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Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and shield.
Our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
~ Psalm 33: 20-22
Sunday Preview
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Third Sunday of Advent
Worship services @ 8:30 & 10:30 AM
Education Hour @ 9:15 AM
Sermon:
"Patience, Probability and a Panacea" by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scriptures:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Luke 1:46b-55
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A Congregational Meeting has been called for this Sunday, December 17
th
immediately following worship for the purpose of voting on a new slate of Elders and Deacons.
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Advent and Christmas Happenings
Sunday, December 17 | The Longest Night: A Service of Consolation | 6 PM | Sanctuary
The holiday season can be a difficult time when grief, health challenges, and loneliness are part of what we carry. All are welcome at this simple service of prayer and Communion.
Wednesday, December 20 | Biltmore Choir Preview Concert & Reception |
8 PM | Sanctuary
Once again, members of the Chancel Choir will be offering holiday favorites at the Biltmore Candlelight Christmas. If you would like a sneak preview, please join us for refreshments and sounds of the season at our final dress rehearsal.
Sunday, December 24 | 10:30 AM Service only |
(No 8:30 service or Education Hour)
Sunday, December 24 | Christmas Eve Services
5 PM | A Night Like No Other – Service for all ages
Calling all angels, shepherds, and wise women and men:
This service is full of joy and wonder with carols, stories of the first Christmas, and all the children of Grace Covenant taking part! Kids, arrive a little early to pick out your costume.
9 PM | Candlelight Communion Service
The 9:00 PM service will include Holy Communion.
The church office will be closed Monday – Wednesday, December 25-27
th
.
Sunday, December 31 | 10:30 AM Service only |
(No 8:30 service or Education Hour)
The church office will be closed on Monday, January 1
st
.
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This year, our Advent Ministry Partner is Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community (AWITSC)
.
AWITSC creates safe spaces for young people of color to express themselves creatively through creative writing and the arts. Programs include "Word on the Street," a bilingual arts and culture magazine for and by youth; Family Voices, a family writing program, and residencies by local Artist Mentors. Our Christmas Eve offering will support the important work of AWITSC.
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"
Word on the Street"/ "La Voz de los Jovenes
" is a magazine program that provides opportunities for teens of color to express themselves creatively and fosters a safe, creative community that supports each youth in realizing their full potential.
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Word on the Street team 2017-2018
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Word on the Street team 2016-2017
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2018 Flower Chart (on bulletin board next to elevators)
Please consider signing up to give flowers one Sunday. After signing up, email your bulletin dedication to Anna Louise at
almurchison@gcpcusa.org and send in your check to GCPC for $45.
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Knit and Knatter Group
Delivered! 65 warm and colorful scarves to BeLoved for the Senior Opportunity Center participants. Thanks to all who knit.
Next up…..the Prayer Shawl shelves need some restocking. And, a group still meets on Wednesdays at 10 (except December 27) to knit and natter (chat) and always welcomes newcomers.
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Our partnership with our Guatemalan friends is evident in the beautiful tapestry in our sanctuary, on our website, and in the reports from the Presbytery youth delegation.
Many of you know that GCPC supports scholarships for children to get an education and needed medical care. This year, our budget includes $7300 for scholarships and aid with medical expenses for 35 youth.
On the students’ applications for a scholarship, each child makes a promise, his or her parent(s) make a promise and the student shares a dream for the future. Children have made promises such as “
participate in church activities--maintain the grade average required by the scholarship committee--study a lot--be well with God." Parents make promises to “be punctual and responsible at the meetings--make sure my child gets good grades--take my child to Sunday school--go over my child’s homework to see how she is progressing--instruct my child in matters of God,” for example. Children dream to “be a Sunday school teacher--go to university--have a far--be a business owner, doctor, teacher, veterinarian---be top student in my grade.--get a good job.”
In the past, scholarship money was solicited from church members above and beyond our pledges, but in the spirit that this is a mission for our entire congregation, the money is now in the budget.
We pledge we will provide this amount of support for our partners and it is not dependent on separate individual contributions.
Our budget is the document that shows what our commitments are
…to our international partners, to our community and to our own church members and friends. If we believe in what we do, if we want to move our Faith Forward, we all need to pledge, we all need to be generous in our response to God’s many blessings in our lives.
- The Stewardship Committee
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Faith Forward Update:
160 pledges totaling
$
691,328.40
We are 79% of our way to our pledging goal.
If you have not turned in your pledge, please do so today!
2017 YTD Contribution Statement Pick Up Extension
Due to the unexpected winter weather, we've extended the YTD 2017 contribution statement pick up date one more Sunday, 12/17/17. The statements will be available for pick up on the front credenza by the Sanctuary.
Please pick up yours this Sunday and help us save on postage!
Year end tax statements for all giving in 2017 will be available in late January.
If you have questions regarding your pledge balance or payments, please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at
giving@gcpcusa.org
or
828.254.3274, ext. 202
.
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Here is the list of needs that the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville sent out to GCPC and other supporting sanctuary congregations as they prepare for an individual or family seeking sanctuary.
- Volunteers, in shifts, to be present 24/7 with person in sanctuary
- Meals, groceries, shopping
- Equipment, supplies
- Transportation for family members, as needed
- Skilled labor to help prepare the spaces (plumbing, electrical)
- Financial support
- Space for UUCA programs/rentals displaced by sanctuary
- Other ideas..........what are your gifts? For example, Robin Gaiser plans to offer guitar lessons to sanctuary residents.
What are you called to do?
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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MLK Commemoration Pilgrimage | April 2 - 5, 2018 | Memphis, TN
April 4, 2018 marks the 50
th
commemoration of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Power and Race Team (PART) is planning a four day intergenerational pilgrimage to Memphis to participate in this national remembrance.
Along with members from All Souls Cathedral and Memphis Youth Mission (MYM), GCPC members will spend time building community while learning about the past, present, and future of the Civil Rights Movement. The trip will be Monday, April 2 – Thursday, April 5. The cost payable to GCPC will vary from $300 - $700 per person, depending on food, lodging, and activity choices. There may be additional food and travel costs not included in this amount.
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Racial Justice Book Club: Fall Wrap-up
| Sunday, December 17 |
This fall, our congregation has been reading three books centered around systemic issues of racial justice by authors of color: Michelle Alexander's
The New Jim Crow,
Carol Anderson's
White Rage
, and Craig Steven Wilder's
Ebony and Ivy.
Our Power and Race Team (PART) is hosting a "wrap-up" session open to GCPC and our community partners. If you have read one or all of the books, or would just like to discuss and learn more about the issues they cover, please join us.
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MLK Week Keynote - Michelle Alexander | Thursday, January 18 | 7 - 9 PM | UNCA Sherrill Center - Kimmel Arena
Michelle Alexander’s best-selling book,
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, both crystalized and amplified public discussion about racism and civil rights, the war on drugs and the prison system. As an attorney, Alexander clerked for Justice Harry Blackmun at the U.S. Supreme Court, directed the Racial Justice Project at the ACLU of Northern California, and brought discrimination suits in private practice. She now is a visiting professor at Union Theological Seminary and a forceful public speaker who argues that mass incarceration is today’s version of Jim Crow segregation. Alexander will deliver the keynote talk for UNC Asheville’s observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Week. This event is presented by UNC Asheville with support from the Blue Ridge District of the United Methodist Church.
Arena doors open at 6 pm. Lecture is free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Click
HERE for more information.
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Malaprop's presents Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors with Dr. Rima Vesely-Flad| Friday, January 19 | 6 PM | Rainbow Community School (60 State St.)
Please join us in welcoming Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter Co-founder and author of
When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir, to
Asheville! She will be in conversation with Warren Wilson Professor and Chair of Religious Studies and Director of Peace and Justice Studies,
Rima Vesely-Flad, who is the author of
Racial Purity and Dangerous Bodies: Moral Pollution, Black Lives, and the Struggle for Justice.
Doors open at 6 and event begins at 7 pm.
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This Sunday's Adult Education Classes:
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Adult Education -
Advent Term
| December 3 - 17
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Pressure Points: Theology through the Lens of Disability | Choir Rm
How does the experience of disability affect one's understanding of God, and what can the church learn from the perspective of disability theology?
This week we will examine the claim that disability is a result of sin. Several passages from the New Testament seem to suggest it is, but if we are going to proclaim the reality of the Disabled God and the full humanity of those with different abilities, we must ask what we are to do with such interpretations of our Scripture. In conversation with Kathy Black's
Preaching and Disability
, we will be examining such questions and their relevance to our lives this Sunday. Reading is not required, but if you would like a copy of the reading, please contact
Richard
.
Facilitators:
Tamara Puffer, Joyce Hollyday, Michael Galovic
Digging In: The Christology of John | Fellowship Hall
The Gospel According to John distinguishes itself from the three synoptic gospels for many reasons, not the least of which is that it tells the story of Jesus with a unique Christological slant.
This week we will examine the "I am" passages of John and their relevance to our exploration of John's Christology. Possible passages for study include: John 1:1-5, 14-18; 1:29-51; 2:13-25; 6:35-65; 8:12; 10:11-18.
Facilitator:
Marcia Mount Shoop
The Improv: Spiritual Pathways | Jerusalem Room
The Improv class this Advent Season offers three class sessions exploring listening as a spiritual practice. We hope to discuss how any spiritual pathway inherently involves attention to listening.
This week, we will be exploring and practicing listening to others as central to our healing and spiritual lives.
Facilitator:
Dean Presson
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Click
HERE
to see a preview of the full year of
2017-2018 Adult Education classes.
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Do you participate in the Women's Memoir Series?
This winter, GCPC will continue reading books related to racial justice. We are hoping that different groups can dive into the same books, so that these discussions can extend even wider. The women's memoir series
will meet the third Monday of the month for 4 months in the evenings to read:
The Color Purple by Alice Walker (January 15),
Sula by Toni Morrison (February 19)
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (March 19), and
Homegoing by Yaa Gyas (April 16). We hope that a different woman can facilitate each book discussion.
Please contact
Susie Wheelis
ASAP to express your interest or to ask questions. We look forward to our lively discussions in the new year!
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Bible Study | Wednesdays | 11 AM | Garden Room
Everyone is welcome to join the pastoral staff to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday. No preparation needed, just come ready to open scripture and discuss.
There will be no Bible Study on Wednesday, December 27th.
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Wednesday Sanctuary Open for Prayer
Each Wednesday from 11:45 AM - 1 PM, the sanctuary will be open for silent prayer. Some evenings will close with a brief time of centering prayer.
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Opportunities from our Ministry Partners...
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“Reclaiming Christmas” Alternative Gift Giving Guide
If you are looking for a way to give a gift that keeps on giving and that directly impacts our Ministry Partners, “Reclaiming Christmas” is a great way to do both. We have community partners in Asheville, Guatemala and Haiti. Click on a link to make an online donation directly to the nonprofit of your choice. If you would like to make your donation in memory or in honor of someone this holiday season, you can get a card indicating your gift from Anna Louise in the main office or after 10:30 worship on Sundays in the narthex during Advent season. If you need Anna Louise to resend the guide to you, please email her at
almurchison@gcpcusa.org.
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Room In The Inn News
During this busy time of the year, your RITI team was contacted by Homeward Bound that the week from Dec. 31 – Jan. 7, 2018, did not have a faith community to host Room In The Inn. New Hope Presbyterian said that their church could be used for the space, and the different churches were asked to take a day to host Room In The Inn during that week.
Your GCPC RITI team decided to host the women on Friday, Jan. 5
th
(at New Hope Presbyterian)
.
If you would like to help the team in any way such as serving as an overnight host or helping with food preparation
, please consider calling Geneva Neeriemer ( 828-712-6108) or Beth Philipsen (828-230-7661). Thank you for considering to help with this important ministry.
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Click
HERE
for a link to the 2018-2018 GCPC Ministry Partners brochure.
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PNO and 20s & 30s Group | “Joint Christmas Party” | Saturday, December 16 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Shem’s home
A combined gathering for PNO and 20s/30s Group. Leave your children at the church for childcare, and let’s all go to the Shem’s for holiday cheer! To be added to the PNO list or if you have questions, please email
Anna Louise
.
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Sisters at the Sea | February 1-4, 2017 | Folly Beach, SC | $180
Are you a women age 25ish-50ish who would like a weekend of connecting and rejuvenating? Mark your calendars for our 9th annual SOS (“save our sanity”/“sisters at the sea”) retreat! Marcia will lead us this year in spiritual practices, energy work and movement in order to fill us with new sensations of our body’s power and promise.
Registration ends on January 14th.
Scholarships available upon request. Click
HERE
to register digitally or you may pick up a registration form at the Info Station.
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Deacon of the Week
Each Sunday morning there will be a deacon available for everything from praying with you to giving you a tour of the building. This deacon will be wearing a purple sash and stationed in the narthex before 10:30 worship and in the front of the sanctuary after worship. He or she is also available during the week if you or someone you love needs assistance from our board of deacons.
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Prayer List
[We are happy to pray for anyone who is in need. Concerns will stay on this list for a month unless we hear otherwise. Please keep us updated.]
Jerusalem Church congregation
Sherry Harcke (Les and Susan Stradley's friend)
Nikita Norris, Regina Hunter & family (Habitat for Humanity partner family)
Betty Weller (sister of Lucy Reiley and Margaret Peery)
Chris Barkley (Kathy Theoharis' sister)
John Harvey (Penny Harvey's son)
Pat Cocke (Les and Susan Stradley’s friend)
Ben Johnston-Krase (Nancy Gaskin's friend and pastor of the Farm Church)
Ron Kaussner (Ron Hawkins' friend)
Betsy Needle (Robin Gaiser’s friend)
Glenn Russell (Robin Gaiser’s brother)
Roy Hicks (Melissa Hicks' father)
Virginia Bradley
Hettie Lou Garland
Dot Holladay
Jerry Bleckley
Teresa Stern
Cindy Egerer
Gerry Simons
Pat Cheffins
Jana Watts
Serge Kavalhuna
Bob Busey
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Looking for Youth Worship Leaders for 5pm Christmas Eve Service!
Christmas Eve is right around the corner and we need YOUth! Youth are invited to be "angel, magi and shepherd" leaders in this engaging service geared toward children of all ages! There are no speaking roles. If you can participate,please
SIGN UP HERE
or contact
Samantha.
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Next youth group:
Welcome Back "Three Kings Day/Epiphany" Party on Sunday, January 7th.
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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The January Series 2018 - Lunch and Learn | January 3rd - 23rd | 12:30 - 1:30 PM |
First Presbyterian Church
Hosted by Calvin College, the January Series features expert speakers on a wide range of today’s most relevant topics, including race in America, technology & national security, bio- waste, millennials & faith, dementia, radical generosity and global poverty, among others.
The January Series lectures will be video streamed live in the Fellowship Hall. The lectures are free and open to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch. Drinks and light snacks will be available at no charge. For more information about the January Series, contact Pastor Patrick Johnson at
pjohnson@fpcasheville.org or at 828-253-1431. Click
HERE for full flyer with dates and speakers.
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Interfaith Peace Conference | Theme: "Meeting the Other: Can We Talk?" | March 1-4, 2018 | Lake Junaluska
We are living in a culture of increasing polarization that borders on chaos.
Our society is divided culturally, politically, economically, and racially. Educational level, sexual identity, geographical region, ethnicity, race, and class have divided our nation. As a result of these growing divisions within our society, we are not listening to one another. We are gravitating toward conversation only with those with whom we agree on issues. We have barricaded our communities of faith and failed to reach out to our brothers and sisters of the three Abrahamic faiths, much less other faiths or those who advocate no religious belief.
Can we talk/listen to one another? At the Interfaith Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska we will demonstrate the art of building bridges of godly love, and participation in holy conversation. We can agree to disagree with civility and respect while upholding the core values of our various traditions.
Keynote speakers are The Rev. T. Anthony Spearman, Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer, and Juliane Hammer. For more information and to register, please
CLICK HERE.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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