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Men of GCPC Gathering

GCPC Community Garden

... even these turkeys came to church!

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

If you haven't had a chance to learn about our fall theme, watch this video!

Prayer Shifts @ GCPC

Join a Prayer Shift this fall! 

Prayers Shifts are small groups of 6-8 folks that pray with and for one another. Since we can’t yet be together in large in-person groups, Prayer Shifts are a way to engage in the spiritual practices of prayer, mutual support, and relationship building with your church community this fall. The ways Prayer Shift groups connect will be up to the group to decide. Texting, zooming, phone calls, walks, or socially distanced in-person gatherings may be some of the ways your group chooses to connect. 

A kickoff meeting will take place on Sunday, October 3 from 5-6 pm via Zoom, where you will meet your group and get oriented. Please reach out to Anna Louise with any questions.

Presbyterianism 101 - | Sunday, Sept. 26 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Zoom

Who are Presbyterians? What do we believe? How are we different from other denominations? Come with your questions as we delve into our rich, complex, and sometimes contentious tradition. Email Richard at rcoble@gcpcusa.org with questions. 

Click here to join the class group!

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86069120237

Meeting ID: 860 6912 0237 | Passcode: 789

GCPC Kids Zoom Adventure | Sundays | 10:15 AM | via Zoom

You will receive an email on Friday with the zoom information. Email Anna Louise (annalouise@gcpcsua.org) if you would like to be added to the list

First Youth Group of the Fall | Sunday, September 26 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Lake Tomahawk, Black Mtn.

Mark your calendars for the first youth gathering of the fall! We'll meet at the picnic pavilion at Black Mountain's Lake Tomahawk for an afternoon of community building and fun.

Come, hang out, meet friends new and old, and enjoy some snacks together. This event will be held outdoors with face masks required. As always, friends are welcome to join!

Writing & Reflection Gathering for Parents and Caregivers | Sunday, September 26 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | GCPC Courtyard (and Zoom)

Parents and caregivers are invited to a gathering on Sunday, August 15 from 6pm - 8pm to write, listen, share and support each other as we process our experiences through COVID & quarantine. We are meeting in person in the church courtyard, as well as virtually on Zoom. If you are coming in person, please bring a chair, writing pad & drink of choice, and plan to be masked if within six feet of each other.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84037146630

Meeting ID: 840 3714 6630 | Passcode: 789

Questions? Please email Margaret Tierney (margarettierney6@gmail.com), Anne Turnbow-Raustol (aeraustol@gmail.com), or Kate Shem (kateshem@gmail.com).

Faith 4 Justice AVL presents ... The Violence and Virtue of White Women's Tears | Thursday, September 30 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM | GCPC's Youtube Channel

Join Faith 4 Justice Asheville and a multi-racial panel of women discussing the Violence and Virtue of White Women’s Tears as they wrestle with…

• How, when and where white women’s tears have resulted in violence against black and brown bodies biblically and throughout history
• How are white women’s tears weaponized in multi-racial spaces, and used to control and center white comfort?
• What is our response to white women’s tears and how is that response to Black and Latinx women’s tears different?
• How can white women accept responsibility so their tears don’t manipulate, violate and do harm?
• Where and when should white woman cry and grieve so that they can genuinely and fully heal?
• How do all women strengthen relationships across color-lines as we address these painful and controversial issues?

As always, donations are welcome to help Faith 4 Justice AVL continue this important work. Click here to donate.

Prez Beez 2021 Fall Schedule

All games @ MLK Park



• 9/28 - 6:30 - (Away Team)
• 10/5 - 7:30 - (Home Team)

  ** plus 2 make up games which are TBD.

COVENANT PARTNER UPDATE

https://colaborativalamilpa.org/

Covid-19 vaccinations at last allowed us to pay an in-person visit to GCPC covenant partner COLABORATIVA LA MILPA, a collective of grassroots, Latinx-led organizations based in the Emma community of Buncombe County. COLABORATIVA LA MILPA provides technical support (administration, grant writing, communications, and coordinated strategic approaches) to the four member organizations who then can put more energy into their work with the Latinx immigrant community in Emma and beyond.

As “cultivadora” Ami Worthen explained, community and collaboration are at the center of everything they do. Nobody has enough to buy a building? How about if a few dozen people chip in $1,000 each and each becomes a co-owner? That’s how La Milpa member organization PODER Emma supported the creation of the real estate cooperative “La Esperanaza” (Hope) which now owns a commercial building with offices, meeting spaces, and a traditional-foods co-op. Using models from Latin America, La Milpa emphasizes “popular education,” which centers the wisdom and knowledge that comes from lived experience - people already know a lot and have answers to the problems they face. Rather than doing FOR people, they accompany—walk alongside—community members.

Here's some of what the member organizations have been doing this year.*

Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción (CIMA) added mutual aid to its immigration rights agenda. Food and cash assistance are distributed to community members in need. When destructive floods came to Canton and Cruso, CIMA collaborated with GCPC to get food, diapers and personal care items to flood victims.

The CONSULTA TU COMPA (Ask a Friend) program officially became part of CIMA. This resource and referral service helps people locate area resources, and eliminates barriers to access such as language. New CTC coordinator Gaby Escobar often accompanies people to their appointments, translating as needed and providing moral support. 

RAÍCES (Roots) EMMA - ERWIN organized learning pods, after school cultural arts activities, and a summer camp for 60 children.

Mä hñäkihu: Indigenous Language Preservation Project taught basic Hñähñú vocabulary in the Raíces children’s programs, preserving ties to Hidalgo, Mexico, homeland of many in the community.

PODER EMMA COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP (Poder = Power and We can) continued creating and preserving affordable housing, providing support to four cooperatively owned trailer parks and a cooperatively owned property management company. Residents enjoy stability and the opportunity to build equity and wealth.

At the end of our conversation, we told Gaby and Ami, “Let us know how GCPC can get involved with COLABORATIVA LA MILPA.” Here are two suggestions for you and any GCPC groups you are part of to consider; contact Tammy or Lynne.

           1) A diaper drive. (Though we contributed many for flood relief families - which have been distributed and were much appreciated--more will be needed in the future.)

           2) Help repair and rehabilitate trailers on a “Dignified Home Repair Project” workday.

                                                           - Submitted by Tammy Bradley (tammy.russell123@gmail.com) and Lynne Meacham (larkm99@gmail.com),

*For more information on the recent work of Colaborativa La Milpa member organizations, see https://colaborativalamilpa.org/news/

• 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 (9/19-9/25): Lynne Meacham | email: larkm99@gmail.com

Next week (9/26-9/25): Louise Root | email: lcr@rootandroot.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)

Sheldon Smith (Beth Robrechtʼs brother-in-law)

Marie and Jose Palacios and family (Marie is the presbytery coordinator of Guatemala partnerships)

Bill Ross (Jonathan Ross' dad) 

David Good (Amber Cook’s dad)

Kyle Holtz (Tim Hamel's cousin)

Deanna Fleenor (Mike Fleenor's sister)

Rebecca Lorenz (Phil Brown’s daughter)

Vince O'Connor (Robin and Gordon Gaiser’s nephew)

Winnie Martel (Susie Churchfield's friend)

Alexa and her baby boy (Janice Kominski’s sister and new nephew)

The Family of Lisa Sims (Aunt to Karen Rohl’s children)

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

For all those with chronic pain

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)

Bob Higgins

Florence and Steve Riedesel

Susan Smialowicz

Laura Ross

Bill Williamson

Queen Mother Maggie Belle Gladden

John Mount Shoop

Elizabeth Fisher

Doris Prak

Carolyn Tingle

Irene Richards

Shelia Chapman

The Seddon Family

Bill McNeff

Marty Dean

Our sympathy and support are extended to the family of Ruth Ann Blakely who died on September 19 in Richmond, VA at the age of 98. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Sabbatical Gratitude

Dear GCPC family,

It is great to be home and back at work after a summer of rest and adventure.  I am grateful for the gift of time away that has allowed me to refresh my spirit, engage in self care and enjoy some professional opportunities along with some much needed down time.  I will be breaking down my sabbatical experience in the coming weeks and sharing more in detail. For now I will give you a taste of the highlights: In June I gave time and energy in service to the denomination by teaching on the Montreat Worship and Music Conference faculty. From there I began my time away with some major down time to begin my decompression and focus. This time was filled with rest and practicing. I made a trip to Atlanta to check on my parents as they continue to deal with the challenges of aging. I visit Chattanooga and Cleveland, Tennessee where I saw several churches with a variety of both traditional and creative/flexible worship spaces. I got to see and play some fantastic organs along the way and visit an organ builder and see an instrument in the process of construction. From there I spent 2 weeks in Richmond, Virginia at First Presbyterian Church where I performed an organ recital. While I was there I got to witness the transition of Monument Avenue and learn of FPC's historic connection to racial issues in Richmond.  Eli and I then ventured to Sunset Beach, NC where we experience daily sunrise and sets while walking the beach all the way from Sunset down to Bird Island-- counting the turtle nests as we went. After that restorative week I returned to my annual retreat in western New York at the Portageville Chapel where I continued my time of practicing, connecting with creation, and renewing myself for a return to GCPC.  I have many thoughts and experiences that I look forward to sharing with you in the coming weeks ahead. A few pictures for now to highlight my travels!

Many thanks for this incredible gift of time,

Jeff

Join the GCPC VRQ Cook Team!

VRQ—BBQ Cook Team | Tuesday, October 5 | 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.

20s/30s and Beyond Pumpkin Carving | Thursday, October 7 | 6:30 PM | Alex Hollifield and Ben Kees' House

If you are a young adult-ish, get ready for an evening of outdoor pumpkin carving!  Before the weather gets too cold, we are excited to mask up for a spooky socially distanced event to remember! We will provide pumpkins, s'more stuff and some pumpkin carving supplies. Please bring extra supplies and blanket/towel/small table and/or chair for yourselves. Don't forget your mask and any special dinner snacks you might enjoy! 

Let's enjoy the opportunity to catch up and carve together!

Questions? Contact Richard Coble: rcoble@gcpcusa.org

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!

This week gardeners harvested eggplant, green beans, okra, green peppers, kale, tomatoes, squash, snacking peppers and jalapenos. Fifty-five pounds of produce harvested by nine Saturday gardeners went to YTL families. 

On Wednesday 10 gardeners delivered 118 pounds of produce to the YWCA where Melinda Aponte, nutrition coordinator for the YWCA’s Early Learning Program, will use it to provide meals to children.

It's never too late to sign up to volunteer in the garden. Please contact Betsy Wilson at betsywilson1111@gmail.com if you are interested.

Support our friend, Mariposa!

Our friend Mariposa is in need of letters of support. If you are interested in helping, please contact Kathy Meacham for details.

Join the H2O for Hunger Challenge for Food Connection!

Calvary Presbyterian Church Celebrates 130 Years!

Calvary Presbyterian Church in Asheville celebrates its 130th anniversary the entire month of October, and they are inviting the community of Asheville to these events. They'll have a series of programs on Sundays

Click here to read an article in The Urban News (which is a good source for what's happening in Asheville and WNC in communities of color): 

Join the New Energy-Efficiency Revolution to help out your Neighbors: Volunteer to Weatherize Low-income Homes

Did you know that nearly a third of U.S. households struggle to afford their energy bills, with one in five cutting back on or foregoing necessities such as food or medicine to pay for electricity and heat (according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration)? With funding from the City of Asheville and Buncombe County, Duke Energy, grants, and private donations, Energy Savers Network is working to restore the climate while improving the lives of limited-income households who struggle with rising energy costs. By training volunteers to implement simple but effective energy-efficiency upgrades to low-income homes, we can help our fellow neighbors/community to save money on their energy bills AND provide more comfort to residents during the cold winter and hot summer months. Watch this short video on our efforts.

Learn more at www.energysaversnetwork.org/volunteer where you can watch a short 10-minute video training, signup as a volunteer, and then RSVP on our calendar for your day of choice.

Faith and the Death Penalty | Sunday, October 10 | 4:00 - 5:00 PM | Online

Join the North Carolina Coalition for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NCCADP) for an online conversation about faith with those most impacted by our capital punishment system. Panelists include George Wilkerson, who is living on North Carolina’s death row; Andre Smith, who teaches Buddhism to men in prison and lost his son to homicide; and Rev. Sharon Risher, who lost her mother and two cousins in the shooting at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston. Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove, noted writer and leader in the Red Letter Christian movement and the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, will moderate the panel.

The North Carolina Council of Churches is a sponsor of this event.

YWCA's Racial Justice Workshop | Thursdays | October 7, 14, 21 | 11:00 AM

Join the YWCA in a 3-Part Racial Justice Training that explores anti-Black racism, overlapping systems of oppression, and racial equity in Asheville and Buncombe County. The training will take place over three sessions, each lasting one hour and fifteen minutes.

Media 2070 | Media Reparations

About Media 2070 (from their website)

"This work is an effort to radically transform who has the capital to tell their own stories by 2070 — 50 years from today.

This work is an idea, welcoming critique and feedback. It is liberation work within a lineage of civil-rights activism, racial-justice organizing and calls for reparations.

This work makes visible the ways in which the media have taken part in and supported state violence and harm against Black people.

It seeks to highlight how the media can serve as a lever for racial justice — and underscore the repair and reconciliation necessary to build strong, free, democratic communities. To achieve full freedom and democracy, it’s critical to change entrenched media narratives about Black people.

This is an attempt at that change — an attempt at creating a world that’s never existed."

The 5th Annual Mental Wellness Walk is right around the corner on October 2nd! Along with our partners at NAMI Western Carolina, we're excited to host this event. Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, we decided to hold the walk virtually this year.



~ The All Souls Counseling Center team

Sustainable Stewardship

Stewardship is not just a once a year pledge drive or hopeful number in the budget, it's a daily practice of maintaining a stable financial foundation to fund our ministry and mission. Every penny you give helps support a more sustainable future here at GCPC. Just to name a few, that includes: work in our community; grants for our Covenant Partners; programming for Children, Youth, and Adults; property repair, maintenance, and upgrades; staffing the businesses and ministry functions.... and much much more! Thank you for your thoughtful support and sustainable stewardship.

WAYS TO GIVE: 

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:

1. The Church Office is open on Tuesdays, 10am - 4pm.
2. Call the office at 828-254-3274.
3. Listen through the office closure notice, which will then take you to a staff directory.
4. 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).
5. You'll be directed to the staff member's individual voicemail, where you can leave a message to be returned as soon as possible.
6. 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