Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Grace Notes
Volume 42, Issue 8

August 2012

NOMINATIONS
This November we will be electing five Ruling Elders and four Deacons to the class of 2015. It is incumbent on us that we find the most qualified and dedicated among our congregation to serve in this class as they will be instrumental in the transition to our new pastor when he or she joins us. Additionally we will be electing one trustee and four members of the officer nominating committee. We, the officer nominating committee, are asking each of you to prayerfully consider whom you would want to be elected to these offices and to communicate your recommendations to us. While we certainly will consider those members you bring to our attention in any manner, you are strongly encouraged to use the forms provided for this purpose. They can be found in the narthex, outside the Glass Office. These forms contain statements from the Book of Order describing the qualification and duties of Elders, Deacons, and trustees. There also will be space to list some of the qualifications of those you recommend. Please let us have your recommendations by September 16; feel free to recommend all those you feel are qualified. Please place the completed forms in the box provided in the Glass Office or give them to any of the members of our committee listed below. Thank you for taking the time to help Grace Covenant fulfill its mission in serving God and His church, and please pray for Gods help in this endeavor. Jordan Ball Diane Davis Cal Gray Leslie Hartman Jim McCullough Steve Satterfield Rob Turner

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Brothers and sisters in Christ First, as I type this while reclining in a beach chair in Bethany Beach, Delaware, I want to thank you all for this time away with my family. Carla, Deborah, Elijah, and I have truly enjoyed this down time, and are grateful for the opportunity to spend this unhurried and relaxing time together. I dont know about you, but whenever I take time to immerse myself in the beauty of Gods creation whether it be seashore, mountains, river, or desert I am refreshed in body, mind, and spirit. In regrettable contrast, refreshed is not a word that I have seen in any of the dozens of articles, commentaries, or analyses of the 220th General Assembly, which convened last month in Pittsburgh. Rather, the voices I have heard generally convey other temperaments: frustration and anger with those whose witness lifts up authority other than Scripture; fatigue and discouragement over a seemingly never-ending struggle for the heart of our denomination; hollow, gaping grief over yet more splintering of Christs Body into smaller and sharper fragments. And yet, as I sit here beside a quiet canal, listening to cicadas whirr, watching the marsh grass sway in the breeze, beholding the majestic beauty and divine intricacies of this little Eden, I am reminded that ours is not the first congregation, not the first denomination, not the first church to encounter conflict. Our immortal and sovereign Lord has watched over His people for centuries upon centuries. Since the very beginning of time our God has known the disappointment of selfish rebellion by His own creation. God has endured continuous rejection by the people He formed to love and worship Him. And in His Son, from the beginning of time (John 1:1-3), He has willingly borne in His body the pain of our sin. One cannot spend any time with Scripture and not see that it is replete with conflict. From Adam and Eves paradigmatic sin, through the stories of Genesis; in the Hebrew peoples constant grumbling and rebellion against God in the wilderness; in the stories of Israels inter-tribal warfare, family betrayals, evil scheming, unbridled selfishness, lusting after idols, and general, all-around, utter faithlessness, humanity is shown to be an unremitting fount of conflict and pain. The New Testament is no different in this respect. From the disciples constant squabbling among themselves, to the infighting among the congregations at Corinth and Galatia, to the war- and violencefilled eschatological vision revealed to John, the history of the Christian faith is one overwhelmingly characterized by frustration and anger, fatigue and discouragement and heart-wrenching grief. Whats even more damning is that the people who profess to be faithful react and respond to this conflict this sin in the same way as those who do not follow or even know God. Peter reacts to Jesus arrest by striking the high priests servant with the sword and cutting off his ear (John 18:10). Paul calls out believers for passing judgment upon one another (Romans 14:13), upbraids them for biting and devouring one another (Galatians 5:15), and, in the face of congregational conflict, has to remind them to put away the bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, and slander that they exhibit toward one another (Galatians 4:31). -continued on page 10-

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Stewardship Corner and Financial Update

June's contribution total of $51,900 was a significant increase over May's total of less than $30,000 due to a few individuals making mid-year donations. The total was onethird larger than June of last year, and the year-to-date contributions are running a healthy 13.4% over the same period last year. Total income for the six months is 8.3% lower than last year due to repayments and transfers. In June total income included $8,600 transferred from prior contributions to fund choir section leader expenses for the first half of this year and $5,400 to fund Loaves and Fishes projects. Expenses in June were also relatively high at $58,200, but they included $8,800 in property taxes and $5,400 in Loaves and Fishes projects mentioned above. June's income exceeded expenses by $13,900, and for the first six months of this year expenses exceeded income by $2,000. Our Five Cents Per Meal offering in June was $199 and $1,723 was collected for Loaves and Fishes.

Loaves and Fishes Fund Update:

The Loaves and Fishes Fund is a an opportunity to give to local families in need and to international missions work. To date, we have received pledges (including the anonymous donor's matching gifts) of $22,332 for this year! Of the pledged amount we have received $11,178. The missions committee has been putting your generous pledges to good use. So far we have allocated $6,256 to help three families, providing one family emergency rent support, opening the door to permanent housing for a second family, and providing a third family with much needed car repairs. We are so thankful for everyone's generosity and look forward to sharing more stories with you. We are also seeking input about families known to our congregation that we might be able to help in the future. Please contact Matt Hartman (212-1961, mchartman@vcu.edu).

Openers/Closers August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26 Jake Savage Hank Downing Whit Whitley

Pre-School August 5 August 12 August 19 August 26 Lisa Cardwell Carol Wood Debbie Pritchett Virginia Hudson

Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell

Quarterly Statements
Childrens Worship Kits

The church will not mail second quarter We need volunteers to help with Worship Kits. statements. If you would like a copy, please Worship Kits are small bags we give out to contact Martha Rubin at 359-2463 ext. 205 children to help them follow the sermon with a or by email at bookkeeper@gracebulletin and an activity sheet. Worship Kits covenant.org. Third quarter statements will volunteers are based on a monthly rotation. be available mid-October.
Contact Lisa Cardwell, at 285-7044, if you are willing to serve in this ministry. Filling the Worship Kits can be done on Sunday mornings as well as during the week.

Grace Notes Deadline: August 21 is the deadline for submissions for our September edition.

August Birthdays
2- Clara Ling 3 Ron David 3 Bob Copeland 3 Christof Meyer 4- Thatcher Hartman 5 Jessica Reveley 6- Bill Bridenstine 7- Eva Chenoweth 7- Nina Chenoweth 8- Ray Davis 9- Dottie-Ray Koch 10- Charles Horner 11- Nell Dickenson 11 Charlie Appich 12 Rob Turner 12 Analiese Meyer 15 Phil Coltrain 15- Gary Flake 15- Steve Satterfield 15- Garland Price 17- Everett Reveley 18 Billy Koch 19 Scott Boze 22 Anna Christine Mustanski 23- Helen Whaley 23- Beth Nochta 26- Walter Lumpkin 28- William Morris 28- Jim McCullough 29- Virginia Sommers

Pictorial Directory
The July Grace Notes contained a notice regarding plans for a pictorial directory. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances have made it necessary to cancel these plans. Photographs of members will not be made in September, October, and November.

Titanic 100 years later

Author and Relative to Speak on August 1
Albert Caldwell was 26 years old on April 15, 1912, when he survived the sinking of the Titanic along with his young wife, Sylvia, and infant son, Alden. Julie Hedgepeth Williams knew Albert well he lived to be 91 and told her the story of the Titanic dozens of times. Caldwell was Williams great uncle. Williams heard the stories of how Albert and Sylvia were missionaries in Siam, how they toured Europe on their way home to the United States, and how they ended up on the Titanic. She heard Caldwells descriptions of the beautiful ship, their harrowing rescue on Lifeboat 13, their agony at hearing the screams of the people who could not be saved, and the terrifying night on the Atlantic as they waited to be rescued. It was a true story as he told it. But years later, in the course of research to write her book, Williams discovered the untold part of the story that the Caldwells were fleeing their mission posts and were caught up in a cat-and-mouse chase around the globe that continued even after the Titanic sank, with a great deal of money at stake. A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells Story of Survival is the fascinating narrative woven from the stories that Williams heard from her great uncle and the circumstances she learned from her research. Come hear Julie Hedgepeth Williams tell this story and share her insights at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, or to RSVP for a complimentary dinner beforehand, please call 359-2463 or email info@grace-covenant.org.

August
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 1 TITANIC SPECIAL August 1st at 6:00 pm 4
5 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon Disciple 1:00 pm

6 Mens Lunch 12 noon

7 Staff Meeting 10:00 am Admin. Committee Meeting 6:00 pm PNC Meeting 7:00 pm

8 CDC Board Meeting 5:00pm August Musicales 7:00 pm

15 Staff Meeting 2:00 pm

12 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon Disciple 1:00 pm 19 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon Disciple 1:00 pm 26 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon Disciple 1:00 pm

13 Mens Lunch 12 noon Property Committee Meeting 7:00 pm

14 Fellowship Meeting 6:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 pm 21 GRACE NOTES DUE! Staff Meeting 2:00 pm Care Team 3:00 pm

Care Team 4:00 pm August Musicales 7:00 pm

20 Mens Lunch 12 noon

22 August Musicales 7:00 pm

27 Mens Lunch 12 noon

28 Staff Meeting 10:00 am Care Team 3:00 pm

29

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Thursday 2

Friday 3 Community Group 5:45 pm

Saturday 4 PEOPLE Group at Betty Appichs River Cottage Home

10

11 Satterfield Wedding at 2:00 pm

16 SESSION Meeting 7:00 pm

17 Teacher Work Day CDC CLOSED!

18

Community Group 5:45 pm 23 24 25

30

31 Community Group 5:45 pm

-continued from page 3Because the people of God responded to sin the same way that other people responded to sin, Jesus witness was particularly jarring. Rather than respond with an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, Jesus exhorted His followers to offer a fresh cheek to those who strike them (Matthew 5:38). Rather than rest content with the knowledge that a brothers grudge against you is baseless, Jesus says, be reconciled to that brother before making a gift offering to God (Matthew 5:23-24). And rather than asking God to stop or punish those who were torturing and crucifying Him, Jesus Himself prayed instead that His Father would forgive them (Luke 23:34). This witness was unsettling both to Jesus opponents and to His followers because it was so radically different from the ways that they knew both in practice and in principle. Then again, so also were Jesus acts of kindness and mercy: His healing of the woman with the flow of blood (Luke 8:43-48) and of the Gerasene demoniac (Luke 8:26-39); His casting the demon out of the Syrophoenician womans daughter (Mark 7:25-30); His divine promise to the thief hanging beside Him on the cross (Luke 23:43); and many others. These are the images that flood my mind as I luxuriate in the beauty of Gods creation and know refreshment: images of the Christ who invites the weary and heavy-laden come to Him, that He might provide rest. Refreshment. Images of the Jesus who tells the woman divorced from six husbands that He would give her living water. Refreshment. Images of the Good Shepherd, who makes me lie down in green pastures, leads me beside still waters, and restores my soul. Refreshment. Images of the still, small voice that greets the despondent and suicidal Elijah on the mountain, and sends him forth on a mission with new life. Refreshment. In this world you face persecution but take courage, for I have overcome the world. I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly. He who comes to me shall never hunger; he who believes in me shall never thirst. The new life that is ours in Christ is not new just on the day we receive it; such newness is a newness of this world, a newness that begins growing old the moment it is opened, like a Christmas present under the tree. No, the new life that is ours in Christ is remarkable because it is always new, always welling up, like a spring; constantly renewing itself, constantly sweeping away the old, and re-filling and refreshing us with its divine character. This is the life that we we who proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior and vow to follow Him wherever He leads are called to show forth in the world. And nowhere is that witness more difficult nor more deeply needed than in the face of conflict and sin. At its July meeting, the Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Session passed a resolution to begin a deliberate and Scripture-based study to determine how the Holy Spirit would have our congregation respond to recent developments in the denomination (the entire resolution is published in this months Report to the Congregation, a copy of which can be picked up at various places around the church building). There is no question in my mind that we, as a congregation, must humbly and faithfully respond to these disturbing developments. Ours is not the first congregation to face conflict and sin as a people of God, and we can and must take heart in the knowledge that God has faithfully shepherded His people through the millennia. The fate of His Church has not hinged upon the (fallen) behavior of its members in the past, and it shall not begin to do so with us; rather, it will continue in the hesed steadfast faithfulness of God. Therefore, we have confidence to respond not as the world responds, but rather under the yoke of Christ, in Whom alone we know the new life that daily refreshes and strengthens in self-denying, self-emptying, self-sacrificing love. I thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf, that we might truly discern the will of God in Christ and, discerning, follow obediently and humbly where He leads. Yours in the unceasing love of our Lord and Savior,

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Grace Notes

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Newsletter Title

Small Groups
Small Groups involve quality relationships with a few people, interpersonal exchange, deep support, intimacy (freedom to be known deeply), introspection, discussion, and a safe place.* The immense potential of such face to face fellowship to enable genuine Christian growth (discipleship) and to meet human need makes small group ministry one of the most potent means of enabling a congregation to fulfill the defining vision of making disciples and meeting human needs.* At Grace Covenant we have small groups of people meeting together to study, share, and pray. Some of these include Presbyterian Women circles, Friday evening Community Group, Disciple Group, and the Sunday morning prayer group. We also recently had a Tuesday evening Mens Group series. Our intent is to begin a much more deliberate emphasis on Small Groups at Grace Covenant. In our Mission Study which was completed in March, the Vision Statement includes the line: We will join in community across the generational, ethnic, racial, and economic barriers that separate Gods children. Our Mission Study includes expectations for Session members to be implemented later this year. One of these is: Involvement in a fellowship group focused on spiritual growth and mutual accountability (e.g., Community Group, Mens Group, Small Group [to be developed]). Insights from the Mission Study conclude with: our immediate attention should center on discipleship and evangelism. Through these ministries that foster spiritual growth and encourage the sharing of the Gospel, we pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen Christs Church A planning group for this new emphasis on Small Groups will begin work very soon. Please watch the church bulletin for meeting details. And please pray about how God wants to lead and bless you and Grace Covenant in the ministry of Small Groups.
*E. Stanley Ott: The Vital Churches Institute

Have you wanted to get deeper into the Word, but found it hard to do? Maybe youve felt that you needed a structured schedule or perhaps you have such a schedule, but need a friend to help you stick to it? Do you find that you want to explore further even when the Sunday School class comes to an end? The DISCIPLE Bible Study is a transformative engagement with Scripture. Its 34-week program covers the entire biblical narrative, from Creation to our ultimate home in Gods New Jerusalem. DISCIPLE also offers an 11-week mini-course devoted to the Psalms. Each DISCIPLE course requires 30 minutes of Scripture reading per day, as well as weekly 2-hour gatherings to explore the Scriptures in more depth with fellow participants. While this spiritual discipline requires significant devotion of ones time and energy to God, it is precisely this kind of dedicated commitment that fosters tangible and lasting spiritual growth. Please consider this opportunity for growth in Christ and small group fellowship. Pray, reflect, review your schedule for this fall, and see whether God might be calling you to step forward for this discipleship training. It requires much of a person and it will bear much fruit in your life and faith. We are praying and seeking to grow this excellent spiritual discipline at Grace Covenant and begin a new set of DISCIPLE Bible Study groups in October. If you feel God may be calling you to this discipline and you are interested in either the 34-week program or the 11-week program devoted to the Psalms, please contact Nelson Reveley at 387-8094 or nmr2uf@virginia.edu. The Psalms Bible Study will likely meet as an extended Sunday School class from 9:00-10:30 this fall. The time of the weekly meeting for the 34-week program will be set later, depending on interested participants schedules.

Stephen Tharp
International Concert Organist and Recording Artist 2011 New York City International Performer of the Year
in concert Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Monday, November 12 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of the American Guild of Organists

www.stephentharp.com

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Newsletter Title

Dinner for Six

Dinner for six is in the process of reassigning participants into new groups for our next session that will kick off on Rally Day. Don't be left out of this successful program of fun, food, and Christian fellowship! What a great way to know each other better. Please sign up! Forms will be included in the church bulletins for four weeks. Completed forms can be placed in the offering plates. We will assume that former participants will continue to be a part of our program, unless we are notified. Deadline for signing up is August 15. This year, we want to "take it up a notch" and reach out to the International students at VCU. We are encouraging each new group to "adopt" a student in VCU's Friendship Family program. Forms will be made available to each new group. Once completed, they will be forwarded to VCU. This is just another way that we at Grace Covenant share our love of God with one another and reach out to our community. Your Dinner for Six Coordinators: Katherine Baird Janet Miller Erika Tabor

Squirrels Baseball Game!

Saturday, August 11, 6:30 pm
Grace Covenant will be attending a Flying Squirrels baseball game, the evening concludes with Fireworks! We will reserve a block of seats for $7 each. For additional info and to place your order call Kent Cardwell at 461-8539.

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Missions School Supplies for Honduras

International Student Labor Day BBQ

One of the highlights of Vacation Bible School was the international The children in public student outreach night where we school in Honduras learned that there are many internaattend school from Febtional students at VCU that are inruary to December. terested in meeting Americans. We also had a chance to sit around tables Our mission team's planned visit in January is with some of the students to hear about their impressions of Ameriperfect timing to bring cans and what they thought needed school supplies. about Christians. Are you willing to show hospitality to these nearby GOAL: 120 BOXES OF SUPPLIES We have 120 rigid plastic pencil boxes, each the length of strangers? If so, there is a clear opportunity for you to get involved. a standard new pencil, about six inches wide and two On Labor Day afternoon we are inches high. planning an international student SUGGESTED CONTENTS: Pencils (of course), crayons, outreach, where folks from Grace erasers, sharpeners, pens, children's sunglasses, stickers, Covenant and City Church will small treats and toys. gather for a BBQ with international students, many of whom will have WHEN YOU BEGIN TO SEE THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL just arrived in the US to start their SALES- please consider buying items in quantities suffifall studies at VCU. Please contact cient for this project. Matt Hartman at 212-1961 or at mchartman@vcu.edu, if you would WE'LL HAVE A DATE FOR PACKING SCHOOL BOXES like to either participate and/or help IN THE FALL. plan for this event. Also donations may be dropped off in the Narthex near the Honduras Missions Display. Thanks, everyone, for your help. If you have any questions, contact: Susan Pillsbury David at 387-2302 or clwturtle@aol.com

The Staff
Brint Keyes

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) - Small Groups (M); Stewardship Jack Corley (13) - Finance, Mission Matt Hartman - Missions (M) Virginia Hudson (14) - Evangelism (M) Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M); Fellowship Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (M) Dana McKnight (14) - Finance, Worship Christof Meyer (12) - Christian Ed (M), CDC (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education Joy Nevin (14) - Administration Everett Reveley (12) - Finance (M) 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 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)

Interim Pastor
Revbrint@verizon.net Chris Martin

Director of Music and Organist

martin@grace-covenant.org Vanessa Strait

Administrative Assistant
strait@grace-covenant.org Martha Rubin

Bookkeeper

bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org James Greene

Temporary Sexton
Christopher Tweel

Student Assistant for Christian Education

Christopher.Tweel@upsem.edu Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Phone: (804) 359-2463 Fax: (804) 278-6298 www.grace-covenant.org Sundays: 9:30 a.m.
10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon

Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building Worship Service in the Sanctuary Congregational Fellowship in the Social Room

Grace Covenant Child Development Center Nicole Williams

Director director.gccdc@verizon.net