GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
August 26, 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. Interim Pastor: Director of Music: Administrative Assistant: Bookkeeper: Temporary Sexton: Child Development Center Director: Student Assistant for Christian Ed: Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin James Greene Nicole Williams Christopher Tweel
1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 [Link] info@[Link]
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Radio: WLES 590 AM [Link]
Hearing Aids, Large Print Hymnals, and Bulletins are available each week from the ushers.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD. - Psalm 145:4, 6-7, 21
(ESV)
For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:13-14, 17
(ESV)
One who receives this Word, and by it salvation, receives along with it the duty of passing this Word on... Where there is no mission, there is no Church, and where there is neither Church nor mission, there is no faith. - Emil Brunner
As one body of Christ, composed of diverse individuals bound together by the Holy Spirit, We will worship God in a way that not only proclaims Gods glory and identifies His presence in our lives, but also calls us to repent of our sins and kindles due thanks and awe for our creator, sustainer, and redeemer. - from our 2012 Vision Statement
A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
August 19, 2012 Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:55 a.m.
WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Blessed Jesus, We Are Here
Please stand for these parts of the service.
Johann Sebastian Bach
(1685-1750)
CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: All:
from Psalm 145
The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, and all Your saints shall bless You! They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and tell of Your power. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations. My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever. Winchester New
HYMN 251 (Blue Hymnal) Your Faithfulness, O Lord, Is Sure
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
Alleluia, music by Melchior Vulpius, 1560-1616, 1986 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under [Link] #A-715262.
WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD
PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND GIFTS VOLUNTARY Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr. Fred Bock
Vivien Chen, piano, and Chris Martin, organ
(1939-1998)
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 OLD TESTAMENT READING Psalm 145 Wayne Casey Holy Bible, p. 557 OT
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON EPISTLE READING Romans 10:1-15 Brian Baird Holy Bible, p. 151 NT
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL READING
Matthew 28:16-20
Holy Bible, p. 36 NT
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 383 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We Need to Talk I Love to Tell the Story The Apostles Creed B. Brinton P. Keyes Hankey
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. VOLUNTARY Amazing Grace
Greatorex
Vivien Chen, piano, and Chris Martin, organ
arr. Fred Bock
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.
WE GO FORTH IN GODS NAME
HYMN 15 (Red Hymnal) BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals Sigfrid Karg-Elert
(1877-1933)
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
Mit Freuden Zart
Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Kessel, and my brother, Don Kessel, by Jan Kessel.
Give thanks to God for: Ben Gordons mother Alices positive response to her chemo treatment; and for the many friends and neighbors that God brought to our August Musicales series, with prayers that He would lead those without a church home to draw nearer to Him Please pray for: 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; Erika Tabor, for healing and strength; Carlos Juara, facing vocational challenges; Rosie and George Turner; Nela Bostian; Beth Lloyd Our Deacons, for their ministries of compassion, service, care, prayer, and hospitality All students, faculty, and staff returning to campus; those arriving for the first time, especially those coming here from overseas: that their transition may go smoothly and that Gods Holy Spirit may lead them to connect with a local faith community Our Outreach and Evangelism Ministry (Phil Coltrain [radio], Virginia Hudson [chair], Sallie Leys, Elizabeth Russell, Maria Spitzer [website]) as they seek to share with our neighbors the good news of the Gospel; and our Care Team (Pat Aldridge, Jean Appich, Susan Farrell, Jan Kessel, Brint Pratt Keyes, Ann Pais, Dawson Watkins) in their ministries of prayer, visitation, and outreach to inactive members... Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces Project Khish and its health care workers and volunteers who work to restore sight to the blind; and Beth Baleke, for her ministry among the people of Uganda For the workplaces and businesses of Metropolitan Richmond: For full employment opportunities for our young people and heads of families, for the long-term unemployed, and for the under-employed.
This morning we welcome member Vivien Chen as our guest musician. Vivien is a native of Beijing, China, and teaches piano to over thirty students in her home. Our summer music ministry series concludes next Sunday. The Chancel Choir returns Sunday, September 9. A listing of first rehearsals for each choir appears below. Grace Covenants Summer Music MinistrySunday Mornings
August 26 September 2 September 9 Chris Martin and Vivien Chen Chris Martin Chancel Choir returns Piano and organ duets Grace Covenants Organist
Choir Rehearsals Resume in September
Chancel Choir Handbell Choir Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Jr. Choir (grades 1-5) Wednesday, September 5 Sunday, September 9 Wednesday, September 12 Wednesday, September 12 7:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Service Opportunities with
Church Hill Activities and Tutoring (CHAT)
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS: Want to get involved and volunteer with CHAT in the fall? Are you a current volunteer but have never attended an orientation or want to learn more about the purposes to our programs? We will be hosting volunteer orientations on Monday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at CHATs Resurrection House (3021 N Street). Choose 1 of the 2 sessions. All new volunteers are encouraged to attend and existing volunteers are welcome. Please RSVP to [Link]@[Link] if you plan to come. AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING: Back-to-school is right around the corner! On Labor Day (Monday, September 3), CHAT will be hosting a back-to-school cookout at the Resurrection House (3021 N Street) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. After-school tutoring will resume on Tuesday, September 4, at six different home locations: Lighthouse (601 N 31st Street), Oakwood (1507 Oakwood Ave.), Chimbo Palace (706 Chimborazo Ave.), Twenty Spot (1309 N 20th Street), HS Mix (1130 N 28th Street), and a new site location, the Beach House (1414 N 22nd Street) and continue every Monday and Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. (in most cases). We are expecting 100+ kids to be attending tutoring and would like to have a 1-to-1 student to adult tutor ratio. Please consider getting involved by volunteering once a week at tutoring this semester. CHAT is supported by the Grace Covenant Endowment Fund
Nominations
This November we will elect five Ruling Elders and four Deacons to the class of 2015. Additionally, we will elect one trustee and four members of the Congregational Nominating Committee to the class of 2013. Please prayerfully consider whom God may be calling to serve in this season, and communicate your nominations to us. We ask that you please use a nomination form, which can be found in the narthex and in the Glass Office. These forms describe the qualifications and duties of Elders, Deacons, and trustees as stated in our Book of Order . There is also space to share with the committee your reasons for your nomination. Please recommend as many as you feel are qualified, and submit your recommendations by September 16, either in the box in the Glass Office, or by giving them to a committee member. Thank you for taking the time to help Grace Covenant fulfill its mission in serving God and His church, and for your prayers for Gods guidance for us. - Jordan Ball (Moderator), Diane Davis, Cal Gray, Leslie Hartman, Jim McCullough, Steve Satterfield, and Rob Turner, members
Pastor Nominating Committee Update
The PNC thanks you for your support and prayers. We continue to receive and review Pastor Information Forms (PIFs) from interested pastors. Please keep us in your prayers, and contact us with any personal referrals.
From the Food Committee
The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful facility in the main kitchen, and we are grateful that we have been able to use it to support so many ministries over the year. Having just deep-cleaned it for the beginning of the fall ministry season, we kindly ask that you please be sure to clean up after yourself whenever you use the kitchen, so that it may be just as clean for the next user. If you have any questions about using or cleaning the kitchen, please contact Dottie-Ray Koch, chair of the Food Committee, at (804) 749-4634. Thank you!
Sunday Mornings
The summertime combined Sunday adult class will run through September 9, 2012. The theme for this summers classes is Heroes of the Christian Faith and the importance of prayer and of the Bible in their lives. Come to the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 for coffee, refreshments, and fellowship; class begins promptly at 9:30. Questions? Contact Christof Meyer, ruling elder for Christian Education and Discipleship, at christof_meyer@[Link]. We invite everyone to participate in this opportunity to study and to grow in your Christian faith. September 2 September 9 September 16 Brint Keyes Christof Meyer Jim Elliot Hudson Taylor
RALLY DAY!!!
Sunday Afternoons
DISCIPLE Bible Study is a 34-week, in-depth Bible study for
small groups. Led by a trained facilitator, the study includes 30 minutes of daily reading and a weekly 2--hour discussion seminar.
Were starting a new class in October - contact Nelson Reveley (nmerva@[Link], 804.387.8094) if youre interested!
This weeks topics: Week 31: HOLY A People Set Apart
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 Peter 1-2 (new birth into a living hope) 1 Peter 3-5 (Gods own people, persecution, final warnings) 2 Peter 1-3 (danger of false teaching) Leviticus 11;19 (laws of cleanness and purification, love of neighbor) Isaiah 52-53 (the suffering servant); 55:1-56:8 (Israels coming restoration) Read and respond to The Bible Teaching and Marks of Discipleship.
Small Groups Are Coming to Grace Covenant!
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can PRAY. Above all, LOVE each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. OFFER HOSPITALITY to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to SERVE OTHERS, faithfully administering Gods grace in its various forms (I Peter 4:7-10). This is what Small Groups are all about. Be on the lookout for new groups beginning this fall. - Wayne Casey, Small Groups Ministry chair
Sunday Childcare for the School Year - Infant and Preschool
Thanks to everyone who volunteered in our nurseries this summer! Its hard to believe, but its time to schedule volunteers for the school year. We are seeking volunteers for the infant nursery and preschool room during the worship hour. It is a 10:40-12:15 time commitment one Sunday per month. There are also "on-call" positions available. For more information or to sign up, please contact Carson Price at 928-4875 or chefcarson@[Link]. Thank you for supporting this important ministry.
School Supplies for Honduras
Children in Honduras attend public school from February to December. Our mission team's planned visit in January is perfectly timed to bring much-needed school supplies. Our Goal is 120 Boxes! Suggested contents include pencils, crayons, erasers, sharpeners, pens, children's sunglasses, stickers, small treats and toys. Donations may be dropped off in the Narthex near the Honduras Missions Display. Thanks to everyone for their help. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Susan Pillsbury David at 387-2302 or clwturtle@[Link].
Potluck BBQ Outreach to International Students
At 4:00 p.m. this Labor Day (September 3), folks from Grace Covenant and City Church will welcome international students with a potluck BBQ at the home of Taylor and Helen Reveley (2314 Monument Ave.). Many of these students will have just arrived in the US to start their fall studies at VCU. We expect at least 50 students to attend, and we are counting on our church community to fill the tables with good food and personally welcome the students to our neighborhood and our country. Please go to [Link]/internationalBBQ to sign up to bring a side dish or beverage, and contact Matt Hartman (mchartman@[Link], 212-1961) if you have any questions (or prefer just good old conversation to internet sign-ups).
THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT
Sunday, August 26 9:10 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 27 12:00 noon Tuesday, August 28 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 29 Thursday, August 30 Sunday, September 3 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Disciple and Community Group Lunch Disciple Bible Study Mens Luncheon Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Room 303 Vanguard Room
Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting (nothing scheduled) (nothing scheduled)
Room 213 TBD
Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Disciple & Community Group Lunch Disciple Bible Study
Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Room 303
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. We partner with this ministry by giving non-perishable food items. In the past Grace Covenant has collected food one Sunday a month, but this is a collection we can support every week. Please place items in the grocery cart outside the Social Room. YOU CAN HELP!
SERMON NOTES
We Need to Talk B. Brinton P. Keyes
