GraceNote
September 2, 2020
Dear Grace Covenant Community, 

For the last four years, GCPC Palooza has been a celebration of all that God is doing in our faith community. In 2020 God has been moving in powerful and transforming ways. GCPC’s life in the pandemic has shown us that over and over again. We have much to celebrate about what God is doing in our midst in these challenging times! 

And Fall 2020 calls us to the life-giving and healing work of being church like never before. So GCPC Pandemic Palooza will be one to remember! This year we especially celebrate relationship, healing, and God’s sustaining love “As the World Turns.” 

That’s our 2020 theme: “As the World Turns.” 

Tumultuous times, dramatic moments, beautiful sparks of love, new beginnings, healing opportunities, and unexpected twists and turns of transformation are a part of the world’s turning these days. And GCPC is poised to do our part in the unfolding story of this season of challenge and change. 

As the World Turns… and the Spirit moves, Grace Covenant begins the Fall stronger than ever and ready for what lies ahead. There is something for everyone this Fall.  

Love and healing and grace abound! 
“As the World Turns” at GCPC, there are ways for you to connect and grow: 
GCPC Alive and Well:
  • The GCPC Session voted unanimously for YTL (Youth Transformed for Life) to use the building Mondays through Fridays to support students with online learning, tutoring, and support in COVID safe ways. YTL is the Black-led after school program for students of color in Asheville and Buncombe County Public Schools that has been at GCPC for the last two years.  
  • Even though GCPC’s building remains closed to all face to face church activities, the Session’s decision means the building is a place where the church’s values are alive and well. Impacted families in Asheville are finding support in these difficult times in our building. And Pandemic Palooza offers a way for you to support our church’s relationships even more! 


2020 Pandemic Palooza Weekend!
DRIVE THROUGH DROP OFF EXTRAVAGANZA! | Saturday, September 12 | 11:00am-11:30 AM
Feel the gift of seeing your GCPC family in person as you drive through and drop off items that can help some of our Covenant Partners get off to a strong start this Fall. 
  • Bring items to GCPC for YTL, La Milpa, and YWCA
  • Members of the Serve Council and our Garden Steering Team will be there to get the items and deliver them to YTL, La Milpa, and the YWCA.  
  • GCPC staff will be so excited to see you and give you a distanced hug! 
  • Decorate your car to make the extravaganza even more festive!
  • And there will be a treat for you to take home, too.
  • Wear a mask and stay in your car so we help keep the Asheville community COVID safe. 

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE! | Saturday, September 12 | 7:00 PM
Enjoy the love, laughter, and creativity of GCPC from the comfort of your own home! 
  • Tune in to Zoom at 7:00pm ready to have fun with your church family. 
  • Skits, music, conversation, entertainment, and more fun than most people can squeeze into an hour on Zoom! 
  • Fun for all ages! 

SUNDAY LIVE STREAM WORSHIP ON YOUTUBE! | Sunday, September 13 | 10:45 AM
  • Be sure to join us live on YouTube so we can all celebrate the sacrament of Communion together in worship.  
  • The live service will have opportunities for everyone to share and connect! 
  • Hear about all the exciting opportunities to grow and connect for the Fall.  
  • Dialogue sermon, special music, and congregational engagement. 
  • "Me & White Supremacy" All-Comers Reflective Zoom 7pm. Come and explore with others who are participating in the latest phase of the GCPC's work to dismantle white supremacy culture within ourselves and in our community.

2020 Pandemic Palooza Week of Special Deliveries:
  • The Deacons will pay a COVID safe visit to their congregational groups to drop off a bag of GCPC blessing on your doorstep and give you a wave and a distance hug! If you have not heard from your Deacon by 9/20, please reach out to Richard.
  • The Children’s and Family Ministries Committee will drop off “God Out of the Box” boxes for children PreK-3rd grade. 
  • 4th and 5th graders will receive a special invitation. 
  • Adults will get information about the Fall formation opportunities. 
  • Sunday, September 20 will kick off all of our Fall formation opportunities for all ages! 
As the world turns, GCPC continues to embrace God’s invitation for us to practice Theological Curiosity, Moral Courage, Abundant Compassion, and Beloved Community. And with God’s help we will continue to seek our transformation and the healing of the world.

Peace to you,