GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

December 11, 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 spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. - Isaiah 61:1-3 Then [the priests and Levites] said to him, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself ?" [John] said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,'" as the prophet Isaiah said. Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." - John 1:22-27 When a child walks down the road, a company of angels goes before him proclaiming, Make way for the image of the Holy One. - Hasidic saying

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
December 11, 2011 The Third Sunday of Advent 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 Toccata on Of the Fathers Love Begotten David Cherwien
(b. 1957)

Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP Lighting of the Advent Wreath Maurice Bell & Matt Hartman, Vanguard Class

We praise You, O LORD, for the fulfillment of Your promise of a Savior, and rejoice in the gift of salvation through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ -Emmanuel. Create us anew as we await Your coming, and grant us to see Your glory by the indwelling light of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

HYMN 8 (Blue Hymnal)

Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

Truro

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Lord Jesus, Emmanuel, Our only certain hope and sure salvation, We confess that we have sinned against You and against neighbor. You come from heaven to rescue us, But we turn aside and place our hope in ourselves. You bless us with undeserved love and mercy, But we take Your gifts for granted, and seek other treasures. You consummate the Gospel, and command us to shed it abroad to all peoples, But we place it on the shelf, and take no thought of the souls that desperately long for Your grace. Lord, have mercy upon us, and forgive us our sins. Deliver us from selfish hearts; Make dry and tasteless in our mouths the things of this world that do not nourish; And ignite in our spirits an ardor for You That we might love You, serve You, rejoice in You, and obey You, Preparing the way for You, both in our hearts and in our world -For it is in Your humble, holy, and glorious Name that we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON CHRISTMASTIME ALLELUIA James Chepponis based on Adeste fideles

(All sing the Alleluia after the organ introduction)

Christmastime Alleluia, music by James Chepponis 1997 by GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

OFFERING ANTHEM The Risen Sun
Chancel Choir

Craig Phillips

(b. 1961)

Be still, my soul, and rest upon the Lord In quiet certainty. For He has come To rescue you from doubt. And now you stand In blazing glory of a risen sun That cannot set. It will forever be Exactly as it is. You stand with Him Within a radiance prepared for you Before time was and far beyond its reach. Be still and know. And knowing, be you sure Your Lord has come to you. There is no doubt That stands before His countenance, nor can Conceal from you what He would have you see. The sun has risen. He has come at last. Where stands His presence there can be no past. Be still, my soul, and rest upon the Lord Who comes to keep the promise of His Word.
- words by Helen Schucmann (1909-1981)

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

Joy Nevin

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Joy Nevin Holy Bible, p. 655 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON EPISTLE READING 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 Leslie Hartman Holy Bible, p. 195 NT

GOSPEL READING

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Holy Bible, p. 89 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 151 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Herald Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus The Apostles Creed B. Brinton P. Keyes Hyfrydol

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 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. Greatorex

WE GO FORTH IN GODS NAME

HYMN 10 (Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE In the Lord Ill Be Ever Thankful Magnificat noni toni Taiz Dietrich Buxtehude On Jordans Bank the Baptists Cry Winchester New

(1637-1707)

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 Mr. and Mrs. Archer L. Richardson, Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Archer L. Richardson, III, by Bob and Debra Richardson.

Give thanks for: Ben Gordons successful surgery Pray for: Those in need of healing: Bonnie Pritchard; Chris Martins mother Brenda, from an ankle fracture; Maurice Bells friend, Van; John Valentine, recovering from spinal surgery; Erika Tabor, recovering from foot surgery; Sudie and Carol Woods sister Bettie, undergoing chemo; 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 Those who grieve: Bill Corrells wife Isabel and his children Lucy, Bill Jr., and John. Steve Satterfield and Ainura Aitmurzaeva as they negotiate her travel to the US Those facing vocational challenges: Erika Tabor; Carlos Juara; Wayne Casey; 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 will 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 Egypt, Libya and Syria as they seek peaceful ways forward for their countries; and the people of Haiti, Japan, New Zealand and Joplin, Missouri, as they continue to recover from natural disasters 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 the families of Metropolitan Richmond: for elderly persons living in their own homes, in retirement communities, and in nursing institutions; for all in the midst of life transitions.

David Cherwien is a renowned church organist, conductor, composer and improviser, who brings creativity to hymns of various traditions and styles. Cherwien currently serves as Director of Music at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, and in 2002 he was appointed Music Director for the National Lutheran Choir, also based in the Twin Cities. Todays prelude is a quiet swirling toccata on the 12th century plainsong DIVINUM MYSTERIUM (Presbyterian Hymnal, #309). This setting highlights some of the organs more colorful solo stops. Choral composer Craig Phillips is the Director of Music at All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills. Phillips choral and organ music is heard Sunday by Sunday in churches and cathedrals across the United States. The Risen Sun is based on a poem of Helen Schucmann from her 1982 collection, The Gifts of God. While this text may not have been written specifically for the Advent season, there is a clear parallel of Christs coming to keep the promise of his word. Dietrich Buxtehude was a German-Danish organist of the Baroque period. At the age of twenty, Johann Sebastian Bach, in his strong desire to meet the master and learn from him, walked 250 miles to visit Buxtehude. Todays postlude is a musical setting of the Magnificat (Marys Song of Praise, Luke 1:46b-55).

The Eightieth Annual Candlelight Carol Service

Sunday, December 18, 2011 5:00 p.m.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 1627 Monument Avenue A service of Lessons and Carols with music led by the Chancel, Junior, Carol, and Handbell Choirs. Reception hosted by the Presbyterian Women. Childcare provided.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (December 11): Opener Jake Savage; Greeters Megan Meyer, Marcia Manning, Cherry Corley; Nursery Worker Jo Garber; Elementary Sunday School CHRISTMAS PAGEANT; Worship Kits Kaete Unterzuber; Fellowship Hour Sallie Leys WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (December 18): Opener Pete Sizemore; Greeter Leslie Hartman; Nursery Worker Lisa Cardwell; Elementary Sunday School Virginia Hudson; Worship Kits Kaete Unterzuber; Fellowship Hour Everett Reveley FELLOWSHIP HOUR The time following our Sunday worship is a unique opportunity for members, friends and guests to enjoy fellowship and grow in shared faith. Its made more special by the refreshments that we offer, and members take turns providing those refreshments, which is a relatively easy and rewarding way to support a ministry of the church. Please consider serving in this ministry. You may sign up using the sheet on the piano in the Social Room, or on the counter in the Glass Office. If you have any questions, please contact Everett Reveley at everett.reveley@gmail.com or 703/400-6316.

ANGEL TREE A great BIG THANK YOU to all members and friends who filled a bag with toys and clothing to help bring happiness to a child who is in need. The true spirit of Christmas made this program a success. We appreciate the help of Callan, Thatcher, and Leslie Hartman for setting up the tree; Nell Dickenson, Pat Aldridge, and others who provided clear plastic bags; and Mary Gray and Dawson Watkins for delivering the goodies to the Christmas Angel Tree Center. - Jean Appich, PW of Grace Covenant CHRISTMAS CARDS Thank you, everyone, for your generous donations of Christmas cards to the Greensville Correctional Center. The inmates are always so appreciative, elated to receive them and full of praise for your generosity. The Christian Community there is growing and your love and sharing inspire the group. Thank you, Becky Reeves

NEW COFFEE URN The coffee maker in the Fellowship Hall has had a long and successful career here at GCPC. However, it is in need of replacement and the Men's Group is raising funds to purchase an equally sturdy and reliable replacement. They have already raised $2,300 but need another $800 before they can begin serving better coffee than everhopefully before the December 18 Candlelight service! Would you consider making a donation to finish this project? Simply write a check to the church and indicate "new coffee pot" in the memo line. If you have questions, please contact Christof Meyer at (562) 556-7188 (mobile) or christof_meyer@mac.com. May God richly bless you for your sacrifice.

Have you wanted to get deeper into the Word, but found it hard to do? Maybe youve felt that you needed a structured schedule or perhaps you have such a schedule, but need a friend to help you stick to it? Do you find that you want to explore further even when the Sunday School class comes to an end? DISCIPLE Bible Study is a 34-week transformative engagement with Scripture. Led by trained lay leaders from our congregation, it involves dedication and daily preparation as it covers the entire Bible, from stories of Creation to those of our ultimate home in Gods New Jerusalem. This journey requires 30 minutes of reading per day, as well as 2-hour weekly gatherings to explore the Scriptures in more depth with fellow participants. Although this study requires a good bit of time and energy, it is precisely this kind of serious and steady commitment that produces tangible and lasting spiritual growth. Weekly meetings are currently scheduled for Sunday afternoons from 12:30-3:00 (lunch will be orchestrated by the participants), and we are planning to begin Sunday, January 8, 2012. We will need 6-14 committed participants to conduct this class. If you are interested, or feel God may be calling you to this particular discipline, please contact one of the coordinators below:
Nelson Reveley 804/387-8094 or nmr2uf@virginia.edu Christopher Tweel 304/488-1610 or Christopher.tweel@upsem.edu Christof Meyer 562/556-7188 or Christof_meyer@mac.com Rev. Brint Keyes 804/551-0750 or RevBrint@verizon.net

Join us this Wednesday, December 14, at 6:00 p.m. Menu: No-peek beef, noodles, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls and sheet cake for dessert. Wednesday Night programs are from 6:30-7:15 p.m. every week in the Fellowship Hall. This weeks program will be a continued discussion of the Mission Study. Although the Congregational Surveys are still coming in, over 100 have been returned and will be the basis for discussion. This is our last WNL for the 2011 calendar year. We will resume, Wednesday, January 4, 2012.

5 Cents a Meal Offering: On the first Sunday of every month we highlight our 5 cents a Meal offering. 75% of this offering goes toward the PCUSAs national hunger relief program. The other 25% goes to local causes chosen by the Mission Committee. While we highlight this offering on the first Sunday of the month, you are welcome to make donations any Sunday simply use the marked yellow envelopes in your pew. You may also donate money in the specially-marked cans at our Wednesday night suppers. Thank you for your participation in this important mission.

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!

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, December 11 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:20 p.m. Monday, December 12 12:00 noon 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, December 15 9:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 16 5:45 p.m. Saturday, December 17 10:00 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent Handbell Rehearsal Mission Study Team Prayer Childrens Christmas Pageant Worship Service Fellowship Hour Deacons Meeting Mens Luncheon Worship Committee Meeting Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Christian Education Committee Meeting Property Committee Meeting Carol Choir (ages 3-K) rehearsal Junior Choir (grades 1-5) rehearsal WNL Supper and Program Fellowship Committee Meeting Chancel Choir rehearsal Mothers Together SESSION MEETING Community Group Chancel Choir Dress Rehearsal Handbell Room Vanguard Room Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Vanguard Room Vanguard Room Covenant Room Room 213 Room 213

Choir Room Choir Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Choir Room

34 Willway Avenue 2107 Maplewood Avenue Choir Room

Sunday, December 18 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 5:00 p.m.

Fourth Sunday of Advent Handbell Rehearsal Mission Study Team Prayer Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVCIE

Sanctuary Vanguard Room Social Room Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room Sanctuary

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 (M); Missions 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) (Vice Moderator) Susan Farrell (12) - Visitation, Transportation Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Meal Deliveries Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund Julia Poppell (11) - (Secretary) Visitation Dawson Watkins (11) - (M) Visitor follow-up Carol Wood (13) - Visitation and Prayer Ministry Sid Yates (12) - Ushers MISSION STUDY TEAM: John Nevin (M) Matt Johnson (Co-M) Brian Baird Matt Hartman Catherine Kerns Christof Meyer Everett Reveley Brint Keyes (ex officio) (M=Moderator)

SERMON NOTES
Herald B. BRINTON P. KEYES