May 1, 2011

GRACE COVENANT
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Loving God & Our Neighbors in the Heart of the City

 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: Brint Keyes

Director of Music: Christopher Martin
Christian Educator: Kelley Lane
Administrative Assistant: Vanessa Strait
Bookkeeper: Martha Rubin
Sexton: Willie Alford
Child Development Center Director: Brenda Van Pelt

1627 Monument Avenue Office Hours:

Richmond, VA 23220 Monday-Friday
Phone: 804.359.2463 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Fax: 804.278.6298 Radio: WLES 590 AM
[Link] [Link]
info@[Link]

Hearing Aids, Large Print Hymnals, and Bulletins

are available each week from the ushers.
 PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Although you have not seen [Christ], you love him; and even though you do not see
him now, you believe in him and rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, for
you are receiving the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

-1 Peter 1:8-9

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Al-
though the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be
with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach
out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered
him, “My Lord and my God!”

-John 20:26-28

When we get our spiritual house in order, we'll be dead. This goes on. You arrive at
enough certainty to be able to make your way, but it is making it in darkness. Don't
expect faith to clear things up for you. It is trust, not certainty.

-Flannery O'Connor
 A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
May 1, 2011 Older Adult Sunday 11:00 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

PRELUDE Forlana Gerald Finzi
(1901-1956)

†Please stand for these parts of the service.

†CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 16

Charles Sutton

Leader: I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;

I have no good apart from you.”
People: The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
the LORD holds my lot.
Leader: I keep the Lord always before me;
because He is at my right hand,
I shall not be moved.
People: Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
Leader: For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.
People: You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
All: In your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Praise the LORD!

†HYMN 205 (Red Hymnal) Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain St. Kevin
†PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God,
in raising Jesus from the grave,
You shattered the power of sin and death,
breaking its hold on us.
But we confess that we have allowed it to remain.
We prefer familiar sins and failures
to the challenge of new life.
We place our hope in our own “improvement,”
and avoid your call to be changed.
We shrink from the brilliance of Your light;
and hide in the shadows of self-righteousness.

Lord, have mercy upon us, and forgive us our sins.

In the glory of Your resurrection,

Tear away our veils of self-deception.
Flood our hearts with the light of Your love,
and lead us down paths of compassion,
That we may live in You, and You in us,
That Your Holy Spirit may guide our every step,
And that we may shed abroad the light of Your love,
Made known to us and to all the world in Your Son,
Christ Jesus, our Risen Lord,
in whose glorious and triumphant name we pray. Amen.

†ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Alleluia, music O FILLII ET FILIAE,

Airs sur les hymnes sacrez, odes et noëls, 1623,
© 1990, The Presbyterian Hymnal, Westminster/John Knox Press.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Reprinted under [Link] #A-715262.
 WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD
WELCOME Maurice Bell

Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate.

OFFERING

ANTHEM Most Glorious Lord of Life William H. Harris

Chancel Choir (1883-1973)

Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day

Didst make Thy triumph over death and sin,
And having harrowed hell, didst bring away
Captivity thence captive, us to win.

This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin,

And grant that we for whom Thou diddest die,
Being with Thy dear blood clean washed from sin,
May live forever in felicity:

And that Thy love we weighing worthily,

May likewise love Thee for the same again;
And for Thy sake, that all like dear didst buy,
With love may one another entertain.

So let us love, dear Love, like as we ought;

Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught.

- text by Edmund Spenser (c. 1522-1599)

†DOXOLOGY 592 (Blue Hymnal) Old Hundredth

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 Maurice Bell

 WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Maurice Bell

EPISTLE READING 1 Peter 1:3-9 Holy Bible, p. 222 NT

CHILDREN’S SERMON Jim McCullough

GOSPEL READING John 20:19-31 Holy Bible, p. 110 NT

SERMON “How God Views Our Doubt” B. Brinton P. Keyes

†HYMN 399 (Blue Hymnal) We Walk by Faith and Not by Sight Dunlap’s Creek

†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed”

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

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.
INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE

DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S 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 GOD’S NAME

†HYMN 522 (Blue Hymnal) Lord, When I Came Into This Life Land of Rest

†BENEDICTION

†CHORAL RESPONSE Alleluia, Alleluia Jerry Sinclair

†POSTLUDE Toccata on “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” Diane Bish

(b. 1941)

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
Evelyn R. Yates and Rose R. Armentrout
by Sidney Yates and their families.
 TODAY is Older Adult Sunday. Each year the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) sets
aside the first Sunday in May to acknowledge older adults as one of the gifts with
which God has blessed us. Older adults represent the gifts of wisdom gained
through living a life in faith, hope through hard times lived with perseverance,
and generosity in loving and stewardship.
Grace Covenant is blessed to have a thriving Older Adult Ministry with our
own Rev. Charles Sutton as its champion. The older adults serve in all
areas of the church, as officers, musicians, worship leaders and assistants,
teachers, and as volunteers with the WNL Food committee, children's nurseries, our Radio
Ministry, church cleaning days, and so much more! We love each and every one of our
older adult members for all they bring and for making us feel more like a family of mem-
bers at Grace Covenant, and rejoice in this special opportunity to recognize how deeply
God has blessed us through their talent, wisdom, loyalty, service, and faith.

Give thanks to God for Bill Stuart’s healing from knee-replacement surgery; and for Jessie
Griffin’s acceptance into a Richmond-based Vet Tech graduate study program.
Continue to pray for Ruth Boring in hospice care and Betty Berry in hospital; Tom Miller’s
father, Joe; and Catherine Kerns, whose uncle passed away this week …
Beverly Proffitt, recovering from hand and wrist surgery; Ray Inscoe, recovering from heart
surgery; Mary Chenoweth, recovering at home; Cheryl Jacob’s mother, Lucinda; Peter and
Loretta Albertis; Vanessa Strait; Jim Woolfolk’s mother and stepfather, Dan & Linda; Ashby
Price, John Lootens, Jennifer Schooley, Wayne Casey, Erika Tabor, Matt Hartman, Jason
Pace and Logan Moorhead‟s daughter-in-law Sharie, all facing vocational challenges; Leslie
Hartman’s community garden ministry…
Stuart Chapman and William Bridenstine, serving in our nation’s Armed Forces; the victims
of storms, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters in our nation, especially Bill Kerns‟ sis-
ter Karen and Willie Alford‟s sister Mary, and their families; the people of Japan; the people
of North African and Middle Eastern nations seeking democracy; and prayers for the Spirit
of the Resurrection in Metropolitan Richmond - for a spirit of hope, of possibility, of eternal life,
and of commitment to the redeeming power of God who brings new life out of death to people
and communities.
"Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God." - Phil 4:6
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE! Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. This
week’s dinner is “Southern Style” barbeque sandwich, baked beans,
mac & cheese, coleslaw and rice pudding for dessert. Christof Meyer
will speak on Reverend R. A. Torrey, a famous evangelist during the
early 1900’s and his connection with Grace Covenant.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY: Opener-Cal Gray; Greeters-Bob Copeland,

Everett Reveley, Leslie Hartman; Nursery Worker-Julia Poppell; Worship Kits-Lewis
Rosebro; Fellowship Hour-TBD

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (May 8): Opener-Lloyd Bostian;

Greeters-Lewis Rosebro, David Martin; Nursery Workers-Carson Price, Jo Garber; Wor-
ship Kits-Lewis Rosebro; Fellowship Hour-TBD

Japan Disaster Relief: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thanks to the
generosity of the members of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, the Kids Club, and
Youth Palm Sunday Craft Sale generated $277, all of which will be donated to the Japa-
nese Relief Fund of the PCUSA. The children and youth are grateful for your support in
their efforts to spread God’s love to the world.
Sermons are online every week!
Access Sunday service podcasts at [Link];
click on WE GATHER, then on SERMONS. You
have a choice of Children‟s Sermon, Sunday Sermon
or Full Service by clicking on the MP3 icon of your
choice.

CHILDREN & WORSHIP: All children are encouraged to at-

tend worship with their parents. Following the children’s sermon,
children who are not yet in Kindergarten may choose to go to the
nursery for a snack and play time.
The infant and toddler nurseries are available throughout the worship service for those chil-
dren who are not ready to attend worship at this point.
CHILDREN‟S SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES:
Infants, 0-16 months old Nursery main level
Toddlers, 17 months - 2 years old Room 102
Preschoolers, 3 and 4 year olds Room 101
Grades Kindergarten - 2nd grade Rooms 207-210
Grades 3rd-6th Rooms 207-210
 GCPC has updated its Facebook page! This is a great way to connect with
GCPC members and visitors, and to stay current on church events and announce-
ments. Visit [Link]
and be sure to "Like" us!

BREAD BREAKERS: The next Bread Breakers Fellowship Time is

Saturday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Prices‟ home, located at 8514
Academy Road, 23229. BBQ, slaw and rolls will be provided. Please bring
a side dish or dessert to share. Our hosts this month are Ashby & Carson
Price and Vickie & Johnny Overstreet. It is important to RSVP; please do
so by emailing chefcarson@[Link] about your attendance.

Sunday morning classes are a great way to deepen your faith and also to fellowship with others.
There are several Sunday School Classes to choose from. All Sunday School Classes begin
at 9:30 a.m.
Connections Class “Westminster Confession of Faith” Room 303
Vanguard Class “The Book of Romans” Room B-4
Grace Class “Bible Study” Room 212
Forum Class “Revelation” with Tom Miller Room B-7

Guys, come join us at Brian Baird‟s home as we share food and

drink, listen to solid teaching, and generally catch up on life. All are
welcome; bring a friend! We meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each
month from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at 1704 Hanover Avenue. Contact Brian
Baird at brian.baird5@[Link], or 586-4156 for more info.
COMMUNITY GROUPS: In Community Groups we seek to live life together under the
gospel as we build relationships with God, each other, and our neighbors. One group meets
at the Hartmans‟ home for dinner and fellowship on Friday evenings at 5:45 p.m. It’s okay
to come anytime after that if you get off work late…. All are welcome. Come check us out
and see what we are studying and discussing together. We love when new people come!
For more information, call Matt or Leslie Hartman at 212-1961.

The Palm Sunday Stuart Circle Parish WORSHIP AND PARADE com-
plete with the banners, donkey, three-piece brass ensemble, and 300 plus
Christians friends from all the churches was truly an exciting and inspira-
tional experience. Grace Covenant's Breakfast before and after the Parade
was a success with the warm and friendly fellowship, palm crosses, neat
items for sale by Kid's Club and the Confirmation Class, proceeds to go to
the Presbyterian Fund to aid the Japanese people, and the most delicious breakfast foods
ever.
The Christian Education Committee wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the help
and contributions from the 35 plus members and friends that truly made this event a special
success. Many hands make light work!

Handbell Choir: The program year for the Handbell Choir ended last week. Thanks to all
our ringers for your joyful ministry at Grace Covenant. Enjoy your summer!

The Junior Choir (grades 1-6) will have their final rehearsal for the season this Wednes-
day, May 4, at 5:00 p.m., with a pizza and ice cream party at 5:30 p.m. in the Vanguard
Room. The Junior Choir will sing for the last time this season on Mother’s Day (May 8).

The Carol Choir (ages 3-K) will have their final rehearsal this Wednesday, May 4, at 4:30
p.m. We will have a special appreciation time for these choristers during this week’s re-
hearsal.

Chancel Choir rehearsals continue on Wednesdays until May 18.

 THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT
Sunday, May 1 OLDER ADULT SUNDAY
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hour Social Room
12:30 p.m. Deacons’ Meeting Vanguard Room
12:30 p.m. Last New Members’ Class Connections Classroom

Monday, May 2
7:00 p.m. Administration Committee Meeting

Tuesday, May 3
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213
2:00 p.m. Care Team Meeting Room 213
6:00 p.m. CDC Staff Meeting Vanguard Room
6:00 p.m. PW Salad Supper Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, May 4
4:30 p.m. Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Choir Room
5:00 p.m. Junior Choir (grades 1-6) PIZZA PARTY! Vanguard Room
6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Live & Program Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room

Thursday, May 5 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

9:30 a.m. Mothers Together
10:00 a.m. Last MT Children’s Choir Choir Room
10:30 a.m. Children’s Chapel Chapel
3:00 p.m. CDC Muffins for Moms

Friday, May 6
5:45 p.m. Community Group 2107 Maplewood Avenue

Sunday, May 8 MOTHER‟S DAY

10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hour Social Room
12:30 p.m. Missions Committee Meeting
 2011 Officers
Our Elders serve the church as leaders.
Our Deacons lead the church in service.
Presbyterian Women’s
Please feel free to approach them with any
questions or feedback
about GCPC's ministries.
Salad Supper
CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley

ELDERS:
Jean Appich („11) - Christian Education
Brian Baird („11) - Evangelism (M)
Maurice Bell („13) - Finance/Stewardship
Kent Cardwell („12) - Missions (M)
Cal Gray („11) - Property (M)
Matt Hartman („13) - Worship; Evangelism
Cheryl Jacobs („12) - Worship (M); Administration
Catherine Kerns („13) - Christian Education; Evangelism
Caroline Leith („11) - Worship Tuesday, May 3rd at 6:00 p.m.
David Martin („13) - Administration (Co-M); Property
Katie McCullough („13) - Administration (Co-M); Mission Presbyterian Women’s
Dana McKnight („11) - Finance/Stewardship (M)
Birthday Offering received.
Tom Miller („12) - Christian Education (M)
Everett Reveley („12) - Finance/Stewardship
Please bring a salad to share!
DEACONS:
Pat Aldridge („11) - Cards and Prayer Ministry
Betty Appich („11) - Deacon Support
Pat Ball („12) - Flower Deliveries
Cherry Corley („12) - (Moderator)
Susan Farrell („12) - Visitation, Transportation
Nikki Hazlegrove („13) - Meal Deliveries
Jim McCullough („13) - Deacons’ Fund
Julia Poppell („11) - (Secretary) Visitation
Carrie Rose („13) - Visitation and Card Ministry
Dawson Watkins („11) - (Vice-Moderator) Visitor follow-up
Carol Wood („13) - Visitation and Prayer Ministry
Sid Yates („12) - Ushers *Coordinating Circle Group,
please arrive at 5:00 p.m.
SERMON NOTES
“How God Views Our Doubt”
B. BRINTON P. KEYES