Lake Junaluska, NC

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SUNDAY, JULY 28Summer Sunday SchoolCome gather for music and Biblical study. Led by David Lawson. Harrell Center, Room 102, 9:30 a.m.

Summer Worship SeriesJoin Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls in this traditional summertime worship service. Prelude music by the Lake Junaluska Singers. Stuart Auditorium, 10:45 a.m.

Folkmoot Closing CeremonyNorth Carolina’s official international festival will hold their closing ceremony at Lake Junaluska. Don’t miss this opportunity to see performance art from around the world. $21-$31Stuart Auditorium, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, JULY 29 Lakeside Devotion Join devotion leader Rev. Rebecca Mathis for a time of reflection as you start the week.Harrell Center Porch, 8:30 a.m.

Taizé ServiceCome together for a contemplative service of prayer and song.Memorial Chapel, 7 p.m.

Indoor Movie Night “Akeela and the Bee” Experience our new wide screen and digital projector. Shackford Hall Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JULY 30Sharing Circle: Life Coaching Come learn what life coaching is and what it is not and whether a life coach may be right for you or your loved ones. Led by Bill Gattis.Harrell Center, Room 105, 10:30 a.m.

This week continues on page 5.

July 26, 2019 | Issue 9

THIS WEEK

participants at events in the Summer Activities Program

events for residents and visitors at Lake Junaluska

3,339

112

THIS SUMMER BY THE NUMBERS10 Eager individuals participated in a Bird Tour

9 Editions of the Junaluska Weekly8 Game Nights with new friends

7 Movies that brought families and friends together

6 Exciting Summer Youth Events

5 Competing families at the Family Olympics

4 Nature Walks with naturalist Alan Schork

3 Stilt walkers at the Independence Day Parade

2 Hymn Sings with the Lake Junaluska Singers

1 Lake Junaluska community

We’re celebrating the last week of the Summer Activities Program! This final issue will offer a look back at memories we made and the events coming up next week.

The Summer Activities Program is made possible by charitable giving. Thank you to all who contributed to make this possible.

Junaluska Weekly

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From Aug. 2-4, the Lake Junaluska Associates will gather at Lake Junaluska during the annual Lake Junaluska Associates Weekend.

The Associates serve many essential functions at Lake Junaluska, including sharing the Lake Junaluska experience; enhancing and promoting outreach programs; providing assistance for beautification and improvements on the grounds; and encouraging financial support.

Over 51 years, this group of individuals has invested more than $4.5 million into Lake Junaluska.

The Associates gather at Lake Junaluska every August for fellowship, to discuss plans for the next year and

to name the recipient of the Chief Junaluska Award.

Additionally, concerts during Associates Weekend are a great tradition, and the Lake Junaluska Associates invite the whole community to attend.

This year’s concerts will include the summer’s final performance of the Lake Junaluska Singers and a performance by Paul Saik, an accomplished vocalist and pianist.

Each concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. in Stuart Auditorium. General admission tickets are available for $18 plus tax at the Bethea Welcome Center, by calling 800-965-9324 or going online at lakejunaluska.com/concert.

ASSOCIATES WEEKEND 51 YEARS IN THE MAKING

THE REV. SUSAN GILES TO RETIRE FROM DEAN OF CHAPEL

GROUPS AT THE LAKE THIS WEEK Road Scholar Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Jasper United Methodist Church Lake Junaluska Associates Rise Against Hunger Lance Rogers Mayfair United Methodist Church

The beauty and spirit of Lake Junaluska are sustained by the hard work and dedication of all the employees and volunteers.

One woman in particular, the Rev. Susan Slye Giles, has seen how such dedication can transform a place and the lives it serves.

Giles was appointed as the Dean of Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska five years ago. She works alongside the Rev. Mitzi Johnson to plan worship services throughout the year, notably the Summer Worship Series. Giles also helps plan and run the Taizé Services that are offered through the Summer Activities Program.

There are many rewarding parts of her job, but there is one in particular at the top of her list.

“I have been coming to Lake Junaluska since I was a young girl,” said Giles.

“It has been the foundation of my faith journey. To be able to give back to the Lake Junaluska community what it gave to me at a young age, that is the most rewarding part.”

Giles is responsible for bringing new traditions to Lake Junaluska, such as the Moravian lovefeast and Appalachian Christmas worship services.

Johnson could not be more thankful to have worked with Giles.

“I have had the privilege of working alongside Susan for two and half years,” said Johnson. “She has brought love and creativity to everything she has done at the lake. Susan has a joyful heart.”

Giles plans to continue calling Lake Junaluska home with her husband, the Rev. Sandy Giles.

“Coming to Lake Junaluska always felt like coming home, even before we had a permanent home here,” said Giles.

The Rev. Susan Slye Giles participated actively in the Summer Worship Series.

Delmas Copeland received the 2018 Chief Junaluska Award.

Junaluska Weekly

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My name is Ally Hibbitts, and I am proud to be the woman behind the Junaluska Weekly this summer.

When I applied for this job at the end of December, I had no idea what to expect. Before this I had limited experience with journalism, and all I knew was I wanted an internship that furthered my education in mass communications at the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

My first week was a whirlwind of emotions. I suddenly became a writer, editor, designer and publisher. I had never had so much entrusted in me before, and this was something that scared me tremendously.

Now looking back after nine editions of the Junaluska Weekly and with the guidance of all those who helped me along the way, I can confidently add those

skills to my resume.

But those skills are just that – intangible technical things. What I learned this summer is far greater. I learned what the phrase “they will know we are Christians by our love” truly means and that lesson came from you – the community.

Never before have I lived and worked in a place where everyone emotes such a strong sense of unconditional love and grace. From the first event that I attended, to every nervous phone call I made, I was met with so much kindness and compassion.

It is now a place where I can be who God calls me to be. It is a place where not only did I become a better employee, but my trust and faith in God grew tremendously. That has a lot to do with the support I found outside of my desk.

In the end, my job this summer was to use the Junaluska Weekly as a vehicle to connect the community to each other, but I found myself more and more connected with the lovely people here. It is hard to believe the summer is almost over.

I want to extend a massive thank you to everyone. Whether you live here or are just passing through – there is a special place for each and every one of you in my heart. I praise and thank God for placing me at Lake Junaluska this summer.

REFLECTION ON THE JUNALUSKA WEEKLY

Ally Hibbitts is the face behind the Junaluska Weekly newsletters this summer.

On Tuesday, July 30, Rev. Bill Gattis will lead the ninth and final Sharing Circle of the summer.

Gattis’ program will be on the idea of life coaching and how it can be a valuable tool in an individual’s life.

Through his background as a certified Professional Co-Active Coach endorsed by the United Methodist Endorsing Agency, Gattis has helped people through the struggles of life.

“Reading a self-help book is often not enough,” said Gattis. There needs to be someone walking beside us, encouraging us along the way.”

Gattis is a retired UMC pastor, former UMC district superintendent and executive director of the Academy of Leadership Excellence.

SHARING CIRCLE:

LIFE COACHINGHISTORICAL SPOTLIGHT: THE ROOM OF MEMORY

The Room of Memory, located beside Memorial Chapel, is steeped in rich history.

When the plans for Memorial Chapel were finalized, the Assembly brainstormed ways to raise the necessary funds.

One fundraiser called for the local churches of the jurisdiction to send in the names of those members who served in the armed forces. They were asked to send in one dollar with each name.

Over 90,000 names were received. Those names were then placed in a Book of Memory that would be placed in what is now called the Room of Memory.

The room was completed in 1951

after the book was placed there. The room now serves as a space for people to come and honor the memories of their loved ones.

Historical Spotlight is provided by Bill Lowry and Nancy Watkins.

The Room of Memory can be found beside Memorial Chapel.

Junaluska Weekly

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Lake Junaluska is a place where people can come and connect with themselves, family, friends and God.

Five years ago, a group of Lake Junaluska residents came together on the front porch of Mary Frances Gray’s home to discuss a new vision of community for Lake Junaluska-- a vision that would create more opportunities for community members, both residents and guests, to connect with one another throughout the summer.

The Summer Activities Program is the product of that vision. Fueled by the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund, Lake Junaluska residents and guests, as well as people from the larger Western North Carolina community, have gathered for weekly bonfires, kicked up their heels during clogging lessons and reconnected with God during nature walks.

“The bonfires were one of my favorite events,” said Daphne Chapman, a Lake Junaluska resident. “Those attract a lot of the guests and people from the surrounding community, giving me a chance to connect with people I don’t know.”

All of these activities, from the simple to the profound, have cultivated a space for intentional community building.

“The different events give us, the residents, a chance to meet visitors and extend Christian hospitality,” said Grace Gaines Gattis, a Lake Junaluska resident. “I am grateful to provide support to the Annual Fund because it is my hope that everyone who visits the lake will experience the same joy that it brings me.”

The Summer Activities Program continues to change people’s lives—all because of the generosity of a community who values connection with everyone from all walks of life.

FIND RENEWAL AT THE FESTIVAL OF WISDOM AND GRACELake Junaluska will host the Festival of Wisdom and Grace, a conference for those looking for purpose and renewal in the second half of life, from August 5 through 8.

The conference invites all older adults to attend, from those nearing retirement to those already retired for many years. The program includes worship, workshops, recreation, learning and entertainment.

The conference theme is “Growing Deeper Roots,” which is inspired by a Bible verse from Ephesians 3:16-17: “I

pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.”

Two keynote speakers — Rev. Dr. Fred Allen and Dr. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr. — and a slate of workshop leaders will illuminate this theme, connecting wisdom to the sustenance and renewal of body, mind and soul.

“This year we are excited to have The

Upper Room co-sponsoring the event. They will be providing many of the workshop leaders who are published authors,” said Rev. Mitzi Johnson, director of programming at Lake Junaluska. “There will also be Learning Circles this year taught by participant volunteers.”

The Festival of Wisdom and Grace program fee is $100. Lake Junaluska does have rooms and meal plans for participants at a separate cost. For more information or to register visit visit lakejunaluska.com/wisdom-and-grace or call 800-222-4930.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES CONNECT THE COMMUNITY

Monday Lakeside Devotions offered the perfect opportunity for a community of faith to be built.

GIVE TODAY:The Summer Activities Program and the Junaluska Weekly are made possible through charitable giving. Your gift to the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund assures that these programs thrive throughout the summer and in years to come. Make an impact today by giving online, by phone or mail. Thank you!

Give online: lakejunaluska.com/supportCall: 828-454-6749Mail: Lake Junaluska Annual Fund, PO Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

Junaluska Weekly

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THIS WEEK (CONTINUED)

The Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls is senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville, N.C. Before that, he was senior minister of Centenary UMC in Winston-Salem, Asbury First UMC in Rochester, N.Y., and several churches throughout the UMC Western NC Conference.

He is the co-author of “Is This All There Is? And Other Big Questions about God and Life,” and is one of the creators of the Beginnings series of courses introducing Christian beliefs and practices. He has also preached for the popular national radio program, Day 1.

Ralls earned a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, an M.Div. from Duke University Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. In his early years, he spent summers at Lake Junaluska.

He will preach on Sunday, July 28 in Stuart Auditorium. The service will begin at 11 a.m., after a prelude from the Lake Junaluska Singers starting at 10:45 a.m.

FINAL SUMMER WORSHIP LEADERSTUESDAY, JULY 30 Mixed Flow Yoga Relax and enjoy yoga outdoors. Yoga classes will continue through August. $7 per session Inspiration Point, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Hymn SingJoin the Lake Junaluska Singers for a hymn sing entitled: The Musical Wesleys in the Chapel. Memorial Chapel, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 31Game NightCome play classic board games and make new friends. Attendees are welcome to bring their own games. Harrell Center, Room 202, 7-9

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1Gentle YogaAll levels and abilities are encouraged to attend. Yoga classes will continue through August. $7 per session Inspiration Point, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Bonfire/Ice Cream Social Get to know your community around a cozy campfire. S’mores and ice cream will be provided. Shackford Fire Pit, 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2Lake Junaluska Singers ConcertAs part of Associates Weekend, the Lake Junaluska Singers will give their final performance of the summer. The concert is open to everyone. Buy tickets at the Bethea Welcome Center, lakejunaluska.com/concerts or at 800-965-9324.$18 plus tax general admission Stuart Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3Paul Saik in ConcertAs part of Associates Weekend, internationally-known vocalist and pianist Paul Saik will perform in Stuart Auditorium. Buy tickets at the Bethea Welcome Center, lakejunaluska.com/concerts or at 800-965-9324.$18 plus tax general admissionStuart Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

The Rev. Dr. Charley Reeb is the senior pastor at Johns Creek UMC in Johns Creek, Georgia. He previously served as senior pastor of Pasadena Community Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Reeb has a passion for preaching and loves helping other preachers hone their craft. Reeb teaches the practice of preaching for the Course of Study at Candler School of Theology and the License to Preach School for the Florida Conference of the UMC.

Besides being a pastor and teacher, Reeb is also author of five books: “Seven Wonders of the Faith,” “One Heaven of a Party,” “Mission Possible,” “That’ll Preach! 5 Simple Steps to Your Best Sermon Ever,” and “Say Something! Simple Ways to Make Your Sermons Matter.” He is also a frequent preacher on the national radio program Day1.

Reeb leads preaching workshops and is a popular speaker at conferences and events.

He will preach at the final Summer Worship Series on Sunday, August 4 in Stuart Auditorium.

Rev. Dr. Charley Reeb will lead the final Summer Worship Series on Sunday, Aug. 4.

Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls will lead the Summer Worship Series on Sunday, July 28.

Rev. Dr. Mark Ralls Rev. Dr. Charley Reeb

Junaluska Weekly

The Summer Activities Program and the Junaluska Weekly are made possible through charitable giving. Your gift to the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund assures that these programs thrive throughout the summer and in years to come. Make an impact today by giving online, by phone or mail. Thank you!

Give online: lakejunaluska.com/supportCall: 828-454-6749Mail: Lake Junaluska Annual Fund, PO Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745

The mission of Lake Junaluska is to be a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through the renewal of soul, mind and body

SNAPSHOTS FROM THIS SUMMER AT LAKE JUNALUSKA

From left, Debbie Savage, Audrey Dane, Emmett Dane and Christine Gibson share a birding book on July 19 at Lake Junaluska during a Bird Tour.

Diana Foederer and Phyllis Capponi attended the Praying in Color Sharing Circle on July 9.

George Shepherd took a group of hikers on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail on July 15.

Mark and Stephanie Schulz participated in the square dance at the Independence Day picnic.

Inspiration Point created the perfect place to relax and renew your mind, body and spirit.

Attendees of the July 18 bonfire discussed the best way to roast a marshmallow to make the perfect s’more.

The Lake Junaluska Singers perform “Singing in the Rain” at their annual Lakeshore Goes Broadway dinner show.