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Congregational Meeting | Sunday, January 30
The Session is calling a congregational meeting for 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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Epiphany stars: There is a tradition of receiving a star word to guide your year. Last year many of you requested a star and we would like to do this again this year.
If you would like a star randomly chosen and sent to you please email amykim@gcpcusa.org and she will send one to you in the mail.
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Worship Preview | Sunday, January 16, 2022
ONLINE ONLY Service
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Sermon:
"Committed"
by Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks
Scripture:
Psalm 36:5-12
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
| Thursday, January 13 | PART (Power & Race Team) Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Saturday, January 15 | Youth MLK Service Day | 9:00 am @ GCPC | | Sunday, January 16 | Adult Education | 9:00 am on Zoom | | Sunday, January 16 | Kid's Zoom Adventure | 10:15 am on Zoom | | Sunday, January 16 | Livestream Worship
(ONLINE ONLY) | 10:45 am on Youtube | | Sunday, January 16 | Deacons Mtg. | 12:30 pm on Zoom | | Monday, January 17 | MLK Jr. Day | OFFICE CLOSED | | Tuesday, January 18 | CHURCH OFFICE OPEN! | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | | Tuesday, January 18 | Finance Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, January 18 | Serve Mtg. | 6:30 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, January 19 | Bible Study | 10:00 am on Zoom | | Wednesday, January 19 | MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) Group | 11:00 am on Zoom | | Wednesday, January 19 | Just Funding Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, January 19 | Choir Chat | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | Thursday, January 20 | Men of GCPC | 8:30 am on Zoom | | Thursday, January 20 | Earth Team Mtg. | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | |
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PART (Power and Race Team) Meeting | TONIGHT, Thursday, January 13 | 6:00 PM | via Zoom
Join us to explore how the characteristics of white supremacy culture are showing up in our culture, in our community, and in ourselves. We will focus on the characteristic of fear as we mark one year since the January 6 insurrection at the US Capital.
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Winter Adult Education: The Difficult Words of Jesus | Sundays | 9:00 - 10:00 AM | January 16 - February 27 | via Zoom
"Jesus provided his disciples teachings for how to follow Torah, God's word; he told them parables to help them discern questions of ethics and of human nature; he offered them beatitudes for comfort and encouragement. But sometimes Jesus spoke words that followers then and now have found troubling."
Using a DVD series from NT scholar Amy-Jill Levine, we will explore the meaning and implications of these difficult texts together. Topics include Jesus's commandments to sell all you own, hate father and mother, be a slave to all, and other texts that have been used to justify anti-semitic, racist, and sexist violence through the ages.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82353845672
Meeting ID: 823 5384 5672 Passcode: 789
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GCPC Kids Zoom Adventure | Sundays | 10:15 AM | via Zoom
You will receive an email on Friday with the zoom information.
Email Cat Kessler (ckessler@gcpcsua.org) if you would like to be added to the list.
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Lectionary Bible Study | Wednesday, January 19 | 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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Pledges are how we fund the 2022 Budget, which we are unable to set until we get closer to hitting our goal, which is why the chart above is so important to keep track of. Pledged offerings are the most reliable revenue source for a church and are the main determining factor of what programming, grant, and other operating expenses we can commit to in the coming year. Without pledges, we have to guess what might hopefully come in during the year, which is not a stable financial position.
If you haven't already done so, please prayerfully consider pledging today to help us start 2022 with a funded and sustainable budget. Every single penny pledged helps us support the ministry and mission of the coming year.
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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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~REMIXED~
Sisters at the Sea ... in the Mountains!
Saturday, February 5, 2022
8:30 AM - 8:30 PM | @ GCPC | $25
“Shift Happens”
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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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 (1/9-1/15): Mike McCauley | email: mikemccauley28@gmail.com
Next week (1/16-1/22): Pam Baker | email: pam.dunkin56@gmail.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)
Seminarians
Bob Higgins
Susan Smialowicz
Laura Ross
Bill Williamson
Doris Prak
The Seddon Family
Barry Sharpe
Sharon
Michelle Chromey and family
Marilyn Roderick
Marty Dean
Joe Brumit
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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. One copy of each book can be found in the church library. Please pre-read the book to ensure lively discussion.
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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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Click here to read the 2021 GCPC Garden Impact Report to Volunteers.
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Community Working Together | |
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ᏣᎳᎩ: Wherever We Are - Cherokee Removal Edition | Saturday, January 15 | 1:00 PM ET | Online
This event will provide the Cherokee perspective on one of the darkest parts of their history: the Removal, known to this day as the Trail of Tears. They will be discussing the human and cultural toll exacted, and their amazing resilience and recovery.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Hood Huggers International, Riverlink, Asheville Parks & Recreation, Asheville Creative Arts, Energy Savers Network, and Burton Street Community Association are joining on this day of service to facilitate engagement in community betterment projects in the Burton Street neighborhood and Asheville on January 17, 2022. We’ve identified projects of need in the neighborhood intended to support unity and sustainability within the community.
Join us on this day for community building and connection! Food and refreshments and good company will be provided.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
East End/Valley Street is the oldest and most historically significant African-American neighborhood in Asheville. Once the center of African-American life in Asheville, the neighborhood was connected to The Block (Eagle, Market Streets) and Valley Street (now South Charlotte), which was the heart of the neighborhood.
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Photo by Angela Wilhelm, Citizen Times | |
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The Block — home of the historic YMI Cultural Center, a pharmacy, law offices, other businesses and recreation — was once a draw for African-Americans from the entire region where renowned celebrities and musicians from across the country performed.
In past years, the East End/Valley Street neighborhood association and Asheville GreenWorks have partnered for a cleanup of the neighborhood ahead of the Peace March and Rally. This year, in light of rising COVID case numbers and the continuing challenges of the pandemic, there will be no service projects on January 17th.
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"In Memory of Bernadette Thompson" | |
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Please consider donating non-perishable food and household items to the East End Food Pantry in honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Items that are in high demand include pop-top canned goods such as fruit, meats, and vegetables, as well as cereal, water, juice, and personal care products like toothbrushes, soap, plastic utensils, hand sanitizer, diapers, etc.
The pantry can be found on Martin Luther King Jr. Street near the St. James AME Church. Contact EastEndValleyStreet@gmail.com for more information.
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The 1968 Kerner Commission Report - JUSTICE DELAYED: The Unmet Promise | Wednesday, January 26 | 3:00 PM | Online
Schott kicks off its 30 anniversary year with a thought-provoking look at the Kerner Commission’s dramatic 1968 report calling out systemic racism — boldly stating it was not a lack of solutions that distances our nation from justice, but the lack of public will to implement them.
More than fifty years later, the report's warning, "Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal," should remind us of our country's still-unfulfilled promises and spur us to take action today.
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BECOME A DEFENSA COMUNITARIA VOLUNTEER
GCPC Covenant Partner "CIMA" invites you to join them in supporting community members whose lives and safety are at risk. What volunteer activities interest you? Accompaniment, Temporary Housing, Rides, Sponsorship, Food Distribution, Actions, Event Support?
Interested? Fill out the form here.
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Interfaith Initiative - Social Justice Opportunities
CLICK HERE to read the January 9th, 2022 newsletter that outlines news and opportunities for action.
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Hard 2 Recycle on January 15th CANCELED! | |
In light of current Covid numbers, they have made the hard decision to cancel the January 15th Hard 2 Recycle event. The health and safety of their volunteers, staff, and community continue to be their top priority as they navigate these challenging times.
Here are some resources for you to recycle those items you've been holding on to.
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Workshop to explore food sovereignty and climate justice -
Jan. 18 webinar designed to promote activism
~ by Darla Carter
Registration has begun for an interactive workshop that will explore the connections between food sovereignty and climate justice and encourage participants to take action.
The Jan. 18 webinar, hosted by the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) and Presbyterians for Earth Care, is designed to spur activism that goes beyond simply advocating for replacing fossil fuel with renewable energy.
“Climate activism narrowly focused on electrifying our economy and reducing emissions, even if successful in those areas, still leads to ruin. On the other hand, by integrating climate justice and food sovereignty into our climate work, we have the potential to change the playing field itself,” said Andrew Kang Bartlett, National Associate for PHP. “This approach can create pathways that circumvent and restructure the systems that created the crises we face. As Audre Lorde famously said, ‘For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us to temporarily beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change.’”
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Young adults impress leaders at 2022 College Conference at Montreat -
Leaders say they’re ‘blown away’ by the depth of spiritual and theological conversations
~ by Paul Seebeck
Following the just-completed 2022 College Conference at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina, Anisha Hackney said she learned as much, if not more, than the young adults attending her “Minding the Gap: Living and Working with Different Cultures” workshop.
“They are asking provocative questions and want to have tough, critical conversations,” Hackney said. “Those of us who are older need to remember that we were once their age, with questions and ideas that needed to be tested and challenged, but also welcomed and embraced.”
Hackney, a manager in Human Resources at the Presbyterian Mission Agency, said she had a great week making connections with young adults to better understand what their career interests are. Human Resources plans to do more targeted recruitment outreach to young adults, Hackney said. During conversations in her workshop, she was amazed at thoughts and ideas young people have about the PC(USA)’s Matthew 25 invitation.
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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 Marin Tel. Commuter rates are available.
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Year End Pledge Balance Check
2021 is completed, but your pledge may not be yet! Want to make sure you've fulfilled your 2021 pledge? The best way to check your pledge balance is to log into Realm on your smartphone or computer and click Giving. You'll see your 2021 and 2022 pledges listed on the right hand side with the total pledge, amounts applied, and remaining balance. You can also manage your payment methods, set up scheduled recurring online gifts, and see your giving history on this page.
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Mobile View
Year end statements for tax purposes will be issued via email in late January once the month has been closed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at nweaver@gcpcusa.org or 828.254.3274.
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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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