You shall be . . . the restorer of streets to live in. 
—Isaiah 58:12

Help Presbyterian Disaster Assistance bring hope & healing to families impacted by the recent hurricanes and earthquakes.
 

Dear Friends of FPC-Asheville,

As rescue crews continue to dig for survivors in the latest earthquake in Mexico, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is connecting with its ecumenical partners to support recovery efforts and develop long-term response plans. The quake on September 19th, which registered 7.1 on the Richter Scale, was the second to strike the region in less than two weeks, causing buildings and houses to collapse, killing or trapping hundreds. PDA is partnering with the Mexican Communion of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches for emergency response and capacity building. 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in touch with presbyteries in affected areas of Texas and Florida, and standing by with resources and National Response Team members ready to deploy upon invitation and when it is safe to do so. PDA has been in touch with the leadership of the Synod of Boriquen (Puerto Rico) and the Presbyteries of San Juan, Noroeste (Northwest) and Suroeste (Southwest) to offer assistance there as well.

You can provide much-needed financial support through PDA, whose work is funded through the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) we receive each Easter.
 

How can you help?

1) Send a check to the church office or put in the offering plate on any Sunday, made out to FPC-Asheville, with the word “Presbyterian Disaster Assistance” in the memo.
 
2) You can also give directly to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with a credit card by visiting http://pda.pcusa.org/page/give/ or by phone at 800-872-3283. 

3) Please join us in praying for courage for those who are suffering; wisdom and diligence among agencies and individuals assessing damage and directing relief efforts; and for generosity to flow as powerfully as rivers and streams, as we respond to the deep human needs left in the wake of the storm.

PRAY: 

God of help and hope, in the challenging days, months and years to come, work through us to bring relief and respite from urgent need,comfort and the hope of peace for those who grieve the loss of family, home and safety, and faith to walk on through weary days of rebuilding. May we be steadfast in love, stronger than death,and thus, with those whose lives we seek to sustain, together bear witness to your redeeming love.
Amen.

September 1 is World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 

Pope Francis recently proclaimed September 1st as the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” joining Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I of Constantinople, who earlier extended an invitation for Christians to offer together ”every year on this date prayers and supplications to the Maker of all, both as thanksgiving for the great gift of creation and as petitions for its protection and salvation.”
 

All-powerful God, You are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, Help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen. 

“Laudato Si’ (“Praise Be to You”): On Care for Our Common Home,” 2015 Encyclical Letter of Pope Francis.

Who?  All Presbyterian Women in Presbytery of WNC—and beyond!
What?  Gathering for Bible Study, Supporting Mission, and Working for Justice and Peace
Where?  First Presbyterian Church of Newton, 701 N. Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658
When?  Saturday, April 8, 2017, 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Why?  To Build an Inclusive, Caring Community of Women Witnessing to the Promise of God’s Kingdom
How?  Mail Registration Form with Check to Michele Simmons.  Forms are available with your Circle and also at FPCA in the Foyer.

Melissa Bane Sevier Presenting 2017-18 Horizons Bible Study: Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews
Registration:  $10 (Includes Lunch)

Living Lord,

You have told me what is good and what you require:

act with justice, 

overflow with mercy, 

walk with humility.

Together with my sisters and brothers I confess

       that our nation has fallen far short of your instruction;

I see the consequences of our sin,

       I acknowledge my participation

and I grieve the painful wounds in our national life.

As I prepare to cast my vote, enable me to

quiet the divisive clamor of our national discourse,

so that I may hear your small, still voice.

Lead me in wisdom, 

to choose leaders who will seek the common welfare:

who will uplift my daughters and guide my sons.  

who will walk with my mother

and watch over my father.

who will shelter my neighbor and listen to strangers

leaders who will see the image of God in each one.

Help me to love those with whom I disagree.

Fill me with the reconciling power of Jesus Christ

so that I may be

an instrument of peace

a dismantler of divisive walls

a mender of broken places

a seeker of truth and goodness.

Lord help me to pray in the company of

those who have gone before me

those who will go long after me

those who walk beside me down the street today

and those whose paths may never cross mine

Deliver me from fear that controls me

Lead me toward "all that is beautiful, and all that is terrible,"

that I may be your hands and feet in this world that you love

and bring glory to your holy name.

Amen.