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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 15, 2026
Fourth 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 (3/8-3/14) Liz Harris-Lamkin | email: chaplainehl@gmail.com
Next week (3/15-3/21) Margie Groves | email: margie.groves@gmail.com
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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.
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.
| | | Stewardship & Sustainability | | |
How to Make Your 2026 Pledge
| | | Saturday, March 14 | Choir Rehearsal | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | Sanctuary/Narthex | | Sunday, March 15 | Childcare (Ages 0-Pre-K) | begins at 9:00 am | | Sunday, March 15 | Worship Service
(In-person and online) | 10:00 am on Youtube | | Sunday, March 15 | ALL Youth Group:
Head Space Hang Out with MC Ellis | 4:00 - 6:00 pm |
Youth Room | | Tuesday, March 17 | Prayer Group | 10:00 am | Youth Room | | Tuesday, March 17 | Finance Council Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, March 17 | Serve Mtg. | 6:30 pm | Indie Room | | Wednesday, March 18 | Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group | 10:45 am | Garden Room (Admin. Building) | | Wednesday, March 18 | Lenten Food & Formation DINNER | 5:15 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Wednesday, March 18 | Lenten Food & Formation CLASSES | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary, Meeting Room 202, Youth Room | | Wednesday, March 18 | Music with Ray
(Pre-K - 5th grade) | 6:00 - 6:45 pm |
Robing Room | | Wednesday, March 18 | GCPC Choir | 7:10 pm | Choir Room | | Thursday, March 19 | GCPC Writing Collective | 5:00 pm | Indie Room | | Thursday, March 19 | GCPC Ringers | 6:30 pm | Balcony | | Saturday, March 21 - Sunday, March 22 | Youth Group Lock-In | 12:30 pm on Saturday - 12:30 pm Sunday | GCPC | | | |
ALL Youth Group - Head Space Hang Out with MC Ellis | Sunday, March 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, March 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 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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GCPC Writing Collective | Thursday, March 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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Youth Group Lock In | Saturday, March 21 @ 12:30 PM - Sunday, March 22 following worship | GCPC
Mark your calendar for our EPIC GCPC Youth Lock In and Confirmation Exploration! Saturday March 21-Sunday March 22. Drop off on Saturday at 12:3o pm and we'll end with worship together on Sunday. Good fun, good food, and some growing together, too!
5th graders are invited to join us from 12:30pm-7:00pm on Saturday
6th-12th graders plan on staying overnight and heading home after worship on Sunday.
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FLOWERS for Easter Sunday Worship - April 5, 2026, 10:00 am
Bring flowers: houseplants, cut flowers in vases or jars, flowers for planting.
Make flowers: paper flowers, pipe cleaner flowers, tissue paper flowers, cut out, colored flowers
Place flowers on colorful tables around the sanctuary Easter morning
Take your own flowers with you after worship to share, to plant, to decorate, to return to their rightful places
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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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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
Andrea Bercos
Claudio Nunez
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
MC Ellis
Liz Huesemann
| | | | On Wednesday, March 11, twelve garden volunteers harvested 22 lbs. of spinach that was shared with Bountiful Cities. They also planted carrot seed and weeded, forked, and fertilized several of the beds. | | |
Grace Abounds Food Pantry | Thursday, March 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:
- tomato soup
- canned chicken breast
- cups of fruit
- canned pasta (pop tops if possible)
Everyone please bring one (or more) this Sunday!
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Parents' Night Out! | Friday, March 27 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Fellowship Hall & Atrium
Kids 0-5th grade are invited to spend time with volunteers and staff on a Friday evening while parents connect. This event is free!. ALL KIDS SHOULD PACK A SACK DINNER. We will provide drinks and dessert.
| | Community Working Together | | Volunteer with GCPC Ministry Partner, Aflorar Herb Collective | |
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Finding and Using Your Voice
With so many unsettling things that have been happening, a common statement from people is “I want to do something”. It is heartening to see so many people wanting to take action, and as noted by nonviolent researcher Erica Chenoweth, if in our area we can get 3.5% actively and consistently involved, we are part of reaching the tipping point nationally to successfully resist this administration.
One of Michelle Obama’s most celebrated phrases on the 2024 campaign trail was “Do something”. And if doing something is calling to you, here are some thoughts for your consideration that helped me and might be helpful for you.
In seeking out what to do, I knew there were many choices. However, figuring out what was best for me to do was challenging. I considered some options, and I decided to set the following priorities as I made my decisions.
- I needed to do something that not only made a difference but was also something that required the skills I had to offer or was an area where I had the potential to develop new skills. I also wanted to be able to utilize the relationships within the community that I had developed over a period of years.
- I wanted to do something that would bring me together with others. My heart is about being part of and creating a community that cares for each other.
- I also was looking for something that “fed me”. I knew that being nourished by the work would assist me in continuing the work for the long run and would help in not allowing a failure or mistake stop me from being involved.
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Finally, and maybe most importantly, I needed to take care of myself and have time to show care to those in my family. Not doing so would likely mean that I’d be less successful in making a positive impact. (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
| | | Irrational Ice Cream Flights & Bubble Teas + Marvelous Math Club Fundraiser | | In addition to fun flights and teas, 10% of all sales at The Hop & Pop (640 Merrimon Ave) on Saturday, 3.14, will benefit Marvelous Math Club! You will also be able to sign up for their event - details below. | | |
GCPC member Eleanor Violet Edwards (daughter of Marty Edwards and Jen Lipsey Edwards) has won 8 Regional Scholastic Art Awards this year! (A truly remarkable achievement!)
Asheville Art Museum is the regional headquarters and is displaying all Silver and Gold Key award pieces live and all Honorable Mentions in a digital slide show. She won 3 gold, 1 silver, and 4 honorable mentions.
The show is up now at AAM and with a closing reception and awards ceremony on Sunday March 22.
Here’s a link to her winning art if you’re curious!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JL6WziWJD7HkRery5
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Asheville City Schools is in search of additional staff for our 21st CCLC afterschool programs at Claxton Elementary and Hall Fletcher Elementary.
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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
Anna Louise Murchison - annalouise@gcpcusa.org, x. 201
Sue Kersbergen (FINANCE OFFICE) - sue@gcpcusa.org
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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