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The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon
the likes of which we have never seen before. So stay. Sit. Linger.
Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough
for running. For rushing. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait.
Something is on the horizon.
~ Jan Richardson
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Sunday Preview
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Worship services @ 8:15
(Lectio Divina)
& 10:45 AM
(Hymn Festival)
Education Hour (for all ages) @ 9:15 AM
Faith Sharing:
"Why Wait?" by Samantha Gonzalez-Block
Scriptures:
Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25
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Tuesday, December 24 | Christmas Eve Services
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5 PM | A Night Like No Other -
Service for all ages
Calling all angels, shepherds, and wise people! This service is truly a treat with carols, stories of the first Christmas, and all of the GCPC children taking part! Kids, begin arriving at 4:30pm to pick out your costume and grab a seat. Hope to see you there!
9 PM | Candlelight Communion Service
The 9:00 PM service will include Holy Communion as we gather to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord.
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The Serve Council is excited to share that Asheville Poverty Initiative (API) will be this year's Advent Ministry Partner.
On Christmas Eve, gifts designated to API (in the memo line of your check) will be given to help their mission.
Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets Cafe aims to end the social injustice of poverty in partnership with those on the margins through opportunities for education, advocacy, and relationship building. People from all walks of life are encouraged to come and meet their neighbors at 12 Baskets Café - a by-donation Cafe that serves rescued food from local restaurants.
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"Las Posadas" | Thursday, December 19 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Cathedral of All Souls
The Cathedral of All Souls invites GCPC to celebrate "Las Posadas" with them in December. The event is a traditional celebration of Mary and Joseph trying to find room to be sheltered and cared for. The Church La Capilla
http://lacapilla.org
presides over the event and our role is to host and gather and bring the party! We provide food, piñata, and hopefully LOADS of people!
While the tradition is really focused on the exile of Mary and Joseph we acknowledge in our worship and singing and prayers together that many of our LatinX brothers and sisters are being turned away today and we pray for all to find homes and shelter and care and love during this time of re-birth of compassion.
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Message from The Asheville Gay Men's Chorus
On behalf of the Asheville Gay Men's Chorus singers and the Board of Directors thank you for you kind hospitality for our 2019 Holiday concerts. The enthusiasm your fellowship brings to our concerts is heartwarming. Your generous support in offering time and space is greatly appreciated. It is through such relationships as ours that community truly is being served and brought together. We applaud your commitment to serving others and are grateful for the opportunity to help spread that message with you.
Wishing you and the entire fellowship a most joyous Christmas!
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I have exciting news to share!
Grace Covenant has received an early Christmas present. And there is a beautiful way for us to say thank you.
Ten generous donors have come together to create a $50,000 matching challenge for our 2020 Life Abundant Stewardship Campaign.
They are challenging GCPC to raise a matching $50,000 by January 15, 2020.
That will get us $100,000 closer to our 2020 goal—what an amazing opportunity for us to take this next huge step as a faith community!
Let’s meet this exciting challenge together, Grace Covenant! We are a “can-do” congregation and I believe we are going to get this done. The Spirit is moving here and all of you are responding in ways that continue to inspire me.
If you have already pledged, you can complete a pledge increase card
and put it in the plate or return to the church office. You can also access the pledge increase card online here:
http://bit.ly/GCPC2020increase
.
If you haven't pledged yet, you can fill out the online pledge card here
:
http://bit.ly/GCPC2020pledge
You can also email Natalie at
nweaver@gcpcusa.org
with your increase information.
I am especially grateful to our 10 generous donors who have given us another wonderful example of abundance to celebrate this Christmas season!
~ Marcia
(You can read Marcia's full GraceNote
HERE
.)
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When we give to our church we are giving to everything. Earth Team? Yes! Sunday School? Absolutely! Choir? You bet! Pastoral care? Uh huh. Adult education? Of course. Office supplies? Yep. Name something that our church does … anything. When you give to your church, you are giving to what you just named.
There is such an amazing array of ministry at Grace Covenant. There are so many committed people doing so many needful things. When we give to our church, we give to it all. If you have not yet done so, please pledge.
~ Lon Bechtel
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2020 Pledge Prepay
In addition to catching up on 2019 giving, many of you have asked about prepaying your 2020 pledge. You can prepay anytime, but it's very important to clearly mark these gifts as 2020 pledges. If a gift is made without a memo or envelope designating it otherwise, it will be applied to the current year general fund through 12/31/19
. If you are planning on prepaying your next year's pledge, please be sure to include
"2020 pledge prepay"
somewhere on your gift to ensure our Finance Office records it as you intended.
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It’s almost a wrap! Remember, when you finish your holiday shopping at
smile.amazon.com
, AmazonSmile donates to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at no cost to you!
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
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“Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays.”
Those familiar words ring through the stores, on the car radios, and on our personal devices for weeks before Christmas. They conjure up feelings of warmth for many of us, places where we have experienced joy and laughter, times of celebration with those we love, and safe and secure surroundings.
But this Christmas we once again have neighbors who are fearful of not being allowed to be at home, and the words from that song are painful. One such group includes our brothers and sisters who are being threatened and frightened by some legal officials who say they must be rounded up and sent back to a place which our government calls their home, but which, in reality, might very well be their death chamber.
Let us hold those who fear for the future in our prayers.
~ Heath Rada
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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PART Meeting | Thursday, January 9 | 7:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to join us for the first PART (Power and Race Team) meeting of 2020. We will be learning and practicing Organizing 101 skills and tools of building a more relational culture at GCPC. This is for anyone interested in meeting with and learning more about fellow GCPC members. What keeps us up at night? How do we take our anger and use it to build power and connections in our congregation and beyond the walls of GCPC. For more information, contact
Liz Huesemann
or
Carol Hovis
.
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Story Medicine Worldwide is sponsoring a celebration of two things later this month:
Winter Solstice AND the release of "Blues Doula,"
a new collection of poetry by
Meta Commerse
When:
Saturday, December 21, 2019, 6:00 p.m.
Where:
Fellowship Hall, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Enjoy:
Ceremony, Refreshments, Testimonials, Performance, Book signing and Fellowship.
Please bring your artsy, book-loving friends.
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Click on the links below to learn about some important
projects in Asheville....
- adePROJECT - "Artists Designing Evolution (adé PROJECT) is a grassroots cooperative comprised of a youth leadership team, a collective of contractors, an advisory council, and community organizations/institutions that come together to work cooperatively on projects, programs, and initiatives that have the flexibility to be responsive while leveraging an impact that will be long-term, and sustainable for the communities involved."
- Checkout the full project video/mini-doc that is a storytelling piece of the art installation "Hope Springs Forth Brightly" at THE BLOCK. Link to video Video credit: Manny Figaro, http://www.emmanuelfigaro.com
- Another way to stay engaged in this work in our community by getting involved in the African American Heritage Project
- Bookmark Celebrating African-Americans through Public Art (CAAPA) page on the City of Asheville website for updates in 2020!
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Last Thursday, we commissioned our new solar panels at GCPC! So exciting! And deep gratitude for our anonymous donor and the Earth Team and Session who made this creation-loving step for our congregation possible!
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Reduce, reuse, recycle. ♻️
How to recycle in Asheville:
Click
HERE
to see how it works locally, what is accepted, where to bring your non-standard items + more.
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This Sunday's Education Hour (for all ages)
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Advent Term | December 8 – 22 | Fellowship Hall
"Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes:
An Intergenerational Advent Experience"
First grade through Adults are invited to explore Advent by visiting the four gospel 'homes.' Each week, we will delve into the distinctive house of one of our Gospels, looking at its perspective of the incarnation or Jesus's birth through rich conversation, song, and crafts. Come, learn, and explore with participants of all ages.
Facilitators:
Heather Ferguson and Richard Coble
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Toddlers (ages 2-3) | “God Loves Me”
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9:15 – 10:15 AM | Toddler Room (1
st
floor)
Preschool/K (ages 4-5) | Godly Play
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9:15 –10:15 AM | Preschool Room (1
st
floor)
Middle School & Senior Highs (grades 6-12)
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9:00-10:15 AM | Youth Rooms
*Nursery care is available throughout Sunday morning beginning at 8:10 am.
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Winter Weekly Bible Study | Mondays: January 27 – March 16 |
12 – 1:30 PM
We will examine Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon with a focus on learning where white supremacy has distorted our understanding of the text and kept us from messages of liberation and freedom. This will be a space to build deeper relationships with church members committed to undoing white supremacy in their faith journey. If interested, please email Kate Shem at
kateshem@gmail.com
.
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Bible Study | Wednesdays | 11:00 AM | Garden Room
Join the pastoral staff to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday. No preparation needed; just come ready to open scripture and discuss!
(No Bible Study on Dec. 25th)
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Winter Women's Memoir Series | 4th Monday of month | 6:00 PM | Jerusalem 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.
- January 27 | Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home by Rhoda Janzen | Facilitator: Susie Wheelis
- February 24 | I Grew Up Little: Finding Hope in a Big God by Patsy Clairmont | Facilitator: Grace Hall
- March 30 | Shameless: A Sexual Reformation by Nadia Bolz-Weber | Facilitator: Amber White
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Haywood Street Clothing Bin Volunteers Needed
Have you noticed the blue bin in our parking lot? Have you ever wondered about what happens to the clothes that are donated? Here is your opportunity to find the answers and volunteer in a very meaningful way.
Volunteers are needed to deliver donations to the Haywood Street Congregation once a week for one month. We need volunteers starting in January. Please email Nancy Kramer at
nancykramer1981@gmail.com
to claim your slot.
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Ministry Partner News and Events...
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Read To Succeed Asheville/Buncombe Needs Volunteers!
Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe (R2S) is a local dynamic non-profit
and our mission is "
to inspire and teach children to read." Children “learn to read” in K-3
rd
and after 3
rd
, they are “reading to learn.” Students’ who have not achieved grade level reading by third grade are 4X more likely to drop out of school.
We need supportive individuals who are interested in tutoring an elementary school student, K-3, 1 hour, 1-2 days a week, during the school year. Training and ongoing support are provided.
Our organization and tutors share a passion for reading, strong belief in education, and desire to support the children in our community. What a wonderful gift to give our next generations; supporting them in learning to read.
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Sisters at the Sea Retreat 2020 | February 6-9, 2020 | Folly Beach, SC | $240
“Cultivating an Inner Life of Grace & Clarity: Spiritual Practices for Everyday”
With guest retreat facilitator, Rev. Carol Hovis
Do you identify as a woman age 25ish-50ish who would like a weekend of connecting and rejuvenating in a beautiful natural setting? Mark your calendars for our lucky number 11th
annual SOS (“Save our Sanity”/“Sisters at the Sea”) retreat! This year’s guest facilitator, Rev. Carol Hovis, will help us explore approaches to spiritual contemplation that we can practice in even the smallest moments of our day-to-day rush, to develop and deepen throughout our lifetimes. Register today to ensure this special time of building friendships and centering your faith in the new year!
Registration:
- $50 non-refundable deposit due at registration. Checks should be made to GCPC with “2020 Sisters at the Sea” in the memo line. Full and partial scholarships available (complete registration form to apply).
- TO REGISTER TODAY: Visit http://bit.ly/Sisters2020 to register online, or pick up a registration form at the GCPC Welcome Desk.
- *Registration ends on Jan. 15.*
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Centering Prayer | Wednesday Nights | 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Sanctuary
(There will be no Centering Prayer on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.)
Christianity has a rich and ancient tradition of intentional and prayerful silence as a spiritual practice. Sacred silence teaches us to listen devoutly, humbly, and with trust. It is beautifully simple and a spiritual skill whose gifts goes deeper and gets more powerful the more one practices it. This practice is open to all and is come as you are able. Questions? Contact Marcia at
mmshoop@gcpcusa.org
.
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PW January Circle Meetings
#1 | Tuesday, January 7 | 10:00 AM | Fellowship Hall | Study Leader: Sally Booher
#2 | Tuesday, January 7 | 6:00 PM Potluck | Melissa Hicks & Ann Brown | 14 Springdale Rd., 28803 | Study Leader: Barbara McLean
#4 | Thursday, January 9 | 7:00 PM | Jane Sutton | 6 Holmwood Rd., 28801 | Study Leader: Mary Lou Nash
#5 | Monday, January 6 | 10:00 AM | WNC Baptist Home | Study Leader: Susie Churchfield
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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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IMPORTANT:
Thank you for all of your faithful participation with Youth Choir and Sunday School.
This weekend we will be singing with the Chancel Choir for the Hymn Festival in worship. We would love to have all youth on board!!!
We will meet at 8:45am on Sunday in the Senior High room to robe, get a folder and practice.
Let
Samantha
know if you will be there ASAP, so we can have everything ready for you.
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Youth Group Schedule:
There will be no youth group for the next two Sundays: Dec 22nd or Dec 29th.
We will be back on January 5th, 5-7pm!!!
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Special Sunday School during Advent:
"Christmas in the Four Gospel Homes: An Intergenerational Advent Experience" | Advent Term (December 8 – 22
)
GCPC Youth Choir will continue to meet at 9:00am in the Youth Rooms with their teachers as we prepare to sing during the holiday season
. Afterwards, we will head down to the fellowship hall to join first grade through Adults for this special Advent class! Each week, Heather Ferguson and Richard Coble will lead us in delving into a distinctive "house" of one of our Gospels, exploring Jesus's birth through rich conversation, song, and crafts. This will be an impactful, fun-filled experience!
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Looking for Youth Worship Leaders for 5pm Christmas Eve Service!
Christmas Eve is right around the corner and we need YOUth! Youth are invited to be "angel, magi and shepherd" leaders in this engaging service geared toward children of all ages! There are no speaking roles. If you can participate, please
SIGN UP HERE
ASAP or contact
Samantha
.
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SENIOR HIGHS TIME TO APPLY:
Senior High Youth Delegation to Guatemala (June 23 - July 2, 2020)
Our presbytery will be sending a delegation of youth (who have completed 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grade by this summer) to Guatemala to strengthen relationships with youth from our sister presbytery and churches. See the
application HERE
due February 1st (please note that it requires recommendations from pastor/session, so please notify
Samantha
if you are applying by January 10th). Partial scholarships available based on need for those accepted.
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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
Pat Cocke (Les Stradley’s friend)
Deborah Strong (Robin Gaiser's cousin)
Nancy and Richard Schaadt (Donna Robertson's sister and brother-in-law)
Jeffrey Ferris (Mary Lou Nash's son)
Rebecca Wells' brother, Jamey
Jeff Combs (Bill McNeff's friend)
West Asheville Presbyterian Church
Marcia Zuzel (friend of Kim Hottle and Melissa Shook)
Virginia Bibee (Jamie Bibee Lloyd's mother)
Suzy Carter (David Carter's wife and Yvonne Smith's friend)
Arlene Hill (Jay Hill's aunt)
John Kominski (Russell Kominski's dad)
Hettie Lou Garland
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Penny Ponder
Florence Riedesel
Elizabeth Fisher
Doris Prak
Roslyn Carney
Nell Payne
Our sympathy and support are extended to Susie Daw following the death of her father, Dr. Albert Lee Daw, on Friday, December 13
th
in Virginia. Please keep her and the family in your prayers.
Long-time GCPC member, Alice Schmitz died on Saturday, December 14
th
. Please keep her sons (Tom, Jeff, and Ken) and their families in your prayers. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of Alice Schmitz will be held at GCPC on Sunday, January 5
th
.
More details to follow.
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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Chanukah Live @ City Hall | Sunday, December 22 |
5:30 - 6:30 PM
The Chabad House is sponsoring Asheville’s annual
community wide
Chanukah party, on Sunday, December 22, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM, at Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza, downtown Asheville. This event marks the official opening of the Festival of Lights, and will be joined Mayor Esther Manheimer. Chanukah Live will feature the great Hanukkah gelt drop, by the Asheville Fire Department, in addition to the annual highlights – the traditional latkes, Sufganiyot, Dreidels, a Chanukah shopping boutique, the lighting of the Menorah, and more.
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January 2020 Enneagram Retreats @ GCPC
Flyers attached
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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