GCPC Weekly News | August 26, 2021

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This Week at GCPC!

Pics of the week

So much gratitude to the GCPC community who stepped up with the donations for GCPC Covenant Partner, Colaborativa La Milpa!

Ernesto and Kelley Griffith with Friday's delivery. Filled up the pickup truck!



Gaby and Lynne Meacham with Thursday's delivery.

RELIEF FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

If you would like to continue to support GCPC's covenant partner, Colaborativa La Milpa, in their flood relief efforts you can write a check to:

CIMA and mail it to:

528 Emma Rd.

Asheville, NC 28806

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"Whatever Will Make You Ready" . . . from Christi Mobley

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Faith Sharing

Faith Leaders

GCPC's newest staff member is Micah Hayes. Some of you have met Micah at our outdoor worship services where he is running all the technology. He is also behind the scenes on all of our online services as well. He was hired to assist Luke with Technology and Media Ministries because Luke has to be on the road a lot for his other job. Micah has quickly become a trusted and collaborative staff member. He has figured out so many things in such a short time that we can't even keep track of all the amazing things he is doing anymore! Micah has a powerful story and we are grateful that he is willing to share it. I hope you'll read the article below. What a gift that Micah is a part of the GCPC community! 

Peace,

Marcia 

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BACK TO CLASS

Prison Education Program Graduate Begins Classes on Campus

UNC Asheville's Prison Education Program, which is funded by a three-year $195,000 grant from the Laughing Gull Foundation, started in the spring semester of 2019, and offers students at Avery Mitchell Correctional Institution (ACMI) credit-bearing courses in UNC Asheville’s liberal arts curriculum. This semester, program graduate Micah Hayes becomes the first student from ACMI to continue his education on UNC Asheville's campus.



Read full article here

Worship Preview | Sunday, August 29, 2021

Sermon:

“Bridled Tongues

by Marcia Mount Shoop


Scripture:

James 1:17-27

Live Stream Worship Service

@ 10:45 AM Sunday

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

Saturday, August 28

Playground & Popsicles

3:00 pm @ GCPC

Tuesday, August 31

CHURCH OFFICE OPEN!

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Wednesday, Sept.1

MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) Group Mtg.

11:00 am on Zoom

Wednesday, Sept. 1

Youth Comm. Mtg.

5:45 pm on Zoom

Wednesday, Sept. 1

Garden Steering Team Mtg.

6:15 pm on Zoom

Playground and Popsicles | Saturday, August 28 | 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Kids 0-11 and their parents are invited to join us on the playground of GCPC for some outdoor community building and popsicles. We will start at 3:00 pm and stick around until 5:00 pm. Please come for a little or a lot of the time!  Please bring water bottles for your family.

Prez Beez 2021 Fall Schedule

All games @ MLK Park



  • 8/31 - 7:30 - (Away Team)
  • 9/14  - 7:30 - (Away Team)
  • 9/21 - 7:30 - (Home Team)
  • 9/28 - 6:30 - (Away Team)
  • 10/5 - 7:30 - (Home Team)


  ** plus 2 make up games which are TBD.

Important Announcements

WE WANT TO SEE YOU in our CHURCH DIRECTORY!


*If you submitted a picture but do NOT see it in Realm yet, please email it again to pics@gcpcusa.org.

WAYS TO SHARE YOUR SMILING FACES:


  1. Open your Realm Connect app on your smartphone
  2. Select ... More at bottom right
  3. Select Profile from the list
  4. Click on the pencil logo next to the circle at the top center with your picture icon to edit
  5. Select New Profile Photo
  6. Choose Take Photo to open your phone camera or Choose Photo to select from your existing photos
  7. Scale, move, and frame as desired and click Apply at the bottom right
  1. Register or Sign In to your account at onrealm.org/gcpcusa
  2. Click the drop down next to your Name on the top right and select My Profile  
  3. Hover over the photo or photo icon until you see the pencil logo, click to edit
  4. Select New Profile Photo  
  5. Choose a photo from your computer and click Open
  6. Drag and resize the photo as needed, then click Save  



Serve Spotlight . . .

In the midst of the pandemic and turmoil of the last 17 months, BeLoved Asheville has worked to expand their reach and work with community leaders across Western North Carolina in safe, equitable, and productive ways. Amy Cantrell and her team have continued their justice work through expanding, maintaining, and growing their initiatives and practices. 


BeLoved has generated progress on their “BeLoved Village” which includes 12 micohomes to support those who are struggling with housing insecurity in our community. Their focus on housing insecurity has blossomed into organizational support for local and global issues, as they have designated programs to cultivate racial justice and cultural organizing. Their “Asheville in Black” project works to center blackness in resource distribution and amplify the excellence and hard work of black leaders in Asheville. These initiatives have helped to shape other racial healing efforts, such as educational opportunities and gatherings to support racial equity work in the community. 

The instability caused by the pandemic encouraged BeLoved to increase their mobility and look outward to collaborate with community leaders around our area to provide necessary resources to community members. BeLoved has assisted in the distribution of meals for hundreds of families during the pandemic, and continues to support the work of local organizers. 


The Street Medic program has also been a point of continuity in the work of BeLoved. Since 2017 BeLoved has been supporting the medical training of folks living on the streets as a way to provide adequate care to those most vulnerable to harm. 


The work of BeLoved Asheville is transformative, justice provoking, and inspiring. As a church community, I invite us to continue praying for the leadership team of the organization that they may continue to find the courage and energy needed to support the powerful work in which they are taking part. I would also invite you to explore ways you can get involved and support the work that BeLoved is doing. You can visit their website (https://belovedasheville.com/get-involved/) to sign up for volunteer opportunities. 


~ Mary Elizabeth Shoop

Session Member, Serve Council Member



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 (8/22-8/28): Mary Berg | email: marhber@hotmail.com

Next week (8/29-9/4): Jerry Bleckley | email: jerryb@nexuscorp.com

Prayer List

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)

Harold Shook (Melissa Shook's father)

Bill Ross (Jonathan Ross' dad) 

David Good (Amber Cook’s dad)

Rod and Janet Pike (Amy Pike’s uncle and aunt)

Family of Rev. Dolly Jacobs of FPC Greensboro

Kyle Holtz (Tim Hamel's cousin)

Nikita Smart (Eleanor Lane’s friend)

Deanna Fleenor (Mike Fleenor's sister)

Rebecca Lorenz (Phil Brown’s daughter)

Glen and Tom Kilbourne (Janet Martin’s parents)

The Family of Rod Pike (Amy Pike’s uncle)

Susan Anway (Cathy Walgenbach’s sister)

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

For all those with chronic pain

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

Upcoming @ GCPC

Presbyterianism 101 - | Sundays | Sept. 12, 19 & 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. 


Join Zoom Meeting

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

Meeting ID: 860 6912 0237 | Passcode: 789

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 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?
Register here

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

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: Varies (Click here to see schedule for 2021-2022), 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. 

GCPC Community Garden

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This week gardeners harvested eggplant, green peppers, snacking peppers, tomatoes, yellow squash, okra, green beans, and jalapenos.  


Eight gardeners harvested 230 pounds on Saturday to be delivered to YTL families.  


Fourteen Wednesday gardeners harvested 122 pounds for delivery to the YWCA; they also planted kale and cabbage. 

Many, many thanks to all our garden volunteers!

Community Working Together

We know that Mental and Spiritual health is a great concern as we move into another season of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All Souls Counseling Center is a great resource near our congregation serving those who are uninsured or underinsured with single and couple's counseling.  

Donations for BeLoved may be dropped off daily at

15 Overbrook Place, 28805 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm!

The scale of the disaster facing Haiti after the August 14 earthquake is becoming clearer. The quake and its aftershocks have left almost 1,500 people dead, thousands more injured and an unknown number of people are still missing.


Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery in the impacted areas through our established local partners and in collaboration with ACT Alliance and its members. 

Donate here

from Presbyterians Today

Jenny Von Bergen, left, and Brenda Moten, of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wis., have seen hearts open at its Racist Anonymous Fellowship group, which started last fall. Courtesy of Covenant Presbyterian Church

'Anti-racism work is heart work'

Loving others begins within

~ by Donna Frischknecht Jackson


In 2019, Barna Group researchers asked how motivated Christians were to take on the work of racial justice. What they discovered was that 11% of U.S. adults were “unmotivated,” with 9% “not motivated at all.” In 2020, the same question was asked. This time the percentages increased with 12% saying they were unmotivated and 16% not motivated at all. More revealing was that the number of those who were “somewhat motivated” shrunk, and the number of those who were motivated held fairly steady, “indicating some of those who might have previously been on the fence about addressing racial injustice have become more firmly opposed to engaging,” researchers said.


Presbyterian pastors, many of whom serve predominantly white congregations, are not surprised by these numbers. They know firsthand the adverse reaction to any mention of the words “racism,” “white supremacy” or “white privilege” on a Sunday morning. While some choose to tread carefully — or not at all — others are embracing the famous words of the late U.S. House of Representatives member and civil rights activist John Lewis, and are getting into “good trouble” by pressing the racial issue.

Read more here

Presbyterian Week of Action | August 23-29

The theme this year is “Shades of Oppression, Resistance and Liberation.” The goal this year is to be even more inclusive of the wider denomination in the planning process as well as the implementation. Events will be both virtual and potentially in person. The Week of Action has, at its core, the idea of being a visible arm of justice in our communities around the denomination as we stand on the foundations of both Matthew 25 and the Hands & Feet Initiative. The week and theme are crafted to bring attention and action to the plight of those suffering from differing forms of oppressive situations.

Click here to see Schedule of Events

Please support Give 828


Gifts directed to “Give828” will go to Women’s Ministries (E049991) and will be equally split at the point of gift entry to Women’s Ministries and Leaders of Color (E051484).


Hands and Feet of Asheville

The Asheville YAV site - Hands and Feet of Asheville - is thrilled to welcome three volunteers for the ‘21-‘22 year. Selena Hilemon - our Executive Director & YAV Site Coordinator - works with the board (including GCPC members-Andrea Rosal, Dean Presson, & Kathy Meacham), Homeward Bound’s Jerry Kivett, as well as GCPC friends The Rev. Pat Bacon, The Rev. Dr. Earl Leininger, The Rev. Katherine Johnson (Blankenship), The Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity, the Rev. Tyrone Greenlee.


This year the volunteers are staying at and collaborating with the William Black Lodge in Montreat. We look forward to seeing how this new partnership unfolds. We welcome your prayers, your support with meals or visits with the young adults coming to Asheville, and any financial gifts you feel called to provide. Contact Kathy Meacham (KRMeacham@gmail.com) or Selena Hilemon (handsandfeetavl@gmail.com). 


INTRODUCING THE 2021-2022 YAVS

'New YAV class will be commissioned Sunday in virtual ceremony'

YAVs will be traveling to seven domestic sites, South Korea and Scotland

~ by Kathy Melvin


“The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program will commission 33 members of the 2021-22 class virtually Sunday.

The ceremony will be carried live on the Young Adult Volunteer Facebook page 

at 4 pm ET.


The YAV program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation. Alongside this work, volunteers explore the meaning of their Christian faith and accountability to their neighbors in the community with peers and mentors.


This year’s domestic sites include Albuquerque, New Mexico; Asheville, North Carolina; Chinook, Montana; New OrleansNew York CityTucson, Arizona; and Washington, D.C."

Read more here

Committee on the Office of the General Assembly | Zoom | August 19, 2021

'Hearing from a diversity of voices'

Committee on the Office of the General Assembly gets latest updates on the 225th General Assembly

~ by Rick Jones


"As the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approaches another historic General Assembly next year, church leaders are making sure that all voices are heard across the denomination. In its monthly meeting on Thursday, the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly received updates on the planning as well as efforts to make this a more inclusive gathering.


The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), says it offers an opportunity to hear the broader perspectives when it comes to decision making.

“Oftentimes people are marginalized because they can’t navigate the process or feel intimidated,” he said. “This gives an opportunity to invite more people into the process where they can feel affirmed or share views that may or may not be in concert with what others believe.”

Read more here

Creative Homeownership and Repair of Racial Wealth Gap

Homeownership has been a key part of building generational wealth for many people. But not for everyone. The racial wealth gap and generational wealth disparities are due to many factors. Repairing the historical damage in this homeownership area, however, is starting to happen in creative ways here where we live. Share this information widely, volunteer, and contribute financially where you can. (Thanks to PART and CREATING SANCTUARY list-serve members who shared ideas in an impromptu email chain.  Contact Anna Louise if you want to receive PART and/or CREATING SANCTUARY communications.)


1.  Self-Help Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial institution committed to financial justice, including home ownership for people long-marginalized by traditional banks. Read their mission statement, invest in their stock, open accounts with them.  Self-Help has partnered with Pisgah Legal, Beloved Asheville and other mission partners over years. Two Asheville branch locations.  https://www.self-help.org/

2.  Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust, a community-led effort formed to “address the injustices of urban renewal and the increased cost of living in our area.” Buys (or receives as donations) parcels of land on which homes can be built.  Homeowner will own the house and lease the land. Next orientation for prospective homeowners:  September 20.  https://abclt.org/

3.  Montford & Stumptown Fund, a fund within the Asheville Buncombe Community Land Trust.  Essay on gentrification and accountability in Montford at https://amiworthen.com/2021/06/07/history-accountability-and-home/.  Info on fund at https://montfordandstumptown.com/

4.  Poder Emma (part of Colaborativa La Milpa) has a real estate cooperative and loan program to enable the residents of four Emma trailer parks to purchase the lots their trailers are on. Residents don't have to worry about eviction should the landlord decide to sell the land because they and their neighbors now own the land under their trailers. See the "one-pager" information sheet at https://www.poderemma.org/resources.

5. Landis Technologies, a brand-new, national, for-profit yet social-driven company that works closely with clients in a rent-to-buy program with coaching on credit, savings, and mortgage selection.   https://www.landis.com/ 

Bonus! For background on Black-owned residential and business property lost to urban renewal—a key part of reparations discussions--see the City of Asheville’s Urban Renewal and City-owned Property StoryMap. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ba1e9d724a1a4916bc9ff134283e5a43

YMI Cultural Center needs VOLUNTEERS!

The folks at YMI are looking for volunteer help at two upcoming outdoor festivals!
The first volunteer opportunity is this coming weekend at the LEAF Downtown AVL festival August 27th and 28th, a “joyous resurgence of music, dance and community.” YMI will be sharing a table with the RJC (Racial Justice Coalition), and they need folks to be there to hand out flyers and take donations for both organizations. If you have some time to volunteer on Friday or Saturday, fill out this form to let them and us know when you could be available to help out.
The second opportunity is this year's Goombay Festival, which marks the 40th year of this unique celebration of African and Caribbean culture in Western North Carolina, featuring three days of food, music, and crafts from September 3-5. The YMI is looking for volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and vendor support. Fill out this form and someone will be in touch.

GCPC Ministry Partner,

Healing Art Missions (HAM)

HEALING ART MISSIONS EXISTS TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF HAITI


Click here to read an Update on Healing Art Missions’ August 2021 Haitian Earthquake Response Project

from the Presbyterian Outlook . . .

PC(USA) ministries call for admission and welcome of Afghan refugees

The Amiri family is shown this spring on the playground at Second Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. The church co-sponsored the family with Kentucky Refugee Ministries for their first months in the United States. (Photo by Rich Copley)

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness is calling on the U.S. Congress and the White House to expedite admission of Afghan refugees to the United States, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is providing a guide for how Presbyterians and others can make their communities welcoming destinations for refugees.


The issue became critical earlier this month as the United States military began a planned withdrawal after nearly 20 years in the country as part of the U.S. response to the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, in New York and Washington. That is leaving thousands of Afghans who worked with the United States military desperate to leave the country for fear of reprisals from the Taliban government.

Stewardship & Sustainability | GIVE HERE

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. 

STAY CONNECTED

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. 

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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804

828.254.3274 

www.gcpcusa.org