Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Grace Notes

Volume 47, Issue 2

Feb. 2017
Directory

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

Important
Dates

PNO
Registration
(Due Feb. 15)
PEOPLE
Group (Feb.
11, 6:00 p.m.)
Congregational
Meeting (Feb.
12, following
worship

For more dates to

remember, see the
calendar.

Unbinding Your Heart

In the fall of 2015, leaders in the Presbytery of the James invited a
handful of congregations to try out an evangelism book-and-curriculum
called Unbinding the Gospel. Grace Covenant was one of those congregations, and in 2016 three small groups met for 8-weeks to work through the
curriculum. Groups met in one anothers homes, and they considered
things like why we do evangelism, what evangelism means (and does not
mean), and how this study might impact Grace Covenant. It turns
out...evangelism is a far more relevant topic than many anticipated!
Not only does Scripture call us to be a people who proclaim the
mighty deeds of God (1 Peter 2:9), but participants found that even before the study they had been asking about evangelism in their own life.
Here are some of the sentiments I heard expressed in those small groups:
How, as a parent (or grandparent) do I not only model the Christian faith for my child, but articulate it?
I have friends who are of another religion (or no religion), and we sometimes have very deep conversations. How do I speak about
my faith in ways that are genuine and real rather than contrived and forced? How can these be conversations of honesty and respect?
In these incredibly divisive times, I feel that I am called to be a presence and voice for Jesus. But how?
I have been in the church all my life, but I struggle with putting into words what it is I really believe. I would like for my faith to
have deeper roots.
Perhaps, too, you heard Pat Balls wonderful testimony in worship on Sunday, January 22. Pat participated
in one of the three 2016 small groups, and she shared about doing a Prayer Walk exercise that was found in
the Unbinding book. It was a simple exercise: she and her husband, Jordan, walked their neighborhood, quietly
praying for each house. At one point, they ran into neighbors they had not yet met and had an enjoyable conversation. What God does with that conversation and new connection (let alone all those prayers for their
neighbors) - who knows! But it is a beautiful thing the opportunities and gracious surprises that open before
us when we risk taking a step of faith.
The Session has decided to prioritize evangelism in 2017. And, because of how well those three groups
went there is a focus on inviting the entire congregation into a six-week study of Unbinding your Heart
(another book in the Unbinding the Gospel series) that all of us might be able to take some steps of faith together. I look forward to the opportunities and gracious surprises that open before us as we follow Jesus into 2017
together! Details about the study, start dates, and locations can be found on page 6.
In Christ,
Bobby

Isaiah 56:1
Thus says the LORD: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and
my deliverance be revealed.

Church News/Announcements
Openers & Closers

Fellowship Schedule

February 5: Rick Nochta

February 12: Rob Rosebro
February 19: Hank Downing
February 26: Cal Gray

February 5: Laura Leigh and Jake Savage

February 12: Cheryl and James Atchison
February 19: Katherine and Brian Baird
February 26: Elizabeth Russell

February Happy
Birthday Wishes to:
1- Joy Nevin
2- Merelyn Hammett
3- Leo Hulme-Lippert
3- George Plunkett
4- Ainura Satterfield
6- Janet Miller
8- James Atchison
8- Sue Bridenstine
11- Gordon Gray
13- Grace Cardwell

141617202022232424252728-

Ellwood Meeteer Jr.

Jean Appich
Logan R. Moorhead
Laura Leigh Savage
Cameron Baird
Teagan Spivey
Jessie Griffin
Patrise Sears
Sarah Peters
Carl McMillin
Sarah Kemp Bell Bogin
Rick Nochta

Stewardship Corner
Decembers contributions of
$73,200 were almost double
those of November, but were
down over one-third from December of 2015. For the year
contributions of $475,500 are
down almost 8% from the prior
year, some of which has been
made up by contributions received in January. Total income
in 2016 was down about 12%
from the prior year due to lower
contributions and lower transfers
into the current fund from bequests, church reserves, and
Building Fund reimbursements. .
Expenses in December were
rather high at $80,500, but they
included $5,900 in contributions
to various local mission efforts
and $6,700 in replacement work
on floors.
For the year expenses of

$721,600 are down a little over

2% from the prior year due to
lower building maintenance and
operating expenses, offset to
some extent by smaller increases
in personnel costs and mission
donations. Included in the total
are noncash expenses of $15,400
reflecting staff tuition allowances
in the Child Development Center.
In December income exceeded expenses by $7,300. For the
year expenses exceeded income
by $77,800.
Decembers Five Cents per
Meal offering was $66, Mercy
offering $83, and Loaves and
Fishes $1,370. Most of the latter
represented half of the Candlelight Service offering, the other
half being our Joy Gift offering
of $1,246.

Early March Happy

Birthday Wishes to:
23345-

Reagan McCullough
Maria Rachal
Zoe Koch
Lewis Rosebro
Chuck Massey

The full list of March birthdays

will be included in the March
Grace Notes.

A Thank You from Nancy States

It has been a wonderful feeling to know that my
church family has been so thoughtful and caring to
me before and during my recovery from rotator cuff
surgery. All of your prayers, food, cards, phone calls
and visits have meant so much to me. Thank you all
for everything and especially for your prayers for my
full recovery. In Christian Love, Nancy States

2016 Contribution Statements

2016 Charitable Contribution Statements were mailed
on Friday, January 27. If you do not receive yours or
have questions, please contact Martha Rubin at
bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org or call and leave a
message on EXT 205.

Called Congregational Meeting Feb. 12

The session has called the Annual Congregational
Meeting. It will take place immediately following the
service of worship on Sunday, February 12, 2017 for
the purpose of presenting the 2017 budget and voting on the terms of call for Rev. Hulme-Lippert and
Rev. Tweel.

The Presbytery Corner

What happens when people
experience pain and hurt from the very
places that are called to provide
healing? What does it mean when the
church is no longer the safe place? Can
these hurts ever be overcome? Can
these wounds ever be healed? Author
and Presbyterian minister Carol
Howard Merritt addresses these and
other questions in her new book,
Healing Spiritual Wounds (HarperOne,
2017). Having grown up in an

evangelical tradition which left its share

of wounds, Merritt reflects on the
capability of the church to inflict harm
or provide healing, isolation or
inclusion. Sympathetic, understanding,
and positive, Carol Howard Merritt
offers hope and a way to support
readers as they heal and reclaim the joy
that comes from living a vital and
healthy spiritual life.
Come and hear Carol Howard
Merritt at the Early Center at Union

Letter from Nicole Flournoy, Director of GCCDC

Grace Covenant Congregation,
Thank you as always for your support of our Child Development
Center! As we finish up the month of January, we reflect on Gods gift of
seasons and the beauty he has created for us to enjoy in winter. We explored the snow, learned about the science of snowflakes, and animals,
plants, and cultures in cold weather. We will soon begin Februarys curriculum of Friends and Family, in which children will learn about
themselves, their familys structure and lifestyle, and the concept of
friends of all types!
Children will start the month by comparing physical characteristics to
those of their friends: Am I a boy? Am I a girl? What color is my hair?
How tall am I? With art projects such as Me Dolls and math activities
like comparing heights, the children will learn about themselves as well as
their friends! Moving on from friends, children will learn all about families: What makes a family? Who is in MY family? What do we do with
our family? Theyll explore their own individual habitats, comparing
houses to apartments and going for walks to look at the neighborhood.
Theyll discuss what kinds of houses animals live in, and what kinds of
animals live in houses! This will be a great time for children to bring in
things from their own homes and share their own personal cultures with
one another. This is also an excellent opportunity for children to learn
about different family structures and different cultural traditions of sharing and demonstrating God Love.
Nicole

Seminary, Richmond, VA, on

Monday, February 20, 2017, at 7:00
p.m. The event is open to the public,
with church leaders, those hurt by the
church, and those yearning to make the
church a safe place are invited to
attend. There will be a time for Q&A
with Carol Howard Merritt, and her
book will be available for purchase and
signing by the author.

We Welcome TCM to
Grace Covenant!
Truth of Christ in Me (TCM) is a VCU campus ministry effort led by another congregation
in our Presbytery, Lord Jesus Korean Church
(LJKC). In keeping with the GCPC 2012 Mission Study which calls us 1) to reach out to the
VCU community with an initial focus on the
international community and 2) to promote
the use of our buildings to outside groups to
increase visibility and community engagement,
the Session approved hosting TCM Friday evenings in the Fellowship Hall from 6-10 p.m. (Jan
- May). Previously, TCM had an on-campus location, but that location is now being renovated.
TCM is incredibly grateful to partner in the
Gospel with a Presbyterian church located so
close to campus and with accommodations that
work for the 40 VCU students who participate
in the ministry. The students, plus campus leaders from LJKC, will gather each Friday evening
for a meal, praise songs, and a Bible study.

Estate Gift
We give thanks that God's generosity and abundance have been made known to us quite recently through the estate of Marion W. Porter in memory of longtime member Elizabeth W. Trollinger. Ms. Porter's desire was that
10% of her entire estate be given to Grace Covenant, a tithe of faithfulness for the furtherance of God's work
through the church. The total amount of Ms. Porter's gift is about $200,000 - the precise amount not yet set as a
few processing fees remain. Nevertheless, the bulk of it has been officially received at this point, and we ask your
prayers as the session seeks to be wise and generous stewards of God's gifts.

Church News and Christian Education

Replacement of Alleyway Doors
The alleyway doors underwent replacement Tuesday, January 31, and
Wednesday, February 1. This new system is what is called an electric strike
system instead of the magnet we had
been using previously. In terms of entry
into the building, there are very few
changes. You will still enter your code
into the keypad system, press pound for
entry, and then enter through the usual
door. The church code is operational
from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday.
You will notice when opening the
door that there will no longer be a

thumb latch; in other words, you will

simply pull the door after entering your
code instead of depressing a latch and
then pulling it. On Sunday morning, the
doors will be unlocked by a scheduled
opener/closer and able to be opened
without the need to enter a code. Finally, when it comes to exiting the building,
you will now be able to use any of the
alleyway doors for exit without fearing
one will slam shut.
In a nutshell, if you enter using a
code, your entry procedures will remain
very much the same.

Parents Night
Out Scheduled
for February 18
Grace Covenant is proud to offer parents a little
R&R with our special Parents Night Out, Saturday,
February 18, from 5:00-8:00 p.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@grace-covenant.org. Please include the childs
age by how old they are in months, not years. The
RSVP deadline is Wednesday, February 15, at
3:30 p.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.
Upcoming PNO Dates:
- February 18, March 11, April 8, May 13

Family and Friends Fourth

Sunday Ushers and Greeters
Gather your Family and Friends and sign
up to be Ushers and/or Greeters! We
have designated the fourth Sunday of each
month just for YOU! Volunteers only
need to sign up for one time to help open
the doors, pass out bulletins, and take up
the offering. This is a great way to get
your family and friends together for Sunday morning, and, who knows, maybe you
will all have lunch together after the service! Please call or email Mary Gray at 247
-4899 or mary.gray@comcast.net.

A Ministry of Care:
Pastoral Care Training Session on February 5
When: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Second Floor, The Forum of Grace Classroom (212)
The Deacons are proud to host
Prof. Carol Shwietzer to our
church on February 5 after
church for a light lunch and a time
to learn more about what it means
to be a pastorally caring member
of the Body of Christ. We will be
looking at the aims of visitation,

impediments to our listening well,

responses to hard situations, kinds
of responses to avoid, and how to
best use the language of invitation.
This is a great growing edge for us
to hone as ministers of compassion.
All are invited to this great
training session! RSVP to Christopher if you plan to attend.

Save the Date! Two Upcoming Retreats

Join others for a faith-based
retreat at Montreat Conference
Center in 2017 that is sure to be a
time of spiritual renewal. The
Mens Retreat will be from April
21-23, 2017, and The Womens
Retreat will be from August 11-13,
2017. For more information on
the mens retreat, see

www.montreat.org/mantreat and
for more information on the
womens retreat, see
www.montreat.org/women.

Matthew 11:28
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy
burdens, and I will give you rest.

Wednesday Night Supper in the New Year

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. We look forward to seeing you
there!
2/1/2017
2/8/2017
2/15/2017
2/22/2017
3/1/2017
3/8/2017
3/15/2017
3/22/2017
3/29/2017
4/5/2017
4/12/2017
4/19/2017
4/26/2017
5/3/2017
5/10/2017
5/17/2017
5/24/2017

Intergenerational - Healthy Motions

African American Heritage - Diane Davis
African American Heritage - Diane Davis
*Carol Choir will sing promptly at 6:00 p.m. prior to dinner on Feb. 15
Entering a Season of Peace (Adria Schaff, Director
of Richmond Peace and Education Center)
Worship
Worship
Worship
Worship
Worship
Worship
Maundy Thursday
Bell Choir Concert
Junior Choir Concert
Healing Service (Worship)
TBA
TBA
TBA

Psalms 39:12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not hold your peace at my tears. For I am your
passing guest, an alien, like all my forebears.

nbinding your Heart: 40 Days

of Prayer and Faith Sharing by
Martha Grace Reese is a
book that helps congregations become better equipped for the
work of evangelism the sharing of
Gods good news in 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 40day 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. Ideally, the group finds itself woven increasingly close together wherein the
light of Christ shines all the more fully.

Which group works best for you?

Sign-ups began after worship on
Sunday, January 22, and will continue
each Sunday after worship in the Social
Room. Begin considering which group
might work best for you! During signups, the Unbinding your Heart book will
also be on sale.. Copies are $11 apiece.
Note: if possible, we encourage you to
try a group that meets in a home as that

Day and Time

Location

kind of space echoes some of the early

churchs paradigm (Acts 2:42-47), and
lends itself to a unique kind of community formation. However, if meeting in
one of the home options just does not
work for your schedule (or family schedule) that is entirely understandable! That
is why we will have at least two Sunday
morning options available.

Facilitators

First Meeting

Sunday morning 9:15-10:30 a.m.*

GCPC

Everett, Nelson, and Bobby

February 26

Sunday afternoon, 4:30-6:00 p.m.*

(This group is full)

The Tweel House

(West End)

Leah and
Christopher Tweel

February 26

Sunday evening 7:00-8:30 p.m.

(This group is full)

Home of Courtney
Clements (Near West End)

Jan Kessel and

Courtney Clements

February 26

Tuesday morning 10:00-11:30 a.m. The Boze House (West End)

Susan Boze and

Diane Davis

February 28

Tuesday evening 7:30-9:00 p.m.

(This group is full)

Bobby Hulme-Lippert

February 28

Thursday morning 10:00-11:30 a.m. Home of Dana McKnight (Near

West End)

Dana McKnight and Mary

Gray

March 2

Thursday late afternoon

Imperial Plaza (Northside)

Art Strunk

March 2

Thursday evening 7:30-9:00 p.m.

(This group is full)

The Home of Everett

Reveley (The Fan)

Everett Reveley and Bobby

Hulme-Lippert

March 2

Thursday evening, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

(This group is full)

Home of Dana McKnight (Near

West End)

Dana McKnight and Ginny

Hardman

March 2

*Childcare is available for these options.

Hulme-Lippert House
(The Fan)

Please see an important note about Sunday School during the six weeks of Unbinding your Heart on page 5.

Sunday School Continued

Our desire is to have every member of Grace Covenant involved in Unbinding your Heart as our primary outlet for
discipleship for six weeks. This means that the discipleship that we do during Sunday School will be involved in
this curriculum.
also means
that Sunday
slightly longer
during theseyour
six weeks
since the UnWhat
about This
Sunday
School
DuringSchool
the will
SixgoWeeks
of Unbinding
Heart?
binding curriculum requires at least an hour and 15 minutes for each meeting. Thus, Sunday School will go
from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. from February 26 to April 2.
During that time, you can sign up for one of the two Unbinding your Heart groups being offered:
You can sign up for a group meeting in Room 303 from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. This group will be facilitated by
Rev. Nelson Reveley.
You can sign up for a group meeting in Room 212 (Forum of Grace Classroom) from 9:15 to 10:30 a.m. This
group will be facilitated by Rev. Christopher Tweel.
FAQs
What if I have already signed up for an Unbinding your Heart group that meets during the week is
there a Sunday School option for me?
Yes! You can come to Sunday School and join Bobby in the Fellowship Hall from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There
will be teaching and discussion that goes deeper into the themes being explored each week in the Unbinding your
Heart reading. Note: this class is only for folks who are also doing an Unbinding your Heart group another time during the week.
What about childcare during these six weeks?
Childcare will be extended during on Sunday mornings for the six weeks that we do Unbinding your Heart. Parents,
you can drop your children off for childcare at 9:15 a.m. so that you may attend a Sunday morning class if you
would like.
What if I am in the handbell choir (practice goes from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings) and
would prefer to do a Sunday morning Unbinding your Heart group (which begins at 9:15 a.m.)?
We have talked with Chris Martin about this simply finish up practice as usual and then make your way over to
your Unbinding your Heart group. You may be a few minutes late to the group, but we trust you will still be blessed
and strengthened by the experience.
What about our special guest on Sunday, March 19 how will that impact my Unbinding your Heart
group that meets on Sunday morning?
We have a unique opportunity on Sunday, March 19. We will be hosting Dr. David Fergusson, a Professor of
Divinity and Principal of New College at Edinburgh University. He is also the chaplain to the Queen of Scotland.
He just so happens to be doing a Fellowship at Princeton during this academic year, and he agreed (at the Sessions invitation) to teach Sunday School and preach on Sunday, March 19 here at GCPC! This, of course, falls
right in the middle of the six week Unbinding your Heart curriculum. Thus, we will cancel all of the Unbinding your
Heart classes that meet on that particular Sunday morning. Instead, all will be invited to the Fellowship Hall for a
lesson led by Dr. Fergusson (9:30-10:30 a.m.). He will then preach during worship. Please mark your calendars
for this particular Sunday as it promises to be a unique opportunity and blessing for us all.

For Those Already Signed Up for an Unbinding Group

Below is the weekly homework schedule for the six weeks. You will want to have completed the homework before arriving for
that weeks meeting. Note that this means, for instance, that you will want to have done some reading before your first group
meeting.
1st Meeting Read the Introduction, Chapter 1, and Prayer Journal Section (pp. 115-119)
2nd Meeting Complete Week 1 of the Prayer Journal and read Chapter 2
3rd Meeting Complete Week 2 of the Prayer Journal and read Chapter 3
4th Meeting Complete Week 3 of the Prayer Journal and read Chapter 4
5th Meeting Complete Week 4 of the Prayer Journal and read Chapter 5
6th Meeting Complete Week 5 of the Prayer Journal and read Chapter 6
Participants can complete the sixth week of of the prayer journal on the own after the groups final meeting.

February 2017 Calend

Monday

Sunday

Tuesday

Wedn
1 4:00 p.m. Care

4:30 p.m. Carol C

5:00 p.m. Junior C
5:00 p.m. CDC S
tee Meeting (3rd
6:00 p.m. WNS
7:00 p.m. Chance

5 8:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

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
12:30 p.m. 1st Sunday Prayer Group
(chapel)

6 6:00-9:00 p.m. RISC Meeting

4:00 p.m. Care Te

4:30 p.m. Carol C
5:00 p.m. Junior C
6:00 p.m. WNS
7:30 p.m. Chance

(Fellowship Hall)
6:30 p.m. Missions Meeting at the
Reveleys Home

12:30 p.m. Pastoral Care Training (212)

13

14

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 and Congregational
Meeting
12:15 p.m. Fellowship Hour
12:15 p.m. Unbinding/Facilitator Host
Training

6:00 p.m. Finance Meeting

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

11:00 a.m. PW Circle 2 (Vanguard)
7:00 p.m. PW Circle 1 (Laura Leighs
home)
7:00 p.m. Property Meeting

19 8:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

20

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

7:00 p.m. Session Meeting

12 8:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

6:00-9:00 p.m. RISC Meeting

(Fellowship Hall)
7:00 p.m. Worship Meeting
7:00 p.m. Administration Meeting

21

6:00 p.m. Deacons Meeting

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
*Unbinding your Heart small groups begin.

27

4:00 p.m. Care Te

4:30 p.m. Carol C
5:00 p.m. Junior C
6:00 p.m. WNS (C
before dinner and
7:30 p.m. Chance

22 4:00 p.m. Car

6:00 p.m. WNS

6:30 p.m. Steward
7:30 p.m. Chance

Chris Martin out of office

26 8:30 a.m. Handbell Rehearsal

15
Deadline for P
Out Registratio

28

dar

nesday

Thursday

Team
2
Choir
Choir
Scholarship Commitfloor, youth room)

Friday
3 4:00-10:00 p.m. Korean Church

Saturday
4

(Fellowship Hall)

el Choir

eam
Choir
Choir

10 4:00-10:00 p.m. Korean Church

11 6:00 p.m. PEOPLE Group Meet-

(Fellowship Hall)

ing (Westminster Canterbury)

17 4:00-10:00 p.m. Korean Church

18 5:00-8:00 p.m. PNO

(Fellowship Hall)

9:15 a.m. Presbytery Meeting hosted

by Tappahannock Presbyterian
Church at Essex High School

el Choir

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

16

eam
Choir
Choir
Carol Choir sings
d program)
el Choir

re Team

dship Meeting
el Choir

Chris Martin out of office

23

24 4:00-10:00 p.m. Korean Church

(Fellowship Hall)

25

Photos from January 2017:

On January 15, members of the church gathered with the Noori Family to celebrate one year of friendship.

Psalms 46:11
The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.

10

The Noori Family Reception

Matthew 7:1
Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.

11

Mission & Justice

Volunteer Opportunities in Outreach Ministry
STEPs Jobs for Life Program Begins Again in March at GCPC

Where: GCPC Fellowship Hall

When: Thursdays 6:00-8:30 p.m.
from March through May 2017
The Missions Committee invites you
to join in an upcoming outreach
ministry: STEPs Jobs for Life program. The Jobs for Life program
uses a biblically based curriculum
paired with a team of mentors, pastors, and business leaders to help
students discover who they are, what
gifts and interests they possess, and
what roadblocks they face in achieving their goals. Jobs for Life is a "soft
skills" training program helping participants to gain, maintain, and thrive
in employment.

pant is paired with a champion/

mentor, who accompanies him/her
on this journey through the program.
This is a wonderful opportunity to
offer a listening ear, encouragement,
and ones own experiences. Mentors/champions join in the Thursday
evening dinner and classes, 6:00-8:30
p.m., and share at least one contact
(text, phone, email, meet up, etc.)
during the rest of the week.
Dinners: Each class begins with fellowship around a meal from 6:006:30 p.m. As with our CARITAS
ministry, were looking for folks to
sponsor and prepare meals to share
and enjoy with participants, family
Opportunities to Share Your
members, mentors, and teachers in
Experience and Gifts!
Jobs for Life. Regular number for a
Mentors/Champions: Each partici- meal is roughly 35.

Good Friday Blood Drive, April 14

On average, every two seconds
someone in the U.S. needs
a blood transfusion, and this is a
precious gift that cannot be manufactured but only comes through
the generosity of donors. The Mission Committee invites you, in
service to God and our neighbors
and partnership with the
Red Cross, to join in
the Good Friday Blood Drive this
year. We are grateful for this opportunity to unite in offering the
life-giving gift of blood as we remember the reconciling and life
giving grace of Christ's crucifixion

and resurrection.
All support is welcome, and if
you are unable to donate yourself,
we encourage you to consider
seeking a substitute donor or volunteering your time. If you would
like to more info or to volunteer
please contact info@gracecovenant.org or (804) 359-2463. If
you donate regularly, and want to be able
to donate on Good Friday, you'll need to
have donated by Feb 14 in order to have
the requisite 8 week break in between
donations. Sign-ups to donate on
Good Friday will go out in March!

Childcare: Well also be providing

structured childcare time for participants kids while their parents are in
class. Time commitment is 6:00-8:30
pm (dinner included), either each
Thursday or as one can schedule to
make it.
Business Relations & Instructors:
We need members of the business
community who can share about JfL
to both invite local business representatives to visit and participate in
JfL training (i.e. employer
roundtables, mock interviews, etc.)
and even help note/network potential job openings as they may arise
for JfL graduates. To learn more or
volunteer, please contact Nelson Reveley at
reveley@grace-covenant.org or 387-8094.

Shalom Farms Starts

Back in April 2017!

Starting up again in April, join us

the second Saturday of the month
at Shalom Farms - a local food access
and community development ministry
(www.shalomfarms.org) - as we help
ensure everyone in our city has access
to God's bounteous gift of nutritious
produce. This year we will be at the
new rural location just off route 288 at
2676 Venita Road, Midlothian, VA
23113. Please RSVP to Nelson Reveley at
nmr2uf@virginia.edu or (804) 3878094. Upcoming dates will be: April 8,
May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14.

Isaiah 5:21
Ah, you who are wise in your own eyes, and shrewd in your own sight . . .

12

A Report on the 2017 Honduras Ministry

he Honduras Mission
team returned safely after
spending December 31 to
January 10 in Southern
Honduras. Ron and Susan David
represented Grace Covenant this
year. Our team consisted of 18
Norte Americanos and about twice as
many Hondurans. Participants came
from California, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina
and Virginia. A total of 430 patients
received full eye exams in our Eye
Clinic at the Hospital San Lorenzo.
Two American ophthalmologists
and two Honduran ophthalmologists
performed 181 surgeries, of which
113 were cataract removals. In addition, 445 pair of reading glasses were
dispensed. In the Medical/Dental
Clinics in four locations, we saw 617
medical patients and the dentists
pulled 242 teeth. Medications were
dispensed, including antiparasitic
meds and vitamins for all. 340 chil-
dren were given sunglasses for UV
protection and (hopefully) cataract
prevention.
Exciting developments for
KHISH:
KHISH/US is a registered nonprofit corporation in the Commonwealth of Virginia (501(c)3
status applied for)
KHISH/Honduras is a registered ONGD (nongovernmental
organization for development)
in Honduras
Our 6.8 acres of land now has
a brand new kindergarten
building adjacent to it. We used

this building (even before the

stucco was dry!) for a Health
Fair for the residents of the
community of Juan Orlando.
Dr Ron and members of
KHISH/Honduras met with the
Mayor of San Lorenzo. A
memo of understanding was
signed for the building of a road
from the main highway back to
the parcel of land which has
been donated for a permanent
eye care facility. KHISH/USs
contribution will be $12K for
materials. The City is providing
all the labor and additional materials costs. This 0.4 mile road
should be complete before the
rainy season begins in May.
The community of Juan Orlando will be the focus of a KHISH
longitudinal study. As a part of

this project, Living Waters for

the World will establish a water
purification system. Two Honduran physicians will visit the
community quarterly and provide medical care. Our KHISH
dentists will initiate dental care
next January.
Super Mario worked with us
this year. Past participants will
remember him from six years as
a medical student translator.
Mario now is a fully licensed
physician. He will now join Dr.
Moreno for his quarterly clinics
in the South.
The dates for 2018 are January 1/2
to 8/9. Please consider joining the
team!
Thanks be to God, and to the people of Grace Covenant for your ongoing support of this mission.

Romans 5:11
But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have
now received reconciliation.

13

Worship
Sunday Morning
Prayer Time
The best way to start a
Sunday morning, or any
morning, is with prayer.
Each Sunday morning at 9:15
-9:30 in the Social Room, we
have a time of prayer, and all
are welcome to participate. It
is a prayerful time when
hearts are quieted and focused on God, joys and concerns are shared, and prayers
are raised in word and in spirit. It is a special time of caring, friendship, and blessing;
please come and pray with us.

Weaving and Shining:

A Sermon Series on
Evangelism
Each sermon in this series will be focused on a different aspect of evangelism as we listen for how God
is calling us as a community to grow deeper in this
focus. A primary thesis of this series is that the more
deeply and authentically the lives of church members
are woven together in fellowship, Scripture, and prayer
the more fully we shine with the light of Christ and
share the goodness and love of Jesus we have come to
know. See right for a list of sermon titles and dates.
Feb. 5: Weaving and Shining
Feb. 12: The Church Conversion
Feb. 19: Stories of Sight

Photos from the 85th Annual

Candlelight Service

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.

First Sunday Prayer

Group in the Chapel
Join the prayer team from 12:301:00 p.m. after worship on the first
Sunday of each month. The group
meets in the chapel and prays over the
church, our city, our nation, and the
world. The next meeting will be February 5.

Children
and Worship
We know all kids can be wiggly
and noisy. Its okay! Were glad that
you and they are here. Please feel free
to sit anywhere: up front where they
can see; in the balcony where there is
room to move around; or wherever
is most convenient for you. Worship
Bags and Binders are available in the
narthex. Ask an usher or greeter!
Children under 6 are welcome at any
time for childcare in room 102. Our
excellent nursery is in room 103
across from the Social Room.

Session
Report,Report
January 2017
Session
Recent Actions
The Session voted to:

Approve the minutes for the Session meetings of December 12, 2016 and December 18, 2016.
Approve the baptism of Clara Kyllikki Anderson Rubis during worship on Easter Sunday, April
16, 2017.
Approve the following Continuing Ed dates for Christopher Tweel:
April 2-5, 2017 Columbias Lifelong Learning Class-Montreat
May 15-18, 2017 Homiletics Conference in San Antonio
October 9-12, 2017 Radical Beauty-Montreat

The Session also:

Elected Dana E. McKnight to serve as Clerk for 2017.

Elected G. Everett B. Reveley as Treasurer for 2017.
Approved the budget for 2017.
Approved motions from Property concerning painting of areas of the church.
Approved use of the Fellowship Hall on Friday evenings Jan. May by TCM, the campus ministry
at VCU of the Lord Jesus Korean Church (PCUSA).
Elected Susan Pillsbury David and Susan Boze as Commissioners to the Presbytery of the James
meeting scheduled for February 18, 2017 in Tappahannock, Va.
Called the annual Congregational meeting following worship on Sunday, February 12, 2017, to present the 2017 budget and vote on the terms of call for Rev. Hulme-Lippert and Rev. Tweel.
Elected Dr. Robert T. Turner as Session representative on the Nominating Committee.

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.

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of
you.

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: Sallie Leys

Elders:

Deacons:

Susan Boze (18)

- Christian Education (M)
Ray Davis (18)
- Admin. and Personnel (M)
Bill Jacobs (18)
- Property (M)
Dana McKnight (17)
- Finance (M); Clerk
Susan Pillsbury David (19) - Mission (Co-M)
Everett Reveley (19)
- Stewardship (M); Treasurer
Jessica Reveley (19)
- Nominating (M);
Mission (Co-M)
Lewis Rosebro (17)
- Evangelism (M); Property
Rob Turner (17)
- Worship (M)

Itunu Adekoya (19)

Lisa Cardwell (18)
Mary Gray (18)
Ginny Hardman (19)
Margaret Harvie (18)
Cynthia Holmes (17)
Steve Kemp (18)
Dottie-Ray Koch (17)
Sallie Leys (17)
Elizabeth Russell (19)
Karl Rubis (19)
Dawson Watkins (17)

Trustees: Caroline Leith (17)

Warren Zirkle (19)
Kent Cardwell (18)

- Deacons Fund; Prayer Ministry

- Meals (M); Transportation
- Greeters/Ushers
- Deacons Fund; Justice
- Visitation and Flowers
- Greeters/Ushers
- Media and Technology
- Fellowship
- Moderator of the Diaconate
- New Members; Greeters/Ushers
- Fellowship (M)
- Care Team; Deacons Fund (M)

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