Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Grace Notes

Volume 46, Issue 12

Dec. 2016

Gods Work Among Us

Dear Grace Covenant Family,

Directory

Christian
Education
(pp. 5-7)
Calendar
(pp. 8-9)

Important
Dates

PNO
Registration
(Due Dec. 7)
Candlelight
Service (Dec.
18, 5:00 p.m.)
Christmas
Eve Service
(Dec. 24, 5:00
p.m.)
Christmas
Morning
Service (Dec.
25, 10:00
a.m.)

For more dates to

remember, see the
calendar.

As we stand on the cusp of our 102nd year, we look back and give thanks for
Gods faithfulness this past year.
Specifically, we give thanks because.
God continues to provide us with the space and freedom to study Scripture and worship together each Sunday.
God called Christopher Tweel to be our Associate Pastor.
God called Meredith Bond to serve as our Office Manager.
God called Aleasha Jacques to be our Wednesday Night Supper cook.
In January, God sent seven congregants to serve for 10 days in southern Honduras.
The Holy Spirit invited us to a variety of different Wednesday Night Supper programs including reflective worship services during Lent, a study of the Belhar Confession, multiple musical performances from
children and adults alike, book presentations by member authors, an art night with the CDC and Meredith Bond, and a magic show!
The Holy Spirit invited us back to the basics over the summer and together we studied some of the
most foundational passages of Scriptures (and some even memorized those Scriptures as a summer spiritual discipline!).
The Holy Spirit nourished our fellowship as we enjoyed a first annual summer book club, discussing
Marilynn Robinsons Gilead.
This fall, via Sunday School, Presbyterian Women Circles, and Worship the Holy Spirit has taught us as
we have studied the miracles of Jesus, the authority of Scripture, the book of Job, the person of Jesus,
and the 10 commandments.
God called six couples from the GCPC congregation to marriage, and we hosted joyful wedding services
for each of them.
God gave GCPC and CDC parents space to enjoy a date night and nourish their marriage via the
monthly Parents Night Out.
God continues to grow and strengthen the ministry being done through August Musicales.
The Holy Spirit invited us to a new, creative effort in which we now support three Grace Scholars
through the Endowment Fund. God called Tsion Habtamu, Heather Brannon, and Martin Pinckney as
the inaugural class of Grace Scholars.
The Holy Spirit gathered us as one body to celebrate our first Harvest Brunch together.
Throughout September and October, the Holy Spirit inspired officers of the church to give testimonies
about what God is doing in and through the ministries in which they lead.
God called us to adopt a refugee family, the Nooris, from Afghanistan. Through the efforts of no fewer
than 50 congregants, the family has a place to live, a car, and a measure of stability (even as plenty of
challenges remain and our call to be faithful, thus, remains!)
God has enlarged the GCPC family with six new babies this year!
Jesus has given us a vision for 2017 wherein we will focus our hearts and minds, energy and time on
evangelism. Sermons during January, February, and March will focus on this theme. Throughout that
time, we will be building toward our church-wide Unbinding Your Heart effort in which every member is
heartily encouraged to be part of a six-week small group focused on Scripture and evangelism. Want
more details? See page 15.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Bobby

Church News/Announcements
Openers & Closers

Fellowship Schedule

December 4: Rick Nochta

December 11: Rob Rosebro
December 18: Kent Cardwell
December 25: Cal Gray

December 4: Katherine and Brian Baird

December 11: RoseMarie and Walter Bundy
December 18: Lisa and Kent Cardwell
December 25: Cheryl and Bill Jacobs

Happy
Stewardship Corner
Birthday Wishes to:
Benefitting from an addition- tembers total. They included
3: Jeannette Strunk
5: Karl Rubis
13: Cynthia Holmes
14: Bobby Hulme-Lippert
16: Pat Bell
16: Lloyd Bostian
16: Mary Mitchell
18: Jan Kessel
19: Kate Waters
20: George Gray III
20: Rebecca Horner
21: Carson Price
25: Cal Gray
25: Cissy Mesco
25: Jake Savage
25: Pritchard Whitley
27: Hampton Harris

al Sunday, Octobers contributions of $39,000 were up almost

40% from Septembers total.
For the first ten months of this
year contributions are 5.7% over
the same period last year, due
partially to payments on prior
year pledges. Irrespective of
such payments, contributions are
up about 3%.

annual elevator contracts payments of $6,100 and insurance

payments of $5,700, Expenses
exceeded income in October by
$5,900. For the first 10 months
of the year expenses are down
almost 6% from the same period
last year.

Octobers Five Cents per

Meal offering was $84, Loaves
Expenses in October of
and Fishes $225, and Mercy
$61,800 were up 22% from Sep- $105.

Remaining Contributions for 2016

The end of the year is near, too near. Please be sure any contributions for 2016 are placed in the collection plate by December 25, OR postmarked by December 31, 2016. Have a wonderful Advent, Christmas, and New Year. I count Grace Covenant
as one of my very special Blessings. Thank you!
Martha Rubin

Church Office Closed the Week After Christmas

The church office will be closed
from Monday, December 26, to
Friday, December 30. It will also be
closed on Monday, January 2. The
office will re-open on Tuesday, January 3. Traditionally, the office has
always been closed on the day following Christmas and the day following New Years Day. This year,
however, the session voted to close
the office four extra days. All bulletins will completed ahead of time so

that staff and volunteers will not

need to attend to those during that
week. NOTE: All members who
have a code to the building will have
access to the building between 7:30
a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through
Friday since the CDC will be open.
You are welcome to come and go
should your area of ministry require
that you be present in the building
at some point that week. Also,
Christopher Tweel and Chris Martin

will both be working during the

week that the office is closed. You
can correspond with them via email.
Finally, if there are pastoral emergencies, Christopher Tweel will be
available the entire week following
Christmas (Bobby is out of town
with family that week). You can
reach him at christopher@gracecovenant.org or 202-738-5598.

Isaiah 40:3-4
2

A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a
highway for our God. . .

The Presbytery Corner

yourself in the greatest story ever
told. Open to the public, this free
event is suitable for all ages and
physical abilities. After your journey,
relax in front of the fireplace while
HANOVER CHRISTMAS:
you fellowship with others. Enjoy
Join us at Camp Hanover on Detasty homemade holiday treats and
cember 9 and 10 from 6:00 p.m. to performances by local musicians and
9:00 p.m. for a magical night of
choral groups. You are welcome to
music and drama celebrating the
stay as long as you like and overnight
birth of Christ. A candlelit trail
accommodations are available. For
winds through the woods, transport- more information or to get involved
ing you back in time. Along your
behind the scenes, call (804) 779journey, meet other travelers, shep- 2811 or visit www.camphanover.org.
herds, kings and angels. Immerse

CAMP HANOVER, WINTER

CAMP 2016:
Come see Camp Hanover during a
different season! Winter Camp is for
current 5th 12th graders and is filled
with fun, faith, and fellowship. Winter Camp is for camp veterans and
newcomers alike. Like summer
camp, campers are in small groups
of 10-12 campers with 2 counselors.
Well do as many of our camp activities as the weather allows! To register, visit www.camphanover.org/
winter-camp/. For questions, call
the camp office at 779-2811.

Parents Night
Out Scheduled
for December 10
Grace Covenant is proud to offer parents a little
R&R with our special Parents Night Out, Saturday, November December 10, from 9:00-11:30
a.m. A charge of $10 per child will help defray
the costs of child care. There is a $15 maximum
per family fee. To RSVP, contact the church office at 359-2463 or by emailing info@gracecovenant.org. The RSVP deadline is Wednesday, December 7, at 3:30 p.m.
*Please take special note of the time change
for Decembers PNO. Instead of meeting in
the evening, this PNO will occur from 9:0011:30 a.m.
Some things to remember:
- A lead teacher from CDC will serve as the host
each month
- Please do not forget to sign your child/children
in and out during PNO.
- We ask that you please bring a diaper bag with
ample supplies for the evening.
- Please do not allow your children to bring food
with them to PNO. This is due to allergies and
the safety of all children. We will provide a safe
and appropriate snack for them.

Candlelight News
Chancel Choir Candlelight Rehearsals Begin This Month
Every year we invite members of Grace Covenant and friends from the community to sing with the Chancel Choir
at the annual Candlelight Carol Service. Candlelight this year will be Sunday, December 18, 5:00 p.m.
In order to sing with the Chancel Choir at Candlelight, singers must attend at least four rehearsals from the list below, including the Saturday morning rehearsal prior to the Candlelight service. Contact Chris Martin for more information. We hope to see you at our rehearsals!

Chancel Choir Rehearsals for Candlelight

Wed., December 7, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Sat., December 10, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Wed., December 14, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Sat., December 17, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
(mandatory dress rehearsal)

Candlelight Choral Music

There Is No Rose Raymond Weidner

Carol of the Star June Nixon
Stay with Us Egil Hovland
Up! Good Christen Folk and Listen G. P. Woodward

Candlelight Carol Service

Sunday, December 18, 2016
5:00 p.m.
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
1627 Monument Avenue
Chancel Choir
Junior Choir
Handbell Choir
Congregational Carols

Candlelight Reception
Everyone is invited to bake cookies/treats, finger
sandwiches or ham biscuits for our wonderful reception following the Candlelight service on December
18. Please drop off your items downstairs in the fellowship hall on Sunday morning, December 18 before

going into the 10:55 a.m. service. Then, bring your

family and friends to the wonderful Candlelight service and afterward, come downstairs to enjoy good
food, fellowship and Christmas cheer!

Christian Education & Discipleship

from 9:45-10:30 a.m. The Nursery Crib Room
Sunday School are available for children ages 2 and up.
Sunday School, Dec. 2016 (Rm.Held103)everyandSunday
During the Sunday School hour in December, there will be a lot going on. On December 11, the Christmas Childrens Pageant will take
place in the Fellowship Hall. Then on December 18, Sunday School will take place as usual. Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. There
will not be Sunday School or childcare on this particular morning, but make sure to come out for a special Christmas Day service. Ushering
in the New Year on January 1, worship will occur at its regular time of 10:55 a.m., however, there will be no Sunday School. The first day
of Sunday School for 2017 will be January 8; to kick this off, a reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall from 9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m.

Nursery Class (~0-2): Frolic is a new trial experience for us. In the past, our youngest Presbyterians have relied
on the loving care of our caregivers to show them the amazing love of Christ. And, week to week, they do a spectacular job. This fall we will be experimenting with a new curriculum to help lend some guidance and provide new material into what the caregivers are naturally doing. Were excited to bring this to our Nursery!

Pre-K (~2/3-6): Spark is Bible-centered programming at its best. Kids of all ages interact with the
Bible in every lesson. With hands-on activities such as interactive games and creative craftsSpark
makes learning exciting. Lessons in five age brackets allow us to meet the needs of a wide age range
with one curriculum.

Elementary: Holy Moly follows the arc of the biblical narrative. Kids of all ages interact with the Bible in
every lesson. Animated videos of the Bible stories dont use narration. Instead, visuals and sound effects give
kids the opportunity to retell the story in their own words. Holy Moly printed resources are available
making it equally engaging for younger and older kids. After class, Holy Moly kids walk away retelling the
stories theyve learned and take home completed activities to share with their family.

Student Mentoring Class (Room 301): This fall and winter, Pastor Christopher will be working
closely with our students on a teen-led project. Come up to the loft at 9:45 every Sunday morning to join in
and contribute. We need your student leadership in our church family, and our community! Let's see what
God has in store for us together.

Good Books, Third Floor (Room 303): All are invited to dive into these theological books with
us. Last spring we had a chance to learn from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Strength to Love, Luther's The Freedom
of a Christian, and Calvin's The Christian Life. This class is studying the Book of Job from Nov. 13 to Dec.
18. Reading ahead enlivens the discussion, but all are welcome even if unable to check out the week's reading. If you'd like to get on our email list, simply contact Nelson Reveley at nmr2uf@virginia.edu.

The Forum of Grace Class, Second Floor (Room 212): This class will be diving into a study
of the Miracles of Jesus Christ. Come and take part in this study about the most incredible parts of Jesus'
ministry, healing, casting out demons, feeding thousands, and bringing folks back from the dead! It's an incredible part of the Incredible Story.

The Vanguard Class, Basement (Room B4): This class meets in Room B4. Nate McKinnon is
currently leading this study on the Ten Commandments.

Christian Education & Discipleship

Wednesday Night Supper Program Schedule
Save yourself the midweek hassle of cooking dinner and come join us Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m. for a time of
growth in fellowship and faith! Every night we'll have arts and crafts for the kids, timely announcements, worship
preparation cards for the coming Sunday, and either faith-infused live music, a trivia night, or an excellent speaker!
$7 per person, $5 for seniors (over 65), and $15 max per family. Our upcoming schedule is below:

December 7, 2016
December 14, 2016

Holly Follies
A Preschool Noel

We're having an amazing time at our WNS gatherings each week. We hope you will join us in the new year!
Please remember that we wont be meeting on December 21 or 28. Our first WNS of the New Year will be on
January 4. See you then!"

Pictures from some of the Wednesday Night Suppers in November:

Isaiah 9:2
6

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darknesson them light has shined.

An Announcement about GCPCs Library

We have a wonderful library full of many helpful resources but we
are in need of someone to help take care of it by keeping it organized,
checking books out for people as needed, etc. If you are interested in
helping with this, please contact christopher@grace-covenant.
Also, we ask that if you want to donate books to the library, please
first check with Christopher Tweel before doing so. You can contact
him at christopher@grace-covenant.org or by calling 359-2463.

Massanetta Springs Accomodations

and 2017 Schedule
February 17-19: Ringing at the Springs - A Handbell Event
April 17-21: Easter Pastors Respite
June-August: Mission @ Massanetta
June 15-18: Presbyterian Womens Summer Gathering
June 22-25: Middle School Conference #1
June 27-30: Middle School Conference #2
July 6-9: Middle School Conference #3
July 11-14: Middle School Conference #4
July 14-16: Presbyterian Mens Conference
July 23-29: Church Music Conference
November 10-12: Serving and Learning Together (SALT) - A Discipleship Event for High School Youth, College Students, and Adults
December 2: Christmas Dinner and Concert
Dont forget this winter season, Massanetta is always available for lodging. There are motel-style rooms as well as a very comfortable lodge.
Great for skiing and all your holiday plans! Contact Massanetta Springs
at 888-627-7774 for more information or to inquire.

Letter from Nicole Flournoy,

Director of GCCDC
Grace Covenant Presbyterian,
Welcome to the Holiday Season! After an
amazing month of learning all about the foods
we eat and how to stay healthy, we now start to
dive in to a whole month of Christmas. The children will learn our cultures traditions of Santa
Claus, Christmas colors, Christmas Trees and
Candy Canes. We will teach them how to have a
giving, generous heart with activities like Secret
Santa and visiting the elderly with Christmas
cards. We will also convey the importance of
family and a community spirit with our annual
Christmas reception! We thank you so much for
hosting us on December 14 for some great food,
fellowship, and childrens performances!
In the midst of all the giving and sharing, joy
and fellowship, we of course will remember the
reason for the season. Children will, yes, be
taught the fun tradition of Santa Clause and the
spirit of generosity. However, we will focus
mainly on the Birthday of Jesus, and how he was
born in a humble manger to come and save us
from our sins. Well sing Happy Birthday to Jesus, and offer up our prayers of thanksgiving,
sounds of joy, and blessings all in his name. We
look forward to praising God for the deliverance
of Jesus Christ through Mary and the nativity!
Nicole

WNS on December 7
We are looking for folks who can share
the great talent that God has blessed
them with. Piano players, singers, guitars -- anything goes, and across all ages.
Also, there are several radio scripts
available if you want to do something
but just don't know what. The Holly
Follies this year are going to be a great
time for the whole family. Start polishing your act now and get in touch with
Christopher if you are interested in
helping put on the show!

Malachi 3:2
But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a
refiners fire and like fullers soap.

December 2016 Calen

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wedn

Notes:
1) The Administration and Worship
Committees will not be meeting in December.

4 Second Sunday of Advent

9:00-10:45 a.m. Officer Training
9:15 a.m. Prayer Team (Social Rm.)
9:30 a.m. Coffee and Care
9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Pageant
Rehearsal
10:55 a.m. Worship
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour
12:30 p.m. 1st Sunday Prayer Group
(chapel)

5 Deadline for Poinsettia/

Greens Orders

7 Deadline for
Out Registratio

4:30 p.m. Carol C

5:00 p.m. Junior C
6:00 p.m. WNS (H
7:30 p.m. Chance

7:00 p.m. Finance Meeting

12 6:30 p.m. Combined Session and

Deacons Meeting (Dana McKnights
9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Officer Training
Home)
9:15 a.m. Prayer Team (Social Rm.)
9:30 a.m. Coffee and Care
9:45 a.m. Childrens Christmas Pageant
10:55 a.m. Worship
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour
12:15 p.m. Facilitator/Host Training for
Unbinding the Heart

13

14 4:30 p.m. Car

9:30 a.m. PW Circle 3 (Social Rm.)

11:00 a.m. PW Circle 2 (Vanguard)
7:00 p.m. PW Circle 1 (a members
home)

5:00 p.m. Junior C

6:00 p.m. WNS (A
7:30 p.m. Chance

18 Fourth Sunday of Advent

20

21 *No Wednesd

27

28 *No Wednesd

11 Third Sunday of Advent

19

9:15 a.m. Prayer Team (Social Rm.)

9:30 a.m. Coffee and Care
9:45 a.m. Sunday School
10:55 a.m. Worship
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour
5:00 p.m. Candlelight Service

ming Including C
5:00 p.m. CDC B
(Vanguard)

Christopher Tweel out of office

25 Christmas Day

26

10:00a.m. Worship

Church Office closed (see p. 2 for more details)

ming Including C

ndar

nesday

Friday

Thursday
1

r Parents Night
on (by 3:30 p.m.)

rol Choir
Choir
A Preschool Noel)
el Choir

15

2 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. RISC Inter-

3 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. RISC Interview

view Weekend
5:00-8:00 p.m. City Church Set-up
for Saturdays Event

Weekend
2:00-9:00 p.m. City Church Christmas Pageant and Dinner

10 8:30 a.m. Church Decorating

9:00-11:00 a.m. PNO (see p. 3)
9:30 a.m. Childrens Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
6:00 p.m. PEOPLE Meeting at Joy
Nevins Home (see p. 3)

Choir
Choir
Holly Follies)
el Choir

16

17 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Chancel

Choir Rehearsal
3:00 p.m. Soukup Wedding

Christopher Tweel out of office

day Night Program- 22

Choirs
Board Meeting

day Night ProgramChoirs

Saturday

23

CDC Closed

29

30

24 Christmas Eve
3:00 p.m. City Church Worship Service
5:00 p.m. GCPC Worship Service
7:00 p.m. City Church Worship Service

31

Welcome to Our New Members!

On November 20, Grace Covenant welcomed five new members to its congregation.

all photos: Margaret Harvie

Grace Morse-McNelis was married to her husband, Ed, earlier this year,

and the two of them live in the Fan quite close to GCPC! Grace has four children
ranging in age from 11 to 19. She works as an attorney, and when she is not busy
with her work, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Jeff Gardner grew up in Richmond and has degrees from John Tyler

Community College and the New York Institute of Photography. He currently

works at Mercedes-Benz of Richmond. Earlier this fall, Jeff was married to
Elizabeth Harland (now Gardner) at Grace Covenant! Jeff enjoys photography,
hiking, sports, and movies.

Matthew 1:21
She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

10

Rusty Stadler is originally from the Richmond area. A Virginia Tech graduate,

Rusty is currently works as an actuarial consultant. Rusty has two sons, and in his
spare time very much enjoys sports especially football, baseball, and basketball. He
has particularly enjoyed coaching a local baseball team for sixteen and seventeen
year olds.

Lauren Todd is the oldest of four siblings and has recently moved from

Tennessee where she received a BS in Mathematics. She is now studying for an MS

in Forensic Science at VCU. In her downtime, Lauren enjoys watching Netflix,
reading, and swing dance! At Grace Covenant, she has enjoyed being part of the
Good Books Sunday school class.

Chris Winston grew up at Grace Covenant and is currently a senior at Glen

Allen High School. He enjoys hanging out with friends, helping with his schools
basketball and football teams, and playing softball. Chris is also a big UVA fan! His
mother, Kathy Winston, and grandmother, Dottie-Ray Koch, are both long-time
members.

Luke 2:1, 4-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. . . .
Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem,
because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to
whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to
deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid
him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

11

Mission & Justice

Countdown to Honduras: One Month to Go!
What is happening our team
of 17 is ticketed and confirmed.
Nine folks are looking forward to
celebrating New Years Eve Honduran-style. We will all be guests
for dinner at the home of our Honduran friends, Dr Adolfo Moreno
and his family. Supplies have been
ordered and delivered. Everything
needs to be repacked from boxes
into suitcases to conform with airline requirements, then distributed
among the travelers. Our mountain
of supplies needs to fit into nineteen duffel bags. This will be no
small task! We meet in Honduras
with new friends from other parts
of the Commonwealth and the
United States. Cataract surgeries
begin on January 2, and medical/
dental clinics on January 4. We are

hopeful that a visit from the President and First Lady will be possible
on Friday, January 6, as we break
ground (symbolically, at least) for a
new Eye Clinic/Outpatient Surgery
Center at Juan Orlando Community
just north of the City of San Lorenzo.
Prayer requests For safe travels. For the heart of Jesus Christ as
we bring medical care to Southern
Honduras. Thanks to God for the
final approval of KHISH/
Honduras ONGD by the government of Honduras (ONGD is a
non-governmental organization for
development, a special class of
NGO under Honduran law). We
now can officially accept the deed
to the land which was promised to
us last January! Thanks to God for

Grace Episcopal and St Andrews

Presbyterian Churches, Kilmarnock,
for the support they have given to
KHISH. Thanks to God for the
faithful support of Grace Covenant
through the years.

STEP Pride for Parents StoreThank You!

Many thanks to all who donated gifts for the STEP Pride for
Parents Christmas store! Each year
STEP collects donations of new,
unwrapped childrens gifts with
the original purchase price intact.
These donations are then marked
to half price or less and made
available to the parents of children
living in Gilpin Court and surrounding communities. The
Christmas store offers parents the
dignity of making a sacrifice of
love for their children at an affordable price. Grace Covenant youth
and volunteers will help run the
store on December 3. Many
thanks to all!

See above for some pictures of the

Honduras Mission Trip in 2015.

Luke 2:9-10
Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and

12

they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for seeI am bringing you good
news of great joy for all the people. . .

Mission & Justice cont.

RISCs Focus for 2017

n September and early October, each of our congregations conducted listening meetings to ask,
Among your family or close friends, who is
someone you worry about and why? Stories
about personal problems with transportation, elder care,
and mental health were heard across many of our congregations. At the Community Problems Assembly at
Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, all of the network

members voted on the next issue that RISC will adopt

and research (we will seek a solution to this problem at
our Nehemiah Action on May 1, 2017). Mental health
won the vote and will become the problem area that
we address this year. RISC's job training initiative has
also been making huge progress, and it was covered in
Richmond Times-Dispatch on November 6. Go here to
read about it: http://tinyurl.com/RISCinitiative .

Session Report, November 2016

Information
For October, 2016, income totaled $55,932.39 and expenses came to $61,806.61, a difference of $5,874.22. This
reflects a quarterly insurance payment of $5,686.25.
Recent Actions
The Session voted to:
Approve the minutes for the Session meetings of October 17, 2016; October 22, 2016; and November 20,
2016.
Approve the minutes of the Congregational meeting of November 6, 2016.
Approve vacation for Bobby Hulme-Lippert on Sunday, November 27, 2016
The Session also:
Approved the closure of the church office for the week after Christmas, Dec. 26-Dec. 30, 2016.
Reviewed a list of inactive members, to which a follow up letter is being sent as per the Book of Order.
Planned for the examination of incoming officers, to be held on Dec.12, 2016. New officers will be ordained and installed on Jan. 15, 2017.

The Session provides this summary to help ensure that the congregation remains informed of its
decisions and actions. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Dana
McKnight (Clerk of Session) or any of your active ruling Elders.

Matthew 2:1-2
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East
came to Jerusalem, asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed
his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.

13

Poinsettia and Greens Order Forms:

Deadline to Order is December 5
Memorial Poinsettias
Those interested in providing memorial poinsettias for use in the Sanctuary during
the Christmas season should send information and payment to the church ON OR
BEFORE Monday, December 5. Those ordering poinsettias are asked to provide
information on the form below and mail or bring it to the church office. The price
of the plants is $10.00. Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and marked for Memorial Poinsettias.

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS
IN MEMORY OF: __________________________________________________________________________
IN HONOR OF: ___________________________________________________________________________
BY: ______________________________________________________________________________________
PRICE: $10.00 Payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Christmas Greens Fund

Grace Covenant members and friends may participate in the Christmas celebration
by making a gift toward the purchase of fresh greens to decorate the Sanctuary. The
gifts, in any amount, may be made in honor or memory of a friend or family member. The names of those remembered will be printed in the Candlelight bulletin with
the memorial poinsettias names. Information and contributions should be sent to
the church ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 5. Please use the form
below.
Christmas Greens
IN MEMORY OF: __________________________________________________________________________
IN HONOR OF: ___________________________________________________________________________
BY: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant and marked for the Christmas Greens Fund.
PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 5.
GCPC, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220

Join Us in Worship on Sundays:

14

Pray Together (Social Room)

Sunday School
Worship Service (Sanctuary)

9:15 a.m.
9:45 a.m.
10:55 a.m.

*Remember that the Worship

Service on Christmas Morning is
at 10:00 a.m. instead of the normal
time of 10:55 a.m.

Announcements
Continued...
Session Report
A Practical Way to Grow in Evangelism
Jesus Christ. A main thesis of the
book is that real, vibrant evangelism
is the overflow of a vibrant relationship with God as revealed in Scripture. The book has six chapters, each
one of them focusing on a different
aspect of evangelism. Importantly,
the book also includes a 40-day prayer journal a key way through which
the relationship with God is
strengthened.
The book is meant to be read
and discussed in weekly 75-90 minute small groups of 9 to 12 people
for six consecutive weeks. Each time
the group gathers they discuss the
reading and prayer journaling from
the previous week. They share their
questions, their insights, and most
Unbinding your Heart: 40 Days of
importantly what Jesus is teaching
Prayer and Faith Sharing by Martha
and doing in and through the readGrace Reese is a book that helps
ing and prayer journal time. In efcongregations become better
fect, of course, each participant is
equipped for the work of evangelism learning to give verbal expression to
the sharing of Gods good news in their faith! Ideally, too, the group

finds itself woven increasingly close

together wherein the light of Christ
shines all the more fully.

Want to join in on a group?

The officers are planning to have

groups begin the week of Sunday,
February 26, 2017. The groups will
meet for six weeks and then conclude the week of Sunday, April 2
(two weeks before Easter). Group
times and locations will vary so as to
be accommodating to as many as
possible. In fact, the goal is for
church-wide participation (the book
even has ways for our homebound
members to be actively involved
throughout if they cannot be present
for a group)! The officers are already
committed to participating themselves. You can look forward in the
New Year to hearing more about
this unique opportunity to grow with
one another for the sake of the good
news of Jesus Christ.

Advent
Advent simply means coming. The church observes the season of Advent from Sunday, November 27, to Saturday, December 24. During this time, we both remember Jesuss coming among us in this world, and we anticipate his second coming the time when Gods kingdom will be fully made known on earth as it is in heaven.
Below are a few details and dates related to the season:
The Advent Wreath: Different families light a candle from the Advent Wreath each week in worship. By the fourth
Sunday in Advent we will have lit the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. On Christmas Eve, we then light the
Christ candle which sits in the center of the wreath surrounded by the other four candles.
The 84th Annual Candlelight Service: A uniquely beautiful worship service happening on Sunday, December 18, at
5:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
The Christmas Eve Service: This service is offered on Saturday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Childcare is available.
Christmas Morning Service: Christmas falls on a Sunday this year. We will have our normal service of worship, but the
time of the service will be 10:00 a.m. This service time change is only for the Christmas Morning service. Also,
there will not be Sunday School or childcare on this particular morning.
Notary Service: The Child Development Centers Director, Nicole Flournoy, and Assistant Director, Latasha
Evans, were recently sworn in as notaries. They are happy to provide notary services to any of the GCPC church
staff or membership. Their offices are located on the first floor of the East Building (1617 Monument Ave.).

15

The Church Administration

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.

The Church Officers

Clerk of Session: Dana E. McKnight

Moderator of the Board of Deacons: Lisa Cardwell

Elders:

Deacons:

James Atchison (16)

Susan Boze (18)
Ray Davis (18)

Itunu Adekoya (16)

Lisa Cardwell (18)

- Finance (M)
- Christian Education (M)
- Evangelism, Admin &
Personnel
Bill Jacobs (18)
- Stewardship (M),
Property
Katie McCullough (16) - Mission (M)
Dana McKnight (17) - Clerk
Lewis Rosebro (17)
- Property (M)
Pete Sizemore (16)
- Admin & Personnel (M),
Nominating
Rob Turner (17)
- Worship (M)
Trustees: Caroline Leith (17)
Warren Zirkle (16)
Kent Cardwell (18)

Phil Coltrain (16)

Mary Gray (18)
Margaret Harvie (18)
Cynthia Holmes (17)
Steve Kemp (18)
Jan Kessel (16)
Dottie-Ray Koch (17)
Sallie Leys (17)
Jessica Reveley (16)
Dawson Watkins (17)

- Prayer (M)
- Fellowship;
Deacons Fund
- Glass Office (M);
Deacons Fund
- Greeters/Ushers (Co-M);
Meals (Co-M)
- Visitation & Flowers
- New Members (M)
- Media & Technology
- Care Team (M),
- Fellowship
- Greeters/Ushers (Co-M);
Meals (Co-M)
- Justice (M)
- Deacons Fund (M);
Care Team

The Staff
Bobby Hulme-Lippert
Pastor
bobby@grace-covenant.org

Nelson Reveley
Parish Associate for Outreach & Adult Discipleship
reveley@grace-covenant.org

Christopher Tweel
Associate Pastor for Christian Education
christopher@grace-covenant.org

Martha Rubin
Administrative Support/ Bookkeeper
bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org

Christopher Martin
Director of Music and Organist
martin@grace-covenant.org

Meredith Bond
Office Manager
meredith@grace-covenant.org

GCPC Child Development Center

16

Nicole Flournoy, Director

(804) 213-0200

director.gccdc@verizon.net
gracecovenantcdc.com

Office Hours:

Contact Us:

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

Wednesday
Friday

9am-3:30pm
9am-4:30pm
9am-noon

Phone: (804) 359-2463

Fax: (804) 278-6298
www.grace-covenant.org