Ministries

Winter/Spring 2024 Ministry Opportunities

We believe that what we do within each ministry should flow purposefully out of what we value and love:

"To LIVE: for God’s world, as God’s family, in the joy of God’s gospel."


WAYS TO CONNECT

GMR Website

Weekly Email Update

Fill out a Connect Card

Follow us on Social Media


 SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:00 AM - Fellowship & Connection - Gather in the cafe for coffee to catch up with friends you haven’t seen over a busy week.

9:00 AM - 10:15AM - Youth Group - Greg Lieb -

  • Youth (6th grade - 12th grade) meet upstairs for a time of fellowship & teaching.

9:00 AM - 9:40 AM - Encountering God’s Word Together - Ken Downer -

  • See below under DISCIPLESHIP - Co-ed Studies for more details.

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM - Prayer Gathering - Dave Bokmiller -

  • Join the prayer team to pray for the spiritual renewal of our world, nation,
    community & church family.

10:30 AM - Worship Service

  • Worship together through song, prayer & hearing God’s word.

10:30 AM - Children’s Classes - Christen Stewart -

  • Children’s classes (infant - 5th grade) are offered teaching our kids about Jesus.

Winter/Spring 2024 Ministry Opportunities

 If you prefer to print hard-copy, access the GoogleDoc version here. (01.14.2024)

**Dates & times listed below are subject to change.


WORSHIP & ARTS

New Class! The 96th Annual Academy Awards & the Gospel

  • Description: Do you enjoy watching and discussing films (like a book club for movies)?
    How about looking for gospel connections in his year's Oscar nominated films?
  • When: Join us for 3 consecutive weeks on Wednesdays (February 21, 28, 6) 6:30pm at the Lotz house in Mills River OR Sundays (February 25, 3, 10), 9am at GMR as we watch one film each week beforehand (homework) and then meet for discussion. The first week's homework is to watch the film Barbie.
  • Register: Each class limited to first 10 people. Registration opens February 7. Register by February 18.
    https://gracemillsriver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship
  • Questions:  For more info contact Craig at 231-2700 or  

Artist Meet & Greets - Molly Angel -

  • Description: Be on the lookout for meet & greets with the artists featured in the gallery. This is a time to meet the artist(s), ask questions, learn more about their work and celebrate their creativity. Everyone is invited!
  • When: We will share dates & times as they are scheduled.
  • Where: GMR Gallery
  • Questions: Contact Molly Angel, Visual Arts Coordinator.

!! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED !! - Greeter & Cafe Volunteers - Molly Angel -

  • Do you enjoy welcoming folks and have the gift of hospitality? If so, serving as a greeter or in the cafe might be a good fit for you. We are in need of volunteers to welcome folks as they come in for worship, make and service coffee and clean up the cafe after the service is over. This ministry has a big impact on visitors and those considering Grace as their church home.
  • Greeters and cafe clean up crew (40 mins after the service) are specifically needed at this time. If you are interested in helping in this way, contact Molly Angel, Volunteer Coordinator.

Musicians - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • If you are a musician and would like to use your gifts to lead the body in worship, contact Andrew Kerhoulas, Discipleship & Worship Pastor.

Discipleship

Co-Ed - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

Connect Groups - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • Description: Connecting with God and others through dinner, discussion, and prayer. Connecting regularly with other believers is integral to the way of Jesus. But these experiences are rare unless we are intentional. We desire to provide more weekly and bi-weekly opportunities to connect with God and others in our church family over a meal and intentional times of spiritual discussion and prayer.
  • When: Our connect groups meet at various times. Either weekly or bi-weekly depending on the group.
  • Where: Specific address will be shared in response to RSVPs.
  • Register: *Three groups are currently open to new members.
    Arden - Hosted by Ben & Angie Blackmar / 20 max (including kids) / Sundays - 12:30-2:30 (lunch, right after church)
    Grace Mills River - Hosted by Britt & Arlana Peterson, Alan & Leigh Verm / Sundays - 9:00AM - 10:00AM
    Hendersonville - Hosted by Adam and Shea Knechtel / Wednesdays - 5:30PM-7:30PM **This group is now full
  • Register Now

FULL / WAIST LIST Monthly Dinner Group - Glen McCandless - & Cindy McCandless -

  • Description: Do you want to build community with more folks at Grace? What about over dinner? Beginning in February, we’re offering a community group where folks of all ages and life-stages can share life, pray, and enjoy a meal together on a monthly basis.
  • When: 4th Thursday of each month beginning Thursday, February 22 @ 6:30pm (RSVP each month to confirm there are no changes in the gathering dates and times)
  • Where: Biltmore Park *Specific Address will be shared in response to RSVPs.
  • Register: Space is limited, so please RSVP at GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship 
    *Currently full, email Glen to be added to the wait list as space becomes available

[Sunday]

Encountering God’s Word Together - Ken Downer -

  • Description: Come join us as we dive into the scripture passage the sermon will be based on that day. No preparation is necessary. Sit and listen or join the discussion. This is a great way to grow closer to each other as we enjoy the scriptures together. We end our time together just before the prayer gathering which makes for a great Sunday morning! 
  • When: Sunday mornings from 9AM - 9:40AM
  • Where: Education Building - Room 305
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

What’s the Bible About? - Barbara Hebert

  • Description: This 9-week course will take you on an introductory tour of the whole story of the Bible. The Bible is more than a random collection of stories and ancient history.  It is God’s story – His plan, His purpose, and His extravagant and wonderful promises to humanity.  In each session, we’ll get a snapshot that sums up a period of time in Biblical history.  We’ll see what God promised to His people and how all of His promises are fulfilled in Jesus.  We’ll better understand how the Gospel message traveled throughout history and we’ll deepen our trust in our promise-keeping God. Class begins January 21.
  • When: Sunday Mornings, 9-10:15am
  • Where: Education Buildting, Room 302
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

Grace Book Club - Matt Ballance -  

  • Description: God uses all manner of means to speak into our hearts and our souls, with the arts being no exception. Across the span of time believers have found connection to the Lord through visual arts, music, dance, drama…and literature. That’s where Grace Book Club comes in! Join us monthly as we come together as a church family to discuss books and how they connect us to the gospel! The first book we will read together is On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior.
  • When: Fourth Sunday of each month from 4 - 5PM, beginning March 24
  • Where: Offsite.
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

[Monday]

Praying the Scriptures Together - Kathie Sorenson -

  • Description: Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice." Praying with scripture open is the way we learn to hear God's voice. Join us for a simple time of praying with the scriptures, also known as Lectio Divina ("divine reading").
  • When: Mondays at 7PM, February 5 - March 25
  • Where: Zoom *A zoom link will be provided after registration.
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship 

[Wednesday]

Renewal Nights - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • Description: Spiritual renewal and prayer have always gone hand in hand. We seek to host a monthly space to seek God through prayer, simple singing, and scripture reading. It is our desire that these gatherings would serve to usher in the power and presence for personal, corporate, and cultural renewal. We invite you to join us and to make this pursuit a part of your monthly discipleship rhythms. 
  • When: 2nd Wednesday of each month from 7:00PM - 8:15PM.
    • January 20, February 14, March 3, April 10, May 8
  • Where: GMR Auditorium
  • Register: No RSVP needed. Just show up. 

The Skinny on Faith and Practice - Patrick Lafferty -

  • Description: What are the most basic convictions of our “Reformed” theological tradition? What do we believe Scripture mainly to be teaching as it pertains to life and doctrine? And how does that look in practice as it relates to the life and order of the church? Join us for a whirlwind tour through The Westminster Confession of Faith–the summary statement of our church’s and our denomination’s understanding of the core doctrines. Also, you’ll have an opportunity to get a brief overview of the document summarizing our way of church governance–our “polity”--from our Book of Church Order. No prior familiarity with either document expected. Readings to be completed beforehand each week with discussion held during the gatherings. All questions, concerns, disagreements welcomed!  [Copies of the WCF will be provided free of charge and reading assignments may be found here.]
  • When: Wednesday evenings for five weeks, beginning January 24th, from 6:15-7:15pm
  • Where: GMR - Education Building - Room 305
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship
Women Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

*Join the Women of Grace Mills River Facebook group to see updates and view pictures of events. It’s a great way to stay connected.

[Monthly]

Women’s Breakfast - Mary Dean Beland -

  • Description: Join other Grace ladies once a month for breakfast and fellowship. This is a great opportunity to get to know some other women who attend GMR? Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
  • When: 3rd Friday of each month
  • Where: Cracker Barrel, 344 Rockwood Road, Arden, NC 28704
  • RSVP: None needed. Just show up.

[Twice per Month]

Mom Date with Kids - Emily Petrilla -

  • Description: Come spend time with other moms while kids play. We will meet twice a month and the location will change between the children’s rooms and playground at Grace Mills River, a private home or a nearby park! Grab your morning coffee and join us! Children are still under the care and supervision of their mom while at the event. But, if you want to leave the kids at home and come hangout with other moms you can! Moms with kids of all ages are welcome.
  • When: Every other Wednesday, starting January 10th, 9am-11am.
  • Where: Varies. See above.
  • RSVP: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

[Monday]

Ladies Bible Read - Elenore Beach -

  • Description: Join a group of gospel-loving women who love to read through Scripture together. We meet together the first and third Monday mornings of the month to discuss the questions and insights we are gleaning from our readings. Currently, we read through portions of the old and new testaments and engage in laid back but profound discussion. 
  • When: 1st & 3rd Mondays from 10:30AM - 12PM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Who: New ladies are always welcome.
  • Register: Email Elenore Beach.
  • Who: New ladies are always welcome

[Tuesday]

Women’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study - Lee Anne Canter -

  • Description: Join us as we study chapters 9 - 16 of Luke using the At His Feet Bible Study, Luke: Part Two. Let's slow down and lean in toward what Jesus might have for us as we take time to dive deep into His word together. We will take 14 weeks to study, discuss, encourage, and pray with one another. My hope and prayer is that we would be strengthened by the Spirit and know the love of Christ anew! *Please purchase study prior to starting. Newcomers welcome!
  • When: Tuesday evenings, 6:30PM - 8:30PM, beginning January 30 - April 30
  • Where: Lee Anne’s House, Mills River *Directions will be emailed to those that sign up
  • Register:*Space is Limited to 14. 
    GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

[Thursday]

Women’s Thursday Morning Bible Study - Leigh Verm - & Cindy Stashenko -

  • Description: Women of all ages are invited to study God’s word, pray together, and encourage one another. We will be studying the book of Isaiah. Childcare is available, but an RSVP is necessary to secure a spot. It’s never too late to join!
  • When: Thursdays from 9 - 11AM, January 18 - March 28
  • Where: Education Building - Room 305
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

[Women's Only Events]

Women’s Gatherings - Rebecca Parker -

  • Description: Let’s gather for an evening out. Come to enjoy some food, drink and fellowship at the end of the week. This is a great opportunity to get to know some other women who attend GMR? Catch up with old friends and make new ones. Join other women that attend Grace for an evening out.
  • *CANCELLED* Sol Y Luna Mexican Grill - 1715 Brevard Road, Hendersonville
    • When: Thursday, March 13 drop in any time between 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Women’s Retreat - Remember Your Joy: How three Salvation Stories Point Us Towards Jesus - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: We all need reminders of God’s goodness and grace—and the Old Testament is full of examples of God’s faithfulness to his people. In this retreat, we’ll study three Old Testament salvation stories—Noah and the Ark, Abraham and Isaac, and David and Goliath—to see how they each point forward to the greater salvation found in Jesus Christ. This retreat seeks to illustrate how all the Bible’s stories fit together as we remember and rejoice in the joy of our salvation.
  • When: Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 7
  • Where: Ridgecrest Conference Center
  • Registration: Sunday, January 28 -  Sunday, March 3 
     *Registration is currently full, but you may join the waitlist - we can add rooms!
    Join the waitlist!

Women’s Hikes

Men Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

Saturday Morning Breakfast Gathering - Dave Bokmiller -

  • Description: The Men's Breakfast Group meets for a time of fellowship, Bible-based study, discussion & prayer.
  • When: 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month, 8AM - 9:30AM *watch the website for any schedule changes 
  • Where: GMR Cafe
  • Questions: Email Dave Bokmiller.

Wednesday Night Bible Study - Jim Pearce -

  • Description: A book study and a time for fellowship and mutual encouragement.
  • When: Wednesday evenings at 6:00PM
  • Where: GMR - Education Building - Room 304
  • Questions: Email Jim Pearce.

Men’s Hikes - Lee Hunt -

  • Description: Saturday April 20, 9:30 am, to Cedar Mountain in nearby DuPont Forest. Join us for a great hike to fellowship with new and old friends at Grace. 4 to 5 miles, moderate difficulty. Also: if you want you can fuel up beforehand at the Men's Breakfast at 8 am and join an optional visit to a brewery after the hike.
  • Questions: Email Lee Hunt ( ) to RSVP and for more details.  

Men’s Mountain Biking - Josh Smoyer -

  • Description: You already know we live in a mountain biking paradise. But you may not know how to ride with other guys at Grace. Now you do!
  • When: January 20 at 10:00 (after the Men's Breakfast / Bible Study)
  • Where:  We'll meet at GMR and then head to DuPont
  • Questions: Email Josh to RSVP

Prayer

Sunday Morning Prayer Gathering - Dave Bokmiller -

  • Description: Everyone is invited to join the prayer team to pray for our world, nation, community, church and one another. Each week prayer requests from the church family are shared and prayed for. You may come to be prayed over as well.
  • When: Sunday mornings from 9:45AM - 10:15AM
  • Where:  GMR - Education Building - Room 304
  • Questions: Email Dave Bokmiller to receive the prayer list.

YOUTH

Watershed - Sunday Morning Youth Group - Greg Lieb -

  • Description: Students (6th - 12th grade) are invited to join the youth group on Sunday morning to share a short talk on Jesus, games, and singing together in community. 
  • When: Sunday mornings from 9AM - 10:15AM *Follow Youth on FB & IG for schedule changes and updates.
  • Where: GMR Youth Room - Located upstairs
  • Questions: Email Greg Lieb for details.

Spring Shed Activities - Greg Lieb -

  • Description: Watershed Small Groups will meet on Wednesday evenings to share time in God’s word and hang out together. We will meet in groups of HS guys, HS girls, MS guys and MS girls.
  • When: Wednesdays from 6:30PM - 8PM
  • Where: GMR Youth Room
  • Questions: Email Greg Lieb for details.

Winter / Spring Youth Activities Calendar - Greg Lieb -

High School Retreat - Greg Lieb -

  • Description: Mark your calendars! The Spring 2024 High School Retreat is here! We're going back to Carolina Point. If you haven't been you've gotta go! Bring some friends. We'll have scrumptious food, crazy games, meet with Jesus, and adventure together on the best weekend of your life!
  • When: March 22 - 24
  • Where: Carolina Point
  • Register: Register by March 6 at GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/registrations/events

CHILDREN

Sunday Morning Children’s Classes - Christen Stewart -

  • Description: Children’s classes that partner with and support families showing each child how to love God’s world, be in God’s family, and live in the joy of God’s gospel.
  • When: Sunday mornings from 10:30AM - end of worship service. *No children’s classes on holiday weekends and the 5th Sunday of each month. This allows our children to worship with the whole church family.
  • Where: GMR Children’s Hallway & Education Building
    • We currently have a babies/toddlers class, preschool class (ages 2-4) & three elementary classes (Kindergarten/1st grade, 2nd/3rd grade & 4th/5th grade).
  • Check-in Sunday morning at the CM Welcome Area.

MERCY

Widows Group - Fran Li - or 239.248.2477 

  • Description: Join others that have lost spouses for a time of sharing, fellowship and relationship.
  • When: Once a month, usually on the 4th Friday at 11AM
  • Where: Reach out to Fran for location.
  • Questions: Email Fran Li to confirm day, time & location.

Our Journey of Hope - Kathie Sorenson -

  • Description: Do you know someone who is battling cancer- a neighbor, friend or loved one? Our Journey of Hope is a biblically-based cancer care ministry. We have a team of people in the church trained and ready to serve cancer patients and their families. We are eager to confidentially support people with prayer, listening, and practical help.
  • Questions: Contact Kathie Sorenson for more information.

OUTREACH

Local 

GMR Local Partnerships

*Listed below are organizations that support our local community in various ways. We support their work financially and through volunteerism. If you are looking for a place to serve, we would recommend you connect with one of these organizations or the GMR member listed below.

  • Black Mountain Home for Children - www.blackmountainhome.org
    • Paul Shogren -
  • Least of These - www.leastoftheseasheville.com
    • Liz Loop -
  • Interfaith Assistance Ministry - www.iamhendersoncounty.org
  • The Storehouse - www.storehouseonline.org
  • Asheville / Buncombe County Christian Ministries - www.abccm.org
  • Young Life of Henderson County - www.hendersoncountync.younglife.org
  • Council on Aging of Henderson County / Meals on Wheels - www.coahc.org
  • Kairos - www.kairosprisonministry.org
    • Jeff Leider -
  • Homeward Bound - www.homewardboundwnc.org
  • Safelight - www.safelightfamily.org

Backpack Program - Christen Stewart -

  • Description: Consider donating non-perishable, lightweight, child friendly foods to the Backpack program where bags of food are sent home with students in our local schools each weekend. We will be collecting food throughout the school year to help supplement local families in need.
  • Suggested Food Items: ramen noodles, fruit cups, individually packaged snacks, mac and cheese bowls, oatmeal, granola bars, Chef Boyardee cups, cereal and poptarts.
  • Where: collection bins are located on the CM hallway
  • Questions: If you are interested in volunteering to help with collection, organization, or food delivery, please contact Christen Stewart.

TerraBella Worship Service - Jeff Leider - or Woody Dotson -

  • Description: Help lead or attend a service at Terrabella Assisted Living in Hendersonville. Grace will be leading a simple service consisting of about 3 songs/hymns, and a very short (5-10 minutes) word of encouragement. If you are interested in participating in this local outreach event, please reach out for more details. All are welcome to participate including teens and children!
  • When: The 3rd Sunday of each month at 2:00PM
  • Where: TerraBella Hendersonville, 3851 Howard Gap Road, 28792
  • Questions: If you are interested in participating or attending, please contact Jeff Leider or Woody Dotson.
Global

GMR Global Missionaries

*Please pray for our Global Missionaries as they serve & share the gospel throughout the world. You can learn more about them and their work on the Grace website at https://www.gracemillsriver.org/ministries/global-missions/grace-missionaries/.

  • Scott Rayl - Nigeria
  • Josiah & Barbara Bancroft - Global
  • Joel & Cindy Hylton - Global
  • Ann Kieser - Uganda
  • Edward & Christine Isingoma - Uganda
  • Chip & Meredith Jones - Chile
  • Gary & Ashley Helms - London
  • Yobani Alas - Honduras
  • Knickers for New Life - Uganda
  • Colin Thornley - Global 

Host a Wycliffe Missionary - Adam Huntley - & Ruth Huntley -

  • Description: We are looking for host homes for an out-of-country spiritual retreat for Wycliffe - Central African Republic missionaries. The retreat gives an opportunity for a much needed break from field work and spiritual encouragement. The retreat is being held in Henderson County this summer. Homes are needed to host participating missionary families. Families are coming from Switzerland, the UK, and all over the US.  We are asking for a place to stay for four nights and a breakfast for each morning (July 9-14, 2024). The breakfast can be as simple as cereal or as involved as eggs benedict, it’s up to you! You can host families of 9, singles, or couples: you let us know what you would like to do. There is also a need for vehicles that families traveling by plane can use while they are visiting for the retreat. If you are interested in this unique hospitality ministry while meeting some people doing interesting kingdom work, let us know. 
  • When: July 9-14, 2024
  • Where: Host missionary families in your home.
  • Questions: Email Adam or Ruth Huntley

COMMUNITY & BODY LIFE

Sunday Lunch Gatherings

  • Description: Are you hungry after worship on Sundays? Do you have trouble figuring out or agreeing on where to go or what to have? If so, let us make it easy on you, join various Grace leaders at a local restaurant for some food & fellowship.
  • When & Where:
    • January 28 at White Duck Taco (Long Shoals Road) - Jerry & Julie Ledford -
    • February 25 at Mills River Restaurant - Woody Dotson - & Becky Dotson -
    • March 10 at Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant - Jim & Gail Pearce -
    • April 21 at Mills River Brewery - Veech & Fran Li -
    • May 5 at Appalachian Mountain Brewery - Joe Farris - & Carolyn Farris -
    • Register: No registration needed. Just head over to the restaurant after the service.

Sunday Newcomer Meet & Greets - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: If you are new to Grace or have been coming for a while - we would love to meet you! Every other month a few of our leaders will be waiting to welcome you, answer your questions and help you get connected at Grace. We will meet immediately following the service across from the Information Desk.
  • When: The second Sunday of each month immediately following the service. *Keep an eye out in the weekly email update for any date changes. It may have to be moved from time to time based on other events and holidays.
  • Where: Across from the Information Desk
  • Questions: Email Allison Rickman.
  • Register: No registration needed. Just drop by after the service.

Becoming Family - Membership Class - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: Join us to learn more about Grace ministries, our distinctives, values, philosophy and vision. This is a great way to get to know us whether you want to find out more about GMR or are ready to become a member. *Required for membership.
  • When: Sunday mornings, January 28, February 4 & 11 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM
  • Where: GMR Education Building - Room 306
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/membership

Shepherding Ministry - Rick Hebert -

  • Description: The Grace elders are committed to shepherding the members as encouraged in scripture. The purpose of the Shepherding Ministry is to help every member feel cared for, and encouraged to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
  • Basic Structure: Each member is assigned to a Parish based on their home address. A Parish Shepherd, GMR elder, is assigned to each parish. The purpose is to help provide a personal connection with each member and leadership.
  • Questions: Email Rick Hebert.

Ways to Serve the GMR Body

Meal Train - Sheryl Mathis - or Julie Ledford -

  • Description: Our Diaconate has had several needs for meal preparation for our church families during times of illness, surgery, etc. We are in the process of building a group of folks that would like to help provide meals when needs arise. If you would like to help with meal preparation, please contact either Sheryl or Julie.
  • Questions: Contact Sheryl Mathis - (828-243-5749)  or Julie Ledford - (828-891-5332).