Daylight Savings Time ends this Sunday, November 3rd.
Remember to set your clocks back 1 hour.
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". . . and each name a comfortable music in the mouth,
tending, as all music does, toward silence,
and each body a lion of courage, and something
precious to the earth."
~ Mary Oliver, from
When Death Comes
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Sunday Preview
Sunday, November 3, 2019
All Saints Sunday
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Worship services @ 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Education Hour (for all ages) @ 9:15 AM
Homily:
"Lost and Found" by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scriptures:
Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Luke 19:1-10
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"THIS EUCHARISTIC LIFE" PODCAST & VIDEOS (Youth Edition):
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Thank you volunteers!!
The Presbytery meeting at GCPC was a great success!
About fifty GCPC volunteers worked together last Saturday to make the Fall meeting of the Western North Carolina Presbytery a great experience of worship, fellowship, worship, and breaking bread together.
To all our volunteers, thank you for the ways you extended hospitality to our Presbyterian siblings from the 99 congregations in the Western North Carolina Presbytery. Thank you for the delicious meal planned and prepared by Nancy Gaskin and all who helped her prepare, serve it and clean up. Thank you for all the organization by Elders Debby Vance, Amy Wiesner, and Paul Rogers. Thank you to Allen Johnson for all the AV preparation and support for the day. Thank you for EVERYONE of you who helped with parking, registration, lunch, greeting, problem solving, counting, serving, smiling, listening, sharing, leading, and loving!
With Gratitude and Love,
Your GCPC Staff
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Facing the End as a Community of Faith: Grief, Planning, and Funerals | Sundays in November | 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Sanctuary
What does it mean to approach grief and death from a Christian perspective? How we even begin to make sense of advanced planning in light of the multitude of options today? Join us on Sunday evenings in November to learn about the end of life through the lens of faith.
- Nov. 3: All Saints Day, "Voices of Grief" film with Nancy Gaskin with special music by the Threshold Choir (note, this meeting will go until 6:30)
- Nov. 10: Living faithfully in light of today's medical and legal choices with Dr. Eric Mount, Rodes Professor Emeritus of Religion at Centre College
- Nov. 17: Understanding, writing, and notarizing Advanced Directives with Ashley Caswell, LCSW and Johanna Williams of Four Seasons Hospice.
- Nov. 24: Navigating funerals and our options with Frank Starling, RN of the Center for End of Life Transitions
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Stewardship Campaign Update
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How very grateful and excited we are with the continued support and generous response to the 2020 stewardship campaign!
At last Sunday's worship service, many of you completed the response cards inserted in your church bulletins sharing why you give to GCPC. Your comments were meaningful, inspiring and evidence of the Life Abundant that is here in our church community. Here are just a few!
I give to GCPC because:
* It is an instrument of God's grace
* I feel such hope and comfort there
* GCPC feeds my soul
* It is truly the church of YES to all that is life giving
* It helps me learn how to be a better person
* GCPC gives so much to me
Check the Stewardship wall in the narthex with the butterflies to see more of these reflections about giving in our community.
We are excited to now have 100% participation from Session, Deacons, Pastoral Staff, Finance Council, and Stew Crew!
If you have not pledged yet, we need your pledge to reach our 2020 stewardship income goal to fully fund the church's ministries.
Pledge by placing your pledge card in the offering plate on Sunday, mail it to the church, drop it by the church office, or complete it
online here
.
~ Chuck Reiley, Stew Crew Member
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Pledge Confirmation
Can't remember if you turned in a pledge card yet? Not sure if it went through online?
Rest easy, you should receive a pledge acknowledgement in the mail within a week of when the pledge was received confirming your total pledge recorded.
If you didn't receive this acknowledgement, we may not have your pledge.
Please keep the confirmation letter for your records and let Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, know if you have any questions or if changes are needed: 828-254-3274, ext. 202 or
nweaver@gcpcusa.org
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A number of GCPC members recently heard Jose Antonio Vargas speak at the 2019 Justice Forum hosted by Pisgah Legal Services.
In his informative and moving presentation, Vargas discussed life as an “undocumented citizen” in the US.
You may check out his book,
Dear America, Notes of an Undocumented Citizen
, from the GCPC library. It is displayed prominently; you can’t miss the bright yellow cover!
Vargas observes that our use of language is a barrier to understanding migration. “Why are white people called ‘expats’ while people of color are called ‘immigrants’?”, he asks. “What’s the difference between a ‘settler’ and a ‘refugee’?”
In reading this well-written, enlightening book, you can learn more about what Vargas describes as “homelessness, not in a traditional sense, but about the unsettled, unmoored psychological state in which undocumented immigrants like me find ourselves.”
~ Contributed by Tish Anderson
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Documentary Screening:
"Stories Beyond Borders"
| Sunday, November 3 | 4:00 PM | Ferguson Auditorium - AB Tech (
340 Victoria Road
)
Stories Beyond Borders
includes five short films that show a more complete picture of the attacks on immigrant families and communities. Hosted by Working Films, Carolina Jews for Justice, and the NC/WNC Chapter of the ACLU, these films lift up real stories of resilience and strength, while illustrating some of the ways people can give their time, energy, and resources to support organizing led by immigrant communities. This free event will also include a discussion led by those who are working for immigrant justice in Asheville.
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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PART (Power & Race Team)
Reflections
In our last
PART meeting we heard excerpts from one episode of the Scene on Radio podcast, Seeing White Series, on “White Affirmative Action.” You can listen to the entire episode
here. We also had a handout with many of the important points and dates discussed in the podcast. That handout is available
here.
Members of PART were deeply impacted by the information presented. As you read it remember the questions raised by Marcia ands Samantha in their sermons the past two weeks: What are the injustices we bring to the Table and what is the work we need to do? What does justice look like? And is there enough justice to go around?
~ Liz Huesemann
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Earth Team Meeting | Wednesday, November 6 | 5:30 PM | Jerusalem Room
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This Sunday's Education Hour (for all ages)
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Adult Education - Fall Term | Sept. 15 - Nov. 24 | 9:15 AM
Pressure Points - The Church and Native Americans: Grappling with the Past, Facing the Future | Fellowship Hall
This 11-week program will outline a Christian's response to social issues related to Native American Peoples of North America. This will involve educating ourselves about the history of native peoples (from their perspective using The Great Courses as an academic basis for this education) prior to European contact and the philosophical/theological/political concepts that were employed against Native peoples after contact. In the second half of the course's term, we will deal specifically with Cherokee Indian issues as a case in point of our country's and our church's involvement in oppression of native culture, highlighting the Cherokee Nation/ECBI's response to that oppression. Ultimately, we would like to posit for our class how we should prayerfully yet actively respond to these issues in the future.
Facilitators:
Buzz Durham, Mike Fleenor, Jaan Ferree, Mary Berg, Marcia Mount Shoop
The Improv -
The Spirituality of Vulnerability: Brené Brown and Richard Rohr
| Choir Room
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path” (Brené Brown,
Daring Greatly). In this class, we will be discussing how the insights of shame researcher Brené Brown and spiritual writer and Franciscan friar Richard Rohr can inform our spiritual lives.
Facilitators:
Richard Coble, Nancy Gaskin, Paul Rogers
Digging In - Living the Questions | Jerusalem Room
Living the Questions is for those who are looking for a resource that encourages questions they’ve always wanted to ask and sparks open dialogue in a safe place. It’s also for those asking what a meaningful faith can look like today. Living the Questions provides a context where people can pursue their questions and deepen their understanding as part of a life-long spiritual journey. This video-based program (along with downloadable participant guides and readings) includes conversations with scholars and clergy. Spirituality, Bible, God, creation, Jesus, Gospels, Paul, evangelism, evil, suffering and forgiveness are some of the topics we’ll consider.
Facilitators:
Denise Snodgrass and Tim Hamel
Toddlers (ages 2-3) | “God Loves Me”
| 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Toddler Room (downstairs, Children’s Center)
Preschool/Kindergarten (ages 4-5) | Godly Play
| 9:15 –10:15 AM | Preschool Sunday School Room (downstairs, Children’s Center)
Elementary (grades 1-3) | Godly Play
| 9:15–10:15 AM | Temple Room (Education wing, upstairs)
Elementary (grades 4-5) | “CONNECT”
| 9:15–10:15 AM | Indie Room (Education wing, upstairs)
Middle School & Senior Highs (grades 6-12)
| 9:00-10:15 AM | Youth Rooms, (Education wing, upstairs)
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*Nursery care is available throughout Sunday morning beginning at 8:10 am.
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OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES...
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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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SAVE THE DATE!
Community Garden Potluck | Friday, November 22 | 6:00 PM | GCPC Fellowship Hall
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Room In The Inn (RITI) | November 10 – 17 | GCPC
Life Abundant!
Thank You, Grace Covenant! The “Room In The Inn” team is so appreciative of your stepping up and helping so heartily with our next RITI session! At this time all the tasks are spoken for! We have enough food, enough drivers, enough overnight hosts as well as teams to set up and take down the Inn! We
Thank Each and Every One of You
who has committed to helping provide a safe, welcoming space with warm delicious food of the season for our guests from November 10 – 17.
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VRQ—BBQ Cook Team |
Next cook date: November 5
th
| 4:30 or 5:30 PM
On the First Tuesday of each month, a team of folks gather at the Veterans Restoration Quarters, 1329 Tunnel Road to grill hamburgers and prepare supper for more than 200 US Armed Forces Veterans living in transitional housing at the VRQ— an ABCCM Ministry. Team volunteers begin to gather at 4:30 to prepare the meal and fire up the grills; to help serve the meal come at 5:30. The evening meal is served at 6 and the team joins with the veterans at their table for supper. Commitments can be for one Tuesday or more.
Harry Summerlin serves as the meal shopper earlier in the day. When the volunteers arrive they begin grilling, chopping onions, cooking beans, preparing cole slaw, and assembling hamburgers or working on the serving line. Those who arrive early can self-select their favorite work. Our GCPC team is joined by Black Mountain First Baptist Church folks each month.
This mission service has a long history. We would love for you to be a part of the service & camaraderie. Questions? Contact
Bill Neeriemer
.
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Christmas at the Biltmore | GCPC Chancel Choir | December 13 | 5:30 – 9 PM
The Chancel Choir will be singing a 30-minute concert of traditional holiday favorites on the half hour. Tickets sell out fast so make your reservations today! Visit
www.biltmore.com
.
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Sisters at the Sea Retreat 2020 | February 6-9, 2020 | Folly Beach, SC | $210 (early bird rate)
“Cultivating an Inner Life of Grace & Clarity: Spiritual Practices for Everyday”
With guest retreat facilitator, Rev. Carol Hovis
Do you identify as a woman age 25ish-50ish who would like a weekend of connecting and rejuvenating in a beautiful natural setting? Mark your calendars for our lucky number 11th
annual SOS (“Save our Sanity”/“Sisters at the Sea”) retreat! This year’s guest facilitator, Rev. Carol Hovis, will help us explore approaches to spiritual contemplation that we can practice in even the smallest moments of our day-to-day rush, to develop and deepen throughout our lifetimes. Register today to ensure this special time of building friendships and centering your faith in the new year!
Registration:
- Early Bird Rate (by December 9th): $210
- Regular Rate (December 10th and after): $240
- $50 non-refundable deposit due at registration. Checks should be made to GCPC with “2020 Sisters at the Sea” in the memo line. Full and partial scholarships available (complete registration form to apply).
- TO REGISTER TODAY: Visit http://bit.ly/Sisters2020 to register online, or pick up a registration form at the GCPC Welcome Desk.
- *Registration ends on Jan. 15.*
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“Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner” | November 6 | 6:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
(*First Wednesday in November due to RITI at GCPC the following week).
Take a break from cooking and make some space for connecting with your church community.
This meal will be catered from Urban Burrito
.
*RSVP to Sherrie,
smeehan@gcpcusa.org
, by 12:00 pm on Monday, November 4 for an estimate.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group | Wed., Nov. 6 | 12 PM | Garden Rm
This support group introduces techniques for daily living with such issues, led by Paul Rogers, a retired physician in our congregation. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month.
*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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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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Please keep our GCPC Youth & Advisors in your prayers as they head to the Camp Grier Middle School Retreat this weekend.
Middle School youth attending should have received an email with all important info. Contact
Samantha
ASAP if you did not get the email. Get ready for an awesome time!
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Youth Choir & Sunday School |
9:00-10:15 | Youth Rooms
We will still be having Sunday School this weekend for all youth who will not be at Camp Grier. It is going to be a meaningful and fun time!
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Senior High Youth Group "Self-Care Night" | This Sunday, November 3 | 5-7 PM | GCPC
Get ready for an evening just for high schoolers to de-stress and connect. Don't miss the chance to discuss and practice how we can take care of ourselves in the midst of a busy and stressful world. We will also be making college care-packages to send and dinner will be provided.
GCPC is invited to leave any extra Halloween candy in the box outside of Samantha's office for care packages.
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SIGN UP ASAP & SAVE THE DATE:
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Special Youth Group "Bowling Night" | Sunday, November 10 | 5 - 7 PM | Meet/pick up Sky Lanes Bowling Center (1477 Patton Ave).
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Youth Committee Meeting | Thursday, November 7 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Garden Room
All Youth, Advisors and Parents are invited to join the Youth Committee and lend their voice and ideas to the youth program. If you cannot attend, feel free to jump in another month.
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Youth Sunday School:
Youth Choir, Drama & Fun
(6th - 12th graders) | Sundays | 9:00 - 10:15 AM | Youth Rooms
This fall we will be fearlessly jumping into our faith in creative ways. We will begin at 9:00am sharp with breakfast, followed by Youth Choir, Energizers, Games and and an on-your-feet Bible Study. See you at the first class and get ready for a fun, meaningful experience!
Questions? Contact Samantha at
sgblock@gcpcusa.org
.
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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 and Richard Schaadt (Donna Robertson's sister and brother-in-law)
Jeffrey Ferris (Mary Lou Nash's son)
Rebecca Wells' brother, Jamey
Jeff Combs (Bill McNeff's friend)
West Asheville Presbyterian Church
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)
Jon Stone (Madge Francis' nephew)
Hettie Lou Garland
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Mary Ellen Horne
Penny Ponder
Florence Riedesel
Donna Robertson
Elizabeth Fisher
Earl Fowler
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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2019 Fall Enneagram Gatherings
in the A-Frame @ GCPC
Mondays, 6-8pm
and
Fridays, 10am-12noon
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Pilgrimage to Cuernavaca, Mexico | March 3-12, 2020 (
with Heather Ferguson and Carol Hovis)
This is a
pilgrimage
with the intention of
spiritual retreat
in the context of Benedictine spirituality through a liberation theology lens, and
intellectual discovery
as we learn from guest lecturers about the historical, political and economic realities of Mexico & Central America. We participate in the
daily life of the Benedictine Sisters
which includes daily prayers, communal tasks and entering the lives of local Mexican colonias, Christian Base Communities, womens' cooperatives and more. If you are interested, contact
Carol
and
Heather
. Click
HERE
to see a simple brochure that describes the experience.
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The Asheville Threshold Choir Events
The Asheville Threshold Choir is hosting an upcoming demonstration of our musical repertoire:
- November 7 | 6:30 PM | NC State Veterans Home (62 Lake Eden Rd.)
About The Threshold Choir:
The voice is the perfect vehicle to convey compassion and comfort at the bedsides of people who are at a threshold; some with living, some with dying.
When invited, we send two to four singers who offer soft, simple, restful songs to comfort, support and honor those at the thresholds of life, as well as their families and caregivers. In over 150 communities worldwide, we offer bedside singing as our gift, at no charge.
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Combatants for Peace
Upcoming Events in Asheville with Israeli and Palestinian Peacemakers:
- Congregation Beth HaTephila (43 North Liberty St.)| Friday, November 8 | 6-7 PM | Welcoming Reception
- Congregation Beth Israel (229 Murdock Ave.) | Saturday, November 9 | 1 PM | Luncheon followed by speakers
- First Baptist Church (5 Oak Plaza) | Sunday, November 10 | 5-7 PM | Program
To support this important peacemaker movement, or for more information, please contact
Asheville@AFCFP.org.
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Making Room for Joy – an Advent Retreat with Jeannie Dubose | December 6-7 | Lake Logan
Enter the Advent Season with this 24-hour retreat facilitated by Jeannie Dubose. Whether you are in the midst of a sunny stretch or a blue patch, come explore how “Making Room for Joy” can draw you closer to God. We will reflect on the theological context for this topic, as well as addressing how part of accessing our delight includes a willingness to acknowledge our losses. In addition, we will engage music, images, poetry, scripture, and interactive questions — all as portals for awakening, as John O’Donohue says, “to what your heart would love to say.”
Click
HERE
for more details.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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