Dear reader, I don’t necessarily believe in “ghosts,” but I love a good spooky tale or scary movie!  And let me tell you, the people of Asheville are all in when it comes to stories of the macabre—as it seems there is much paranormal activity to be discovered in this Blue Ridge town.  As you know, we visited AsheTHRILLe this past summer, and I took a few images of some of the more well-known haunts, including The Grove Park Inn, the former Highland Hospital, and Central United Methodist Church/Church St.  Happy Halloween!

What do jugglers, a community drum circle, beautiful mountain views, and a historic hotel have in common?  They are all on display in Asheville, NC.  After dropping our son off at college this summer, my wife and headed to the mountains to cope with our newfound role as "empty nesters." We've been to Asheville several times, but not in a long while.  While we certainly found it to be more crowded with tourists, its charm was still intact.  Here you'll find restaurants galore (just be prepared with reservations or a desire to eat early), a thriving arts community, and endless vistas.  Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway (which cuts through the region), the NC Arboretum offers garden walkways, exhibits, and even an outdoor model railway!  Be sure to check out my gallery of images.

​In June I attended the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Louisville, KY—the denomination I served as pastor for 22+ years. This was my first time attending “GA” and I was overjoyed to do so as a photographer for The Presbyterian Outlook. Working alongside a team of talented journalists, I captured much of the goings on for the first week (of a three week event), including opening worship, a special Juneteenth worship service, committee meetings, and a unique one-on-one interview between Outlook’s editor/publisher Teri Ott and the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II (the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). It was truly an amazing experience to see the work of the church carried out by such faithful and committed people. Following the external link, you’ll find some of my favorite images from the week. And if you recognize people in the images, feel free to share the link. Also, for more in-depth articles, essays, and content about faith, theology, and the Presbyterian Church, be sure and subscribe to the Outlook. (All images ©The Presbyterian Outlook)