“Let nothing disturb thee, Nothing affright thee;
All things are passing; God never changeth.”
~ Teresa of Avila
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Sunday Preview
Sunday, November 24, 2019
Christ the King Sunday
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
Worship services @ 8:15 & 10:45 AM
Education Hour (for all ages) @ 9:15 AM
Homily:
"Breadcrumbs" by Richard Coble
Scriptures:
Jeremiah 23:1-6; Luke 23:33-43
Click
"
View entire message"
at bottom of EMAIL to see the FULL newsletter
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Note from Emma Maney,
GCPC Member and current YAV in Tucson, AZ
Dear GCPC,
Thank you all for your generosity and support of me and my YAV year through thoughts, prayers, and monetary donations. I feel very loved from all of the encouragement I have received from my church family! My YAV year is going very well and I am feeling settled into communities here. Here is a link to my blog so people can read my posts!
https://emmabrynnmaney.home.blog
Thank you for walking with me on this journey!
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Fall Garden Potluck | THIS Friday, November 22 | 6:00 PM | GCPC Fellowship Hall
All gardeners and friends are invited to the end of the year pot-luck celebration! PLEASE BRING your favorite main dish, salad, or dessert, and your favorite garden memory. Come early (5:30pm) and help set up or stay late to help clean up!
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Facing the End as a Community of Faith: Grief, Planning, and Funerals | Sundays in November | 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Sanctuary
What does it mean to approach grief and death from a Christian perspective? How we even begin to make sense of advanced planning in light of the multitude of options today? Join us on Sunday evenings in November to learn about the end of life through the lens of faith.
- Nov. 24: Navigating funerals and our options with Frank Starling, RN of the Center for End of Life Transitions
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Getting to our goal is a community effort!
To submit a 2020 pledge,
you can fill out an easy
online option here
or put your completed pledge card in the Sunday plate, bring it by the office, or mail it to 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804. Pledge cards are available in the pews, narthex, and at the Welcome Desk.
Even if you have already pledged, prayerfully consider an increase. We can do this GCPC!!
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Stewardship season is an inspiring time of year at GCPC! People give for all sorts of reasons, and it is empowering to hear the voices and stories of our siblings in Christ. How do stewardship and Eucharist connect? The Grace Covenant community knows how! Check out our podcast to hear more...
~ Laura Ross,
Stew Crew
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In this episode, we explore how stewardship and Eucharist are connected.
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Pledge Statement Email
If you have a 2019 pledge with a balance, you should receive an email today from our Finance Office. Click the blue
"View your pledge statement"
to link to the statement.
Please take a moment to review your YTD giving details and outstanding pledge balance for accuracy. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at 828-254-3274, ext. 202 or
nweaver@gcpcusa.org.
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2020 Pledge Prepay
In addition to catching up on 2019 giving, many of you have asked about prepaying your 2020 pledge. You can prepay anytime, but it's very important to clearly mark these gifts as 2020 pledges. If a gift is made without a memo or envelope designating it otherwise, it will be applied to the current year general fund through 12/31/19.
If you are planning on prepaying your next year's pledge, please be sure to include
"2020 pledge prepay"
somewhere on your gift to ensure our Finance Office records it as you intended.
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Creating Sanctuary Team (CST)
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“We are to walk the path of our humanity, no longer ride unseeing through a world we do not touch and only vaguely sense,” urges the prayer of “Welcoming Sabbath.”
“The best way to grow empathy for those who are lost is to know what it means to be lost yourself,” Barbara Brown Taylor reminds her readers in
An Altar in the World
. “Those most likely to befriend strangers… are those who have been strangers themselves.” Quoting British rabbi Jonathan Sacks, she adds that as many as 36 times, the Old Testament commands us to “love the stranger.” Why should we love the stranger? Taylor asks. “Because God does.”
“The future of our world [may likely] depend on how we deal with identity and difference,” theologian Miroslav Volf writes. Let us wrap ourselves in humility that we may offer hospitality to the stranger who may appear different but is, at heart, our neighbor.
~ Contributed by Tish Anderson
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Power and Race Team (PART)
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November is Native American Heritage Month
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Asheville artist, Clarissa Sligh's work is one of the opening exhibits at the Asheville Art Gallery's
exhibition of Appalachia Now: An Interdisciplinary Survey of Contemporary Art in Southern Appalachia. (
November 14, 2019–February 3, 2020)
Excerpt from the foreword of her book,
Transforming Hate: An Artist's Book
:
"I am a black woman. I am an artist. For many years I have been creating work to bring issues of social justice into the public discourse. This book evolved from a project for which I folded origami cranes from pages of white supremacist books for the exhibition, Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate. It was organized by the Montana Human Rights Network and the Holter Art Museum in Helena, Montana and opened in 2008.
In
Transforming Hate: An Artist’s Book
, I was trying to look at what it was like for me to turn the hateful words of the white supremacist books into a beautiful art object. That exploration helped me understand more fully the many levels of oppression and violence at the intersections of race, gender, class and sexual orientation. Why do we keep each other from being who we really are? How can we begin to talk about what separates us?"
Click
HERE
to learn more about the artist.
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Earth Team Meeting | Wednesday, December 4 | 5:30 PM | Jerusalem Room
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GCPC Ride Share Facebook Group
Tired of not finding a parking spot? Want a chance to get to know fellow members, and be a more responsible steward of the earth? The GCPC rideshare Facebook group is your answer.
Just search for it on Facebook, join the group, and post what your ride needs or offers are. Include details like when you come to church, either on Sunday or other days during the week, and how many people you can take -- or need to get rides for. Read other peoples posts and respond. It's simple and it really works. Check it out!
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This Sunday's Education Hour (for all ages)
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Adult Education - Fall Term | Sept. 15 - Nov. 24 | 9:15 AM
Pressure Points - The Church and Native Americans: Grappling with the Past, Facing the Future | Fellowship Hall
This 11-week program will outline a Christian's response to social issues related to Native American Peoples of North America. This will involve educating ourselves about the history of native peoples (from their perspective using The Great Courses as an academic basis for this education) prior to European contact and the philosophical/theological/political concepts that were employed against Native peoples after contact. In the second half of the course's term, we will deal specifically with Cherokee Indian issues as a case in point of our country's and our church's involvement in oppression of native culture, highlighting the Cherokee Nation/ECBI's response to that oppression. Ultimately, we would like to posit for our class how we should prayerfully yet actively respond to these issues in the future.
Facilitators:
Buzz Durham, Mike Fleenor, Jaan Ferree, Mary Berg, Marcia Mount Shoop
The Improv -
The Spirituality of Vulnerability: Brené Brown and Richard Rohr
| Choir Room
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path” (Brené Brown,
Daring Greatly). In this class, we will be discussing how the insights of shame researcher Brené Brown and spiritual writer and Franciscan friar Richard Rohr can inform our spiritual lives.
Facilitators:
Richard Coble, Nancy Gaskin, Paul Rogers
Digging In - Living the Questions | Jerusalem Room
Living the Questions is for those who are looking for a resource that encourages questions they’ve always wanted to ask and sparks open dialogue in a safe place. It’s also for those asking what a meaningful faith can look like today. Living the Questions provides a context where people can pursue their questions and deepen their understanding as part of a life-long spiritual journey. This video-based program (along with downloadable participant guides and readings) includes conversations with scholars and clergy. Spirituality, Bible, God, creation, Jesus, Gospels, Paul, evangelism, evil, suffering and forgiveness are some of the topics we’ll consider.
Facilitators:
Denise Snodgrass and Tim Hamel
Toddlers (ages 2-3) | “God Loves Me”
| 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Toddler Room (downstairs, Children’s Center)
Preschool/Kindergarten (ages 4-5) | Godly Play
| 9:15 –10:15 AM | Preschool Sunday School Room (downstairs, Children’s Center)
Elementary (grades 1-3) | Godly Play
| 9:15–10:15 AM | Temple Room (Education wing, upstairs)
Elementary (grades 4-5) | “CONNECT”
| 9:15–10:15 AM | Indie Room (Education wing, upstairs)
Middle School & Senior Highs (grades 6-12)
| 9:00-10:15 AM | Youth Rooms, (Education wing, upstairs)
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*Nursery care is available throughout Sunday morning beginning at 8:10 am.
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OTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES...
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The Middle Place
by Kelly Corrigan, 2008.
This is not a new book, but a delightful and touching read.
At thirty-six, Kelly Corrigan had a marriage that worked, two funny, active kids, and a weekly newspaper column. Even then, she still saw herself as the daughter of a garrulous Irish-American charmer, George Corrigan. She was living deep within what she calls the Middle Place – “that sliver of time when parenthood and childhood overlap” – comfortably wedged between her adult duties and her parents’ care. But when Kelly finds a lump in her breast – and gets the diagnosis that no one wants to hear – and when her beloved father, too, learns that he has late-stage cancer, Kelly finally takes the leap and grows up. And through her bravely honest, funny, and inspirational memoir, she takes us with her.
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VRQ-BBQ Cook Team |
Next cook date: December 3rd
| 4:30 or 5:30 PM | Veterans Restoration Quarters (
1329 Tunnel Road
)
On the First Tuesday of each month, a team of folks gather at the Veterans Restoration Quarters to grill hamburgers and prepare supper for more than 200 US Armed Forces Veterans living in transitional housing at the VRQ — an ABCCM Ministry. Team volunteers begin to gather at 4:30 to prepare the meal and fire up the grills; to help serve the meal come at 5:30. The evening meal is served at 6 and the team joins with the veterans at their table for supper. Commitments can be for one Tuesday or more. Email
Bill Neeriemer
with questions.
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Ministry Partner News and Events...
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Asheville Writers in the Schools presents "Mountain of Words" |
Saturday, November 23 | 6 – 9 PM |
YMI Cultural Center
(
39 South Market Street)
Join us for an intergenerational literary and art event featuring nationally renowned journalist Latria Graham, award-winning poet Juan Sanchez Martinez, Cara Forbes, a frequent contributor to Natives in America and Word on the Street writers Sharissa Thomason, Niobe Wright and Ilah Pennacchini. All hosted by spoken word artist Shanita Jackson. The evening begins with a multimedia art showcase and music DJ'd by the Word on the Street Squad. Great food provided by Benne on Eagle, themed raffles baskets and much more. Child care provided. Click
HERE
to reserve your free ticket.
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Presbyterian Women (PW) Christmas Social | Monday, December 2 | 5:30 PM | Fellowship Hall
Please join the Presbyterian Women for a festive evening of fellowship, food and a Christmas carol sing-along. $15 per person for a delicious catered dinner.
Our mission will be Asheville Poverty Initiative's
12 Baskets Cafe. An offering will be taken at our dinner. If you would prefer to donate an item, the following are needed - sugar, creamer, salad dressings, ketchup, mustard, napkins, paper towels, toilet tissue, trash bags (large and small) and cleaning supplies (Dawn dishwashing soap, Simple Green concentrate, Pine Sol, Magic Erasers, etc.) Sign-ups will be in the narthex this Sunday. Please email or call Cathy Froehlich with any questions:
oremont2@gmail.com or 828-775-1016.
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Sisters at the Sea Retreat 2020 | February 6-9, 2020 | Folly Beach, SC | $210 (early bird rate)
“Cultivating an Inner Life of Grace & Clarity: Spiritual Practices for Everyday”
With guest retreat facilitator, Rev. Carol Hovis
Do you identify as a woman age 25ish-50ish who would like a weekend of connecting and rejuvenating in a beautiful natural setting? Mark your calendars for our lucky number 11th
annual SOS (“Save our Sanity”/“Sisters at the Sea”) retreat! This year’s guest facilitator, Rev. Carol Hovis, will help us explore approaches to spiritual contemplation that we can practice in even the smallest moments of our day-to-day rush, to develop and deepen throughout our lifetimes. Register today to ensure this special time of building friendships and centering your faith in the new year!
Registration:
- Early Bird Rate (by December 9th): $210
- Regular Rate (December 10th and after): $240
- $50 non-refundable deposit due at registration. Checks should be made to GCPC with “2020 Sisters at the Sea” in the memo line. Full and partial scholarships available (complete registration form to apply).
- TO REGISTER TODAY: Visit http://bit.ly/Sisters2020 to register online, or pick up a registration form at the GCPC Welcome Desk.
- *Registration ends on Jan. 15.*
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Winner Winner Wednesday Dinner and Biltmore Preview Concert | Wednesday, December 11 | 6:00 PM | Fellowship Hall & Sanctuary
Please bring your favorite holiday side dish (meats and beverages will be provided) for dinner followed at 7:00 pm by a festive evening of seasonal carols sung by members of our Chancel Choir as they put the final touches on their Biltmore Candlelight concert.
RSVP to Anna Louise,
almurchison@gcpcusa.org
, by noon on Monday,
Dec. 9 so we can have an estimate.
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"Las Posadas" | Thursday, December 19 | 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Cathedral of All Souls
The Cathedral of All Souls invites GCPC to celebrate "Las Posadas" with them in December. The event is a traditional celebration of Mary and Joseph trying to find room to be sheltered and cared for. The Church La Capilla
http://lacapilla.org
presides over the event and our role is to host and gather and bring the party! We provide food, piñata, and hopefully LOADS of people!
While the tradition is really focused on the exile of Mary and Joseph we acknowledge in our worship and singing and prayers together that many of our LatinX brothers and sisters are being turned away today and we pray for all to find homes and shelter and care and love during this time of re-birth of compassion.
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Centering Prayer | Wednesday Nights | 6:30 - 7:00 PM | Sanctuary
(There will be no Centering Prayer on Nov. 27, Dec. 11, Dec. 25, or Jan. 1.)
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 Group "Visit with Representative John Ager" | Sunday, November 24 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM | GCPC
Buncombe County Representative John Ager will be joining us to share about important issues going on in our county and state and how our youth can make an impact! Jennifer Edwards will also be coming to help us design youth
t-shirts! Dinner will be provided by the Ungert and Plocica/Aikman families.
*This is a mandatory event for GCPC youth & adults attending the Raleigh Mission Education Trip during MLK Jr. weekend.
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Sunday, December 1st:
NO Youth Group
(Thanksgiving Weekend)
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Youth Sunday School:
Youth Choir, Drama & Fun
(6th - 12th graders) | Sundays | 9:00 - 10:15 AM | Youth Rooms
This fall we will be fearlessly jumping into our faith in creative ways. We will begin at 9:00am sharp with breakfast, followed by Youth Choir, Energizers, Games and and an on-your-feet Bible Study. See you at the first class and get ready for a fun, meaningful experience!
Questions? Contact Samantha at
sgblock@gcpcusa.org
.
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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 and Richard Schaadt (Donna Robertson's sister and brother-in-law)
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)
Jon Stone (Madge Francis' nephew)
Hettie Lou Garland
Betty Smith
Margaret Rada
Bob Higgins
James Harwell
Joyce Summerlin
Cory Hartbarger
Mary Ellen Horne
Penny Ponder
Florence Riedesel
Donna Robertson
Elizabeth Fisher
Earl Fowler
Amanda Pressley
Our sympathy and support are extended to Melissa Hicks and family following the death of her mother on Wednesday. There will be a joint service for her father and mother in Chattanooga on Friday. Please keep the family in your prayers.
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Asheville Gay Men's Chorus presents “
Sound the Trumpet
" | Saturday, December 14 @ 7:30 PM & Sunday, December 15 @ 4:00 PM | GCPC Sanctuary
General Admission - $20, Youth/Student - $10. For tickets and more info, visit www.avlgmc.org. Keith Prince will be selling tickets before and after worship on December 8
th
.
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2019 December Enneagram Gatherings
Mondays, 6-8pm and
Fridays, 10am-12noon
We take a break the week of Thanksgiving & resume Friday, Dec. 6th and Monday, Dec. 9th.
No gathering Monday, Dec. 2nd.
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Making Room for Joy – an Advent Retreat with Jeannie Dubose | December 6-7 | Lake Logan
Enter the Advent Season with this 24-hour retreat facilitated by Jeannie Dubose. Whether you are in the midst of a sunny stretch or a blue patch, come explore how “Making Room for Joy” can draw you closer to God. We will reflect on the theological context for this topic, as well as addressing how part of accessing our delight includes a willingness to acknowledge our losses. In addition, we will engage music, images, poetry, scripture, and interactive questions — all as portals for awakening, as John O’Donohue says, “to what your heart would love to say.”
Click
HERE
for more details.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church | 828.254.3274
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
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