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This Week at GCPC!

Pics of the week . . .

Wisdom in the Woods - Lake Logan

#GCPCinthesanctuary

Worship Preview | Sunday, September 25, 2022

In-person Service and Youtube

Sermon:

"Before the Work Has Even Begun" by Richard Coble


Scripture:

Luke 16:19-31


Live Stream Worship Service

@ 9:30 AM Sunday


*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here.

Thursday, Sept 22

A Journey Through the "Revelation of John"

6:30 pm | Fellowship Hall/Atrium

Friday, Sept 23

Winter Shelter Support Team Mtg.

11:00 am on Zoom

Saturday, September 24

Garden Workday

(Team 2)

9:00 am | GCPC Community Garden

Saturday, September 24

Children’s Leader/Storyteller training/orientation

9:00 - 11:00 am |  Sanctuary and Wondering Rooms

Saturday, September 24

Pride Procession



Blue Ridge Pride Festival

Arrive b/w 9-9:30 am

23 Grove St.



11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Sunday, September 25

Hybrid Worship

(In-person and online)

*9:30 am @ GCPC

(also on Youtube)

*NOTE NEW TIME

Sunday, September 25

FellowshipTime

11:45 am | Narthex

Sunday, September 25

Formation for All Ages

11:00 am

*please see details below

Sunday, September 25

Memorial Service for Janet Hovis

2:00 pm | Sanctuary 

(also on Youtube)

Sunday, September 25

ALL Youth Group

4:30 pm | Youth Room 

Sunday, September 25

Guatemala Comm. Mtg.

7:00 pm on Zoom

Tuesday - Thursday

Church Office Open

10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday, September 27

Session Mtg.

6:00 pm on Zoom

Wednesday, Sept 28

Garden Workday

(Team 3)

9:00 am | GCPC Community Garden

Wednesday, Sept 28

Bible Study

12:00 pm | Jerusalem Room (also on Zoom)

Wednesday, Sept 21

Choir Rehearsal

7:00 pm | Sanctuary

Blue Ridge Pride Festival | Saturday, September 24 | 11 AM - 7 PM | Pack Square

GCPC will once again participate in the Blue Ridge Pride Festival after a pandemic hiatus. We have a tent and table to represent GCPC and will be handing out goodies and showing our support. Please stop by and say hi! The GCPC table will be located on the College Street side close to the stage and the main lawn.


There is also the annual WNC Welcoming Procession on Saturday morning and GCPC will have a group walking in that. You can meet up with us between 9 and 9:30am at 23 Grove Street if you would like to walk with us. 

Children's Formation (K-5th Grade) | Sundays | 11:00 AM | Sanctuary

The children will begin in the Sanctuary with prayer, music and storytelling. At 11:25 am they will travel to their "wondering rooms" (second floor of Education Wing) to finish their Godly Play lesson. Pick up is at noon and children are invited to take a snack home.

Youth Formation (Middle/High School) | Sundays | 11:00 AM | Youth Room

After worship service starting at 11 a.m. Middle and High Schoolers will meet together in the new youth room. We will provide breakfast-like snacks and will be learning about Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints. We are excited to explore this time together!

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


Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86748147293


Meeting ID: 867 4814 7293    Passcode: 789

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

Important Announcements

POSITIVITPOSTCARDS


If you haven't already at Palooza (or just want more of that goodness), please take a moment to grab a pre-stamped Positivity Postcard. You can write your name and address and leave it there for a secret GCPC penpal swap (leave your card and take one already there) or take one to go and spread some goodness in the mail to someone else in your life. 


Please be sure to mail all postcards this Sunday, 9/25. 

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 Communion Kitchen to see if any of them might be yours.

Serve Spotlight...

Covenant Partner: WNC WC


Have you ever wondered what in the world the acronym “WNC WC” stands for? I bet most of you can guess that “WNC” stands for Western North Carolina and you would be right! But what about “WC”? Well, that stands for Workers’ Center. And now you know!


The Western North Carolina Workers’ Center was established 20 years ago in 2002. Throughout the years they have had a simple vision: “achieving worker justice for all.”  The organization is active in Morganton (poultry processing), Buncombe/Henderson Counties (hospitality, construction), and Franklin (hospitality, construction). Immigrant workers without status face many challenges: anti-immigrant policies, lack of favorable job options, wage theft, unsafe working conditions, racial discrimination, gender inequality, and sexual aggression.


Co-directors Magaly Urdiales and Hunter Ogletree and their associates work to empower immigrants. First, they create relationships - until there is trust, nothing can be done. Then they organize local worker leadership circles. The circles invite workers to meetings where they identify and investigate their most pressing problems. The worker communities plan and lead direct actions to promote positive systemic change grounded in worker and civil rights. The challenge for these workers is to overcome fear so they can stand up and speak out! Challenging one’s employer is risky, but workers have rights. (The NC Dept. of Labor is responsible for protecting ALL NC workers regardless of immigration status.) In 2021, WNC WC and its Worker Circle Leadership Committees received the Worker Leadership Award from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH). The award celebrates the leadership, grassroots activism, and commitment of worker leaders to building safe and healthy workplaces. Way to go, WNC WC!!


How can you support? The “Women Fighting for Justice'' Conference in early November will focus on aggression and violence in the workplace and training worker leaders. The aim is to get employers to develop policies against sexual harassment. Pre- and post-conference sessions (virtual) will focus on training and building relationships on a one-to-one basis.


Although the conference will be virtual, many of these attendees have children that will need to be occupied and safe. Grace Covenant will be collecting age-appropriate items for the children to be distributed before the Conference such as coloring books, crayons, puzzles and games in a box labeled “WNCWC Donations” to be located in the Narthex through Sunday, October 30. 

 

Thank you very much for your support of this award-winning organization!


More information at https://wncworkerscenter.org/. Excellent video at https://www.facebook.com/wncworkerscenter (In Spanish with English subtitles).



~ Submitted by WNC WC contacts at GCPC: Denise Lockett (denisealockett@gmail.com), Lynne Meacham (larkm99@gmail.com) and Chris Callaway (christinecallaway4@gmail.com)




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 (9/18-9/24): Skip Stansell | email: skipstansell1@gmail.com

Next week (9/25-10/1): Paul Tierney  | email: paul@tierneyandco.net 

Prayer List

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)

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)

Family of Keith Baker (Bryant Smith’s nephew)

Family of Evelyn Bradshaw (Richard Coble's aunt)

Jason Talley (friend of the Wiesner family)

Bob Higgins

Susan Smialowicz

Doris Prak

Michelle Chromey and family

Gloria Moe

Earl Fowler

Robin Gaiser

Daniel Breen

Bill Williamson


A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of

Janet Hovis will take place this Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 pm in the sanctuary. The service will also be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCbikgnQd1E.


Our sympathy and support are extended to Greg Harwell and family, following the death of his father and long-time GCPC member, James Harwell, on September 22. We will keep you informed of the service as details become available.


Our sympathy and support are extended to the family of Bob Schaefer after his passing on September 20, 2022. Please keep his daughters and grandchildren in your prayers. A Memorial Service for Bob is planned for Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00pm.

Upcoming @ GCPC

Serve Volunteer Opportunity - Monday, October 3

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 on Monday, October 3 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.  Bring sunscreen, water, a hat! Knowing Spanish is appreciated yet not required. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!


VRQ—BBQ Cook Team | Tuesday, October 4 | 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. Volunteers are still masking while they are there.


If you can help please contact Bill Neeriemer, bill.nmer@gmail.com.

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: Second Tuesday 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.

Need to set up a church zoom meeting?

Contact Anna Louise and she can get you all set up!

GCPC Community Garden

On Thursday, September 15 the Jasperwood Team of 5 volunteers weeded 1400+ cabbages on Anthony's farm under a beautiful blue sky.

On September 17, Team 4 had 8 volunteers that harvested 7 lbs. of basil, 35 lbs. of beans, 3 lbs. of collards, 4 lbs. of kale, 18 lbs. of bell peppers, 1 lb. of snacking peppers, 2 lbs. of hot peppers, 2 lbs. of summer squash, and 65 lbs. of tomatoes. This harvest was shared with Loving Food Resources.

On September 20, YTL had 14 volunteers and harvested 16 lbs. of beans, 22 lbs. of bell peppers, and 25 lbs. of tomatoes that was shared with YTL families.

Stewardship & Sustainability | GIVE HERE

The Power of Pledging | Part 2

 

As we approach the stewardship season and you review your past year of giving and consider what the next year looks like, it helps to know why your pledge matters so much. We're often asked questions like, "Doesn't a gift do the same thing, whether I tell GCPC it's coming or not?" Let's talk about the difference of pledging versus giving! It may seem like these are the same thing, but they play very different roles in the financial planning of our church. 


Pledging means that you let the church know your intended giving for the next year's General Fund. This helps our Finance Council set a funded, responsible budget for Session to review and approve. Whether you choose to prepay your next year's pledge, give incrementally through the year, or pay in a lump sum at the end of the year, fulfilling your pledge means you are supporting the budget of GCPC. The budget includes business operations, SERVE grants, support for teams and councils, congregational care, property repairs and maintenance, personnel, and much more. 


Giving unpledged gifts are still appreciated and are used to support the ministry and mission at GCPC, but are not a part of our budget or counted towards the stewardship campaign goals because they're unknown. As we prepare for the next year, our goal is to be able to fund our budget with pledged gifts, creating a more transparent and sustainable financial structure.


A few other reminders: 

  • Your gift is not considered a pledge unless you've let us know you'd like it to be. 


  • Pledges do not auto renew, you have to let us know annually your giving intentions. 


  • Online giving does not auto renew in most cases, but there is an option to add on eGiving in the final step of the online pledging process or the Finance Office can assist.


Stay tuned for the 2023 Stewardship Campaign Kick Off on Sunday, 10/2!

Community Working Together

Burton Street Agricultural Fair | Saturday, October 1 | 12:00 Noon

Celebrate the harvest season with music, food, games & fun for the entire family! This free event is a revitalization of a festival founded by E.W. Pearson in 1913. Known then as the Buncombe County and District Colored Agricultural Fair, at its peak the event drew thousands of attendees and helped the historically Black neighborhood to be self sufficient. Today, we celebrate the rich history of the community as well as the present as we gather with neighbors and work together toward a vision of connectivity and sustainability. RSVP here!

Story Medicine Worldwide presents.... Listening To Your Body | Saturday, September 24 | 2:00 - 3:30 PM | on Zoom


Join Mama Matanah’s 90-minute sojourn back to the ancient wisdom hidden inside the sciences of astrology and homeopathy. Along the way, she will document her personal discoveries and guide us into a basic awareness of the language our bodies speak. Together, we will learn, discuss, and then, consult with Mama Matanah by appointment for individual coaching, if desired.


Click here to register for the Listening to Your Body Workshop.

Time isn't Neutral: Power, Time, and the Workplace | Thursday, September 29 | 2:00 PM | Online

Liberating our time IS equity work. In speed and productivity obsessed work environments we lose ourselves and each other. There are other ways to be.


JOIN US TO LEARN:


  • How colonization, the industrial revolution and white supremacy created time as we know it –a tool for exploitation
  • The fetishization of time management and managers as timekeepers
  • How racial and ethnic groups experience time differently
  • Cultural orientations (polychronic/monochronic) to time in the workplace
  • How the concepts of time famine, crip time, and community time can help shift your relationship to time
  • Strategies, recommendations, and subversive acts to liberate time


FOR MORE INFO: whitenessatwork.com

Register Here!

The “Jubilee Alternative Micro Shelter” 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.



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. 

Asheville Poverty Initiative


Click here to read the

September 2022 Newsletter

Interfaith Initiative -

Social Justice Opportunities 

Click here to see the September 18th edition

Buncombe County Remembrance Project



Click here to read the September 2022 issue..

GCPC Out and About....

Learn more here
Register today!

STAY CONNECTED

 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