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2022 Winter/Spring Ministry Opportunities

01.10.22 | Leadership News

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SUNDAY SCHEDULE

9:00 AM - Fellowship & Connection

  • Join us in the cafe for coffee to catch up with friends you haven’t seen over a busy week.

9:00 AM - Youth Group - Greg Lieb -

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

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM - Bible Basics - Barbara Hebert -

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

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

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.

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

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

WORSHIP & ARTS

Upcoming Art Exhibit & Opening Reception - Molly Angel -

  • Description: Our upcoming exhibit in the gallery will feature artist, Inesa Kayuta. Inesa is an oil painter and won best in show for our 2019 Juried Art Exhibition. An opening reception will be planned in coming weeks to celebrate her and her work.
  • When: Date TBD, immediately following the worship service
  • Where: GMR Gallery
  • Questions: Contact Molly Angel, Visual Arts Coordinator.

Musicians - Andrew Kerhoulas -

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

DISCIPLESHIP

Co-Ed Studies

Sundays

Bible Basics - Barbara Hebert -

  • Description: You may be familiar with many of the stories found in the Bible, but what about the unified story of the whole Bible? How can we zoom out to see the larger story God is communicating to us through His Word? This Bible Basics course will help us get an overview of Bible history and geography, but also offer an understanding of how God progressively reveals Himself and His plan for humanity. This foundational study will be of benefit to those new to the Bible, as well as to those who have studied the pieces but want to understand how they all fit together.
  • When: Sundays, January 23 - February 20 from 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Where: GMR - Education Building - Room 302
  • Register: Email Barbara Hebert or GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

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 9:00AM - 9:40AM
  • Where: Education Building - Room 307
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

College-Age Gathering - Andrew Kerhoulas -  

  • Description: A regular space to build gospel-shaped community with other college-age folks. Expect a meal, spiritual encouragement, and shenanigans. 
  • When: 2nd & 4th Sundays of each month from 6:30PM - 8:00PM
  • Where: In-person at various locations
  • Questions: Email Andrew Kerhoulas.

Tuesdays

Community Bible Study: God's Amazing Book - Alicia Evans -

  • Description: The Bible tells the story of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament foretells His coming, and the New Testament explains why He came. So why dig in? It tells us how to live. It is nourishing food. All are welcome to join us on Tuesday evenings for a seven-week study as we explore God's Amazing Book.
  • When: Tuesday evenings, January 11 - February 15 from 6:30PM - 8:00PM
  • Where: GMR - Education Building - Room 307
  • Register: Email Alicia Evans.

Union with Christ: The link between the gospel and our spiritual growth - Saundra Cuyler

  • Description: Union with Christ: What is it and why do we need it? What problems does it solve? Can this provide an anchor and an engine for our life? How can we go from intellectually knowing about the gospel to experiencing it in our daily life? In our ten weeks together, we’ll dive deeper into Scripture’s intriguing truths guided by Rankin Wilbourne’s Union With Christ.
  • When: Tuesdays, January 18 - March 22 from 1:00PM - 2:15PM
  • Where:  Online via Zoom
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

Wednesdays

A Road Map for Spiritual Formation - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • Description: Where is Jesus leading his followers? Jesus leads us into spiritual formation, what one theologian described as “a process of being formed in his image for the sake of others.” In our eight weeks together, our aim is two-fold: to supply you with a road map for spiritual formation and to build formative friendships with other followers of Jesus. 
  • This formation group will be co-taught by members of our discipleship leadership team.
  • When: Wednesdays, January 19 - March 9 from 6:30PM - 7:45PM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

Gentle & Lowly Book Discussion Group - Rick Hebert -

  • Description: Have you ever wondered what Jesus is really like, who is He, and what is His heart toward you? In describing his book, Dane Ortlund writes: “Christians can easily feel that Jesus is perpetually disappointed and frustrated, maybe even close to giving up on them. They know what Christ has done for them—but who is he? How does he feel about his people amid all their sins and failures? In Matthew 11, Jesus describes himself as “gentle and lowly in heart,” longing for his people to find rest in him. This book reflects on his words, diving deep into Bible passages that speak of Christ’s affections for sinners and encouraging believers as they journey, weary and faltering, toward heaven.”  A free copy of the book is available from the church office upon request.
  • Who: All ages; anyone who wants to get to know, study together, and share with other believers as we delve deeper into who Jesus is, and His heart for us!
  • When: Wednesday evenings, January 26th from 7:30PM - 8:30PM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

Women Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

Thursday Morning Bible Study - Leigh Verm -

  • Description: Women of all ages are invited to join together for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discovery in God’s word. We will begin the winter-spring season with a study of Wisdom: Prayer, Psalms & Proverbs and then study some of Paul’s letters.
  • When: Thursday mornings, January 20 - May 5 from 10:00AM -11:30AM
  • Where: GMR - Education Building - Room 307
  • Register: Email Leigh Verm *If you are interested in childcare, please let Leigh know in your email.

Thursday Evening Bible Study - Emily Petrilla -

  • Description: A women's Bible study of the book of Hebrews. We will be using Jen Wilkin's verse by verse study Better: A Study of Hebrews. Join other women, all ages welcome, in studying God's word, hearing from Him and having time of fellowship and prayer.
  • When: Thursday evenings, beginning January 27 from 6:00PM -7:30PM
  • Where: GMR - Education Building - Room 302
  • Register: Email Emily Petrilla.

Ladies Bible Read - Elenore Beach -

  • Description: Join a group of gospel-loving women who love to read through Scripture together. We meet together a couple of times a 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 10:00AM - 11:30AM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Register: Email Elenore Beach.

Women’s Gathering at Bold Rock - Rebecca Parker -

  • Description: Want to get to know some other women who attend GMR?
    Join the Women’s Leadership Team for an evening of fellowship at Bold Rock Cidery
    in Mills River.
  • When: Thursday, January 20 from 6:30PM - 8:30PM
  • Where: Bold Rock Cidery - 72 School House Rd. Mills River, NC 28759

Women’s Hike - Cindy Stashenko -

  • Description: Cindy Stashenko will lead another hike in the Spring. Keep an eye out in the weekly email update and on the website for more details to come as plans are finalized. This is a great way to meet other ladies that attend Grace and enjoy the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
  • When: Spring 2022 / Exact Date & Time TBD
  • Where: TBD
  • Questions: Email Cindy Stashenko.

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, 8:00AM - 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: More hikes to come in 2022! Lee is hoping to plan a snow hike in DuPont if the weather gives us some white stuff! : ) Keep an eye out for details if there is a snowy forecast. More details to come in the weekly email update and on the website as hikes are planned. Hikes will be local and of various difficulty.
  • When: TBD / Typical schedule is every other month *details to come watch for them in the weekly email update
  • Where: Various Locations
  • Questions: Email Lee Hunt for details.

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 9:00AM - 10:15AM
  • Where: GMR Youth Room - Located upstairs
  • Questions: Email Greg Lieb for details.

Wednesday Night Discipleship Groups - Greg Lieb -

  • Description: Join other youth (6th grade - 12th grade) for small group Bible study and discussions. It’s a great place to explore and grow in your faith.
  • When: Tuesday or Wednesday nights from 5:30PM - 7:00PM
  • Where: GMR Youth Room - Located upstairs or Various Homes
  • Questions: Email Greg Lieb for details.

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
  • Where: GMR Children’s Hallway & Education Building
  • We currently have an infant, preschool class (ages 2-4) & two elementary classes (K-3rd grade & 4th/5th grade). We will continue to add classes as additional volunteers become available.
  • 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 3rd Friday at 2:30PM
  • Where: usually GMR pavilion
  • 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 open to anyone who is ready to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. We want to bring practical support and the hope of Christ to every person in our congregation and community affected by this illness.
  • Questions: Contact Kathie Sorenson to register for the Our Journey of Hope training that will equip and commission you for this special outreach. Materials are provided free of charge. Or if you know someone diagnosed or caring for someone with cancer.

Mercy Ministry Newsletter

  • Each quarter our Shepherding support team in collaboration with the Diaconate Moderator create a newsletter to share important information about Mercy Ministry. In the past, the newsletter has included bios of new Deacons and Deaconess, introductions to new ministries and ministry needs. Flock Advocates send it directly to their flock members and a copy is linked in the weekly email update & posted on the GMR website for everyone to read. *If you are wondering what a Flock Advocate is, please see the Shepherding Ministry description below.

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

Glenn Marlow Backpack Program - Christen Stewart -

  • Description: Consider donating non-perishable, lightweight, child friendly items to the Backpack Program at Glenn Marlow Elementary. We will be collecting these throughout the school year to help supplement food for local families in need.
  • Suggested Food Items: Ramen noodles, Fruit cups, Individually packaged snacks, Mac and cheese bowls, Oatmeal & Granola bars. *Please do not donate large or heavy canned items as these items are for young, elementary-aged students.
  • 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.

COMMUNITY & BODY LIFE

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, February 20, 27 & March 6 from 9:30AM to 10:15AM
  • Where: GMR Main Building - Room 125
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/registrations

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. Each member is also a part of a smaller group of members called a flock. Each parish is made up of multiple flocks. Each flock has a Flock Advocate, a leader or lay member who is trained to provide a personal connection with each member of their flock.
  • Questions: Email Rick Hebert.

Mills River Community Park Picnic - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: Join us on Sunday afternoon immediately following the worship service for a BYO picnic at the Mills River Park Picnic pavilion. We’ve reserved the pavilion from 12PM - 4PM. Bring bikes, your walking shoes, a football or soccer ball to enjoy some time outside. (We may even pull together a big kick-ball game!) There is also a playground for kids to enjoy as well as basketball and tennis courts.
  • When: Sunday, May 15 from 12PM - 4:00PM
  • Where: Mills River Community Park - 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River, NC 28759
  • Questions: Email Allison Rickman.

Ways to Serve the GMR Body

Meal Train - Sheryl Mathis - or Julie Ledford -