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"And when great souls die,
after a period peace blooms,
slowly and always
irregularly... Our senses, restored, never
to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be
better. For they existed.”
~ Maya Angelou,
When Great Trees Fall
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THIS 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" *There are still spots available for this workshop. Email Anna Louise to sign up (RSVP required)!
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
.
Cost: $5. Limited to 60 participants.
Click
HERE for Rev. Hawkins full bio.
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Presbyterian Women Sunday | April 28
God is Faithful – 2019 Presbyterian Women Birthday Offering
Loving us still,
God makes us heirs with Christ of the Covenant.
Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child,
Like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home,
God is faithful still.
-
A Brief Statement of Faith
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Originally begun in 1922, the Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering is an annual tradition that has celebrated our denomination’s commitment to mission through the funding of more than 200 projects that touch the lives of women and children, both in the US and abroad. We ask that you give as you have been blessed, generously and as led by the Holy Spirit.
We will collect the 2019 Birthday offering on Presbyterian Women Sunday, April 28. Special envelopes for this offering will be in the pew racks.
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The Session is excited to share some good news with all of you! On Tuesday, April 24, Session voted to become a More Light Presbyterian congregation. More Light works toward the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society. The mission statement of More Light reads:
Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.
In discussion, Session agreed that the mission, vision, and ministry of Grace has long been aligned with More Light values. This designation affirms our commitment to full and inclusive welcome of all people and communicates who we are clearly to a broader audience and to the PCUSA at large.
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GCPC Softball Team - "The Prez-Beez"
The Pres-Beez are at bat! Our church softball team is playing hard. All games are played at the Montford Field (below the Rec Center; use Gay Street beside the Center). The next two games are as follows so note the times:
- Tuesday, April 30 @ 8:00 pm
- Thursday, May 2 @ 7:00 pm
Come support your team and join in the fun. Go Beez!
For the full Prez-Beez schedule, click
HERE
.
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LAST SUNDAY TO PICK UP 1st QUARTER STATEMENTS!
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If you gave tax deductible gifts during the 1
st Quarter (January – March),
your contribution statement is available for pick up at the Welcome Desk until 4/28/19.
Help us save on postage by picking yours up on Sunday!
Please check the gift listing for accuracy and refer to the Fund Summary at the bottom for your pledge balance. Keep in mind, this statement only includes gifts made
1/1/19 – 3/31/19; any gifts made in April will be reflected on the 2
nd Quarter statement issued in July.
If you gave non-deductible gifts like an IRA required minimum distribution or through a donor advised fund, you can contact the Finance Office for a custom statement showing your non-deductible gifts and pledge balance.
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A FEW TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING YOUR FUND SUMMARY:
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·
Total YTD= Total giving YTD (through 3/31/19)
·
Total Pledge= Annual pledge
·
Pledge Gifts This Period= Gifts 1/1/19 – 3/31/19
·
Pledge Gifts Prior Period= Gifts made before 1/1/19
·
Pledge Balance= Remaining balance on pledge, due by 12/31/19
If you have questions or concerns about your statement, please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at
nweaver@gcpcusa.org or 828-254-3274, ext. 202.
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WEEKLY VS. MONTHLY ENVELOPES
We are working with our envelope provider to see about adding an option of monthly pre-printed envelopes, since many of you give once a month instead of weekly. Before making any changes, we want to hear from you! Please email
giving@gcpcusa.org
if you would be interested in monthly envelopes or fill out
this short survey online
.
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
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There will NOT be a Creating Sanctuary Team meeting during the month of May. We look forward to reconvening in June.
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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The Racial Justice Book Series | Thursday, May 9 | 12:15 PM | Jerusalem Room
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For May,
we are reading
We Were Eight Years in Power
by
Ta-Nehisi Coates.
“Biting cultural and political analysis from the award-winning journalist . . . [Coates] reflects on race, Barack Obama’s presidency and its jarring aftermath. . . He contextualizes each piece with candid personal revelations, making the volume a melding of memoir and critique. . . Emotionally charged, deftly crafted, and urgently relevant.” (Kirkus Reviews)
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PART
Meeting - "The Cherokee Experience"
(1st of a 4-part experience)
| Thursday, May 9 | 7:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
Join us for a narrative and interactive conversation with Dr. Barbara Duncan, past Director of the Museum of Cherokee Indians and UNCA Adjunct Professor of Cherokee Language. She will go over Cherokee history, past and recent.
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SAVE THESE DATES!
Digging Deeper - Native American History | Getting to know our Cherokee Indian neighbors
(Look for registration info soon! These events are family-friendly.)
- Saturday, June 8 | Museum of the Cherokee Indian | 12–7 PM | Cherokee, NC Carpool or van to Cherokee, NC for an afternoon in the Cherokee Museum, picnic on the grounds and an evening of Cherokee storytelling around a bonfire.
- Monday, July 8 | “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama | 4–10 PM | Cherokee, NC Carpool or van to Cherokee, NC for an afternoon picnic on the grounds before the play.
- Saturday, August 10 | Oconaluftee Indian Village | 12-7 PM | Cherokee, NC Carpool or van to Cherokee, NC for an afternoon in the Oconaluftee Village, picnic on the grounds and an evening of Cherokee storytelling around a bonfire.
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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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Public Lecture by Bryan Stevenson, Founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative | TONIGHT, 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.
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Building Bridges Anniversary - 25 Years in Pursuit of Social Justice | Saturday, May 4 | 8:30 AM |
Highsmith Student Union @ UNCA
For over 25 years, Building Bridges has profoundly impacted people and institutions throughout Western North Carolina. To date, more than 1500 participants have attended the program. Building Bridges of Asheville continues to dismantle racism by fostering relationships that respect diversity, seek understanding and encourage action.
Keynote speakers are: Dr. Jacqueline Battalora, author of
Birth of a White Nation: The Invention of White People and Its Relevance Today;
and Dwight Mullen, Founder of State of Black Asheville and Retired political science professor, UNCA.
Click HERE for more info and to buy tickets.
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Earth Team Mtg. | Wednesday, May 1 | 5:30 PM | Jerusalem Room
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GRACE COVENANT WILL GET SOLAR PANELS!
Much work has gone into getting bids, approvals, etc., and then a wonderful, generous, anonymous person has just donated $50,000 to make solar panels for Grace Covenant a reality! THANK YOU!
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Les Stradley led us on a great hike to Looking Glass Rock on a glorious day!
*Join us for the next hike on Tuesday, May 21.
More info to follow!
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"Connecting Your Community to the Circular Economy"
- An Evening with Crystal Dreisbach | Friday, April 26 | 7 - 8PM | GCPC Fellowship Hall
Join the Earth Team and Asheville Greenworks for a special evening with Crystal Dreisbach, innovator and revolutionary founder of Don't Waste Durham and Green To Go, as part of GreenWorks' kickoff to our Mind Your Plastic May plastic reduction campaign
.
Click HERE to buy tickets.
Crystal will also be our keynote speaker for GreenWorks' very special fundraising event
Awards & Trashion Show
the following evening (April 27 @ 6-9PM).
Crystal will discuss how headlines about an ill-fated global recycling industry, our dwindling landfill space, and oceans full of microplastics are finally jolting us into awareness: our society is stone-cold addicted to disposable plastics. Discussing and taking action toward a circular reuse economy has never been more timely or relevant. See more about Crystal's
story here
!
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Please take a moment to fill out the
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*NO Education Hour this Sunday.
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Adult Education Speaker Series
| April 28, May 5 & 12 | 9:15 AM | Fellowship Hall
April 28:
"Presbyterians & Advocacy: From Abolition to the Poor People's Campaign" with Rev. Jimmie Hawkins
May 5:
Panel on Housing and Homelessness in Asheville with representatives from BeLoved House, AHOPE, and Habitat for Humanity.
May 12:
Discussion about Reproductive Justice with Dr. Rebecca Todd Peters, professor of ethics at Elon University and author of
Trust Women: A Progressive Christian Account for Reproductive Justice
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CHILDREN & YOUTH EDUCATION | 9:15 AM
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.
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OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES...
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Marketplace, AD - VBS: “Love Your Neighbor” | June 24-27 | First Presbyterian - AVL
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: May 31st!
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.
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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!
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Ministry Partner News and Events...
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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 contribute to this special offering,
please include the word
"CIMA" in the memo line
of your
check made out to GCPC
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
."
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Creation Care Alliance and First Baptist Church present a
series to examine climate change.
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Practicing Shalom in Our Time of Climate Change | Wednesdays | 6-7 PM | Crouch Chapel, First Baptist Church
- May 1 - "Practicing Shalom in Climate Change" Rev. Nancy Sehested, Co-pastor, Circle of Mercy Congregation
- May 8 - "Asheville Responds" A panel of local leaders: Sophie Mullinax, Blue Horizons Project, Coordinator; Dawn Chavez, Asheville Greenworks, Director; Scott Hardin-Nieri, Mountain True, Director of Creation Care Alliance
- May 15 - "First Baptist Responds" Dr. Mack Dennis, Pastor
Click
HERE for full flyer.
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Mission Statement ReWrite
The Session would like to hear from you as we rewrite the Mission Statement. We will use your feedback to tickle Session's imagination. There will be a wall display in the narthex for the next few Sundays where you can chime in with your thoughts. Or if you prefer, share your thoughts on this
online form
.
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Young Fathers Group | Tuesday, April 30 | 7 PM | East Village Grill (
1177 Tunnel Rd.
)
Fathers with young children will be meeting for informal conversation, exploration, and support. If you find yourself in this particular stage of life, please come for food and fellowship! Contact Richard,
rcoble@gcpcusa.org
, with any questions.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment Support Group (MCI Group) | Wed., May 1 | 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.
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J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) Gathering | Thursday, May 2 | Dinner @ 5:30; Viewing @ 7 PM |
Barley's Taproom
/Fine Arts Theater
The J.O.Y. group will gather at Barley's for supper before going to the Fine Arts Theater for a showing of
At the River: Profiles in Quiet Courage. Four profiles will be shown at this screening and Aaron Price, the musical director, will be playing hymns throughout the night.
*If you would like to carpool, Susie Wheelis will be meeting folks in the GCPC parking lot at 5:15 pm.
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GCPC Church-Wide Work Day | Saturday, May 4 | 9 AM - 12 PM
Projects available for all, young and old. Bring your favorite mop or dust cloth, your favorite hammer and saw, your favorite paint brush and roller, or your favorite shovel and rake. Come and enjoy some food, a whole lot of fun and fellowship, and we might even get some work done! Mark it on your calendar and look forward to seeing you at the church on May 4th. Questions? Contact
Cliff
.
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Church Anniversary Potluck | Sunday, May 5 | after 10:45 worship | Atrium
GCPC turns 66! We will have the traditional church potluck to celebrate our 66 years of ministry in Asheville. We'll provide the drinks. You provide something tasty to share according to the first letter of your last name:
A – G:
Main Dish (proteins);
H - M:
Salads (pasta, fruit, green, etc.);
N – S:
Sides (veggies, beans, casseroles, etc.);
T – Z:
Desserts.
We look forward to celebrating together!
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“Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner” | May 8 | 6:00 PM | FH
Take a break from cooking and make some space for connecting with your church community.
This meal will be catered from Urban Burrito
. These events are intergenerational.
*RSVP to Sherrie,
smeehan@gcpcusa.org,
by 12:00 pm
on Monday, May 6th so we can have an estimate.
If you forget to RSVP, we hope you'll still come!
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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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Youth Adventure Day! | This Saturday, April 27th | *Meet at GCPC (9:45 AM) - Pick up at GCPC (7:15 PM) | Camp Grier (Old Fort)
All registered youth will be heading to this action-packed day with youth from across our presbytery at Camp Grier.
If you signed up, information was emailed out to you
(contact
Samantha
ASAP if you did not receive it)
. The day may include: a slip n' slide, climbing wall, horseback riding and more.
Because of Youth Adventure Day, there will be no youth group this Sunday.
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SENIOR HIGHS, APPLY FOR THE PRESBYTERY YOUTH COUNCIL!
Our presbytery is seeking rising 10th -12th graders to serve on the Presbytery Youth Council for 2019-2020. The council leads youth events (including the Middle School Retreat & Youth Adventure Day). This is a valuable way to grow in faith and as leaders alongside other Presbyterian youth. For more info: contact
Beth Gunn
.
THE APPLICATION IS
HERE
.
It is due by May 28th, but you must
notify Samantha that you are applying by May 12th
, so that session and pastors can write recommendations in time.
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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
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)
James Martin (Stacy Shelley's dad)
Rebecca Wells' brother, Jamey
Natalie C.
Dave Rummel (friend of the Kavalhunas)
Family of Tara Williamson (friend of Caroline Wyrosdick-Webb and family)
Jennifer Moore (Amanda Pressley's daughter)
Dorothy Zuck (Pat Durham's mother)
Hettie Lou Garland
Dot Holladay
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Mary Ellen Horne
GCPC member, Olga Malinoski, died on Tuesday. Our sympathy and support are extended to her family. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 27th at 11:00 am at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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Enneagram Retreat | Saturday, April 27, 10 AM -3:30 PM
Experiencing the Arrows of our Type
There is still room! Please contact
Carol.
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
.
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New weekday gatherings starting Monday, April 29th.
See attached
flyer
for details.
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Truth & Poverty Bus Tour | Saturday, April 27 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Haywood Street Congregation
The North Carolina Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is organizing a statewide National Emergency Truth & Poverty Tour from April 27th to May 1st to shine a light on the plight, fight, and insight of the poor and dispossessed across North Carolina and the real national emergencies that require immediate attention.
Asheville is the first stop on the Truth and Poverty Bus Tour.
We'll be learning the truth about the ways homelessness and poor health intersect by hearing from those with lived experiences of the challenges of racism and poverty. And we'll meet with those working for healthcare justice in the NC Mountains.
RSVP here
to get more details and we'll see you there!
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Earth Day Vigil: Walking the Path | Sunday, April 28 | 5:30 - 7:30 PM | Sacred Garden/Labyrinth, First Baptist Church (
5 Oak St.
)
Please join people of various faith communities from across WNC as we:
- Celebrate the beauty of creation
- Share our gratitude and appreciation for the earth
- Enjoy music, poetry, and prayer
- Grieve for the damage we are causing to creation and our neighbors
- Reflect on our responsibility to our children and future generations
- Resolve to bring our hope and faith into action
- Enjoy food and drink and connect with great people
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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.
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Community Listening Forum | Tuesday, April 30 | 6 PM | Mt. Zion (
47 Eagle Street
)
The topic for this event is "Addressing Asheville's Academic Performance Gap." Faith groups working to improve literacy scores among Asheville's black youth: Part 1. Q&A following.
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At the River: Profiles in Quiet Courage
| Thursday, May 2 | 7 PM | Fine Arts Theater
At the River is a feature length documentary about white Southern Presbyterians during the Civil Rights era. Four profiles will be shown at this screening and
Aaron Price, the musical director, will be playing hymns throughout the night.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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