She, Her, Hers
Marcia began her call to ministry at Grace Covenant on July 1, 2016. She has been in ministry all over the country, at every level of the PC(USA) and in academic and community contexts. She is the author of several books, including Let the Bones Dance andTouchdowns for Jesus. Marcia and her husband, John, have a podcast called “Going Deep: Sports in the 21st Century.” And they have two children, Sidney and Mary Elizabeth. Marcia loves horses, dogs, and pretty much all animals, being outside, poetry, and hearing and sharing good stories. (Marcia can be reached at mmshoop@gcpcusa.org)
He, Him, His
Richard joined the community at Grace Covenant in 2017. Prior to coming, he worked in a range of ministry positions, including hospital chaplaincy, pastoral counseling, youth ministry, and teaching seminary students. Richard is also a published author of one book, The Chaplain’s Presence and Medical Power, along with several articles in the area of Pastoral Theology and Care. He is married to Lindsey, and together they have two young children, Joseph and Auden. His focus at Grace Covenant is congregational care and adult formation. He loves worship and conversations with our community as we discover the depths of God’s love and justice. (Richard can be reached at rcoble@gcpcusa.org).
She, Her, Ella
Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks serves as The Director of Formation for Children,Youth and Their Families at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC. Amy Kim loves creating space for folks to interact with the Holy through art and opportunities for disruption. Amy Kim is a Co-Director of the board of More Light Presbyterians, leads workshops and conferences nationally for the PCUSA and has been published in ministry periodicals about Spiritual Formation and disrupting Racism. Her life is shared with her amazing spouse, Justin, children, Natalily & Isaiah along with Bella and Obed the poodles. (Amy Kim can be reached at amykim@gcpcusa.org.)
He, Him, His
Shane Bloemetjie (30), tenor, grew up in Huntsville, AL, and only recently [8/16/21] relocated to the WNC area. He majored in vocal performance, studying with Dr. Kristine Hurst-Wajsczcuk at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He’s been involved in church choirs his whole life [usually on the other side of the baton!], and hopes to continue the legacy of music here at GCPC by sharing joy through song in as many forms as possible. (Shane can be reached at shane@gcpcusa.org.)
Dr. Wayne Smith retired in 2016 from an active musical life in Kansas City, Missouri, as a performer, teacher and church musician. He now resides in Swannanoa, NC and is active as a substitute and interim organist/pianist for various churches in Asheville and surrounding towns. Wayne is vice president of the Asheville Area Piano Forum and chairs their two annual Benefit Concerts. These concerts raise funds to cover the cost of piano lessons for children who have strong connections to music and reside in communities that historically have been denied access to many resources, like piano lessons. Wayne loves hiking our beautiful mountains, gardening, reading and hosting dinner parties for friends. His partner of 44 years, Ted Stewart, is also an accomplished church musician.
He, Him, His
Micah is a native of Asheville NC, who joined the GCPC staff in 2021. Using his technical training from the U.S. Army in Broadcasting, he has been working in Audio/Video production for over 8 years. Some of his passions are fitness and prison reform activism, but his favorite thing to do is spend quality time with his son Micah Jr. Also a student at UNCA, Micah is studying Mass Communication to further his goal of being a life-long learner. (Micah can be reached at micah@gcpcusa.org)
She, Her, Hers
Anna Louise Murchison is the Engagement & Communications Coordinator. She grew up predominantly in Virginia but has been trotting the globe since a young age, spending time in New Zealand, Kenya, and Nicaragua. She has worked as a PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteer in Miami, in several positions at Columbia Theological Seminary and as an office coordinator in the holistic health field. She now resides happily in Black Mountain with her daughter, Kaia. (Anna Louise can be reached at annalouise@gcpcusa.org)
She, Her, Hers
Natalie joined the GCPC Staff Team in December 2016 as the Stewardship & Finance Administrator. She has a degree in Accounting from the University of North Texas and over fifteen years of experience in small business bookkeeping, office management, and residential property management. Born and raised in Denton, Texas, she and her husband, Ben, fulfilled a lifetime dream of moving to the mountains in the summer of 2016 and haven’t looked back since. Natalie enjoys all the beauty of the great outdoors – hiking, backpacking, rafting, live music, and soaking up sunsets on her back porch with her fur babies and a good book. (Natalie can be reached at natalie@gcpcusa.org)
He, Him, His
Clifford Schlegelmilch was owner and operator of Schlegelmilch Enterprises, a general contractor. He was also a law enforcement officer and firefighter with City of Beaufort in SC. He retired in 2006 and moved to Leicester. He was the supervisor of maintenance at Ridgecrest Conference Center for 8 years. He then was a Spa Engineer at Omni Grove Park Inn. He is married to Sheryl Schlegelmilch and they have been married for 41 years. They have two grown children, Mark and Maria, who they adopted from Guatemala as infants. He is looking forward to joining the family at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. (Cliff can be reached at cliff@gcpcusa.org)
She, Her, Hers
Allison grew up as a water child in Virginia Beach, VA. She has a varied background that includes a degree in International Business and Spanish, traveling to Central America and Europe, and organic farming in California, Hawaii and Asheville. Prior to joining GCPC, she had a career in land conservation working as a land steward of preserved wildlands and family farms. Allison loves connecting to nature and connecting people through growing food. She loves just about any activity that is outdoors. She also loves to help train shelter dogs, building things out of wood, and watching college basketball and women’s soccer. She is so grateful for all that she has and that she gets to share her life with her wife Sarah Carter and their very spoiled and skeptical super mutt Kona! (Allison can be reached at allison@gcpcusa.org)
