|
Click "View entire message"
at bottom of email to see the FULL newsletter
| |
#GCPCinthesanctuaryandabout | |
Support Women and Girls in Malawi Project | |
Worship Preview | Sunday, March 19, 2023
Fourth Sunday in Lent
In-person and Online Service
| |
*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
| Thursday, March 16 | Formation Class | 5:30 pm | Jerusalem Room (also on Zoom) | | Thursday, March 16 | Process Theology Class | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Thursday, March 16 | APNC Mtg. | 8:00 pm on Zoom | | Friday, March 17 | Parents' Night Out | 5:30 - 8:30 pm | Fellowship Hall/Atrium | | Sunday, March 19 | Hybrid Worship
(In-person and online) | 9:30 am @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Sunday, March 19 | Fellowship Time | 10:45 am | Narthex | | Sunday, March 19 | Formation for All Ages | 11:00 am
*please see details below | | Sunday, March 19 | Deacons Mtg. | 12:30 pm | Fellowship Hall (also on Zoom) | | Sunday, March 19 | High School Youth Group | 4:30 pm | Youth Room | | Tuesday - Thursday | Church Office OPEN | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | | Tuesday, March 21 | Prayer Group | 10:00 am | Jerusalem Room | | Tuesday, March 21 | Finance Council Mtg. | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, March 21 | Serve Council Mtg. | 6:30 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, March 22 | Lenten Bible Study | 12:00 pm |Jerusalem Room (also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, March 22 | Centering Prayer | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Wednesday, March 22 | Choir Rehearsal | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Thursday, March 23 | Process Theology Class | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Fellowship Hall | | |
|
“Feeling Our Way in the Puzzle: God, Evil, and the Human Condition in Process Theology” | Thursday Night Class | March 9, 16, 23, 30 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM | Fellowship Hall | taught by Marcia Mount Shoop
Some of the hardest parts of the life of faith today are making sense of the traditional ways Christianity has explained things like Divine power, the existence of evil in the world, and why humans are the way we are. Process Theology invites us to shed many of the faulty assumptions of the Western philosophical tradition like materialism, superiority, and linear understandings of time for a cosmology and theology that coheres to the realities of the created world. This four week class is an opportunity for us to explore the novel perspectives that Process Theology offers us as we struggle to both understand and embody the life of faith in these trying times on the planet earth.
(both in person and zoom options; some readings will be available but not required)
| |
|
Children's Formation (K-5th Grade) | Sundays | 11:00 AM | Sanctuary
Children will continue to explore the parables and the life of Jesus through Godly Play on Sunday mornings. Every Sunday there will be a special Lent Children’s Bulletin with art and activities to get our kids thinking more about Lent. Each week there will be a Lent Focus Prompt and Activity in the family email.
| |
Adult & Youth (Middle/High School) Formation: "Why Being a More Light Congregation Makes Us a More Faithful Church" | Sundays | 11:00 AM | Fellowship Hall and Zoom (password: 789)
In this class, we will be exploring how GCPC can continue to live into our values as a More Light Congregation. The mission of More Light Presbyterians is a non-profit organization dedicated to allowing the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society. Throughout the study, we will be hearing from leaders in More Light and the greater denomination via zoom.
Our guests include:
| |
TONIGHT, March 16: Eric Thomas is the interim pastor of Siloam Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn, New York. He is the first pastor ordained at Siloam and its first openly same-gender loving pastor. He is also currently completing a PhD in New Testament & Early Christianity at Drew University. His research explores the potential for queer people of color to engage with scriptural texts to articulate and embody their own modes of flourishing. Note: Rev. Thomas will be speaking to us on a Thursday night. We will then be discussing his presentation the following Sunday. (Zoom link listed above)
| |
March 26: Adrian White recently graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity School and serves as the interim part-time pastor at Woodland Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. Rev. White will be discussing their article in Unbound, "Queer Family Celebration" (https://justiceunbound.org/queer-family-celebration/) and the work of Christians to create possibilities for all people to participate fully with their names and with their bodies at the Lord's Table and in the life of the church. Adrian is also on the board of More Light Presbyterians.
| |
April 5: Bertram Johnson is the Interfaith Minister at Union Theological Seminary in New York. Rev. Johnson is a faith leader who has spent more than two decades serving churches, non-profits, and faith-based organizations dedicated to social justice, spiritual care, and public health. He is a minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and was the first openly gay African American to be ordained in the PCUSA. He will be discussing his recent article in Time Magazine about "Finding Resilience As A Queer Person During The Holidays" https://time.com/6242427/lgbtq-loneliness-resilience-holidays/
| |
Wednesday Lenten Bible Study | 12:00 PM | Jerusalem Room and Zoom
Throughout Lent during our normal Wednesday Bible Study time (12-1p), we will be discussing Jill Duffield’s book Lent in Plain Sight. This devotional work enables us to see God’s transformative work through the ordinary: “ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary grace.” Together we will delve into Scripture and practice together as we delve deeper into our spiritual Lenten journeys.
The Church will order and provide books for all who can participate on these Wednesday meetings, March 1-April 5. Contact Richard (richard@gcpcusa.org) if you would like a copy.
| |
Centering Prayer | Wednesdays | 6:00 - 6:30 PM | Sanctuary
Join us on Wednesdays to sit in sacred silence and feel God closely. If you are not able to join us in person, we invite you to light a candle and hold silence wherever you are.
| |
Important Announcements... | |
Winter Safe Shelter, a collaborative effort between GCPC, Grace Episcopal, and Trinity United Methodist | |
|
The Winter Safe Shelter is still in need of volunteers! You can sign up at this link.
Check out the most current needed items by clicking here.
Safe Shelters’ person-centered, trauma-informed approach shows many promising outcomes. We have consistently provided 10 beds on a nightly basis for the past seven weeks. During that time we have served
23 guests, with an average length of stay of 16 days.
Outcomes at Exit:
71% of housing outcomes at exit have been to permanent housing
82% if you include transitional housing
100% of families transitioned into permanent housing at exit, with support furnishing
100% of children were housed at exit.
82% of BIPOC guests were housed at exit.
100% of Latine guests were housed at exit.
| |
|
Deacon of the Week:
The deacons of Grace Covenant are available to talk and pray with you by phone or online and to coordinate care. If you have difficulty reaching your assigned deacon or if you do not know who your assigned deacon is, please feel free to reach out to our deacon of the week.
This week (3/12-3/18): Emma Maney | email: emmabrynn14@gmail.com
Next week (3/19-3/25): Bill McNeff | email: wpmcn6@yahoo.com
| |
|
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.
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
Trey and Alisha Thompson and 3 kids - Gabi, Arlo, and Eldon (Patty and Brent Thompson's son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren)
Cathy Wooten (William High’s mom)
Maria, Esteban, and Erik Goicoehea
Ann Bartlett (friend of Amanda Pressley)
Family of Burch Mixon (Kate Shem connection)
Casey Gunn Newton (Lynn Turnage's friend; Beth Gunn's daughter)
Juanita Lathem (Marilyn Roderick’s mother)
Joseph Tierney (Paul Tierney’s father)
Ruth Fenk (Cathy Froehlich’s mom)
John F. Riedesel (Steve Riedesel’s brother)
Susan Smialowicz
Doris Prak
Michelle Chromey and family
Andrea Rosal
Sharon Sasse
Reed Carney
Laura and Jonathan Ross
Margaret Rada
Mary Byers
Gloria Moe
Ken Richards
Susie Churchfield
Karen Rohls
Our sympathy and support are extended to Charlie Clogston following the death of his wife, Pat, on Sunday, March 12. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of Pat Clogston will be held in the GCPC Sanctuary on Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 pm. Please keep Charlie and the extended family in your prayers.
| |
SAVE THE DATE!
Asheville Area Piano Forum's 17th Spring Benefit Concert
at GCPC on April 16, 2023
| |
|
Presbyterian Womenʼs Circles are Zoom meetings. Please join us.
Circle 1: Second Monday of each month, 10:00 a.m.
Circle 2: First Tuesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.
Circle 3: Second Tuesday of each month (some Zoom and some in-person), 7:00 p.m.
Circle 4: Second Tuesdays of each month, 10:30 a.m.
Circle 5: First Monday of each month, 11:00 a.m.
| |
|
Need to set up a church zoom meeting?
Contact Anna Louise and she can get you all set up!
| |
|
The Garden season has begun!
On Monday, March 6, eleven garden volunteers convened to get the party started. They harvested 98 lbs. of spinach that was donated to Western Carolina Rescue Ministries! They also planted onions and sugar snap peas.
| |
Community Working Together | |
Hood Huggers Intl. and Peace Gardens & Market invites you to.... | |
|
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools are proud to partner with the US Attorney’s Office, the Asheville Police Department, Asheville Fire Department, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and the Asheville Housing Authority, with the “Do the Write Thing” (DtWT) writing program for local middle school students. The “Do the Write Thing” challenge gives middle school students an opportunity to examine the impact of youth violence on their lives. Through classroom discussion and writings, students communicate what they think should be done to reduce youth violence. In addition, they make a personal commitment to do something about this problem.
Entering writings will address 3 questions:
- How has youth violence and drug abuse affected my life?
- What are the causes of youth violence?
- What can I do about youth violence?
On March 29th & 30th 2023, from 8:30am – 3:30pm we are asking community volunteers to read and score the students’ writings. In order to make the reading of all these writings a success we will need a number of community volunteers (approx 100). We will be scoring at the Asheville City Schools Board of Education – Board Room.
If you are able to volunteer, please click here: 2023 Do the Write Thing Scoring Sign-ups
From these writings the top two students, one boy and one girl, from each grade level (6th, 7th, and 8th) will be chosen from each school district (12 finalists total). At the awards ceremony, the top winner from each district will be announced. These top 2 winners receive a complimentary trip from “Do the Write Thing” to visit Washington D.C., and have their essays placed in the Library of Congress.
We appreciate you taking the time in advance to consider assisting the DtWT committee in making this initiative a success.
For more information, please visit our website: https://tinyurl.com/ashevillebuncombedtwt
Thank you,
Asheville-Buncombe Do the Write Thing Committee
| |
|
COURSE: Racism in Policing
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is offering a donation-based course on Racism in Policing, distributed over four weekly emails by teachers Paige Fernandez (she/her) ACLU’s Policing Policy Advocate, and Carl Takei (he/him), ACLU’s senior staff attorney. Throughout the month, students will “gain a foundational knowledge around the critical issues of U.S. policing, its inseparable ties to systemic racism, and solutions for change.”
Download the online syllabus for a full lesson breakdown, and/or register for the course.
| |
|
YWCA Racial Justice Challenge
Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the YWCA Racial Justice Challenge is the same program developed by YWCA and adopted nationwide.
Racial Justice Challenge is an exciting opportunity to dive deep into racial equity and social justice while participants investigate different subjects week, Disability, Housing, Mental Health, and Music.
Participation in an activity like this helps discover how racial injustice and social injustice impact their community, connect with one another, and identify action steps to dismantle racism and other forms of discrimination. This is an exciting opportunity to join a learning community dedicated to racial equity and social justice.
The Challenge will begin on April 17, 2023. Register now, and you will receive emails with more information as the start date approaches.
| |
On Being with Krista Tippett | |
A season of big, new, beautiful On Being conversations is here. Adventures into what can replenish and orient us in this wild ride of a time to be alive: biomimicry and the science of awe; spiritual contrarianism and social creativity; pause and poetry and more towards stretching into this world ahead with dignity, wisdom — and joy.
| |
|
Interfaith Initiative -
Social Justice Opportunities
| |  |
Buncombe Community Remembrance Project | | |
|
PC(USA) Special Offerings -
One Great Hour of Sharing
February 22 - April 9
Millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity.
The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
| | |
Woman sitting on the ruins of her house destroyed by Israel in Masafer Yatta January 2023. Photo by שי קנדלר licensed under CC BY 4.0. | |
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joins other Christian denominations in a call for peace between Palestinians and Israelis -
Groups urge Biden administration to work to end violence and hold Israel accountable
~ by Rick Jones
As many as 10 Christian denominations and church-based organizations are urging President Joe Biden to actively seek peace between Palestinians and Israelis by ending military aid to the Israeli government. In a letter sent to the president over the weekend, the group described the deteriorating human rights situation and rise in violence in both the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel.
“U.S. military funding to Israel in part sustains this violence, making the U.S. government complicit in ongoing abuses,” the letter reads. “As U.S. churches and church-based organizations, we call for change to end this U.S. complicity and ask that the U.S. government hold Israel accountable for its abuses by cutting military aid.”
The letter says the new Israeli government is moving to “undermine the rule of law in Israel” and is directly threatening the rights of women, LGBTQ communities and Palestinians who are citizens of Israel, adding that the abuses and lack of accountability have resulted in decades of Palestinian suffering.
| | |
 | |
PC(USA) pastor and professor describes ways to read the Bible from the Earth’s perspective -
The Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath offers up a thoughtful biblical approach during a Presbyterians for Earth Care webinar
~ by Mike Ferguson
Speaking to a Presbyterians for Earth Care audience during a webinar last week, the Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath was able to help viewers read biblical texts — especially those describing the events of Holy Week — from the perspective of the Earth.
Galbreath, Professor of Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary’s Charlotte campus, wrote the 2022 book “Elemental: A Journey through Lent with the Earth.” His hour-long talk to PEC can be viewed here. Download Presbyterians for Earth Care’s Lenten Weekly Devotional here.
Most of the Bible, as anyone who has ever read The Green Bible can attest, has something to say about the Earth, according to Galbreath. “It’s a radical jolt to remind us of the central place of Creation through the sacred texts that we hold at the center of our assemblies,” Galbreath said. Because the Christian faith is incarnational, “to do the work of theology is to take seriously the role of Creation in all that we do.” The problem is that we quickly encounter the gulf between materiality and spirituality. It’s our job, Galbreath said, “to find ways that reconnect spirituality and materiality.”
| | |
Stewardship & Sustainability | |
|
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SUBMIT YOUR 2023 PLEDGE!
Submitting your pledge is quick and easy! Simply CLICK HERE or scan the Qr code to the right to submit your pledge online, all in one form. You will receive an email confirmation of your pledge.
Questions or concerns? Please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at giving@gcpcusa.org or leave a message at 828.254.3274.
Keep in mind, anyone can pledge any amount - every single penny helps support the ministry and mission at GCPC!
WAYS TO PLEDGE:
-
Online pledge card HERE
-
Email giving@gcpcusa.org
-
Call 828.254.3274 and leave a message for Natalie Weaver
-
Fill out a pew pledge card and put in the Sunday offering plate
-
Request a mailed pledge card from the office
| |
|
The church office is open Tuesday - Thursday, 10am - 4pm.
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 new video doorbell to assist with security. To access the building or office, please enter through the far left glass doors off the courtyard (labeled Enter). Ring the doorbell to have the door unlocked. The GCPC office is down the hall to the right, just past the Sanctuary.
You can also reach our office by phone at 828.254.3274. Follow the prompts for the staff directory to dial by name or press 0 for the main office.
| |
|
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
828.254.3274
www.gcpcusa.org
| | | | |
