FIRST   CONGREGATIONAL      

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST   
Asheville, North Carolina
November 6, 2013



Worship is at 10:30
Sunday School is at 9:15

The deadline to get your newsletter announcements to admin@uccasheville.org is Monday at noon.  If you miss the deadline, we will include it in the following week's edition. 
 
A Few Thoughts from Joe 

 

Very joyful worship on Sunday. New members joining, a variety of wonderful music, ministry fair with delicious food following service. What gifts of community we share!

 

The week has begun with the very sad news about the typhoon damage in the Philippines. The UCC is collecting disaster aid funds to be part of the relief effort. If you would like to contribute, please write a check to First Congregational UCC and mark it for typhoon relief. You can drop this in offering plate on Sunday, or mail to church office at PO Box 3211, Asheville, NC 28802. We will forward all gifts as quickly as we can. And let us hold all those who suffer from the damage, who have loved ones in that country, and who are relief workers in our prayers.

 

Many thanks to those who have turned in your personal giving cards thus far. The finance leaders tell me we are off to a good start. If you haven't yet turned yours in, please do so as soon as you can. This helps us plan for our ministries in 2014 - which will be big because of it being the 100th year celebration! Additional personal giving cards can be found in the narthex or in the church office.

 

On Thursday of this week, the mental health spirituality group will meet again from 5:30-6:30 in room 107, led by Rev. Jerene Broadway and Joe Hoffman. All are welcome!

 

This coming Sunday I will be using Isaiah 65:17-25 as our text for worship. We will talk about joy and infinite possibilities!  Following worship there will be a forum on our benevolence giving for 2013 and our ideas for 2014. We will meet in the sanctuary. And later on Sunday, from 4-6pm, Ron Vinson and I will lead the mindfulness class in room 101.

The Bible Study continues on Monday nights from 6-7pm. Our text will be Colossians 1:11-20.

 

I wish you a joyful week, filled with generous acts of giving and sharing on your part. See what a difference such a way of living can make! And take a moment to thank those who are generous and loving towards you!

Joe

Matthew Fox in town

This Sunday, Jubilee! will host Matthew Fox at 5pm for "conversation with Matthew Fox."  All are welcome - cost is $10.  

 

Ministry News 
from the Ministry Coordinator 
Yolanda Adams

 

For this week's service: 

Greeters/Ushers: Mary Ann Brackett

Deacon of the Month: Luz Jones

Friendship Time:  Buddy Chambless - new location in the front of the Sanctuary

Childcare: Savannah Price

Worship & Church Life
 Thanks to all that came and participated in another wonderful Ministry Fair . I am very grateful for the time and though that was put into all of the surveys and the great testimonials for our website. If you were not here and would like to fill out a survey I will happily send the surveys off to you.
 
Also, I saw so many people welcoming our new members. Thanks for being a warm and loving faith community.
 
 A pictorial and biography directory of our new members will be available this Sunday, November 17th.

 

Notice:  Church Wide Forum - Nov. 17

Come learn how we are allocating our 2013 benevolence funds, and what our plan is for 2014. Give voice to what you want to see happen in this part of our congregational life. This is very important to many of us, and we want to hear from you. So, following worship, in the sanctuary, join staff and leaders of the board and Governance and Ministry Task Force as we talk about this. AND - there will also be opportunity to ask questions about the by-laws again. The last forum led to some changes of substance in the by-laws, and we want to hear from any others of you who might have questions or ideas.

 


Sunday November 24th 
Family Advent Wreath Making
There will be an intergenerational event for the entire church family on Sunday morning November 24th during the Sunday School hour. Pastor Gary will lead us in making Advent Wreathes. Everything needed for making the wreathes will be provided with the exception of garden shears or kitchen scissors. In order to have enough supplies reservations MUST be made. Reservations close on Sunday November 17th. Reservations can be made on the door of Pastor Gary's office at the end of the Art Gallery.
 
 
DECEMBER 1ST: HOLIDAY PRAYER FLAGS
 
Amy Meier will be once again faciliataing the making of Prayer Flags as she did on retreat. This will give those who did not get an opportunity to make a flag to do so.  Flags may be holiday themed or not and one does not need to be an artist to participate. It is a wonderful family and multi-general way to do a project. Good gift ideas too.
Prayer Flags from Retrear


 

 

Spiritual Life 
Faith Formation & Sunday School

 LAST SUNDAY FOR:

Girlfriends: Exploring Women's Relationships in the Bible by Barbara J. Essex. - led by 

Brenda Lewis - 
(Room 105)
This class will explores women's friendships and relationships the good, bad and just plain ugly by exploring ways in which women interact in the Bible. Class ends November 17th.  9:15 AM


Conversations on Faith and Spirituality -
led by Rev. Joe (Room 101)
This is a class that you can come to all fall or visit in and out of. Each week will be self contained - partly some opening presentation or reading to think on, then conversation. It is a chance to talk about what is happening during your week, a time to just take a breath and relax, a time to be with other friends.  9:15 AM

 

YOUTH FAITH EXPLORATION & FORMATION - Led by Pastor Gary & Chris Martin
(Pastor Gary's Office) - NEW LOCATION
Youth in GRADES 6 - 12 will be meeting with Pastor Gary and Chris Martin.  This class will help youth explore their faith with lively,
relevant discussion.  9:15 AM 
  
Children's Sunday School
led by Virginia Himmelheber and Kate Singogo. (Room 105)
This class will be primarily for Kindergarten through GRADE 5. The fun and informative curriculum "One Room Sunday School" will be taught.
Our children (approximately grades K-5) have started out the year studying the judges Deborah and Samuel, and are now moving forward with the study of David.  The curriculum includes drama, art, dance, and games. Sunday School begins at 9:15 a.m. and includes a snack time. 
   

Religious Exploration with Pastor Gary 

This year Pastor Gary will continue his teaching of the Bible stories linked with the texts each Sunday. Children may leave worship with Pastor Gary after a time with children for 20 minutes of religious education and fun.  They will return to the sanctuary before the last hymn of worship.  

 

Coming in December:

 

 Join Cindy Bovee-Kemper and Yolanda Adams for a three week study and discussion on Elizabeth, Mary and Anna. December 1st, 8th, 15th in Room E-101.
  Class will begin at 9:15 am
 God Reached Down from Heaven with the Best Gift of All

 
A sacred season is about to unfold for three women whose hearts belong to God. 
Elizabeth is barren, yet her trust in God remains fertile. Mary is betrothed in marriage, yet she is willing to bear God's Son. Anna is a widow full of years, yet she waits patiently, prayerfully for the Messiah to appear in the temple courts

 

This book is available online in a Kindle version as well as hardcover. It's a very small book and easy read. You do not have to read the book to come to the class. We will have a few in the office next week for purchase. We recommend that if possible Chapter 1 and 2 are read before you come to the first class. 

This book ably mines the Scriptures, revealing undiscovered treasures in the familiar story. Through the pages of this powerful little book, we get to peer into the hearts of these women and find our own hearts melting at the beauty of God's grace

 

Sunday Evening Activities
AUTUMN 2013 Through WINTER 2014

    
 null
November 17th
Mindful Awareness: Practicing Believing in Ourselves - Session 3
 --a fall/winter study retreat with 
Ron Vinson & Rev. Joe Hoffman
Join this thought provoking group for an opportunity to explore how we might live daily life with a different mindset. 
This class will meet in room E-101, from 4-6 pm.   November 17th, December 15th and January 19th. Call or email  Ron Vinson for further information 828-467-6718 or  rmvinson@gmail.com. 
 
 DECEMBER ......

Darilyn Dealy will continue the group experience that more deeply delves into the  
"The Lord's Prayer", or the
"Prayer of Jesus".  
The next class will be 
Sunday, December 1st from
 4-6 pm and then  12/29. No preparation is needed for the class.... Just bring your open heart. If you have questions, email me at darilyndealy@yahoo.com . All who participated really enjoyed the class and look forward to next month's class, 
or call my 
home number,
828 252-8866. 
(Room 101)
  

FCUCC Art Gallery Shows   


  
November- The Art of Aurel Peterson
Dec. - Carol Duin & Cathy Handzo - a display entitled "Behold"
Jan. - Maria Fire
Feb. -Scenes from Siberia
March - Joye Ardyn
April   Congregational Show "What does FCUCC Mean to Me?"
May   100th Anniversary Art Show
June - 100th Anniversary Art Show
July - 100th Anniversary Art Show  
If you are interested in displaying in our gallery please contact Gary at mrmitchahs@aol.com  
 

Hospitality News from Buddy
BUDDY CHAMBLESS -HOSPITALITY
 New Location for Friendship Time
Come join us for Friendship Time in the front of the Sanctuary. The weather has turned cold so we have to move inside. We will still have our wonderful spread so bring some goodies to share.

JAVA TIME!
Hot Cider and Hot Chocolate is a big hit! Hot drinks for cool mornings!

Thanks for coming early and having a little social time before worship services.  Java Time is at 9:00 am so you can catch a cup before Sunday School. Also each week the Deacon of the Month will be there for a little while to be a host and for you to get to know them better. Bring the kids for Hot Chocolate, Juice or Hot Cider.
This week , meet Deacon Luz Jones
Java Time will be held in the Gallery each Sunday morning
 
Youth News from Youth Leaders JP and Taleese with Friends Anna and Colin Blanchard
 
JP & Taleese Morrill
Anna & Colin Blanchard

Get ready for the Annual Youth Retreat, January 17th-20th, 2014 at the Blowing Rock Conference Center. Scholarships are available. 
   
Message from the youth leaders:
We had such a great time at youth group last time. We had some very fun game time as well as a really awesome discussion about what praise and worship music can be and how it effects our lives. I sent the teens home with registration forms for the retreat. If you can bring those to the church or me as soon as possible that'd be great. If you misplaced or didn't get the registration forms you can get it online at:
https://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102955745357-1364/Youth+Retreat+Registration.pdf 

Our next meeting is going to be December 8th. It's the second Sunday in December. The first Sunday is Thanksgiving week and I knew a lot of people would be out of town. I am so excited to let you know that we'll have Our Voice come in that Sunday (the 8th) to do a program with the teens. They are planning on gearing the topic towards communication and responsibility in relationships. Our Voice is a really great organization and they often go into schools and youth programs and are pros at making the topics interesting and appropriate for our age range.

The following Sunday, December 15th, we're going to have a Christmas Party at our house. We'll have food, games, and be collecting gifts for an Angel Tree child. I'll send you an email with details on that in the next few weeks. 

I want to remind you again about the youth group facebook page. Encourage your teen to join so they can be up to date on all of the great things we have going on!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/fcuccyouth
 
 





MINISTRY TEAMS & CHURCH ACTIVITIES

Pritchard Park Breakfast Needs
Currently, the greatest need for the Pritchard Park breakfast is grits (quick, not instant). Other needs include sugar, napkins, squeeze jelly, and jars of creamer.  Please leave any donations in the kitchen off the friendship hall on Sunday morning.  Please label the donations "Pritchard Park."
Thanks, 

Virginia

 

ROOM IN THE INN NEWS
First of all, thank you for all the love you have shown so far in signing up for Decemberʼs Room in the Inn. There is only one dinner left to fill, and thatʼs for Saturday,Dec. 7. Lunches are pretty-much taken care of, too. If youʼd like to bring some breakfast items, check the posters for empty days and decide with which youʼd like tohelp. Sign-ups will continue on November 10, 17, and 24. We will even accept help as late as December 1. 

 Second, a huge thank you to Mary Cowal for taking on the Transportation 
Coordinatorʼs spot. Thatʼs such a huge help!

 We still are looking for someone (or 2) to fill the Set-up/Take-down Coordinatorʼs position. Much help will be provided to get you started. 

 

 
Mental Health Spirituality & Support Group

 Many of us live with the challenges of mental illness, either in our own lives or in the lives of people we love. In the midst of the chaos of such illness, we find ourselves struggling to find hope, meaning, & resilience.    

Our gathering will take place on the 2nd Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 pm in the education wing. The series of gatherings will be facilitated by Rev. Jerene Broadway, chaplain at Mission Hospital's Copestone Psychiatric Unit.  Next meeting is November 14th.  

  
 

New Fair Trade Recipe

Perfect Brownies 

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 Equal Exchange Organic EVOO
  • 1 Bar Equal Exchange Milk Chocolate with a hit of Hazlenut (or 12 Equal Exchange Milk Chocolate Minis)
  • 1 c packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 c flour
  • 1/3 c Equal Exchange Organic baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 baking powder
  • 12 Equal Exchange Organic Milk Chocolate Minis with a hint of hazlenut broken into pieces. 

Pre-heat oven to 350.  Butter a 9 inch baking pan.  

Melt butter and the 1 large chocolate bar in a heavy saucepan over low heat.  Stir constantly until smooth.  Add olive oil.  Remove from heat; cool to lukewarm.  Stir in brown sugar and vanilla.  Add eggs, beat well, until mixture is thoroughly mixed and glossy.  

Stir remaining ingredients (already combined, excluding remaining chocolate and nuts) into the chocolaty mix.  

Pour most of the batter into pan.  Insert minis and cover with a thin layer of batter.  Add nuts if desired.  Bake for 30 minutes.  

 

Wonder What Happens to the UCC's Share of the Equal Exchange Dollars?

When we participate in the sale of Equal Exchange's interfaith Fair Trade sales, the United Church of Christ receives a portion for a special project.  The UCC's money is going to the Franklinton Center's Just Food Project.  The Franklinton Center is located right here in North Carolina!  It focuses on racial justice issues.

  

 


In the Community  
 
   

Asheville Area Habitat For Humanity
The start of the Interfaith House 15is right around the corner!

 

Located in Asheville Area Habitat's Swannanoa neighborhood, the 15th Interfaith House will break ground in about 3 weeks, and we will celebrate the beginning of the build with a wall-raising and service of joy and gratitude at noon on Tuesday, November 26th. What a fitting way to usher in America's traditional week of giving thanks!  

 

The sponsoring Interfaith Congregations, Habitat and Partner Family Daphne Jones (Interfaith House 15 homeowner-to-be) invite you to come help us give thanks for our abundant blessings and celebrate the 15-year partnership between the Interfaith community and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. 

   

We'll see you on the job site at noon on November 26 th !

 

Mary Ann Brackett, Liaison

Habitat Interfaith House#15
Contact: home: 828-774-5393; cell: 828-777-6384 mochasmoms2@charter.net
 
 

Move Forward! starts the next round of its transformative workshop

 

The Meetup group Move Forward! announced that it will restart its amazing series Welcome To The Road To Success. Meetings are held in south Asheville/Arden on Mondays at 6:30 pm. Right after an incredible finish to this same series last week, Move Forward! will capitalize on its momentum by doing it again, this time featuring recent graduates.

Through mentorship, discussion and, yes, homework, the meetings guide members in the process of achieving whatever their lives have been lacking (e.g.: closer relationships, improved health, financial freedom).

What sets this program apart is its emphasis on taking action to bring about rapid change. Members are held accountable for their progress in a safe and encouraging environment. The weekly meetings assure that members stay on track. The mentorship of members helping members creates a community of achievement.

The group is open to adults of all ages and backgrounds. Membership is free. Each meeting costs only $1.00 to pay for website expenses. New members can join anytime during the series. To sign up, go to www.meetup.com/move_forward. Be sure to click on About Us on the home page for more information and upcoming meeting location.

Contact:

Steve Roos, program facilitator

828-215-4496

sdclroos@gmail.com

 


   
Eco Tip for the Week   

 

As the nights turn colder, be sure to disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor water sources such as bird baths to protect them from freezing. Don't forget to check gutters and downspouts for accumulations of leaves and twigs.

 
Birthdays

 

November

1    John Stoffer

2    Wayne Burgess

2   Brenda Lewis

3    Betty Joyner

3    Leslie Boyd

3    Dorri Sherrill

5   Barbara Bell

6    Jim May

6    Ashley Westmoreland

8    Leslie Sladky-Hillman

9   Chris Parker

10   Kristi Schleder

10  Matt Dotson-Smith

12  Jim Beggs

13  Mary Ann Brackett

13 Kenneth Bangonan 

14  Camille Harris

14   Paul Gillespie

16   Amy Leonhart

20  Morgan Daven

21  Carol Pickard

22  Dean Fisher

22   Kiva Nice-Webb

26  Russ Tillotson

26  Sarah Burnette

29  Hannelore Hanson

 

 

If your birthday is missing from this list, please email Harper!  admin@uccasheville.org  

 

Calendar of Events  

 

See our entire church calendar HERE.

 

 Pritchard Park Schedule for supplying full breakfast

Nov. 17 First Baptist, Weaverville

Nov. 24 Land of the Sky UCC

Dec. 1 Trinity

  
Church Life in Pictures and Videos



 

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FCUCC 
Mailing address
 
P.O. Box 3211
Asheville, NC 28802
Street address
20 Oak Street in Downtown Asheville
PH: 828-252-8729
FAX: 828-254-7362

ADMINISTRATIVE  OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday  
8 am - 1:00pm
Friday - 9 am - 3 pm
Gary  in office.  
Yolanda is in the office until 5:30 pm most days.
Days off are as follows:
Yolanda ~ Wednesday
Gary ~ Thursday
Reverend Joe & Harper ~ Friday 

STAFF
Minister

Associate Pastor, Commissioned Minister of Music & Sacred Arts

Administrative Assistant

Ministry Coordinator


Contract Finance Officer

Andrea Blankinship


DEACONS
We are available for most needs, and if we cannot help you, we will try to find someone that can.  
 

Wes Heath, Chair 

772-1066, wheath1234@aol.com 

Leslie Boyd (243-6712)

leslieboyd@gmail.com 

Mary Ann Brackett (777-6384- cell; 828-676-0716- home)

mochasmoms2@charter.net

Luz Jones (506-3402)

luzjones@aol.com

Cara Pollard (280-5749) carnapuland@hotmail.com 

Trina Summers (298-5320)

katrinasummers@gmail.com

Yolanda Adams (279-4899) yoliea@gmail.com 

Carol Duin (254-4068) scduin@gmail.com 

Jacque Wuelling (314-409-4850)  jacque45@live.com 

 
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Details
Gifts to FCUCC  
October 20: $6,611
October 27: $4,037
November 3: $10,673
November 10: $3,806
 
AttendanceOctober 13: 155
Octoer 20: 141
October 27: 134
November 3:  147
Novemebr 10: 170

Our Prayers

 

The Deacons pray for those that need prayer. Please write your requests on the card provided and put them in the prayer box in the Narthex. The box is checked regularly and all requests are confidential unless noted otherwise. You can also request prayers online or e-mail ministry@uccasheville.org

 

In sympathy & care we lift up:

 

The Bangonan Family from the Philppines. They have reported that their family is safe but is requesting prayers for them as food, shelter and medications are scarce and expensive. Pray for the people of the Philippines.

 

Continuing Prayers & Updates:

 

* Lessy Ashworth who is a teacher at Community High School and was seriously burned Wednesday morning (the 30th).  She has two young children. 

* Dustin Henry, a former student of Gary Mitchell, who is dying of cancer

 

* Sharon, sister of Diane Sanders, who is heading to Houston Friday to begin treatment for lung cancer. 
 

*  Craig Comeau's mom, Barbara passed away on Sunday Oct.27th. Pray for Craig's family as they go this difficult time.


 

* Brenda Lewis and her Father is now living at Flescher's for rehabilitation ans skilled nursing care.

 

 

* David Berry was at church this past Sunday. YAY!!
 
* Austin Blythe - on the way to recovery without pins in the arm.

 

* Reverend Aubra  Love

 

* David Francis 

 

 

Celebrations!

 

* David Berry was at church this past Sunday. YAY!!