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#GCPCathome (and in the sanctuary!) | |
Worship Preview | Sunday, May 1, 2022
Third Sunday of Easter
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Sacrament of Baptism
Sanctuary and Youtube
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Sermon:
"Going Where You Do Not Wish To Go"
by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scripture:
John 21:1-19
Live Stream Worship Service
@ 10:45 AM Sunday
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
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Reservations are no longer required for childcare on Sundays at Grace Covenant!
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.
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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| Sunday, May 1 | Hybrid Adult Education | 9:00 am in Fellowship Hall (also on Zoom) | | Sunday, May 1 | Kid's Zoom Adventure | 10:15 am on Zoom | | Sunday, May 1 | Hybrid Worship
(In-person and online) | 10:45 am @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Sunday, May 1 | Cancer Support Group Mtg. | 12:00 pm @ GCPC
(also on Zoom) | | Sunday, May 1 | Confirmation | 3:30 pm in Atrium | | Monday, May 2 | PW Circle 5 Mtg. | 11:00 am on Zoom | | Monday, May 2 | Spring Memoir Series Discussion | 6:00 pm in Fellowship Hall (also on Zoom) | | Tuesday, May 3 | Church Office Open! | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | | Tuesday, May 3 | VRQ Cook Team | 4:30 pm or 5:30 pm @ Veterans Restoration Quarters | | Tuesday, May 3 | Guatemala Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tueseday, May 3 | Worship Council | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, May 3 | PW Circle 2 Mtg. | 7:30 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, May 4 | Bible Study | 10:00 am @ GCPC
(also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, May 4 | Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group | 11:00 am in Fellowship Hall (also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, May 4 | Choir Rehearsal Pod | 7:00 pm @ GCPC | | Thursday, May 5 | PW Circle 4 Mtg. | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | |
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Adult Education | Presbyterianism 102: Going Deeper into Presbyterian Belief and Practice I Sundays | April 24 - May 22 I 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Fellowship Hall and Zoom
To be Presbyterian is to join a way of life informed by a particular rhythm: God calls us in grace and love; we respond in gratitude. This 5 week course will explore the many ways that Presbyterians can understand this rhythm in our lives today. No prior understanding of Presbyterianism is needed! Come and let's explore together! Facilitators: Richard Coble, Matt Wiedle, Janice Kominski
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84169676300
Meeting ID: 841 6967 6300 Passcode: 789
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Cancer Support Group Meeting | Sunday, May 1 | 12:00 PM |Jerusalem Room or on Zoom
GCPC is starting a cancer ministry in our community in partnership with new member, Anne Turnage. Anne has helped start a ministry with cancer survivors and thrivers in many faith communities as her family has lived in several places. You can check out the wonderful community she helped form in Houston at this LINK. You can find more about Anne's story on that same webpage HERE.
We are still just in the very beginning stages of imagining what might be most helpful to the members of our community. If you have ever been diagnosed with cancer and would like to be a part of this new ministry, please join us after church on May 1 in the Jerusalem room or by zoom as we imagine how we might support and minister to one another and our community!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83592338790
Meeting ID: 835 9233 8790 Passcode: 789
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Confirmation | Sunday, May 1 | 3:30 PM | Atrium
Please bring your Confirmation binder, journal, a water bottle and a mask.
Amy Kim will lead us in exploring questions about seeking justice.
🍧🧁🥨 Marcia will be bringing each person's favorite food as a reward for winning Presbyterian Trivia at the retreat! If you have not already, please tell us your favorite food here ASAP! 🍕🍩🍫
Contact Amy Kim at amykim@gcpcusa.org or 801.815.4854 with any questions or if you will not be able to join us.
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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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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
VRQ—BBQ Cook Team | Tuesday, May 3 | 4:30 PM to cook or 5:30 PM to work the serving line | Veterans Restoration Quarters
On the first Tuesday of each month a team from GCPC gathers at VRQ, 1329 Tunnel Road, to grill hamburgers, prepare and serve supper for the veterans housed there. The VRQ is continuing to require masks.
If you can help please contact Bill Neeriemer, bill.nmer@gmail.com.
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Hybrid Lectionary Bible Study | Wednesday, May 4 | 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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GCPC Prez Beez Softball
The GCPC softball team, The Prez Beez, are in need of players! Our league is open to anyone ages 18 to 100. We have a lot of fun and are competitive. We need folks that can play on Tuesday evenings. If you are interested please contact Terrence Greene (828-273-1256) or Bill McNeff (828-458-7737). Season runs until mid June.
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Sunday Flowers for the Sanctuary!
The 2022 Flower Chart is now available! Please consider signing up to give flowers one Sunday. GCPC will place the order each week. Click on the button below to access the calendar and check which dates are available.
After signing up, email Anna Louise (annalouise@gcpcusa.org) your dedication for the bulletin or include it in the comment section in the sign-up.
Please mail your $75 check, payable to GCPC (with Flowers in the Memo line) to 789 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804
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The Children’s Center at Gracelyn
The Children’s Center is a non-profit, non-sectarian childcare center located in the education wing of GCPC since the early 70s. We are thriving in spite of COVID while many centers have had to close doors due to finances.
At this time we are looking for a new Board member for an At-Large position representing the community (a non-church member and non-parent in our childcare program.) More information and an application can be found on our website www.childrenscenteratgracelyn.com under the link Board of Directors.
If you know of someone who might be interested, please direct them to the website or pass their name to Connie Jones, Board Chair (conjones@charter.net) or to Amy Kim (amykim@gcpcusa.org).
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Bountiful Cities
If you are not yet familiar with GCPC’s Covenant Partner Bountiful Cities, it is an urban agriculture non-profit that was founded in 2000. They partner with community groups, focusing on dialogue, trust and community needs, to create urban agricultural spaces. Their partnerships emphasize social justice, access to education, sustainability and economic viability, and they share their agricultural skills and resources to promote social justice and economic viability. They recently used grant funds to help with food distribution at community gardens. Their grant funds paid for new harvest/storage crates at the GCPC garden which they will use to distribute food to their partners. To learn more, go to https://www.bountifulcities.org.
Here are some fun ways to support this AMAZING organization:
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Bountiful Cities Windfall Collective Nursery will be selling at Asheville Herb Fest April 29th - May 1st. We will have a wide selection of edible, medicinal, native and pollinator plants. If you can't make it out to Herb Fest we have plants available to the community throughout the season. Feel free to reach out to Lynx at lynx@bountifulcities.org with any questions or direct requests.
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The Lucy S Herring Elementary Peace Garden will have a plant sale to support FEAST programming on May 5th, 8-4pm. After the sale concludes, we will continue to sell any remaining homegrown herb and veggie starts through self-service and honor system payment. All proceeds go directly to the school garden, which is managed in partnership with Bountiful Cities. Visit the Facebook Event for more information.
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Finally, looking to the summer on Saturday, July 30, the Urban Garden Tour is a fantastic event! The Urban Garden Tour and Tasting is FREE event open to everyone! Seven local food producing gardens will open their gates for visitors, educational activities and tours. There is no cost to visit the gardens. Local chefs will be preparing small bites for sampling and local (nonalcoholic) drinks will be available. Find out more and register below to join the tour and to purchase food and beverage tickets. To sample at every garden tickets are $25 in advance. You will receive a punch card at the first garden site you go to.
Register for Urban Garden Tour with Bountiful Cities
~ Contributed by GCPC and Serve Member, Chris Callaway
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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 (4/24-4/30): Cathy Froehlich | email: oremont2@gmail.com
Next week (5/1-45/7): Debbie Welch | email: DeborahLynnWelch@aol.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)
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)
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)
Diane Jones (Marta Alcala-Williams' friend)
Waylon Hennessee (Kathy Jacob's grandson)
Joseph Tierney (Paul Tierney’s father)
Don Weddell (Robin and Gordon Gaiser’s friend)
Donna Krueger (Robin and Gordon Gaiser’s friend)
Brittney Connoley (Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks' cousin)
Margarita del Carmen Leiva Nuñez (Marta Alcala-Williams' friend)
Rachel Morgan (Anna Louise Murchison's friend)
Hans and Loidaly awaiting the arrival of their first child
Bob Higgins
Susan Smialowicz
Doris Prak
Michelle Chromey and family
Sherrie McCleary-Small
Bob Schaefer
Jacob Reed
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Racial Justice Book Series | May 26 | 7:30 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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Wednesday's Garden Team 3 started strong with 12 volunteers this week! They harvested 1 lb. of kale and 6 lbs. of spinach that was donated to the YWCA. They also weeded several beds and spread compost much to the happiness of the garden plants.
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On Wednesday afternoon, eight YTL youth volunteers planted perennial flowers and herbs in the new beds by the main garden and weeded and watered the world garden.
So much gratitude for all our amazing volunteers!
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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. Please drop off your rocks by May 1st in the black bin labeled "GARDEN ROCKS" in the GCPC courtyard or down by the compost bins at the Community Garden near McDonald's parking lot.
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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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Raise A Home Auction | Saturday, April 30 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM | AB Tech Mission Health Event Center (16 Fernihurst Dr., AVL 28801)
BeLoved Asheville’s Raise a Home Auction will feature both a live and a silent auction to support the BeLoved Village. With 75% funding in place for this $1.2 million project, you can help complete the Village project by attending the RAH Auction on Saturday, April 30th!
Reserve your ticket and help us reach our goal! Construction will be in full swing late spring/early summer. Join us for a night of community and celebration and help us Raise A Home in the BeLoved Village! See all the details and your invitation below.
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Habitat for Humanity News!
GCPC is participating along with a dozen or more faith families in this years' Habitat for Humanity House of Faith. June volunteer dates are still available on the calendar! If you are interested, please contact Bill Ryan at bill73ryan@gmail.com. More information is also available at the Welcome Desk in the narthex.
*Tune in next week to find out more about the future homeowners of this year's House of Faith.
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Another way to support the Habitat house is to send a donation directly to: Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, 33 Meadow Road, Asheville, NC 28803.
Or call 828-251-4702 for a way to give electronically. Please mention that the money is toward this year's House of Faith and is connected with GCPC.
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May Day Rally | Sunday, May 1st | organized by WNC Workers Assembly (convened by our friends at Just Economics)
It will be taking place at Pritchard Park at 2PM. This event is open to everyone.
May Day is otherwise known as International Workers Day and is an opportunity to lift up, celebrate and engage people in local worker-led movements.
This rally will feature music by Brass Your Heart, speakers from worker-led movements fighting for better wages and working conditions, street theater about the history of May Day, and the launch of Asheville Food and Beverage United.
For more information about May Day and the schedule, check out the Facebook page for this event.
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Equity Immersion Travel Experience | June 16-20, 2022
Intentionally scheduled over the Juneteenth weekend to center the liberation of Black people in this country and its impact on liberation for all of us if liberation is what we choose. This will be a good opportunity for people looking to develop or even deepen their racial equity analysis. It will be a four-day experiential workshop with an intimate group of no more than 20 participants. From Atlanta to Montgomery to Selma, Birmingham and back to Atlanta, we’ll explore the history of racial inequality and connect the dots not just to today, but also to our own lives… however we identify racially. This uniquely American story belongs to all of us and, of course, all of us can have a role in affecting change.
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Amplifying voices we don’t often hear from -
PDA’s David Barnhart employs a deliberate and inclusive approach to make films Presbyterians and others flock to see
~ by Mike Ferguson
Filmmaker David Barnhart (Photo by Rich Copley)
Producing a film that makes a difference starts with relationships and gets to the big screen by talking with and listening to people whose voices aren’t often heard.
Acclaimed filmmaker David Barnhart, associate for Story Ministry with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, was the guest last week on A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast, hosted each week by the Rev. Lee Catoe, managing editor of Unbound: An Interactive Journal of Christian Social Justice, and Simon Doong, mission specialist for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Listen to their conversation here.
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The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III | |
Untie that colonized colt. Loose that disenfranchised donkey -
The Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III gets Ecumenical Advocacy Days off to a rousing start
~ by Mike Ferguson
Ecumenical Advocacy Days roared from 0 to 60 Monday in the short span of a sermon preached by one of the nation’s most gifted preachers, the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
EAD, a movement of the ecumenical Christian community — the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) among them — uses worship, theological reflection and opportunities for learning and witness to “strengthen our Christian voice and mobilize for advocacy on a wide variety of U.S. domestic and international policy issues,” according to the EAD website.
Moss used Luke 19:28-40 as his preaching text. That’s the same text many preachers used for their Palm Sunday sermon. Watch Moss’ sermon here.
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Photo by Karl Fredrickson via Unsplash | |
Concern over sea levels is on the rise -
Presbyterians for Earth Care turns to NOAA oceanographer to learn about the risks for 30% of the US population
~ by Mike Ferguson
Nearly three in 10 residents of the United States live in coastal counties, according to U.S. Census data — 41 million along the Atlantic Ocean and another 32 million up against the Pacific Ocean.
It’s probably not news to most ocean-adjacent residents that sea levels are rising, owing to a number of contributing factors — not the least of which is climate change. Last week, Presbyterians for Earth Care explored the science behind rising sea levels as well as the likely consequences through a webinar featuring Dr. William Sweet, an oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — who grew up Presbyterian. Watch the 75-minute webinar here.
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GCPC Member and Deacon, Debbie Welch, is honored as “Big of the Year” with our local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. | |
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Green Money: Nature Makes Good Business Sense | June 2-3, 2022
Click here to see the pdf flyer version with active registration links.
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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 video.
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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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