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Table of Contents
- Pics of the week
- This Week @ GCPC - Calendar and description of events this week @ GCPC
- Gratitude for Brett Pinkston
- 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, March 1, 2026
Second Sunday in Lent
Communion Sunday
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 (2/22-2/28) Margie Groves | email: margie.groves@gmail.com
Next week (3/1-3/7) Dawna Williams-Landis |
email: dawna.j.williamslandis@gmail.com
Deacon of the Week Prayer:
God of many names,
We come to you with hearts that are in love with you but find it hard to love all humans. Please, guide us and show us the way to love all as we connect in our relationships and communities with kindness and generosity. Give us words, intentions and courage as we navigate some hard paths of living life. In our best way we know how right now, in this moment, we pray. Amen.
~ Margie Groves
| | There is a love offering option set up for Brett on Realm on the drop down giving menu if you would like to say thank you with a monetary gift. | |
Thank you for your work at GCPC!
Brett has been a part of the GCPC Staff since the Spring of 2023. He is a beloved part of our staff team and of the GCPC community.
We will always remember and be grateful for his heroic work in the wake of Hurricane Helene. He was a major part of the millions of dollars of rent support that GCPC has done.
This Friday is Brett's last day as GCPC's Stewardship and Financial Administrator. Transitions are always a mix of gratitude and sorrow. We are going to miss Brett so much on the staff. And we are so grateful for who he is and how he has shared his heart and his energy with all of us.
Thank you, Brett, for being you and for all you have done to help make GCPC a healthy and vital community.
GCPC, I hope you will take a moment to share your gratitude with Brett, too. You can send him an email at brett@gcpcusa.org and you can contribute to his love offering on Realm.
With Gratitude,
Marcia
| | | Stewardship & Sustainability | | |
How to Make Your 2026 Pledge
| | | Saturday, February 28 | Parents' Day Out! | 9:30 am - 2:30 pm | Fellowship Hall/Atrium | | Sunday, March 1 | Worship Service
(In-person and online) | 10:00 am on Youtube | | Sunday, March 1 | Lecture: The Women of Holy Week | 1:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Sunday, March 1 | ALL Youth Group:
Movie Night! | 4:00 - *6:30 PM | Fellowship Hall | | Tuesday, March 3 | Prayer Group | 10:00 am | Youth Room | | Tuesday, March 3 | Guatemala Comm. Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, March 3 | Worship Council Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, March 3 | Formation Council Mtg. | 7:00 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Wednesday, March 4 | Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group | 10:45 am | Garden Room (Admin. Building) | | Wednesday, March 4 | Lenten Food & Formation DINNER | 5:15 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Wednesday, March 4 | Lenten Food & Formation CLASSES | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary, Meeting Room 202, Youth Room | | Wednesday, March 4 | Music with Ray
(Pre-K - 5th grade) | 6:00 - 6:45 pm |
Robing Room | | Wednesday, March 4 | GCPC Choir | 7:10 pm | Choir Room | | Thursday, March 5 | Power & Race Team (PART) Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Thursday, March 5 | GCPC Ringers | 6:30 pm | Balcony | | Friday, March 6 | Pride Collective Gathering | 6:00 pm | Fellowship Hall | | | |
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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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!
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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group Mtg. | Wednesday, March 4 | 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 is followed by the Lenten Food & Formation CLASSES at 6:00 pm.
See class descriptions below and get registered!
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Lenten Formation Classes | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Wednesdays | February 25 - March 25
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Music with Ray (Pre-K - 5th grade) | Wednesdays in Lent (Feb. 25 - March 25) | 6:00 - 6:45 PM | Robing Rm
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.
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GCPC Choir | Wednesdays | 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
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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 in this open, collaborative, generative and transformative practice.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/91314445389
Meeting ID: 913 1444 5389 Passcode: 789
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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)
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
Mary Byers
Caroline Blunt
Tami Forte Logan
Kellana Capers
Kathleen Smith
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Grace Abounds Food Pantry | Thursday, March 12 | 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:
- cereal
- dried beans
- canned corn
- canned fruit
Everyone please bring one (or more) this Sunday!
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GCPC Campfire Collective | Thursday, March 12 | 5:00 PM | Garden Room
We all have stories to tell. Come share your real experiences and stories in the company of other folks of good will. Warm up, cultivate joy, go light or go deep. Imagine sitting around the campfire together – remembering, sharing, laughing, connecting, opening our hearts and minds, learning, and supporting.
Each gathering will open with a moment of centering and reflecting on a theme or a question. Then each person will be offered time to share an anecdote or a brief story that carries personal meaning to which the group may respond.
Come as often as you like. Everyone is welcome. Sharing our stories in a semi-structured framework, we will deepen friendships and build community. (And bring a whittling stick if you have one!)
John Huie and others will facilitate.
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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
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How Nonviolence Can Work (Part 1)
In the last edition of this e-newsletter, one of the videos highlighted Erica Chenoweth in a TEDx talk. She is a well regarded advocate of nonviolence, but she only became a proponent after she had extensively researched authoritarian regimes. She looked at the various strategies used to resist and overcome them. Her findings indicated that nonviolent strategies were significantly more successful than violent ones in overturning those regimes.
There is some skepticism about whether nonviolence can work. After all, how can nonviolence stop violence? Some of that skepticism comes from what we often see happen when people take actions without coordination and a strategy. Going to rallies and protests may offer an opportunity for people to participate, but without a strategy that brings together those efforts into a unified front, those actions likely won’t attain the result that people are hoping for.
So, how do we create such a strategy? We might look to some cities abroad that have toppled regimes, and Ms. Chenoweth highlights several of them from years ago, but what happened in Minneapolis may be a good starting point as well. (Continue reading here.)
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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Pre-order Remnant written by GCPC's beloved member,
Tyler Cook!
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Available June 9, 2026
"The Adventure Continues…on June 9, 2026! It is an honor to present the next book in the Aluria Adventures series, Remnant. It has been a pleasure to write and I hope you enjoy it when it comes out.
“A new, dark presence hovers over the city of Canton. After avoiding a nuclear holocaust, its citizens have enjoyed peace and order. Or so they thought. Now, they must brace the revenge of Aluria’s most powerful enemy and new protégé, Remnant.
Jason Conner has no time for another war. His plans to wed Princess Tessa Warren are spiraling into chaos, his company’s facing a takeover, and he risks losing the only family he has ever know. But when Remnant seeks to steal four mythical stones and open the Gate of Cessation, Jason has no choice but to unleash Aluria—the last of the Valdorte and the ancient power that lives within him.
As dark magic collides with divine force, Jason must face a haunting new enemy who’s mastered death itself. This time, losing won’t just cost him his life. It could doom the world.”
Stay tuned, as more exciting information will be forthcoming, including videos, information on the upcoming Remnant Book Tour and more!"
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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!
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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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