Members & Friends of Holy Cross Photo Wall Update

In anticipation of Father Jonathan Chesney’s arrival on June 1, we will be updating the members and friends of Holy Cross, posted in Skiles Hall and in the Church Directory. Stacey Bulmer has volunteered to help out with this project, and she will be using her skills as a professional photographer to make everyone look their best! If you want your photo to be updated, please come by the Church Office after either of the Sunday services through Sunday, May 17 and let Ahren or Stacey know! This will help our new Rector learn the names and faces of the folks he is coming to the High Country to serve!

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Meal Train for Marilyn Welch
As I have been visiting our parish member, Marilyn Welch, with weekly communion, she has experienced a decline in her health. Last week she had a stay in the hospital and is now home with around the clock Hospice Care.  While her mind is engaged and hopeful, her body is not cooperating! I offered to start a Mealtrain at Holy Cross to help with meal preparation, and after discussing with her caretakers and family, she agreed to allow me to ask for help on Sunday and Thursday. Other friends and family will cover other days. The Hospice worker has agreed to heat anything that needs it and will share the meal with Marilyn. But please use disposable, reusable containers. I will pick them up as they accumulate and they will be available for you to pick up and reuse in the kitchen in Skiles Hall. If you are able to help, please click this link and sign up to deliver some love and support to Marilyn. Marilyn has been a member of Holy Cross for over 50 years! She lives in the red house, in the curve, just down the road from the church on Highway 194 and they use the back door. She loves visitors and seeing her church friends. If you cannot provide an occasional meal or visit, please consider sending cards of encouragement. If you have ever gotten a birthday card from Holy Cross, it came from Marilyn. That has been her ministry to all of us for years.  The link is below and the sign up is easy. Mary Pietan will be coordinating the list from her winter home in Florida until she returns to us this Spring. Many thanks, for the gift of your time, Mary! Thanks to all of you for your love and support of Marilyn.
Peace, Kim Gauss

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2026
MNO in Valle Crucis Park
We'll be eating "high on the hog" when Bud Gerber and Keith Martin co-host the next MEN'S NIGHT OUT gathering from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 at the Herrick Pavilion in the center of Valle Crucis Community Park, located at 2892 Broadstone Road behind the Original Mast Store Annex and near the intersection of NC Highway 194 in Valle Crucis (although the GPS address is Banner Elk). While there is plenty of room for parking, carpooling is always encouraged. NOTE that the rain location is Skiles Parish Hall at Holy Cross Church. 
The menu includes BBQ pork and chicken from The Peddlin' Pig with appropriate sides and homemade cupcakes for dessert at a suggested contribution of $10 per person. So that our hosts may provide enough food for everyone in attendance (ahem... don't arrive late, gentlemen), please RSVP by 5:30 p.m on Sunday, May 17 via email to KeithTMartin@gmail.com and kindly let us know of any food allergies or preferences. As always, remember to bring your favorite beverage to enjoy... and share.  
MNO is a monthly opportunity for brethren from within our parishes and throughout our community to enjoy an evening of fellowship together. PLEASE RSVP by the due date. If you do not drive at night, need a ride to and/or from MNO, or are without reliable transportation for whatever reason, kindly let us know. We have participants from all over the High Country who would welcome your company and be happy to pick you up and deliver you safely home. Come join us! 

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Please join us in welcoming Fr. Jonathan Chesney and his family to Holy Cross!

On Sunday, June 7, we will have ONE combined service at 10:00am at Holy Cross (there will NOT be a service at St. John’s).

Please wear your name tag or stop by Skiles Hall for a stick-on name tag before the service. Following the service, all are invited to a covered dish potluck in Skiles Hall — please bring a dish to share if you’re able. We look forward to celebrating this joyful occasion together!

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TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026
DOK Quiet Day – 9:30am - 12:30pm
“I kneel before the Father” – Ephesians 3:14

St. Helena’s Chapter of Daughters of the King invites one and all to a “Quiet Day” on Tuesday, June 23 at Holy Cross.

• 9:00 am - Gathering and Coffee in Skiles Hall

• 9:30 am - Gathering in Skiles Hall – reflections on humility, waiting on God, and patient prayer

• 11:00 am - Gathering in Holy Cross Sanctuary – service for intercession, silence, prayers and music

• 12:30 pm - Lunch in Skiles Hall

Hosted by Pan McCaslin, a life-long Episcopalian and current member of Holy Cross, who serves the Church offering opportunities for education, wellness and spiritual formation. She works with Church Pension Group offering clergy wellness programs, consults with clergy and vestries, and leads retreats. She and her husband live on Beech Mountain, have three adult children and four grands.

If you’ve ever thought about joining Daughters of the King, or just wondered about who we are, or you just need a “Quiet Day” before the peak of summer that comes with the Fellowship of like-minded souls, please join us. Feel free to bring friends who might need that “Quiet Day” as well. All are welcome. Always.

Please RSVP to Kim Gauss so that we can abundantly accommodate all attendees for lunch.