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“And often enough, when we think we are protecting ourselves,
we are struggling against our rescuer.”
~ Marilynne Robinson,
Gilead
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Sunday Preview
Sunday, May 5, 2019
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Third Sunday of Easter
Anniversary Sunday
Worship services @ 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Education Hour (for all ages) at 9:15 AM
Homily:
"Damascus Road" by Richard Coble
Scriptures:
Acts 9:1-8;
John 21:1-14
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GCPC Church-Wide Work Day | THIS Saturday, May 4 | 9 AM - 12 PM
Projects available for all, young and old. Bring your favorite mop or dust cloth, your favorite hammer and saw, your favorite paint brush and roller, or your favorite shovel and rake. Come and enjoy some food, a whole lot of fun and fellowship, and we might even get some work done! Mark it on your calendar and look forward to seeing you at the church on May 4th. Questions? Contact
Cliff
.
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“Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner - Grace Cares Shares” | May 8 | 6:00 PM | FH
Everyone's a winner at our monthly Wednesday dinner, none more so than three recipients of our onetime Grace Cares grants.
Leaders from Faith4Justice, Homeward Bound and Steady Collective are joining us
May 8 to celebrate and talk about their $20,000 Grace Cares grants from the church. Plan to have dinner at 6 pm and hear from these three outstanding organizations.
This meal will be catered from Urban Burrito.
These events are intergenerational.
*RSVP to Sherrie,
smeehan@gcpcusa.org
, by 12pm on Monday, May 6th so we can have enough food.
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Mozart's Coronation Mass | Sunday, May 12 | 5:00 PM | Cathedral of All Souls
The GCPC Chancel Choir and the Choir of the Cathedral of All Souls will be combining forces to present Mozart's Coronation Mass with full orchestra. The Concert is free and open to the public.
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GCPC Hosts the Presbytery Meeting!
GCPC will be hosting our bi-annual Presbytery of Western North Carolina meeting on October 26, 2019. We are expecting between 180-220 people in attendance. If you would be willing to help, please click the link below and tell us how you would like to be involved.
RSVP to Volunteer
Thanks!
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WEEKLY VS. MONTHLY ENVELOPES
We are working with our envelope provider to see about adding an option of monthly pre-printed envelopes, since many of you give once a month instead of weekly. Before making any changes, we want to hear from you! Please email
giving@gcpcusa.org
if you would be interested in monthly envelopes or fill out
this short survey online
.
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When you shop Mother's Day gifts at
AmazonSmile donates to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
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There will NOT be a Creating Sanctuary Team meeting during the month of May. We look forward to reconvening in June.
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Our monthly Souper Wednesday thank-you lunches continue to gain appreciation from the staff of Pisgah Legal Services. The generous folks of PLS, who give their time and talents wholeheartedly to offer hope to the underserved, invariably greet the GCPC hosts with smiles and gratitude. Special thanks to our April providers and hosts: John Mount Shoop and Glenda Burgin, soup and hosting; Lynne and Rick Noble, bread and hosting; Cathy Byers, desserts and special Easter treats; Heather Hudson, fresh spring fruit.
Contact Glenda at
glendasb2@gmail.com or Nancy Gaskin at
nancy.gaskin@gmail.com to learn more about this rewarding opportunity or to become a Souper Wednesday volunteer.
There are particular needs for the summer months - June 19, July 17, or August 21.
~ Contributed by Tish Anderson
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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The Racial Justice Book Series | Thursday, May 9 | 12:15 PM | Jerusalem Room
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For May,
we are reading
We Were Eight Years in Power
by
Ta-Nehisi Coates.
“Biting cultural and political analysis from the award-winning journalist . . . [Coates] reflects on race, Barack Obama’s presidency and its jarring aftermath. . . He contextualizes each piece with candid personal revelations, making the volume a melding of memoir and critique. . . Emotionally charged, deftly crafted, and urgently relevant.” (Kirkus Reviews)
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PART
Meeting - "The Cherokee Experience"
(1st of a 4-part experience)
| Thursday, May 9 | 7:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
Join us for a narrative and interactive conversation with Dr. Barbara Duncan, past Director of the Museum of Cherokee Indians and UNCA Adjunct Professor of Cherokee Language. She will go over Cherokee history, past and recent.
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SAVE THESE DATES!
Digging Deeper - Native American History | Getting to know our Cherokee Indian neighbors
(Look for registration info soon! These events are family-friendly.)
- Saturday, June 8 | Museum of the Cherokee Indian | 12–7 PM | Cherokee, NC Carpool or van to Cherokee, NC for an afternoon in the Cherokee Museum, picnic on the grounds and an evening of Cherokee storytelling around a bonfire.
- Monday, July 8 | “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama | 4–10 PM | Cherokee, NC Carpool or van to Cherokee, NC for an afternoon picnic on the grounds before the play.
- Saturday, August 10 | Oconaluftee Indian Village | 12-7 PM | Cherokee, NC Carpool or van to Cherokee, NC for an afternoon in the Oconaluftee Village, picnic on the grounds and an evening of Cherokee storytelling around a bonfire.
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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.
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Building Bridges Anniversary - 25 Years in Pursuit of Social Justice | Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 AM |
Highsmith Student Union @ UNCA
For over 25 years, Building Bridges has profoundly impacted people and institutions throughout Western North Carolina. To date, more than 1500 participants have attended the program. Building Bridges of Asheville continues to dismantle racism by fostering relationships that respect diversity, seek understanding and encourage action.
Keynote speakers are: Dr. Jacqueline Battalora, author of
Birth of a White Nation: The Invention of White People and Its Relevance Today;
and Dwight Mullen, Founder of State of Black Asheville and Retired political science professor, UNCA.
Click HERE for more info and to buy tickets.
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Black Mama’s Bail Out Action
This Mother's Day, we are bailing out as many Black women, broadly defined, across the South as we can. More than often, people are sitting in cages because they cannot afford to pay bail.
SONG crews will be participating in bail outs along with holding events to discuss the devastating impact of money bail and pre-trial incarceration on our communities.
We ask you to donate to SONG to connect Black families and loved ones and highlight the inhumane and destructive bail practices.
Contributions will be used to bail out Black women, and to support continuing on-the-ground organizing of participating grassroots organizations. All resources we get that are not used for the action will be saved for future bail outs or to advance long-term liberation work in our communities! Across the Southeast, we see bail outs as an ongoing tactic to build a base, to expose the crisis of cash bail and the beast that is the criminal-legal system, to change hearts and minds, to make real and material impacts on the lives of our people, and to build power.
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Upcoming: Earth Day Sunday, June 9
We will celebrate Earth Day at our annual outdoor service on June 9th. (The “real” Earth Day was on Easter weekend this year.) We will have a small fair with refreshments, an information display on our upcoming solar panels and other types of alternative energy, and additional information tables. We will also be selling some of our fund-raiser items: metal straws, bat houses, and more. Now that the solar panels have been funded, our profits will go toward our monarch butterfly garden and related projects.
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New Recycling Bin in Church Kitchen
There is a new, blue, recycling bin in the church kitchen area. Please use it in adherence to the Asheville household recycling rules!
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Faith: A Journey for All
by Jimmy Carter
Quoting eminent Protestant theologians, President Carter describes his belief in religious freedom, moral politics, and the place of prayer in his daily life. He examines faith’s many meanings, he describes how to accept it, live it, how to doubt and find faith again. This is a serious and moving reflection from one of America’s most admired and respected citizens.
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*This Sunday's Education Hour (for all ages)
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Adult Education Speaker Series
| May 5 & 12 | 9:15 AM | Fellowship Hall
May 5:
Panel on Housing and Homelessness in Asheville with representatives from BeLoved House, AHOPE, and Habitat for Humanity.
May 12:
Discussion about Reproductive Justice with Dr. Rebecca Todd Peters, professor of ethics at Elon University and author of
Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Account for Reproductive Justice
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | 9:15 AM
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.
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OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES...
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Marketplace, AD - VBS: “Love Your Neighbor” | June 24-27 | First Presbyterian - AVL
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: May 31st!
Marketplace is for children ages 3 years old (by January 1, 2019 AND fully potty trained) through children who will be completing 5th grade.
All forms and payment are online this year at:
http://bit.ly/MarketplaceAD
.
Youth and adult volunteers are also needed. Email
Heather Ferguson
for more information.
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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!
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VRQ—BBQ Cook Team |
Next cook date: May 7th
| 4:45 or 5:45 PM
Come help us serve a meal to the veterans! Come at 4:45 to help cook or 5:45 to help serve. This mission service has a long history. We would love for you to be a part of the service & camaraderie. Questions? Contact Bill Neeriemer,
bill.nmer@gmail.com
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Ministry Partner News and Events...
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BeLoved Village Tiny Home work day this Sunday, May 5th!
Come to the Affordable Housing forum at Grace Covenant at 9:15 am and then get hands-on with housing at our work day! Come any time between 10:45 and 3 pm. (this Sunday, May 5th) at 15 Overbook Place 28805. Take a tour of the land and participate with land clearing for the home sites! Kids activities for Kids Build will be happening. For people that would rather not work outside, we will have opportunities to strategize/work on community engagement and fundraising to support the village! Lunch will be provided. Questions or to get involved at other times contact BeLoved Asheville at 828-242-8261 or via email at
belovedasheville@gmail.com
.
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Passages: A Journey Through Place and Space | May 10 - July 8 | Red House Studios and Gallery (301 W. State St., Black Mountain)
Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League in Black Mountain in partnership with Homeward Bound is sponsoring the "Passages" exhibit . Twenty percent of sales will go to help end chronic homelessness through Homeward Bound.
Opening Reception | Friday, May 10 | 5-7 PM | Red House Studios & Gallery
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Creation Care Alliance and First Baptist Church present a
series to examine climate change.
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Practicing Shalom in Our Time of Climate Change | Wednesdays | 6-7 PM | Crouch Chapel, First Baptist Church
- May 8 - "Asheville Responds" A panel of local leaders: Sophie Mullinax, Blue Horizons Project, Coordinator; Dawn Chavez, Asheville Greenworks, Director; Scott Hardin-Nieri, Mountain True, Director of Creation Care Alliance
- May 15 - "First Baptist Responds" Dr. Mack Dennis, Pastor
Click
HERE for full flyer.
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J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Gathering | TONIGHT, May 2 | Dinner @ 5:30; Viewing @ 7 PM |
Barley's Taproom
/Fine Arts Theater
The J.O.Y. group will gather at Barley's for supper before going to the Fine Arts Theater for a showing of
At the River: Profiles in Quiet Courage. Four profiles will be shown at this screening and Aaron Price, the musical director, will be playing hymns throughout the night.
*If you would like to carpool, Susie Wheelis will be meeting folks in the GCPC parking lot at 5:15 pm.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment Support Group (MCI Group) | Wed., May 15 | 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.
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PW May Circle Meetings
#1
| Tuesday, May 7 | 10:00 AM | GCPC Fellowship Hall | Hosts: Sandra Dykes & Beth Robrecht | Study Leader: Carol Kavalhuna
#2 | Tuesday, May 7 | 7:30 PM | Host: Nancy Gettys, 150 David Biddle Trail, Weaverville | Study Leader: Barbara McLean
#3
| TBA
#4 | Thursday, May 2 | 7:00 PM | Host: Susie Bleckley, 140 Skyview Circle | Study Leader: Mary Lou Nash
#5 | Monday, May 6 | 10:00 AM | Baptist Home, 213 Richmond Hill Dr. | Study Leader: Susie Churchfield
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Mission Statement ReWrite
The Session would like to hear from you as we rewrite the Mission Statement. We will use your feedback to tickle Session's imagination. There will be a wall display in the narthex for the next few Sundays where you can chime in with your thoughts. Or if you prefer, share your thoughts on this
online form
.
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The Session is excited to share some good news with all of you! On Tuesday, April 24, Session voted to become a More Light Presbyterian congregation. More Light works toward the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society. The mission statement of More Light reads:
Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.
In discussion, Session agreed that the mission, vision, and ministry of Grace has long been aligned with More Light values. This designation affirms our commitment to full and inclusive welcome of all people and communicates who we are clearly to a broader audience and to the PCUSA at large.
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GCPC Softball Team - "The Prez-Beez"
The Pres-Beez are at bat! Our church softball team is playing hard. All games are played at the Montford Field (below the Rec Center; use Gay Street beside the Center). The next game is:
- TONIGHT, Thursday, May 2 @ 7:00 pm
Come support your team and join in the fun. Go Beez!
For the full Prez-Beez schedule, click
HERE
.
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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 10:45 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.
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Youth Group "Be the Change in God's Creation" | This Sunday, May 5 | 5 - 7 PM | GCPC
Mountain True will be coming to help us explore how we can better advocate for the needs of our changing climate and take care of God’s world. You will not want to miss this exciting day filled with creative activities and challenges. Dinner will be provided.
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SENIOR HIGHS, APPLY FOR THE PRESBYTERY YOUTH COUNCIL!
Our presbytery is seeking rising 10th -12th graders to serve on the Presbytery Youth Council for 2019-2020. The council leads youth events (including the Middle School Retreat & Youth Adventure Day). This is a valuable way to grow in faith and as leaders alongside other Presbyterian youth. For more info: contact
Beth Gunn
.
THE APPLICATION IS
HERE
.
It is due by May 28th, but you must
notify Samantha that you are applying by May 12th
, so that session and pastors can write recommendations in time.
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GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL IN JUNE?
SENIOR HIGH GRADUATION SUNDAY!!!!
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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.]
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)
James Martin (Stacy Shelley's dad)
Rebecca Wells' brother, Jamey
Natalie C.
Dave Rummel (friend of the Kavalhunas)
Family of Tara Williamson (friend of Caroline Wyrosdick-Webb and family)
Jennifer Moore (Amanda Pressley's daughter)
Dorothy Zuck (Pat Durham's mother)
Hettie Lou Garland
Dot Holladay
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Mary Ellen Horne
Marty Dean
GCPC is happy to announce the birth of Lucy Keenan Bolivar on Wednesday, May 1st. Congratulations to parents, Bre and Omar, and big sister, Sofia.
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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