WELCOME FROM HAYWOOD STREET:

UPDATES:

Mark your calendars for July 11th! Haywood Street will be holding a community viewing of Theirs is the Kingdom at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.  This will be a time for friends, companions, and everyone who followed the creation of the fresco to watch the documentary and celebrate this community together. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the companion fellowship event and training! We had a wonderful time being with one another and learning more about mental health from RHA health services.

Asheville Youth Mission is here for another few weeks. If you see them around campus, be sure to say hi and grab a popsicle from them!

There will be a memorial service for Steven Ray Cole at 12:00 pm this Sunday, June 26th. We invite all who knew and loved Steven to join us in remembering him.

A special moment of remembrance for Todd will be held next Wednesday, June, 29th at the 12:30 worship service. Join us is remembering our friend.

COMPANION CORNER:

  • UPCOMING: Mark your calendars for July 11th! Haywood Street will be holding a community viewing of Theirs is the Kingdom. More details to come.
  • 5:00am Kitchen Companion Needed for Sunday. Contact Katlyn at katlyn@haywoodstreet.org if you would like to help.
  • Help Needed for Tuesday Prep: The kitchen is in need of additional prep companions in the kitchen on Tuesdays 9-12. If you’d like to help, please let me know or sign up and feel free to bring a friend! Prep on Tuesdays helps us make sure we have as much done as possible so that Wednesday’s meal goes smoothly. The help is always appreciated!
  • Next companion orientation will be
  • Haywood Street Hair Salon – We are currently in the process of reimagining the Hair Salon here that we have had in the past. If you would like to be a part of that process or know you’d like to cut or wash hair when it is open, let Katlyn know!
  • NEW MINISTRY UPDATES – Starting the week of May 1
    • Sunday Bible Study – 11:00am in the sanctuary
    • Tuesday Prayer Group – 12:00 in the sanctuary – Gather for a time of communal prayer
    • Thursday Card Making Group – 10:00am in Room 1 (off the main lobby) – Gather together to make cards for our community and friends in prison or in the hospital.

Reflection

Blessed are They…Each and Every One

By Joel Cohen and Barry Dingman

(Joel and Barry and their dogs, Rooney the mini Bernedoodle and Levi the Golden Retriever.)

Our introduction to Haywood was attending a fundraiser for the Haywood Fresco. At that time we met Brian Combs, Christopher Holt and so many  wonderful people who shared the compelling story of Haywood Street. They had us at “Hello.”

 Before we go on, we are Joel and Barry. We have been together for 39 years (married 9 of those). We split our time between St Pete, Florida and Asheville. We sing in the choir at First Presbyterian Church downtown Asheville when we are here. Joel is an avid gardener and cook and Barry is a beginner painter (oils) and baker.

 In 2018, we had lunch at the Haywood Welcome Table. We then joined the chorus for the 2018 concert, raising funds for the Fresco. We also immediately signed up to help; to be Companions at the Welcome Table. We have served meals, plated food, mopped floors and more. Each time, our hearts grow fuller and love of this community deepens.

 Haywood means the world to us. Each Spring we can’t wait to return. There is an amazing spirit of love and caring at Haywood. It is a family. We work hard as we serve in this community and yet, we are the ones who are blessed. Somedays, the “Holy Chaos” is harder for Barry as he thrives on order and routine while often times Haywood can be anything but that. This is easier for Joel as his strength is in adapting and responding with Grace. Regardless, it is what it needs to be on any given day. Haywood a family, and all that goes with that.

The worship services on Wednesday are authentic and richly meaningful. While the Pastor provides the framework for the message, the community offers perspective, color, additional insight and maybe a song. You can feel God at work in this community.

We recently had time to sit in the Sanctuary and reflect on the Fresco and all that it means to us, this community and the world beyond the doors of Haywood; the words of the Beatitudes come alive in each of those depicted in the Fresco. And, those folks represent the much larger community in need. Blessed are they . . . each and every one.

Over the past 16 years of our retirement we have given high priority to “giving back.” But, this time, it’s different. At Haywood, we’re not giving back, we’re part of a community of God’s people who love and care for one another. Never before have we experienced anything like this.

Thank you Haywood Street community. Blessed are you.