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Worship Preview | Sunday, March 26, 2023
Fifth Sunday in Lent
In-person and Online Service
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*For the full revised common lectionary, please click here. | |
| Thursday, March 23 | Process Theology Class | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Fellowship Hall & Zoom | | Saturday, March 25 | Memorial Service for Pat Clogston | 2:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Sunday, March 26 | Hybrid Worship
(In-person and online) | 9:30 am @ GCPC
(also on Youtube) | | Sunday, March 26 | Fellowship Time | 10:45 am | Narthex | | Sunday, March 26 | Formation for All Ages | 11:00 am
*please see details below | | Sunday, March 26 | APNC Mtg. | 12:30 pm | Garden Room (also on Zoom) | | Tuesday - Thursday | Church Office OPEN | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm | | Tuesday, March 28 | Prayer Group | 10:00 am | Jerusalem Room | | Tuesday, March 28 | Session Mtg. | 6:00 pm on Zoom | | Wednesday, March 29 | Lenten Bible Study | 12:00 pm |Jerusalem Room (also on Zoom) | | Wednesday, March 29 | Centering Prayer | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Wednesday, March 29 | Choir Rehearsal | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary | | Thursday, March 30 | Process Theology Class | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | Fellowship Hall | | |
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“Feeling Our Way in the Puzzle: God, Evil, and the Human Condition in Process Theology” | Thursdays | 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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81603526931
Meeting ID: 816 0352 6931 Passcode: 789
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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.
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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.
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NOTE: This week, we are asking all participants to read Rev. Adrian White's Unbound article, "Queer Family Celebration" before our class on Sunday. You can find the article at this link: https://justiceunbound.org/queer-family-celebration/
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.
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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/
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Wednesday Lenten Bible Study | 12:00 PM | Jerusalem Room and Zoom
Throughout Lent, 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.
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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.
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Important Announcements... | |
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Please welcome Ashley Rae Stevenson to the GCPC Staff team!
Ashley Rae will be supporting the GCPC staff as a part time Administrative Assistant. She will mostly be assisting Amy Kim, Natalie, and Anna Louise. She will work both remotely and some in the office.
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Ashley Rae moved to the Asheville region in 2018. She is originally from Michigan but traveled around the United States a fair amount in her young womanhood. She has a long background in human services, health and wellness; and has earned degrees in counseling, psychology and art. She worked as a yoga teacher and massage therapist for many years, and now owns her second small business in wellness consulting and healing arts. Ashley is currently studying to become certified as a trauma-informed embodiment coach and looks forward to using these skills to further help others, while enriching herself as well. Ashley loves music, making art, dancing, her cats and being in nature.
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We are also pleased to welcome two new childcare workers to the GCPC staff, Elizabeth Fangman and Marilena Stephens. Look for their bios in next week's newsletter! | |
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The Malawi Period Project came to Grace Covenant!
Four PW members went to Montreat for training, and came back with materials to make 50 pads/covers. Then, fifteen woman met on a Sunday afternoon and got busy. Not only did we complete our task, we enjoyed the camaraderie and purpose of our time together. Projects like these not only connect our churches to the world, but reinforce the ties among ourselves. Thanks to the leaders of this project for our Presbytery.
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Winter Safe Shelter, a collaborative effort between GCPC, Grace Episcopal, and Trinity United Methodist | |
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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.
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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 (3/19-3/25): Bill McNeff | email: wpmcn6@yahoo.com
Next week (3/26-4/1): Ellen Sizemore | email: ellen.sizemore@gmail.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
Cathy Wooten (William High’s mom)
Maria, Esteban, and Erik Goicoehea
Ann Bartlett (friend of Amanda Pressley)
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)
Prayers for AC Reynolds community in the wake of the second student death in the last several days
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
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of Pat Clogston will be held in the GCPC Sanctuary this Saturday, March 25th at 2:00 pm. Please keep Charlie and the extended family in your prayers.
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Asheville Area Piano Forum's 17th Spring Benefit Concert
at GCPC on April 16, 2023
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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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Community Working Together | |
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Campus Community Learning Circle
open to all UNCA students, faculty, staff, & community members
Tuesday, March 28 | 6:00 -7:30 PM | in the Laurel Forum (Karpen Hall)
Please join the Key Center for Community Engaged Learning and the Office of Multicultural Affairs for a follow up conversation to Ta-Nehisi Coates' recent campus visit. We will be joined by some members of the Racial Justice Coalition to discuss key takeaways and potential next steps for applying this knowledge to benefit both the campus and Asheville community.
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Survey on Reparations for Land Taken from the Black Community
The Racial Justice Coalition is collecting feedback on a draft recommendation being developed by the Community Reparations Commission. The survey linked below is inspired by the work of several of the Reparations Commission’s Impact Focus Areas on land taken from Black people. They describe the harm as follows: As a result of the urban renewal process enacted by City and County, Black homes and neighborhoods were displaced, multiple successful Black communities were destroyed, and the racial wealth gap was widened, as well as various racial disparities in business ownership and disparities in economic development investment from City and County.
Their Draft Recommendation: All City and County Owned land that was taken from Blacks be returned.
Please know that your responses will be made accessible to decision-makers and others involved with the Reparations process here in Asheville and Buncombe County. Thank you in advance for your voice!
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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
More info, please visit website: https://tinyurl.com/ashevillebuncombedtwt
| Celebrate Spring with the children of Covenant Partner Raíces Emma-Erwin, part of the Colaborativa La Milpa! We've been invited to come to the party Saturday, April 1st, 4:00-6:00 PM at 528 Emma Road, AVL. | |
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UNC Asheville is proud to host a screening of the documentary Black in Asheville with Filmmaker Todd Gragg, co-sponsored by Africana Studies, the Center for Teaching and Learning, the Department of Health and Wellness, the Humanities Program, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Sara and Joseph Breman Professorship & the Roy Carroll Distinguished Professorship.
This event is open to the entire campus community of students, faculty, and staff, as well as the general public. Popcorn, sweets, and beverages will be served. Get Your Free Tickets HERE. The trailer for the documentary can be viewed HERE. More information about the documentary can be found HERE.
The screening will begin April 5th, 2023 at 6pm in the Mullen & James Humanities Hall on UNC Asheville campus, and will be followed by a Talkback with the Filmmaker, Todd Gragg.
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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.
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Pisgah Legal Services Lunch and Learn: Immigration and Justice in WNC | Wednesday, April 19 | 12:00 – 1:15 PM | St. Mary’s Episcopal Church – Emmaus Hall (337 Charlotte St, Asheville)
Join Pisgah Legal Services’ immigration team to learn more about our Justice For All program, which helps eligible immigrants in WNC work legally and secure legal status and addresses other basic needs. The program will have a special focus on our Afghan Asylum Project.
This event is free and open to the public and there is free parking on-site.
A light lunch will be provided thanks to generous supporters of Pisgah Legal Services’ immigration work.
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Do you have an extra car that needs to find a new home? Imagine how difficult your life would be without a car! Working Wheels repairs and recycles donated vehicles, transforming them into working wheels for working families. The process is simple, the donation is tax-deductible, and the impact is real. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, please visit www.workingwheelswnc.org or call 828-633-6888. | | | |
“As a young mom, this vehicle will allow me to go to school and work and take my baby to daycare. I will also be able to get to doctor’s appointments and deal with emergencies. Thank you!” ~ Reina, referred by the YWCA of Asheville | |  |
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“I have been using public transportation for a long time. It's difficult to get back and forth to work, so I can't work as often as I want to. This will make a huge difference. Thank you!”
~ Melody, referred by Asheville Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program
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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.
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Interfaith Initiative -
Social Justice Opportunities
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Buncombe Community Remembrance Project | | |
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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.
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Once a farmworker herself, Lupe Gonzalo now works for the Coalition of Immokalee Workers in Florida. (Contributed photo) | |
A new day for farmworkers -
One Great Hour of Sharing gifts support Coalition of Immokalee Workers in their ongoing struggle for farmworkers’ rights
~ by Emily Enders Odom
Lupe Gonzalo understands all too well the hardscrabble life of a farmworker.
Having worked for 12 years in Florida’s tomato industry — in addition to traveling to other states to pick sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries — Gonzalo often had to wake up at 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning to travel to a local farm, where she was handed a bucket and told to fill that bucket as many times as humanly possible during the day.
Even on those days when her own well was running dry.
“That’s your job,” she said. “That’s what you’re there to do. And when you’re doing this work, sometimes you aren’t even given the time to stop, take a break, to drink some water or to just gather yourself.”
And, to make matters worse, farmworkers are generally paid sub-poverty wages, if they even get paid at all.
Gonzalo said that being shorted or stiffed on their wages is a rampant violation among farmworkers, along with other injustices they regularly endure.
“I experienced firsthand how farmworkers really didn’t have any mechanisms or any ways of protecting our basic dignity from abuse or from being mistreated when working in the fields,” she added.
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Osage Nation scholar wraps up ‘Just Creation’ conference by retelling his nation’s creation story -
Dr. Tink Tinker speaks as somebody ‘working very hard to decolonize my own mind’
~ by Mike Ferguson
By way of introducing the “Just Creation” gathering’s final keynoter, Dr. Tink Tinker, Dr. Mark Douglas of Columbia Theological Seminary said Saturday that the best conferences “deepen what I know and disrupt what I know.”
Tinker, an American Indian and citizen of Osage Nation and a professor emeritus at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, told conference-goers he is “somebody who is working very hard to decolonize my own mind and to speak out of a worldview distinctly different from the Euro-Christian worldview.”
“I’m going to challenge what you know,” Tinker said, “and put it in a context that points toward a way we can dig ourselves out of this environmental crisis.”
“We Osages kind of smile when Carl Sagan says, ‘We are all star people,’” Tinker said.
“We Osages know we are. We came down from the Milky Way a long time ago,” he said, recounting for those in attendance Osage Nation’s creation story.
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Stewardship & Sustainability | |
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2022 Giving Statements in Realm
Can't seem to find your 2022 Giving Statement as you prepare your taxes? No worries- Realm can help! Simply log in here, click Giving on the left menu, and look for the blue 2022 Contribution Statement button the right. That will download in a PDF format that can be emailed or printed.
Prefer we pull it for you? Just reach out to Natalie in the Finance Office and she can email or print and mail your statement if preferred. Her work days are Monday - Thursday, 10am - 4pm, and she can be reached at natalie@gcpcusa.org or 828.254.3274.
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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:
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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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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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