GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

November 20, 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

I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice. - Ezekiel 34:15-16 And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me. - Matthew 25:39-40 I believe it to be a great mistake to present Christianity as something charming and popular with no offense in it....We cannot blink at the fact that gentle Jesus meek and mild was so stiff in his opinions and so inflammatory in his language that he was thrown out of church, stoned, hunted from place to place, and finally gibbeted as a firebrand and a public danger. Whatever his peace was, it was not the peace of an amiable indifference. - Dorothy Sayers

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
November 20, 2011 Christ the King Sunday 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 2me Rhapsodie Camille Saint-Sans

from Three Rhapsodies on Breton Songs, Op. 7 Please stand for these parts of the service.

(1835-1921)

CALL TO WORSHIP

from Psalm 100

Leader: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. People: Worship the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing. Leader: Know that the Lord is God. It is He that made us, and we are His; People: We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Leader: Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. People: Give thanks to Him, bless His name. All: For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations. Praise the LORD!

HYMN 376 (Blue Hymnal)

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Hyfrydol

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. Strengthen us to seek Your face to listen, obey, and rejoice in You that we might follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, 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 God Has Gone Up with a Shout
Chancel and Handbell Choirs

Hal Hopson

(b. 1933)

God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. Sing praises to God, O sing to our King! Sing praises, for God is the king, God is the king of all the earth. A hymn of glory let us sing; new hymns throughout the world shall ring: A way that none has ever trod Christ takes his place, the throne of God. O risen Christ, ascended Lord, all praise to you let earth accord. You are, while endless ages run, with Father and with Spirit One. God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. Sing praises to God, O sing to our King! Sing praises, for God is the king, God is the king of all the earth. God has gone up. Alleluia!
- Psalm 47:5-7 and Venerable Bede (673-735)

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

Everett Reveley

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Everett Reveley

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Ezekiel 34:11-24

Holy Bible, p. 760 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON Christof Meyer

GOSPEL READING

Matthew 25:31-46

Holy Bible, p. 32 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON An Invisible King B. Brinton P. Keyes Kingsfold Garland Fariss Price The Apostles Creed

HYMN 434 (Blue Hymnal) Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

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. PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORDS PRAYER

Greatorex

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 132 (Red Hymnal) BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Sevenfold Amen Toccata Festiva on In Babilone Peter Lutkin Richard Purvis All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Coronation

(1913-1994)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of my parents, Arnold and Hazel Curtis, by Judith Curtis Waldron.

Give thanks to God for: The life and witness of Beth Coltrain. Continue to pray for: Those in need of healing: Sudie and Carol Woods sister Bettie; Bill Correll; Ben Gordon; Stella Schlieser; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh-Oh) and father, Jim; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Evelyn Turner; Peter Albertis; Rosie and George Turner; and Nela Bostian Steve Satterfield and Ainura Aitmurzaeva as they negotiate her travel to the US Patience Mboe and her sons, Bakoma and Bitaseme, whose apartment was destroyed by a recent storm Those facing vocational challenges: Carlos Juara; 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 interview candidates for Director Beth Lloyd Daniel Reas, Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces The people of Haiti, Japan, New Zealand and Turkey, as they continue to recover from natural disasters; and the people of Libya and Syria as they seek peaceful ways forward for their countries. Missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee back in US from Indonesia (fighting cancer); Valentin and Svetlana Chicu in Moldova; The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands, facing employment uncertainty; Beth Baleke in Uganda For persons in financial need in Metropolitan Richmond; for healthy marriages; for constructive, safe, and caring households for the bringing up and nurturing of children and caring for the elderly; for advocates who are willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of others; for all who fight for the rights of persons who cannot fight for themselves.

Camille Saint-Sans, one of the most important composers of the 19th century, is essentially known to the musical world as both a symphony and an opera composer. His remarkable works for organ were not recognized until recently, probably due to the fact that its aesthetics were judged rather too classical compared to the then current taste of French organ romanticism. Saint-Sans composed his three organ rhapsodies after a trip to the Brittany region of France, and each piece is based on a traditional Breton melody. Todays prelude is his second of the three rhapsodies and begins with a flourish before diminishing to a quiet chorale. The flourishes return at the pieces conclusion. Todays anthem was commissioned by Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1990 for its Diamond Anniversary. The anthem is set to the early English hymn tune Agincourt Song (c. 1415) and is scored for choir and handbells. As is written under the title, God Has Gone Up with a Shout is suitable for Christ the King Sunday. A native of San Francisco, composer Richard Purvis held the position of Organist and Master of Choristers at the citys Grace Cathedral from 1947-1971. Purvis organ compositions were characterized as tuneful, richly colorful, and even whimsical. Todays postlude is a lively toccata on the hymn tune IN BABILONE (Presbyterian Hymnal, #298).

Junior, Carol, and Handbell Choirs Fall 2011 Schedule

Junior Choir Sunday, December 18

(Candlelight Carol Service)

Carol Choir Sunday, December 18

(Candlelight Carol Service)

Handbell Choir Sunday, December 18

(Candlelight Carol Service)

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (November 20): Opener Kent Cardwell; Greeter Carol Wood; Nursery Worker Ann Hubbard; Elementary Sunday School Teachers Katherine Baird, Maurice Bell; Worship Kits Kaete Unterzuber; Fellowship Hour Youth Group WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (November 27): Opener Whit Whitley; Greeter Carol Wood, Leslie Hartman; Nursery Worker NEEDED; Elementary Sunday School Teachers NEEDED; Worship Kits Kaete Unterzuber; Fellowship Hour Elizabeth Russell Fellowship Hour Needed: Volunteers to host fellowship time on Sundays in the Social Room following worship. Please volunteer. It's quick, easy and a great way to meet fellow members. There is a sign-up sheet on the piano in the Social Room and one on the counter in the Glass Office. ANGEL TREEGrace Covenant is participating in the Angel Tree program again this year. We have a Christmas Tree on display in the Narthex for you to choose an angel. Please make sure the number on your angel tag matches that on the sign-in sheet. We guarantee this will be the best Christmas gift youll purchase this year. Guaranteed! The deadline is Wednesday, December 7. Please bring gifts in a clear trash bag and leave on the stage in the Fellowship Hall. Operation Christmas Child: Thank you to all of those who donated shoeboxes for Samaritans Purse. Also thanks to Mothers-Together for participating in this mission effort.

PEOPLE Group will gather at the beautiful home of Will Madden located at 3 Glebe Close at Westminster Canterbury, Saturday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m. Additional information is available on the PEOPLE Group flyers that are around churc. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this wonderful evening of fellowship. An enjoyable time will be had by everyone who attends. Please bring an appetizer, main dish, salad, side vegetable or dessert to share. Its time to order Poinsettias and Christmas Greens! If you would like to purchase a Poinsettia or give toward Christmas Greens, in memory/honor of a loved one, please return the enclosed insert with your payment by Monday, December 5. The Poinsettias and Christmas Greens will decorate the Sanctuary for the Candlelight Service and the Christmas season.

Book Fair Barnes & Noble and CDC

Once again, Barnes & Noble and the CDC are inviting you to participate in a book fair on December 1 from 5:00 8:00 p.m. at the Libbie Avenue store to benefit the CDC. A percentage of what is purchased in the name of Grace Covenant Child Development Center will be given to the CDC. This is a wonderful opportunity to start your Christmas shopping early and perhaps finish it. Stop by the Barnes and Noble store on Libbie Ave. and purchase books for everyone on your Christmas list. This is also a great opportunity to purchase that book you have been wanting to read but just havent gotten around to. At the time of purchase, please let the person at the check-out counter know that your purchases are in the name of Grace Covenant Child Development Center.

Join us this Wednesday, November 23, at 6:00 p.m. 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. Next Wednesday, November 30: Thanksgiving Dinner, which includes turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, peas, salad bar, rolls, and pumpkin pie for dessert. Following dinner, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a Thanksgiving worship service in the Chapel.

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.

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

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, November 20 8:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon Monday, November 21 12:00 noon 5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 22 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 23 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:05 p.m. Thursday, November 24 Handbell Rehearsal Mission Study Team Prayer Confirmation Class Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Mens Luncheon Conrad Center CDC Board Meeting Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Thanksgiving Dinner Program and Service Chancel Choir rehearsal THANKSGIVING Church Office and CDC Closed Church Office and CDC Closed Community Group 2107 Maplewood Avenue First Sunday of Advent Handbell Rehearsal Mission Study Team Prayer Confirmation Class Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Choir Room Vanguard Room Social Room Youth Room/The Loft Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room Vanguard Room Vanguard Room Room 213 Room 213 Fellowship Hall Chapel Choir Room

Friday, November 25 5:45 p.m. Sunday, November 27 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

Sanctuary 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:

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

SERMON NOTES
An Invisible King B. BRINTON P. KEYES