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Worship Preview | Sunday, September 11, 2022
GCPC Palooza
In-person Service and Youtube
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Sermon:
"Fast and Furious/Slow and Curious"
by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scripture:
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28
Live Stream Worship Service
@ 10:45 AM Sunday
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
| Thursday, September 8 | PART Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Saturday, September 10 | Garden Workday
(Team 2) | 9:00 am | GCPC Community Garden | | Sunday, September 11 | Hybrid Worship
(In-person and online) | 10:45 am @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Sunday, September 11 | GCPC Palooza!!! | 11:45 am - 2:30 pm @ GCPC | | Monday, September 12 | PW Circle 1 Mtg. | 10:00 am | Fellowship Hall | | Monday, September 12 | La Milpa Volunteering | 1:00 pm @ Emma United Methodist | | Tuesday - Thursday | Church Office Open | 10 am - 4 pm | | Tuesday, September 13 | Property Council Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, Sept 14 | Garden Workday
(Team 3) | 9:00 am | GCPC Community Garden | | Wednesday, Sept 14 | Bible Study | 12:00 pm | Atrium
(also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, Sept 14 | Choir Rehearsal Kick-off | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Thursday, Sept 15 | A Journey Through the "Revelation of John" | 6:30 pm | Fellowship Hall & Atrium | | Thursday, Sept 15 | PW Circle 3 Mtg. | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | |
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PART (Power & Race Team) Mtg. | Thursday, September 8 | 6:00 PM | on Zoom
The Power and Race Team will be meeting today, Sept. 8 via zoom. Together, we will delve deeply into the Litany of Repentance that the Rev. Tami Forte-Logan introduced in one of her sermons over the summer. You can read the full litany at this link.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91314445389
Meeting ID: 913 1444 5389 Passcode: 789
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Serve Volunteer Opportunity - Monday, September 12th | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
You are invited to assist our Covenant Partner, Colaborativa La Milpa, with sorting, bagging and giving food from their monthly Manna Food Bank shipment at Emma United Methodist - parking lot - 55 Adams Hills Rd (off Bingham Rd. from Emma Rd.) AVL 28806.
Join us this Monday, September 12th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. They need volunteers! Bring sunscreen, water, a hat! Knowing Spanish is appreciated yet not required.
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Bible Study | Wednesdays | 12:00 PM (note new time) | Atrium and 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/82947867192
Meeting ID: 829 4786 7192 Passcode: 789
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Register Now!
A Journey Through “The Revelation of John”
Thursdays (Sept. 15 - Nov. 17) |
6:30 - 8:30 PM | Fellowship Hall & Atrium
Rev. Dr. Marcia Mount Shoop, Instructor
This course is a deep dive into “The Revelation of John” that will involve a ten week commitment. Each week there will be an optional opportunity to prepare your spirit and mind with centering prayer in the sanctuary at 6:00pm prior to the beginning of class at 6:30pm.
Class participants will carefully read “The Revelation of John” in small amounts for each class and be asked to journal in response to prompts each week as well. We will explore the prophetic edges of this book as well as the liberative message that many miss when the book is mistaken for a prophesy of the future. Childcare will be available.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SYLLABUS
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Kitchen Lost & Found
Some GCPC kitchen fairies, along with YTL staff, have completely cleaned and organized our kitchen. Many thanks for the hard work that took. In the process, they found several items that are missing their homes. Please stop by the coffee bar area in the narthex to see if any of them might be yours.
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Children’s Center Request
We are currently looking for a teacher in our center. If you know of someone who might be interested, please have them contact our Center Director, Jeannie Aiken, at 253-0542 for more information.
Our 5 Star center is financially sound and operates 7:30am-5:30pm. Unlike many centers, we offer a living wage, excellent health insurance, Life and Long Term Disability, and as of this year—an optional SIMPLE IRA plan. It’s a great place to work!
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Deacon of the Week:
The deacons of Grace Covenant are 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 (9/4-9/10): Pat Cheffins | email: patriciacheffins@gmail.com
Next week (9/11-9/17): Ellen Sizemore | email: ellen.sizemore@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
Maria and Esteban Goicoechea (La Mariposa and her husband)
Seth Turnbow (Anne Raustol’s twin brother)
Chip Lambert (GCPC Community member who is hiking the App. Trail)
Trey and Alisha Thompson and 3 kids - Gabi, Arlo, and Eldon (Patty and Brent Thompson's son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren)
Sarah Ralston (Susie Bleckley’s mom)
Bob Higgins
Susan Smialowicz
Doris Prak
Michelle Chromey and family
Bob Schaefer
Frances Johnson
Gloria Moe
Earl Fowler
Robin Gaiser
Daniel Breen
Bill Williamson
Our sympathy and support are extended to Marty Johnson on the death of his father, William Johnson, on Tuesday night. Please keep Marty and the extended family in your prayers.
Our sympathy and support are extended to Mike and Betsy Fleenor following the death of Mike's sister, Deanna Fleenor, on Thursday morning in Atlanta. Please keep Mike, Betsy, and the extended family in your prayers.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the life of Janet Hovis will be held on Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 pm at Grace Covenant in the sanctuary.
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Adult Formation: Faith and Boundaries I Sundays | September 18 -November 20 | 11:00 AM I Fellowship Hall and Zoom
Does life feel like it's out of control? Perhaps you feel like you have to say yes to everyone's requests. Maybe you find yourself readily taking responsibility for others' feelings and problems. Or perhaps you focus so much on being loving and unselfish that you've forgotten your own limits and limitations. Or maybe it's all of the above. This fall, we will be exploring a faith based approach to boundaries, a vital tool for all communities and relationships searching for ways to create space for love, compassion, and and justice.
Facilitators: Margaret Tierney, Paul Rogers, Libby Kyles, Marta Alcalá, Patty Thompson, and Dean Presson
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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: Third Thursday of each month (some Zoom and some in-person), 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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On August 31, Team 3 had 13 volunteers that harvested 2.4 lbs. of basil, 18 lbs. of beans, 1.1 lbs. of eggplant, 3 lbs. of okra, 32 lbs. of bell peppers, 4 lbs. of snacking peppers, 4 lbs. of hot peppers, 7 lbs. of summer squash, and 134 lbs. of tomatoes that was shared with the YWCA.
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On September 3, Team 4 had 11 volunteers and harvested 3 lbs. of basil, 6 lbs. of beans, 8 lbs. of snacking peppers, 4 lbs. of hot peppers. 4 lbs. of summer squash, and 124 lbs. of tomatoes that was shared with Loving Food Resources. | |
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Where Your Giving Goes | Part 1
Ever wonder what the "General Fund" means? When you give, whether pledged or unpledged, and that gift isn't designated for a specific purpose (think "Reparations Fund"), it goes into the General Fund. That is the main source of income for a church and is what makes it possible for us to cover the budgeted (and sometimes surprise!) expenses. This includes some of the regular business day-to-day stuff like utility bills, building and lawn maintenance, office/kitchen/building supplies, computer software and tech support, internet service, insurance, payroll, etc. But there is so much more than that in the life and budget of a church!
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When you give, you support events like Wisdom in the Woods, Sisters at the Sea, Family Faith Time, 20s/30s Group gatherings, Montreat, Massanetta, JOY Group outings, fellowship groups and much more.
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When you give, you support programs for children, youth, and adults, including formation and education, bible study, cherub and chancel choir, Deacons, Sunday fellowship, book studies, and beyond.
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When you give, you support teams at GCPC connecting with the community like Just Funding, Winter Shelter Team, Veterans Restoration Quarters, SERVE, Circle of Welcome, PART, Earth Team, Guatemala Committee, and Creating Sanctuary Team.
Thank you, Grace Covenant, for the many ways you support these ministries with your love, time and energy, and faithful generosity.
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Community Working Together | |
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EMERGENCY NEEDS!
We currently have emergency needs for provisions at JAMS (Jubilee Alternative Micro-Shelter) and would appreciate your support as we supply items for the freezer and pantry as well as paper goods, cleaning supplies and toiletries. We will deliver items to JAMS on Sunday, September 11. For more information and to contribute to this urgent need, please contact Tish Anderson immediately at 19ppanc40@gmail.com or at 828-712-0929.
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The “Jubilee Alternative Micro Shelter” also needs volunteers. Volunteer at Jubilee! on Patton Ave. for the 5:15-8:30pm “intake” shift or come for the 8pm-9:30am “overnight” shift.
Opening the shelter consists of arriving and unlocking the door, turning on the lights, and making sure the area is tidy. The residents generally arrive between 5:30-6:30 pm. You greet them, take temps, and have them sign in at the main lobby entrance. They will settle themselves into their sleeping space and basically feel at home doing what they wish. There are books, tv, etc. They do not leave the shelter after arriving until the next morning. Some evenings, pans of food from other organizations arrive to share. It is not uncommon to have folks knock at the door hoping to spend the night, but there are procedures in place that JAMS has established. Each resident has been referred and interviewed.
Staying overnight is different from other ‘overnights’ in that the volunteer host does not need to be awake all night. Lights are out at 8:30pm. Most of the women go to bed then; others may stay awake quietly in the community room. Conversations are rich. You will learn about life ‘on the streets’ and see that Asheville is not the touristy, ‘Beer’ City for everyone. The volunteer host sleeps in the ’volunteer’ room and wakes everyone up at 8am. The women are responsible for preparing their meals, keeping their area clean, doing their ‘chores’, and leaving by 9:30am.
New volunteers will be oriented and will follow a veteran volunteer. To learn more and to help out, call: Pat Cheffins at (585) 766-1782. This shelter will be open until November.
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Writing Out of Pain: Four Memoirs by WNC Authors
Lecture and Book Discussion Series @ West Asheville Public Library
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Story Medicine Worldwide presents.... Listening To Your Body | Saturday, September 24 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM | on Zoom
Details and registration information for both offerings are available on the website: https://www.storymedicineworldwide.com
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Working Wheels - Calling All Cars!
"We probably don't have to tell you that the car market has been pretty wacky lately. Covid interruptions, supply chain issues, and microchip shortages have combined to create a very tight market across the world, and we're feeling it right here at home. Meanwhile, costs of car ownership are up, and our waiting list for refurbished cars is longer than ever.
We are working hard to spread the word about the need for donated cars, and you can help! Please tell a friend about donating a car to Working Wheels or share about us on social media. We make vehicle donation easy with free title notarization and free towing, and we keep it local--donated cars directly help working families right here in Western North Carolina. As always, we take cars in any condition--all are useful to the mission!"
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Pisgah Legal presents... 12th Annual Justice Forum | Tuesday, October 11 | 7:00 PM | Wortham Center (or online) | |
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We hope to see you at our 12th Annual Justice Forum. This year, we are excited to return to an in-person Justice Forum, with an option for live-streaming for those that prefer to join us virtually.
Sign Up Today
The Forum is free to attend (in-person or via live-stream) thanks to our generous sponsors. Registration is required.
$50+ – Tickets for Attending the
Pre-event Reception
You can buy reception tickets and register for the Forum (both in-person and virtually) on the Wortham Center’s website here.
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Interfaith Initiative -
Social Justice Opportunities
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Buncombe County Remembrance Project |
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Dr. Azza Karam, secretary general of the organization Religions for Peace, addresses the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. (Photo by Sean Hawkey of the WCC) | |
‘I believe very firmly as a Muslim that Christ’s love was meant for me too’ -
Dr. Azza Karam, formerly of the United Nations, tells the World Council of Churches it’s time to ‘act as believers’
~ by Mike Ferguson
During each of her nearly 20 years working for the United Nations, Dr. Azza Karam, now secretary general for the organization Religions for Peace, would take in “the awe-inspiring moment” along with prime ministers and presidents as the UN General Assembly got underway each year.
“To be very honest with you,” Karam told the World Council of Churches last week, “this [11th] Assembly and this room is far more inspiring and far more meaningful.”
Nearly two dozen representatives of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are among those attending the WCC Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Assembly concludes Sept. 8.
“I wish to make a plea,” she said, “and if I hadn’t been so short, I would get on my knees as I make my plea. … The pleas is this: Christ’s love wasn’t mean only for people of the Christian faith. If Christ’s love is meant for all of humanity, what would that mean practically for each of us in this room? I believe very firmly as a Muslim that Christ’s love was meant for me too.”
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Photo by Fredrik Soli Wandem via Unsplash | |
For reindeer, climate change is no game -
World Council of Churches delegates discuss the urgency of turning down global temperatures
~ Mike Ferguson
Those gathered in Karlsruhe, Germany, for the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches focused on caring for Creation Thursday during a press conference that featured panelists hailing from places as far-flung as the Arctic Circle and the Caribbean.
Watch the press conference here. Learn more about the WCC’s 11th Assembly, which ends Sept. 8, by going here.
Speaking to journalists gathered both in person and online were:
Sept. 1, Kennedy noted, marks the launch of the Season of Creation, which draws to a close on Oct. 4. Kennedy is focusing on intergenerational justice, because “climate change affects most particularly those who are young and those who are not yet born. As a grandmother, I feel responsible to ensure we change our way of living on this planet so we can have a survivable future, and Indigenous perspectives are crucial.”
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
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The church office is open Tuesday - Thursday, 10am - 4pm.
We recommend calling ahead or emailing to set up an appointment if you are wanting to meet with a specific staff member. Please note, many staff are off or work remotely on Monday and the office is not open on Friday.
Coming to visit? We have a new video doorbell to assist with security. To access the building or office, please enter through the far left glass doors off the courtyard (labeled Enter). Ring the doorbell to have the door unlocked. The GCPC office is down the hall to the right, just past the Sanctuary.
You can also reach our office by phone at 828.254.3274. Follow the prompts for the staff directory to dial by name or press 0 for the main office.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
828.254.3274
www.gcpcusa.org
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