Sunday School on Break

Children’s Sunday School is on hiatus at the 11:00 service for the summer to provide our wonderful teachers with a needed break. As always, children are most welcome and encouraged to participate in all services at Holy Cross and at St. John’s.

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Coffee Hour

Coffee hour is our weekly opportunity for people in our parish and our community to enjoy fellowship together. But, we need your help! Choose a Sunday and plan to provide simple treats. Coffee, iced tea and juice will be provided as well as sugar-free and gluten-free crackers and cookies. All you need to bring are simple treats. Some suggestions are mini muffins, cheese and crackers, fruit such as grapes, or a veggie tray. Your choice!  

ECW will be hosting a more substantial social hour the first Sunday of every month. Please look at your calendars for any of the other Sundays through October 18. To sign up or for more information, please call Mary Watson.

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Summer Food Ministry: Our Families Need Us

This summer, we are once again partnering with the Valle Crucis United Methodist Church to provide food assistance to families in our community. The need is greater than ever.

Last summer, we served 6 families. This year, we have 11 families in need — nearly double from last year. With rising grocery and gas prices, many families are struggling to provide enough food during the summer months when children no longer have access to school meals.

Every two weeks, an email will be sent with a link to an online sign-up sheet for requested food items. Because we are serving 11 families this summer, our list of requested items is significantly larger. We will provide 4 food deliveries throughout the summer and appreciate your support in helping us meet these growing needs.

If you sign up for an item, please honor that commitment. Our distributions are planned based on promised donations, and when items are not brought, families may go without food they desperately need. Food items will be collected on shelves set up in Skiles Hall.

Thank you for helping us be the hands and feet of Christ by caring for our neighbors during this critical time.

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Volunteers Needed for the Valle Country Fair

It’s that time of year again! The 48th annual Valle Country Fair, Saturday October 17th, is just around the corner. Holy Cross, the little church with the big heart, has lived its mission of ‘neighbor helping neighbor’, not only by supporting local nonprofits but by pitching in to help those in need with things like fuel oil, medical bills and assistance with their rent.

But WE NEED YOU! Please think about where you would be willing to help and make this year’s fair another great success. Contact Mary Pietan at vcf.volunteers@gmail.com and let her know where you want to work and what type of job you’d prefer. We have lots of spots to fill. Thank you!

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Saturday, August 8, 2026
Deanery Community Resilience & Preparedness Day
St. Luke’s, Boone – 3:00-6:00 pm

All are welcome to join this workshop hosted by the Diocesan Disaster Response & Recovery Team to explore community resilience and disaster preparedness together as we explore: disaster phases, community risk mapping, the dimensions of resilience, asset-mapping, and concrete action planning. Please let Fr. Jonathan know if you’re interested in attending, and he will forward the RSVP form.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2026
MNO To Meet "Down By The Riverside"

We're going to lay down our burdens, down by the riverside" -- literally -- at our next MNO gathering hosted by neighbors Mike Edgerton and Jim Tennant on the banks of the Watauga River beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 18. It will be our annual "weenie roast" homage to our very first meeting ten years ago with quarter pound Kosher beef hot dogs from Costco (with a plant-based alternative) complete with all the usual condiments and fixin's, plus Annie's famous chili, Becky's cole slaw, Wickle's garlic pickles, chopped Vidalia onions, sauerkraut, chips, watermelon and, of course, Ray's Klondike bars for dessert, all for $5 per person.  

Remember to bring your own beverage to enjoy (and share) plus your favorite lawn chair for comfort and lawn games for enjoyment. The location is in the Shulls Farm Subdivision off Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis with a GPS address of 535 New Farm Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604. A detailed map will be sent to those who RSVP, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.

MNO is a monthly opportunity for men from within our parishes, faith centers, and in our community to enjoy having an evening of fellowship together. We're very flexible and inclusive, so feel free to bring a friend... or three! To let our gracious hosts know how many will be in attendance, please RSVP by noon on Sunday, August 16 via email to Keith Martin.

If you do not drive at night, need a ride to and/or from MNO, or are without reliable transportation for whatever reason, simply 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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Saturday, August 22, 2026
ECW Rummage Sale
Skiles Hall – 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Mark your calendars for the RUMMAGE SALE sponsored by the Holy Cross Episcopal Church Women (ECW). Set up day is Friday, August 21, 10am - 3 pm. Our sale will include household items, furniture & garden goodies (no clothing). To reserve your table, please contact Mary Watson.

All proceeds will benefit ECW projects for Holy Cross Church.