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They cannot scare me with their empty spaces
Between stars--on stars where no human race is.
I have it in me so much nearer home
To scare myself with my own desert places.
~ Robert Frost, “Desert Places”
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Sunday Preview
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
First Sunday in Lent
Worship services @ 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Education Hour (for all ages) @ 9:15 AM
Homily:
"Deserts" by Richard Coble
Scriptures:
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11
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Lenten Devotional
Pick up a copy of our Lenten devotional
Becoming a Beloved Community: A Matthew 25 journey to the cross.
“What if this Lenten season. . . we looked beyond personal disciplines and committed to creating beloved communities in our own backyards – communities reflecting the inclusive and healing love that Jesus modeled as he made his way to the cross?”
*Available at the Info Desk (or in the church office throughout the week). Please sign your name on the clipboard next to devotionals.
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TONIGHT,
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH at 7:00 PM at GCPC.
Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth Concert
Acclaimed Appalachian old-time musician Laura Boosinger and outstanding fiddler, guitar-picker and mandolin player Josh Goforth will perform a musical history of the mountains. Based in Asheville, Laura has won glowing reviews wherever she appears. Whether she's singing, playing the clawhammer banjo, the autoharp or guitar, Laura is blessed with an "essence of the mountains" spirit that'll take you back to the days when folks used to huddle around the radio.
Josh is a talented multi-instrumentalist and recording artist who grew up steeped in the old-time Appalachian music traditions of Madison County.
*This performance is open to all. Free-will donations will be gladly accepted.
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NEWS FLASH:
GCPC received a mini grant from the NC Council of Churches: Partners in Health & Wholeness Division to educate our congregation on the healing aspects of a prayer labyrinth.
The funds will cover some of the costs for an adult Sunday school class (during Lent),
and for youth and children’s activities.
The labyrinth experience is often referred to as a “Prayer Walk.” Walking a labyrinth promotes reduction in stress and a feeling of peace. The grant proposal was sponsored by the Earth Team. The application for the Grant specified that GCPC would emphasize increased physical activity/mental health awareness and sharing the message of health as a faith issue. We hope someday, to fulfill a vision of a ‘Healing Labyrinth’ on our property that will help us heal our spirits, our community and our land.
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REGISTER NOW!
EARLY BIRD EXTENDED to March 8
“We Like Sheep!” A Music, Drama, and Arts Camp at GCPC! | Monday - Friday | June 15-19, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
For Children 4 Yrs. (potty trained) through Rising 6th Graders
This summer we will be hosting a week of music, drama, and arts at Grace Covenant that will culminate in a musical performance called “We Like Sheep!” Jeff Jones, Ednamae Fisher, Josie Moe, and Heather Ferguson, along with the Children’s and Family Ministry Committee invite children to this full week of fun, friends, and fuzzy, four-legged creatures as we sing, act, create and celebrate the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the One who made the flock complete.
The week will culminate with a Friday (June 19) evening performance of the musical, “We Like Sheep!,” an exhibit of art and creative work by the children, and a reception beginning at 6:30 pm.
Cost: $100/child
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $75/child registered and PAID IN FULL by
Sunday, March 8, 2020.
Registration deadline – April 1, 2020
NOTE: Additional information will be requested after the registration deadline (April 1).
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Thank you for the new pledges and new increases we've gotten!
We're getting closer!
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
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CIMA - Rapid Response Efforts
With the recent announcement that the military will be sent to Sanctuary cities, they may also be sent to our area because they know that our Sheriff will not cooperate with ICE detainers.
Interested in Verifying?
If you or anyone you know is interested in helping reduce rumors when CIMA gets calls from community members about suspicious car or ICE activity, please sign up to become a verifier.
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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PART Meeting | March 12 | 6:15 PM
(note time change)
| Fellowship Hall
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Sunday PART:
PART is now gathering 2 times per month:
2nd Thursday @ 6:15pm and the 4th Sunday, @ 12:45pm.
Both meetings are open to everyone. The next Sunday PART gathering is
March 22nd, 12:45pm,
location to be determined.
Join us as we continue learning together about relational meetings & other organizing tools. Everyone is welcome; this is another way each month to practice anti-racist actions and learning together. Contact
Liz Huesemann
or
Carol Hovis
.
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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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"Asheville: 10 Things I've Been Meaning to Say to You" | Wednesday, March 25 | 6:30 PM | Asheville High School Auditorium
Please join Asheville City Schools Foundation and Asheville City Schools for an evening of spoken word and poetry performed by Asheville City high school and middle school students, followed by a presentation from Jason Reynolds, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature and author of Ghost, the Track Series, As Brave As You, and Long Way Down. Click
HERE
for more information and tickets.
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Earth Team Meeting | Wed., March 4 | 5:30 PM | Jerusalem Room
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Jubilee Earth Team presents. . .
WHAT
: A six week 90-minute per session course designed to celebrate the awe nature awakens in our being, educate participants on the challenge a warming world presents to nature and humanity, and provide a forum for a deeper discussion and connection to individuals and organizations rising to face the climate chaos challenge. One half of each session will be spent viewing my Antarctica, Nepal, and Africa pictures of wildlife and discussing the AWE nature engenders and the other half on climate change issues and solutions.
WHEN:
Wednesday evenings: March 11 – April 15 - from 6 – 7:30PM
WHERE:
Jubliee! Community Church 46 Wall St., Asheville
Speaker:
Dr. Roger C. Helm
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Green Money:
Nature Makes Good Business Sense
An Environmental Economics Forum
produced by the Wilma Dykeman Legacy
Thursday – Friday, May 21-22, 2020
at The Collider
in downtown Asheville
Click
here
for more information.
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Pressure Points |
Many Paths to Prayer: Contemplative Prayer & Labyrinths | Fellowship Hall
"There are many ways to kneel and kiss the ground” -Rumi.
Join us for an educational and participatory class series exploring forms of contemplative prayer and the labyrinth as prayer walk. A labyrinth walk touches the walker before the walk begins, making space for an intuitive recognition that this time of spiritual practice is different or special and very sacred. Our intention for the class, then, is to add an opportunity to the life of our community to prepare, to reflect, to be more present and aware of God's mysterious and abiding presence in our lives. During this Lenten journey, we will be engaging labyrinths across town, within our own fellowship hall, and even in the palms of our hands.
Facilitators:
Jaan Ferree, Jim Branden, Johanna Manasse, and Mike Fleenor
*In week one, we will explore why spiritual practice is more deeply transformative when our bodies are engaged. Both science and theology invite us into a rich exploration of how our bodies hold wisdom and faith.
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The Improv |
Parenting and Sabbath | Jerusalem Room
Parenting with a Sabbath mindset is a way of being that is rooted in our relationship with the Divine that generates opportunities for greater connection, congruence, grace and peace with our children. We will take a deep dive into the characteristics of Sabbath and their relevance to parenting. Each week we will explore intentional family spiritual practices to aid our children and ourselves to grow into the fullness of who we are as spiritual beings. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, mentor, or simply a fellow congregant to the children of GCPC, these conversations will help us deepen our relationships between generations and find places of grace within ourselves.
Facilitators: Caroline Wyrosdick-Webb and Janice Kominski
*
In our first gathering, we will get acquainted and introduce the four themes of Sabbath which will guide our upcoming discussions.
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Digging In |
The Misunderstood Jew
: Understanding Jesus with Amy-Jill Levine | Choir Room
How did Jesus's Jewish faith as a First Century rabbi shape his ministry? What do Christians today need to know about the Jewishness of Jesus and how might we be misunderstanding him by taking him out of his religious context? Further, can ignoring Jesus's Jewish faith lead Christians to repeat anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic teachings? New Testament scholar and Jewish feminist Amy-Jill Levine writes that, "it is necessary to see Jesus as firmly within Judaism rather than as standing apart from it...A distorted picture of first-century Judaism inevitably leads to a distorted picture of Jesus." For Lent this year, we will be exploring Jesus,
The Misunderstood Jew, through her work.
Facilitators: Samantha Gonzalez-Block and Richard Coble
The Misunderstood Jew.
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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)
Elementary (grades 1-3) | Godly Play
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9:15–10:15 AM | Temple Room
(2
nd
floor)
Elementary (grades 4-5) | “CONNECT”
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9:15–10:15 AM | Indie Room
(2
nd
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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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!
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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.
- March 30 | Shameless: A Sexual Reformation by Nadia Bolz-Weber | Facilitator: Amber White
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VRQ - BBQ Cook Team |
Next cook date: March 2
| 4:30 or 5:30 PM| 1329 Tunnel Rd.
Inviting you to join the BBQ Cook Team at the VRQ on the first Tuesday to help prepare, cook and serve the evening meal! If this service fits your schedule, come at 4:30 to help prepare and cook or 5:30 to serve the evening meal. The evening usually ends by 7. No kitchen clean-up—it is a good time and good camaraderie. Questions? Contact Bill Neeriemer,
bill.nmer@gmail.com
.
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Ministry Partner News and Events...
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Chefs In Action: A Night To Benefit Food Connection | Thursday, April 16, 2020 | 6 - 9 PM | The Century Room at Pack'sTavern | 20 S. Spruce Street
Please join Food Connection on April 16 for their 3rd Annual Chefs In Action fundraiser celebrating 5 years and 250,000 fresh meals rescued to feed our neighbors in need! Details
here
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Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner | March 11 | 6:00 PM | FH
Take a break from cooking and make some space for connecting with your church community.
This meal will be fried chicken and sides
.
These events are intergenerational.
*RSVP to Sherrie,
smeehan@gcpcusa.org
, by 12:00 pm on Monday, March 9
th
so we can have an estimate.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment Support Group (MCI Group) | Wednesday, March 11 | 12 PM | Garden Room
*In March, this group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. This support group introduces techniques for daily living with mild cognitive impairment, led by Paul Rogers, a retired physician in our congregation. New participants welcome at any time.
Contact Richard,
rcoble@gcpcusa.org
, with questions.
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Centering Prayer | Wednesday Nights | 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Sanctuary
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 March Circle Meetings
#1 | Tuesday, March 3 | 10 AM | Hostess: Cathy Froehlich | GCPC Fellowship Hall | Study Leaders: Cathy Froehlich and Carol Kavalhuna
#2 | Tuesday, March 3 | 7:30 PM | Hostess: Heather Hudson | 4 North Valley Dr., Weaverville | Study Leader: Denise Snodgrass
#3 | Thursday, March 12 | 7 PM | Garden Room | Study Leader: Margaret Tierney
#4 | Thursday, March 5 | 7 PM | Hostess: Pam McGill & Pamela Culp | 42 River Walk Dr. | Study Leader: Connie Jones
#5 | Monday, March 2 | 10 AM | Hostess: Susie Churchfield | 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 Youth Sunday & Sunday School Information
Youth Sunday School:
Youth Choir, Drama & Fun
(6th - 12th graders) | Every Sunday | 9:00-10:15 AM | Youth Rooms
During the season of Lent, we will be challenging ourselves to give up things that keep us from God and take on things that bring us closer to God.
We encourage all youth to be at Sunday School each week during Lent, so that we can prepare for Youth Sunday side-by-side, as one community in Christ. All Youth (no matter their desired roles as ushers, readers, etc.) are needed to share their ideas and energy. We will also practice our all-youth anthem. Let's get ready to fearlessly lead worship and share God's love with our GCPC family! Questions? Contact Samantha at
sgblock@gcpcusa.org
.
Other important dates:
*Finishing touches:
Sunday, March 22, 5-7pm
(Dinner provided!)
*Final rehearsal:
Saturday, March 28, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Donuts provided!)
*Youth Sunday:
Sunday, March 29, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM (Breakfast snacks and cupcakes provided!)
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YOUTH GROUP THIS WEEKEND:
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Youth Group Lock-In | This Friday, February 28 @ 7 PM -Saturday, February 29 @ 8:30 AM | GCPC
It's here!! We are thrilled for this evening of surprises and fun! Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toothbrush, pajamas and any games/snacks to share (no peanuts). Please have dinner before you come, dress for fun and bring money (approx $15) for midnight snacks. We would like to enjoy this time together phone-free, so
please do not bring your cell phones
(If you do, they will be collected Friday night and returned to you Saturday morning).
Please contact
Samantha
ASAP if you want to attend.
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*Please Note: There will be NO Youth Group programming this coming Sunday evening (March 1)!
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*There will be no Youth Committee meeting in March.
See you next month on April 2nd!
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Senior High Presbytery Mission Retreat | Friday, March 6 - Saturday, March 7 | First Presbyterian Church - Newton
Join us for a rewarding weekend filled with service projects, fun, worship, music & fellowship! We will stay at First Presbyterian Church - Newton and engage in service together with Senior High youth from across the presbytery.
Please fill out this registration form by THIS Friday, February 28
.
(Youth on PYC do NOT need to register with GCPC.)
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For Middle School Youth!
Indoor Rock Climbing! | Sunday, March 8 | 5 - 7 PM | Smoky Mountain Adventure Center (173 Amboy Rd.)
Let's reach for the stars and climb our way there! Meet at Smoky Mountain Adventure Center (173 Amboy Rd.). Dinner will be provided; bring cash for extra snacks or treats. GCPC will cover the cost for all climbers, so please
RSVP HERE ASAP, so that we can secure the reservation.
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SUMMER SIGN UPS ARE OPEN:
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Senior High Montreat
Youth Conference
(Week 5: July 26-Aug. 1):
Don't miss out on the fun!
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Middle School Massanetta Youth Conference
(Week 3: July 9-12):
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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 Schaadt (Donna Robertson's sister)
Jeffrey Ferris (Mary Lou Nash's son)
Jeff Combs (Bill McNeff's friend)
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)
Eveline Damiano (Lisette de Groot's daughter)
Pam Morrell (Penny Ponder’s daughter)
Joseph Tierney (Paul Tierney's father)
Melissa Matherly Bowers (friend of Rick and Lynne Noble)
Maria Mason (friend of Serge and Carol Kavalhuna)
Rhulon Fowler (Todd Fowler's father)
Howard and Julia Clark (Elaine Blake's parents)
Hettie Lou Garland
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Florence Riedesel
Elizabeth Fisher
Doris Prak
Roslyn Carney
Allen Johnson
Sarah Frye
Dean Presson
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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Join us tomorrow,
February
28th, 10am
March 2020
Enneagram Gatherings
There will be
no
gatherings the week of March 2nd & 9th.
We resume Monday, March 16th & Friday, March 20th
Mondays, 6-8pm
Fridays, 10am-12noon
In the A-Frame @ GCPC
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To Puerto Rico with love - a benefit for disaster relief | Saturday, March 21 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM | One World Brewing West (520 Haywood Rd.)
Hosted by
Sip and Speak
and
One World Brewing West.
In the wake of recent earthquakes amidst of devastating natural disasters the people on the island feel the government is unprepared to meet the needs of its citizens.
We would like our fellow compadres to know they are not alone. With this benefit. We will have a raffle and a special performance by Sol Rhythms and music by DJ HijX De La Chingada and a Puerto Rican food pop up by Jeremy Salig! also a letter writing station to send messages of hope to the island. We are working with a people and families on Puerto Rico to make sure all proceeds and donations get in the hands of people who need it the most. Click
HERE
for more information.
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POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network) presents: "Stronger Together: Faith in Action Across Generations" | April 30 - May 1, 2020 | Montreat Conference Center
This conference is for you if:
- You work with older adults in your congregation (lay or clergy)
- You want to build relationships across generations
- You seek to thrive after 55 in body, mind, and spirit
- You seek the latest on current issues of aging and the church
- You are a retired church professional
GCPC community members, Robin Gaiser and Lynn Bledsoe, are presenters at this conference. Please click
HERE for more information.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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