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#GCPCathome . . .and in the Sanctuary! | |
Worship Preview | Sunday, April 10, 2022
Palm/Passion Sunday
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Sanctuary and Youtube
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Homily:
"Crowd Noise"
by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scripture:
Luke 19:28-40
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
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Every Sunday of Lent we will celebrate Communion.
Remember that our COVID practice has been to use anything you have at home for your elements. Your bread can be a cracker, bagel or even a donut. Your cup can be a glass of water or anything else you have on hand.
The spirit of our Presbyterian practice of Communion is that the body of Christ is not found in the elements themselves, but in the community gathered together to share this meal of revolutionary love.
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Reserve a space for childcare this Sunday!
Please follow this LINK to reserve a space for your child 0-4 years of age for childcare on Sunday, April 3rd @ 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
As long as it is dry outside we plan on spending the majority of the morning outdoors. Please dress your children with this in mind. We will have a table in the welcome center to check your child in and do a temperature check. Please do not hesitate to reach out to amykim@gcpcusa.org with any questions or if you have any issues with the reservations.
All families are encouraged to submit a family health & wellness form. This will help us know more about your children’s health needs as we move forward. Please contact Cat Kessler if you have any trouble submitting the form.
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| Thursday, April 7 | PW Circle 4 Mtg. | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | Saturday, April 9 | Palm Pick-Up | Beginning at 10 am in the GCPC Courtyard | | Sunday, April 10 | Hybrid Adult Education | 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall (also on Zoom) | | Sunday, April 10 | Kid's Zoom Adventure | 10:15 am on Zoom | | Sunday, April 10 | Hybrid Worship
(In-person and online) | 10:45 am @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Sunday, April 10 | Choir Rehearsal | 1:00 pm @ GCPC | | Monday, April 11 | PW Circle 1 Mtg. | 10:00 am @ GCPC | | Tuesday, April 12 | Church Office Open! | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | | Wednesday, April 13 | Hybrid Bible Study | 10:00 am @ GCPC
(also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, April 13 | Choir Rehearsal Pod | 7:00 pm @ GCPC | | Thursday, April 14 | Men of GCPC | 8:30 am on Zoom | | Thursday, April 14 | Maundy Thursday | 6:00 pm @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Friday, April 15 | A Service of Tenebrae | 7:00 pm @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Saturday, April 16 | Holy Saturday Meditation Stations | 10 am - 12 pm @ GCPC | | |
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Adult Education: The Poetry of Lent I Sundays | March 6 - April 10 I 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Fellowship Hall or Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83005641333
Meeting ID: 830 0564 1333 | Passcode: 789
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Hybrid Lectionary Bible Study | Wednesday, April 13 | 10:00 AM | Atrium (masked) or 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!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/93439349183
Meeting ID: 934 3934 9183 | Passcode: 789
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Palms for Palm Sunday
Sunday April 10th is Palm Sunday where we celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. As a part of this celebration we wave palms in celebration of this day. If you are in town we will have palms available to pick up Saturday at Grace Covenant in the courtyard beginning at 10 am for you to use with online worship.
There is also a printable palm here for you to color or print in color.
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Deacon Helpers Needed!
Our deacon helpers are an informal list of GCPC community members who get updates when there is a congregational need. These needs include meals, rides to doctor appointments, and other concerns that come up in the church family. We are so thankful for everyone already on the list for all they do for our congregation! There also is room for it to grow as our congregation grows! Please contact Richard for more info or to be placed on the list.
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BeLoved's Tiny Home Village
You’ve likely become familiar with GCPC Serve Partner BeLoved, their leader Rev. Amy Cantrell, and their amazing advocacy for the un-housed and unstably housed in our region, but you may not be aware that they are about to break ground on a truly innovative approach to offering sustainable and affordable housing for individuals and families. Plans are progressing for the construction of a village of twelve Tiny Homes on donated land in East Asheville. A community-wide project, supported by several congregations as well as the Asheville Home Builders Association and private individuals, the project uses donated materials and pro bono professional guidance from architects, engineers, and surveyors. It is one proposed solution to the lack of affordable housing in the area, and targets households with incomes that are 30% of the area median income. By offering a welcoming community and housing stability, the Tiny Homes project is a forward-thinking solution to the regional housing crisis.
The cost of one 440-square foot tiny house is approximately $90,000. We know that having a home helps individuals and families put down roots, and is a win-win for both the resident and the community. This planned community will serve as both an immediate resource as well as a model for further development, offering opportunities for housing that are very much needed in the city having the highest rental costs in the state of North Carolina. The development itself will be a non-profit trust that owns the homes, given legal barriers to subdividing the project, but the community members will establish the rules and governance for the maintenance of the homes. Communities that create opportunities for people to use their agency around their daily needs cultivates a sense of well-being and positive health outcomes. The residents will benefit from accrued equity in the homes as if they owned them: If they move away, residents will be able to take their equity with them. If they elect to stay a while, they may also borrow against their equity.
With 75% of the funding in place for this project, BeLoved is hoping their upcoming Raise a Home (RAH) Auction event on April 30, 2022 from 6 pm until 9 pm at the AB Tech Mission Health Campus will help them cross the fundraising finish line. There will be both a live and a silent auction, a jazz band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a bar. In addition to supporting an amazing cause, attendees of the RAH Auction can expect to connect with others interested in meaningful solutions to one of the most pressing problems faced in our community, while they learn more about this project and support a wonderful cause.
Learn more and buy tickets at BeLovedRAHAuction.org.
You can also view the already-constructed model Tiny Home at
https://paradeofhomesasheville.com/poh2020beloved.
~ Submitted by Denise Lockett, Elder and Serve Member
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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 (4/3-4/9): Kimo Hyatt | email: KimoHyatt@gmail.com
Next week (4/10-4/16): Bill McNeff | email: wpmcn6@yahoo.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)
Maria and Esteban Goicoechea (La Mariposa and her husband)
Winnie Martel (Prayers for Winnie and Susie Churchfield)
Jennifer Martin (Yvonne Smith’s daughter)
Phil Noland (Kelly Spradlin's friend)
James F. Smith (Bryant Smith’s father)
Gaden Maney (Emma Maney’s father)
Jeffrey and Jennifer Hedges (Parents of Landon, Joe and Janice Brumit's godson, who passed away on March 14)
Seth Turnbow (Anne Raustol’s twin brother)
Loyda Kyremes (Amy Kim Kyremes-Park's mother)
Vince and Michele (Gordon Gaiser’s niece and nephew-in-law)
Connie, Jeff and Kevin (Robin and Gordon Gaiser’s friends)
Bobby (Robin and Gordon Gaiser’s friend)
Gayla Fedele (friend of Karen Rohls)
Jeanine Buelens (relative of Bill McNeff)
Bill Ross (Jonathan Ross’ dad)
Chip Lambert (GCPC Community member who is hiking the App. Trail)
Jordan Lemmond (Matt Wiedle and Lara Hollaway's son)
Bob Higgins
Susan Smialowicz
Doris Prak
Michelle Chromey and family
Baby Miriam, Jade and the whole Baker family
Mary Ida Spradlin
Susie Wheelis
Sherrie McCleary-Small
Family of Jane Lee Vondette
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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
Being vulnerable at one’s job is tough. In some cases it may not be wise which is unfortunate. I believe that we as Jesus followers are called to be bravely transparent and honest with those around us. In our dog-eat-dog world, this isn’t always possible.
Here is a story of a vulnerable person in his place of employment although I doubt he would use that word to describe his actions. Ten years ago, I had Thumb Basil Joint Osteoarthritis. To a layperson (such as myself) that meant I didn’t have enough cartilage in my thumb joint so the bone was rubbing onto the bone.
After a time of trying not to use it, I decided I needed surgery. The surgery was successful and outside of not being able to swim at the Y, it wasn’t too bad. The correction lasted for about two years when it started becoming weak again. I went back to the doctor and he told me that in about 4% of the cases this type of surgery was unsuccessful. I fell into that 4%.
He said there was another surgical procedure that could be performed but he had only completed it a few times and recommended another surgeon in his practice who had performed this procedure in that way numerous times. The doctor was honest with himself and with me. He could have just agreed to do the surgery but instead he suggested I look into other surgeons with more experience with this type of surgery. In this way he was honest and openly transparent which I appreciated. I’m sure he would not have used the term vulnerable to describe his action, but that is exactly what it was.
I had the surgery in Charlotte and it was successful. I have another issue with a finger in that hand – hopefully it’s not related to the Osteoarthritis. I will return to the first surgeon who made himself vulnerable.
We talk a lot about vulnerability here at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church but what does it mean to you? I would be interested in any thoughts you might have. My email is Tamara@noggin-notions.com.
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Asheville Area Piano Forum | Sunday, April 24 | 3:00 PM |
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
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Hybrid Spring Memoir Series | Monday, May 2 | 6:00 PM | Fellowship Hall and Zoom
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 the books. Please contact Richard or Anna Louise if you would like to come by and borrow one of the copies.
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May 2 | Poet Warrior by Joy Harjo | Facilitator: Alexandra Lusak
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Racial Justice Book Series | May - August | 6:30 PM | 4th Thursday of the Month
The Racial Justice Book Series returns this summer with four books about the systems, consequences, and remedies of the deep entrenchment of white supremacy culture in our country and church.
All meetings will be in hybrid format. Come in person or tune in via zoom! The church library has copies of all the books. Contact Richard or Anna Louise to reserve a copy.
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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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Donate a rock for our new flower beds!
Have an extra rock or two laying around that you don't need? We are looking for rocks about the size of a cantaloupe or a football, or maybe a spaghetti squash, to help line our new perennial flower beds at the Community Garden. The rocks will delineate the flower beds and help keep grass from creeping in. You can paint or decorate your rocks or just leave them be. We can have a rock decorating day with kids at the church when we get enough. Please drop off your rocks by May 1st in the black bin labeled, GARDEN RICKS" in the GCPC courtyard or down by the compost bins at the Community Garden near McDonald's parking lot.
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Last Friday, YTL participants helped Allison plant carrot seeds and broccoli and spinach starts in the World Garden outside the Administrative Building.
Thank you YTL!!!
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Planning on giving regularly to GCPC? Let us know by submitting a pledge, which helps us maintain sustainable financials and more accurately budget. Anyone can pledge any amount- every single gift helps support the ministry and mission at GCPC!
WAYS TO PLEDGE:
Questions, concerns, or need help setting up eGiving? Contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator at 828.254.3274, natalie@gcpcusa.org, or stop by the office Tuesdays 10am - 4pm.
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Community Working Together | | |
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RAZOM (focuses on medical supply purchases)
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GCPC's Circle of Welcome continues to support our Afghan friends as they acclimate to living in Asheville. Gratitude goes out to all for your prayers and efforts! Contact Lara Hollaway at lhollaway@gmail.com to help with these needs or if you would like to help in other ways. | |
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Habitat for Humanity News!
Volunteer dates are still available on the calendar! If you are interested, please contact Bill Ryan at bill73ryan@gmail.com.
GCPC will be participating along with a dozen or more faith families in this years' Habitat for Humanity House of Faith. There will be several ways to help, but for now we are looking for construction volunteers, with no experience required.
The house construction begins on Tuesday, April 26 and we work Tuesday through Saturday until July 1st, with the weeks of June 7-18 off. All days are 8:15 -3:15 except Friday which is 8:15-noon. There will be no more than 8 volunteers on the site and we will be closely supervised by a patient and pleasant professional. Anyone age 16 and up can help.
Information is also available at the Welcome Desk in the narthex.
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MANNA Community Market food and diaper distribution | Tuesday, April 12 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM | Woodfin Community Center | |
Hood Huggers and Peace Gardens Announce their Spring Liberation Celebration Weekend of Events! | | |
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Peace Gardens Annual Spring Plant Sale | Saturday, April 23 | 11 AM - 6 PM | 47 Bryant St.
We will have spring plants and many festivities happening, including a Puppet Show, Live Music, Food, Libations, Community Store, BIPOC Vendors, and some info on the growing initiative, Blue Note Junction!
All proceeds are reinvested into the BIPOC community.
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Rebuilding Affrilachia World Tour Pop-Up Art Show | Sunday, April 24 | 11 AM - 6 PM | 8 River Arts Place
We will be featuring works made from salvaged and repurposed wood and metal and represent DeWayne B-Love Barton's African American heritage and his lifelong work rebuilding communities. This day is special in the story of liberation in Asheville. Live music, refreshments, info on growing initiatives, and more will be part of this one-day-only pop-up.
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Interfaith Initiative - Social Justice Opportunities | | |
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Racism impacts refugees of color in Ukraine -
Reports cite cases of Black and brown people being blocked trying to escape the war
~ by Gail Strange
It’s been a little more than a month since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” to “demilitarize and denazify” Ukraine on the morning of Feb. 24.
Most recently the BBC reported that according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) more than 10 million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine following the Russian invasion.
The journey of escaping the missiles, airstrikes and burning buildings throughout Ukraine has not been easy for anyone. But recent reports have highlighted that it has been especially difficult for people of color.
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The Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman | |
‘Scoot a little closer to the screen’ -
McCormick Theological Seminary students host a robust symposium on the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman
~ by Mike Ferguson
“Scoot a little closer to the screen,” the Rev. Nannette Banks, vice president for Community Engagement and Alumni Relations at McCormick Theological Seminary said to an online crowd Saturday, “and lean into the power of transforming theological education and the life of Howard Thurman. Lean in and enjoy.”
The McCormick Student Council and Board of Deacons hosted Saturday’s three-hour “Thurman Symposium: The Beloved Community Experience.” Dr. Steed Davidson, dean of the faculty, said he was “proud of the daring feat our students have undertaken hosting this symposium.” Watch the forum here.
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The Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis is co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign. (Photo by Rich Copley) | |
‘COVID-19 did not discriminate, but we did’ -
Poor People’s Campaign report maps the intersections of poverty, race and COVID-19
~ by Mike Ferguson
The Poor People’s Campaign, co-chaired by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastor and theologian the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, took to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Monday to release a detailed report connecting information about COVID-19 deaths to demographic characteristics including income, race, health insurance status and more.
“You’ve got to let us wail,” Theoharis said, quoting her “dear sister and leader” in the PPC, Kelly Greer. “Wail for children, elders and siblings who are no more.”
“As we are showing today,” Theoharis said of the report, available here with the executive summary found here, “it is the poor and low-income who have been hurt first and worst and are feeling the greatest loss still.”
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GCPC Staff member, Micah Hayes, also serves as Communications Coordinator for the UNC Asheville Prison Education Program.
Click here to see his latest newsletter and /or subscribe.
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Haywood St. Congregation
PBS stations throughout the country will be broadcasting the documentary on the Haywood Fresco in April and May. Locally, the film will be broadcast on SCETV in Asheville on April 11 at 10pm, WTVI in Charlotte on April 16 at 11pm, and on the WORLD Channel on Easter at 12:30pm (EST). For more air date times and locations, please check your local PBS listings. The film is available to stream until May 1, 2022 at PBS.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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