WELCOME FROM HAYWOOD STREET:
UPDATES:
Meet Eric “The Blue Ridge Boy” Freeman! More…
We’ve come so far in just a few months! Click here to read our mid-year appeal.
We are now receiving generous, weekly donations from Bruegger’s Bagels and Mother Earth Food. We give our thanks for this bounty!
A sweet moment over the weekend when Haywood Street Friend, Jacqueline, distributed notes of gratitude and goodie bags to staff and volunteers.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. This week’s online service is available here. Worship happens LIVE every Wednesday at 1:30 via the Haywood Street Congregation YouTube channel.
2. A reminder that whenever shopping via Amazon, you can can support Haywood Street! More…
CURRENT WAYS TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY & OUR FRIENDS:
1. Make a meal for Friends staying in Respite. Click here to sign up!
2. Donation needs:
– Mulch: please contact Bryan to coordinate drop-off.
– Shoes, underwear, and socks
– Cleaning products: Lysol spray, hand sanitizer, etc.
– Basic hygiene toiletries
* All donations can be dropped off on Thursdays from 9 am – 11 am. Drive around back to the single, white door.
A HAYWOOD STREET REFLECTION BY: LARRY
My name is Larry Lordi. I am retired and recently turned 70. I have lived somewhat of a charmed life and been blessed in many ways…including my 3 wonderful children and 6 beautiful grandchildren. I moved to Asheville from New Hampshire last October to be closer to all of them.
My response to encountering the homeless and less fortunate had been to pray for them and occasionally contribute a small sum when asked on the street. My approach seemed to be characterized by a criticism in the Letter of St. James (Ch 2: 15-16) in which he says :
“If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day and one of you says to them “Go in peace, keep warm and eat well” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?”
It is always uncomfortable when scripture points our “shortcomings”. My words (prayers) were sincere but my actions were weak. Thus in January I reached out to Haywood Street to see how I might get involved.
Anyone who has participated in the Welcome Table knows what a unique experience it is. Asheville’s best restaurants provide superb and “Abundant” food for many who are in need of a meal and it is served in a fine dining environment complete with white table cloths, elegant place setting and flowers. The “Holy Chaos” which unfolds as a dedicated, joyful Team of Staff and Companions cook, serve, clean, and reset the tables for 400+ Friends in a 3-4 hour window is a wild social and communal “Happening”!
There is a sense of “Goodness” about what is taking place. Each meal is blessed with grace..often accompanied with a song. Prayers are offered for special intentions and services are offered upstairs in the church at the conclusion. For me, this spiritual component makes the proceedings seem much more than community service. I have asked other volunteers about this perception that we are involved in something greater than serving a meal and many agree.
I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to take a small step towards acting on St. James’ warning and to connect with so many wonderful people working to fulfill Haywood Street’s important mission.
