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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OFTHE VOICEAugust 2025From the Organ Bench2222223334455567The deadline for is the 15thof each month. Email submissions toMims Yeargin atofficeadmin@stjohnflatrock.orgor deliver them to thechurch office.Parish BreakfastReaders in theWildernessBackpack BlessingScholarshipRecipientsBaring SocietyAppreciationEventHFR Home TourYFM SummerSocialEnd-of-SummerCombined ServiceHoly HikeFlower MemorialsFeast of St. JohnECWShare theAbundance,Benefit theBackpack ProgramBirthdaysSJW MTBTrail SystemGrand OpeningAugust 3 marks the start of my seventh month serving asDirector of Music and Organist at St. John in theWilderness! Time does fly when you are having fun.The past six months have been filled with many “firsts” forme. Beginning my full-time music ministry in January 1981,I had previously only served in an Episcopal church forfour months in 1985. Since I joined you in February, I havebeen busy exploring the wealth of riches in The Hymnal 1982and becoming familiar with the three official supplementsof the Episcopal Church: Wonder, Love and Praise; Lift EveryVoice and Sing II; and Voices Found. I am so grateful for theguidance of Fr. Josh and the Parish Choir members as Ilearn what is familiar to the St. John congregation and whatmmay be new. An enormous thank you to all of you in the congregation who are willing to divein and sing hymns and service music that may be new to you as well as boldly raising yourvoices on old favorites.At Tuesday’s staff meeting a few weeks ago, I joked about all the diverse music and worshipopportunities that have been offered to me in the last six months: The fun task of learning anew instrument--as every pipe organ is unique! Rite 1 and Rite 2 services were covered in myfirst two months. Multiple funerals, all with slightly different musical selections. A weddingwith 25+ folks in the wedding party alone. A sacred and beautiful Holy Week experience. Anawesome Friends of Music and the Arts concert with Tom Keesecker, composer and pianist.Two visits from Bishop José in one month--an ordination and a Pentecost celebration thatincluded an adult baptism by immersion. Wild Wonder week was extraordinary as 60 childrenand lots of leaders and helpers learned about God’s wonderful creation AND raised theirvoices in song! A month of awesome educational experiences with the Summer Scholar. Agreat community party at Little Rainbow Row to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St. John.And this list could go on and on.None of this would be possible without the tremendous support and encouragement of you,the people of St. John. You have been so gracious and welcoming to Judy and me! We are stillin transition, as our house near Charlotte will go on the market this month, and we will belooking for a home here in the area to replace our monthly rental house. Thank you for yourcomments and suggestions as I work to enrich the beautiful worship services here at St. John.Thank you to the choir members who show dedication and commitment to leading thechurch’s song. Thank you to the SJW staff, who show their devotion to Christ and the churchevery day.Finally, I issue an invitation to those who would like to sing with the choir. We rehearse almostevery Wednesday afternoon from 4:00 to 5:30pm in the Wilderness Room and warm-up at10:10am on Sunday morning. Please let me know if you plan on attending a rehearsal so therewill be a choir folder ready for YOU!Peace,Morning worship at Wild Wonder in June

August 1: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBrideThis novel is a unique blend of literaryfiction, historical fiction, and mystery. Setin rural Pennsylvania in the 1920s and 30s,the tale centers around the mutual supportbetween the local Black community and aJewish couple.Readers in the WildernessBack-to-School Backpack BlessingFamilies with children in school, pleasemark your calendars for Sunday, August10, when we will offer a Backpack Blessingand some goodies to start the year offright! Please bring backpacks to church tobe blessed on this date. Historic Flat Rock on Tour:Explore the History of St. John!It’s been 11 years sinceour church has beenincluded in the HistoricFlat Rock, Inc. HistoricHome Tour, but this year,we are a free, unticketedstop! The church will beopen on August 2 from10:00am to 4:00pm andstaffed with our team ofdevoted docents. Pleaseplan to visitplan to visit and bring friends and houseguests.You’re sure to learn something new and discoversomething wonderful. The Village of Flat Rock is thelargest Historic Site in Western North Carolina, andSt. John is a part of that story. History lives here! Visit www.historicflatrockinc.com to learn moreabout the Historic Home Tour and otherprogramming.You’re invited to a Parish Breakfasthosted by the Chefs of St. John! Inaddition to the regular offerings ofbacon, sausage, eggs, grits, gravy,fruit salad, potatoes, biscuits, andjuice/coffee/tea, the Chefs willserve up pancakes. Join Us for a Parish BreakfastThe cost is $6 per person or $12 per family. No RSVP isnecessary. We hope to see you there!August 2025 2You’re Invited: Baring SocietyAppreciation ReceptionThe Endowment Trusteesare pleased to announce thefifth annual Baring SocietyAppreciation Reception, tobe held at Treska’s onHighland Lake: a beautiful,community-centered eventspace located near St. John.All current members of the Baring Society and theirfamilies, along with anyone who may be interested inlearning more about legacy giving to our endowmentfunds, are encouraged to attend! Please join us for anevening of fellowship, hors d’oeuvres, andeducational information.RSVP for this special event by Friday, August 8,at bit.ly/baringsociety2025. Call the Parish Officeat 828-693-9783 with any questions!On July 13, we welcomed recipients of the Richard T. Zecher MemorialScholarship to honor and congratulate them on their accomplishments.Recipients include Melanie Maldonado, Arisbet Chavez, and Jessica Trejo.Pictured here with Fr. Josh are Arisbet and her family, who are Episcopaliansand members of La Capilla de Santa Maria in Hendersonville.

August 2025 3Scenes from Our Last Hike:Graveyard FieldsJoin Us on our Next Hike!You’re Invited:End-of-Summer EucharistWe are excited to announce that we will have a specialcombined-service Eucharist in the Parish Hall onSunday, August 31, at 10:00am. We invite one andall to join us for a festive yet casual time, when ourtwo services can come together for worship andfellowship. There will be no formation or 8:45 or11:00am services on this date. Please bring somethingto share for a special coffee hour afterwards!Our next hike will be led by Bob McCammon, who willintroduce Holy Hikers to Headwaters State Park. Learnmore at www.stjohnflatrock.org/upcoming-hike.Young Family Ministry: SummerSocial at Camp Ton-A-WandahThe Young Family Ministry of St. John in theWilderness invites children and youth of the parish,Wild Wonder campers and volunteers, and theirfamilies to join us for an afternoon of summer fun atCamp Ton-A-Wandah, a local camp just a couplemiles from the church. Plan for a picnic andswimming! We'll provide the main dish, sides,beverages, and dessert. There is no cost to attend.Please bring anything you need to be comfortableduring and after swimming: our suggestions are abathing suit, towels, sunscreen, and a change ofclothes. Lifeguards will be onsite, and life jackets willbe available. You will also have access to dressingrooms. Please register at bit.ly/YFM-TAW2025 byWednesday, August 20. We can't wait to see you!

The August AltarFlowers are Given inLoving Memory of:Wendell Rectorby Carol RectorANDMrs. Jane AshworthRobertsonby Jane Swanson, Charles Robertson,and Thomas RobertsonANDJim Wagnerby Galen ReutherWould you like to offer a flowermemorial in the future? ContactGaston Motes atgtmotes01@gmail.com to learn more.The current suggested donation forflower memorials is $85.August 2025 4Tom Darnallby his wife, Betsy DarnallANDChristopher Eugene (Gene)Staton, Jr. and his parents,Gene and Helen Statonby Debby Staton, their children, andgrandchildrenANDTerry Bettendorfby his family, Judi, Elizabeth,Hillary, and LindseyGerald (Jerry) Nelson, USMC, Ret.by Victoria NelsonStephen Platiby Marcelene PlatiANDAl and Delsie Welch andBonnie and Perry Gibbyby Charles and Vickie TaylorOPENScenes from The Feast of St. John:Celebrating Henderson CountyThanks to all who cameout to celebrate the Feastof St. John on June 28! Weprayed the rain away andhad a blast listening to themusical stylings of AaronBurdett and his band,playing yard games,blowing bubbles, feastingon BBQ and baked treatsfrom Hubba HubbaSmokehouse and Flat RockVillage Bakery, and raisingjust over $3,000 for theFlat Rock BackpackProgram.

One of the many joys of summer is working in a flower or vegetable garden. There is immense pleasure in seeing God’s handiwork in the numerous buds running up gladioli, the magnificent colors that arise from a dahlia plant, or the multitude of green beans you can pick from one small plant. Our ECW board continues to work toward making connections with the womenof the church no matter our stage of life. It is these relationships that make us onebody in Christ. We recently held our second Walk in the Park of the year. This onedrew new parish members, the youngest being 16 months of age. It was wonderfulto get to know each other by joining in a leisurely walk, often changing partners aswe made our way around the trails. A spontaneous suggestion was to move on toEcusta Market and Café for coffee. It was a hit! As we learn to grow connections with each other, we find that we may have tocultivate bonds in a different way. Per request from our walkers, ECW will hostanother at the Park at Flat Rock on Saturday, September 13 at9:00am, followed by an optional coffee at Ecusta Market and Café at 10:30am. Ifyou prefer not to walk, feel free to join us for coffee. More information will followcloser to the date. We hope you will join us! Bloom where you are planted. (St. Frances de Sales, 1567-1622)Glory be to God, Elizabeth Christenbury, ChairAugust 2025 5AugustBIRTHDAYSDon't see your birthday here? Thatmeans we don't have a record of it!Please email Mims in the ParishOffice at officeadmin@stjohnflatrock.orgto update your information.Sheri BrownBill HiattLii Lii ViolaDavid RichesonSue MackCarol BlackKen JonesLiam GhahremanMeade Inglis-JensonAnna KinseyLinda GiltnerAthena BrooksSusan ConapinskiBonnie DeesBob McCammonRoy SmithArt MackMary Lou YeagerStacy KnappBetsy DarnallCava SittnickEdward IzardLisa WillsLexi PreisserPatty AdamsRonnie DotyTom VellantiMarianne PotterJohn HayesKay ArnoldLee CoveyKaty BrownSusan AllenAnn StringfieldEd Blackburn2334457778991011111213131414161619202021232526272828313131ECW NewsCalling All Gardeners: Share the Abundance, Support the Backpack Program!Last year, the Popp Shoppe raised $747.50 for the BackpackProgram by selling produce from the efforts of the Good NewsGardeners at the Hendersonville Farmers Market. Though thegarden at Kanuga was lost to Helene's floodwaters and is beingrebuilt, the need for produce to support this effort remains.Joey Popp of the Popp Shoppe has once again generouslyoffered to sell donated garden produce and flowers at themarket, with proceeds going directly to the Backpack Program.If you have extra veggies or blooms to share, drop them offin the covered walkway in front of the Parish Office(between the flag poles) by 4:00pm on Fridays! Together,we can turn summer abundance into lasting nourishment forlocal kids.No green thumbs? That’s okay! You can still support theBackpack Program by shopping for your produce at the PoppShoppe, located at the Hendersonville Farmers Market. TheFarmers Market runs May through October on Saturdays from8:00am to 1:00pm, rain or shine, in downtown Hendersonville’sSeventh Avenue District. Learn more about the Farmers Marketat bit.ly/hendofarmmarket.

This August, we are introducing a new youth ministry: St. John in the Wilderness Mountain Biking (SJW MTB)! Theteam is organized by Fr. Josh, who you might know as a longtime outdoorsman, for whom spending time outdoorsis a way to feel healthier, calmer, and more connected to the God who shows up in the wilderness of our world andour lives. Fr. Josh started working with kids in youth ministry back in 2009 and has enjoyed taking kids biking,surfing, skiing, and camping ever since. With SJW MTB, we hope to introduce kids to mountain biking as a spiritualpractice: a way to have fun with each other and to connect with God.SJW MTB is for kids who can ride a pedal bike without training wheels, who are between the ages of 5 and 5thgrade. They should be able to start riding entirely on their own and to stop by using their brakes. (If your kid is notyet 5 but they are turning 5 by the end of 2025, and they can ride a bike, then we would be glad to have them try itout.)Our team will practice biking basics: starting and stopping on the bikes, shifting, accelerating, turning and cornering,going over obstacles, riding skinnies, and even small jumps. We hope to safely work on some street riding skills, also,for the older kids. In prayer, we will learn the basics of Evening Prayer and include Bible stories, the Lord’s Prayer,and the 23rd Psalm in our worship.The team will meet at St. John in the Wilderness, with a couple of “bonus ride” excursions to other local trails. Theinitial season will be Wednesdays between August 20 and October 22. Riders should arrive at 5:45pm and be readyto roll by 6:00pm. We will use the back Parish Hall parking lot to practice basic skills, since everyone regardless ofskill level needs to work on form, shifting, braking, and bike handling. Then we will use our new trail system, TheTrails of St. John, to ride some singletrack. We will use the Wilderness Chapel (part of our trail system), AtriumChapel, historic church, or woods as places to pray each week.The cost is $50 per rider, which includes a team t-shirt. A waiver must be signed by the first practice. Scholarshipsare available as needed. Sign up at www.stjohnflatrock.org/sjw-mtb. We also hope you will sign up for our the Kids’ MTB race on September 6--see more information about that onpage 7!August 2025 6SJW MTB: Kids Learning to Mountain Bike and PrayThe shots above are from a youth group mountain biking trip in 2020! St. John has had a history of hosting youth mountain biking events and groupssince Fr. Josh answered the call to be Rector here. In addition to this trip, St. John has served as a sponsor and practice location for the HendersonHellbenders, a composite mountain bike team for youth in middle and high school.

August 2025 7Save the Date: Grand Opening of The Trails of St. JohnIt’s official: St. John in the Wilderness will open our newtrail system on the weekend of September 6-7! The Trails ofSt. John will be open to the public from dawn to dusk eachday, with rules posted at the kiosks that you will be able tofind on the church property. The grand opening of TheTrails of St. John includes a kids’ mountain bike race onSaturday morning, which you can sign up and pay for atwww.stjohnflatrock.org/sjw-mtb, and a ribbon cutting withhistorical hikes on Sunday at 1:00pm. No sign up is neededto attend the ribbon cutting.The story of how these trails came to be is a beautifulexample of grace, hard work, and rediscovery. Five yearsago, Fr. Josh started a ministry called Holy Hikes of WNC,which takes groups hiking each month for a time ofrecreation and prayer. Shortly after that, the church beganworking with a member named Rivers Stone who wanted tobuild an outdoor meeting space somewhere on the churchproperty. Rivers sadly passed away unexpectedly during thistime, but he very generously left resources for the church touse however the vestry discerned would be helpful. Over the years, there has been talk of the old JerusalemPath, which was developed in the mid-1800s for parishionersto be able to walk to the church. The path was mostly adistant memory, except for one small section of it that wasstill visible near the historic parsonage of the parish. As theHoly Hikes ministry kept growing, the idea of having trailson our own property sounded more and more interesting,including restoring the historic Jerusalem Path so peoplecould walk from the church to the Carl Sandburg NationalHistoric Site, immersing themselves in the complicatedhistory of this holy place along the way. The TrailsSubcommittee of Holy Hikes of WNC began to work onplanning a trail system that would include narrower single-track trails and a wider gravel path to be called “The NewJerusalem Path.” They selected Todd Branham with LongCane Trails as a trail designer and builder. He seemed tounderstand how these trails were to be part of the church’sidentity – the church’s story. In the lead-up to the grand opening of the trails, we’ll betelling more of that story, so look out for more to come! Inthe meantime, please save the date for this special weekend,noting the tentative schedule of events to the right. We’relooking forward to celebrating this monumental occasionwith you and hope that the trails will be a blessing for bothour parishioners and for the broader community.Tentative Schedule of Events8:00 - 1:00pm | Kids’ MTB Race Sign up at stjohnflatrock.org/sjw-mtb1:00 - 5:00pm | Explore the Trails on your own!9:30 - 10:30am | Parish Breakfast, welcoming honored guests11:00am | “Church Casual” Service Dress ready to hike!12:30pm | Refreshments in the Rector’s Garden and Parking Lot1:00pm | Ribbon Cutting Ceremony1:30pm | Guided Historical Hikes with Fr. Josh, John Barker, and Holy Hike LeadersThe trails have been walked a bit already by clergy, staff,parishioners, friends, and Wild Wonder campers! Photos courtesy of Joey Popp.

Our Mission StatementTo know and love God as He is revealed to us in Jesus Christ, to bring othersto His saving love, and to serve the world in His name.828-693-9783www.stjohnflatrock.orgofficeadmin@stjohnflatrock.orgSunday8:45am - Rite II Eucharist11:00am - Rite II Eucharist *Services are live-streamed to YouTube on a rotating schedule.*St. John uses Rite I liturgies during Advent and Lent, and Rite II during the rest of the year. Monday through Thursday8:30am - Morning Prayer (live-streamed on Facebook)Wednesday10:30am - Healing Service in the Wilderness Room4:30pm - Evening Prayer in the Atrium ChapelWORSHIP SCHEDULEClergy and StaffThe Rev. Josh StephensRectorThe Rev. Dn. Charles RexDeaconEd TompkinsDirector of Music & Organist Mims YearginDirector of Parish Communication &AdministrationStacy KnappFinance & AdministrationMissy IzardDirector of Christian EducationKevin HuntSexton The Episcopal Church ofSt. John in the WildernessVestryJerry HoltSenior WardenJim GibbsJunior WardenMarlin Sanders & Bill WilliamsTreasurers Jim Cooper, Patrice German, Jim Gibbs, Jon Fitzpatrick, Kitty Olson, Jill Owen, Catherine Popp, Kim Sanders,Sandy Skelton, Steve Sittnick, andLaura Teel@stjohnwildernessflatrock