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YTL has a woodworking class on Wednesdays. They crafted this outdoor bench as a gift to Grace Covenant.

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:

• Online pledge card HERE
• Email Nweaver@gcpcusa.org
• Call 828.254.3274 and leave a message for Natalie Weaver
• Request a mailed pledge card from the office

Pledge Confirmation Emails

You will receive an email confirmation of your pledge when entered in Realm, whether you do it yourself or have the office assist. If you do not receive an email, your pledge may not have been submitted successfully or we may have an incorrect email address on your account. Please reach out to nweaver@gcpcusa.org if you have any questions or would like to confirm your pledge was received. 

GLORY TO GOD

Dear GCPC Community,

We are encouraging all members of GCPC to add their voice to our worship. Will you consider the "Glory to God" Challenge?  This is fun for all ages and it's easy to do too! The instructions, video link and uploading instructions are provided below. Please let me know if you have any questions or need assistance.  I would love to add your voice to this project.

Keeping the song alive,

Jeff (jjones@gcpcusa.org)

Click below to get the video you will use to rehearse and record with:

• Written instructions
• Link to Sheet Music

Once you've made your recording click this Google link to upload your recording of Glory to God and you're done!

Thanks for being a part of our Glory to God Challenge!

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

Compassion Camp | Saturday, November 20 | 9:30 - 11:00 AM | @ GCPC

We will meet on the church lawn for a Bible story, community building, music, movement, creating, playing and a sending. These sessions are designed for families to participate together (no drop-off).

Masks will be required by everyone who is able. 11 AM-Noon there will be free time on the playground following Compassion Camp.

Fall Adult Education - Caste | Sundays | October 10 - November 21 | 9:00 AM | via Zoom

A Close and Spiritual Reading of Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. We will go through Caste chapter by chapter on Sunday mornings. Leaders from the Racial Justice Book Series will take turns leading the discussion. Whether you were a part of the summer gatherings or not, whether you read the book years ago, or are coming to it for the first time, please join us! Questions? Email Richard Coble.

Reading Schedule 

• 11/21: Part 7, p. 361-388

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.

GCPC Covenant Partner Update:

Western North Carolina Workers’ Center (WNC WC)

Ate at a restaurant or spent the night at a hotel recently? Hired a roofing contractor? Fried up a chicken for Sunday dinner? Then you’ve no doubt enjoyed the labor of a worker who lacks immigration status (i.e., “undocumented”).  

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. For years, GCPC Covenant Partner Western North Carolina Workers’ Center (WNC WC) has had a simple vision: “achieving worker justice for all.”  The organization is active in Morganton (poultry processing), Asheville/Henderson County (hospitality, construction), and Franklin (hospitality, construction).

Here’s how co-directors Hunter Ogletree and Magaly Urdiales and their three associates operate to empower workers. First, they work to create relationships. Unless 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 then plan and lead direct actions to promote positive systemic change grounded in worker and civil rights. The challenge for these workers: overcome fear so you 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 their immigration status.

Before the pandemic, in-person meetings were held in held in “safe spaces” like churches or community centers. While parents met, their children enjoyed activities led by childcare workers. After the day’s work and a big communal meal, everyone would play soccer!

All that changed when the pandemic cancelled in-person encounters, but WNC WC created a virtual infrastructure and digital literacy plan. They provided basic laptops, arranged internet access, and taught people how to use Zoom. A Rapid Response Fund enabled them to distribute $ 350,000 to 250 workers/families not eligible for government stimulus checks due to their immigration status. Magaly even managed to hold the 10^th Annual Women’s Congress virtually. Some 60 WNC women came together on Zoom to heal and strategize about the unique issues that immigrant women workers face in their workplaces and community.

How can community allies like GCPC support the work of WNC WC? 1) spread the word about their work, 2) introduce them to people with whom they might network, 3) invite them to places where they can talk about their mission, 4) support their worker-directed campaigns with calls, petitions, letters, 5) help pay the pandemic-related internet bills via donation, 6) donate new or gently used Chromebooks.

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

~ Submitted by WNC WC contacts at GCPC: Melissa Hicks (mmhicks1h@aol.com)

and Lynne Meacham (larkm99@gmail.com)

• GCPC Devotionals



• Email prayer@gcpcusa.org 

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 (11/14-11/20): Leslie Sharpe | email: leslieysharpe@gmail.com

Next week (11/21-11/27): Cathy Froehlich | email: oremont2@gmail.com

Prayer requests will stay on the GCPC Prayer List for one month. Please let any staff know if you (or your loved one) would like to remain on the list for longer.

Iglesia Jerusalem congregation

Marge and Warren Weidner (Jane Stoffer’s sister and brother in law)

Jami Schaefer (friend of Sarah Van Gunten’s life long friend, Sherry) 

Debi Miller (friend of Marcia Mount Shoop) 

Joan Haag (Carolyn Haag’s mother)

Jeff (Tricia Hynes’ son)

Davis (son of Linda Upchurch)

Maria and Esteban Goicoechea (La Mariposa and her husband)

Winnie Martel (Prayers for Winnie and Susie Churchfield)

Jennifer Martin (Yvonne Smith’s daughter)

Tayler Alexandria (Marta’s goddaughter)

Gregg Young (Leslie Sharpe’s brother)

Lee Smith (Mary Berg's husband)

Henry Spradlin (Kelly Spradlin's brother)

Don Pressley (Amanda Pressley’s brother-in-law)

Seminarians

Bob Higgins

Florence and Steve Riedesel

Susan Smialowicz

Laura Ross

Bill Williamson

Queen Mother Maggie Belle Gladden

Elizabeth Fisher

Doris Prak

The Seddon Family

Tyler Elstrom

Barry Sharpe

On Tuesday, November 30th, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will participate in national #GivingTuesday, which highlights the work of non-profits and other organizations. The PCUSA will have live satellite links to churches and ministries all across the country from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The first two hours will be hosted by Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church! We’ll be discussing poverty with BeLoved Asheville and the Presbyterian Hunger Program, racial justice with Faith 4 Justice (the ministry that was shown during our October Presbytery meeting), New Worshipping Communities with the Artisan Church New Worshipping Community in Lincolnton, and meeting with the Asheville Young Adult Volunteers.

Please save the date, plan to watch, and make a contribution to the PCUSA!

Presbyterian Womenʼs Circles are Zoom meetings. ​​Please join us.

Circle 1: Second Monday of each month, 10:00 a.m.

• Cathy Froehlich - 775-1016, oremont2@gmail.com

Circle 2: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.

• Ann Brown - (828) 279-4917, hbcove@aol.com 
• Heather Hudson - 501-442-6223, hehudson@charter.net

Circle 3: Varies (Click here to see schedule for 2021-2022), 7:00 p.m.

• Andrea Rosal- (828) 545-8466, ameach@gmail.com
• Angela Kemper - (828) 301-1475, angela@hunter-kemper.com 

Circle 4: First Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m.

• Frances Johnson – 628-4742, facjohnson@gmail.com
• Connie Jones – 231-2680, Conjones@charter.net

Circle 5: First Monday of each month, 11:00 a.m.

• Lynne Noble – 803-206-3821, lynnesnoble@gmail.com 

Need to set up a church zoom meeting?

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

Congregational Need: A GCPC family is in need of housing during the winter of 2022. If anyone has a spare apartment or is in the need of a home-sitter during this time, please contact Richard Coble (rcoble@gcpcusa.org) for more information.

Roof Repair Party! | December 11 & 12

You may remember that the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville offered physical sanctuary to a woman who was known as "Mariposa" (her real name was withheld to protect her identity) for over a year. Grace Covenant, as a supporting sanctuary congregation, assisted in this effort and was a huge help in terms of volunteers and supplies. 

Mariposa is now in her own home and currently involved in a legal case seeking residency. Their family's roof is badly in need of repairs. A roofer from Land of Sky UCC is currently seeking volunteers to assist him in these repairs. 

EVEN if you do not have roofing experience, but you could help from the ground, you can help!  December 11 and 12!! Half-day or whole-day or both days!!

Here is a sign up form and information about the work.

You can contact Richard, Kathy Meacham, or Sara Wilcox, the pastor of Land of Sky (sara@landoftheskychurch.org), with any questions. 

El Refugio continues to support Detainees at to Stewart Detention Center

Read more information below.

Supportive Accountability presents new course offerings. . .

Offerings are designed for white leaders, educators, organizers, advocates, and other individuals who recognize that being anti-racist, addressing patterns of supremacy culture, and being human in healthy and loving ways takes intention, practice, and support. The approach is shaped by the wisdom of Black and Brown leaders and from lessons learned in multi-racial collaborations.

Continuing Education - Spiral of Transformative Change - SIGN UP NOW-This Begins in 2 Weeks! 

One of the commitments of FCOS is continued education for accountability and the deeply important ongoing work of dismantling white supremacy. We are thrilled to be able to learn from our local leaders, Marisol Jiménez and Tamiko Ambrose.

Spiral of Transformative Change is a "webinar series, in which we will gain a foundational understanding of structural racism and racial equity work; apply a trauma and equity lens to group dynamics and accountability practices; and continue finding meaningful steps you can take on the spiral path of transformative change." Jiménez and Ambrose remind us that "none of us are going to “workshop our way out of structural racism” but [they] firmly believe shared frameworks and language are a foundation upon which individuals and organizations can begin building their strategies and actions. It is one step of many we must all commit to undertaking in our collective work to dismantle structures of racism and oppression in our lifetimes." 

"Saying No to Plastics" | Thursday, November 18 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Online

Join congregation members and people of faith from across western North Carolina for a presentation and conversation regarding the importance of saying "NO" to plastics! We will hear from Watershed Outreach Coordinator at MountainTrue, Anna Alsobrook, regarding her work to clean up plastic and microplastic pollution in our rivers and watersheds. We'll then have time to consider together the many ways that our congregations and communities can lessen plastic use and become more sustainable--for the good of all Creation!

Blue Note Junction | Sunday, November 21 | 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Burton Street Recreation Center and Peace Gardens

The Blue Note Junction - community health & business incubator - is a community-driven solution to the disparities that have resulted from underestimating and under-resourcing historically African American neighborhoods in Asheville and beyond. This multi-dimensional project is part neighborhood market, part event venue, part business incubator and part community spa - sitting at the crossroads of health and entrepreneurship.

Your donation gets you access on November 21, 2021 from 3-6pm (and beyond for afterparty) at the Burton Street Recreation Center and Peace Gardens for the fundraising event. The all-ages event will feature small bites, drinks, live music, and raffles. Celebrate and toast the vision of this exciting new initiative!

RSVP on Facebook and purchase tickets! 

Racial Justice Coalition launches a new initiative with community allies - the Government Accountability Project (GAP)

GAP regularly gathers information from public meetings and other community sources, as well as through direct relationship-building with people inside both city and county governments. Thought leaders within key issue areas—including housing, education, economic development, public health, and public safety and justice— make up the strategy team. This strategy team analyzes the information gathered and distills what is most relevant to racial justice. 

To stay up to date with the most current issues, including ways to take action and advocate for racial justice, visit the GAP website and/or subscribe in order to receive weekly updates.

BeLoved AVL invites you to sponsor a Winter Survival Kit!

Also, BeLoved has a new donation space!

Pledges & Prepay

Now that 2022 pledges have started to come in, you may wonder if you can prepay that before the end of the year. The answer is "yes," but please be sure to differentiate between the current year (2021 General Fund) and next year (2022 General Fund). 

If you are prepaying a 2022 pledge for next year, please be sure to notate that on your gift- simply write "2022 pledge" in the memo line of your check or select 2022 General Fund online.

If you have questions about your 2021 pledge balance or need assistance in submitting a 2022 pledge, please reach out to Natalie Weaver in the Finance Office at nweaver@gcpcusa.org or leave a message at 828.254.3274. 

John Philip Newell presents Spiritual Exile & Seeds of Promise | Saturday, November 20 | 1:00 PM | Online | Cost: $25

In his widely acclaimed series Spiritual Exile & Seeds of Promise, John Philip Newell explores the yearnings that have led countless numbers of people into an experience of exile from the religious traditions of their inheritance, whether in literally leaving church or in looking well beyond its bounds for vision and nourishment.

‘Listening to the Inner Child’, the fifth episode in the series, will explore our longing for interconnectedness. This is a yearning that honors the way of the child again, whose instinct from birth is for relationship. The diaspora of today is disillusioned with religion’s path of separateness, prompting as it has done the divisions that lead also to hatred and violence. A vital characteristic of today’s vast spiritual quest is the search for interrelationship in all realms of life as the way of wellbeing.

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 - Wednesday. To leave a voicemail for a staff member to return your call, follow these steps:

1. Call the main office at 828-254-3274.
2. Listen through the office closure notice, which will then take you to a staff directory.
3. 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).
4. You'll be directed to the staff member's individual voicemail, where you can leave a message to be returned as soon as possible.
5. 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. 

• Click for the Online Calendar
• Click to Make a Secure Donation or Give a Gift  

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.3274 

www.gcpcusa.org