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Worship Preview | Sunday, October 16, 2022
In-person Service and Youtube
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
| Thursday, October 13 | A Journey Through the "Revelation of John" | 6:30 pm | Fellowship Hall/Atrium | | Saturday, October 15 | Garden Workday
(Team 4) | 9:00 am | GCPC Community Garden | | Sunday, October 16 | Hybrid Worship
(In-person and online) | 9:30 am @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Sunday, October 16 | FellowshipTime | 10:45 am | Narthex | | Sunday, October 16 | Formation for All Ages | 11:00 am
*please see details below | | Sunday, October 16 | Long Range Visioning Team Mtg. | 12:30 pm | Fellowship Hall | | Sunday, October 16 | High School Youth Group | 4:30 pm | Youth Room | | Sunday, October 16 | Deacons Mtg. | 7:00 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday - Thursday | Church Office Open | 10 am - 4 pm | | Tuesday, October 18 | Finance Council | 5:30 pm on Zoom | | Tuesday, October 18 | Serve Council | 6:30 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, October 19 | Garden Workday
(Team 1) | 9:00 am | GCPC Community Garden | | Wednesday, October 19 | Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Group | 11:00 am | Jerusalem Room (also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, October 19 | Bible Study | 12:00 pm | Jerusalem Room (also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, October 19 | Just Funding Mtg. | 6:00 pm | Jerusalem Rm | | Wednesday, October 19 | Choir Rehearsal | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Thursday, October 20 | PW Coordinating Team | 10:00 am | Garden Rm | | |
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Children's Formation (K-5th Grade) | Sundays | 11:00 AM | Sanctuary
The children will begin in the Sanctuary with prayer, music and storytelling. At 11:25 am they will travel to their "wondering rooms" (second floor of Education Wing) to finish their Godly Play lesson. Pick up is at noon and children are invited to take a snack home.
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Youth Formation (Middle/High School) | Sundays | 11:00 AM | Youth Room
After worship service starting at 11 a.m. Middle and High Schoolers will meet together in the new youth room. We will provide breakfast-like snacks and will be learning about Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints.
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Adult Formation: Faith and Boundaries I Sundays | September 18 -November 20 | 11:00 AM I Fellowship Hall and Zoom
Does life feel like it's out of control? Perhaps you feel like you have to say yes to everyone's requests. Maybe you find yourself readily taking responsibility for others' feelings and problems. Or perhaps you focus so much on being loving and unselfish that you've forgotten your own limits and limitations. Or maybe it's all of the above. This fall, we will be exploring a faith based approach to boundaries, a vital tool for all communities and relationships searching for ways to create space for love, compassion, and and justice.
Facilitators: Margaret Tierney, Paul Rogers, Libby Kyles, Marta Alcalá, Patty Thompson, and Dean Presson
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86748147293
Meeting ID: 867 4814 7293 Passcode: 789
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Bible Study | Wednesdays | 12:00 PM | Jerusalem Room & Zoom
Join the pastoral staff to read and study our sermon texts for Sunday. No preparation needed; just come ready to open scripture and discuss!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82947867192
Meeting ID: 829 4786 7192 Passcode: 789
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A Letter from Jackie Kiger... | |
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Dear Grace Covenant Community,
Last week Keaton Hill so eloquently invited our faith community to embrace pledging to Grace Covenant as an invitation to grace. I was humbled by her words and found myself connected to her questioning of how we serve our community, consider resources together, and show up for each other as a faithful family.
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As a member of GCPC’s Personnel Council, I have been offered the gift of learning and hearing about the work of our staff as they support each of us on our faith journey. So much happens each and every week to plan for, prepare, and create an inclusive and holy space for all of us on Sunday morning and beyond. Their work is the work of care, compassion, and maintaining a complex and complicated system that supports our children, youth, adult learning, music, the day-to-day operations, and so much more fundamentally critical to our collective experience and spiritual growth, yet not always seen or heard in direct ways.
Your pledge to GCPC supports and retains our talented, dedicated and hard-working staff. It is an act of love, acknowledgement, recognition, support, and grace.
The grace of saying we see you, we thank you, and we need you.
Please join me today in making your annual pledge to GCPC.
~ Jackie Kiger
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READY TO SUBMIT YOUR 2023 PLEDGE?
Submitting your pledge is quick and easy! (Watch a tutorial video here.) Simply CLICK HERE or scan the Qr code to the right to submit your pledge online, all in one form.
If you would also like to set up automatic eGiving from your bank account or credit card, be sure to checkmark Add a scheduled gift for this pledge after the pledge confirmation and follow the prompts. These are two separate steps and forms - setting up a pledge does not renew eGiving automatically and eGiving without a pledge doesn't count towards our Stewardship and budget goals.
You will receive an email confirmation of your pledge and a separate confirmation for eGiving, if applicable. 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:
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Online pledge card HERE
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Email giving@gcpcusa.org
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Call 828.254.3274 and leave a message for Natalie Weaver
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Fill out a pew pledge card and put in the Sunday offering plate
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Request a mailed pledge card from the office
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Dear Grace Covenant Community,
After thoughtful and prayerful discernment, the GCPC Session has decided to shift our masking policy in the building to "masks strongly encouraged."
Our medical professionals serving on the GCPC COVID Task force cautioned that COVID is still spreading in Buncombe County. And they emphasized that mask wearing is still important inside, especially in crowded spaces where we are singing and talking.
The Session encourages you to take good care of yourself and this community by being thoughtful about mask wearing when in the GCPC building. If you have a known exposure to COVID, please test and wear a mask. If you have symptoms, please stay home and connect online to worship and other GCPC programs. And if you need to come out, please mask. Hand washing and sanitizing remains an important practice for us collectively as well.
Should COVID rates begin to rise, the Session may decide to return to a "masks required" policy in the building. Thank you for all the ways you have practiced and will continue to practice COVID safety in the GCPC building.
Peace to you,
Marcia, Moderator of the GCPC Session
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GCPC Advent Devotional Calendar
Would you consider participating in Grace Covenant’s 2022 Advent devotional? You are invited to create an advent devotional for a specific day’s assigned scripture based on the lectionary. We are encouraging creativity - your devotional could be a poem, painting, song or reflections on how the scripture moves you. Your devotional can be inspired by the Biblical texts from your day.
Entries should be submitted by October 31 to Margaret Tierney at margarettierney6@gmail.com, where it will be curated into this year's GCPC Advent Devotional.
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Volunteer with the Bereavement Team!
The Bereavement Team is looking for new volunteers. There are two ways to help serve:
- Join a monthly team for providing a receptions in the event of Memorial Services (1 month per year).
- Join a cookie prep team that would bake or buy 2 dozen cookies for the reception.
This is a wonderful way to serve the families of the church and get to know people better!
Please contact Cathy Froehlich, oremont2@gmail.com, or Susan Curtis, jandscurtis@msn.com, if you are interested.
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Sound Assistance Needed!
If you would like to volunteer to help with the sound for Sunday morning services, contact Micah:
micah@gcpcusa.org
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The Memorial Garden committee has two requests for input from the congregation.
- The original fountain needs direction. We cannot use for the water feature because of leaking issues. The sculpture needs a plan to keep it an intricate part of our garden. The shelves are too small for potted plants, and we would like to have something that does not require a lot of watering. This fountain was supported, created, and placed by congregational members, who wanted this symbolism to add to the garden. I have included a picture.
- We need members to assist with maintaining the garden; it is not hard work but requires at least once a week to check for weeds, etc. We would like to have 3-4 people and anyone with knowledge of outdoor plantings etc. would be helpful.
Contact: Roger Meade, rjmsfm@gmail.com or Anna Louise, annalouise@gcpcusa.org, in the office.
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WNC WORKERS’ CENTER COLLECTION
Let’s support Covenant Partner Western North Carolina Workers’ Center as they conduct their annual “Women Fighting for Justice” Conference virtually. The focus of the 2-day conference is on training women leaders to work with employers on workplace aggression and violence issues.
Thirty-five women leaders will be attending online, and with our support of toys, activity books, puzzle games, art supplies and other books, their children and youth will be engaged while they participate. We’re excited to support 72 children and youth ranging in age from 1 month to 17 years!
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DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30
COLLECTION BOX:
IN NARTHEX
IDEAS: Coloring and activity books, crayons, puzzles, games, books, art supplies, infant and toddler-safe toys, anything to occupy children and youth ages 1 month to 17 years. Books in English are fine, especially books for teenagers.
Any questions, please call or email Chris Callaway at 404-633-7451 or christinecallaway4@gmail.com.
Let’s do what we can to support these amazing women!
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~ Submitted by Serve Council members Lynne Meacham, Eleanor Lane, and Chris Callaway | | |
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Our 13 Covenant Partners everyday serve Black and Brown communities with their time, energy and resources. We want them to feel loved, appreciated and supported in their important work. The Serve Council will be collecting items to present in beautiful gift bags in November.
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GIFTS OF APPRECIATION: Gift cards; self-care and stress relieving products such as scented candles, lotions, mists, facial, eye and foot masks, diaries/journals, positivity cards/postcards, chocolate, tea, goodies that will stay preserved - anything that will support our Partners relax and feel loved!
COLLECTION BOX: IN NARTHEX
DEADLINE TO COLLECT: NOVEMBER 13!
If you have any questions, please contact Eleanor Lane at elane@northstarlane.com. THANK YOU!!
~ Submitted by Serve Council members Eleanor Lane and Chris Callaway
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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 (10/9-10/15): Cathy Froehlich | email: oremont2@gmail.com
Next week (10/16-10/22): Jerry Bleckley | email: Jerryb@nexuscorp.com
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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.
Iglesia Jerusalem congregation
Maria and Esteban Goicoechea (La Mariposa and her husband)
Seth Turnbow (Anne Raustol’s twin brother)
Trey and Alisha Thompson and 3 kids - Gabi, Arlo, and Eldon (Patty and Brent Thompson's son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren)
Sarah Ralston (Susie Bleckley’s mom)
Sarah, Haley, and Keaton Talley after the death of Jason (husband/father) (family friend of the Wiesner Family)
Rebecca Longenecker-Singer (sister-in-law of Loidaly & Hans Rosario-Singer)
Maryann Jennings and Sasso Family
Carolyn McEchern
Eric Mount (Marcia Mount Shoop's father)
Family of Joe Frostick (Peggy and Heath Rada’s nephew)
Dorothy Zuck (Pat Durham's mom)
Betsy Wisehart (Pat Durham's sister)
Bill Ross (Jonathan Ross' dad)
Erik Jacobs (Kathy Jacobs' son)
Bob Higgins
Susan Smialowicz
Doris Prak
Michelle Chromey and family
Earl Fowler
Robin Gaiser
Andrea Rosal
Sharon Sasse
Lisette de Groot
GCPC Community member, Ernest Jack Griset III, passed away on Sept. 14, 2022. A graveside Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place Saturday, November 5 at 1:00 pm at Lewis Memorial Park.
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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.
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Need to set up a church zoom meeting?
Contact Anna Louise and she can get you all set up!
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On Saturday, October 8, Team 2 had 10 volunteers that harvested 10 lbs. of collards, 7 lbs. of bell peppers, 3 lbs. of snacking peppers, and 25 lbs. of tomatoes. This harvest was shared with Western Carolina Rescue Ministries. | |
On Wednesday, October 12, Team 3 had 9 volunteers that harvested 7.4 lbs. of collards, 30 lbs. of bell peppers, 2 lbs. of snacking peppers, 1.7 lbs. of hot peppers, 149 lbs. of tomatoes, and 30 lbs. of turnips. This harvest was shared with the YWCA. | |
Community Working Together | |
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PODER Emma Work Days
Help our team put a roof on a trailer in one of the cooperatively-owned trailer parks in our network. Support affordable housing and collective power!
Dates: Friday, Sat, Sun, Mon | October 14-17th
Number of Volunteers Needed: 3
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Location: Sourwood Mobile Home Park, Eaglebear Drive
Lunch provided.
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Description of Project:
Constructing a wood frame and installing metal shed roof over existing metal (flat) mobile home roof in Sourwood Mobile Home Park. Work will include some lifting, ladder work, and general support. No construction experience required.
Please wear/bring: Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, hat, water bottle
We will provide safety gear such as ear and eye protection.
If you have, please bring:
Hand tools, drills, 1⁄4 driver, tin snips, square, hammer, tape measure, pencil, tool belt, etc.
Questions: Chispas@qcrecoop.com or 828-332-1021
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Repairers of the Breach | Saturday, October 22 | 4:00 PM | First Congregational Church of Christ (20 Oak Street) | |
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The Government Accountability Project (GAP) gathers information from public meetings and other sources, as well as through direct relationship-building with people inside government. This information is then analyzed by their Strategy Team, made up of local community thought leaders, in order to distill what is most relevant to racial justice. This distillation of the most urgent matters making their way through the political process is shared with the public, enabling more timely and effective advocacy.
In their most recent GAP Report, the Strategy Team shouted out an affordable housing proposal coming before the Asheville City Council on Tuesday, September 27th. This planned development will bring much-needed affordable housing to the Shiloh neighborhood, and it was encouraging that the developer sought out and responded to feedback from community members, moving the site further from the road despite an increase in cost. City Council approved the resolution unanimously.
GAP puts out a report every Monday, which you can read here. We also encourage you to subscribe, so you get a notification each week when the report goes live.
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INTRODUCING THE 2022-2023 YAVS
The YAVs arrived on Sunday, August 28th and began at their work sites on Friday, September 2nd. They've spent the first month getting accustomed to the schedules at their nonprofit work sites (where they work 32 hours each week) while simultaneously settling into their home at William Black Lodge in Montreat.
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Lane Green
From: Lake City, Florida
Work Site: Just Economics
Follow Lane's Blog
My name is Lane, and I am serving as a YAV in Asheville this year with Just Economics. I graduated from the University of Florida where I majored in history and minored in dance. My favorite thing about being a YAV in Asheville so far are the incredible mountains that are surrounded by. I am most excited to grow as a person throughout this year and become more grounded in the beauty of everyday life.
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Jamal Hyram
From: Charlotte, NC
Worksite: 12 Baskets Cafe
Follow Jamal's Blog
My name is Jamal Hyrams. I went to Marshall University in West Virginia. I graduated with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. My favorite thing about being a YAV in Asheville is that I can explore a new environment and try new things. I am excited to learn more about myself and other people in order to broaden my views.
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Logan Recob
From: Newburgh, Indiana
Worksite: Welcome Home Project, Homeward Bound
Follow Logan's Blog
Hi, I'm Logan. I studied at Purdue University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Information Security. My favorite thing about being an Asheville YAV is meeting new people, in a new environment and enjoying the outdoors in a new place. I look forward to personal growth spiritually, mentally and physically as a person.
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GCPC's Covenant Partner, Bountiful Cities
Help support FEAST!
Their FEAST program reaches over 1,150 students a year in Asheville, Buncombe County, and Madison County with hands-on cooking and gardening classes in schools and afterschool programs. Help us fully fund this important program this fall!
Bountiful Cities FEAST teachers work within Asheville City and Buncombe County schools, Hot Springs Elementary and Francine Delany New School to give students hands on experience. We are not funded by the school systems, and yet we integrate with the grade level curriculum to provide history, science, reading, math, and art education in addition to gardening and cooking. Our goal is to give students tools that will last a lifetime. If they have seeds they will know how to have food.
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Interfaith Initiative -
Social Justice Opportunities
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Buncombe Community Remembrance Project |
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The Rev. Laura M. Cheifetz | |
The Rev. Laura M. Cheifetz discusses PC(USA) connectivity and accountability on Everyday God-Talk -
‘Let’s think creatively how to do this [gospel] work’ Cheifetz tells host the Rev. Dr. So Jung Kim
~ by Paul Seebeck
In the latest edition of Everyday God-talk, the Rev. Laura M. Cheifetz, social media influencer and Assistant Dean of Admission, Vocation and Stewardship at Vanderbilt Divinity School, discusses what she loves about Presbyterian theology.
Cheifetz tells host the Rev. Dr. So Jung Kim that she loves the idea that we’re accountable and connected to each other. She admitted that without the church she would be relatively untethered and would tend to be only with people like herself. What she likes about being in the PC(USA) is that she is in relationship with those who are hyper different from her.
In part one (her soul) of the conversation, Cheifetz also talks with Kim about her recent take on the theology of abundance.
In part two (her body) Cheifetz talks with Kim about how she is living out her theology of connection and abundance in a diverse worshiping community.
In part three (her heart), discover how Cheifetz manages her self-care both at Vanderbilt — and as a social media influencer.
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Rob Fohr is director of the Office of Faith-Based Investing and Corporate Engagement. (Photo by Michael Whitman) | |
Presbyterian Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment approves selective divestment list that includes five fossil fuel companies -
Decision clears the way for denomination to move away from companies that don’t meet General Assembly guidelines
~ by Darla Carter
The Presbyterian Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment has approved its divestment/proscription list for 2023, incorporating five energy companies that the 225th General Assembly agreed should be added to the list for lack of alignment with PC(USA) policy.
The committee took action on the list during a meeting on Friday in which Rob Fohr, Director of the Office of Faith-Based Investing and Corporate Engagement, gave an overview of the growing list of companies that have failed to meet the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s guideline metric frameworks on environmental, social and governance issues. (Find the full list here.)
Fohr took time to emphasize that the five fossil fuel companies — Chevron, ExxonMobil, Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66 and Valero — are the first businesses to land on the list for purely environmental reasons.
“This is … a historic list because it’s the first ever that includes not only military, tobacco, (for-profit) prisons and human rights violations but also environmental,” Fohr said.
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An Evening with John Philip Newell | Monday, October 24 | 7 - 9 PM | Anderson Auditorium, Montreat
The Three Graces: An introduction to the vision of John Philip Newell’s new book Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul.
John Philip Newell will be introducing the main themes of his award-winning book, Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul, focusing especially on the three graces of Celtic wisdom for today:
- The Grace of Nature
- The Grace of the Human Soul
- The Grace of Awakening
Following the presentation (including Q&A) there will be a reception and book signing.
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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.
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Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
789 Merrimon Ave. Asheville, NC 28804
828.254.3274
www.gcpcusa.org
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