GCPC Weekly News | July 1, 2021
| |
|
Click "View entire message"
at bottom of email to see the FULL newsletter
| |
GCPC Community Gardeners hard at work! | |
Playground & Popsicles - June 26 | |
PW Coordinating Committee - June 27 | |
Worship Preview | Sunday, July 4, 2021
Communion Sunday
Outdoor/Hybrid Service
| | |
|
|
Sermon:
"Weak Link"
by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
| | |
|
In cooperation from the weather, we are rescheduling our first in-person, outdoor service for this Sunday, July 4. This service will be a hybrid event, so you can come in person or watch the live stream on our youtube channel. Worship will start at 10:45 as usual.
If you are coming for the face to face service, please remember a few things:
- Bring a chair if you have one
- Bring a water bottle
- Bring a mask (when we do congregational singing we will mask)
- Remember that our parking lot space is limited, so leave yourself time to walk. If you have mobility issues, we do have spaces reserved in the parking lot for you. If you need to drop off your chair so you don’t have to carry it all the way, there will be deacons in the parking lot to help you.
- Remember that we are not asking who is vaccinated. So, we will need to continue to be mindful that everyone is finding their way in this next phase in their own way.
- Some people want to give hugs, others do not. Some people are masking, others are not. Some are distancing, some are not. Together we are learning new ways of being together and honoring each other. Let us come together, in person and online, for a time of worship and community gathering.
| |
| Saturday, July 3 | Liz Rupp's Memorial Service | 1:00 pm outdoors @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Tuesday, July 6 | VRQ BBQ Cook Team | 4:30 pm or 5:45 pm
@ Veterans Restoration Quarters | | Tuesday, July 6 | Worship Council Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, July 7 | MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) Group | 11:00 am Hybrid Mtg.
@ GCPC and on Zoom | | Wednesday, July 7 | Garden Steering Team Mtg. | 6:15 pm on Zoom | | July 8-11 | Middle School Retreat | Massanetta | | Thursday, July 8 | Men of GCPC Gathering | 8:30 am on Zoom | | Thursday, July 8 | Evening Vespers | 7:30 pm @ GCPC | | |
|
VRQ—BBQ Cook Team | Tuesday, July 6 | 4:30 or 5:45 PM
On the First Tuesday of each month, a team of folks gather at the Veterans Restoration Quarters, (1329 Tunnel Road) to grill hamburgers and prepare supper for more than 200 US Armed Forces Veterans living in transitional housing at the VRQ— an ABCCM Ministry.
Team volunteers begin to gather at 4:30 to prepare the meal and fire up the grills; to help serve the meal come at 5:45. The evening meal is served at 6 and the team joins with the veterans at their table for supper. Commitments can be for one Tuesday or more.
Contact Bill Neeriemer if interested in joining the team.
| |
|
Evening Vespers | Thursday, July 8 | 7:30 - 8:00 PM | Outside @ GCPC
Evening vespers will be outside. In the event of rain, we will use the narthex with all the doors open and canopy in the courtyard. Please bring a chair if you have one.
You can also join this service via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98906064373
Meeting ID: 989 0606 4373 | Passcode: 789
| |
|
If you are interested in volunteering please contact cathy@bountifulcities.org or fill out this FORM to get regular weekly updates about volunteer opportunities.
In addition to getting a workout in a garden you can get involved by signing up for our monthly newsletter. We coordinate free workshops, movies and events on everything from seed saving, to cooking with kids, to fixing garden tools. Sign up to find out about these opportunities HERE. Of course we are always accepting monetary donations for the work we do, and we appreciate the on-going support of the GCPC community! If you would like to contribute to our work please visit https://www.bountifulcities.org/donate.
| |
|
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 (6/27-7/3): Jeane Smith email: jeane.smith22@gmail.com
Next week (7/4-7/10): 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
Ryan Lockett (nephew of Denise Lockett)
Jennifer Martin (Yvonne Smith's daughter)
Bertilda Arteta (Marta Alcala-Williams' mother)
Sheldon Smith (Beth Robrechtʼs brother-in-law)
Alyse Pryzant Pribish (Ashley Cooper's mom)
John Maddrell (Martha Seddonʼs step-father)
Denise Currie-Lowe (Karen Rohlʼs sister)
Barb Patterson (Friend of Mount Shoops)
Bob Crouch (Allen and Frances Johnsonʼs brother-in-law)
Marie and Jose Palacios and family (Marie is the presbytery coordinator of Guatemala partnerships)
Libby Shook (Melissa Shook's mother)
Harold Shook (Melissa Shook's father)
Johnnie Hayes' family
Bob Higgins
Florence and Steve Riedesel
Roslyn Carney
Susan Smialowicz
Laura Ross
Bill Williamson
Queen Mother Maggie Belle Gladden
John Mount Shoop
Elizabeth Fisher
Doris Prak
Dan Blake
Chuck Reiley
William Madamba
Mary Lou Nash
Life-time GCPC member, Betsy Rhodes, passed away on Monday, June 28 surrounded by family. Please keep her husband, Sam, and her children, Meg, Katie, and Jim, and their families in your prayers. We will keep you informed as details of the service become available.
A Memorial Service will be held for Liz Rupp will this Saturday, July 3rd at 1:00 pm outside at Grace Covenant.
| |
|
Volunteers Needed!
Would you like to serve on the Bereavement Team? We provide receptions following funeral services. We ask that you commit to one month, working alongside another team member. You can also be on a call list to help as needed. Please contact Cathy Froehlich, oremont2@gmail.com or 828-775-1016.
| |
|
GCPC Compassion Camp | Saturday, July 10 |
9:30 - 11:00 AM (note new time)
On the second Saturday of each month we will meet on the church lawn for a Bible story, community building, music, movement, creating, playing and a sending. The theme for these times is Lovingkindness.
This session we will do ALL AGES (ages 2 - 5th grade) COMBINED!
Please wear comfortable clothes, a water bottle and a blanket to sit on. As always, this is open to the community, please invite friends to join us!
Let us know who will be joining us by filling out this form.
We still need some volunteer help before, during and after each camp day. Please
contact Amy Kim at amykim@gcpcusa.org.
| |
Bible Study | Wednesday, July 14 | 10:00 AM | Outside @ GCPC
The program year is over, but in an effort to continue our deep study of scripture and to see one another in fellowship, the lectionary Bible study will meet in-person, outdoor meeting on July 14. Bring your Bibles and an open heart as we discern together what God is saying to use through the week’s lesson! All are welcome! You can also join in via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/93439349183
Meeting ID: 934 3934 9183 | Passcode: 789
| |
|
J.O.Y. Group Morning Bingo! | Thursday, July 15 | 10:00 AM | Outdoors @ GCPC
To all those of retirement age, empty nesters, or qualifying for a senior discount, you are invited to come out for doughnuts, coffee, and ‘competitive’ outdoor bingo on July 15 at 9am. Highly sought-after prizes will be awarded!
Please RSVP to Richard by July 11 so we can plan accordingly.
| |
|
Youth Coffee Break | Saturday, July 17 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON | Loaction: TBA
Join us for a beverage break and some good company! We will announce the location next week. For now, please mark your calendars to join us for a little break.
| |
|
The Racial Justice Book Series | Sunday, July 25 | 6:30 -8:00 PM | Outdoors @ GCPC
The Racial Justice Book Series will meet one last time for the summer in person and outdoors on Sunday, July 25th!
Bring your own dinner and be ready to discuss this important text from a faith perspective.
| |
|
Presbyterian Womenʼs Circles are Zoom meetings. Please join us.
Circle 1: First Tuesday 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, 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.
| |
|
Setting up Zoom Meetings:
If you are a part of a group, Team, or Circle at GCPC and you want to have a Zoom meeting, let staff know. We will help you get set up on our GCPC Zoom account for group gatherings and meetings. You can schedule your meeting on the
calendar with Anna Louise, and any staff member can help you get set up for your meeting if you have questions.
| |
|
This week Saturday gardeners harvested 34.4 lbs of yellow squash, zucchini, okra, chard, collards, and broccoli for use by YTL families.
Wednesday’s harvest of yellow squash, zucchini, okra, chard, kale, and collards was delivered to the YWCA; extra collards and chard were delivered to 12 Baskets Café.
Wednesday afternoon YTL and a group of gardeners cleared bed 11 of kale and chard stems to make way for tomato plants.
| |
|
|
Please help us earn compost for our garden!
The Grace Covenant Community Garden is now a garden partner with Compost Now, a local home and business composting service. Customers who sign up for Compost Now's services will have their food waste collected by the company and turned into finished compost. Customers earn back a percentage of finished compost based on the amount of food waste they submitted. They can request that compost for their own garden, or they can share it with a garden partner like the Grace Covenant garden.
If you are interested in diverting your food waste from the landfill AND helping our community garden, please sign up here for this great service. Remember to have your finished compost sent to the Grace Covenant garden.
Already a Compost Now customer? You can now request to have your finished compost sent to the Grace Covenant Community Garden - just contact them at 919-525-0403. Thank you for helping us with this great resource!
| |
Community Working Together | |
The Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task Force hosted a panel discussion that included (clockwise from upper left) the Rev. Shanea Leonard, Associate for Gender and Racial Justice in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) Office of Gender, Racial & Intercultural Justice; the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt, co-moderator of the board of directors for More Light Presbyterians; valerie izumi, assistant stated clerk in the PC(USA) Office of the General Assembly; and Brooke Scott, a preacher and social worker. |
Black Women and Girls Task Force lifts up LGBTQIA issues -
Panel discussion concludes its five-part series and honors Pride Month
~ by Darla Carter
"A panel discussion hosted by the Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task Force was nearing a close Thursday when the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt asked panelists how the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) could better support queer and trans Black women and girls.
valerie izumi, an assistant stated clerk in the PC(USA) Office of the General Assembly, noted that ideally, it would be best to ask trans people directly but offered multiple suggestions as a member of the panel."
| |  |
Poor People’s Campaign undertakes the nation’s Third Reconstruction -
Presbyterian leaders are helping to buoy the movement, which seeks to lift 140 million Americans from poverty and low wages
~ by Mike Ferguson
The Poor People’s Campaign says it’s high time the nation undertakes a Third Reconstruction. The campaign, co-chaired by the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastor, and the Rev. Dr. William Barber II, took an initial step in that direction Monday with a rally in Raleigh, North Caroline, which PPC livestreamed here.
As part of Monday’s rally, which included short speeches and songs recorded both Friday — exactly one year before the planned June 18, 2022 rally — and Monday, Theoharis told the crowd it has “the power to reconstruct society from the bottom up … We are committed to fighting forward toward a moral march on Washington.”
| | |
|
A Summer Virtual Sunday School on the Climate Crisis | Sundays | July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 | 4:00 - 5:15 PM | via Zoom
This program is taught by the southern Indiana group Presbyterian Climate Advocates, made up of the Rev. Dr. Trisha Tull and Carol Dunn of Scottsburg (Indiana) Presbyterian Church, Beth Snyder of Jeffersonville (Indiana) First Prez, and Kristina Lindborg, an Indiana Citizensʼ Climate Lobby volunteer.
To register and receive your Zoom invitation, please go to our website: https://www.presbyclimateadvocates.org/upcoming-classes/
| |
|
IRA Charitable Rollover
Did you know that if you're 70 1⁄2 or older, you can make a tax-free contribution from your IRA? The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act (PATH) allows you to make a charitable gift directly from your IRA without counting the donation as income. You can use your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to pay your
church pledge or donate to a charity... all without having to pay income tax on
those dollars!
IMPORTANT: The donation must come directly from the IRA to the charity to avoid being considered taxable income. Contact your investment fund manager to request a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) made payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, mailed to the office at 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804. Be sure to remind them to list your name as the donor in the memo line so we can apply it to any pledges you may have.
| |
|
Summertime Stewardship
Are you looking forward to time outside and away
from screens, but concerned about staying on top of your pledged giving? Don't worry, there are ways to give easily remotely, even automatically!
MAIL gifts to the office at 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804(the office remains closed but we are checking the mail)
BANK BILL PAY mails checks remotely, one-time or on a recurring schedule – contact your bank to set this up
| |
ONLINE at https://onrealm.org/gcpcusa/give/now
or through your Realm Connect smartphone app
TEXT "giveGCPC" to 73256 on your mobile device, then follow the prompts
Interested in setting up online recurring giving? Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to self-manage eGiving through Realm or return this signed authorization form to have our Finance Office set up on your behalf.
If you have any questions, please contact Natalie in our Finance office at nweaver@gcpcusa.org or by leaving a message for Natalie Weaver at 828-254-3274.
| |
|
HOW TO CONTACT STAFF:
Our staff are all still working remotely as the office remains closed due to the pandemic. To leave a voicemail for a staff member to return your call, follow these steps:
- Beginning in June, the office will be open on Tuesdays, 10am - 4pm.
-
Call the office at 828-254-3274.
-
Listen through the office closure notice, which will then take you to a staff directory.
-
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.
-
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.
| |
|
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
828.254.3274
www.gcpcusa.org
| | | | |
