OCTOBER 2021

2021 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGNWhere has all the time gone. After two amazing and to say the least unusual years, this summer we were finally able to be together again to some degree to celebrate God’s blessings among us, and now in two days it will be fall, and God will once again exhibit his splendor in the beauty of the trees.

While this seems to be a time of approaching endings - the year is about to end and winter is not too far away, it is also a time to look at the beginning of a new year. Which brings us to our Annual Stewardship Campaign when we are asked to dig into our hearts to generously provide for the ongoing operations of our church which is where the true soul of our church is.

In my letter to you, I have asked you to reflect on what Incarnation means to you as you consider your annual gift to this special place. As a result, I feel it is only fitting that I share with you what Incarnation means to me.

Since first coming to Incarnation in 2001, as a seasonal member, it has been my spiritual home away from home. I can’t imagine how empty life would be without the spiritual rebirth experienced each Sunday while partaking of the Eucharist. We have been so blessed with inspirational priests and are especially so today. Bentley and Kellan’s leadership during this pandemic and their ability to keep us together in spite of being physically apart for so long has been amazing, think Empty Pews, the videoing of our services, and Bible study. Music is a major part of my life.

The music we have here is truly outstanding and such an uplifting part of our worship services. I can’t wait until we are back in the main sanctuary and will again enjoy a full choir and our wonderful new organ! Charles has worked wonders this summer! We have a congregation that is so warm and welcoming and active. I cherish the friendships I have made among you. It is so heart warming to see the dedication of the members of our many committees that keep this place vital not only for us but also within the community. Our outreach to those less fortunate than we are has been amazing even during times of great stress.

God is truly working among us.

We have all risen so amazingly and generously to the call to improve our sacred spaces, now it is time to recommit ourselves to what truly brings this place alive and brings us closer to God and Christ. Please join me in committing to our Annual Stewardship Campaign by completing your pledge card prior to our Annual Meeting on the 24th of October. With your help, we will be able to fulfill our mission of spreading God’s will in even greater ways.

In the words of 2nd Corinthians 9:6-8: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things and at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

...WHOEVER SOWS

GENEROUSLY WILL ALSO REAP GENEROUSLY...

Glorious Vision is a plan for Incarnation to enhance our Sanctuary space, expand our presence into the community, and invite all to share with us in the Body of Christ.

On day 300 of construction, our Glorious Vision fundraising goal of $6 million was achieved. The campaign—which began in June 2019—met at least half its targeted goal by early Fall of that year with an objective to raise at least 75% of the construction costs and related fees in order to begin construction. Just five months into construction in March 2020, the global pandemic hit—it was as if one cold day in March someone flipped a light and the world was changed. Incredibly, during the many months of construction, work never had to be paused. The construction project remains on budget today.

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

You may recall that the plan was to be both functional and sacramental. Functionally, we expanded our seating capacity in the Sanctuary from 220 persons to 290 persons (an expansion of more than 20%), with additional capacity for overflow seating in Jones Hall with direct sight lines into the Sanctuary. We have also addressed a number of deferred maintenance issues including a leaking roof, a crumbling entrance ramp, and a rotting foundation under our historic chapel. Lastly, we have created a traditional entrance into the Nave by adding a front door on Main Street, creating a more welcoming sense of transition and arrival.

God’s grace is revealed through the material world – a sacramental conviction long held within our Anglican tradition. When we enter our sacred space, we will be invited to see the world afresh and to delight in the beauty of holiness. It is in worship where we encounter

God—and this encounter can’t help but transform everything about our lives. As we grow into the full stature of Christ, our prayer is that we, like the building, might reflect the glory of God in the world around us.

As we enter the building for the first time this Fall, we hope to do so with expectant and joyful hearts. In the season ahead, there will be many Christian symbols and details to explore together as a community of faith. In due time, we look forward to bringing in artists, experts and architects to help us learn about the enriching significance and meaning of these symbols.

We cannot help but feel a sense of gratitude for the work which has been accomplished here at Incarnation for the glory of God. The people of Incarnation have given generously and abundantly, remained committed to a vision and offered enormous forbearance during the ups and downs of our building project. Thank you!

I will give thanks to Thee, O Lord, among the people.

As we enter the final days to completion of the building, we are aware that the work ahead of us is not quite finished. In order to complete the project without long-term debt, we are asking everyone to remain faithful to their pledge and commitment to this campaign.

In Matthew 5:14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” May the glorious vision of Jesus Christ – God with us and for us – be manifest in our lives and in the life of the world.

O God, my heart is ready.

We give God the glory for his spirit is truly at work in this place and in each of us.

GLORIOUS VISION A PLAN FOR INCARNATION

I LLUM INATE * INVITE * INSPIRE

JOHN HELMERKELLER TORREY

STEVE SHEPHERDKELLY TANDY

VESTRY NOMINEES

October ANNIVERSARIES

Wade & Geri Coleman – 10/2James & Edith Woodling Dillon – 10/6

Cary & Janet Beck – 10/8Thomas & Florence Holmes – 10/11

John & Diane North – 10/11

William (Bill) & Lora Terry – 10/18Chris & Hilary Wilkes – 10/22

October BIRTHDAYS

Richard (Dick) Boger – 10/1John Hill – 10/4

Margaret (Meg) Smith – 10/5Anna Bring – 10/6

Luther Turner – 10/6Barbara Adams – 10/7G Lee Garrett – 10/8

Mary Adair Trumbly – 10/9Judith (Judy) Hoyt – 10/9

Susan Kaiser – 10/10Jason Bring – 10/11

Carol Lucas – 10/12Bernard Harwood – 10/17

Bret Herbert – 10/17Neil Crawford – 10/18

Nancy Shurling – 10/18Jill Helmer – 10/18

Patricia (Pat) Parker – 10/19Paula McDonald – 10/20

Ross Neagley – 10/21William (Bill) Daughtrey – 10/22

Michael Crowe – 10/23Kimberly Ingram – 10/24

Carol Avinger – 10/25Leslie Manning – 10/25

Peachy Wagner-Staley – 10/26Brad Armstrong – 10/26Florence Holmes – 10/27

Linda Skinner – 10/28John Barnhardt – 10/28

Daniel (Randy) Ramey – 10/29Isabel Allen – 10/29

Henry Couch – 10/29Sandra (Sandy) Norton – 10/30

ANNUAL MEETING

We will be holding our annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, October 24th at

9:30 in the chapel.

All are welcome to attend this meeting to be updated on the

state of our parish.

A light “picnic lunch” will be served as you hear reports

from our rector, senior warden, junior warden,

and receive updates on the church’s finances and the

work of our ministries.

THE CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION520 Main Street; P. O. Box 729Highlands, North Carolina 28741-0729Phone (828) 526-2968Fax (828) 526-9290www.incarnationwnc.org

THE PARISH POST

The Rev. Bentley Manning Rector 828-526-2968, ext. 204 bentley@incarnationwnc.org

The Rev. Kellan Day Assistant Rector 828-526-2968, ext. 206 kellan@incarnationwnc.org

Charles M. Banks Organist and Choirmaster charlesmbanks@gmail.com

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: The Church of the Incarnation exists to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ through worship, love and service. As individuals and as a congregation, we dedicate ourselves to this purpose.