Grace Covenant Weekly News | March 14, 2019
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"One of the greatest social fears for a white person is being told
that something that we have said or done is racially problematic."
~ Robin DiAngelo,
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People To Talk About Racism

Sunday Preview

Sunday, March 17, 2019
Second Sunday in Lent
Sacrament of Baptism

Worship services @ 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Education Hour (for all ages) at 9:15 AM


Sermon: "Good Trouble" by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scriptures: Psalm 27; Luke 13:31-35

Dear Grace Covenant Community,

Thank you does not feel like an adequate response for the way you have helped me savor and celebrate my 50th birthday. I had no idea that John was putting out the call all over the country and in this beloved community for you to share poetry with me. The collection of almost 200 poems and counting from many of you and from friends and family near and far is something that feeds my soul. Thank you for your love and your creativity--from the songs, to the fun, to the feeling of being surrounded by a community that cares deeply about my family and me. I am grateful to have crossed the threshold into the 50s with all of you.

Peace and love,
Pilgrimage to Montgomery 2019
SAVE THE DATE: October 17-20, 2019

Montgomery Pilgrimage to The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration

Registration begins Monday, March 11 and will be open until April 8.
Grace Covenant has 15 spaces and All Souls has 15 spaces. There will be a waiting list. Click here to view details.
PRES BEES CO-ED SOFTBALL TEAM
After a long hiatus, the Pres Bees seek another run at fellowship, fitness and fun. We are looking for interested individuals of all ability levels. 
When: April-June ( Deadline for team entry is 3/20/19) 
Who: Must be 18 years or older (16-17 year olds with parental approval)

Interested?  Text or email Terrence Greene, montanan55@yahoo.com or 828-273-1256.
Stewardship Corner
Did you know that you give with a text message?

Simply send a text message to  828-266-0126  with the amount you would like to contribute  (example: 25) . Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your cardholder name and credit or debit card information. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt of your donation via email.

For future giving, send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically! You can even text “repeat” to make it a recurring donation.  Give+ Text  is one of the fastest, easiest ways to give.

Check out  this video  for a walk through step-by-step to set up  Give+ Text  today!
Community Garden
Community Garden Team Strikes Again!
Many thanks to the dedicated gardeners who braved the mud to get our garden started this season!
Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
Creating Sanctuary Team Meeting | Sunday, April 14 | 11:45 AM | Indie Room
Power and Race Team (PART)
A conversation with Sheriff Quentin Miller | TONIGHT, March 14 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM | Fellowship Hall
PART invites everyone to come get to know Sheriff Miller and his policies as the new sheriff of Buncombe County. This is an opportunity to build support and accountability between the Sheriff and GCPC as well as “digging deeper” into his positions on:
1. Non-cooperation with ICE 
2. Community policing 
3. Cultural change in and out of the Sheriff’s department.
The format will be interactive and there will be some opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
Part of what PART does is to inform Grace Covenant about
racial equity work going on in the larger community.
The following are some events that PART recommends.
2018-2019 CLAXTON ELEMENTARY FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKSHOPS
Thursday Evenings | 6-8 PM | Open to the public
(Free childcare for Claxton Families only; starting at 5:45pm)

THIRD EVENT:

Thursday, March 21 | Asheville's Hidden Racial History
Some of Asheville's racial history is hidden away, and some of it is hidden in plain sight. Who were the people behind names like Vance, Merrimon, Patton and Dickson? What people and places have been mostly forgotten? Learn about the research Claxton students have done, and join us in a discussion about how we as a community are affected by who and what we choose to remember.
Earth Team
GCPC Bird Walks | This Saturday, March 16 (& April 13th) | 8:00 AM | Beaver Lake Sanctuary
Depending on how active the birds are the trip will last around 2 to 3 hours. Walking is fairly easy around the lake and boardwalk. Bring binoculars if you have them. Questions? Email Rick Pyeritz at eapyeritz@gmail.com or call at 828-273-5954.
Straws Sales Return!!
Fill your Easter baskets with colorful washable, reusable straws!
Paper Straws (red)
4 - $1
24 - $5

Plastic Reusable Straws
1 - $2
6 - $10

Metal Straws
1 - $2
3 - $5

We will be in the narthex after church taking orders. Or you can email Betsy Richards at  BetsyBRichards@gmail.com

All income from the sale of these straws goes to GCPC’s solar panel fund. We hope they also encourage all of you to care for God’s creation and to eliminate single use plastics from our lives. 
Adult Education Survey
Please take a moment and fill out our Adult Education Survey for Winter 2019.
EDUCATION
This Sunday's Education Hour (for all ages)
Adult Education Lenten Term | March 10 – April 14 | 9:15AM

Pressure Points | God of the Oppressed: The Black Liberation Theology of James Cone | Choir Room
"It is my contention that Christianity is essentially a religion of liberation. The function of theology is that of analyzing the meaning of that liberation for the oppressed so they can know that their struggle for political, social, and economic justice is consistent with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any message that is not related to the message of liberation of the poor in a society is not Christ's message. Any theology that is indifferent to the theme of liberation is not Christian theology." James Cone (1936-2018) was a pioneer and a leading voice for Black Liberation Theology. 
*This week we will be covering Chapter 4 , (click for link) A Black Theology of Liberation. 
Facilitators: Marcia Mount Shoop and Richard Coble

The Improv | I Am What is Right with the World and What is Wrong with the World: A Mindfulness Based Approach | Fellowship Hall
What is wrong with the world? What can I do about it? Our study group will discuss current issues causing fear, anger, and anxiety in today's society. The documentary "I AM" which explores conflict, greed, violence, racial inequality and environmental concerns through interviews with religious leaders, scientists, environmentalists, and philosophers will serve as the foundation for our study and discussion. These authors, poets, and teachers hypothesize that the solution to the world’s problems are right in front of us. A key message from the February 10 th sermon "Leave and Follow" was that "We can transform our world by imagining it differently, dreaming it passionately via all our senses, and willing it into creation." Other resources for the group will include The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Wherever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Facilitators: Paul Rogers and Christi Mobley

Digging In | Subversive Scripture: From Study to Practice | Jerusalem Room
While the intellectual study of the Bible can produce valuable information and knowledge, there are other ways to engage Scripture that transform us and our actions. Through a variety of learning practices and exercises, we will cultivate a deeper understanding of both our sacred texts as living words (Hebrew 4:12, 1 Peter 1:23), and ourselves as the living words of God (2 Co. 3:2-3). We will subvert overly-intellectualized readings of Scripture, for "It is not enough to learn Torah — one must be Torah by living in such a way that others can learn from your example" (Dr. David Ariel). By experiencing our sacred texts, ourselves, and each other in embodied ways, practicing Scripture can become both delightful and liberating.
Facilitator: Keaton Hill
CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | 9:15 AM
[Contact Heather or Samantha ]

Toddlers (ages 2-3) | "God Loves Me" | Toddler Sunday School Room (downstairs, Children's Center)
Preschool/Kindergarten (ages 4-5) | Godly Play | Preschool Sunday School Room (downstairs, Children's Center)
Elementary (grades 1-3) | Godly Play | Temple Room (upstairs, Education Wing)
Elementary (grades 4-5) | "CONNECT" | Indie Room (upstairs, Education Wing)
Middle School (grades 6-8) | "Collaborate" Curriculum | Middle School Room (upstairs, Education Wing)
Senior Highs (grades 9-12) | "Wired Word" Curriculum | A-Frame (upstairs)
Confirmation Class | Senior High Room (upstairs, Education Wing)


*Nursery care is available throughout Sunday morning beginning at 8:10 am.
OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES...
Winter Women's Memoir Series | 4th Monday of the month | 6 PM | Garden Room
Join us for a series of book talks focusing on memoirs written by people of faith. Open to all women of the church. One copy of each book can be found in the church library. Please pre-read the book to ensure lively discussion. *Childcare provided.
March 25Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage and Fighting Back by Jackie Speier
Facilitator: Mary Lou Nash
Bible Study | Wednesdays | 11:00 AM | Garden Rm
Join the pastoral staff to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday. No preparation needed; just come ready to open scripture and discuss!
SERVE
Blessing of Steady Collective’s Vehicle | THIS Sunday, March 17 | 11:45 AM | Courtyard
All are invited to join Hill Brown of Steady Collective, one of GCPC’s Ministry Partners, after worship on March 17 to bless the vehicle (purchased with the assistance of Grace Cares Impact Grant funds from GCPC) which will be used for mobile harm reduction in communities that are often excluded from conventional medical and treatment institutions.

Future events at GCPC will provide further education about the vitally important work of Steady Collective and how mobile harm reduction works to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases, as well as to facilitate relationships which encourage marginalized populations to seek treatment for substance abuse.

Check out the attached drug policy reform report entitled “ Healing Before Punishment: Why Presbyterians Seek to End the War on Drugs” from the Advisory Committee of Social Witness Policy of the PCUSA General Assembly.
SERVE Fair | Sunday, March 24 | 11:45 AM | Fellowship Hall & Atrium
All year, GCPC funds --  your funds --  help the greater Asheville community, from schoolchildren to neglected and disadvantaged adults. Come meet representatives from our ministry partners after 10:45 worship on March 24. They look forward to speaking with you in the Fellowship Hall. 
Ministry Partner News and Events...
Food Connection presents "Chefs In Action" | Thursday, April 4 | 6 - 9 PM | Celine & Company "On Broadway" ( 49 Broadway )
No fresh food should ever end up in the trash while people go hungry. So far, Food Connection has rescued and delivered over 100,000 fresh meals! Come to Chefs In Action to see what goes into making a real food connection. Guests will enjoy a night of fun, food, drinks, music and fundraising. Tickets available at Food-Connection.org.
*More reason to celebrate: The Charlotte chapter of Food Connection has just launched!
Working Wheels celebrates 100 families in our community that have purchased, affordable, reliable vehicles through their program! Click here to read and watch more.
News from Asheville Poverty Initiative with the 12 Baskets Café: (Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Rd , West Asheville ~ Entrance off of State St.)
  • Saturday, March 23rd | 10 AM - 12 PM | Join us for an informal deescalation/trauma informed workshop. We'll meet at the Cafe and spend time on how to best accompany those with whom we share the space during lunch!

  • Breaking Bread | Sundays | Dinner: 5:30-6pm, Clean-up: 6-6:30pm, and Worship: 6:30pm | The new Sunday night simple meal and worship. It's a much smaller gathering so if you're looking for a way to dip your toe in or can't find time during the weekdays - come on over. Good food, great fellowship, awesome time!

GCPC COMMUNITY
Mild Cognitive Impairment Support Group (MCI Group) | Wed., March 20 | 12:00 PM | Garden Room
This support group introduces techniques for daily living with such issues, led by Paul Rogers, a retired physician in our congregation. We meet the 1 st and 3 rd Wednesdays of every month. *New participants welcome at any time. Contact Richard, rcoble@gcpcusa.org , with questions.
J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Group Gathering | Wednesday, March 27 | 11:30 AM - 2 PM | Fellowship Hall
The next J.O.Y. activity is Bingo and pizza in the Fellowship Hall! We'll need a head count by Tuesday, March 26th so please email Linda Pyeritz at  lrpyeritz@gmail.com  or respond on the J.O.Y. group FaceBook page.
Men @ GCPC | Thursday, March 28 | 8:00 AM | HomeGrown ( 371 Merrimon Ave. )
Join us for fellowship and discussion. For our next meeting, we will be focusing on the Weave project. You can find out about it in this David Brooks column and in his " Manifesto." Contact Richard with questions.
Church Potluck to Welcome New Members | Sunday, March 31 | 12:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to a potluck to celebrate our new church members that have joined since June 2018! Please bring a heavy appetizer or a dessert to share. Let's welcome our new members in true GCPC style (and remember to wear your nametag so we all get to know one another)!
The 2019 Flower Chart is on the bulletin board next to the elevator. There are just a few Sundays left! Please consider signing up to give flowers one week. The cost is $45, payable to GCPC. Please send your dedication to Anna Louise
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 10:45 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.
This week:  Nancy Kramer email:   nancykramer1981@gmail.com
Youth News
Please keep our Senior High youth in your prayers as they head to the Presbytery Senior High Mission Retreat from Friday, March 15 - Saturday, March 16th.
Youth Sunday Musicians & Soloists Rehearsal | This Sunday, March 17 | 11:45 AM -12:30 PM | Sanctuary
Attention youth who would like to play an instrument for Youth Sunday OR be one of the soloists/main singers for "Man in the Mirror": please meet in the sanctuary immediately following worship for a brief rehearsal. Don't forget your instruments. We will also be writing Youth Sunday liturgy during Sunday School (9:15-10:15am), so all youth please plan to attend Sunday School.
RSVP for Middle School Girls' & Guys' Nights! | This Sunday, March 17 | 5-7 PM | Girls ~ Leahy's house, Guys ~ Madamba's house
Come out for a chill and fun evening of games and fellowship! This is a great way to bond with fellow youth, while having lots of fun! Dinner will be provided, so please RSVP below ASAP. Meet and pick up at the host houses.
* Guys, RSVP here!  Guys' Night will be at William Madamba's house. Contact  Ryan  and  Leah  with questions.
*Girls, RSVP here!   Girls' Night will be at Emily Leahy's house. Contact  Paige  with questions.
Summer Opportunities: 
Montreat Senior High Youth Conference Week 6: July 28 - Aug 3 
Massanetta Middle School Youth Conference Week 3: July 11-14
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.] 
 
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
Sherry Harcke (Les Stradley's friend)
Pat Cocke (Les Stradley’s friend) 
Glenn Russell (Robin Gaiser's brother)
Nancy and Richard Schaadt (Donna Robertson's sister and brother-in-law)
Louise Seitz (Janet Schifflin's friend)
Jeffrey Ferris (Mary Lou Nash's son)
June Collins (Carolyn Tingle’s mother)
Robin Smith (Beth Robrecht's sister)
Hettie Lou Garland
Dot Holladay
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
Olga Malinoski
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Marty Johnson & Gabe Boehm
Cory Hartbarger
Robin Gaiser
Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
Open for Lunch  Book Talk by Robin Gaiser | POSTPONED!
Stay tuned for updated book talk date!
Enneagram Gatherings
Join us for weekly two  hour enneagram gatherings 
Fridays,  10:00am & Monday s ,   6:00pm in the A-Frame @ GCPC
Contact Carol Hovis  cmhovis@gmail.com  about cost & details. All are welcome; you can come once or every week.
Click HERE to see flyer.
SAVE THE DATE!
Enneagram Retreat | Saturday, April 27th 
Experiencing the Arrows of our Type
“AppalachA’ville” – 42nd Annual Appalachian Studies Conference |
Co-hosted by UNC Asheville and Mars Hill University, the conference will include plenary sessions and panels for registrants only, as well as numerous public events on Saturday, March 16. The conference will cover a wide variety of topics that relate to various aspects of life in Appalachia, including sacred spaces for Cherokee and Appalachian people, and forging international connections in mountain communities around the world.
For full conference registration, CLICK HERE.

The following events are free and open to the public on Saturday, March 16:
  • 11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Screening and Discussion of hillbilly | The Reuter Center on campus. hillbilly is a 2018 award-winning documentary directed by Ashley York and Sally Rubin. 
  • 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Innovation Expo | Highsmith Student Union. The Innovation Expo, supported by the North Carolina Humanities Council, will feature a selection of area organizations and businesses that illustrate how people come together to identify needs, solve problems, build community, and strengthen the local economy.
  • 4 pm – 5:30 pm | Keynote Address | Lipinsky Hall, with overflow seating in the Reuter Center. Western North Carolina in Fact and Fiction: Words from Lee Smith, Ron Rash and Wiley Cash. 
  • 8 pm – 9:30 pm | Poetry Reading | YMI Cultural Center, downtown Asheville. Affrilachia y el Caribe with three poets: Ricardo Nazario y Colón, Shauna M. Morgan, and Frank X Walker.
  • 9:30 pm – 11:00 pm | Old-Time Square Dance | YMI Cultural Center, downtown Asheville. Everyone is welcome. The host caller will be Phil Jamison, director of Warren Wilson College’s Traditional Music Program, and the host band will be the Warren Wilson College Old-Time Ensemble. The evening will also include a guest performance by the Green Grass Cloggers.
Mental Health Conference | Saturday, March 30 | 9 AM - 2 PM | Bethesda UMC ( 516 Piedmont Rd, Easley, SC 29642 )
The mental health conference aims to accomplish three major objectives: To raise awareness of the role of the church in addressing various forms of mental illness and mental health; to decrease the stigma of mental illness; and to identify community resources for churches, those dealing with mental illness and their caregivers. Cost is $7 and includes lunch. Click here for brochure.
* To register for conference CLICK HERE .
The Asheville Symphony Guild presents Musical Feast: The Legacy of Wilma Dykeman | Sunday, April 7 | 3:00 PM | Beaverdam Run Condominium Clubhouse
You are invited to a gathering highlighting Asheville's Wilma Dykeman. A true Renaissance woman, she was an author, historian, educator, journalist, and environmental advocate. She championed causes that remain relevant today: water pollution, the rights of women, and the preservation of the culture of Appalachia.
Jim Stokely , Wilma's son, will discuss his late mother's memoir, "Family of Earth."
Robin Gaiser will entertain on the Appalachian dulcimer.
Book your tickets online at ashevillesymphonyguild.org.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804