GraceNote
April 13, 2020
Dear Grace Covenant Community, 

Happy Easter! What a joyful Easter Sunday we celebrated together yesterday with our live-streamed service of worship and Communion! If you have not had a chance to view the service yet, you can find it here . 

This online way of worshipping together will be our practice for a while as the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the globe. If you have not yet been able to connect to our live-stream, please let any staff member know and we will be happy to assist you. 
Next Sunday, April 19, immediately following our live-streamed worship service, the Session has called a congregational meeting.  The purpose of this meeting is to hear a recommendation from the Session and the Finance Council recommending that GCPC refinance our HVAC loan due to the unknown financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Refinancing the loan requires a congregational vote and presbytery approval because a 20-year loan term requires that the church building and property be used as equity. 

While using church property as equity is not normally something Grace Covenant would pursue, the Finance Council and Session are unanimous in their recommendation that this is an important step toward financial sustainability for our faith community to take in these unprecedented times. A 20-year loan term will cut our yearly payments in half and create some breathing room in our budget so that we can continue many of our vital ministries at GCPC. 
Here is what you need to know about the meeting: 

  • Our congregational meeting will be accessible through YouTube. If you are tuned in to worship, you are in the right place. Here is the link. 

  • The congregation will hear a report from Elder Laurie Stradley, Finance Council Chair. Our Treasurer, Joe Brumit, and Property Council Co-Chairs, Roger Meade and John Clark, will be available for questions during the presentation. 

  • After the report is received, I will explain the voting procedure, which will be in effect immediately after the congregational meeting is adjourned. 

  • Only GCPC members are eligible to vote. 

  • Voting will be open for 72 hours upon adjournment of the congregational meeting. 

  • Votes will be tallied on Wednesday, April 22 and results will be reported in the Thursday, April 23 GCPC weekly news. 


Here is the procedure for asking questions during the meeting:  

  • You can submit a question on the YouTube chat. 
Here are the three ways to vote: 

  • Fill out a google form that will be provided via an email link immediately following the congregational meeting;
  OR
OR
  • For members who do not have access to email, you can call the church office at 828-254-3274 and leave a message on the church voicemail with your name, phone number, and your vote. Sherrie Meehan will follow up with you to confirm your vote.  
This procedure for a virtual congregational meeting and for voting has been approved by the GCPC Session and reviewed by the Western North Carolina Presbytery Stated Clerk, Cam Murchison. I am grateful that we have a way to do the important business of the church in these pressing times in a way that is transparent and accessible to all.  

If you have any questions, please let me know.   Keep in mind that voting will not begin until AFTER the congregational meeting adjourns. Please do not attempt to vote prior to the end of the congregational meeting.

Grace Covenant never ceases to inspire me. The Spirit is showing our church how to thrive, to serve, and to grow even in these days of physical separation.  Resurrection is something we are learning to live out in ways we never could have imagined! 

Peace,