Dear Friends,

It was my pleasure to be with everyone on Sunday, December 4, 2022 to pray and discern the next brief chapter in the life of St. George’s.

I want to assure you all that Bishop José is very committed to equipping and sustaining both the parish buildings and the community of St. George’s for the mission to spread the love, peace and justice of God in West Asheville and beyond. Together, we recognize how faithful and committed you all are to be Christ’s hands and feet in the neighborhood surrounding the church. We also recognize how tired you all are and the grace of sabbath rest.

As such, out of our conversation, we all committed to the following:

  • One year of jubilee sabbath rest: the worshiping community will discern attending other Episcopal churches where they can be nourished and supported in their faith journey.
  • During this year of Jubilee, a caretaker will be identified and hired to manage the property and the tenants.
  • During the year, members of the faith community will have opportunities to meet for a variety of fellowship or spiritual gatherings.
  • Individuals will be invited to assist, as they are able, the caretaker and the Canon to the Ordinary in decluttering and tidying up the property.
  • The diocese will steward all St. George’s assets on behalf of the community and will provide timely reporting on all matters, including financial transparency.
  • The Canon to the Ordinary commits to staying connected with all members of the St. George’s community and providing occasional spiritual support through emails and other messages.
  • Together we will meet face-to-face at least twice in 2023 to reconnect and provide additional updates.

It is Bishop José’s hope that during this time of Jubilee sabbath rest, as find rest for our souls, God’s promise of new life and resurrection begins to emerge and we can regather sometime in 2024 refreshed and energized to re-engage the mission of God’s love for all people.

Blessings,

Canon Augusta canonaugusta@diocesewnc.org