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Worship Preview | Sunday, February 22, 2026

First Sunday in Lent

Communion Sunday

In-person and online service

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 (2/15-2/21) Dawna Williams-Landis | email: dawna.j.williamslandis@gmail.com 

Next week (2/22-2/28) Margie Groves | email: margie.groves@gmail.com 



Deacon of the Week Prayer:

Beloved creator God,

Please hear the prayers of our community this week that have been both shared and those prayers held close inside. Please provide comfort to all who are awaiting response to their prayers and the patience to follow spirit through this time of not knowing what to expect. Thank you for your grace and love.

Amen.

~ Dawna Williams-Landis

Click here to read the "Envision the Possibilities" Stewardship Letter

How to Make Your 2026 Pledge

• Scan the QR code for a link to the online Pledge Card
• Click here: https://onrealm.org/gcpcusa/-/form/pledge/envision 
• Email your pledge and giving frequency to giving@gcpcusa.org
• Visit Brett in the Finance Office at GCPC Tuesday-Thursday 10am-2pm. 

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.

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 is followed by the Lenten Food & Formation CLASSES at 6:00 pm.

See class descriptions below and get registered!

The Ancient Christian Wisdom Tradition and Celtic Christianity Sanctuary

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.

Bible Study 
Meeting Room 202

Join Marcia to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday.



No preparation needed; just come ready to open scripture and discuss!

A Parents' Place: Exploring Household Sabbath

Youth Room

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!

Music with Ray (Pre-K - 5th grade) | Wednesdays in Lent (Feb. 25 - March 25) | 6:00 - 6:45 PM | Robing Room

The class will be held from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. following the meal. Childcare will continue once class ends for any parents participating in a formation class.

GCPC Choir | Wednesday, February 25 | 7:10 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

Grace Abounds Food Pantry | Thursday, February 26 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Sanctuary

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
• cereal
• canned corn
• canned fruit

Everyone please bring one (or more) this Sunday!

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!

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.

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!

GCPC Prez Beez Softball!

The GCPC softball team the Prez Beez are gearing up for the spring season. The league is coed, ages 16-100. We are competitive but we also have a ton of fun. Games are on Sunday afternoons. We have room for new players on our roster. Don’t need to be a superstar, just someone that wants to have fun and play a little softball. Contact Bill McNeff, wpmcn6@yahoo.com or 828-458-7737.

GCPC Nametags

If you are in need of a new nametag,

please email Anna Louise at annalouise@gcpcusa.org.

ALL Youth Group (6-12 grades): Movie Night! | Sunday, March 1 | 4:00 - *6:30 PM | Fellowship Hall

Our postponed Movie Night is finally upon us! Come for film, snacks and discussion! *The film is 2 hours long so we are adding a little time to allow for that. We will have food!

Power & Race Team (PART) Meeting | Thursday, March 5 | 6:00 PM | Zoom

Power and Race Team (PART) meets monthly and intentionally does the work of dismantling white supremacy culture within our own bodies, relationships, and community. Please join us because we are an open space as well as collaborative, generative and transformative.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91314445389

Meeting ID: 913 1444 5389 Passcode: 789

Pride Collective Gathering | Friday, March 6 | 6:00 PM | Fellowship Hall

This will be a time for fellowship, connection and conversation. We will also review our upcoming programs and activities for 2026. Please bring a favorite food for our shared meal.

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

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.

Join Land of Sky UCC for Dinner and a Movie, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, in Celebration of Black History Month -

February 20 @ 5PM

Join us in the Sanctuary at LOS on Friday, February 20th at 5pm for a meal catered by Big J's Bubba-Q and a movie screening in celebration of Black History Month! We will likely be watching The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017). Synopsis: In 1951, cancerous cells from Henrietta Lacks lead to breakthroughs that change the face of medicine forever. Aided by writer Rebecca Skloot, Deborah Lacks embarks on a quest to learn about the mother she never knew. If you are able please contribute to the cost of the meal, approximately $20. If you have extra contribute as you can for the God Economy!

Asheville Middle School is currently seeking a Part-Time Academic Tutor to support students through small-group instruction and targeted academic support. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with middle school students and wants to make a meaningful impact in our learning community while earning $35 per hour. If you or someone you know may be interested, please consider applying or sharing this opportunity with others.

Apply Online Today!