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Congregational Meeting | Sunday, January 30
The Session is calling a congregational meeting for this Sunday, January 30 for the purpose of our GCPC Annual Meeting. The meeting will be contained in our worship service that day. Due to COVID concerns we are doing all worship online only during January. Please plan to be there live at 10:45am on GCPC's YouTube channel for our celebration of God's faithfulness and transforming love in our midst! See you then!
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Worship Preview | Sunday, January 30, 2022
Annual Meeting
ONLINE ONLY Service
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Sermon:
"The Things We Do For Love"
by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
| Friday, January 28 | Winter Shelter Support Team Mtg. | 11:00 am on Zoom | | Saturday, January 29 | WNC Presbytery Mtg. | 9:00 am on Zoom | | Sunday, January 30 | Livestream Worship & Annual Meeting
(ONLINE ONLY) | 10:45 am on Youtube | | Tuesday, February 1 | CHURCH OFFICE OPEN! | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | | Tuesday, February 1 | Guatemala Comm. Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, February 1 | Worship Council Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, February 1 | PW Circle 2 Mtg. | 7:30 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, February 2 | Bible Study | 10:00 am on Zoom | | Wednesday, February 2 | MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) Group | 11:00 am on Zoom | | Wednesday, February 2 | Choir Chat | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | Thursday, February 3 | Men of GCPC Gathering | 8:30 am on Zoom | | Thursday, February 3 | PW Circle 4 Mtg. | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | |
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Winter Adult Education will NOT meet on Sunday, January 30th. We will resume on February 6th.
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GCPC Kids Zoom Adventure will NOT meet on Sunday, January 30th. We will resume on February 6th.
Email Cat Kessler (ckessler@gcpcsua.org) to be added to the list.
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The VRQ Cook Team has been canceled for February 1st this month.
We hope to see some of you at the March 1st date.
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Lectionary Bible Study | Wednesday, February 2 | 10:00 AM | via Zoom
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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~REMIXED~
Sisters at the Sea ... in the Mountains!
Saturday, February 5, 2022
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM | @ GCPC | $25
“Shift Happens”
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS JANUARY 30TH!
Are you ages 25ish-50ish and looking to connect and rejuvenate with each other, build friendships, and center your faith in the new year! Join us for our remixed retreat in February! This years theme will be “Shift Happens: Reflecting on Life in the Pandemic” facilitated by Marcia Mount Shoop.
Please plan to commit to this retreat for the day AS IF you were 4 hours away at the beach! Yes… we know… it’s not the beach. But we plan to have some Folly-like fun in store for you, some down / hang time, along with the opportunity to be led by Marcia through contemplation of the times we are in, together. Come with a spirit of camaraderie, support, reflection, and flexibility!
Questions? Contact the planning group:
Andrea Rosal, Anna Hamel, Taryn Duncan, and Elizabeth Mullen
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This year, pledging through Realm is even easier! (Watch a tutorial video here.) Simply CLICK HERE to submit your pledge online, all in one form.
If you would also like to set up automatic eGiving from your bank account or credit card, be sure to checkmark Add a scheduled gift for this pledge after the pledge confirmation and follow the prompts.
You will receive an email confirmation of your pledge and a separate confirmation for eGiving, if applicable. Questions or concerns? Please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at nweaver@gcpcusa.org or leave a message at 828.254.3274.
WAYS TO PLEDGE:
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Online pledge card HERE
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Email Nweaver@gcpcusa.org
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Call 828.254.3274 and leave a message for Natalie Weaver
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Request a mailed pledge card from the office
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Winter Shelter Team Update
THANK YOU to our congregation for the myriad of ways you are supporting the winter shelter- so many are making donations, responding to calls for volunteering, driving supplies and food, making food and phone calls. This is all possible with you!
Volunteer needs: Trinity Methodist continues to remain open, the weather is going to get cold again(!), and they have asked for our volunteer support!
To sign up, please contact Dustin Mailman at (772) 214-4116 or mailmand79@gmail.com or sign up on your own here: Trinity Code Purple Sign up.
Specific volunteer needs are:
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An on-site manager to oversee volunteers from 3-8pm (today through Monday, Jan 24). Volunteer once or multiple times. Contact Kate Shem for details, kateshem@gmail.com
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Dinner support - both bringing food and/or serving dinner(5-8pm). Dinner needed each evening or Contact Tish Anderson, 19ppanc40@gmail.com, to join the GCPC food team to prepare and serve on Feb 1 & 15 and March 1 & 15.
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Overnight volunteers (10:30pm-8am). Contact Beth Philipsen, onthecove@charter.net, with questions about overnight volunteering.
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Morning transition shift (7:30-10:30am)
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Laundry support- pick up and return bedding (THIS IS A NEW REQUEST FOR SUPPORT). Contact Kate Shem, kateshem@gmail.com, to learn more.
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Supplies: Drop supplies at Grace Covenant (in black bin in the courtyard labeled Code Purple).
The bin will be emptied by 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Please do not deliver perishables too far ahead of a pick up time.
Contact Robin Gaiser, robingaiser@gmail.com, with questions about donations.
Or you can deliver directly to Trinity Methodist (587 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806). Please call the shelter number first (828-490-0444) to make sure someone is tere before you drop your items off. They can be placed directly inside door to minimize cross-traffic.
Ongoing supply requests:
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- small warm beverage cups
- small solo cups
- trash bags of all sizes
- paper plates, bowls, cups, napkins
- plastic serviceware
- lysol and clorox wipes
- individually wrapped snacks, treats
- ground coffee
- microwave popcorn
- 2 liter soda
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Warming materials for guests:
- sleeping bags
- blankets
- coats
- socks
- gloves
- hats
- hand/toe warmers
Specific one-time shelter needs:
- 2 large rubber rolling carts
- 2 large dog kennels
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Deacon of the Week:
In 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.
This week (1/23-1/29): Louise Root | email: lcr@rootandroot.com
Next week (1/30-2/5): Jerry Bleckley | email: Jerryb@nexuscorp.com
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Prayer requests will stay on the GCPC Prayer List for one month. Please let any staff member know if you (or your loved one) would like to remain on the list for longer.
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
Debi Miller (friend of Marcia Mount Shoop)
Jeff (Tricia Hynes’ son)
Maria and Esteban Goicoechea (La Mariposa and her husband)
Winnie Martel (Prayers for Winnie and Susie Churchfield)
Jennifer Martin (Yvonne Smith’s daughter)
Buster Carswell (Amanda Pressley’s brother-in-law)
Jack Waskey (Anna Hamel’s father)
Brenda Young (Leslie Sharpe’s mother)
Joel Holtzclaw (Leslie Sharpe’s uncle)
Geraldine Haynes (Libby Kyles’ aunt)
Michael Riedesel (Steve Riedesel's nephew)
Leo (extended family member of Janice Kominski)
Marianne Nash (Dave Nash’s daughter)
Phil Noland (Kelly Spradlin's friend)
Truly Mount (Marcia Mount Shoop's mom)
Seminarians
Bob Higgins
Susan Smialowicz
Laura Ross
Bill Williamson
Doris Prak
The Seddon Family
Sharon
Michelle Chromey and family
Marty Dean
Joe Brumit
Martha Kisiah
Our sympathy and support are extended to GCPC member, Elsie Crook, on the death of her son, Jonathan Crook who passed away on January 22 at Mission Hospital surrounded by loving family. Please keep Elsie, Jonathan's six siblings, and his extended family in your prayers.
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The following is a piece written by Rev. Tamara Puffer. The Presbytery of WNC has validated her ministry as a Minister of Vulnerability at GCPC. | |
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Being Vulnerable To Love
Did you decide to lose 10 lbs. this year by cutting out sweets and eating healthier meals? Perhaps you plan to spend more time with your family or you promised yourself you wouldn’t criticize your spouse/partner/friend so much. Perhaps you’ve decided to rein in your temper or promised you wouldn’t put yourself down.
I suggest you make one more resolution. This resolution is not like the others for it is not easily defined. Vow to be more vulnerable and be open to other’s vulnerabilities. Webster’s defines vulnerability as what “can be wounded or physically injured, open to criticism or attack (a vulnerable reputation); easily hurt, as by adverse criticism; sensitive.”
You might be asking, “Why would I want to be more vulnerable? Being vulnerable only hurts, and why would I resolve to be in pain in 2022?”
Brené Brown defines vulnerability “as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” (Daring Greatly, p. 34 ) She also writes, “Vulnerability is the core of all emotions and feelings,” (p.33) but it is also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love.” (Ted Talk, “The power of vulnerability”) If we refuse to be vulnerable we then deny joy, gratitude, happiness, love and a myriad of other life-giving emotions. Yes, it’s scary. We don’t want people to know what is deep inside for we’re afraid we won’t be liked, or worse.
The problem with denying vulnerability is that we begin covering up all our emotions. God has made us in such a way that it is impossible to choose what feelings and emotions we will experience. It’s a beautiful gift but a scary one. And that brings us to fear. Fear and vulnerability go hand in hand. It’s frightening to reveal what is inside and it is much safer to hide it from the world.
I attended one of GCPC’s meetings recently. A couple of members took the risk of being vulnerable with the others. They admitted their fear as they shared, and despite the pain, they felt relieved at being honest, vulnerable and accepted. It helped that the other members were in a place where they could hear their vulnerability and respond in a welcoming way.
This brings me to my final point. If we are going to be a community that experiences joy, belonging and creativity, we have to allow space for people to bring their fears and vulnerabilities. In order for this to happen, we must strive to be open to hearing hard things. Being open to vulnerability, sadness and grief takes time. We will have to make choices: Is it important to get our business completed or is it more important to love? I believe Jesus Christ would give a resounding “yes” to love.
~ Rev. Tamara Puffer, Minister of Vulnerability
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Winter/Spring Memoir Series | Mondays | Feb. 21, March 28, & May 2 | Location and time: TBD
Join us for a series of book talks focusing on memoirs written by people of faith. Please pre-read the book to ensure lively discussion. The church now has copies of all three books. Please contact Richard or Anna Louise if you would like to come by and borrow one of the copies.
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Presbyterian Womenʼs Circles are Zoom meetings. Please join us.
Circle 1: Second Monday of each month, 10:00 a.m.
Circle 2: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
Circle 3: Varies (Click here to see schedule for 2021-2022), 7:00 p.m.
Circle 4: First Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Circle 5: First Monday of each month, 11:00 a.m.
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Need to set up a church zoom meeting?
Contact Anna Louise and she can get you all set up!
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Community Working Together | |
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Grace Covenant members have come together to form a Circle of Welcome to surround one family from Afghanistan who has been placed in Asheville through Lutheran Services Carolinas. The goal is to improve outcomes for refugee families, enhance longer-term integration and self-sufficiency and walk alongside them in service and friendship.
GCPC has been paired with a young woman (24 years old) and her niece (11 years old). They will be moving into more permanent housing next week and will have specific needs that we will need help with, i.e. - transportation, grocery shopping, English language tutoring, making new friendships!
If you would like to be involved, either as part of the Circle of Welcome or in providing donations please contact Bonnie Parker (bparker17@gmail.com) or Lara Hollaway (lhollaway@gmail.com).
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CLICK HERE to read the January 23rd, 2022 newsletter that outlines news and opportunities for action. | |
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January 18, 2021 was National Racial Healing Day. The National Day of Racial Healing is part of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation efforts. They have created comprehensive resources for community members, educators, business leaders, students, and more to guide conversations with family, friends, and peers on racial healing. Click here to access their resources.
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US Presbyterian minister’s mission to find a home for every orphan in Ukraine
~ by Daria Shulzhenko
“One early September 16 years ago, U.S. Presbyterian minister Robert Gamble got off the train in Odesa, Ukraine’s biggest port city, where he had chosen to spend his sabbatical.
He did not speak any Ukrainian or Russian, and had neither relatives nor friends in the region. His only lifeline was a small piece of paper with a hand-written phone number of someone in the city who could speak English.
He was there for a reason: Gamble had heard about the high number of orphans in Ukraine, both in orphanages and on the streets. He already had experience of working with children, and was determined to help."
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The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II |
Israel/Palestine Mission Network issues statement on the Stated Clerk’s MLK Day call -
The faithful are called to ‘influence our government to fulfill its obligation to do justice’
~ by the Israel/Palestine Mission Network
The Israel Palestine Mission Network [IPMN] of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports our Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, in his Jan. 17 call for unity of spirit, which he issued on the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In this time of acrimony and division in our nation, echoing the earlier call of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for a unity of spirit around the world, Nelson issued a spiritual cry reminding us that “our love for God through Jesus Christ must extend beyond ourselves,” in order to accomplish “the bonding of our souls to one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
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Photo by Wesley Tingey via Unsplash |
Mass incarceration webinar now available on video -
Discussion highlights the challenges of returning to society after incarceration
~ by Darla Carter
A Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) webinar on the links between mass incarceration and poverty is now available for viewing on Vimeo.
The webinar was recorded in November 2021 as part of “The Struggle is Real,” an ongoing series of online discussions led by the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP).
“We hope that this episode about mass incarceration will assist listeners in understanding some of the salient issues connected to returning to society from incarceration,” said SDOP’s coordinator, the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson. “We are also hoping that (listeners) can see the correlation between mass incarceration and poverty and ways that the church can help provide hope and support for those who seek healing and transformation.”
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Poems for a Dangerous Time: A Gathering around the Psalms | February 20-22 | Montreat Conference Center
Inspired by the students and family of Patrick Miller, this gathering will explore the rich and varied ways biblical Psalms give voice to the cries of the believer: in lament, in anger, in praise, in rejoicing.
According to Pat’s family and his students at both Union Seminary (VA) and Princeton, nothing could honor him more than a gathering around the Psalms, exploring the way they sustain communities of faith, even – or especially – in dangerous times.
Leaders include: Brent Strawn, Nora Tubbs Tisdale, Aisha Brooks Johnson, and Martin Tel. Commuter rates are available.
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2021 Giving Statements Emailed 1/20/22
Year end giving statements for tax purposes were emailed on 1/20/22 from notifications@onrealmmail.org - please click on the blue link at the end of the email to view the PDF statement. You do not have to have a Realm log in to view the statement.
If you would prefer a hard copy of your statement printed and mailed, please call 828.254.3274 and leave a message for Natalie Weaver or email a request to nweaver@gcpcusa.org.
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HOW TO CONTACT STAFF:
The church office is open weekly for walk-ins on Tuesdays, 10am - 4pm. Our staff can also be reached by email or voicemail Monday - Friday. To leave a voicemail for a staff member to return your call, follow these steps:
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Call the main office at 828-254-3274.
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Listen through the office closure notice, which will then take you to a staff directory.
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Enter the first 3 letters of either the staff member's first or last name on your phone keypad (i.e. to reach Natalie Weaver, you'd enter 628 for NAT or 932 for WEA).
- You'll be directed to the staff member's individual voicemail, where you can leave a message to be returned as soon as possible.
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If you just want to leave a message for the general voicemail box, press 0.
You can also reach our staff by email- please see our website for each staff member's individual email address.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
828.254.3274
www.gcpcusa.org
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