednesday, November 30 is the last day to submit your individual or family photos if you want them included in the church directory. You may submit your photos in person or by email to Regina. In December Regina will have printed copies available for those interested. Online access to the directory is available at all times here. If you need help learning how to access the online directory just let Regina know. We understand that many people do not like having their pictures taken or displayed. We appreciate your willingness to share these photos with your church family so our new friends can have an easier time learning whose face goes with what name. Pictures do not need to be professional; any recent clear photo is sufficient.
ABCCM Christmas Angel Program
ABCCM has begun taking applications for assistance through the 2022 Christmas Angel program and are in search of volunteers to sponsor families and/or assist at their Christmas Shop. Individuals or groups can adopt a specific family to shop for or can buy general gifts for designated age groups and donate them to ABCCM to be distributed as needed. To see a list of families and toy suggestions, visit their website here. If anyone is interested in volunteering to work a shift in the Christmas shop to bag toys and assist families, let Regina know and she can help coordinate setting that up. Last year this program provided Christmas gifts for 1,189 children in 489 families throughout Buncombe County. With so many impacted by recent inflation, they anticipate even more to be in need of assistance this year.
Appalachian Consort performance from the Centennial Weekend
We kicked off the church's 100th Anniversary Weekend with a wonderful performance by the local band Appalachian Consort. They played wonderful bluegrass and mountain music selections. Songs included "Jolene," "Poor Wayfaring Stranger," "You'll Never Leave Harlan Alive," "The Fox," and many others! Pastor Stuart began the program with an introduction to the Centennial Weekend and recognizing descendants of charter members. To jump straight to when the music starts after 11 minutes, click here. (As more videos of the anniversary are ready, we’ll be sharing those too.)
High School Fun Run Fundraiser
North Buncombe High School is starting a new tradition that will hopefully bring the school and community together for many years to come: introducing the Blackhawk Bolt 5K Fun Run. Come by yourself or with a team to walk, run, or just cheer on our Blackhawk community. The race starts at 10 am, Saturday, Nov 19, on a unique road-and-trail course entirely on the NBHS campus and designed by the NBHS cross country team. (Way to go, Jackson!) Race registration is $20, and all proceeds go the Band, PTSO, and Cross Country Team. Sign up HERE!
Season of Prayer for the Offering for Global Missions
Late October is when Cooperative Baptist churches around the country pray for and give towards incredible mission work being carried out by over 50 missionaries in 18 different countries. The theme this year is "A Place at the Table for Everyone" based off of Luke 14:12-14. One hundred percent of all offerings given will go towards supporting Cooperative Baptist missionaries serving in the US and around the world. For more information and prayer guides, visit their website here. You can give using your normal giving method through the church and designating the funds for "CBF Global Missions."
Strengthening Relationships – Thriving Congregations
Our church has been invited to participate in a congregational encouragement program through Montreat over the next two years. The program is designed to help congregations thrive by strengthening relationships both inside and outside the church.
Recently five of our church members went to Montreat for training: Pastor Stuart, Regina, Sara L, Deborah D., and Brad W. They learned great practices for building connections in the church, and also started thinking about the next step of building connections with people in our community. We look forward to all the things we’ll learn about each other, about who is in our community, and how we can bless folks around us in ways that matter.
Over the next few weeks and months, our folks who went to Montreat will start having good conversations with people throughout our congregation. And we need your help! Since this first stage involves talking to everyone in the church, we need more good people who can do some of those connecting conversations. So if you can be part of strengthening relationships through good chats and conversations, please let Sara know.
Candy Donations & Volunteers Needed
This year our Trunk-or-Treat event will be Halloween evening, on Monday, October 31, from 4-6 pm in our back side parking lot. Please consider supporting this event by donating candy or volunteering to hand out treats. No need to decorate your car or dress up unless you want to. A sign-up sheet for volunteers and a donation bin for candy will be placed in the Fellowship Hall.
WNC Baptist Churches Gathering - Sun., Oct 23
ABCCM - North needs Volunteers!
ABCCM North is open 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday thru Friday. They need volunteers to work in the clothing room assisting those in need and sorting donated items to see what needs to go to warehouse. Counselors are also needed, to listen to people's needs when they come in and take down their information. For more information, contact Sheryl Olsen at 828-259-5303.
Childhood Cancer Awareness
September was Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Gold is the color used for childhood cancer, since children are far more valuable than worldly gold. People and businesses were encouraged to "Go Gold" during September and any month to show support. Once it affects your family, it changes you forever. We offer prayers, presence, kindness, and whatever support can help families know they are loved.
One Weaverville mother, Amy Meinch, lost her daughter Kalina to cancer when she was only 5 years old. Amy says, “This year I am now another year further from holding my precious daughter Kalina’s hand, but thanks to having faith in Christ, I know this won’t be the end. I only wish more people knew this hope that I have. I don’t feel like it can be completed without believers adding to the mix. And in such special ways!”
People can donate to childhood cancer research here. To learn about what’s involved, statistics, and how to support families, you can go to the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer website here.
Art in Autumn Event - Saturday, September 17
This year we plan to again participate in the Weaverville Art in Autumn town event on Sat., Sept. 17. We will have volunteers in the parking lot charging $5 per car as a youth fundraiser. We will also have volunteers at the front of the church handing out free water bottles to passersby and providing chalk for children to create their own masterpiece on the sidewalk. If you are able to volunteer for the event please let Regina know. We need volunteers from 9-11am, 11am-1pm, and 1-3pm.