Greetings Good People of Grace,
All are invited to come to our Sanctuary to worship on September 4, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.
To access the Sunday Service by Live Stream on our YouTube Channel, links are found at the top of our website at graceavl.com. Click on "YouTube Services" for the service, on "Sunday Service Bulletin" for the bulletin, and on "Sunday Hymns" to sing along during the service. You will also find a link to The Book of Common Prayer under Resources.
Lay Ministers Serving this Sunday
Acolyte James Cannon Chalicist: Susan Robinson
Lector: OT Louise Cate, NT Don Lewis; Intercessor: Greg Townsend
Ushers: Jeanne and Ron Sims Greeters: Tahani Sticpewich, Kim Hayes
Vestry Member of the Day: Steve Birkhofer
 Children’s Sunday School returns for 3-6 year olds and 6-9 year olds!
Dear Parents,
It is with joy that we will have Sunday School for our youngest again! We will begin Children’s
Sunday School on Sunday, September 11. Children will gather in the Level I Atrium from 9:15-
10:15, and I, Shannon Townsend will be the catechist (teacher).
Our Sunday school uses a wonderful curriculum called Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Created
by Sophia Cavaletti and Gianna Gobi, they sought to create a space where children can explore and
learn about the Kingdom of God, the Life of Jesus, their connection through Baptism, and the
liturgy of their church and prayer. (https://www.cgsusa.org/)
Here’s a synopsis of the two levels we are offering this year:
In Level 1 for 3-6 year olds, it is through exploration of works that offer insight into the Kingdom
of God --what it is like and how it grows, and moments of Jesus' life, as the well as the use of the
prayer table, practical life works, and learning about specific, special moments in the Eucharist.
In Level 2 for 6-9 Year olds, the kids are developing a sense of community and moving into deeper
abstract understanding of God's Plan, the Kingdom of God and our place and response to it, as well
as exploring further the Eucharist - the structure, connections to the works they have explored as
well as their own personal response.
Of course, Parents and Grandparents are welcome to join any time. It would be wonderful to have
parent or grandparent assistants to help. We will start each class time together, but as more works
are introduced, the children will have time to explore those works further. Having additional adults
to help a child revisit a work by reading the parable or other text, lighting a candle, or helping to get
a work out and then putting it up, becomes very important for the children’s learning.
Lastly, a little about me. I came to Grace as a newly wed, and found a place where I and my family
had so many wonderful experiences from our own personal growth, to worship and outreach. I was
asked to teach Sunday School for one year and that experience led me to do all three levels of the
trainings for CGS and to work with the children of Grace for over twenty years, and I still find joy
each time I work with them.
Personally, I am married to Greg. I have two sons, William and Robert who are married, one
granddaughter and five granddogs. I retired a year ago from teaching elementary Spanish for
Asheville City Schools.
I am looking forward to spending time with your children. Feel free to contact me any time. My
email address is gstownsend@att.net and my phone number is (828) 713-5081.
Shannon
Blessing of the Backpacks
This previous Sunday we sent the children of Grace off to school with our annual blessing of the backpacks. We continue to pray for them as they embark on this new school year!
Pumpkin Patch
Pumpkin Patch starts on September 25th! We need volunteers to help with unloading pumpkins and working shifts.
Here's the link for signing up for shifts: https://signup.com/go/KhSbVju
Or you can scan this code with your smartphone camera now:
Solar Update
We have reached our goal! Thanks to all who contributed to this exciting project. Installation will begin on or about September 19. Be on the lookout for ongoing construction!
Looking for Ways to Help Those in Need?
 ABCCM serves our neighbors, including single moms and veterans, with a broad range of crisis ministries which provide assistance year-round for Cooling and Heating, Homelessness, Meals, Transportation, Utilities, Medical Needs, Eviction Prevention, and Financial Support. Visit https://www.abccm.org/crisis today and help our neighbors in need.
Donations Still Needed
We are still accepting back to school donations for children in Foster Care. Please leave your donations in the church parlor, or contact Cheryl Deyton at cherylpersonaldeyton@gmail.com to determine current needs.
Pastoral Committee
The Grace Pastoral Committee needs your extra greeting cards to distribute to our parishioners. There will be a labeled box in the foyer for your contributions.
Caregiver Support Group:
Rosalyn Carter reminds us that caregiving provides us with challenges and opportunities. Participating in a caregiver support group will help you turn challenges into blessings. It will also help you avoid burnout. The group will be a place to lessen stress and to be uplifted by compassionate hearts in a confidential setting. The group will meet at 10:30 on the first and third Thursdays of each month.
Patrick Mahon, a caregiver for five years, will facilitate the group. If you need further information, call him at 404.375.4737. He will also be available in the coffee area after Sunday Eucharists.
“Cast your vote, not on a partisan basis, not based on your biases, but vote your values. Vote the values of human dignity and equality. Vote the values of the rock on which this country was built. Vote.”
-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
 Medical Advocacy Ministry A Medical Advocacy Ministry is being formed at Grace Church to provide resources and education to assist parishioners with later life/ end of life issues and in navigating the healthcare system. We would like to assess your needs as well as interest in supporting this ministry.
Our initial efforts will be focused on our older population which is likely in greater need but we hope to offer support to other ages in the future. We are hoping to build on the excellent past medical ministry efforts of Kathleen Griffin.
In order to enable this effort, we ask that you consider your possible need of some of the offerings listed below:
1. Aging in place— how to make your home safe for living in your later years.
2. End of life issues—Death/Dying, Palliative and Hospice Care, Advanced Directives,
Healthcare power of attorney
3. Senior support—Home healthcare, Caregiver Resources (including caring for the caregiver)
4. Healthcare provider and facility navigation guidance—locating a physician, questions to ask
your physician/ other providers, insurance questions, using online resources.
A phone survey of a sample group of parishioners will be done to assess the priority interest in
the above.
Please also let us know if you would like to participate as a supporter in building this Grace
Church community Ministry.
Thank you.
The Grace Church Medical Advocacy Ministry Team
Dodie King, Ginny Moser, Jeff Russell, Jennifer Witt
For information, please contact Dodie King (dodiesking@gmail.com) or Jeff Russell
(jeffkr46@gmail.com)
Grace Grants are now accepting application for partnership!
If you are involved with or know of a local agency or program currently
providing, or wanting to provide, support for the homeless, elderly and poor
who need food, clothing, shelter, health care and legal assistance send them
to the Grace web site: GraceAVL.com. At the top of the home page is a button
for Grace Grants.
Rev. Milly explained, “Grace Episcopal Church looks forward to building
relationships with partner organizations and networks who are invested in the
health and capacity of our larger community and want it to thrive.” Milly
reminds us all, “We believe this is, in fact, the call of the Gospel: to love our
neighbor and to seek justice. We’re blessed to collaborate in this mission.”
Quick links — The process is spelled out here. The application is here.
EPISCOPAL AND DIOCESE PROGRAMS:
Sign up for the WNC Diocese Newsletter here.
The EPISCOPAL PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK (EPPN) is a grassroots effort of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations to educate, equip and engage individual Episcopalians in federal public policy advocacy, guided by the resolutions of the General Convention and the Executive Council. To sign up for EPPN Action alerts that come to your personal email AND to receive a unique code to listen in on the fast-paced, 30-minute Zoom call every Thursday at 1 pm (“Congress Weekly”), register here as an EPPN network member.
Praying Together
Rev. Milly holds open spiritual direction sessions for individuals or couples weekly by appointment Wednesdays 1-3 pm in the sanctuary. Please email Rev. Milly to schedule your time with her: Milly@graceavl.com
 Weekly Taizé Tuesday evenings at 6pm
These ecumenical services are known for their melodic chants and prayers. Although music forms a central part of the service it is mixed with comforting periods of silence allowing for contemplation. Lighted mostly by candlelight in the sanctuary of Grace Church, the vesper light of approaching evening offers a safe and nurturing space for a well-deserved moment of peace in our hectic lives. Healing prayer is offered throughout the service for oneself or on behalf of someone else.
Women Walking the Way
 Thursday at 8:00 am meet at the Bird Sanctuary parking lot. Women of Grace, please consider joining Rev. Milly for a weekly walk at Beaver Lake. This time together is devoted to deep listening to how we as women walk the way of Jesus, in the world and in our community of Grace. No need to register or even email her, just show up!
Monday Morning Bible Study
Bible Study will continue to meet via Zoom on Mondays until further notice, at 10:30 AM, as we study the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday service. Please join us virtually or by clicking on the button at graceavl.com/.
The Pastoral Care Team at Grace
 Our pastoral care team invites you to reach out to us with any pastoral care needs you, or your family, may have, by emailing the team at pastoralcare@graceavl.com.You can also email, text or call Fr. Mike at 860-771-1656 or Rev. Milly at 828.772.1429, Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless it’s a pastoral emergency.
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Date and Time
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Service or Meeting
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Location
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Sunday, Sept 4 9:30a
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Adult Formation: Good Days and Bad
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Parish Hall
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Sunday, 10:30a
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Holy Eucharist Service*
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Sanctuary
*YouTube*
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Mondays at 10:30a
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Monday Morning Bible Study
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*Zoom*
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Mondays, 3p
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Pastoral Care Team Meeting
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Zoom
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Tuesdays, 6p
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Taizé Service
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Sanctuary
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Wednesdays, 1-3p
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Praying Together with Rev. Milly - by appointment
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Sanctuary
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Wednesdays, 5:30p
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Centering Prayer
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*Zoom*
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Thursdays, 8a
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Women Walking the Way
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Beaver Lake
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* BULLETIN AVAILABLE **LINK AT TOP OF HOME PAGE
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graceavl.com
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If you are not a member of Grace Church and are interested in joining, please reply with your interest, or let Rev. Milly know by calling or texting her at 828.772.1429. Once you're a member, you'll have access to our directory.
 Information About Your SimpleChurch App! Not only do you have access to the parish directory, but you can also easily change your profile picture, confidentially check the status of your pledge, and give to your favorite ministry through online giving. Sign on to find ways to reach out to and connect with other members of the church. And if you don’t know your log in information or need more instructions, contact Valerie at the office. A link will be sent to you that will make it easy for you to get into SimpleChurch.
Look for the green tree symbol to download the SimpleChurch app from your app store onto your computer or phone. The domain name when requested in the app is graceepiscopalasheville. For your computer you put in the domain name. https://graceepiscopalasheville.simplechurchcrm.com.
Electronic Giving Made Easy!
Look Grace Church receives electronic giving via our website at www.graceavl.com. There is a "Give to Grace" button on the top blue banner of our home page, in the upper right-hand corner. Additional ways to give to our "virtual collection plate" and various fundraising efforts are through the Simple Church app.
Check out the Fall Edition of the Grace Team by visiting GraceAVL.com
In this edition, you'll find:
- Message from Rev. Milly and Rev. Mike
- Message from our Wardens
- Grace Dates
- Grace in Action
- Budget Review
- Information on our Fall Pumpkin Patch
We are so glad you are with us in our Grace community!
Jill Stevenson | Office Manager
Grace Episcopal Church | 871 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804
graceavl.com | 828-254-1086 | facebook.com/grace.church.718689/
Youtube Channel
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00am-3:00pm, and Wednesday 9:00am-12:00pm. |
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