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Table of Contents
- Pics of the week
- This Week @ GCPC - Calendar and description of events this week @ GCPC
- Stewardship & Sustainability
- Important Announcements
- Prayer List
- Upcoming @ GCPC
- Community Working Together - Includes info from Covenant & Ministry Partners
- GCPC Out & About - Info about events in the wider Asheville community
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Worship Preview | Sunday, February 15, 2026
Annual Meeting
Ordination and Installation of New Officers
In-person and online service
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Deacon of the Week:
The Deacon of the Week is available to talk, provide support, and coordinate care if needed. You are not alone. You are loved. Please reach out to our deacon of the week if you have any needs or concerns.
This week (2/8-2/14) Patty Thompson | email: pattyellisthompson@gmail.com
Next week (2/15-2/21) Dawna Williams-Landis | email: dawna.j.williamslandis@gmail.com
Deacon of the Week Prayer:
Gracious Holy One,
We come today with heavy hearts as we grieve the continued injustice and harm done to innocent people in our country. We pray that those acting in unloving ways would be held accountable for their actions. Help each of us to look in our own hearts and reflect on how hate harms us and what we can do to be people of love. Lord have mercy. Amen.
~ Patty Thompson
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How to Make Your 2026 Pledge
| | | Saturday, February 14 | YTL Breakfast of Hope | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Sunday, February 15 | Worship Service
(In-person and online) | 10:00 am on Youtube | | Sunday, February 15 | Formation Class:
Presbyterianism 101 | starts 30 minutes after worship | Fellowship Hall
(also on Zoom) | | Sunday, February 15 | ALL Youth Group:
Head Space Check In | 4:00 - 6:00 pm |
Youth Room | | Tuesday, February 17 | Prayer Group | 10:00 am | Youth Room | | Tuesday, February 17 | Finance Council Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, February 17 | Serve Council Mtg. | 6:30 pm | Indie Room | | Wednesday, February 18 | Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group | 10:45 am | Garden Room (Admin. Building) | | Wednesday, February 18 | Lenten Food & Formation DINNER | 5:15 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Wednesday, February 18 | Ash Wednesday Service | 6:15 pm | Sanctuary
(also on Youtube) | | Wednesday, February 18 | GCPC Choir | 7:30 pm | Choir Room | | Thursday, February 19 | Writing Collective | 5:00 pm | Indie Room | | Thursday, February 19 | GCPC Ringers | 6:30 pm | Balcony | | Saturday, February 21 | Memorial Service for Nicholas Poulos | 2:00 pm | Montreat - Anderson Auditorium | | |
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What Does it mean to be Presbyterian?:
Presbyterianism 101
Sunday, February 15 | 30 minutes after worship | Fellowship Hall | (also on Zoom)
Marcia Mount Shoop and Dave Cozad will provide an overview of our faith’s history, theology, and governance for new members or those seeking a refresher. It will include fundamental beliefs, church structure (polity), and ways members can participate in the church's mission and community.
Please come and learn more about our beloved community full of love, mercy, and grace. Email Marcia or Dave if you have questions.
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GCPC ALL Youth Group: Head Space Hang Out | Sunday, February 15 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM | Youth Room
MC Ellis will facilitate a safe space for the chance to check in and support one another.
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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group Mtg. | Wednesday, February 18 | 10:45 AM - 12:00 PM | Garden Room (Admin. Building)
This support group introduces techniques for daily living with such issues, led by Paul Rogers, a retired physician in our congregation and supported by other pastors in the GCPC community. We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. New participants welcome at any time. Contact Anna Louise, annalouise@gcpcusa.org, with questions.
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Food & Formation on Wednesday Nights During Lent
Join us for dinner on Wednesday nights during Lent at 5:15 pm. The food will be prepared by someone beloved by many at GCPC, Dani's mom, Derlyn.
Dinner on February 18th is followed by the Ash Wednesday Service at 6:15 pm. The Lenten classes begin on February 25th at 6:00 pm. See class descriptions below and stay tuned for registration information.
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Ash Wednesday Service | February 18 | 6:15 PM | Sanctuary
After dinner we will have the Service of Imposition of Ashes. Childcare is provided.
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GCPC Choir | Wednesday, February 18 | 7:30 PM | Choir Room
The choir is open to all youth and adults who have a love and curiosity for creating music together! No previous experience or training is necessary. You will be welcomed with open arms and supported as you discover or rediscover your singing voice. Childcare is provided for those who have little ones. I hope you will consider adding your wonderful presence and voice to our choir! ~ Ray
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GCPC Writing Collective | Thursday, February 19 | 5:00 PM | Indie Room
If you love to write and welcome a chance to be creative and supportive around writing in community, come to the GCPC Writing Collective on the third Thursday of the month in the Indie Room (Education Wing) at 5 pm. Come as you are and when you can. Bring a journal and something to write with or your laptop and any food you wish to have.
This will be a supportive, generative gathering that centers the way writing makes space for creativity, expression, connection, and healing. The group will be convened by Marcia Mount Shoop, Margaret Belk and others. Feel free to reach out with questions.
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GCPC Ringers (Bell Choir) | Thursdays | 6:30 PM | Balcony
Would you like to be part of a Hand Bell Choir? Rehearsals will take place on Thursday evenings in the balcony from 6:30 - 7:45 pm. All high school youth and adults are welcome! All that is needed is curiosity and joy for making music in community. You will be gently supported on your music journey. Please contact Ray at ray@gcpcusa.org if you are interested!
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A memorial service honoring the life of Nicholas Poulos, son of the Rev. Michael Poulos of First Presbyterian Church, Spruce Pine, has been scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21, in Anderson Auditorium at the Montreat Conference Center. Poulos, who worked for Homeward Bound of WNC, died Jan. 30.
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Meal Train needs for the Blunt Family!
Let's nourish the Blunts with some good food
following Caroline's surgery on February 19th!
Just a few dates left!
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Grace Abounds Food Pantry will be open again on Thursday, February 26th from 11 am - 1 pm.
We believe the pantry embodies the church’s commitment to service and compassion.We try to keep our shelves stocked with canned goods, rice, beans, crackers, granola bars, cereal and other items. We also provide diapers, baby wipes and feminine products. Our pantry is stocked completely with donations. This is where we need your support to keep our pantry open.
Needs for this week:
- dried beans
- canned beans - pinto and black
- canned corn
- canned fruit
Everyone please bring one (or more) this Sunday!
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GCPC Community Garden
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS!
The 2026 garden season is just around the corner and we need more volunteers for the garden team. This is a wonderful way to commune in nature with GCPC members and neighbors alike, all while growing food to share with various communities around Asheville. All ages are welcome...
come grow with us!
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REALM Contact Information Updates!!
Please take a moment to add/update your contact information (including mailing address) in Realm. This helps us stay connected as a community.
Click HERE to login to Realm.
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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. Email prayer@gcpcusa.org to add someone to the prayer list.
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
The Reparations Process in Asheville/Buncombe County (From PART)
Suzanne Tierney (Paul Tierney's mom)
Kathy McNeff Gerace (Bill McNeff’s sister)
Lisa Bishop (co-worker of Marta Alcala)
David Lockett (uncle of Denise Lockett)
Maria and Esteban Goicoechea
Maria Hemmings (Aileen Wiglesworth’s sister)
Andrea Bercos
Claudio Nunez
Corban Stern (Larry Stern’s 10 year old grandson)
Rudy Fenk (Cathy Froehlich's dad)
Susie Churchfield
Bonnie Stone
Michelle Chromey and family
Nancy Litten
Alexandra Lusak
Jude Kaye (Linda Van Sciver’s wife)
Anne Turnage
Stephy Citron
Martha Kisiah
John Legerton
Mary Byers
Caroline Blunt
Tami Forte Logan
Kellana Capers
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Lenten Formation Classes
(beginning Wednesday, February 25)
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The Ancient Christian Wisdom Tradition and Celtic Christianity
Facilitated by Carol Hovis and Dave Cozad, this course will explore two early understandings of Christian faith that were suppressed and displaced by “establishment Christianity.” GCPC folk will recognize many of the principles and practices that this congregation is trying to revitalize through its preaching, teaching, and worship. Each session will provide times of teaching, guided meditation and group discussion.
The material on the ancient Christian Wisdom Tradition will feature the teachings of Cynthia Bourgeault; the Celtic material will draw on the writings of John Philip Newell.
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Bible Study
Join Marcia to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday.
No preparation needed; just come ready to open scripture and discuss!
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A Parents' Place: Exploring Household Sabbath
Each session will begin with a brief exploration of a Sabbath practice including Prayer, Storytelling, Hospitality, Service, and Retreat. Once the practice has been introduced the parents will have an opportunity for fellowship and discussion.
All resources will be provided. Our goal with this class is to give parents a space to connect with no expectations beyond building community. Please contact Chelsea with any questions!
| | Registration for classes will be available next week! | | |
Music with Ray (Pre-K - 5th grade) will resume Wednesday, Feb. 25!
The class will be held from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. following the meal. Childcare will be continue once class ends for any parents participating in a formation class.
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Parents' Day Out | Saturday, February 28 | 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM | GCPC
Kids 0-5th grade are invited to spend time with volunteers and staff on a Saturday while parents enjoy some free time. This event is free!.
ALL KIDS SHOULD PACK A SACK LUNCH.
We will provide drinks and dessert.
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A Multi-Arts Experience to help us tell our stories in these times
Friday, April 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm | GCPC Sanctuary
Community Storytelling, Poetry, Art Making, and Singing/Choral Music with Strings/Organ Music
| | Community Working Together | | |
RESCHEDULED!!
Black in Asheville: “Urban Renewal Impact” The Movie | Saturday, February 21 | 7:00 PM | Asheville Community Theater Mainstage
Urban Renewal Impact takes a hard look at Asheville’s past through the lens of those who lived it. This film traces how city leaders, long focused on cultivating Asheville as a white-led tourism destination, excluded Black residents from their plans. From convict leasing that forced Black men to build the city’s foundation to federally funded projects that razed entire Black neighborhoods, Urban Renewal Impact reveals a truth rarely acknowledged: progress for some came at the expense of others.
Runtime: This a two hour long event including a Q&A after the film.
Tickets: This event is free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Any remaining tickets will be available on the day of the show through the Box Office. Seating is general admission.
Sponsored by Rotary of Asheville and Asheville Community Theatre.
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Kindness is Free
Those are the words on one of my favorite shirts that I wear frequently. At a time when there continues to be such division and derision, when our culture is looking at competition in areas where we should have collaboration (e.g., health care, food production and distribution, housing), the ability to offer and accept kindness becomes even more important.
I see kindness all around, but kindnesses tend to get lost within the chaos of current events and the 24-hour news cycle. Krista Tippett, who produces On-Being, offered this timely message at the end of January. The "soreness" of our hearts calls for compassion toward ourselves and others. Compassion can lead to kind actions, and if we pay attention, we can see these actions in many places. The Walk for Peace displayed kind actions from the monks themselves and from people who lined the roads to thank the monks for their efforts in promoting inner peace and mindfulness.
And then there are smaller, sometimes inconspicuous efforts, where we see people helping a frail person cross the street, people giving money to an unhoused person who needs a meal or even just acknowledging their existence. All of these individual acts of kindness may seem small and simple, but for those whose hearts are "sore", as Krista Tippett notes, it can be life-affirming.
For many of us who are discouraged by what is happening by the federal administration and our NC General Assembly, there are certainly ways we can take action. Some of those opportunities for action are highlighted in this e-newsletter and elsewhere. However, what we may need in addition to taking action is to slow down, appreciate what we have, and notice the kindnesses that are all around us. This is not a call to accept or disregard the horrors we are seeing but rather encouragement to simply take time to pay attention to meaningful actions and small beneficial changes by those engaged in mutual aid, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, and yes, in many instances, by those who work in government.
Thanks for all you continue to do to maintain our democracy, support social justice, and make positive change! If there are people wishing to subscribe to this e-newsletter, they only need to complete this form and click the subscribe button.
Ron Katz
Editor
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12 Baskets Café & Asheville Poverty Initiative
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The MLK Association of Asheville & Buncombe County M.A.R.C.H. newsletter
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The church office is open Tuesday - Thursday, 10am - 3pm.
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 video doorbell to assist with security. To access the building or office, please enter through the far left glass doors off the courtyard (the one labeled Enter). Ring the doorbell to have the door unlocked. The GCPC office is to the right, down the hall, past the Sanctuary.
You can also reach our staff by email or phone at 828.254.3274
Marcia Mount Shoop - marcia@gcpcusa.org, x. 203
Ray Landis - ray@gcpcusa.org, x. 207
Brett Pinkston - brett@gcpcusa.org, x. 202
Anna Louise Murchison - annalouise@gcpcusa.org, x. 201
Olivia Goldstein - olivia@gcpcusa.org
Jonathan Barros - jonathan@gcpcusa.org
Dani Hernandez - dani@gcpcusa.org
Marcella Martinez - marcella@gcpcusa.org
April Andrews - april@gcpcusa.org
Jasmine Moore - jasmine@gcpcusa.org
Chelsea West - chelsea@gcpcusa.org
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
828.254.3274
www.gcpcusa.org
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