GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

July 24, 2011

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: Director of Music: Administrative Assistant: Bookkeeper: Sexton: Child Development Center: Acting Director 1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 [Link] info@[Link] Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin Willie Alford Frances Mathews

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

So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. -Genesis 29:20 If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold His own Son, but gave Him up for all of us, will He not with Him also give us everything else? -Romans 8:31-32 The essential contrast which Paul paints is between the weakness of the law and the power of the Spirit. For over against indwelling sin, which is the reason the law is unable to help us in our moral struggle (Rom. 7:17, 20), Paul now sets the indwelling Spirit, who is both our liberator now from the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:2) and the guarantee of resurrection and eternal glory in the end (Rom. 8:11, 17, 23). Thus the Christian life is essentially life in the Spirit, that is to say, a life which is animated, sustained, directed and enriched by the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit true Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, indeed impossible. - John R. W. Stott (b. 1921), Romans: Encountering the Gospel's Power (1998)

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
July 24, 2011 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 Adagio (1965) Roger Nyquist

(b. 1934)

Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader:

from Psalm 105

O give thanks to the LORD, call on His name, make known His deeds among the peoples. People: Sing to God, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonderful works! Leader: Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! People: Seek the LORD and His strength; seek Gods presence continually. Leader: Remember the wonderful works He has done His miracles, and the judgments He uttered; People: God is mindful of His covenant forever, of the word that He commanded, for a thousand generations. All: Praise the LORD!

HYMN 482 (Blue Hymnal)

Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty

Lobe Den Herren

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. We tend our cares and worries first, and distance ourselves from others need. We call you Lord, but turn away when obedience is inconvenient. We call you Savior, but place our trust in wealth, esteem and success. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, and forgive us our sins. Convict our hearts of our waywardness, and deliver us from the vanity of self-deceit. Accept our offering of our broken selves, and redeem us by Your unending grace, That we may be filled with the joy of Your salvation, and stirred to go forth into all the world, sharing Your gospel and loving Your people; in the power of your Holy Spirit, and through your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose most holy, humble and powerful name we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON

ALLELUIA

Gelobt sei Gott

Alleluia, music by Melchoir Vulpius, c.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

OFFERING VOLUNTARY Prelude in Classic Style Gordon Young

Vivien Chen, piano, and Chris Martin, organ

(1919-1998)

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

Carol Wood

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 29:15-28 Carol Wood Holy Bible, p. 25 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON EPISTLE READING Romans 8:26-39 Erika Tabor Holy Bible, p. 149 NT

SERMON HYMN 374 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

If God Is with Us Be Still, My Soul The Apostles Creed

B. Brinton P. Keyes Finlandia

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 My Faith Looks Up to Thee arr. Linda McKechnie Greatorex

(with Pavanne by Maurice Ravel) Vivien Chen, piano, and Chris Martin, organ

(b. 1950)

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 361(Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Postlude on a Theme by Orlando Gibbons Christopher Tambling How Firm a Foundation Foundation

(b. 1964)

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 Jane Martin Roberts by her family.

Give thanks to God: for the continuing work of the CDC Board in shepherding that ministry through a promising and challenging new season; for the leadership of Frances Mathews, Jennifer Ball and Nichole Williams, and for the ministry of the CDC staff for His gracious blessing of healing upon Whit Whitley, John Parker and Sudie Wood Continue to pray: for Katherine Baird in the wake of her stepfather Bobs sudden passing, and for his wife, June for those in need of healing: Charlie Jed Wilson, recovering from hip surgery; Tom Millers father, Joe; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh-Oh); Jim Thomas mother and stepfather, Dan & Linda; Brian Bairds brother-in-law, Jerry; Vanessa Strait; Peter and Loretta Albertis; Rosie & George Turner; Edwards & Stella Schlieser; Nela Bostian and Eila Brooks for Jennifer Schooley and her children, Coco and Jack for those facing vocational challenges: Jennifer Schooley, Wayne Casey, Erika Tabor, Sudie Wood, Carol Wood, Matt Hartman, and Logan Moorheads daughter-in-law Sharie for Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry, and for John Lootens traveling across the United States for our Session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word for Beth Lloyd for Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces for the victims of floods, tornadoes and drought across our country, and for the people of Japan and Haiti, still recovering from disaster for Coptic Christians in Egypt, for deliverance from persecution; and for people of North Africa & the Middle East seeking democracy for the missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee (back in the US from Indonesia, fighting cancer) Valentin & Svetlana Chicu in Moldova The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands for Governments and Governing Bodies of Metropolitan Richmond: For the Supervisors of Chesterfield County, the County Administrator, and all county employees.
"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

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. Next Sunday our guest soloist will be Lisa Edwards-Burrs, soprano.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (July 24): Opener Wayne Casey; Greeter Jean Appich; Nursery Worker Nikki Hazlegrove; Worship Kits Done by Bulletin Folders; Fellowship Hour - Dana McKnight WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (July 31): Opener Cal Gray; Greeter Carrie Rose, Bob Copeland, Jean Appich; Nursery Worker Megan Meyer; Worship Kits Done by Bulletin Folders; Fellowship Hour - Carol Wood and Sudie Wood

Combined Adult Sunday School Summer Schedule

Summer Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks will be available at 9:30 a.m. July 31 Carrie Rose A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 August 7 August 14 Christof Meyer Christof Meyer Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 3 of 4 Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 4 of 4

Sunday Morning Prayer Youre invited to join an informal group that gathers every Sunday morning for a few moments of prayer. Come by the Social Room at 9:10 for 15 minutes of prayer before heading off to Sunday School. Its a great way to start your Sabbath morning at church. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thess. 5:16-18) WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER COMMITTEE FORMING:

The first Wednesday Night Live program committee will meet this Thursday, July 28, 7:00 p.m. in the Vanguard Room. Please bring your ideas and suggestions to help plan for September through December. If you are unable to join the group, please contact Jean Appich with your suggestions at 355-4624 or jrappich@[Link]. I look forward to a great meeting. Jean and the Christian Education Committee

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, July 24 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Monday, July 25 12:00 noon Tuesday, July 26 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Thursday, July 28 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 29 5:45 p.m. Sunday, July 31 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Community Group 2107 Maplewood Avenue Prayer Social Room Combined Sunday School Classes Fellowship Hall Worship Service Sanctuary Fellowship Hour Social Room Fellowship Lunch Fellowship Hall Brint Keyes Speaking Westminster Canterbury Mens Luncheon Vanguard Room

Care Team Meeting Christian Education Committee Meeting

Room 213 Room 213

Church Staff Retreat CDC Board Meeting GRACE NOTES MAILING Childrens Chapel WNL Program Committee Meeting

Richmond Hill Vanguard Room

Chapel Vanguard Room

2011 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 GCPC's ministries.
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 David Martin (13) - Administration (Co-M); Property Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (Co-M); Mission Dana McKnight (11) - Finance/Stewardship (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education (M) Everett Reveley (12) - Finance/Stewardship 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 (M=Moderator)

SERMON NOTES
If God Is with Us...
B. BRINTON P. KEYES