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Congregational Meeting, August 29, 2021

09.14.21 | Leadership News

Congregational Meeting & Lunch - August 29

Sunday, August 29
A congregational meeting was held on Sunday, August 29 immediately following the worship service.  Watch the recording of the meeting below and be sure to check the list of upcoming ministry opportunities beginning this Fall!

Congregational Meeting Presentation:

 Click here to review the slides that were shared during the meeting.

GMR Ministry Opportunities

Download the printable list here

WAYS TO CONNECT

GMR Website (You're here!)
GraceMillsRiver.org (This has the most & most up to date information!)

Weekly Email Update
Sign up for the weekly email update: GraceMillsRiver.org/connect/email-updates

Fill out a Connect Card
A paper copy is available at the Information Desk.
Fill out online: GraceMillsRiver.org/Contact

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Like us on Facebook: Grace Mills River, Grace Mills River Discipleship, Women of Grace, Watershed Youth, Grace Mills River Children’s Ministry
Follow us on Instagram: @gracemillsriver, @watershedyouth, @gracemrkids, 

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.

9:45 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 (preschool - 5th grade) are offered teaching our kids about Jesus.

WORSHIP & ARTS

18th Annual Juried Art Show - Molly Angel -

  • Artists! Submissions of all mediums and all types (2D & 3D) of visual arts ready to hang or display are accepted. Online Registration Now through November 8
  • Artists may drop off their work to be judged November 7, 3-6pm & November 8, 9am-12pm.
  • Everyone! Join us for the opening on Friday, November 12 at 6:30pm where cash prizes & multiple awards including Best Emerging Artist will be awarded.
  • For details and to apply online: www.GraceMillsRiver.org/ArtGallery

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

Encountering God’s Word Together - Ken Downer -

  • Description: Starting in October, we’ll host an accessible and life-giving Bible study on Sunday mornings. Each week taking an inductive approach to the central sermon scriptures, this is for anyone interested in encountering God's word together, the spiritual anchor for our life together with Him. 
  • When: Sunday mornings beginning October 3 from 9AM - 9:40AM
  • Where: Education Building - Room 307
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

Gentle & Lowly Book Studies

  • Description: One thing God wants us to have amidst the complexities of this season is a resilient inner life. The Bible teaches us that to be rooted and grounded in the limitless love of God is the key to inner resilience (Eph 3:14-21). This is why this fall we’re giving multiple venues to study Dane Ortlund’s book Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ For Sinners and Sufferers. We hope you’ll join us for this transformative study of God’s heart for us. A free copy of the book is available upon request.
  • Option 1: All Ages - Rick Hebert -
  • Option 2: All Ages - Saundra Cuyler -
  • Option 3: College-Age - Andrew Kerhoulas -
    • When: 2nd & 4th Sundays from 6:30PM - 8:00PM
    • Where: In-person at various locations
    • Register: Email Andrew Kerhoulas

Prodigal God Book Study - Ken Downer -  

  • Description: How would you answer the question, "What's the heart of the Christian faith?" The story Jesus told in Luke 15 about a prodigal son gives us his answer. For six weeks, we'll study Tim Keller's book that brings this story and its potential influence for our lives into burning focus. These evenings are intended for anyone desiring to discover the heart of the Christian faith. 
  • When: Wednesday evenings October 6 - November 10 from 6:30PM - 7:45PM
  • Where: In-person, Education Building - Room 307 w/ Online option via Zoom
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

Community Area Bible Study - Alicia Evans -

  • Description: Engaging God’s word: Joshua
  • When: Tuesday evenings September 21 - October 26 from 6:30PM - 8:00PM
  • Where: GMR Education Building - Rooms 306 & 307
  • Register: Email Alicia Evans.

Women Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

Thursday Morning Bible Study - Leigh Verm -

  • Description: Join us for a time of fellowship, prayer, and discovery in God’s word. We will begin a four-week study of Ruth, a beautiful story of loyalty and support between women of different generations that illustrates God’s redemptive plan for us all. 
  • When: Thursday mornings, September 9 - 30 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.

Saturday Morning Bible Study - Mary Dean Beland - , Christy Lafferty -

    • Description: Women of all ages gather to study the upcoming Sunday's sermon passage.
    • When: Saturday mornings ongoing at 10:00AM
    • Where: GMR pavilion
    • Questions: Email Mary Dean or Christy.

Ladies Bible Read - Dianne Margenau -

  • Description: Join a group of gospel-loving, laid back women who love to read through Scripture. We meet together a couple of times a month to discuss the questions and insights we are gleaning from our readings. Currently we are in the Old Testament as we endeavor on a 2 year plan to read the entire Bible.
  • When: 1st & 3rd Monday from 11:00AM - 12:30PM
  • Where: Online via Zoom
  • Questions: Email Dianne Margenau.

 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, September 23 from 6:30PM - 8:30PM
  • Where: Bold Rock Cidery - 72 School House Rd. Mills River, NC 28759

Women’s Gathering *S’mores by the Fire
*This event originally scheduled for Oct. 22 has been cancelled. We hope you’ll plan to join us in November for the women’s hike.

Women’s Hike - Cindy Stashenko -

  • Description: Cindy Stashenko will lead an out and back hike on a portion of Greybeard Trail in Montreat. It will be a great time to get outside, enjoy nature and fellowship with one another. After the hike those interested will grab lunch in Black Mountain.
  • When: Saturday, November 13 at 9:00AM *Weather permitting. No rain date scheduled.
  • Where: Meet at Ingles off of exit #64. 550 Highway, Black Mountain, NC 28711
  • 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: In-person at GMR
  • Questions: Email Jim Pearce.

Men’s Hikes - Lee Hunt -

  • Description: A time for men to get to know one another, enjoy some physical activity & enjoy nature. Local hikes of various difficulty.
  • When: Saturday, November 6 *details to come watch for them in the weekly email update / Typical schedule is every other month *keep an eye out in the weekly email updates for additional dates
  • 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 Pavilion
  • 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.

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 a 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.

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.

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. The next newsletter will be sent out in late September. 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 Outreach

New Partner! Black Mountain Home for Children - Paul Shogren -  

  • Description: Grace is excited to partner with a new Local Outreach partner! We will share about Black Mountain Children’s Home in the worship service on Sunday, September 19. One way we will support them is to host a donation drive. *See the details below.
  • Questions: Email Paul Shogren.

Black Mountain Home for Children Donation Drive - Paul Shogren -  

  • Description: You can help children in need by donating gently used clothing, household items, kitchenware, books, art, furniture, etc. to the ministry’s thrift store. Time to do some fall cleaning!
  • How: Bring your donation boxes or bags to the thrift store trailer. Please share this information with your neighbors and friends to encourage them to help children who have been abused, abandoned, and neglected.
  • When: A trailer will be parked at GMR Thursday, October 20 - Monday, October 27 to receive donations. If you have large furniture items that need to be picked up, please call (828) 581-0583 to arrange a time. 
  • Questions: Email Paul Shogren.

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.

Global Missions

*The lunch scheduled for Sunday, September 12, with Pastor Yobani has been cancelled. Due to safety concerns with COVID, he is no longer traveling to the U.S.

Annual Global Missions Fair - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: We look forward to welcoming Josiah Bancroft, Grace Missionary, to preach on Sunday, November 7. Multiple events will happen on that Sunday to bring awareness and share the impact our missionaries are having around the world. A few of our missionaries will be present to share updates and participate in the weekend - Josiah & Barbara Bancroft (Serge), Scott Rayl (Wycliffe / Global Weavers Int’l), Ann Kieser (Serge), Watha Kollmeyer (Knickers for New Life) and Colin Thornley (Serge).
  • When: Sunday, November 7
  • Where: GMR
  • Questions: If you are interested in helping support this weekend, please contact Allison Rickman.

ASANTE Sale for Knickers for New Life - Watha Kollmeyer -

  • Description: Knickers for New Life (KFNL) partners with schools in Uganda providing knickers (underwear), sanitary supplies, separate latrines for girls and boys, hand wash stations and mosquito-repellent soap. ASANTE Scents for a Cause are products (candles, lotions, essential oils, soaps, etc.) that support the work of KFNL.
  • When: Sunday, November 7 ASANTE products will be on sale.
  • Where: GMR
  • Questions: If you are interested in helping KFNL, please contact Watha Kollmeyer.

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, September 12, 19 & 26 from 9:30AM to 10:15AM
  • Where: GMR Education Building - Room 307
  • Questions: Email Allison Rickman.

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.

Stepp Orchard Event - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: Join us for a fun evening at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. The orchard will close at 6PM but remain open for GMR folks only til 8PM. GMR will provide wagon rides, walks through the corn maze and apple donuts. You are welcome to pick apples and purchase items from their store as well. Bring a picnic dinner to enjoy the beautiful setting and have apple donuts for dessert! We are looking forward to a fun evening for all!
  • When: Sunday, September 12 from 5:00PM - 8:00PM
  • Where: 170 Stepp Orchard Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792
  • Questions: Email Allison Rickman.
  • This is a free event but please register by Friday, September 10 so that we will have enough doughnuts for everyone.
  • Click Here to Register

Ways to Serve the GMR Body

Meal Train - Sheryl Mathis - or Julie Ledford -

PART-TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE

PT Ministry Assisant
If interested in more information, contact Alyssa Rock at

PT Youth Assistant
If interested in more information, contact Greg Lieb at .

PT Custodian
If interested in more information, contact Becky Phillips at