Photo by Aalok Atreya on Unsplash
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GCPC Alive and Well This Week!
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Staff Meeting got "trolled"!
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Dear Grace Covenant Community,
I welcome Heath Rada to the online pulpit this Sunday morning. Heath is known and loved by many at GCPC. He and Peggy have been members at GCPC for 15 years. Heath has served the Presbyterian Church (USA) in many capacities during his life. At a pivotal time in our denomination he served as Moderator of the 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA (2014-2016) and traveled all over the globe on our denomination's behalf.
Heath also served as President of Presbyterian School of Christian Education (PSCE) in Richmond, VA (now consolidated with Union Presbyterian Seminary) for 12 years (1980-1992). He was also the CEO of Richmond American Red Cross for 12 years (1992-2004). Heath has long been engaged in issues of social justice and the church's prophetic witness in the world. As the pandemics of COVID 19 and racial injustice continue in our country and the PCUSA General Assembly prepares to meet virtually for the first time in our denomination's history, it is perfect timing for Heath to preach the Good News of Christ's healing love!
Welcome to GCPC's pandemic Zoom pulpit, Heath!
Peace,
Marcia
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Worship Preview | Sunday, June 14, 2020
Sermon:
"
Go to the Lost; Kick out the Demons
" by Heath Rada
Scripture:
Matthew 9:5-8
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Update your Zoom!
Zoom 5.0.3 is now live and older versions of Zoom will stop working on May 30th. Please be sure to update your zoom to the latest version.
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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 Sherrie, and any staff member can help you get set up for your meeting if you have questions.
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Live Cabaret performance on Zoom
6:00 PM | THIS Sunday, June 14th
Join us this Sunday evening for our GCPC Virtual Cabaret Zoom for an hour of fun with your church family. You'll get a glimpse into the talent (and livingrooms) of some of your favorite folks - and perhaps some you haven't had a chance to get to know yet. Together we will celebrate this diversity of talent. There will also be a surprise guest who will appeal to children of all ages! Hope to see you there!
Please make sure your device name identifies you accurately. As part of security measures, we only allow access to names we recognize.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 892 2726 2354
Password: 163158
Mark your calendars and plan to join us!
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GCPC 2020 PATCHWORK
QUILT OF GRACE
Well, so far this year has been one we will never forget. The year that EVERYHING stopped . . . and EVERYBODY’S life changed. We have never seen a Lent and Easter season such as this, and probably never will again.
With your help, GCPC would like to commemorate, document, and record this incredible year in the life of our church by creating, designing, and displaying our GCPC 2020 Patchwork Quilt of Grace. We are asking all of our members who can to take a 10”by 10” piece of quilting cloth, and create on there an image that shows us where you found grace during this time; where you needed grace; where grace found you. (There are many, many easy ways you could consider to do this. We will include many ideas with the “DIRECTIONS” that will come with your square of cloth. The main thing is to just be creative, and depict something that really speaks to how this crazy time has impacted you.)
Then, of course, we plan to gather all those squares together (This will be covered in “DIRECTIONS”) and commission the creation of our patchwork quilt of grace from those squares. We hope that this will result in a beautiful work of art that will commemorate this crazy time in the life of our church for years to come.
Please plan to add your own memory to this project. Here’s how:
- A drive-thru pick-up is happening at the church parking lot on Thursday, June 18th, and Friday, June 19th at 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. You may pick up your square of cloth, along with further instructions, directions, and helpful hints during those times.
- Complete your project to depict your picture of grace during this time by August 30th, and get it back to us according to the instructions in your packet.
- Contact person if you have questions or issues:
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Spiritual/Pastoral Support
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Deacon of the Week
I
n 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
[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)
Marcia Zuzel (friend of Kim Hottle and Melissa Shook)
Eveline Damiano (Lisette de Groot's daughter)
Melissa Matherly Bowers (friend of Rick and Lynne Noble)
Jonathan Hettrick and family (friends of Mary Craig)
Nancy Hoyt Duncan (friend of Rick and Lynne Noble)
Sharon Meares (Moderator of Presbyterian Women in PWNC)
Deerfield Retirement Community
Ryan Lockett (nephew of Denise Lockett)
Hettie Lou Garland
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
Cory Hartbarger
Florence and Steve Riedesel
Doris Prak
Roslyn Carney
Dean Presson
Bill McNeff
Susan Smialowicz
Laura Ross
John Mount Shoop
Carol Kavalhuna
Carolyn Crew
Susan Holt
Bob Walther
Please lift up prayers for Ginnie Stevens, former GCPC member and long-time Associate for Mission staff member of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. Ginnie is now receiving palliative care. Prayers are requested for her, especially that she might know God's presence with her during this time.
No phone calls please, but "Thinking of You" cards are welcome. It would be especially meaningful if you would include how Ginnie has been a blessing to your life. Her address is 1800 Clairmont Lk., Unit 113, Decatur, GA 30033.
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PART
(Power & Race) Team Meeting | TONIGHT, Thursday, June 11 | 6:15 - 7:30 PM | via Zoom
We will continue to work on dismantling white supremacy norms within our team and ourselves, and developing new norms that do not damage people of
color. We are using the work of Tema Okun.
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Summer Adult Education: "Beyond Belief" | June 7 - July 19 | Sundays | 9:15 - 10:15 AM via Zoom
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Marcus Borg was among the most widely known and influential voices in progressive Christianity and internationally known in both academic and church circles. This summer, we will be delving deeply into his work and living in his questions about the possibilities of belief and action in our modern world. We will be meeting over zoom and utilizing "Beyond Belief," a new curriculum by "Living the Questions."
Facilitated by Tim Hamel.
Contact
Sherrie
for zoom information.
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Deep Roots, New Leaves: Grace Covenant’s “At-Home Outdoor” Vacation Bible School | June 22-26, 2020 | Cost $25 / Child
Registration Deadline - This Sunday, June 14
Being physically apart is hard, but the Children’s and Family Ministries Committee has found a way for us to experience a week together
and
apart with
Deep Roots, New Leaves, Camp-In-A-Box!
The Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas has created this unique “camp-in-a-box,” designed for children in grades K-5th-ish. Each camp-in-a-box provides 5 days worth of activities that are screen-free (
except for a brief, daily 10:00 AM gathering on Zoom to jumpstart the day’s activities
). It is also meant to encourage outdoor activity and minimize demands on parents. We will start each morning together with the
scripture, music, skits and energizers focused on the theme for the day.
In this week-long experience, children will discover that God is always doing a new thing. While God offers stability and safety, like a tree’s deep roots, God is always working for good in each new moment, like a tree sprouting new leaves. The Bible provides many stories that reveal God’s ongoing creative presence in the world.
Each child will receive their own box with all they will need for the week.
Boxes will be available to be safely picked up at the church on June 18 and 19.
More details on pick-up procedures will be provided.
Registration deadline is quickly approaching on
June 14
, so register
HERE
. Cost for each box is $25. Contact Heather (
hferguson@gcpcusa.org
) for scholarship information or other questions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*If your family is not able to participate during this week (June 22-26), you can still purchase a Deep Roots, New Leaves box to use anytime over the summer. Just go to the registration link (
HERE
) and indicate that you will not be present for the morning gatherings. You can use the resources whenever it is convenient for your family.
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Enneagram Sessions for GCPC Parents
Carol Hovis resumes facilitation of
Wednesday enneagram
zoom gatherings for
GCPC parents
starting
Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-8:30pm
thru
Wednesday, July 1st.
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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GCPC Zoom Speaker Series | 7:00 PM | Every 4th Thursday |
June-August
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- June 25 | Spotted Wolf Peace Series by Meta Commerse The Spotted Wolf Peace Series is a two-part Story Medicine presentation, naming and describing our social climate grounded in U.S. history and in-depth research into the spiritual nature of the problem of violence. Meta’s story, scholarship, experience as a healer, black mother, elder and author all inform this piece from an African Frame of Reference so named by her mother, Johari Amini. Part One (June 25) focuses on violence, its escalating energy, and the systems of oppression it creates. (Note: Material is excerpted from her forthcoming book: Diamonds and Pyramids: Story Medicine for Racial Healing.) Example of how we can work with authority to transform violent energy in the moment.
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- July 23 - Susanne Walker Wilson and Audi
- Aug. 27 - DeWayne Barton
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THE GCPC EARTH TEAM
presents...
Dr. David Orr | Friday, July 10 | 7:00 PM via Zoom
Widely known sustainability educator and activist, Orr is the author of scores of articles and eight books, the most recent of which is Democracy Unchained (New Press, 2020).
Dr. Orr writes: "The COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis of race in America are both an indictment and a preview of what's coming in a hotter, more divided world with vast economic inequities. Both are symptoms of the tragic failure of democratic institutions. Dr. Orr's democracy initiative (
stateofamericandemocracy.org
) is working toward
the repair and strengthening of democratic institutions beginning with restoring a moral vision of democracy which is the work of the Church."
SAVE THE DATE for this timely presentation and interaction with Dr. Orr!
Dr. Orr is a Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies & Politics, Emeritus. He also served as “Counselor to the President” of Oberlin College for ten years. He is the author of eight books, including
Dangerous Years: Climate Change and the Long Emergency
(Yale, 2016) and
Down to the Wire: Confronting Climate Collapse
(Oxford, 2009) and co-editor of four others including
Democracy Unchained
(2020). He has authored over 220 articles, reviews, book chapters, and professional publications.
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GCPC Family Story Time Weekly Gatherings
Each week children and families of Grace Covenant have two opportunities to gather on Zoom for fun activities and stories meant to stir the imagination and open hearts to God's amazing love in our world. During our time together, caring adults including Godly Play Storytellers, Blake Martin, Lynne Noble, Pat Durham, and Nursery Staff member Pearl DeBellott are present as a reminder that even though we are apart, we are still connected with our Grace Covenant Family. If you and your child would like to join one of the gatherings, please contact Heather Ferguson,
hferguson@gcpcusa.org
, to be added to the weekly email list.
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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:
June 11, 7:00 p.m.
Circle 4:
First Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Circle 5:
First Monday of each month, 10:00 a.m.
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C
ommunity Working Together
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GCPC Member, Elizabeth McCorvey, was interviewed by Psychology Today.
Here is her interview
, which includes a link to her guide: “'Stop Hesitating,'” a one-page guide for white therapists about how to engage black clients about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, protests, and racial trauma in general."
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Important Announcement regarding Serve Funding
"During this time of pandemic, the GCPC Serve Council continues to be committed to being led by the Spirit to build mutually enriching relationships with Ministry Partners, as well as justly disperse funds shared by our congregation to impact our community and world. . . "
Serve Council Retreat, January 2020
Facilitated by GCPC Ministry Partners,
Phyllis Utley and Tami Forte Logan
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Hood Huggers International
GCPC Covenant Partner Hood Huggers International builds greater communication, connection and wealth in systemically marginalized neighborhoods in the Affrilachian region through the arts, environment, and social enterprise. Here is a link to their
Summer newsletter
.
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An invitation to us from one of our Covenant Partners
CoThinkk centers structural change and supports the voices of equity leaders. They are inviting us and all their partners to do three things:
#1: Do Your Work
#2: Commit and Act on Structural Change
#3: Support Organizations led by BIPOC in the region
Click here
to learn more about their work and details about their invitation.
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From the U.S. Department of Arts & Culture
We’re sharing powerful reflections from two artists:
Tonya Ingram
and
Anu Yadav
. Tonya Ingram is a Bronx-bred artist whose work explores the necessity of taking care of ourselves, especially on the days when we feel unworthy. Anu Yadav is a critically acclaimed actress, playwright and cultural worker, dedicated to amplifying the stories of working people.
Click the images below t
o see Tonya’s and Anu's videos.
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NC Poor People's Campaign
The Western Region Circle of the NC Poor People’s Campaign together with the YWCA of Asheville, is partnering with BeLoved Asheville to collect items for our neighbors in need in Buncombe County.
Times and locations are as follows:
- Thursday, June 11: 6 - 8 PM in the parking lot of the Eddington Center
- Saturday, June 13: 10 AM – 12 PM in the parking lot of the YWCA
Items needed are listed below, along with ways to donate money.
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BeLoved:
• Cloth masks for families and essential workers
• Hand sanitizer
• Cleaning products: bleach, bleach wipes, bleach-based cleaning spray and Lysol
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Laundry detergent and dish soap
• Shampoo and body wash
• Diapers/wipes
• Vitamins C and D
• Tylenol
• Gloves
• Flashlights and batteries
• Backpacks
• Kids art supplies and book, especially books that include themes/ characters who are African-American or Latinx (and books in Spanish)
• Laptop computers/tablets
BeLoved’s Cash App is $BeLovedAsheville and Venmo is @BeLoved-Asheville.
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GIVE HELP/GET HELP:
Local Outreach for Those Affected by COVID-19
We have a specific need for donors currently!
Commit To Help:
Pandemic of Love, Asheville, has been launched as an extension of a larger national/international mutual aid movement (Pandemicoflove.com). Just as this virus has spread rapidly, now too have extraordinary acts of kindness and love for neighbors in need.
What is special about Pandemic of Love is the personal connection between patrons and people in need. After completing a Request for Need/Commitment to Help form online, volunteers create matches that connect people in a tangible way to give quickly, discreetly and directly. In these times of isolation, the personal connection established between patrons and people in need, in our own community, is the heart of this movement. There is no catch. Kind people are introduced to kind people which results in an act of kindness and connection. General donations are also an option and very welcome.
Anyone throughout Asheville in need of essentials to help weather this crisis, or anyone able to help a local family with funds for groceries, medicine, etc, is urged to reach out. Help is available throughout the Nation for family or friends elsewhere. Those interested in volunteering for this effort or with questions, please email
PandemicofloveAVL@gmail.com
.
To learn more about Shelly and this movement, or to access Get Help/Give Help forms go to
Pandemicoflove.com
, click on HELP, and submit under the Asheville, NC tab.
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American Red Cross Blood Drive | Thursday, June 25 | 7 AM - 7 PM | Trinity Baptist Church (216 Shelburne Rd.)
All presenting blood donors will receive an Operation Blood Drive T-shirt!, while supplies last, and a $10 gift card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane!
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Asheville GreenWorks |
Hard 2 Recycle Update | Saturday, June 27 | 10 AM - 2 PM | 1298 Patton Ave.
Asheville GreenWorks is happy to provide an adapted June Hard 2 Recycle event to the community. In order to keep our staff, volunteers, and community safe, we ask that you please follow
CDC
,
North Carolina
, and
Buncombe County
government guidelines when choosing to attend the event. We also ask that you wear a
face covering
, and maintain a 6 foot distance between yourself and others. If you are in the
high-risk category
, please stay home and limit your exposure to others. Remember, there are many other ways to recycle your items, throughout the year.
We will be accepting ONLY the following items on June 27:
- Scrap metal
- Electronics (including phones, computers, cords, etc)
- Batteries
- Tvs ($10 fee: card or check made out to Biltmore Iron and Metal Company)
- Styrofoam (no fee)
Please note that volunteers cannot unload vehicles at this event and are instructed to follow safety protocol. Participants will be expected to unload their own items, with staff on site to supervise and assist only as needed.
Please contact info@ashevillegreenworks.org or 828-254-1776 with any recycling questions.
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YMCA Community Health June Updates
They are still offering FREE meals for kids 18 and under at a variety of sites throughout the summer in Buncombe, McDowell and Henderson counties. Please review the attached document titled "Free Meals for Kids" for locations and times. Kids do not not have to be present to get the meals.
Beginning June 1st they are moving back to their "normal" mobile market operations. Neighbors will be required to wait in line 6-feet apart, they are highly encouraging masks, and will provide hand sanitizer for all participants before they pick out produce.
In addition, they are continuing to offer the Diabetes Prevention Program VIRTUALLY to anyone in North Carolina for FREE. Please see the attached document for more information on how people can register. Classes are looking to start this week and beginning of June.
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Community Garden Update
Garden teams working this week weeded, planted seeds, thinned seedlings and harvested. Sixty-five pounds of harvest including collards, swiss chard, kale and broccoli went to Southside Kitchen on Saturday and ninety-two pounds went to YTL/YWCA on Wednesday. Our garden was pictured and our produced was celebrated in the
Southside Kitchen newsletter We Give a Share
.
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GCPC Diaspora
Dispatches from GCPC scattered around the globe
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During this pandamic, I have made myself busy with home projects. I had already started demo on my whole kitchen and ordered new cabinets, and countertops from Lowe's. My contractor took out the old cabinets and I had to wait two weeks for Habitat for Humanity Re-Store to come pick up the old ones. Two weeks later the new cabinets came. Then another two weeks until they were installed.
And so on. The plumber for the sink, etc. All was done with the utmost distancing and handwashing.
Now I rescued a 1 1/2 year old mixed breed dog who is very rambunctious two times a day. I am walking outside with her 4 - 5 miles a day. Honey is a doll. Still going grocery shopping and to doctor appointments but alway with a mask and gloves on.
I just love being able to "go to church" on Sunday with GCPC again. I have missed you all. But I cannot figure out zoom yet.
~ Karen Rohls, GCPC Community Member
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Thank you for your generous giving! Your gifts are enabling the church to continue our important work in our community. If you have not signed up for online giving, you can do that
here
.
You can also mail your checks to the church. Without you, the church could not continue its ministries in these difficult times. Thank you, again, for your generosity and your faithfulness!
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Coming Next Week: Mid-Year Pledge Check Ins
If you have a pledge and email address in our system, you will receive an email next week from
notifications@onrealm.org
with a link to view your pledge statement as of 5/31. Please take a moment to review your pledge, gifts applied, and balance if applicable for accuracy. If your situation has changed and you need to make changes, please contact Natalie Weaver at
nweaver@gcpcusa.org
.
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AmazonSmile is now available in the Amazon Shopping app
AmazonSmile customers can now support Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.
- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
- Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. Click
here
for instructions.
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Remote Giving & Paperless Statements
Did you know that you can make donations and receive statements online? Here are a few different ways to stay up-to-date on your pledge remotely:
- MAIL gifts to the office at 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
- BANK BILL PAY mails checks remotely, one-time or on a recurring schedule - contact your bank to set this up
- ONLINE at www.gcpcusa.org/ways-to-give - just click GIVE HERE
- SMARTPHONE with the Give+ Mobile App or by texting 828-266-0126 the amount you’d like to contribute
To sign up for
paperless statements
or if you have any questions, please contact Natalie in our Finance Office at 828-254-3274, ext 202 or
nweaver@gcpcusa.org
.
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GCPC Out and About Online
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June 2020
Virtual Enneagram Gatherings
Weekday Gatherings
Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm & Fridays, 10am-12noon
Topic: Relationships between different types
All are welcome; you can participate once or every week.
Basic knowledge of your enneagram type is suggested.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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