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GCPC Alive and Well This Week! |
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Worship Preview | Sunday, March 28, 2021
Palm Sunday
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Sermon: "Grieving" by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scripture: John 12:12-16
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We will continue to explore what it means to Make Room in the Wilderness as we journey through Holy Week.
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Families with young children are encouraged to follow prompts for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. Emails will continue to be sent out for each activity. Please contact amykim@gcpcusa.org with any questions.
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Holy Week Drive-Thru ~ Saturday the 27th, 12:00pm | We invite you to a Holy Week Drive-thru in the GCPC parking lot where you will be able to pick up items to enrich your experience of Holy Week including communion elements, palms and more.
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Palm Sunday ~ Sunday, March 28th, 10:45am | We will celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Palm Sunday and the beginning of the difficult week ahead on Sunday, March 28th during our 10:45am worship service on Youtube.
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Maundy Thursday ~ Thursday, April 1st, 6:30pm | We will gather over Zoom to celebrate the Last Supper where we will remember this Holy Meal, the betrayal of Jesus, and the painful events that were to come. Please note: This service honors the ancient story of Jesus’ death while recognizing the ways this narrative repeats itself again and again throughout the past and present. There will be reflections on statements from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which chillingly keeps records of the last words of executed offenders. We encourage all families to participate as feels appropriate for the ages of your children.
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Good Friday Tenebrae Service~ Friday, April 2nd, 7:00pm | We will mark Good Friday with remembering the final day of Jesus in word and song with a Tenebrae Service (deepening darkness). Have a candle and join us live on the church’s YouTube channel to immerse yourself in this story of our faith and redemption.
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Holy Saturday ~ Saturday, April 3rd | On your own, we invite you to take time during this Holy Saturday to recall the narrative of Holy Week. Taking time to attend to how it moves in you. We will send out an email with possible ways to mark and interact with the story through journaling, moving in the community, meditation, movement and other opportunities for practice.
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Easter Sunday ~ Sunday, April 4th, 10:45am | On Easter Sunday we will celebrate the empty tomb and the promise of resurrection during our 10:45am worship service on Youtube. Check your email for an opportunity to share videos of celebrations with us.
Please mark your calendars now for these touch-points during Holy Week. We encourage you to share them with your community near and far.
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Glory To God! Easter Challenge
Have you missed singing "Glory to God" these past few weeks in Lent? Well, we intentionally changed things up because Lent is a time of reflection and making room. We also know how exciting it will be to join our voices on Easter and once again sing this exuberant response of praise. That's where you come in--we're challenging everyone to add your voice to our praise -- not just at home -- but in recorded video form! It would be great to have additional voices added to our "Glory to God" menagere for Easter Sunday. So check out the instructions and links below and accept the challenge. We will keep adding voices for Easter Sunday and all the Sundays of Easter that follow (7 all total). . . Let's keep singing and remember that the church's song goes on even in a pandemic!
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Click below to get the video you will use to rehearse and record with: |
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Once you've made your recording, click this Google link to upload your recording of Glory to God and you're done!
Thanks for being a part of our Glory to God Challenge!
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WAYS TO PLEDGE FOR 2021:
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Sign into your Realm account online or on the Realm Connect mobile app and enter a pledge under the Giving tab. Detailed instructions with photos are here.
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Email Natalie Weaver your total pledge amount and planned giving frequency (i.e. weekly, monthly) to have her enter it on your behalf.
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Contact the Finance Office at 828-254-3274, ext. 202 or nweaver@gcpcusa.org to request a printed pledge card be mailed to your home address.
Click here to watch a video example of how to pledge in Realm.
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Time to count your change!
One Great Hour of Sharing
February 17 - March 26, 2021
As Jesus says in Matthew 25, the Church belongs with those in need — whether it is offering relief from natural disasters or the ravages of war; access to food, water and healthcare; or coping with the pandemic. Through our gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing, we are there because we are the Church, together.
Join with Presbyterians worldwide in sharing God’s love with our
neighbors-in-need around the world.
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If you are a part of a group, Team, or Circle at GCPC and you want to have a Zoom meeting, let staff know. We will help you get set up on our GCPC Zoom account for group gatherings and meetings. You can schedule your meeting on the calendar with Anna Louise, and any staff member can help you get set up for your meeting if you have questions.
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Spiritual/Pastoral Support |
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Deacon of the Week
In this time of physical distancing, the deacons of Grace Covenant continue to be available to talk and pray with you by phone or online and to coordinate care. If you have difficulty reaching your assigned deacon or if you do not know who your assigned deacon is, please feel free to reach out to our deacon of the week.
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Prayer List
Prayer requests will stay on the GCPC Prayer List for one month. Please let any staff member know if you (or your loved one) would like to remain on the list for longer.
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
Marcia Zuzel (friend of Kim Hottle and Melissa Shook)
Ryan Lockett (nephew of Denise Lockett)
Jennifer Martin (Yvonne Smith's daughter)
Truly and Eric Mount (Marcia Mount Shoop’s parents)
Bertilda Arteta (Marta Alcala-Williams' mother)
Paul Rogers’ Mom (in Arkansas)
Sheldon Smith (Beth Robrecht’s brother-in-law)
Addi Hopkins (friend of the Kyremes-Parks family)
The Hopkins family on the death of their daughter Stephanie (friends of the Kyremes-Parks family)
Phil and Pat Cocke (Jerry Bleckley’s friend)
Jennings Palmer and his family (friends of Kathy Jacobs)
Lynne Norris (friend of Mary Lou Nash)
John Hamel (Tim Hamel’s father)
David Good (Amber Cook’s dad)
Midgie Swartz (Allison Blozy’s aunt)
John Nelson (friend of Steve and Florence Riedesel)
Rhett Milner (Lynn Milner’s nephew)
Adela Gaiser (Robin and Gordon Gaiser’s granddaughter)
Family of Larry Mueller
Bob Higgins
Florence and Steve Riedesel
Roslyn Carney
Susan Smialowicz
Laura Ross
Bill Williamson
Queen Mother Maggie Belle Gladden
John Mount Shoop
Kimo Hyatt
Elizabeth Fisher
Allen Johnson
Matt Wiedle
Doris Prak
Jim Branden
Our sympathy and support are extended to Dean Presson and family, following the death of his mother, Dorothy Helen Worthy Presson, on March 24 in Charlotte, NC. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Thank You Note from Madge Francis
"I wish to thank all my dear friends and family who took time to send me birthday cards and wishes. I was overwhelmed by the number of you who sent cards. You will never know how much your words meant to me. Thank you all so much! I look forward to when we can gather again together in worship and fellowship. Sincerely, Madge Francis"
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GCPC 20s/30s Gathering: "Minute to Win It" Night! | TONIGHT, Thursday, March 25 | 6:00PM
Get ready for an evening of laughter, silly challenges, and the chance to connect! Samantha is excited to be back to join in the fun! Look out for an email with suggested supplies that you can find in your home. All are welcome!
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 817 7762 6813
Passcode: 789
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Lenten Adult Education - Lent of Liberation | Sundays | February 21- March 28 | 9:00 AM | via Zoom
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 21 and going through the Sundays of Lent, conveners of the Me and White Supremacy groups will be leading discussions of the daily devotional Lent of Liberation by Cheri Mills.
This Lenten devotional invites readers to understand and reflect on the ongoing legacy of slavery in America today. Each of the forty devotions includes the testimony of a person who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad, a Scripture passage, and a reflection connecting biblical and historical themes to challenge modern readers to the work of liberation in themselves and their communities.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 917 3507 6887 | Passcode: 789
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Easter Liberation Bible Study | Tuesdays | April 6 - May 18th | 5:30-7:00 PM
Come to some or all!
How we read the Bible matters. Where we come from and our life experiences inform the way we understand what we read in the Holy Bible and shapes the way we follow the teachings of Jesus. Liberation Theology is a theology grounded in the insight that God sides with the poor and marginalized throughout scripture.
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Enneagram Gathering for GCPC Parents | Wednesday, April 14 | 6:30-8:30 PM | via Zoom
Facilitated by Carol Hovis, all parents are welcome. If you don't know your enneagram type, contact Carol. Email Carol if you would like to participate.
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Presbyterian Women’s Circles are Zoom meetings.
Please join us.
Circle 1: First Tuesday of each month, 10:00 a.m.
Circle 2: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
Circle 3: *Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Circle 4: First Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Circle 5: First Monday of each month, 11:00 a.m.
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Children & Youth Formation |
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Pre-K - 3rd Grade Sunday Morning Adventure | 10:15 am | Zoom
You'll get an email every Friday with the Zoom link for our Sunday 10:15am check in. Email Anna Louise if you did not receive the link.
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4th & 5th Graders CONNECT Class | Sundays | 5:00-5:45pm | Zoom
Each week, families will receive an email with a unique login for class. If you would like to be on the list, please email Anna Louise.
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Youth Group | Sunday, March 28 | 5:00-6:30 PM on Zoom
We're back at Youth Group this week and ready to dive into our preparations for Youth Sunday on May 2nd! We would love for ALL youth to be involved in this special worship service, and we invite you to bring your gifts — music, words, art, technology, creativity — to this week's time of planning. If you haven't already, tell us how you would most like to participate in worship.
It is vital that all youth taking part in Youth Sunday be present this Sunday evening! If you have any concerns, please email Samantha this week.
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SIGN UP FOR CONFIRMATION (Fall 2021): |
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Attention current 8th-11th graders! Because of the pandemic, we are moving Confirmation to Fall 2021, with some special programming in the late Spring and a request to participate in one of the summer conferences (info below).
Our theme for the year is "Faith Voyage." This will be a sacred and exciting time to explore your faith in community. And it is a whole lot of fun!
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SIGN UP FOR SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES! |
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Middle School Massanetta Youth Conference (Week 3: July 8-11):
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Senior High Montreat Youth Conference (Week 5: July 25-31):
This is for youth who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grade by this summer. The theme for 2021 is "Called to Connect," and we will be renting a house in Montreat together for the week. The schedule includes morning energizers, music, keynote, small groups, recreation, evening worship, and many other fun activities. The discounted cost is $510 if you register HERE by March 31, 2021 (cost goes up $10 each month). Full/partial scholarships are available.
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Community Working Together |
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Faith 4 Justice’s Invitation to Love: A Community of Praxis
Praxis of embodying love and dismantling white supremacy in ourselves, our families, our communities of faith and the world!
Do you continue to struggle with being loving while you attempt to address the ways white supremacy shows up in you, your family, your church, etc? Rev. Tami Forte Logan and Faith 4 Justice are now offering an opportunity for you to participate in a six-month facilitated intensive. Join us as we build trusting relationships, foster collective healing in community and practice tools to help us dismantle the multiple forms of white supremacy culture in our daily lives and our faith institutions.
Each session will include grounding and body-centered work, historical and contemporary content to advance our shared analysis, individual and group reflection and opportunities to activate and deepen our faith.
The cost for this series is $500. Limited to 12 participants. Deadline to register is April 2nd.
2021 sessions will be held on 2nd Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM as follows: April 8th, May 13th, June 10th, July 8th, Aug 12th, Sept 9th
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City of Asheville Equity Focused Budget Sessions
The City will host 6 Equity-Focused Budget Sessions
- March 24 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- March 25 - 10:00-11:30 a.m.
- April 20 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- April 22 - 6:00-7:30 p.m.
- April 23 - 10:00-11:30 a.m.
and be sure to share with your friends and neighbors!
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MICROWAVES NEEDED!!
Is there a microwave – still in good condition but currently unused – languishing in your basement while it awaits a new life? We have a great match for that handy appliance – serving residents at the Red Roof Inn. As you know, a number of Asheville residents have been living at RRI since the pandemic struck last spring. These folks need means for heating meals – and your extra oven is an ideal solution.
To give an oven, please drop it off at GCPC Monday – Thursday, anytime between 9 am and 3 pm - ON A CLEAR DAY, please, as we avoid rain. Leave it at the office door where the two large black mailboxes are located. Please contact Cliff at 828-279-2573 when you arrive with your oven.
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Racial Equity Advocacy Committee, National Black Presbyterian Caucus denounce Atlanta killings - Both letters urge Presbyterians to stand with their siblings in the Asian American Pacific Islander community
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‘Racial discrimination is heavily embedded in our country and society’ - Korean pastor and caucus moderator says the secular world cannot heal the hate
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Asian Americans across the country have found themselves victims of violent crimes for no apparent reason other than their ethnicity. Tuesday’s killing of eight people in Atlanta, including six Asian women, four of whom were South Koreans, has brought about offers of support among Presbyterians — and cries for hate and violence to stop. Click here to read the full article.
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BeLoved Asheville,
GCPC Covenant Partner
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Guatemala Microloan Project Alternative Giving Cards
The Guatemala Microloan Project is a joint project of Presbyterian Women from Suchitepequez and Sur Occidente Presbyteries, and the Presbytery of Western North Carolina.
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For Easter, consider sending these with a note of thanks to people who have encouraged and shaped your faith, and for Mother’s Day to ‘special women’ in your life or in the life of the church.
Featured on the cards is Lety and her two sons. Lety, a single mother, has participated in the microloan project for 5 years and grown in many ways. All donations provide Guatemalan women like Lety opportunities to grow in self-esteem, hope, and freedom and enable them to develop sources of economic income for themselves and their families.
If you have questions or would like to order cards, please contact Mimi Michael by email at mimimichael@charter.net. A minimum donation of $10 per card is suggested; checks may be made out to PW PWNC with “Guatemala Microloan Project” in the memo.
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Caring for creation -
12 ways Presbyterians are taking environmental action
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Although the world’s ecological problems often feel overwhelming and over-politicized, reclaiming our roles as stewards of Creation does not have to be so. In honor of Earth Day Sunday, which is April 25, Presbyterians Today shares 12 ways that Presbyterians are doing their part to “till the garden” and care for Creation. Read the full article here.
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2020 Giving Statement Requests
We've received requests for another copy of 2020 Giving Statements as a part of tax preparation. These were emailed via Realm on 1/21/21, but can also be accessed anytime in the software easily. To download directly from Realm, just log in at onrealm.org/gcpcusa.org, click Giving, then select the blue 2020 Contribution Statement button on the top right. That will generate a downloadable PDF.
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If you need assistance or prefer a mailed copy, please contact Natalie and she would be happy to help.
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Brokerage Account Changes | BB&T Now Truist
As of 2/24/21, BB&T Securities brokerage accounts are now owned by Truist Investment Services. Our DTC and brokerage receiving account number have changed as a part of the transition. If you would like the updated information for stock or mutual fund donations, please contact Natalie.
Don't forget, you should always let Natalie know the quantity, type, and fund designation for donations when you request a transfer into our brokerage account- many times the donor information isn't visible on our end and we may have a hard time getting it properly applied to your account without a heads up.
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Remote Giving
Here are a few different ways to stay up-to-date on your giving remotely:
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MAIL gifts to the office at 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
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BANK BILL PAY mails checks remotely, one-time or on a recurring schedule - contact your bank to set this up
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ONLINE at https://onrealm.org/gcpcusa/give/now
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TEXT "giveGCPC" and AMOUNT to 73256 (i.e. giveGCPC $100)
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MOBILE through the Connect - Our Church Community app
Interested in setting up online recurring giving? Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to self-manage eGiving through Realm or return this signed authorization form to have our Finance Office set up on your behalf.
If you have any questions, please contact Natalie in our Finance office at nweaver@gcpcusa.org or by leaving a message for Natalie Weaver at 828-254-3274.
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HOW TO CONTACT STAFF DURING OFFICE CLOSURE:
Our staff are all still working remotely as the office remains closed due to the pandemic. To leave a voicemail for a staff member to return your call, follow these steps:
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Call the office at 828-254-3274.
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Listen through the office closure notice, which will then take you to a staff directory.
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Enter the first 3 letters of either the staff member's first or last name on your phone keypad (i.e. to reach Natalie Weaver, you'd enter 628 for NAT or 932 for WEA).
- You'll be directed to the staff member's individual voicemail, where you can leave a message to be returned as soon as possible.
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If you just want to leave a message for the general voicemail box, press 0.
You can also reach our staff by email- please see our website for each staff member's individual email address.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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