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A couple of recent additions have been made to thesanctuary to expand our worship opportunities. Late last summer, Bill Walker and Nelson Motes modifiedthe base of the cross behind the altar into a tabernacle. Thepurpose of the tabernacle is to hold the reserved sacrament,which is the consecrated bread and wine--the Body andBlood of Christ--remaining after the Eucharist. During Epiphanytide, we installed the sanctuary candle onthe wall on the left, or Gospel, side of the sanctuary. Whenthe candle is lit, the reserved sacrament is in the tabernacle.Accordingly, the candle burns year-round, except betweenGood Friday and the Easter Mass.These two fixtures serve both practical and spiritualpurposes. On the practical side, the tabernacle provides theclergy with access to the reserved sacrament during theEucharist. Historically, the remaining elements were kept inthe tabernacle for the deacon to distribute to those whocould not be at mass for health or other various reasons. Ofcourse, now we have the ministry of the Eucharistic Visitorsto assist with these visits. Additionally, during the week, theclergy use the reserved sacrament to take communion tothose who are in the hospital.The reserved sacrament is also referred to as the BlessedSacrament. We are all very aware that Christ is in our heartsand all around us with His ever-giving and unfathomablelove, but the Blessed Sacrament is a particular and specialfocus for our acknowledgement of and meditation on theReal Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It can be thecenterpiece and focal point during our individual visits to thechurch. Gazing upon the tabernacle allows us to: Look at Him, and know that He looks at us;Meditate on His Real Presence;Have a special place to say, “I want nothing but you,Lord;”Know that what is inside is not bread and wine anymorebut “Christ, Himself,” as St. Thomas Aquinas said.The sanctuary candle is a reminder of the Light of Christ,which is symbolized in Eastertide by the Paschal candle. Justas we do during the Gethsemane Watch after MaundyThursday, we have the opportunity to spend a Holy Hour atany time in front of the Blessed Sacrament, or as we pass bythe church we can go in and spend just a few minutes beforethe Blessed Sacrament. THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OFTHE VOICEMay 2025From the Deacon's Desk2222333444455666The deadline for is the 15thof each month. Email submissions toMims Yeargin atofficeadmin@stjohnflatrock.orgor deliver them to thechurch office.Parish BreakfastConcert: TomKeesecker, PianistEmpty BowlsRefreshment TimeReaders in theWildernessTuesday NightGroupFeast of St. JohnWomen’s BibleStudySummer ScholarGood NewsGardeners (Photo)Flower MemorialsECW: May-kingConnectionsBirthdaysHoly HikeGood Friday &Easter OfferingsHoly Week andEaster (Photos)
May 2025 2You’re invited to a ParishBreakfast hosted by the Chefs ofSt. John! In addition to theregular offerings of bacon,sausage, eggs, grits, gravy, fruitsalad, 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 is necessary. We hope to see you there!8th Annual Empty Bowls:Tickets on Sale Now!Local ceramic artists will once againfire up their kilns for the 8th year tohelp hungry children in the greaterFlat Rock area. On Sunday, May 18,Empty Bowls, a community mealbenebenefiting the Flat Rock Backpack Program, will takeplace inside the Parish Hall at the Episcopal Church ofSt. John in the Wilderness. Advance tickets are strongly recommended for the twoseatings: 12:00pm-2:00pm and 4:00pm-6:00pm.Attendees of the event may come any time during theirseating window. Each ticket includes one hand-craftedbowl (all donated by area potters) and a soup-basedmeal (a variety of soups, breads, and homemadecookies). For those wishing to eat at home, take-away isan available option. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 for a family of twoadults and children under 12. Visitwww.stjohnflatrock.org/empty-bowls to get yourstoday!Just in time for May flowers,the Music & Arts Series of St. John in the Wilderness willfeature a piano concert fromcomposer and church musi-cian Tom Keesecker. Theprogram features selectionsfrom his concert tour, withperformances taking placeacross the country.Music & Arts Series: Pianist Tom Keesecker to PerformMr. Keesecker is known for his sensitive, delightful, andmeditative piano arrangements of hymns. At thisconcert, participants will be able to sing along to someof them together, as well as listen to his interpretations.The hymns will be interspersed with poetry by MaryOliver and Wendell Berry, two of the most beloved andprofound poets of the 20th and 21st centuries. Hismusic can be found on Amazon Music, Spotify, andYouTube. As a composer, Mr. Keesecker’s 12th piano collectionwill be published by MorningStar Music. “I am blessedthat several books are best-sellers. I will be featuringmusic from my collection Easter Hope this spring,” hesaid.The free concert is set for Sunday, May 4, at 4:00pm inthe Parish Hall. No registration is necessary, and entry isfree, though donations will be gratefully accepted tosupport the Music & Art Series.Coming Up: Refreshment TimeAfter Sunday ServicesThe much-enjoyed time after services from May throughSeptember is returning on Sunday, May 18 for the earlyservice and Sunday, May 25 for the late service. Thisinformal opportunity for fellowship is an important waythat we as a church and as individuals connect withvisitors, new members, and our parish family.We need folks who will help continue this importanttradition. Hosting refreshment time is easy! Almost allthe items needed are stored in cabinets at the church.Detailed instructions are provided. Won’t you pleasevolunteer for just one Sunday this year? Your help isneeded and valued.For more information or to sign up, please contact: 8:45 Service - Judy Petersen, 828-697-1967 or jpsewnsew@aol.com 11:00 Service - Anne Vogler, 828-439-1607 or elizabethannevogler@gmail.com
May 7: An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, by Doris Kerns GoodwinGoodwin artfully weaves togetherbiography, memoir, and history. Acompelling narrative, as it is easy to seethe similarities between the 1960s andtoday—a time of political upheaval,generational conflict, and protests oncollege campuses. Whether you alreadyknow a lot about the ’60s or you’re justdi dipping your toe into those waters, whether you want adeep dive into the art of political writing or a charmingstory about a married couple who adored each other,you’ll get it from An Unfinished Love Story.June 6: The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher MurrayThe remarkable, little-known story ofBelle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan'spersonal librarian—who became one ofthe most powerful women in NewYork, despite the dangerous secret shekept in order to make her dreams cometrue.May 2025 3Readers in the WildernessNow Enrolling: Potluck UHistory and culture buffs, take note and mark your calendars! The 2025 edition of the Tuesday Night Group (aka Potluck U) begins May 20 at 5:30pm in the Wilderness Room. We’ll meet every Tuesday at 5:30pm thereafter through August 5. How does Potluck U work? We arrive a few minutes before 5:30pm to share fellowship and apotluck dinner prior to watching a 30-minute GreatCourses video from our selected lecturer. We follow upwith a short but lively discussion of what we’ve learned.The evening ends at about 7:00pm. The Tuesday Night Gathering is informative and fun,and the food is always terrific. If you’ve not beenbefore, do give us a try. Questions? Suggestions for thisyear’s Great Course? Call or email Polly Morrice at 713-206-1036 or pamorrice@gmail.com.We can come before it with our own prayers and meditation. One suggestion is to divide the time into thirds asfollows:Be present to our God who welcomes us and accepts us. Just listen and wait. 1.Offer prayers of intercession for all the people who are part of our lives, for all that has happened during ourday, and for that which we have concerns. 2.Pray for the concerns of the whole world, perhaps using Form II (Book of Common Prayer, p. 385) or Form V(BCP, p. 389).3.St. Augustine’s Prayer Book also offers several prayers for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament. I copied the first onehere: I hear thy voice, O Lord Jesus, saying: Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy-laden, and I will refresh you. I come untothee weary and laden with my sins and with cares and distractions of the world. Let me rest awhile in thy sacred presence; let my heartfind rest in thy most Sacred Heart. Let me lie safe there and be at rest. Let nothing separate me from thee, here in this world or in theworld to come. Amen.Additionally, it is suitable to pray all or a portion of the Daily Office before the Blessed Sacrament. When thesanctuary light is burning, it is appropriate to genuflect, or to bow deeply, when entering or leaving a pew, as well aswhen crossing before the altar. The tabernacle containing the Blessed Sacrament and its accompanying light isoffered as a resource for our devotion and prayer life.From the Deacon's Desk (Continued from Cover)SAVE THE DATE: Feast of St. JohnWe hope you’ll join us for this year’s Feast of St. John,featuring Aaron Burdett of Steep Canyon Rangers andbenefitting the Flat Rock Backpack Program. Look outfor more information coming soon!
The May Altar Flowers are Given in Loving Memory of:The May Altar Flowers are Given in Loving Memory of:Charles Cornwellby Gaston & Nelson MotesRobert & Jeanne Littlefieldby their loving sons,Robert, Richard, & DonaldANDAll MothersAll Military PersonnelWho Died in Service toOur CountryMay 2025 4Jim & Fran MacDonaldby James, Inna, & SusanWould you like to offer a flower memorial in the future? Contact Gaston Motes at gtmotes01@gmail.com tolearn more. The current suggested donation for flower memorials is $85.Women’s Bible Study meets onTuesdays at 3:30pm in the Library andon Zoom. All women are welcome! Thenext study series will be on the Gospelof John in preparation for spendingtime next month with our SummerScholar-in-Residence, Dr. Craig Farmer,who has written extensively aboutJohn’sJohn’s Gospel. The group will use a study guide calledJohn (N.T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides). Pleasepurchase the book ahead of the class from Amazon oranother seller of your choice. Reach out to Mary AnneInglis (maryanne.inglis@gmail.com) with questions. Women’s Bible StudyGood News Gardeners Work DayOn April 12, Good News Gardeners from St. John and beyondgathered at Kanuga to continue cleaning up the garden after HurricaneHelene destroyed it last fall. Stay tuned to learn about future work days!
May 2025 5MayBIRTHDAYSMayBIRTHDAYSDon'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.Jim OlsonMare PharrPeg Van BergenStephen BrunoStan RoganBruce BesanconKathy LimmiatisJerry TannerEliza AdamsDanielle PharrJoey SaltzDorothy TrotterVirginia RehnAnn KanipeThomas PickralEduard WiescholekSandy HarrisDottie DalzellSally BooksBill WilliamsLauren KanipeBonni SpryAnnie RamsbothamFred LasswellBarbara GeorgeWilder StephensElaine HullJoseph RomeScott SilerJoanie CovellRobert OdeanSandy RexJoan OdeanDavid DelkSuess FraserJennifer HudgensJim ThaxtonJohn OgletreeLois KarcherAnne McCormick11224567789910111112131313131415161717171717192021222324242526262830May-king Connections with ECWConnecting and finding community with one another has been a point of focus for your ECW board. Regardless of where you are in life, it is important to cultivate and care for relationships that help nourish our faith. We have purposely built in activities like our coffee socials and walks in the park to bring women together without any agenda other than fun andfellowship. We encourage you to join us for future planned activities or perhaps giveus new ideas to be considered. Please reach out to any members of the board toshare your thoughts.An important event that happens this May is Empty Bowls on Sunday, May 18,which provides funds for the Flat Rock Backpack Program. It has been a traditionfor the ECW to provide home-baked cookies to be given to the ticket-holders aspart of their meals. Please sign up if you are willing to help out atbit.ly/ECWcookies, or contact Elizabeth (828-676-7163) for assistance in signingup.May is a time that we pay special tribute to the women in our lives. We are gratefulfor the women at St. John in the Wilderness who use their time and love in variousministries. We especially appreciate all the women who guided us through the years.Happy Mother’s Day!Peace,Elizabeth Christenbury, ChairCava SittnickPolly MorriceJan TannerDiane SkeltonCarmen CurtisScenes from Our April Coffee Hour
Meg and Jerry Holt will lead the Holy Hikers’ firstforay into North Carolina’s Gorges State Park. Theywill guide us on a trail along Horsepasture River toreach Rainbow Falls. See more information on ourwebsite at www.stjohnflatrock.org/upcoming-hike.Please register by emailing Cynthia Easterling atholyhikes@stjohnflatrock.org.Join Us onOur Next Hike!A Scene from the April Hike:Grassy Creek Falls,DuPont State ForestMay 2025 6Results from Our Good Friday andEaster OfferingsEach year during Holy Week, we participate in TheEpiscopal Church’s Good Friday Offering, a specialcollection that supports the Episcopal Diocese ofJerusalem’s many life-saving ministries. This year, wecollected $684 to share with our siblings in Christ in theMiddle East.This year’s Special Easter Offering was designated forLake Logan and Camp Henry to aid in the efforts torestore the waterfront after Hurricane Helene’sdestruction last fall. During Easter services, we collected$4,212, which will be matched by the OutreachCommittee’s $3,000 donation. The total amount to besent to Lake Logan and Camp Henry is $7,212. Thankyou so much for your generosity!Alleluia! He is Risen!Palm SundayMaundy Thursday
May 2025 7Maundy Thursday, Continued (Foot Washing for Kids)Good FridayEaster SundayWant to see more pictures from Holy Week and Easter?Visit bit.ly/SJWeasterpics for more.
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