When I asked them about 2022, Annika spoke of her new life and career in Spartanburg and the chance to nurture blossoming friendships. I turned to Chris and asked him if he thought 2022 would be a good year for him. He sat in silence for a moment and then flashed a smile that presaged the coming surprise.

As it turns out, the onset of a pandemic can be an opportune time to launch a new ministry. When St. John in the Wilderness struggled to find ways for church members to stay connected during the lockdown, parish member Cynthia Easterling and Father Josh Stephens discussed the possibility of doing something outdoors. The result was an unconventional way to do church and to honor the historic church's wilderness legacy.

A person’s true legacy is much more than the outward trappings of success traditionally celebrated in our culture. There is a case to be made for defining a person’s legacy as “acts of kindness done well, and without expectation of reward or recognition, that find a special place in people's hearts and that are the most important.”

By this latter definition, Mike Sollum and Don Hubbs left a legacy both impressive and transformational.

Thanks to the dedication and passion of four women entrepreneurs, our small village of Flat Rock is blessed with unusually diverse and intriguing options for holiday shopping. Within the space of a short walk in downtown Flat Rock, shoppers will find an enchanting assortment of crafts, apparel, jewelry, gifts, fine art, and warm smiles as they seek out that perfect gift for the special people in their lives.

Although still a relatively young man, Michael Dages has managed to cram an impressive volume of experience with parks and outdoor activities into his 27 years. His latest adventure is his new job as Park Ranger for The Park at Flat Rock, and his experience and outgoing personality seem to be the perfect fit for overseeing one of the area’s favorite outdoor destinations.

Born to two musically talented parents, Nat Zagree’s earliest memories invariably involve music. In the Zegree home, music infused and informed almost everything the family did and was a priority for Nat, his older sister, and his parents. “Before I could even count my fingers,” recalls Nat, “My father had my fingers on the piano.”

Lisa Bryant, Artistic Director of Flat Rock Playhouse, walked into the spotlight at the center of Leiman Mainstage. Stepping up to the microphone, Lisa prepared to welcome the audience to the Playhouse and to introduce a new performance - as she’s done dozens of times before.

This time, however, was very different.

On Sunday, October 3rd at 4 p.m., Father Josh Stephens will preside over a Blessing of the Animals and he readily admits it will be a departure from the usual service at St. John in the Wilderness. “The service is always beautiful, but typically filled with a holy chaos,” he says with a grin.