Ministries

2023 Ministry Impact

God is using Grace Mills River Church, its ministry and each of you as He expands His kingdom here on earth. We want to celebrate and give thanks for all he is doing in our church family, in the surrounding community and the broader world as He sends His people out. We would like to share this beautiful video that expresses the impressions and impact of how God is working in and through our lives as a church family doing life and mission together.

**Watch the full Congregational Meeting held on September 10, 2023 here.

Fall 2023 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 - Join us 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.

Fall 2023 Ministry Opportunities

If you prefer to print hard-copy, download the pdf version here.

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

WORSHIP & ARTS

20th Annual Juried Art Exhibition - Molly Angel -

  • Description: Calling all artists (inside & outside Grace - invite your artist friends to submit their work!)  for the 20th Annual Juried Art Exhibition! We accept all mediums and all types of visual artists with 2D and 3D work. All art must be ready to hang or display. See the website for full details.
  • Submissions: Artists may drop off their work to be judged November 5, 3-6pm and November 6, 9am-12pm.
  • Reception: Everyone is invited to the reception to honor the artists on Thursday, November 9 at 6:30pm
  • Where: GMR Gallery
  • Questions: Contact Molly Angel, Visual Arts Coordinator.

Artist Meet & Greets - Molly Angel -

  • Description: Join us 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: Sunday, September 17 following the worship service for artist Cynthia Moser
  • 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

COMING SOON - Connect Groups - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • Description: Connecting with God and others through dinner 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 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: Will be available as groups form.

[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

Hard Questions For Christians - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • Description: In our cultural moment, questions abound which can keep us from trusting and following Jesus. Such as is the Bible homophobic? Is Christianity good news for women? If God is good, why is there so much suffering? Hasn’t science disproved Christianity? We want to provide a space for us to wrestle with these types of questions from a hopeful biblical perspective. *Childcare will be available upon request. 
  • When: Sunday mornings from 9AM - 10:15AM
    • 8 Weeks starting September 24 — November 12
  • Where: Education Building - Room 302
  • 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.
    • September 13, October 11, November 8 & December 13
  • Where: GMR Auditorium
  • Register: No RSVP needed. Just show up. 

Prodigal God Book Study - Rick Hebert - and David White -

  • 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: A 6 week study beginning, Wednesday, September 27 from 6:45pm - 8pm
  • Where: Education Building - Room 303 
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship
Women Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

[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.

[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]

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

  • Description: Join us as we study the first 8 chapters of Luke using the At His Feet Bible Study, Luke: Part One. 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 12 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.
  • When: Tuesday evenings from 6:30PM - 8:30PM; beginning September 12
  • Where: Lee Anne’s House, Mills River *Directions will be emailed to those that sign up
  • Register:*Space is Limited to 14.
    *This class is now full! Please contact Lee Anne with interest for a future class.

[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, September 7 - December 7
  • Where: Education Building - Room 305
  • Register: GraceMillsRiver.churchcenter.com/groups/discipleship

[Events]

Women’s Hikes

  • Description: Enjoy getting out into nature, some exercise and conversation with other Grace ladies. A few hikes are being planned for the upcoming months.
  • When: 
    • September 23 - Carrie Hoyle -  
      • Pink Beds Trailhead, 5.1 miles, 344 ft elevation gain, easy/moderate, kids welcome.
      • Meet at the parking lot at GMR at 9AM. Carpool with friends. Pack a lunch to eat with friends after the hike.
    • November 18 - Lee Anne Canter -
      • John Rock Trail Loop (We will hike the loop counter-clockwise.), 4.6 miles, 1,066 ft elevation gain, moderately challenging.
      • Meet at GMR parking lot at 9:45AM. We will carpool to the trailhead located at the Fish Hatchery parking area by the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Pack a lunch to eat at the scenic lookout.
  • More will be coming in February & April *exact dates & locations TBD.
  • Where: Various Locations. See Above.
  • RSVP: To the email addresses above.

SAVE THE DATE - Fall Soup Social - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: Join us for some warm soup on a fall evening. A soup potluck is in the works, more details to come later. Keep an eye out.
  • When: Thursday, October 18 at 6:30PM
  • Where: GMR (either GMR Pavilion or GMR Cafe)
  • RSVP: Watch out for the registration link in the weekly email update.

SAVE THE DATE - Carols & Cookies - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: Ladies join us for an evening of singing carols, tasting Christmas cookies & fellowship. Bring your favorite Christmas cookie to share. Feel free to bring your daughters (Grade 2 & above) or invite ladies outside of Grace. This is our 2nd annual gathering to share cookies & sing. Let’s worship through carols & kick off the Christmas season.
  • When: Sunday, December 3 / Time TBD
  • Where: Location TBD
  • RSVP: Watch for details.
Men Only - Studies, Gatherings & Opportunities

Men’s Retreat - Andrew Kerhoulas -

  • Description: Last year’s retreat was stellar on many levels so we want to run it back again this year! We will hear great speakers, participate in small group discussions, enjoy free time and prayer in God’s beautiful outdoors, and encourage one another as brothers in Christ.
  • When: Friday evening, September 15 - Saturday afternoon, September 16
  • Where: RidgeHaven Conference Center near Rosman, NC
  • Cost: $75

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: The next Men’s Hike is on the books. Destination to be announced, but Ron Mackey is going to be our Celebrity Guest Hiker. Enjoy some good fellowship and exercise together, moderate difficulty.  
  • When: Saturday, October 21st at 9:30 am (meet at the GMR parking lot after the Men’s Breakfast)
  • Where: To be announced
  • Questions: Email Lee Hunt for 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: TBD but we will try to ride about once a month.
  • Where:  TBD
  • Questions: Email Josh about how to jump in on the next ride. 

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.

Fall 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.

Fall Youth Activities Calendar - Greg Lieb -

Middle School Retreat - Greg Lieb -

  • Description: Calling all middle schoolers! The fall retreat will be at Ridgehaven in Brevard. It’s going to be the best weekend ever! It’s an amazing camp with crazy fun activities, incredible food, swimming / canoes, a mud pit, night games and friends. Jesus will be all up in this place! Bring your friends!
  • When: September 29 - October 1
  • Where: Ridgehaven
  • Questions: Email Greg Lieb for details.
  • Registration is now closed.

DETAILS COMING SOON - High School Retreat - Greg Lieb -

Our HS guys and girls retreats are right around the corner! November 3rd-5th. The guys are headed to Windy Gaps Young Life Camp where we will spend the weekend at Pioneer Plunge, a log cabin with no running water or electricity. Ah, but dont worry food, friendship, and fire will be plentiful as adventure lingers around the corner.

Our HS girls are invited to an incredible Lake Keowee weekend getaway of togetherness, rest, delicious food and honest in-depth conversations about Jesus. They will take one for the team as they relax by warm fires, sipping on hot chocolate overlooking the calming sights and sounds of God's glorious lake-life creation.

Find sign ups and forms online at https://www.gracemillsriver.org/ministries/youth/

Questions: Email Greg Lieb with questions.

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.
Global

Annual Global Missions Emphasis - Allison Rickman -

  • Description: We look forward to our annual Global Missions emphasis. Multiple events will happen on that Sunday to bring awareness and share the impact our missionaries are having around the world. It is our annual fundraiser that provides resources to support specific projects and meet additional needs that arise for our missionaries. A few of our missionaries will be present to share updates and participate in the weekend.
  • When: early October
  • Where: GMR
  • Questions: If you are interested in helping support this weekend, please contact Allison Rickman.

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 

COMMUNITY & BODY LIFE

Sunday Lunch Gatherings - Gregg Stashenko - & Cindy Stashenko -

  • 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 Gregg & Cindy Stashenko at a local restaurant for some food & fellowship.
  • When & Where:
    • September 24 at Mills River Brewing
    • October 1 at White Duck Taco - Hendersonville location
    • October 22 at White Duck Taco - Arden location
    • October 29 at Firehouse Subs - Airport Road location
    • November 19 at 12 Bones - Highway 25 location
    • December 3 at Moe’s - Airport Road location
  • Register: No registration needed. Just head over to the restaurant after the service.

Sunday 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 immediate 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, September 24, October 1 & 8 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM
  • Where: GMR Education Building - Room 306
  • Register: https://gracemillsriver.churchcenter.com/groups/membership/becoming-family-fall-2023

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 and apple donuts. You are welcome to pick apples,  purchase items from their store and shoot apple cannons 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, October 1 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM
  • Where: 170 Stepp Orchard Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792
  • Questions: Email Allison Rickman.
  • Register: via Google https://forms.gle/qLCaza62PuvEry6z5

SAVE THE DATE - Christmas Movie Matinee - Craig Lotz -

  • Description: Let’s get into the Christmas spirit! Join us for a Christmas movie matinee to kick off the holiday season. Wear your favorite Christmas PJs, bring a blanket and pillow and enjoy the show! We’ll watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 version with Jim Carrey).
  • When: Sunday, December 10 at 5PM
  • Where: GMR Auditorium
  • Questions: Email Craig Lotz.
  • Registration: Watch the weekly email update for more details and registration.

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 -