GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

November 4, 2012

Awakening a Love for Christ in the Heart of Richmond

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.

Our Mission: To train grateful disciples of Christ, by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God

1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 www.grace-covenant.org info@grace-covenant.org

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

Interim Pastor: Director of Music: Administrative Assistant: Bookkeeper: Temporary Sexton: Child Development Center Director: Seminary Intern:

Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin James Greene Nicole Williams Christopher Tweel

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Hearing Aids, Large-Print Hymnals, and Bulletins are available each week from the ushers.
This one will say, "I am the LORD's," another will be called by the name of Jacob, yet another will write on the hand, "The LORD's," and adopt the name of Israel. Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. - Isaiah 44:5-6 (NRSV) A crowd was sitting around [Jesus]; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you." And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?" And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." - Mark 3:32-35 (NRSV) We feel that other churches must accept, as the pre-conditions of fellowship, such changes as will bring them into conformity with ourselves in matters which we regard as essential, and that a failure to insist on this will involve compromise in regard to what is essential to the Church's being. But for precisely the same reason, we cannot admit a demand from others for any changes in ourselves which would seem to imply a denial that we already possess the esse of the Church. - Lesslie Newbigin, The Household of God (London: SCM Press, 1953; New York: Friendship Press, 1954), 150-51.

As one body of Christ, composed of diverse individuals bound together by the Holy Spirit: We will join in community across the generational, ethnic, racial, and economic barriers that separate Gods children. We will walk together in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
from our 2012 Vision Statement

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
November 4, 2012 Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:55 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Variations on SINE NOMINE (For All the Saints) Denis Bdard

(b. 1950)

WELCOME
Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP One: Many: One: Many: One: Many: All:

from Psalm 133

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life for evermore. The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Praise the LORD!

HYMN 17 (Red Hymnal) We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer

Kremser

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty and merciful Father, You made us from dust, and created us a people; You saved us from death, called us to obedience, and sent us forth to bless. But still we stray. You form our hearts for Your love, but they embrace our own desires; You form our minds for Your Word, but they seek our own concerns; You form our days for Your will, but they follow our own schedules. Your hands are ever at work around us, but we look only to ourselves. Have mercy upon us, O LORD, and forgive us our sins. Open our eyes to the work of Your Spirit, And grant us to see Your kingdom on earth, That we may be filled with the assurance of Your grace, And go forth into the world with confidence and joy to love and serve as You have loved and served us; through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose holy and gracious Name we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON ALLELUIA Tony Alonso
(b. 1980)

Alleluia, music by Tony Alonso 2010 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

Cheryl Jacobs

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND GIFTS
On the first Sunday of each month, in addition to your tithe and regular giving, we receive the "5 Cents Per Meal" offering, which is used to help feed the hungry in Richmond.

ANTHEM

Neither Death nor Life

Chancel Choir John Tyndall, baritone

Jonathan Crutchfield
(b. 1959)

When we lose our hold, we are held in the everlasting arms. My sheep hear my voice and they know me, and they follow me and I give them eternal life. And they shall not die forever. For I am sure that neither death nor life will ever, nor things now, nor things to come will ever, nor mighty powers, nor height nor depth will ever separate us from the love of God. No one will snatch them from my hand. I am sure. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them. I am sure. I will give them eternal life. I am sure. This is the voice of eternal life.
text by H. Stephen Shoemaker (Romans 8 and John 10)

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

Wayne Casey

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Wayne Casey

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Isaiah 44:1-6

Holy Bible, p. 639 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON EPISTLE READING Ephesians 4:1-16 Christopher Tweel Holy Bible, p. 183 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING Mark 3:20-35 Holy Bible, p. 39 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON A Vision for Community B. Brinton P. Keyes

HYMN 437 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

The Churchs One Foundation The Apostles Creed

Aurelia

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. SACRAMENT OF THE LORDS SUPPER DISTRUBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS 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 526 (Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE For All the Saints Sevenfold Amen Sine Nomine Peter Lutkin

Allegro vivo e maestoso (Liturgical Sketches)

Dom Paul Benoit

(1893-1979)

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 Sarah and Mike Williams by their sons David and Shep.

Give thanks to God for: The gift of His Church, and for the unity of the faith that we share with Christians all over the world Please pray for: Our brothers and sisters in northeastern states, particularly New Jersey and New York, that God may protect and uphold them as they undertake the long and difficult road to recovery from Hurricane Sandy Nancy States, recovering from foot surgery; Elizabeth Gee, very ill and undergoing chemo; Betty Clough, recovering from a fall; Patty Richwine, recovering from knee surgery; Willie Alford, at home undergoing chemo; Ben Gordon, for health; Ann Pais nephew Paul, with ALS; Juliette Harriman White; Susan Farrells grandmother Mary Lou (Uh Oh) and father, Jim; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Carlos Juara, facing vocational challenges; Rosie and George Turner; Nela Bostian; Beth Lloyd; the Steve Cobb family Our Session, as they prepare to finish this year of service, to welcome newly-elected Ruling Elders, to review their ministries, and to prepare for the new year; Our Finance and Stewardship Ministry (Jordan Ball [Treasurer], Jack Corley, Dana McKnight, Ashby Price, Everett Reveley [Moderator], and Jennifer Schooley), as they lead us in faithful and grateful stewardship of all our God-given blessings; and the Flower Ministry (Pat Ball, Lisa Gray, and Jane Londrey), that their labors may glorify God and bring comfort to those who are ill, bereaved or homebound Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, Mike Child, and Jessica, serving in our nations Armed Forces The Stuart Circle Ministry, that its witness and service to the community may glorify our one God and hasten the coming of His kingdom; and for the Zobule family, that God may continue to lead and guide them in bringing Gods Word to the people of the Solomon Islands We pray for persons in financial need in Metropolitan Richmond: For the unemployed and underemployed, for suitable work, living wages, and fair benefits for all workers in this metropolitan city; and for sufficient employment to make healthy family life possible.

Denis Bdard (b. 1950) is one of Canadas leading composers for the organ and currently is Director of Music and Organist at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary in Vancouver. He is among a rare breed of contemporary composers who writes in an undeniably modern French style, yet retains an appealing tunefulness and warmth. Todays postlude is a set of five variations on the hymn tune Sine Nomine (For All the Saints, Presbyterian Hymnal #526). Todays newly composed anthem by Jonathan Crutchfield (b. 1959) is a statement of faith that quotes passages from Romans 8 and John 10. This music is a fine example of what a choral anthem can be. There are moments of a cappella writing, passages for a soloist, a descant for the tenors and sopranos, and, above all, a soaring melody. Dr. Jonathan E. Crutchfield is Minister of Music at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Dom Paul Benoit, O.S.B. (1893-1979), was an organist, composer, and Roman Catholic priest, who lived as a member of the Benedictine community at the Abbey of St. Maurice et St. Maur, at Clervaux, in Luxembourg. His works frequently draw from the melodies of Gregorian chant, and his works acknowledged the French impressionist works of Debussy and Ravel. Todays postlude is a toccata based on a Gregorian chant melody which is sung for the Feast of All Saints Day (November 1). The chants melody is played in the pedals.

PROGRAM Ouverture Handel from Music for the Royal Fireworks Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Allegro Adagio Allegro Intermezzo (piano) in A Major Variations on Rouen (2010) Organ Sonata No. 2 in C Minor Grave-Adagio Allegro maestoso e vivace Fuga: Allegro moderato Trois Nouvelle Pieces Classique dhier Mystique Classique daujourdhui Bach

Steven Tharp
International Concert Organist and Recording Artist
In Concert

Brahms Baker Mendelssohn

Monday, November 12 7:30 p.m.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 1627 Monument Avenue Dessert Reception in the Social Room

Widor

Congregational Gathering: Wednesday, November 7, 6:30 p.m.

At its October 15 meeting, the Session discussed the proposal to invite City Church to rent GCPCs facilities for office space and for Sunday afternoon worship. Before making a decision, they would like to hear the affirmations and concerns of the congregation. To that end, you are invited to a Congregational Gathering in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday evening, November 7, following dinner. If you are not a regular at our WNL supper, we hope you will join us for supper at 6:00 p.m. (And please notify Dottie-Ray Koch at 749-4634 so that she knows to fix an extra plate for you shed love to have you join us!) If you would like to share your input with the Session and are unable to attend, please email your comments to Cheryl Jacobs at bill.cher.jacobs@mindspring.com, or put them in Cheryls box in the Glass Office.

Donate Unused Christmas Cards

Each autumn we donate unused Christmas cards to the Greensville Correctional Center. The inmates are very grateful to receive them and look forward to their arrival. Please leave unused Christmas cards in the PW closet in the Parlor/Social Room behind the piano before November 20. For more information, please contact Becky Reeves at rebecca-r@comcast.net or by phone at 355-5579. Thank you.

The Richmond Center for Christian Study presents The Heresy of

Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Cultures Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity, with Dr. Michael J. Kruger (Academic Dean, Reformed Theological Seminary - Charlotte, NC). Friday, November 9, 7:00 p.m. Hosted by Sycamore Presbyterian Church, 510 Coalfield Road in Midlothian. Refreshments and childcare provided. Register and get details at http://richmondstudycenter.org or call 852-5151.

An important example of good stewardship in the life of Grace Covenant is Presbyterian Women. This group practices good stewardship through their support of a variety of missions and service to our neighbors near and far away. They set us an example of how the financial resources can be used to further Gods Kingdom. As you consider the commitment you will make to the ministries and programs of Grace Covenant, remember this example.

Disciple Bible Study is a spiritual discipline that entails thirty minutes of prayerful scripture reading per day along with weekly meetings to engage the scriptures more deeply with others participants. This commitment of time and energy to God generates lasting spiritual growth and all are invited to read along with us as we explore the Psalms this fall (and consider joining for the next group in January)!

Week 7: Lament (and Praise) Monday: Psalms 44, 74, 79 Tuesday: Psalms 80, 89 Wednesday: Psalms 3-7, 10-12 Thursday: Psalms 13, 18, 22, 23, 43, 52, 53, 130 Friday: Psalms 40-42, 55, 56, 71, 102 Saturday: Study Guide Commentary

Operation Christmas Child invites you to pack a shoe box with small toys, school
supplies, other gifts, and a personal note to introduce a hurting child to Gods love. The small gifts of love and messages of hope through Jesus Christ are delivered to needy children overseas. We have a display with additional info and an example outside of the choir room. For additional information or questions, please contact Matt Hartman (212-1961 or mchartman@vcu.edu) or Vanessa Strait in the church office (359-2463 or email info@grace-covenant.org). Deadline for shoe boxes is Wednesday, November 7.

Share Thanksgiving Day with an International Student

International students and scholars are eager to learn more about our culture, to experience the warmth of a home, and to make American friends. Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful opportunity to show Christian hospitality and friendship. If you would be interested in sharing this special American holiday with a VCU international student or scholar, please contact Matt Hartman (mchartman@vcu.edu, 212-1961) or Pam Haney (pohaney@vcu.edu, 828-8309 ) by November 14. A Thanksgiving volunteer form can also be found at http://www.global.vcu.edu/pdf/American_Volunteer_Thanksgiving.pdf .

Sunday School CLASS

Forum Grace Vanguard Connections Pre-Elementary Elementary Youth

TEACHER

TOPIC

Tom Miller The Holy Spirit Jack Corley, Dr. Bill Stuart, and John Nevin Bible Study Matt Johnson Ephesians Nelson Reveley DISCIPLE Bible Study on Psalms Nikki Hazlegrove Megan Meyer and Ten Commandments Erika Tabor and Catechism Virginia Hudson Christianity in Action Christopher Tweel

Sunday Childcare for the School YearInfant and Preschool

We are seeking volunteers for the infant nursery and preschool room during the worship hour. It is a 10:40 a.m.12:15 p.m. time commitment one Sunday per month. There are also "on-call" positions available. For more information or to sign up, please contact Maria Spitzer at mariaschuler@netscape.net or 540-309-7831. Thank you for supporting this important ministry.

Wednesday Night Live!

Each Wednesday evening we gather at 6:00 p.m. for table fellowship, followed by a program from 6:30-7:15 p.m. We provide child care for preschoolers, and a childrens program for school-age children. All are welcome! Take a break from cooking dinner and join us for a friendly, relaxing, and inspiring evening. For more information, contact Vanessa Strait in the church office at 359-2463, or info@grace-covenant.org. Menu for this Wednesday: Lasagna (both meat and vegetable), garlic bread, salad, Jello and cookies. Program: Congregational Gathering Meeting.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, November 4 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 5 12:00 noon 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 6 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 7 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, November 8 10:00 a.m. Sunday, November 11 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Community Group Lunch Training for Elders and Deacons Mens Luncheon CDC Staff Meeting Worship Committee City Church Womens Bible Study Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Deacons Meeting Finance Meeting City Church Womens Bible Study Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Junior Choir (grades 1-5) Wednesday Night Live Chancel Choir Rehearsal CDC Chapel Service Handbell Room Social Room Various Classrooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room Grace Room and 213 Room 213 Pastors Office Vanguard Room Room 213 Grace Room and 213 Choir Room Choir Room Fellowship Hall Choir Room Chapel

Handbell Choir Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Community Group Lunch Training for Elders and Deacons

Handbell Room Social Room Various Classrooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall

2012 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: Jordan Ball (14) - Nominating (M); Finance Kent Cardwell (12) - Fellowship (M) Wayne Casey (13) - Property, Small Groups (M) Jack Corley (13) - Finance, Mission Matt Hartman (13) - Mission (M) Virginia Hudson (14) - Evangelism (M) Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M), Fellowship Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (M) Dana McKnight (14) - Finance, Worship, Stewardship Christof Meyer (12) - Christian Ed (M), CDC (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education Joy Nevin (14) - Administration Everett Reveley (12) - Finance (M), Stewardship Robert Rosebro (13) - Property (M) Rob Turner (14) - Worship, Nominating DEACONS: Pat Ball (12) - Flowers Cherry Corley (12) - Communication Cards Susan Farrell (12) - Transportation, Care Team Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Vice-Moderator - Meals Jan Kessel (14) - Care Team Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund, Nominating Ann Pais (14) - Care Team Erika Tabor (14) - Secretary - Communication Cards Judy Waldron (14) - Moderator - Cards Dawson Watkins (13) - Care Team Carol Wood (13) - Prayer, Communication Cards Sid Yates (12) - Ushering TRUSTEES: Lloyd Bostian (13) Kent Cardwell (13) Caroline Leith (14) John Nevin (12) Taylor Reveley (12)

William Byrd Community House

YOU C

N HELP!

Grace Covenant has been giving nonperishable 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. In the past Grace Covenant has collected food one Sunday a month, but this is a collection we can support every week. Please place items in the grocery cart outside the Social Room. YOU CAN HELP!

SERMON NOTES
A Vision for Community B. Brinton P. Keyes