GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

October 30, 2011

Loving God & Our Neighbors in the Heart of the City

WELCOME TO GRACE COVENANT!

We are an historic Presbyterian congregation offering traditional worship and multiple ministries for persons of all ages.

Please join us after worship for fellowship in the Social Room.

Thank you for turning off your cell phones, pagers, cameras, and other electronic devices during worship, and for leaving food and beverages outside the sanctuary. Interim Pastor: Director of Music: Administrative Assistant: Bookkeeper: Sexton: Child Development Center: Interim Director 1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 www.grace-covenant.org info@grace-covenant.org Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin Willie Alford Nicole Williams

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Radio: WLES 590 AM www.wlesradio.com

Hearing Aids, Large Print Hymnals, and Bulletins are available each week from the ushers.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

The Lord said to Joshua, This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that I will be with you as I was with Moses. You are the one who shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan. Joshua then said to the Israelites, Draw near and hear the words of the Lord your God. Joshua said, By this you shall know that among you is the living God who without fail will [deliver] you: the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is going to pass before you into the Jordan. - Joshua 3:7-11 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted. - Matthew 23:8-12 The true way to be humble is not to stoop till thou art smaller than thyself, but to stand at thy real height against some higher nature that will show thee what the real smallness of thy greatness is. - Phillips Brook, Sermons [1878], XIX Humility, p. 340 Next to faith, this is the highest art: to be content in the calling in which God has placed you. I have not learned it yet. - Martin Luther, Martin Luther--The Early Years, Christian History (no. 34) (audible.com)

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
October 30, 2011 10:55 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Meditation and Adagio (Organ Sonata No. 6)
Please stand for these parts of the service.

Alexandre Guilmant

(1837-1911)

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: All:

from Psalm 107

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those He redeemed from trouble. He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water, And there He lets the hungry live, and they establish a town to live in. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress; He led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wonderful works to humankind. Praise the LORD! Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun Morning Hymn

HYMN 456(Blue Hymnal)

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty and heavenly Father, God of justice and peace, God of mercy and righteousness, You call us to a life of holiness, even as You are holy. Yet we confess that we have not heeded Your call. We have chosen self-interest over obedience, preferred comfort over discipleship, followed culture rather than Your Word, and refused to believe in Your promise of new life. Lord, have mercy upon us, and forgive us our sins. You are the bread for which we hunger; Yours is the peace for which we yearn; Yours are the suffering to whom we are sent; You alone are life itself and apart from You we are nothing. Grant us strength, through the grace of Your forgiveness, To seek Your face, to listen to You, to obey You, and to rejoice in You, following Your Son, who emptied Himself, and gave His life as a ransom for others for it is in His holy, precious, and humble name that we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON

CELTIC ALLELUIA
(All sing the Alleluia after the organ introduction)

Fintan OCarroll

Celtic Alleluia, music by Fintan OCarroll and Christopher Walker 1985 by OCP Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

OFFERING ANTHEM Christ Be with Me
Chancel Choir

George Frideric Handel

(1685-1759)

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort, to restore me. Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love thee, Christ in those, both friend and stranger.
- Attributed to St. Patrick (c. 387-461)

DOXOLOGY 592 (Blue Hymnal) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Old Hundredth

Maurice Bell

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Joshua 3:7-17 Maurice Bell Holy Bible, p. 191 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

CHILDRENS SERMON GOSPEL READING Matthew 23:1-12

Christof Meyer Holy Bible, p. 29 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 303 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Service, Obedience and Humility Be Thou My Vision The Apostles Creed B. Brinton P. Keyes Slane

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. GLORIA PATRI 579 (Blue Hymnal) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning; is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Greatorex

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORDS PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

WE GO FORTH IN GODS NAME

HYMN 427(Blue Hymnal) Lord, Whose Love Through Humble Service Austrian Hymn ( Blue 285)

BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship. Danish Amen Toccata in D Minor Traditional Diderik Buxtehude

(1637-1707)

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Mary and Charles W. Appich, Sr., Charles W. Appich, Jr. and Donald L. Appich by the Jean R. Appich and Donald L. Appich families.

Give thanks to God for: Pauline Owens (Diane Davis mother), returned from health care to assisted living The life and witness of Sid Smith, GCPC member who passed away on October 24 Cynthia Holmes, returned to health. Continue to pray for: Health, protection and support for Dan & Rebecca Floyds pregnancy Steve Satterfield and Ainura Aitmurzaeva as they negotiate her travel to the US The country of Kyrgyzstan as it holds elections today, that God may protect it from civil unrest, violence, and war... Patience Mboe and her sons, Bakoma and Bitaseme, whose apartment was destroyed by a recent storm Those in need of healing: Bill Correll; Logan Moorhead; Beth Coltrain; Ben Gordon; Stella Schlieser; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh-Oh) and father, Jim; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Peter Albertis; Rosie & George Turner; and Nela Bostian... Those facing vocational challenges: Wayne Casey, Matt Hartman, and Logan Moorheads daughter-in-law Sharie Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry, and John Lootens away on travel Our Session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word; and for the Mission Study Team, that they may discern, together with the congregation, Gods purpose for GCPC Our Child Development Center, as they seek a new Director Beth Lloyd Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces The victims of natural disasters in the US, Japan, New Zealand and Haiti; and for those seeking democracy in North Africa & the Middle East Missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee back in US from Indonesia (fighting cancer); Valentin & Svetlana Chicu in Moldova; The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands; Beth Baleke in Uganda Public, Non-profit, and Religious Social Service Work and Ministries in Metropolitan Richmond: For a partnership between the Church and other institutions serving the needy. "Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Phil 4:6

Today welcome back Sharon Freude as our substitute organist. Sharon is a regular substitute organist at Grace Covenant. Prior to retirement she served as the Director of Music and Organist at St. Matthews Episcopal Church in Richmond. Hal Hopson (b. 1933) is a freelance composer who has over 1,300 published works. He recently left a position at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas, and devotes his time to full-time composing. Hal Hopson brings us yet another versatile anthem with a setting of Handel's extended chorale, Christ Be with Me. The anthems text is taken from St. Patricks breastplate, a Christian hymn whose Old Irish lyrics were traditionally attributed to St. Patrick during his Irish ministry in the fifth century.

Junior, Carol, and Handbell Choirs Fall 2011 Schedule

Junior Choir Sunday, November 20 Sunday, December 18

(Candlelight Carol Service)

Carol Choir Sunday, November 13 Sunday, December 18

(Candlelight Carol Service)

Handbell Choir Sunday, November 20 Sunday, December 18

(Candlelight Carol Service)

Sunday School Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Forum Class will be taught by Tom Miller on Revelation (continued) Grace Bible Class leaders are Jack Corley, John Nevin, and Bill Stuart Vanguard Class is led by Matt Johnson and visiting teachers Connections Class is led by Christof Meyer, Brian Baird, and visiting teachers

December 10, 2011 The PEOPLE Group will gather at the beautiful home of Will Madden located at 3 Glebe Close at Westminster Canterbury at 6:00 p.m. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this wonderful evening of fellowship. Please bring an appetizer, main dish, salad, side vegetable or dessert to share. Also this will be Suzanne and Pete Sizemores last PEOPLE Group event as coordinators; lets thank them for all they have done for PEOPLE Group and the events over the years. Presbyterian Women: Saturday, November 5, at Chester Presbyterian Church the PW POJ will be holding a Fall Gathering. Guest speaker Dr. Felecia Douglass, Pastor of New Covenant Church will present an overview of the Horizon's Bible Study, "Confessing the Beatitudes." Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be served beginning at 8:00 a.m We will be carpooling from Grace Covenant. Please RSVP to Beth Coltrain at 329-8218 or to your Circle Leader. *Leadership training for all leaders will be in the afternoon.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (October 30): Opener Charlie Appich; Greeters Megan Meyer, Bob Copeland; Nursery Worker Mary Gray; Elementary Sunday School Teachers Virginia Hudson; Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell; Fellowship Hour Rebecca Reagan WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (November 6): Opener Rob Rosebro; Greeters Leslie Hartman, Carol Wood, Bob Copeland; Nursery Worker Lisa Cardwell; Elementary Sunday School Teachers TBA; Worship Kits Kaete Unterzuber; Fellowship Hour Bob Copeland The Power of a Simple Gift Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through simple, gift-filled shoe boxes and evangelistic materials that tell the Good News of Gods love. This is a way you can make a difference. Supplies needed for this project: wrapped shoe boxes, and gifts ( school supplies, toys, hygiene items, a personal note, and/or other small accessories) Shoe boxes will be collected the week of November 6-11, 2011. Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box. More information is available on the table in the narthex and outside the Choir Room.

Congregational Survey The Mission Study Team (MST) is conducting a congregational survey. As mentioned in Octobers Grace Notes, your participation in this survey is critical to insuring that the MST has a baseline that is both broad-based and accurate. If you have not picked up a survey, copies are available in the Narthex and the Glass Office. Thank you for your contribution to Grace Covenants Mission Study.

Congregational Meeting today: With thanks to God for giving these candidates the gifts needed and the spirits to serve, the Congregational Nominating Committee announces its slate of officers for the class of 2014. For the Office of Ruling Elder: Jordan Ball, Dana McKnight, Joy Nevin, and Rob Turner For the Office of Deacon: Jan Kessel, Ann Pais, Erika Tabor, Judy Waldron, and Dawson Watkins For the Congregational Nominating Committee (Class of 2012): Wayne Casey, Diane Davis, Leslie Hartman, and Steve Satterfield The Session has approved a Congregational Meeting TODAY immediately, following our morning worship, for the purpose of electing officers. Please plan to attend and exercise your privilege and responsibility as a member of voice and vote. Thanks to all who submitted names to be considered for the leadership of our church and for your prayers for this committee. (Ruling Elder) Cheryl Jacobs, Moderator CHRISTMAS CARDS: It is again time to collect Christmas cards for the Greensville Correctional Center. These cards make it possible for inmates to mail Christmas cards to family and friends. The Chaplain reports that the cards are received with excitement, thanks and gratitude. A collection box will be placed in the PW closet in the Social Room until November 10. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

YOU C

N HELP!

Grace Covenant has been giving non-perishable foods items to the William Byrd Community House for several years to assist in filling their food pantry. The William Byrd Community House maintains a food closet that serves Richmond City and the adjacent counties. When available, their food pantry also provides individuals with the basic household items and toiletries to maintain themselves and their families. These are everyday items that Food Stamp dollars will not cover and may be very costly to a low-income family. We have partnered with this ministry by giving non-perishable food items. In the past Grace Covenant has collected food one Sunday a month, but this is a collection we can support every week. Items can be placed in the grocery cart outside of the Social Room. YOU CAN HELP! Join us this Wednesday, November 2, at 6:00 p.m. This weeks program will be guest Beth Chapman, Janet and Bill Stuarts daughter, who will introduce Rebecca Hickman, President, of Blue Star Families. Mrs. Hickman will share the efforts of Blue Star, an organization that helps ease the absence of family members who are in the military service. Dinner menu: Baked potato bar, rolls, salad bar and sheet cake for dessert Wednesday Night programs are from 6:30-7:15 p.m. every week in the Fellowship Hall. Programs include special guest speakers from the community or people in our own congregation, speaking on various topics. Program for next Wednesday, November 9: In Malachi 3:10 we read, Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Maurice Bell will share with us that when we tithe we return to the Lord the things with which he has blessed us. 5 Cents a Meal Offering: Traditionally, the first Sunday of every month is dedicated to an additional giving for 5 cents a meal. Except for Souper Bowl Sunday, 75% given to 5 cents a meal is sent to Presbytery of the James for the Presbyterian Churchs national program. The remaining 25% goes to local causes determined by the Mission Committee. In addition to the first Sunday collection, special cans are placed on the tables for contributions at the Wednesday Night Live dinners. Your gifts to 5 cents a meal are accepted any Sunday or any day. (Look for more information in the November Grace Notes). Thank you for your participation in this important mission.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, October 30 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:15 p.m. Monday, October 31 10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2 6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3 9:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 4 5:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Saturday, November 5 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 6 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon Mission Study Team Prayer Confirmation Class Sunday School Classes Worship Service Congregational Meeting Fellowship Hour CDC Fall Festival Mens Luncheon Eila Brooks Funeral Vanguard Room Social Room Youth Room/The Loft Various Rooms Sanctuary Sanctuary Social Room Child Development Center Vanguard Room Sanctuary

WNL Supper and Program

Fellowship Hall

Mothers Together Fellowship Committee Meeting

Rehearsal for Glass/Alexander Community Group

Sanctuary 2107 Maplewood Avenue

Officer Training Glass/Alexander Wedding DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME Handbell rehearsal Mission Study Team Prayer Confirmation Class Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour

Fellowship Hall Sanctuary

Handbell Room Vanguard Room Social Room Youth Room/The Loft Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room

2011 Officers
Our Elders serve the church as leaders. Our Deacons lead the church in service. Please feel free to approach them with any questions or feedback about Grace Covenants ministries. CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley ELDERS: Jean Appich (11) - Christian Education Brian Baird (11) - Evangelism (M) Maurice Bell (13) - Finance/Stewardship Kent Cardwell (12) - Missions (M) Cal Gray (11) - Property (M) Matt Hartman (13) - Worship; Evangelism Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M); Administration Catherine Kerns (13) - Christian Education; Evangelism Caroline Leith (11) - Worship Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (Co-M); Mission Dana McKnight (11) - Finance/Stewardship (M) Christof Meyer (12) - Discipleship Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education (M) Everett Reveley (12) - Finance/Stewardship Robert Rosebro (13) - Property DEACONS: Pat Aldridge (11) - Cards and Prayer Ministry Betty Appich (11) - Deacon Support Pat Ball (12) - Flower Deliveries Cherry Corley (12) Susan Farrell (12) - Visitation, Transportation Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Meal Deliveries Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund Julia Poppell (11) - (Secretary) Visitation Dawson Watkins (11) - (Moderator) Visitor follow-up Carol Wood (13) - Visitation and Prayer Ministry Sid Yates (12) - Ushers (M=Moderator)
MISSION STUDY TEAM:

SERMON NOTES
Service, Obedience and Humility B. BRINTON P. KEYES

John Nevin (Moderator) Matt Johnson (Co-Moderator) Brian Baird Matt Hartman Catherine Kerns Christof Meyer Everett Reveley Brint Keyes (ex officio)