|
***If you are having trouble viewing this newsletter,
please maximize your browser window.***
|
|
A Grand Note of Thanks!
This week Grace Covenant became home to a brand new 7' Mason & Hamlin grand piano. With this acquisition, the final phase of our Sanctuary Sound Enhancements are complete. The hearing aid loop is in place (covered with new carpet), the new sound system is up and running, and now this amazing new instrument has its place in the chancel - poised to lead the congregation and enrich our worship life. Many thanks to those who had a vision to make this happen and who gave above and beyond so that we might all receive the blessing of hearing the Gospel proclaimed in word and in song! Special thanks for the step of faith in getting the new piano here in time to celebrate Easter. There's still an opportunity to be a part of this blessing. If you would like to contribute, please contact Joe Brumit or Jeff Jones. To God alone be the glory. Soli Deo Gloria.
|
|
Hearing Aid T-Coil Loop installed - Listen in!
The new sound system installed in our worship space also includes a Hearing Aid Loop. This loop sends a magnetic signal directly to personal hearing aids equipped with T-Coil. Please select the Telephone or T-Coil program on your hearing aid to take advantage of the signal. Questions about accessing our system may be directed to Bill Neeriemer, Allen Johnson or Paul VanAntwerp. There are several other popular venues in Asheville that use T-Coil: First Presbyterian and UNCA Reuter Center among them.
|
|
Construction Update
The demolition work is continuing in the kitchen and downstairs bathrooms. All
of the remediation work is complete.
We are FULL STEAM AHEAD!
|
|
The Children's Center at Gracelyn is looking for a few good subs!
Qualifications:
Background Check, TB, Medical form completion by MD
A compassionate heart
Some experience working with children
We are currently seeking paid substitutes that can be called on when our regular staff is out. There is a state background check that must be completed and some required training. We will help you get everything you need and pay for the background check! If you are interested, please call the Children's Center to schedule an interview at 828-253-0542.
|
|
|
GROW
THIS SUNDAY'S EDUCATION FOR ALL AGES | 9:15 AM
ADULT EDUCATION | Spring Term | April 23 - May 21
[Contact Marcia with any questions]
Asking the Hard Questions: Pressure Points | Choir Room
This class explores thorny issues and new ideas that challenge us, the 21st century church, where we live—at the intersection of our faith and the world.
Spring Term | We are now reading
How God Became God: What Scholars Are Really Saying About the Bible,
by Richard Smoley. We will focus on Chapters 7 & 8 for April 23rd.
Class Hosts: Denise Snodgrass, Bill and Anne Satterfield
The Improv: Responsive Faith in an Ever-Changing World | Fellowship Hall
A static faith can be unhelpful in addressing a dynamic and changing world. The Improv class looks at scripture, life, and practice, seeking to discover promising ground for faithful improvisation.
Spring Term | This class, entitled “Race & Power Becoming Visible: Exploring Whiteness at GCPC,” will be facilitated by members of the Power and Race Team (PART). Race and power have deeply formed and wounded every part of our culture, including the church. Join members of PART in using experiential learning and courageous conversation to see race anew.
Class Host: Dean Presson
Digging In: Encountering Scripture | Sunroom
Whether we come to the Bible with trust or skepticism, find it comforting or disturbing, have been reading it our whole lives or are cracking it open for the first time, it has something to say about who God is and who we are.
Spring Term | We are continuing a study of the book of Acts. Our lens for interpretation involves the question, “What does this mean for those of us trying to follow Jesus today?”
Class Hosts: Scott & Phyllis Engels, Mary Lou Nash
CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION [Contact Heather or Samantha]
Preschool/Kindergarten: Synagogue and the Upper Room
Elementary: Jesus and the Twelve
Middle School & Senior High
9:15-10:10am: This semester we are taking a closer look at our Biblical ancestors! Head to your classrooms and be prepared for a morning of great fun as you we take a closer look at "Mary Magdalene."
Confirmation Class
9:15-10:10am: Meet in the Jerusalem Room. Get ready to continue our exciting faith quest while we look at the all-important topic: "What are called to do as Presbyterians?" GCPC's own Heath Rada, who is the former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. will be visiting with us.
OTHER GROW OPPORTUNITIES
|
|
Immigration 101 Workshop | THIS Friday, April 21 | 6:30 - 8 PM | GCPC sanctuary
Marisol Jimenez, Board member of Nuestro Centro and CIMA, will share a brief overview of the United States' history of immigration, the complexities of immigration laws, and the work of the WNC Sanctuary Movement. We will learn how the Sanctuary Movement involves so much more than just church sanctuary. Please join us, and invite your friends -- all are welcome! Childcare provided.
|
|
Marketplace Registrations are HERE!
Marketplace is our Vacation Bible School that we do in conjunction with 8 other churches. Held at FPC-A, this year's dates are June 26-29th. Children can attend Marketplace who are 3 years old (by January 1, 2017 AND potty trained) through children finishing 5th grade. Youth (finishing 6th grade and older) as well as adults of all ages are needed to volunteer. Registration form are available in the info station or CLICK HERE. All participants and volunteers need to have forms turned into Sherrie Meehan by Sunday, May 21st.
|
|
Wednesday Bible Study | 11 - 12 PM | Conference 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.
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. *Please note time change.
|
|
10 Volunteers (adults and/or teens) needed on Earth Day! | Saturday, April 22 10 AM – 1 PM | Green Opportunities (133 Livingston St.)
Show your appreciation for the earth and the local community by lending a hand at Green Opportunities in Southside Asheville. GO connects youth and adults from low-wealth neighborhoods to sustained employment opportunities. Help is needed to plant, weed and set-up a drip irrigation system. GO has a community garden much like the one at GCPC. Please contact GCPC Serve Committee member Jim Wallis (jimrwallis@aol.com) or Jennifer Vogel (jcvreads@gmail.com) for more information and to sign up.
|
|
The Community Garden is alive and thriving!
The garden was planted March 18. On April 19th the first box of Red Kale was harvested and taken to the East Ashville Welcome Table at Grosse UMC. Well done gardeners! Gradually over the next few weeks other greens will begin to mature for harvest.
|
|
You are invited!
UPDATED TIME: 10 AM - 12 PM
Saturday April 22, McDonald’s is sponsoring a Family Earth Day Event at their Merrimon Avenue location next to the Community Garden. We will be helping families’ plant seeds in egg cartons for their family garden. The families can choose seeds for a selection of vegetables, herbs and flower seeds. You are invited to join by helping kids and families plant their seeds, plant seeds for your yard or talk about our community garden.
Speaking of McDonald’s, the coffee composting project is progressing well. Please do not add any other materials to the compost—this is strictly for coffee grounds and wood chips—coffee grounds and woods only!
|
|
Earth Team | Documentary: Before the Flood | THIS Friday, April 21!!!
| 7 PM | Unitarian Universalist Church (1 Edwin Place)
The Earth Team invites you to join others to see Leonardo DiCaprio's, Before the Flood. Follow Leonardo DiCaprio, United Nations Ambassador for Climate Change, as he travels around the globe to witness first hand the effects of climate change and what can be done to solve the problems, through interviews with global leaders such as Pope Francis and former President Obama. This documentary presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change.
Earth Team Meeting | THIS Sunday, April 23 | 11:30 AM | GCPC Conference Room
Come be part of the new and rejuvenated GCPC EARTH TEAM after church Sunday to discuss ideas and upcoming events.
|
|
|
Church Anniversary Potluck / Picnic | Sunday, May 7
Grace Covenant is turning 64! Come celebrate with us! Bring a dish to share and a chair or blanket to enjoy lunch together immediately following the 10:30 service. Fried chicken and drinks will be provided. We need volunteers to help set up, serve and clean up. Email Kate Shem to help.
|
|
Presbyterian Women's Sunday | April 23
Presbyterian Women have a long tradition of caring for others and helping those in need. On Sunday, April 23, a special offering will be taken to help support special projects. Among these are a center in South Carolina that provides a safe haven for victims of domestic violence; a clinic that provides health care to people living in rural communities in Cuba; and a project to install water systems for households with no running water in New Mexico. Projects such as education, health and justice that meet the needs of children, youth, elderly, homeless or displaced will also be funded in the United States and abroad. Please give as you are able. The Presbyterian Women thank you and invite you to join us for muffins and juice after church.
|
|
Sunday Flowers for the Sanctuary
Do you have an anniversary, birthday or other special commemoration that you would like to acknowledge with flowers in the sanctuary on a Sunday? The flower sign-up chart is located on the bulletin board next to the elevator.
All that's needed, after signing up, is to email Anna Louise your dedication for the Sunday bulletin and what you want ordered, and send in a check for $45.
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 a
nd 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.
|
|
|
Youth News and Events
SEE OUR UPDATED YOUTH GROUP SPRING CALENDAR HERE!
Youth Group "Earth Day Vigil & Ice Cream Fun" | This Sunday, April 23 | 4:40 PM - 7 PM | Downtown (Meet at Pritchard Park/Pick up at City Hall)
We are excited to participate in a community Earth Vigil downtown to celebrate our commitment to caring for our creation! Meet at Pritchard Park for healthy snacks, fellowship, and a sound check. After the vigil, we will get ice cream together and head to Pack Square for frisbee and outdoor fun. Pick up will be at City Hall (next to Pack Square). Bring $ for ice cream (scholarships available) and let Samantha know if you need a ride from GCPC. See you there!
Please note for Confirmation youth: We will be having our separate "Confirmation Fun Day" the same day (April 23) from 2pm-7:30ish.
|
|
|
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
Natalie DeVito (Karen Rohls' daughter)
Bob Keever (Cynthia Keever's dad)
David Chiles (Angela Kemper's dad)
Carole Edwards (Bonnie Parker's sister)
Bobbie Whitener (Les and Susan Stradley's friend)
Sherry Harcke (Les and Susan Stradley's friend)
Elizabeth Nealon (Susan Mims' friend)
Linda Parker (Anna Jarvis' sister-in-law)
Dey Family (Esther Colton's friends)
Spencer Johnson (Isaac Johnson's father)
JoAnne Hewett and family (Allison McLamb's co-worker)
Glenn Russell (Robin Gaiser's brother)
Barrett & Ali Payne (In Seminary)
Craig, Elsa and Josie Plocica (Sheryl Aikman's family)
Virginia Bradley
Hettie Lou Garland
Dot Holladay
Mimi Aldridge
Jerry Bleckley
Becky Stradley
Teresa Stern
Eve Rollins
Juanita Schneider
Florence Riedesel
Our sympathy and support are extended to the Mattice and Kinnaird families following the death of Pete Mattice’s mother (and Tiffany Kinnaird’s grandmother), Penny Mattice, on Monday, April 17th. Please keep these families in your prayers.
Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Sandee Hagan following her death on April 19th. Sandee was a beloved caregiver to many children in our Grace Covenant family as well as many in the Presbyterian community.
|
|
Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
12 Baskets Cafe | Volunteer Shifts in May
12 Baskets Cafe is a non-profit, volunteer-run Cafe that serves rescued food in West Asheville! Click HERE to sign up for a volunteer shift in the month of May. They are located beneath Firestorm Cafe and Books but the entrance is off of State Street. The address is 610-002 Haywood Drive.
|
|
March for Science | Saturday, April 22 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Downtown Asheville
Calling all scientists, engineers, science enthusiasts, and anyone concerned about the future of science in the U.S. to join in the nonpartisan March for Science in Asheville. We will be meeting at Aston Park and marching to Pack Square where an event will be held with speakers and information about science in WNC. For more information contact GCPC's own Luke Shealy.
|
|
Earth Day Vigil "Active Hope”: Creation Care Alliance | April 23, 2017 | 5 PM | Pritchard Park & Reception at Jubilee!
The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina invites people of all ages to a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather at Pritchard Park for an afternoon of song, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith & community leaders (including GCPC youth). All are welcome! A reception with food and drink will follow at Jubilee! Community Church (46 Wall St.). Jubilee is also our rain out location. See more information here.
|
|
Empowering Women: The Ripple Effect with Mia Birdsong | Tuesday, April 25 | 6-8 PM | Diana Wortham Theater
Renowned speaker and social advocate, Mia Birdsong, will be presenting, along with voices from our own community, on the value of self-determination. She is the
creator of the acclaimed TED Talk "The Story We Tell About Poverty Isn't True!!"
Mia has spent more than 20 years fighting for the self-determination of everyday people by pointing out their brilliant adaptations to succeed.
Free event but RSVP HERE for tickets.
|
|
|
Eliminating Racism: YWCA hosts Women of Color Leading Change | Thursday, April 27 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Wesley Grant Southside Center (285 Livingston Street)
Join the YWCA's Stand Against Racism for a panel discussion highlighting local women who are leading grassroots efforts towards equality and inclusion. The focus of the event will be on challenges faced and success stories from Women Of Color leaders along with words of wisdom for others looking to make change in their communities. Hope to see you there.
|
|
Asheville Youth Mission Summer Housing Request
AYM needs your help! Summer staff arrives in a just a few weeks and we need 2 host families. Our interns are college students working long hours with our groups and need housing for the summer. No expectations to entertain them or cook meals…our staff make great house/pet sitters if you are out of town! If you have a spare bedroom and might consider housing an intern, please contact Debbie, AYM Mission Immersion Director, at 828-231-4635 for more details.
|
|
|
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
