Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Asheville, North Carolina www.gcpcusa.org

August 13, 2017 – 10:30 am













As swimmers dare to lie face to the sky and water bears them, as hawks rest upon air and air sustains them, so would I learn to attain freefall, and float into Creator Spirit’s deep embrace, knowing no effort earns that all-surrounding grace. ~ Denise Levertov

Prelude Variations on For the Beauty of the Earth Michael Burkhardt * Call to Worship (adapted from Psalm 105) O give thanks to the LORD. Sing to God, sing praises! Tell of all God’s wonderful works. Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek the LORD; seek God’s presence continually. Praise the LORD! * Hymn 611 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY * Call to Reconciliation

* Prayer of Confession God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, Forgive us for the lies we tell ourselves. We tell ourselves we are alone. We tell ourselves the world is a place to fear. We tell ourselves that peace is an impossible dream. Help us to trust your unfailing presence. Embolden us to let faith, not fear, take the lead in our lives. Fill us with your peace in tumult of aggression and distortion. Amen.

* Assurance of Forgiveness

* Response

* Passing of the Peace The Peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.







Faith Sharing with Children



Our Life Together (Please sign the pad located in your pew)

Prayer for Illumination

































Psalter Hymn 449



Psalm 85













MENDON





Matthew 14:22-33

“Sinking, Swimming, Floating”

Marcia Mount Shoop



Gospel Lesson



Sermon

The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God!







* Affirmation of Faith (from A Brief Statement of Faith) In a broken and fearful world the Spirit gives us courage to pray without ceasing, to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, to unmask idolatries in church and culture, to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God's new heaven and new earth, praying, Come, Lord Jesus! Offering (Please place prayer cards in the offering plate for the Prayers of the People) Offertory Anthem One Morning Soon John Eggert

* Doxology







* Prayer of Dedication Holy God, Thank you for your faithful provisions in our lives. Bless these gifts to your service that they might add to your love, justice, and mercy in the world. Amen.

Prayers of the People Each section of the prayer will conclude: “God, in your grace”

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.



* Hymn 463

Please respond: “Hear our prayer”



How Firm a Foundation







FOUNDATION







Healey Willan



* Charge & Benediction

* Postlude

Caithness

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(For some, the Postlude serves as festive music to accompany their going back out into the world. Others prefer to remain seated and listen. Please be mindful of these different needs as you depart. Thank you!) * Please Stand in Body or Spirit.





We gather to worship God who is larger than all our imaginations! We encourage all persons to sing the gender nouns and pronouns they prefer in referring to God.



Our Life Together…





Thank You! Head Usher: Betsy Wilson | Liturgist: Sidney Shoop

Deacon of the Week: Melissa Shook, email: [email protected]

Thank you to Penny and Ray Ponder for the flowers that decorate the sanctuary this morning, given to the glory of God and in celebration of their wedding anniversary.

Today’s Courtyard Fellowship after church is being provided by our Room In The Inn team at GCPC. Please stop by the table for refreshments and to sign up!

Honoring Heather Gast | Sunday, August 20th | 11:30 AM Please join us in the courtyard immediately following worship as we celebrate Heather Gast’s ministry here at Grace Covenant. Contribution Statements The 2nd quarter contribution statements are available for pick up in the Information Center. They will remain here until August 13. Please help us save postage by picking them up! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Natalie Weaver, Stewardship & Financial Administrator, at [email protected] or 828-254-3274 x. 202.

Grow

Summer Women's Memoir Series | Tuesday, August 15 | 7 PM | Jerusalem Rm Join us for the final book talk of the summer! Hosted by Heather Gast and Samantha Gonzalez-Block and open to all women of the church. One copy of each book can be found in the newly revamped library annex upstairs in the Memorial Garden Overlook. Please pre-read the books to ensure lively discussion. • August 15 | Girl Meets God | Lauren F. Winner Presbyterianism 101 - Brown bag lunch discussions | Thursday, August 17 | 12:15 -1:30 PM | Jerusalem Room What are Presbyterians? Where do we come from and what does it mean to be a Presbyterian in 2017? Please come with your questions as we delve into our rich, complex, and sometimes contentious tradition. Email Richard at [email protected] for questions.

Godly Play Training | August 18 & 19 | St. James Episcopal Church, Blk Mtn. Godly Play is a Montessori based approach that understands that children have an innate sense of the presence of God. It helps them to explore their faith through story, to gain religious language and to enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play. If you would like to be more involved in the program at GCPC, we will be offering a training on August 18-19. Interested? Email Heather Gast at [email protected]. Wisdom in the Woods Retreat | October 19 – 22 | Boone/Blowing Rock Are you a woman who has a few decades under her belt? Do you remember bell bottoms or even poodle skirts? Would you like a chance to connect on a closer level with each other than sometimes it feels like life and schedules allow? Introducing our first annual Wisdom in the Woods retreat! This will be a time for fellowship and also digging deeper into our faith together. The cost is $175 per person which covers room, most meals, and programming. Registration forms are available at the Information Station. Space is limited, so sign up soon!!

Serve

Room In The Inn | A Special Call for HELP! | August 27 - September 3 | Sign up in the narthex on Sundays Due to ongoing construction, we are will be hosting the Inn at our wonderful, gracious neighbors, Grace Episcopal Church, just down Merrimon Avenue one block. Please stop by the sign up table in the narthex on Sundays to add your name, or sign up online: https://goo.gl/brrHE9. For more information, you may email Lynne Noble, Geneva Neeriemer, or Beth Philipsen. Time for PRITCHARD PARK | Sunday, August 20 Sign-ups for the next Pritchard Park are in the Narthex today, August 6 and Sunday, August 13. Food donations and volunteers are needed. Questions? Please contact David Bailey at 777-3990 or email him at [email protected].

Habitat for Humanity | Sign up in the narthex | 11:30 AM In early September, construction begins on Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity's 26th Presbyterian-Methodist house. Grace Covenant will be among the (at least) ten congregations participating. Time slots are available for volunteers in September, October, and November to work alongside folks from other churches, and there are other ways to get involved as well. The professional builders and site supervisors that lead the work crews are highly skilled, great teachers, and very patient people. Contact Bill Ryan, new member at Grace Covenant and one of GCPC's new Habitat champions, for more information at [email protected]. This will be a lot of fun and a chance to help alleviate Asheville's affordable housing crisis!

Care

GCPC Outdoor Movie Night | Thursday, August 17 | 8 PM | Church Courtyard It's time for an epic outdoor movie night for all ages! We will be popping popcorn and screening Dreamworks' "Prince of Egypt". Feel free to bring a blanket, lawn chair or snacks to share. Don't miss out on the fun!

A Support Group for Caregivers & Friends of People with Cognitive Impairment | Info Session | TODAY, August 13 | 11:30 AM | Marcia’s office This group is for those who are in relationship with people in any stage of cognitive impairment, ranging from age related dementia to more severe conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. This group is open to all who give care, from a direct caregiving role to periodic contact from near or far. In this information session, we will learn about the needs and questions of caregivers in our congregation and discuss what type of format the group will take. Contact Richard Coble with questions.

A Support Group for People with Cognitive Impairment | Info Session | Sunday, August 27 | 11:30 AM | Marcia's office This is a group for people in the early stages of cognitive impairment, whether this means a diagnosis from your physician or just a personal concern that you are having trouble keeping track of things and would like a place to talk about your experiences and concerns. In this information session, we will learn about the needs and questions of people in our congregation who have or suspect they may soon be experiencing some impairment, and discuss what type of format the group will take.

Presbyterian Women’s Fall Kick-Off | Saturday, August 26 | 9:30 AM – 12 PM. Sign up on August 13 or 20 to join us for fellowship, an opportunity to learn from Mary Lou Nash about the Bible study Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews, and a salad luncheon. Childcare available upon request. Contact Betsy Wilson at [email protected] for more information.

J.O.Y. Gathering | Saturday, August 26 | Shindig on the Green | 6:30 PM Our next J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth) gathering will be Shindig on the Green. We will gather at the grassy area beside Pack Tavern around 6:30. Remember to bring a chair and food if you want to picnic. Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can be looking for you (Geneva Neeriemer or Janeth Brigham). We look forward to an enjoyable evening of local music and fellowship.

Prayer List [Concerns will stay on this list for a month unless we hear otherwise. Please keep us updated.]

Jerusalem Church congregation; Linda Parker (Anna Jarvis’ sister-in-law); JoAnne Hewett and family (Allison McLamb’s co-worker); The Dey Family (Esther Colton’s friends); Bob Wilson (Martha & Ray Kisiah’s brother-in-law); Joe and Beth Poe (Beth Kissling’s brother & sister-inlaw); Betsy Needle (Robin Gaiser’s friend); Sherry Harcke (Les and Susan Stradley’s friend); David Bartlett (Anna Louise Murchison’s friend); Frank Killian (Fran Killian’s son); Piers Marchant (Donna Robertson’s nephew); JoDell Hawthorne (Donna Robertson’s cousin); Cecelia deMattos (Molly deMattos’ mom); Barrett & Ali Payne; Virginia Bradley; Hettie Lou Garland; Dot Holladay; Sheryl Aikman & family; Jerry Bleckley; Teresa Stern; Linda Stirk; Mary Berg; Cindy Egerer; Florence Riedesel; Bill de Groot; Liz Rupp; Gerry Simons; Cory Hartbarger

Youth News GCPC Youth Welcome Pool Parties! Come celebrate a new youth group & school year with some fun under the sun! Youth, parents, Sunday School teachers & youth group advisors are all encouraged to attend and get to know one another. Bring your bathing suit as well as a dish to share. * Middle School Welcome Pool Party | Sunday, August 20 | 5:30 - 8 PM | Rogers' Family Home * Senior High Welcome Pool Party | Wednesday, August 23 | 5:30 - 8 PM | Ungert Family Home

Next Sunday, August 20, 2017



Worship services at 8:30 & 10:30 AM Courtyard Fellowship at 11:30 AM

Sermon: “The Outsiders” by Richard Coble Scriptures: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Matthew 15:21-28

CALENDAR









Sunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Fri.-Sat. Sunday









13 15 16 17 18-19 20

8:30 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 9:00 AM 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM 11:45 AM 12:15 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 5:30 PM

Worship Worship Courtyard Fellowship Cognitive Impairment Caregivers Support Prayer Group Finance Mtg. Serve Summer Memoir Series Sanctuary open for prayer Brown bag lunch – Presbyterianism 101 GCPC Movie Night Godly Play Training – St. James Episcopal Pritchard Park Worship Worship Reception for Heather Deacons Middle School Welcome Back Party