GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

October 21, 2012

Awakening a Love for Christ in the Heart of Richmond

WELCOME TO GRACE COVENANT

We are an historic Presbyterian congregation offering traditional worship and multiple ministries for persons of all ages. Please join us after worship for fellowship in the Social Room.
Thank you for turning off your cell phones, pagers, cameras, and other electronic devices during worship, and for leaving food and beverages outside the sanctuary.

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

1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 [Link] info@[Link]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Radio: WLES 590 AM [Link]

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

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

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Hearing Aids, Large-Print Hymnals, and Bulletins are available each week from the ushers.
As I watched in the night visions, I saw one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. And he came to the Ancient One and was presented before him. To him was given dominion and glory and kingship, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed. - Daniel 7:13-14 (NRSV) In the days to come the mountain of the LORDS house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. [The LORD] shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. - Isaiah 2:2, 4 (NRSV) But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake. - Mark 13:24-37 (NRSV) Habits often get a bad rap in our culture. Sometimes the only habits we think about are the bad ones we are trying to break. [However] in Latin, the word for habit means at its root having and holding. According to [ancient] understanding, a persons character is the way one holds ones self in relation to others. The ancients believed that in the formation of a persons character, having and holding ones self requires the cultivation of virtuous habits. And the cultivation of virutous habits takes discipline and careful attention over time. According to the classical thinkers, we are the sum of the habits we regularly practice. - Michael Jinkins, Invitation to the Psalms p. 40, DISCIPLE Bible Study

As one body of Christ, composed of diverse individuals bound together by the Holy Spirit, We will grow in the faith by training ourselves and our children to be intimately familiar not only with Scripture and our Reformed heritage, but also with their unwavering relevance for our lives and humanity today. We will build up the body of Christ until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, so that we may no longer be tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of new teaching. - from our 2012 Vision Statement

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
October 21, 2012 Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:55 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Prelude and Fugue in D Minor Dietrich Buxtehude

(c. 1637-1707)

WELCOME
Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: All: Leader: All: Cry out with joy to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with gladness. Enter Gods presence with singing. For the LORD is a gracious God, Whose steadfast love endures forever. This is the day that our LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 100:1-2,5

Psalm 118:24

HYMN 220 (Blue Hymnal) All People That on Earth Do Dwell

Old Hundredth

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty and merciful God, we slack in devotion to you. We let attention to your work and calling lag. We have found other things to do with our time: more pressing things, more relaxing things, more convenient things. We are asleep at the wheel, dear God, drifting dangerously through time. Merciful LORD, wake us up! Have mercy! Rouse our hearts and minds to the glories of your will. And in your gracious forgiveness, bind us, dear LORD, to a more just, holy, and committed life. Stir us to live for your glory, not for the vanity of idols and egos. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON ALLELUIA Tony Alonso
(b. 1980)

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

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

Dana McKnight

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND GIFTS
On the third Sunday of each month, in addition to your tithe and regular giving, we receive the Loaves and Fishes Fund offering to supplement our mission efforts.

ANTHEM

Tune My Heart to Sing Gods Praise

Chancel Choir

Lloyd Larson
(b. 1954)

Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above; praise His name, Im fixed upon it, name of Gods redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by Thy help Ive come; and I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, bought me with His precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily Im constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee: prone to wander, Lord, I know Im prone to leave the God I love; heres my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.
- text by Robert Robinson, 1758, alt.

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

Dana McKnight

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Daniel 7:1, 13-14; Isaiah 2:1-4 Dana McKnight Holy Bible, pp. 784, 601 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON HANDBELL CHOIR EPISTLE READING For the Beauty of the Earth 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 14-18 Christof Meyer J. D. Frizzell

(b. 1983)

Holy Bible, p. 194 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. GOSPEL READING Mark 13:24-37 Holy Bible, p. 51 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Keep Awake to Partake Nelson M.E.B. Reveley

HYMN 456 (Blue Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun The Apostles Creed

Morning Song

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)

Greatorex

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 343 (Blue Hymnal) Called as Partners in Christs Service BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Beecher Lloyd Larson

Toccata in D Minor pour Grand Orgue

Gaston Blier

(1863-1938)

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 Dr. Robert Edgar Mitchell, Jr. by the family.

Give thanks to God for: Our PNC (Brian Baird, Pat Ball, Kent Cardwell, Leslie Hartman, Will Madden, Marcia Manning, and Everett Reveley [chair]) as they seek to prayerfully, patiently, and faithfully discern Gods will for Grace Covenant Our Care Team (Pat Aldridge, Jean Appich, Susan Farrell, Jan Kessel, Brint Keyes, Ann Pais, and Dawson Watkins) as they seek to pray for and reach out to those in need, and to restore those who have left our fellowship Please pray for: Nancy States, recovering from foot surgery; Jean Appich, recovering from a fractured kneecap; Elizabeth Gee, very ill and undergoing chemo; Betty Clough, recovering from a fall; Patty Richwine, recovering from knee surgery; Willie Alford, at home under-going chemo; Ben Gordon, for health; Ann Pais nephew Paul, with ALS; Juliette Harriman White; Susan Farrells grandmother Mary Lou (Uh Oh) and father, Jim; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Carlos Juara, facing vocational challenges; Rosie and George Turner; Nela Bostian; Beth Lloyd; the Steve Cobb family Our Fellowship Ministry (Katherine Baird, Kent Cardwell [chair], Cheryl Jacobs, Jan Kessel, Everett Reveley, Elizabeth Russell, and Carol Wood) as they plan and coordinate opportunities to build and strengthen Christian community; and the Food Committee (Pat Aldridge, Margaret Cardwell, Dottie-Ray Koch [chair], Janet Miller, Pete Sizemore, Pat Tyler, Judy Waldron, and Sid Yates), that their ministry may continue to nourish us in mind and spirit, as well as in body Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, Mike Child, and Jessica, serving in our nations Armed Forces The Grace Covenant Child Development Center (CDC) as it grows in enrollment, in maturity, and in service to the community; and for Beth Baleke, that God may continue to guide, bless, and prosper her ministry in Uganda We pray for public, non-profit, and religious social service work and ministries in Metropolitan Richmond: For all who suffer from addiction, dependency or co-dependency of any sort, for twelve-step programs, recovery programs, therapists, and addiction counselors.

Dietrich Buxtehude (c. 1637-1707) was the most important German organ composer in the generation before J. S. Bach. Buxtehude was an imaginative composer of organ music and cantatas, and was a leading figure in the north German organ tradition. The young J. S. Bach once traveled to Lbeck on foot (280 miles) in 1705 to learn as much as he could from Buxtehude, the great master of the organ and of Lutheran church music. The prelude of todays organ prelude lasts for only a few fast-moving measures and proceeds directly into a fugue. The fugue is interrupted by a stately recitative and a short imitation. A second fugal section starts, using for its theme a somewhat altered version from the first fuguenow appearing in time. Some fast pedal figures and runs on the manuals conclude this delightful work. Lloyd Larson (b. 1954) is one of Americas leading composers for the church, having well over 1,000 published works. Tune My Heart to Sing Gods Praise is one of his most recent choral works. It is a clever pairing of a familiar text with a alternate familiar hymn tune (HOLY MANNA). This hymn tune first appeared as the setting for Brethren, We Have Met to Worship in William Moores collection, The Columbian Harmony (1825). All that is known of Moore is that he lived in Wilson County in the District of West Tennessee. He claimed this tune as well as seventeen others as his own. Our Handbell Choir rings a piece by a new composer for handbells, J. D. Frizzell (b. 1983). For the Beauty of the Earth beautifully weaves two hymn tunes (TERRA BEATA and DIX) into an attractive work, perfect for Thanksgiving and Stewardship. The postlude is a stunning French toccata by Gaston Blier (1863-1938) in the dramatic key of D minor. Not much is known about the composer. He was the pupil of Eugne Gigout (to whom the postlude is dedicated) and he was the organist at the Cathedral of Saint-Maclou in Pontoise from 1892 until his death in 1938. Bliers reputation as a composer is based only on this one toccata: Toccata in D Minor.

Donate Unused Christmas Cards

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

Mens Annual Oyster Roast

Its oyster-shuckin time again! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 27. All men of the church and their friends are invited by the Vanguard Class to the Mens Annual Oyster Roast. Clams and oysters (raw, steamed, and fried) will be featured. Oysters and steamed clams begins at 4:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. and will include fried oysters, barbecue, hamburgers, cole slaw, potato salad, and all the fixings. Apples, roasted peanuts, and soft drinks will be available all afternoon. Come enjoy an autumn day in the country, or relax by watching football games on TV in the cabin. Carpools will leave from the church parking lot at 2:00 p.m. Pints of raw oysters will be available, at cost, as long as they last. Everything else is free. Today is the deadline to RSVP for the Mens Oyster Roast. RSVP purple slips are located in the glass office. For more information, please contact Whit Whitley at 288-6133.

Disciple Bible Study is a spiritual discipline that entails thirty minutes of prayerful scripture reading per day along with weekly meetings to engage the scriptures more deeply with others participants. This commitment of time and energy to God generates lasting spiritual growth and all are invited to read along with us as we explore the Psalms this fall (and consider joining for the next group in January)! Week 5: A Geography of the Imagination Monday: Psalms 19, 29 Tuesday: Psalms 46, 107 Wednesday: Psalms 74, 77 Thursday: Psalms 105, 106 Friday: Psalms 74 (again!), 137 Saturday: Study Guide Commentary

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. At Grace Covenant a joyful noise is made during every worship service. The choir and the organ lead us in making that noiseit is called music. The choir members and Chris Martin make our worship of God more meaningful by being good stewards of the talents God has given to them. Your financial commitment to the ministries and programs of Grace Covenant will ensure that the joyful noise continues.

Dine and Support the Richmond Community!

Join the Missions Committee for dinner at Firehouse 15, Boaz & Ruth's Highland Park restaurant, at 6:30 on Thursday, October 25th. Boaz & Ruth supports job training and entrepreneurial community revitalization in the blighted Highland Park neighborhood. Program participants learn job skills and gain experience taking classes and working at Boaz & Ruth's several area businesses: Harvest Thrift Furniture, Sunny Days Thrift Clothing, Mountain Movers, Cathedral Construction, and Firehouse 15 Restaurant and Catering. Attire is casual; the restaurant is family-friendly and includes a kids' menu. Adult entrees are in the $10 range. Firehouse 15 is located at 3011 Meadowbridge Road, Richmond VA 23222. To RSVP or for more information, please contact Jessica Reveley, jabreveley@[Link] by October 21. We hope to see you there!

Sunday School CLASS

Forum Grace Vanguard Connections Pre-Elementary Elementary Youth

TEACHER

TOPIC

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

Sunday Childcare for the School YearInfant and Preschool

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

Wednesday Night Live!

Each Wednesday evening we gather at 6:00 p.m. for table fellowship, followed by a program from 6:30-7:15 p.m. We provide child care for preschoolers, and a childrens program for school-age children. All are welcome! Take a break from cooking dinner and join us for a friendly, relaxing, and inspiring evening. For more information, contact Vanessa Strait in the church office at 359-2463, or info@[Link]. Menu for this Wednesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, peas, salad, rolls, and sheet cake. Program:

What does the acoustic guitarist Phil Kaeggy and the Good News have in common? Christof Meyer will share with us the blending of Kaeggy's music and the bible.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, October 21 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Monday, October 22 12:00 noon 5:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 23 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 24 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, October 25 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27 MENS OYSTER ROAST Sunday, October 28 9:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Inquirers Class Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Community Group Lunch GRACE NOTES ARTICLES DUE! Handbell Rehearsal Sanctuary Prayer Social Room Sunday School Various Classrooms Worship Service Sanctuary Fellowship Hour Social Room Community Group Lunch Fellowship Hall Mens Luncheon CDC Parents Meeting City Church Womens Bible Study Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Christian Education Meeting City Church Womens Bible Study Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Junior Choir (grades 1-5) Wednesday Night Live Chancel Choir Rehearsal CDC Chapel Service Session Meeting Vanguard Room Vanguard Room Grace Room and 213 Room 213 Pastors Office Library Grace Room and 213 Choir Room Choir Room Fellowship Hall Choir Room Chapel Vanguard Room Pearsons Cabin Fellowship Hall Social Room Various Classrooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall

(Leave church at 2:00 p.m.)

2012 Officers
Our Elders serve the church as leaders. Our Deacons lead the church in service. Please feel free to approach them with any questions or feedback about Grace Covenants ministries. CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley ELDERS: Jordan Ball (14) - Nominating (M); Finance Kent Cardwell (12) - Fellowship (M) Wayne Casey (13) - Property, Small Groups (M) Jack Corley (13) - Finance, Mission Matt Hartman (13) - Mission (M) Virginia Hudson (14) - Evangelism (M) Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M), Fellowship Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (M) Dana McKnight (14) - Finance, Worship, Stewardship Christof Meyer (12) - Christian Ed (M), CDC (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education Joy Nevin (14) - Administration Everett Reveley (12) - Finance (M), Stewardship Robert Rosebro (13) - Property (M) Rob Turner (14) - Worship, Nominating DEACONS: Pat Ball (12) - Flowers Cherry Corley (12) - Communication Cards Susan Farrell (12) - Transportation, Care Team Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Vice-Moderator - Meals Jan Kessel (14) - Care Team Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund, Nominating Ann Pais (14) - Care Team Erika Tabor (14) - Secretary - Communication Cards Judy Waldron (14) - Moderator - Cards Dawson Watkins (13) - Care Team Carol Wood (13) - Prayer, Communication Cards Sid Yates (12) - Ushering TRUSTEES: Lloyd Bostian (13) Kent Cardwell (13) Caroline Leith (14) John Nevin (12) Taylor Reveley (12)

William Byrd Community House

YOU C

N HELP!

Grace Covenant has been giving nonperishable foods items to the William Byrd Community House for several years to assist in filling their food pantry. The William Byrd Community House maintains a food closet that serves Richmond City and the adjacent counties. In the past Grace Covenant has collected food one Sunday a month, but this is a collection we can support every week. Please place items in the grocery cart outside the Social Room. YOU CAN HELP!

SERMON NOTES
Keep Awake to Partake Nelson M.E.B. Reveley