GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

November 11, 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 www.grace-covenant.org info@grace-covenant.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Radio: WLES 590 AM www.wlesradio.com

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.
And they will go out and look on the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind. - Isaiah 66:24 (NIV) But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. - I Corinthians 8:9 (KJV) An anticipation of an objection: why then will we therefore be deprived of our liberty? Nay, says the apostle, you will lose no part of Christianity although you abstain for your brethren's sake, as also if you receive the food, for it makes you in no way the more holy, for our commendation before God consists not in foods. But to use our liberty with offence of our brethren is an abuse of liberty, the true use of which is completely contrary, that is, to use it in such a way that we have consideration of our weak brethren. - The Geneva Bible A Facsimile of the 1560 Edition. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers Inc., 1989.

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
November 11, 2012 Thirty-Second 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 Allegretto (Organ Sonata No. 4) Felix Mendelssohn

(1809-1847)

WELCOME
Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Many: One: Many: One: Many:

from Psalm 95

O come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the LORD is the great God, and the great King above all gods. In His hand are the deep places of the earth; The heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand.

HYMN 461 (Blue Hymnal)

God Is Here!

Abbots Leigh

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy God and 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. More than straying we cause others to do the same. Instead of leading in faith and love, we cause the weak to stumble and fall. We are responsible. We are guilty of desiring to increase our own fame, and not Your Name. 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 peace and joy to love and serve even the weakest 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 Tony Alonso
(b. 1980)

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

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT

Virginia Hudson

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND GIFTS ANTHEM An Offering Dan Forrest

Chancel Choir

(b. 1978)

O Christ, Who spared not any cost, Nor any grace withheld, But poured forth Your redeeming blood In love unparalleled; What would you have me offer, Lord? What must I count as loss That I may taste the fellowship That brings me near the cross? Why should I cling to gifts You give? Why grasp in foolish pride What You who gave Yourself for me Now bid me lay aside? To know You is my highest gain, Worth any sacrifice, A treasure worthy to posses At any earthly price. Yet if behind my open hands, My heart shrinks from the cost, Teach me nothing offered You Is ever truly lost. A hundredfold reward awaits In one glimpse of Your face, My sacrifice forgotten in the riches of Your grace.
An Offering, text by Eileen Berry 2012 by Beckenhorst Press. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

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

Afua Ossei

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Afua Ossei

EPISTLE READING

Romans 14:17-22

Holy Bible, p. 154 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON JUNIOR CHOIR Come, Sing Your Thanks to the Lord Leslie Hartman Terry Taylor

Come, sing your thanks to the Lord, enter his presence with songs of gladness, joyful voices raise! Come, sing your thanks to the Lord, let all the people rejoice together, alleluias raise to God. Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices, who wondrous things has done, in whom this world rejoices; who from our mothers arms has blessed us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

GOSPEL READING

Mark 9:38-50

Holy Bible, p. 47 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Little Siblings Christopher Tweel

HYMN 353 (Blue Hymnal) Great God, Your Love Has Called Us Here AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles Creed

Das Neugeborne Kindelein

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.

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 535 (Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Go with Us, Lord Lead Me, Lord Tallis Cannon Samuel Sebastian Wesley

A Trumpet Minuet

Alfred Hollins

(1865-1942)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship. The flowers, reflecting peace, are given to the glory of God and in memory of Beth Coltrain, by the family.

Give thanks to God for: Patty Richwines healing and return home from physical therapy; Jean Appichs continuing recovery; Nancy States healing from foot surgery Elizabeth Gee, as she prepares to join the Church Triumphant, that God continues to use her as a bold, loving, and faithful witness to His victorious grace Please pray for: Betty Clough, recovering from a fall; 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; Carlos Juara, facing vocational challenges; Rosie and George Turner; Nela Bostian; Beth Lloyd; the Steve Cobb family Our PNC (Brian Baird, Pat Ball, Kent Cardwell, Leslie Hartman, Will Kemp Madden, Marcia Manning, and Everett Reveley [Moderator]), that they may know the sustaining power of Gods Holy Spirit in their ministry of discernment; and for our Outreach and Evangelism Ministry (Brian Baird, Phil Coltrain, John Harris, Virginia Hudson [chair], Steve Kemp, Rick Nochta, John Roberts and Steve Satterfield), that they might lead us in using the gifts of our radio broadcast and our website to their fullest, in the service of the Gospel Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, Mike Child, and Jessica, serving in our nations Armed Forces The Deacons Meals Ministry (Susan Farrell and Nikki Hazlegrove [chair]), as it lives out its diakonia calling by preparing meals for those experiencing difficulty or trial; and our Loaves and Fishes Ministry (Kent Cardwell, Jack Corley, Susan Farrell, Matt Hartman [chair], Susan Pillsbury David, Jess Reveley, Nelson Reveley, and Dawson Watkins), as it shares the love of Christ with Richmond families in need by providing material, financial, and prayer support We pray for persons in financial need in Metropolitan Richmond: For the homeless and the hungry, for the provision of safe, affordable housing and low-cost, nutritious food, for the personal safety, dignity, and well-being of those who are unable to work.

During his lifetime, Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) was famous chiefly as a composer, pianist, and conductor. In the eyes of many, however, he was also seen as one of the greatest organists of his day despite the fact that he had never held a church position, had never taught a single pupil, and in his native Germany he had given only one public recital in the course of his entire career. Although the piano was the eminently practical instrument for Mendelssohn, the organ was unquestionably his instrument of choice. The Allegreto from his fourth organ sonata is pianistic in nature, with gentle flowing arpeggios in the right hand accompanying a broad sweeping melody in the left hand. Dan Forrest (b. 1978) is a pianist-turned-composer whose music has already established a lasting presence in the US and abroad. An Offering is a gentle musical unfolding of the balance between stewardship and Christ's supreme sacrifice. Todays Junior Choir anthem is based on Psalm 100 and features the Thanksgiving hymn Now Thank We All Our God. Blind from birth but blest with perfect pitch, Alfred Hollins (1865-1942) was a gifted pianist and a virtuosic organist. After holding several positions in London he was, from 1897 to 1947, organist of Free St. Georges Church in Scotlands capital city, hence his worldwide reputation as Edinburghs blind organist. His Trumpet Minuet is his most recognizable organ composition, set in a quasi-classical form of a trumpet voluntary.

PROGRAM Ouverture Handel from Music for the Royal Fireworks Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 Allegro Adagio Allegro Intermezzo (piano) in A Major Variations on Rouen (2010) Organ Sonata No. 2 in C Minor Grave-Adagio Allegro maestoso e vivace Fuga: Allegro moderato Trois Nouvelle Pieces Classique dhier Mystique Classique daujourdhui Bach

Stephen Tharp
International Concert Organist and Recording Artist
In Concert

Brahms Baker Mendelssohn

Monday, November 12 7:30 p.m.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 1627 Monument Avenue Dessert Reception in the Social Room

Widor

Congregational Gathering: TODAY, November 11, 12:30 p.m.

At its October 15 meeting, the Session discussed the proposal to invite City Church to rent GCPCs facilities for office space and for Sunday afternoon worship. Before making a decision, they would like to hear the affirmations and concerns of the congregation. To that end, the Session met with members of the congregation this past Wednesday evening, and had a very open, constructive, and helpful conversation. Those who were unable to attend that conversation are invited to meet with the Session at 12:30 p.m. today in the Fellowship Hall for another such gathering. The Session wants to hear from every member before making its decision, so please share your comments with your Ruling Elders today if you have not done so already. If you would like to share your input with the Session and are unable to attend, please email your comments to Cheryl Jacobs at bill.cher.jacobs@mindspring.com, or put them in Cheryls box in the Glass Office.

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@comcast.net or by phone at 355-5579. Thank you.

The Mission Study commissioned and adopted by the Session encourages the leaders and congregation of Grace Covenant to focus their attention on an upward growth in the faith, an outward sharing of the Gospel through evangelism and missions, and a forward shepherding of guests and new members in our congregation. Sharing the Gospel and welcoming and nurturing guests and new members is a very important part of our stewardship of Gods gifts. Your financial commitment to the ministries and programs of Grace Covenant will ensure that this welcoming outreach and Christian nurture continue.

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 other 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 the next group in January)!

I feel having the opportunity to commit to reading the Bible frequently, discussing it and being encouraged to apply the teachings to my life has aided me to increase in my Christian growth. I think Disciple Bible study is a phenomenal tool to use to help Christians in the Christian journey. -- Afua Ossei Week 8: Grace and Repentance Monday: Hymn 370 (Blue); Psalm 102; Isaiah 58 Tuesday: Hymn 240 (Blue); Psalms 6, 32; Luke 15 Wednesday: Hymn 361 (Blue); Psalms 38, 143; Luke 18 Thursday: Hymn 276 (Blue); Psalm 130; Romans 3:9-26 Friday: Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 12 Saturday: Study Guide Commentary

Share Thanksgiving Day with an International Student

International students and scholars are eager to learn more about our culture, to experience the warmth of a home, and to make American friends. Thanksgiving Day is a wonderful opportunity to show Christian hospitality and friendship. If you would be interested in sharing this special American holiday with a VCU international student or scholar, please contact Matt Hartman (mchartman@vcu.edu, 212-1961) or Pam Haney (pohaney@vcu.edu, 828-8309 ) by November 14. A Thanksgiving volunteer form can also be found at http://www.global.vcu.edu/pdf/American_Volunteer_Thanksgiving.pdf.

Sunday School CLASS

Forum Grace Vanguard Connections Pre-Elementary Elementary Youth

TEACHER
Tom Miller Jack Corley Matt Johnson Nelson Reveley Nikki Hazlegrove Megan Meyer and Erika Tabor Virginia Hudson Christopher Tweel

TOPIC
The Holy Spirit Letters to the seven churches Ephesians DISCIPLE Bible Study on Psalms Ten Commandments and Catechism Christianity in Action

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@netscape.net 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@grace-covenant.org. Menu for This Wednesday: Chicken pot pie, broccoli, rolls, salad, and banana pudding for dessert. Program: Come hear from CHAT (Church Hill Academy and Tutoring) a ministry Grace Covenant supports. Presented by Percy Strickland.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, November 11 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Monday, November 12 12:00 noon 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 13 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 14 9:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, November 15 10:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 18 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Handbell Rehearsal Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Community Group Lunch Congregational Gathering Training for Elders and Deacons Mens Luncheon Stephen Tharp Organ Recital City Church Womens Bible Study PW Circle #3 PW Circle #2 Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Admin. Committee Meeting PW Circle # 1 City Church Womens Bible Study Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Junior Choir (grades 1-5) CDC Board Meeting Wednesday Night Live Chancel Choir Rehearsal CDC Chapel Service Session Meeting STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Handbell Choir Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Community Group Lunch Handbell Room Social Room Various Classrooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room Sanctuary Grace Room and 213 Social Room Covenant Room Room 213 Pastors Office Room 213 1502 Park Avenue Grace Room and 213 Choir Room Choir Room Vanguard Room Fellowship Hall Choir Room Chapel Vanguard Room Handbell Room Social Room Various Classrooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall

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
Little Siblings Christopher Tweel