WELCOME FROM HAYWOOD STREET:
UPDATES:
For almost 2 years now, the folks from Image 420 have made sure that unsold items from Second Gear make it safely to the Haywood Street Clothing Closet where they become available to those in need. Last week, we received a particularly generous donation of camping gear and mens shoes; items which are regularly requested by our community. We give thanks for this partnership, our clothing closet companions, and our beloved shoppers!
Beginning Monday, July 20, these AA and CA 12-step groups will return to Haywood Street. All meetings will be held outside beneath the new tents.
Ripp was a devoted Companion and Friend of the Haywood Street community. Many of us were amazed when Ripp started spending time with the I Am Home Art Project (an art-centered non-profit that operates from Haywood Street) and quickly began producing many beautiful works of art. He will be greatly missed on this side of heaven.
Ripp’s family is planning a virtual Zoom memorial service for him on Saturday, July 25 at 2 pm. If you would like to attend, please email Carlene and she will notify the family.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. “Jesus’ Broken Commandment” — Sermon by Rev. Combs, July 2020
2. This week’s online worship service
3. Golf for Awareness is on! And while this well-loved event will play out a little differently this year, it is still going to be great (and it’s still for a great cause!) Learn more and register here!
CURRENT WAYS TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY & OUR FRIENDS:
1. Make a meal for Friends staying in Respite. Click here to sign up!
2. Masks: Can be dropped off Tuesdays from 10am – 12pm, back-side of the building via the white door OR ordered and mailed to: PO Box 2982
Asheville, NC 28802.
A HAYWOOD STREET REFLECTION BY: BROOK
Years ago, long-time congregant, Dell Dillard, suggested we develop a language around the concepts of Holy Chaos, Holy Ground, and the relationship between the two.
If you know Haywood Street, you know the love, care and concern that goes into the words we choose and the words we use. We are aware of their power; their ability to welcome, unite, and lift, or alienate, divide, and deter.
Holy Chaos is so prevalent of a theme, we made it part of our tagline. When the fire alarm goes off, an argument arises, or worship takes an unexpected turn, it is not unlikely that someone will say, aloud or softly to themselves, “Well, there’s your Holy Chaos.”
Holy Ground may not get talked about as much, but ask anyone about it and they’ll probably acknowledge it, smile about it, and try their best to explain it. Most often, they’ll tell you it’s hard to put into words; that it’s just a feeling you get when you step on campus. I couldn’t agree more.
In April, when it became apparent that our services and programming would be conducted outside for awhile, we decided to fully embrace the theme of Holy Chaos/Holy Ground, to make it the focus of our messaging for this summer season, and to formalize some language around what it all means. The sign below is now visible as folks enter our parking lot. We hope it provides a warm welcome and an introduction to who we are, what we’re about, and how one can expect to see and be seen while at Haywood Street. These tenets listed are not rules or regulations; they are something like goals. They are not just for visitors, they are for staff, volunteers, congregants and Friends. We are ALL reaching towards, stumbling over and growing into these covenants.
At least once a month, someone will ask me something to the effect of, “Why does everything just feel different at Haywood Street?” And while I’ll never be able to fully answer that question, I do believe what is printed on this sign has a whole lot to do with it.
