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"Most people run a race to see who is fastest.
I run a race to see who has the most guts.”
~ Steve Prefontaine
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Sunday Preview
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Worship services @ 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Education Hour (for all ages) @ 9:15 AM
Homily:
"Not So Fast" by Marcia Mount Shoop
Scriptures:
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12); Matthew 5:13-20
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Session is calling a congregational meeting immediately after 10:45 worship on Sunday, February 23 so that the Personnel Council can present the congregation with updated information.
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We need Communion Servers!
The Session invites anyone and everyone at GCPC to sign up to serve Communion.
It is a great gift to serve each other this way, and it is a gift in which we can all share!
You can sign up
HERE
or by contacting
Sherrie Meehan
in the church office. Any Session member, Worship Council member, or Staff member is happy to answer any questions you might have.
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REGISTER NOW!
“We Like Sheep!” A Music, Drama, and Arts Camp at GCPC! | Monday - Friday | June 15-19, 2020 | 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
For Children 4 Yrs. (potty trained) through Rising 6th Graders
This summer we will be hosting a week of music, drama, and arts at Grace Covenant that will culminate in a musical performance called “We Like Sheep!” Jeff Jones, Ednamae Fisher, Josie Moe, and Heather Ferguson, along with the Children’s and Family Ministry Committee invite children to this full week of fun, friends, and fuzzy, four-legged creatures as we sing, act, create and celebrate the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the One who made the flock complete.
The week will culminate with a Friday (June 19) evening performance of the musical, “We Like Sheep!,” an exhibit of art and creative work by the children, and a reception beginning at 6:30 pm.
Cost: $100/child
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $75/child registered and paid in full by Friday, February 28, 2020.
Registration deadline – April 1, 2020
NOTE: Additional information will be requested after the registration deadline (April 1).
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LAST SUNDAY
TO PICK UP 2019 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS!
If you’ve opted for paper statements,
your 2019 contribution statement of gifts made 1/1/19 - 12/31/19 are available at the Welcome Desk. Remaining statements will be mailed 2/10/20.
I
f you’ve requested paperless statements
,*
you should have received an email from our software on 1/22/20 with a link to view your statement online.
The sender address will appear as Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church,
notifications@onrealmmail.org
. Please check your spam folder if you did not receive an email.
*If you would like to sign up for
paperless statement delivery
for future statements, please contact our Finance Office.
Please check your contribution details and pledge balances for accuracy. If you have questions or concerns about your statement, please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at
nweaver@gcpcusa.org
or 828-254-3274, ext. 202.
NOTE
: If you are paying off a prior year pledge balance in 2020, please be sure to include "2019 pledge balance" in your memo line or on your cash envelope.
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Will you be our Valentine?
Shop at
smile.amazon.com
and AmazonSmile donates to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at no cost to you!
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Garden Potluck | Friday, February 21 | 6:00 PM | GCPC Fellowship Hall
Mark your calendar! All are invited - new gardeners, veteran gardeners, garden supporters or just folks looking for a good time. Bring a dish to share. Come early and help set up or stay late and help clean up.
A good time is in the making as we sup together then share plans for the 2020 garden season.
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST) Meeting | Sunday, February 9 | after 10:45 AM worship | Garden Room
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Generous volunteers served another delicious and abundant Souper Wednesday lunch to the Pisgah Legal Service staffers in January.
Deep appreciation to Allison Falk and Dave Blozy for their warming hearty soup and popovers; to Grace Hall for plump, juicy blueberries and ‘Cuties’; to Jan Brunk for lip-smacking pecan bars; and to the Abundance Fairy, Amber White, for convivial hosting. PLS staff shared their emotional appreciation for the monthly event that they say “is not just about a meal, but about love and community.”
To learn more about this nurturing ministry that offers a sacred moment in the midst of demanding days at PLS, contact Nancy Gaskin at
Nancy.gaskin@gmail
or Glenda Burgin at
glendasb2@gmail.com
. You may join the Souper Wednesday team on February 19 or on March 18; soup, bread, fruit, treats, and hosts are needed.
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The February Environmental and Social Justice Film night presents
Suppressed: The Fight to Vote,
the new documentary by
Robert Greenwald (Director of Outfoxed, Walmart: The High Cost of Low Price, and Making A Killing: Guns, Greed, & the NRA) weaves together personal stories from voters across the state of Georgia to paint an undeniable picture of voter suppression in the 2018 midterm election where Stacey Abrams fought to become the first Black female governor in the U.S. The issues Georgians faced included polling place closures, voter purges, missing absentee ballots, extreme wait times and a host of voter ID issues – all of which disproportionately prevented many students and people of color from casting their ballots.
Suppressed: The Fight to Vote
features experts, poll watchers and everyday Georgians speaking to the reality of voter suppression and the threat it poses in 2020. In a race that was ultimately decided by 54,723 votes, the film exposes that the basic constitutional right to vote continues to be under siege in America.
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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Racial Justice Book Series | NEXT Thursday, February 13 | 6:00 PM | Jerusalem Room
For February, we will be discussing
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz.
The first history of the United States told from the perspective of indigenous peoples.
In
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States
, Dunbar-Ortiz adroitly challenges the founding myth of the United States and shows how policy against the Indigenous peoples was colonialist and designed to seize the territories of the original inhabitants, displacing or eliminating them. And as Dunbar-Ortiz reveals, this policy was praised in popular culture, through writers like James Fenimore Cooper and Walt Whitman, and in the highest offices of government and the military. Shockingly, as the genocidal policy reached its zenith under President Andrew Jackson, its ruthlessness was best articulated by US Army general Thomas S. Jesup, who, in 1836, wrote of the Seminoles: "The country can be rid of them only by exterminating them."
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PART Meeting | NEXT Thursday, February 13 | 7:00 PM | Choir Rm
Everyone is invited to join us for the next PART (Power and Race Team) meeting. We will continue practicing Organizing 101 skills and tools of building a more relational culture at GCPC. This is for anyone interested in meeting with and learning more about fellow GCPC members. What keeps us up at night? How do we take our anger and use it to build power and connections in our congregation and beyond the walls of GCPC. For more information, contact
Liz Huesemann
or
Carol Hovis
.
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Asheville GreenWorks Valentine's Day Cleanup - Riverside Drive | Friday, February 14 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Riverside Drive is a frequently trafficked and polluted road that runs along the French Broad River. Keeping these areas free from litter is important to us as a community, so let's work together to protect the areas we love! All supplies and light refreshments provided. Click
HERE
to register.
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This Sunday's Education Hour (for all ages)
Winter Term | January 5 – February 23
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Pressure Points | The Theology and Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer | Choir Room
A German theologian who called out 'cheap grace' and dreamed of a 'religionless Christianity,' Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a vital part of the Confessing Church who stood against Adolph Hitler's Third Reich at a time when most German Christian churches acquiesced to Nazism. He was executed in 1945 by the state for his part in a plot to overthrow the fascist regime. In our class together, we will learn from his theology and discuss why his legacy is currently being fought over by Christians with divergent viewpoints today.
Facilitators:
Marcia Mount Shoop & Richard Coble
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The Improv | Justice, Money and God: Exploring God’s call for right relationship (justice) by considering our relationship to money | FH
A lot of the Bible talks about money. In fact, money was Jesus’ most talked about topic. Money influences and has power in many of our relationships: our faith, our culture, our church. We will explore God’s call for justice and righteousness and wrestle together with where money fits into it all. In this class we'll be deepening relationships with each other, and hopefully seeing possibilities for new ways of relating to God, to ourselves, to each other, and to money.
Facilitators
:
Keaton Hill, Bonnie Parker and Kate Shem
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Digging In | Sexuality and the New Testament | Jerusalem Room
“If the Gospel is where we find healing from the harm done to us by the messages of the church, then it must also be where we find freedom.”
- Nadia Bolz-Weber
Sexuality and the New Testament is a 7-week, discussion-based series covering a variety of topics focused on sexual ethics in the light of New Testament principles. Our goal is to create a space for learning and honest discussions about sexuality in our contemporary culture that help us wrestle with the shame and confusion many of us harbor. Join us for discussions on purity culture, sexual identity, gender identity, and more.
Facilitators
:
Amber White & Leah Madamba
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Toddlers (ages 2-3) | “God Loves Me”
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9:15 – 10:15 AM | Toddler Room (1
st
floor)
Preschool/K (ages 4-5) | Godly Play
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9:15 –10:15 AM | Preschool Room (1
st
floor)
Elementary (grades 1-3) | Godly Play
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9:15–10:15 AM | Temple Room
(2
nd
floor)
Elementary (grades 4-5) | “CONNECT”
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9:15–10:15 AM | Indie Room
(2
nd
floor)
Middle School & Senior Highs (grades 6-12)
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9:00-10:15 AM | Youth Rooms
*Nursery care is available throughout Sunday morning beginning at 8:10 am.
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Bible Study | Wednesdays | 11:00 AM | Garden Room
Join the pastoral staff to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday. No preparation needed; just come ready to open scripture and discuss!
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Winter Women's Memoir Series | 4th Monday of month | 6:00 PM | Jerusalem Room
Join us for a series of book talks focusing on memoirs written by people of faith. Open to all women of the church. One copy of each book can be found in the church library. Please pre-read the book to ensure lively discussion.
- February 24 | I Grew Up Little: Finding Hope in a Big God by Patsy Clairmont | Facilitator: Grace Hall
- March 30 | Shameless: A Sexual Reformation by Nadia Bolz-Weber | Facilitator: Amber White
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Room in the Inn (RITI) | February 9 – 16 | GCPC
Grace Covenant, due to your gracious response to the needs our guests will have next week, we are ready for the ladies!
Thank You
to those who committed to help!
If you would still like to donate winter needs, please bring those items on Sunday to the “Room In The Inn” table where you will find a drop off box.
*Items to include
:
new razors, scarves, socks, new long underwear, hats, jackets, cozy clothing.
We are excited to have the “Room In The Inn” guests arrive on Sunday afternoon. Thank you again for your support of this ministry.
Your RITI Team:
Tish Anderson, Sally Booher, Beth Kissling, Geneva Neeriemer, Lynne Noble, Susan Presson, Linda Pyeritz, Linda Stransky, and Beth Philipsen.
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Ministry Partner News and Events...
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Homeward Bound
is putting on their Save a Life winter clothing + camping gear donation drive.
Want to help out? Donations – like warm sleeping bags, 3-person tents or bigger, heavy-duty waterproof tarps for sleeping, hats, gloves + hand warmers – will go directly to people living outside in the cold. Drop yours off at the Welcome Home Donation Center (
205 Elk Park Dr., Woodfin
).
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There will be NO Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner in February.
We look forward to seeing you at dinner fellowship in March!
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Mild Cognitive Impairment Support Group (MCI Group) | Wednesday, February 19 | 12 PM | Garden Room
This support group introduces techniques for daily living with such issues, led by Paul Rogers, a retired physician in our congregation. We meet the 1
st
and 3
rd
Wednesdays of every month.
*New participants welcome at any time.
Contact Richard,
rcoble@gcpcusa.org
, with questions.
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GCPC 20s/30s Gathering: "Little Bites and Deep Thoughts!" | Thursday, February 20 | 7:00 - 8:30 PM | Battery Park Book Exchange (
1 Page Ave., #101, AVL
)
What does the Bible have to say about sex and sexuality? What do Christian traditions say about pornography? How have sacred texts been used to cause shame and control bodies? What does Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber have to say about all this?
If you are in your twenties or thirties (or nearly these ages),
come out for an evening of delicious appetizers and drinks, as we discuss these questions and more using an excerpt from the book
Shame-less
. Click on the
reading here
and sign up below. All are welcome!
CLICK HERE TO RSVP!
*Childcare will be provided.
Please let Heather,
hferguson@gcpcusa.org
, know if you will be needing it by February 16.
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Centering Prayer | Wednesday Nights | 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Sanctuary
Christianity has a rich and ancient tradition of intentional and prayerful silence as a spiritual practice. Sacred silence teaches us to listen devoutly, humbly, and with trust. It is beautifully simple and a spiritual skill whose gifts goes deeper and gets more powerful the more one practices it. This practice is open to all and is come as you are able. Questions? Contact Marcia at
mmshoop@gcpcusa.org
.
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Deacon of the Week
Each Sunday morning there will be a deacon available for everything from praying with you to giving you a tour of the building. This deacon will be wearing a purple sash and stationed in the narthex before 10:45 worship and in the front of the sanctuary after worship. He or she is also available during the week if you or someone you love needs assistance from our board of deacons.
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Youth Committee Meeting | TONIGHT, February 6 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Garden Room
All Youth, Advisors and Parents are invited to participate in the Youth Committee meetings and lend their voice and ideas to the youth program. If you cannot attend, feel free to jump in another month.
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Youth Sunday School:
Youth Choir, Drama & Fun
(6th - 12th graders) | Every Sunday | 9:00-10:15 AM | Youth Rooms
This Spring we will continue to fearlessly dive into our faith in creative ways. We begin at 9:00am sharp with breakfast, followed by Youth Choir, Energizers, Games and an on-your-feet Bible Study. Let's continue having a blast sharing our voices and ideas with one another, as well as supporting each other as we prepare to share things in worship as well!
Questions?
Contact Samantha at
sgblock@gcpcusa.org
.
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Youth Group: Room in the Inn & Youth Sunday Planning | Sunday, February 9 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Youth Rooms & Fellowship Hall
Join us this Sunday as we support our Room in the Inn ministry with a time of shared food and fellowship. We will also dive into planning for our upcoming Youth Sunday service and enjoy a time of games and laughter together.
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UPCOMING FAITH & SEXUALITY RETREATS!!!
Please register ASAP for these upcoming valuable "Faith and Sexuality" retreats sponsored by our presbytery and GCPC. These will be all-important opportunities for sharing and learning. We will engage in healthy and honest discussions about faith, puberty, body image, sex, sexuality, positive relationships, social media, and more.
*
Please note: We highly recommend these retreats, even if you have attended one in the past. GCPC affirms youth of all gender and sexual identities.
Please learn more below and register ASAP.
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Middle School Faith
& Sexuality Retreat
For Youth (grades
5
-8)
&
Parents
Saturday, February 22,
9 AM - 5 PM
Please make this a priority.
Youth (grades
5
-8) and their parent(s) are highly encouraged to attend this impactful retreat. At least one parent must attend for each participating family. This retreat is sponsored by our presbytery, and Rev. Samantha and Katie Smith will serve as two of the facilitators. The cost is $10 per person (full/partial scholarships available) and lunch is included.
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Senior High Faith
& Sexuality Retreat:
For Youth (grades 9-12)
&
Advisors
Sunday, February 23,
3 PM - 7 PM
GCPC
Please make this a priority.
Senior High youth are highly encouraged to attend this valuable retreat. Parents are
not
asked to attend, but they will be informed about the topics covered. Rev. Samantha and Katie Smith will be two of the facilitators, and all adult advisors will be present to help support these important conversations. The cost is $5 per person (scholarships available) and dinner will be included.
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EARLY BIRD DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR SUMMER TRIPS:
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Senior High Montreat Youth Conference (Week 5: July 26-Aug. 1):
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Middle School Massanetta Youth Conference (Week 3: July 9-12):
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Prayer List
[We are happy to pray for anyone who is in need. Concerns will stay on this list for a month unless we hear otherwise. Please keep us updated.]
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
Pat Cocke (Les Stradley’s friend)
Deborah Strong (Robin Gaiser's cousin)
Nancy Schaadt (Donna Robertson's sister)
Jeffrey Ferris (Mary Lou Nash's son)
Rebecca Wells' brother, Jamey
Jeff Combs (Bill McNeff's friend)
West Asheville Presbyterian Church
Marcia Zuzel (friend of Kim Hottle and Melissa Shook)
Virginia Bibee (Jamie Bibee Lloyd's mother)
Suzy Carter (David Carter's wife and Yvonne Smith's friend)
Arlene Hill (Jay Hill's aunt)
Eveline Damiano (Lisette de Groot's daughter)
Pam Morrell (Penny Ponder’s daughter)
Joseph Tierney (Paul Tierney's father)
Hettie Lou Garland
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Florence Riedesel
Elizabeth Fisher
Doris Prak
Roslyn Carney
Nell Payne
Amanda Pressley
Allen Johnson
Sarah Frye
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Grace Covenant Community Out and About...
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2020 Winter Enneagram Gatherings
Mondays, 6-8pm
Fridays, 10am-12noon
In the A-Frame @ GCPC
No gathering Friday, Feb. 7th
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Christians for a United Community (CUC) Book Discussion Group
Book
: "Between The World And Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Dates
: starts Sunday February 2nd, 2020 and meets every other Sunday through April 5th
Time:
2:00-3:30 PM
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Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth Concert | Thursday, February 20 | 7:00 PM | GCPC
Acclaimed Appalachian old-time musician Laura Boosinger and outstanding fiddler, guitar-picker and mandolin player Josh Goforth will perform a musical history of the mountains. Based in Asheville, Laura has won glowing reviews wherever she appears. Whether she's singing, playing the clawhammer banjo, the autoharp or guitar, Laura is blessed with an "essence of the mountains" spirit that'll take you back to the days when folks used to huddle around the radio.
Josh is a talented multi-instrumentalist and recording artist who grew up steeped in the old-time Appalachian music traditions of Madison County.
Together, Laura and Josh are two names that fans of Appalachian music already know and love — and the duo's performance, brought to you by the Asheville Symphony Guild, is designed to complement
the Asheville Symphony's Feb. 22 concert
, which features Aaron Copland’s famous Appalachian Spring.
*This performance is open to all. Free-will donations will be gladly accepted.
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To Puerto Rico with love - a benefit for disaster relief | Saturday, March 21 | 5:00 - 9:00 PM | One World Brewing West (520 Haywood Rd.)
Hosted by
Sip and Speak
and
One World Brewing West.
In the wake of recent earthquakes amidst of devastating natural disasters the people on the island feel the government is unprepared to meet the needs of its citizens.
We would like our fellow compadres to know they are not alone. With this benefit. We will have a raffle and a special performance by Sol Rhythms and music by DJ HijX De La Chingada and a Puerto Rican food pop up by Jeremy Salig! also a letter writing station to send messages of hope to the island. We are working with a people and families on Puerto Rico to make sure all proceeds and donations get in the hands of people who need it the most. Click
HERE
for more information.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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