Grace Covenant Weekly News | April 4, 2019
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“I sit watching until dusk, hypnotized...my psyche goes with the river-
always loping downhill, purposeful, listening only to gravity.”
~ Ann Zwinger , Downcanyon


Sunday Preview

Sunday, April 7, 2019
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper

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


Homily: "Imagination Required" by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scriptures: Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8
Special Offerings in April
During April GCPC has several opportunities to support important work going on in our community and in our world. One Great Hour of Sharing is an annual special offering of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). There is more information below in the GCPC Community section. 
Also, our ministry partner CIMA, has asked that we help replenish their Sanctuary Fund. This Fund assists families who have loved ones detained in last years ICE Raids. CIMA and other groups in the Latinx community are anticipating more raids in our area during April (last year’s raids were in April as well). With this fund they help families with loss of income from a detained family member as well as costs of legal assistance for families.

To be a part of this special offering, please include the word " CIMA " in the memo line of your check or on your cash envelope. You can put it in the offering plate or bring in to the office. The funds will be collected in our Finance Office and passed along at the end of April to the CIMA Sanctuary Fund. You can also give directly to CIMA online HERE - " Donate to the Sanctuary Fund ."

Later in April you will also hear about the Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering this year. So many great opportunities to support and stand in solidarity with communities most impacted by injustices and economic disparities. 
SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, April 28th
Rev. Jimmie Ray Hawkins, who serves as the Director of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness in Washington DC, will be visiting with us at GCPC.

8:15 & 10:45 AM Worship Services: Rev. Jimmie Hawkins preaching
9:15 AM education class: "Presbyterians & Advocacy: From Abolition to the Poor People's Campaign"
5:30 PM - Simple Dinner & 6:15 PM - Workshop "Jesus' Call to be a Matthew 25 Church" 
Matthew 25 announces a clear link between following Jesus and the work of justice, hospitality and advocacy. We will examine how Christian denominations and congregations are adopting Matthew 25 as an intimate element in their mission to proclaim the good news of the gospel.  RSVP required to Anna Louise,  almurchison@gcpcusa.org , by Monday, April 22. 
 Cost: $5. Limited to 60 participants.

Click HERE for Rev. Hawkins full bio.
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

8 spots left! Registration ends on April 8th.
There will be a waiting list if spots fill up.
Click here to view details.
“Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner” | April 10 | 6:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
Take a break from cooking and make some space for connecting with your church community. This meal will be catered from Moe’s with delicious barbecue and sides. These events are intergenerational. *RSVP to Sherrie by 12:00 pm on Monday, April 8th so we can have an estimate. If you forget to RSVP, we hope you'll still come!
This Sunday we welcome Kym Verhovshek to Grace Covenant. Kym joins us to share exciting news about the upcoming performance of Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín, which takes place in Asheville on June 1st. She will be available to share information and answer your questions in the narthex after 10:45 worship.
Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezín, a profoundly moving multimedia concert-drama, combines the magnificent music of Verdi with video testimonials and narration, to tell the story of the courageous Jewish prisoners in the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (Terezín) who performed the celebrated Verdi Requiem while experiencing the depths of human degradation. With only a smuggled score, they performed the famous oratorio sixteen times, including one performance before senior SS officials from Berlin and an International Red Cross delegation. Conductor Rafael Schächter told the choir, “We will sing to the Nazis what we cannot say to them.” This performance features conductor Murry Sidlin, soprano Jennifer Check, mezzo-soprano Ann McMahon Quintero, tenor Bruce Sledge, bass Jongmin Park, the Asheville Symphony, and Voices of Terezín Remembrance – a chorus comprised of singers from the Asheville community. Proceeds to benefit Carolina Jews for Justice.
For more information, please visit defiantrequiem.org/asheville .
Stewardship Corner
TO ENVELOPE OR NOT TO ENVELOPE? 
Envelopes are not required to identify your gift, but if you choose to use them, there a few options. We offer pre-numbered envelopes at no cost to you, which can help easily identify cash donations and ensure the gift is recorded on the correct record.  If you would like to sign up for weekly envelopes, just email  giving@gcpcusa.org  with your preferred mailing address.  You can also use any blank envelope or a generic giving envelope available in the back of the pews. 

If giving by check, with or without an envelope, be sure to note any gift designation and your envelope number (if applicable) in the memo line. If giving cash, be sure to include at least your first and last name on an envelope if you would like the gift recorded for tax deductible purposes.
1ST QUARTER STATEMENTS - COMING SOON
Our Finance Office is currently working to close out last month. As soon as that process is complete, 1st quarter tax deductible contribution statements will be be printed and available at the Welcome Desk. Watch the newsletter in the coming weeks for an announcement when they're ready for pick-up.
Memorial Garden
Exciting Memorial Garden Changes
The Memorial Garden on the Gracelyn Road side of the church building is yet another feature at GCPC receiving a much-needed update. A team of GCPC members has been working with the Property Council for more than a year to improve Grace Covenant’s Memorial Garden, and the results of their hard work are becoming evident!

Dedicated in 2002, the garden has a rich history and offers a wonderful space for meditation and prayer, as well as a resting place for cremains of loved ones. The garden was created as an inclusive space to accept ashes from members, their families, as well as from the larger community. It is worth noting that at the time of its dedication, the Grace Covenant Memorial Garden was the only such garden in Asheville to be totally inclusive.
During the past year, the original fountain has been replaced with a beautiful rock water feature. Other changes underway include updating the original plantings with the help of a gardening expert who specializes in designing with native plants, and new signage to communicate that this is sacred space. The garden’s custom-crafted iron gate which features a Celtic cross is being cleaned and its center stone from the Iona Community in Scotland is being permanently secured.

Anyone wishing to inter ash remains in the garden should complete a form ( CLICK HERE) accompanied by a check for $325 by May 5, 2019. The form is also available in Sherrie Meehan’s office. The application fee, which has been substantially lower than all other church memorial gardens, will increase to $450 for applications received after May 5. Anyone who has questions should contact Penny Ponder at pmponder@gmail.com, or at 277-8147 (H) or 712-5513 (cell). 

Bulletins for the Sunday, April 7 worship service will include a brochure about the Memorial Garden. Stay tuned for a dedication of the newly designed and planted space later this year! 
Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
Creating Sanctuary Team Meeting | Sunday, April 14 | 11:45 AM | Indie Room
Power and Race Team (PART)
The Racial Justice Book Series | Thursday, April 11 | 6:00 PM | Garden Room
For April, we are reading Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing by Joy DeGruy.

"While African Americans managed to emerge from chattel slavery and the oppressive decades that followed with great strength and resiliency, they did not emerge unscathed. Slavery produced centuries of physical, psychological and spiritual injury. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing lays the groundwork for understanding how the past has influenced the present, and opens up the discussion of how we can use the strengths we have gained to heal." (Amazon)
PART Meeting | Thursday, April 11 | 7:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
We will be going more deeply into some of the study resources Robin DiAngelo, author of White Fragility, provides for communities just like ours.
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)

FOURTH EVENT:

Thursday, April 11: Divided America: Finding Common Ground
How can we “Be the change” in our own families and communities? In this session we will recognize the divisions that exist in our country and discuss tools and skills that will help us forge a path towards resilience and peace. FREE for anyone to attend with childcare provided to Claxton families only.
UNC Asheville’s Commemoration of the 65th Anniversary of
Brown v. Board of Education
UNC Asheville will present a series of events during the first two weeks of April, including a keynote address by civil rights activist Sylvia Mendez, to commemorate the 65th anniversary year of the U.S. Supreme Court Brown v. Board of Education decision that struck down school segregation laws.

Mendez’s talk, free and open to everyone, takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 8, in UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium. Click HERE for full schedule of events for the week.
Public Lecture by Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative | Thursday, April 25 | 7-9 PM | UNC Asheville’s Kimmel Arena
Bryan Stevenson, the attorney, activist and best-selling author who  led the team that created the first national memorial to victims of lynching,  will speak at UNC Asheville’s Kimmel Arena. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Seating at this  free, unticketed event is first-come, first served.  Kimmel Arena’s “Clear Bag Policy” will be in effect; please do not bring backpacks.  Parking is limited at UNC Asheville; please consider using public transportation.

Stevenson is the  founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) . Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Stevenson recently won a historic ruling in the U.S. Supreme Court banning mandatory life-without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger. He also is the  author of award-winning New York Times best-selling book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption .
Earth Team
GCPC Bird Walk | Saturday, 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.
GCPC Hike to Looking Glass Rock | Tuesday, April 23 | Meet at GCPC @ 8:30 AM or at J&S Cafeteria (across from airport) @ 9:00 AM
As part of the GCPC Earth Team program, Les Stradley will be leading a hike to Looking Glass Rock.
Hike Description:   Trailhead is on Davidson River Road, 5.55 miles north of junction US 276, US 64, and NC 280. We will climb 3.1 miles, elevation gain of 1700 feet, to the summit. We will have lunch at the edge of a cliff with breathtaking views of the Pink Beds, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Pisgah Ledge. Round trip hiking is 6.2 miles and rated moderate/strenuous.
Tips:  Wear sturdy boots or hiking shoes, bring 2 bottles of water, a good lunch, sunscreen, hat. Dogs must be on a leash.
Sign up : Text or call Les Stradley at (828) 329-3332. Let me know where you plan to meet. *Hike will be limited to first 12 to sign up.
EDUCATION
GCPC Library Highlight
Encountering the Sacred: Feminist Reflections on Women’s Lives, edited by Rebecca Todd Peters and Grace Y. Kao.

For the past fifty years, feminist theologians have sought to reimagine Christian theology in ways that speak to the complexities of women’s lives. In this book, feminist scholars, including Marcia Mount Shoop, examine powerful life experiences to search for new and empowering ways of understanding the sacred. Included are essays on friendship, pregnancy, simple living, miscarriage, racism, rape, gossip, infertility, death and dying, and voluntary childlessness.

Rebecca Todd Peters will speak at the final session of GCPC’s May Speaker Series in Adult Education on May 12 at 9:15 a.m. in the fellowship hall. This book is available for checkout from the GCPC library.
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 2 , (click for link) The Cross and the Lynching Tree. 
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...
Marketplace, AD - VBS: “Love Your Neighbor” | June 24-27 | First Presbyterian - AVL
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.
Forgetting the Former Things Book Talk by Tamara Puffer & Joyce Hollyday | THIS Sunday, April 7 | 5 - 6 PM | Sanctuary
In August 1996 Tamara Puffer was a young, newly married violinist-turned-pastor serving a large suburban church. Her growing work with people living on Atlanta’s streets was beginning to reshape her theology and her calling, but a serious car accident derailed her carefully planned career path. Forgetting the Former Things is a rare tapestry of first-person faith journey woven with gritty theological reflection and persistent hope. She finds solace in the stories of biblical women as she also wrestles with negative images of disability in scripture. She embraces her self-described role as a “minister of vulnerability” in this troubling national moment—as jobs, healthcare, and affordable housing are evaporating for so many, as countless people feel terrorized by discrimination or the threat of deportation—boldly casting her lot with others whose marginalization cuts deeper.

Joyce Hollyday is the author of several books, including Clothed with the Sun: Biblical Women, Social Justice, and Us, and is a pastor serving immigrant women in Madison County.
*Books will be available for purchase.
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
Time for PRITCHARD PARK | Sunday, April 21
Sign-ups for the next Pritchard Park are in the Narthex today, April 7 and Sunday, April 14. Food donations and volunteers are needed. Questions? Please email Rick Noble at rick@noblebelfast.com or call him at 803-422-1977.
Ministry Partner News and Events...
Community Power Dinner & Multigen Action Gathering | Thursday, April 11 | 6 - 8PM | Liberation Station (10 N. Market St.)
Hosted by  BeLoved House . Gather with community to really work in making a change! Use your voice, dreams, skills and gifts to move projects forward that are transforming our community. Are you tired of the way this country is going? Tired of ranting behind a screen? Come together to be inspired to be the change we wish to see! Interested in Tiny Homes? Latinx cultural organizing? Kids Justice League? Systemic change work? Join an action team! Make plans on one night to fill every other day with meaningful action. Nurture yourself through community connection and moments for inspiration. We are the change! Community is the solution! The purpose of this meeting is to bring the power to the community again and to use our power to really make a difference! Click HERE for more info.
Green Opportunities (GO) "Showcase Dinner" | Friday, April 5 | Two Seatings: 5:30 & 7:00 PM | Southside Kitchen ( 133 Livingston Street)
Kitchen Ready students will design and execute the dinner menu for the evening. The event is open to the community but seating is limited. The culinary team requests a minimum $10 donation the day of the event to help off-set the cost of preparation. Dress is casual and a RSVP is required. 
Immigration Lunch and Learn | Thursday, April 25 | 12:00-1:15 PM |GCPC Fellowship Hall
Join us for an Immigration Lunch and Learn. These events are free, but please register so we can have an accurate headcount. REGISTER HERE . We are proud to present this event in partnership with the YWCA's Stand Against Racism .
*Lunch will be provided. Donations accepted.
Community Response to Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose | Tuesday, April 23 | 11 AM - 1:30 PM | Trinity United Methodist Church ( 587 Haywood Rd. )
Buncombe County Health and Human Services CARE Team presents an interfaith seminar on this rising concern in our community, in partnership with Trinity United Methodist Church. Two of our Ministry Partners, Steady Collective and BeLoved, helped in organizing this event. Click HERE to register.
GCPC COMMUNITY
GCPC 20s/30s Gathering: "Barbara Brown Taylor Book Talk" | Monday, April 15 | 6 - 9pm | The Cathedral of All Souls (9 Swan St)
Barbara Brown Taylor will be reading from her new book "Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others." Let's meet there at 5:45pm (if you are able) and then debrief over dinner at The Cantina nearby. Contact Samantha  to RSVP. *Contact Heather  hferguson@gcpcusa.org  for childcare by April 12th.

Click HERE to access an excerpt from her book.
Mild Cognitive Impairment Support Group (MCI Group) | Wed., April 17 | 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.
Equal Exchange
Way to go GCPC!!! We are in the top 5% for sales. This is an important ministry at GCPC that supports Fair Trade. Many thanks to Bill Gettys, Kern Parker and Sheryl Aikman for their ongoing support of this program. The Equal Exchange products (coffee, chocolate bars, olive oil, fruit and nut bars) are available for purchase in the narthex.
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offering opportunity
OGHS is the single, largest way that Presbyterians join together to share God’s love with our neighbors-in-need around the world. This offering helps sustain the important PC(USA) programs like Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self Development of People. Fish banks are still available on the credenzas outside sanctuary and OGHS envelopes are available in the pews for adults (please indicate OGHS offering in memo line) . We will collect the OGHS offering on Palm Sunday (April 14). Click HERE for more information.
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:  Louise Root email:   lcr@rootandroot.com
Youth News
Thanks to our youth for leading a powerful worship service last Sunday! 

* You can read Emma Maney, Kaegan Parks and Paige Kemper's sermon here .

* You can watch Annie Cole and Will Euler's "Fruit Stories!: The Prodigal Son Story" from Youth Sunday here .
Youth Group "Haywood Street Congregation Visit" | This Sunday, April 7 | *2:30 - 5 PM | Meet/pick up at Haywood church entrance ( 297 Haywood St . )
Just as Jesus befriended people from all walks of life, Haywood Street Congregation  provides a community for many people who are experiencing homelessness. Meet Katie and the advisors at the entrance at 2:30pm sharp to get seated for lunch. We will also worship and help clean up there. This is a not-to-miss experience! *If you need a ride there, email  Katie   ASAP. ***Confirmation youth, this is an important event for you to attend.  SIGN UP HERE by Friday, so we can know to expect you!
Youth Adventure Day! | *Saturday, April 27th | 10:30 AM -7:00 PM | Camp Grier (Old Fort) | GCPC discounted cost $10
Register HERE   and let the adventure begin! The Presbytery of Western North Carolina & Camp Grier are inviting youth from across our presbytery to a Middle School & High School adventure day that includes: canoeing, climbing wall, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, dinner and more. Bring a bagged lunch and we are looking for help carpooling. Full/partial scholarships available.  This will be our youth group event for the weekend.
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)
Adehgua staff & El Progreso Microloan Group (Guatemala)
The Adehgua community and their churches (Guatemala)
The Families of Felipa and Rosa (Guatemala)
Reyna Martinez, President of El Progreso Microloan Group (Guatemala)
Thomas Pack III (Mesheala Sundblade's boyfriend)
Alan Burgin (Colt Burgin's dad)
Jo Sells (Colt Burgin's grandmother)
James Martin (Stacy Shelley's dad)
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...
Enneagram Gatherings
We conclude this series of weekday gatherings next week, April 8th and April 12th.  We'll reconvene in late April thru May. Stay tuned for details. For more information:  Contact Carol Hovis   cmhovis@gmail.com  
SAVE THE DATE:
Enneagram Retreat | Saturday, April 27, 10 AM -3:30 PM
Experiencing the Arrows of our Type
Each ennea-type has 2 resource points called Arrows. We will sit in circle according to our type and have opportunity to move to our Arrows in the circle, exploring how these resources show up for us. This retreat is open to everyone; those brand new to the enneagram system and those who already know their type. Contact Carol Hovis for more information:   cmhovis@gmail.com .  
Etude 22: Meditation on the Aleph-Bet | April 6 @ 7:30 PM and April 7 @ 4 PM | St. George's Episcopal Church ( 1 School Rd. )
ETUDE 22 is back after 4 sold-out performances in November, 2018. All 10 dancers, narrator and musicians return for two performances at the Center for Art and Spirit in Asheville! 

As clearly as the breath meets mouth and tongue to form speech, so the limbs ride on the breath to create dance. Join us for an intimate evening of dance and music inspired by the soulful mystical stories of the ancient Hebrew Aleph Bet and their pathways to self, community, love and reverence. 
For tickets ($20) visit Etude22.BPT.ME.
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.
SAVE THE DATE!
Faith and Conscience Convocation: A Call for Accountability for Torture | Sunday, April 28 | 2 - 5 PM | UNCA's High Smith Student Union - The Blue Ridge Room South (Room 203)
The NC Council of Churches, Carolina Jews for Justice, and the ACLU of North Carolina will convene people of faith and conscience in Asheville to explore the findings of the North Carolina Commission of Inquiry on Torture's September 2018 report and to address the responsibilities of public officials and the citizens of NC to repair the damage done to those who were rendered to CIA torture sites on flights based out of NC public airports. Please see the attached flyer for details.
SAVE THE DATE!
CoInspire Conference | October 7-10, 2019 | Montreat Conference Center
Montreat Conference Center will host CoInspire, the second in a series of conferences addressing systemic racism in the church. In response to the racism and violence in our world, this event seeks to bring together people of faith 
in order to disarm prejudices that divide us and equip each other for practicing resurrection as new creations in Christ. We will delve into the questions around the toxicities we are currently breathing into our bodies and exhaling into the shared air. CoInspire will examine ways that we, as members of Christ’s body, might co-inspire one another to liberate imagination for new ways of being, and examine ways we can conspire to eviscerate the racism within our church. We will seek to identify those things we want to breathe in to precipitate a pathway to eviscerating the racism in our country and our world.
Traci Blackmon, executive minister of justice & local church ministries for The United Church of Christ and senior pastor of The Kind United Church of Christ, will be the conference’s preacher. Click HERE for full press release.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804