May 15, 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
www.grace-covenant.org www.wlesradio.com
info@grace-covenant.org

Hearing Aids, Large Print Hymnals, and Bulletins

are available each week from the ushers.
 PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
They devoted themselves to the apostles‘ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs
were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in
common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to
all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they
broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God
and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their
number those who were being saved.

-Acts 2:42-47

The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens
the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and
leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and
the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

-John 10:2-4

Devotion is the real spiritual sweetness which takes away all bitterness from mortifica-
tions, and prevents consolations from disagreeing with the soul; it cures the poor of
sadness, and the rich of presumption; it keeps the oppressed from feeling desolate,
and the prosperous from insolence; it averts sadness from the lonely, and dissipation
from social life; it is as warmth in winter and refreshing dew in summer; it knows how
to abound and how to suffer want, how to profit alike by honour and by contempt; it
accepts gladness and sadness with an even mind, and fills men's hearts with a won-
drous sweetness.

-François de Sales (1567-1622), Introduction to the Devout Life [1609],

London: Rivingtons, 1876, I.ii, p. 6
 A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
May 15, 2011 The Fourth Sunday of Easter 11:00 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

PRELUDE Sheep May Safely Graze Johann Sebastian Bach
arr. Virgil Fox
(1912-1980)

†Please stand for these parts of the service.

†CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 23

Leader: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

People: He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
Leader: He leads me down paths of righteousness for His name‘s sake.
People: Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil; for You are with me;
Leader: Your rod and Your staff— they comfort me.
People: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Leader: You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
People: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
All: And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

†HYMN 209 ( Red Hymnal) Thine Is the Glory Judas Maccabeus

†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

†EASTERTIDE ALLELUIA 15th Century, French

Alleluia, music O FILLII ET FILIAE,

Airs sur les hymnes sacrez, odes et noëls, 1623,
© 1990, The Presbyterian Hymnal, Westminster/John
Knox Press.
 WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD
WELCOME Matt Hartman

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

OFFERING

ANTHEM I Know That My Redeemer Lives Craig Courtney

Chancel Choir

I know that my Redeemer lives,

and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
And though my body be destroyed, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
Alleluia, alleluia, I know that my Redeemer lives.

Now we see in a glass dimly, but then, face to face;

now I know in part, but then I shall know as I am known.
Alleluia, alleluia, I know that my Redeemer lives.

- Job 19:25-26 and I Corinthians 13:12

†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 Matt Hartman

 WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Matt Hartman

EPISTLE READING Acts 2:42-47 Holy Bible, p. 115 NT

CHILDREN‘S SERMON Kelley Lane

GOSPEL READING John 10:1-10 Holy Bible, p. 99 NT

SERMON “Devotion and Discipleship” B. Brinton P. Keyes

†HYMN 391 (Blue Hymnal) Take My Life Hendon

THANKSGIVING & SENDING

Grace Covenant has been blessed by the fellowship and prayers of Enos Awuitor and Jones Denutsui, students at
Virginia Union University’s Samuel deWitt Proctor School of Theology. Today is their last Sunday with us before
returning to Ghana. We thank God for the fellowship they have shared with us and send them forth with prayers for
safe passage and faithful ministries in the years to come. May the fellowship that we have shared bear fruit to God’s
glory in our lives.

CHORAL RESPONSE Send Me, Lord, into the World African

†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.

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 437 (Red Hymnal) The Church’s One Foundation Aurelia

†BENEDICTION

†CHORAL RESPONSE God Be with You Till We Meet Again William Tomer

†POSTLUDE Toccata for Organ John Weaver

(b. 1937)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory

of Bob McCrickard by Kip Moore.
Give thanks to God this week for all who serve in the vocation of nursing; and for our
Ghanaian brothers Enos and Jones, whose fellowship we have enjoyed this past year and
who are now returning to Ghana following the completion of their studies at Virginia Un-
ion University‘s Samuel deWitt Proctor School of Theology. We are grateful for their wit-
ness, and pray for a safe return home and God‘s blessing and increase upon their ministries
in Ghana.
We pray for the PCUSA in the wake of the passage of Amendment 10-A (thereby remov-
ing from the Book of Order the ―fidelity-chastity‖ clause governing fitness for ordination),
that our conversations, decisions and public witness in the weeks and months to come may
be faithful and bring glory to God…
Continue to pray for Tom Miller‘s father, Joe; Cheryl Jacob‘s mother, Lucinda; Katie
McCullough‘s grandmother; Beverly Proffitt, recovering from hand and wrist surgery;
Ray Inscoe, recovering from heart surgery; Mary Chenoweth, recovering at home; 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 and Logan Moorhead‟s daughter-in-law Sharie, all facing vocational chal-
lenges; Leslie Hartman‘s community garden ministry…
Stuart Chapman and William Bridenstine, serving in our nation‘s Armed Forces; the vic-
tims of storms, floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters in our nation, especially Bill
Kerns‟ sister Karen and Willie Alford‟s sister Mary, and their families in North Carolina;
the people of Japan; the people of North African and Middle Eastern nations seeking
democracy; and we pray for the churches and religious institutions of Metropolitan
Richmond: for seminaries, bible colleges, and schools training persons for vocations in
ministry; for the students, faculty, and staff of these institutions.
"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
There are just over twenty secular cantatas in Bach‘s prolific output, which includes his Hunt Can-
tata which contains the famous aria Sheep May Safely Graze. Bach composed this cantata during his
tenure in Weimar, Germany (1713). This cantata is scored for a large orchestra, four soloists, and a
mixed choir. Although the text is in praise of hunting, the words describe how well a faithful
shepherd keeps watch over his flock and hence has obvious allusions to the teachings of the
Christian church. Known for his flamboyant performances, Virgil Fox-one of the most iconic
concert organists of the twentieth century-arranged today‘s prelude.

I Know That My Redeemer Lives was written in memory of an eleven-year-old child and is imbued
with the sincerity and simplicity of childlike faith. The well-known Old Testament text (Job 19) is
paired with words from Corinthians 13, assuring us that our understanding will be made perfect
when we see God. Craig Courtney's published works include over 70 sacred choral octavos, five
vocal collections, and four extended works for choir and orchestra. Compositionally, Mr. Court-
ney combines his training and background as a pianist, a cellist, a vocal coach, an accompanist and
a choral director to create works that bear his unique style.

John Weaver served as Director of Music at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York
City (1970-2005), Head of the Organ Department at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia
(1972-2003), and Chair of the Organ Department at The Juilliard School (1987-2004). Of today‘s
postlude John Weaver writes: "The Toccata was composed during my second year as a student at
the Curtis Institute of Music (1960). It is dedicated to Grace Newsome Cushman, a remarkable
theory teacher from the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore and the director of a summer music
camp in Vermont which I attended from my early teens. I later was deeply involved in the teach-
ing and administration of the camp. I wrote it at a time when I was feeling that the organ litera-
ture was in need of more joyful pieces, and so I set out to write a toccata with a decidedly sunny
disposition. It has been recorded several times and is often used as a wedding recessional."

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY: Opener-Charlie Appich; Greeters-Kent Cardwell,

Everett Reveley, Leslie Hartman; Nursery Worker-Beth Coltrain; Worship Kits-Lewis Rose-
bro; Fellowship Hour-The Appich Family

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (May 22): Opener-John Lootens;

Greeters-Brian Baird; Nursery Worker-Carol Wood; Worship Kits-Lewis Rosebro; Fellow-
ship Hour-Beth Coltrain
 THE LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE! Dinner be-
gins at 6:00 p.m. This week‘s dinner is ―Comfort Food‖ roasted
chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, green salad and
fruit pies for dessert. See the last page for our special program:
―Let ‗Er Riff- Organ Works with a Flair,‖ featuring Chris Martin, organist and John Harris,
narrator.

SUMMARY NOTES FROM SESSION REPORT: The Session has provided a summary report
to help ensure that the congregation remains informed of its decisions and actions. Copies
are available in the narthex, in the Social Room, in the glass office, and outside the choir
room. Please take one and read about the decisions and actions our elders are taking to
lead our congregation.

SAVE THE DATE: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon is on Sunday, June 5! Everyone is

invited to join in a cook-out following worship to honor our Sunday School Teachers and
Nursery Workers, and thank them for all that they do for us. Weather permitting, the
luncheon will be outside on the Terrace.

SAVE THE DATE: The next PEOPLE Group will meet on Saturday, June 18 at Sid
Yates home-away-from-home, also known as his River Place in Waterview, Virginia. Flyers
with Maps are located around the church for additional info. Please bring a friend!

INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW…

Contribution statement were not mailed at the end of the first quarter (March 31). My plan
was to send statements mid year. I will gladly provide a statement or answer any questions
concerning your contributions/pledge. Email, bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org or call me
at extension 205. Thank you, Martha Rubin
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 informa-
tion, call Matt or Leslie Hartman at 212-1961.

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@gmail.com, or 586-4156 for more info.

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 wor-
ship service for those children 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 announcements. Visit
http://www.facebook.com/GraceCovenantPC and be sure to "Like" us!
SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS SUMMER: The Christian Education Committee needs your in-
put as we plan for the summer. Please answer the following questions:

What would you like to see take place during the Sunday school hour (9:30 a.m. –
10:30 a.m.) during the summer (starting June 19th)?
We are gathering ideas for topics; the following topics have been suggested: ―What
Does It Mean to Be the Church?‖; a study of the Book of Acts and Philippians; a
lectionary-based study that would relate to the next week‘s sermon. Let us know
what you think of these ideas and/or if you have other ideas.
How personally committed are you to being here/attending a class? (Are there cer-
tain weeks we should cancel class?)
Would you be willing to help organize or lead one week‘s class?

Please send all answers by e-mail or phone to Kelley Lane, lane@grace-

covenant.org // 804-359-2463, or Jean Appich, jrappich@verizon.net // 804/355-
4624.
Thank you so much for your help!
=========================

Sunday morning classes are a great way to deepen your faith and also to fellowship with oth-
ers. There are several Sunday School Classes to choose from. All Sunday School Classes be-
gin at 9:30 a.m.
Connections Class ―Contemporary Issues‖ Room 303
May 15 : "Contemporary Issues : Pluralism in the Church"
May 22 : "Contemporary Issues : Parenting in the Year 2011"
May 29 : "Contemporary Issues : Hell"

Vanguard Class ―Book of James‖ Room B-4

Grace Class ―Bible Study‖ Room 212
Forum Class ―Revelation‖ with Tom Miller Room B-7
 THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT
Sunday, May 15
9:15 a.m. Prayer Social Room
9:30 a.m. Meeting of Session Acts 16:5 Forum Class
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Classes Various Rooms
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 noon Fellowship Hour Social Room
12:30 p.m. Missions Committee Meeting Vanguard Room

Monday, May 16
5:15 p.m. Conrad Center Outreach

Tuesday, May 17
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213
2:00 p.m. Care Team Meeting Room 213

Wednesday, May 18
12:30 p.m. Stuart Circle Parish Meeting Vanguard Room
5:00 p.m. CDC Board Meeting Vanguard Room
6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Live Fellowship Hall
6:45 p.m. Program ―Let ‗Er Riff ‖ Sanctuary
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room

Thursday, May 19
10:30 a.m. Children‘s Chapel Chapel
7:00 p.m. SESSION MEETING Vanguard Room

Friday, May 20 GRACE NOTES DUE

5:45 p.m. Community Group 2107 Maplewood Avenue

Saturday, May 21
12:00 noon VCU English Department Graduation Sanctuary

Sunday, May 22
9:15 a.m. Prayer Social Room
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Classes Various Rooms
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 noon Fellowship Hour Social 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) Please join us for our last
Everett Reveley („12) - Finance/Stewardship Wednesday Night Live:

DEACONS: This Wednesday, May 18

Pat Aldridge („11) - Cards and Prayer Ministry
Betty Appich („11) - Deacon Support 6:00 p.m. Dinner
Pat Ball („12) - Flower Deliveries 6:45 p.m. Program
Cherry Corley („12) - (Moderator)
Susan Farrell („12) - Visitation, Transportation Organist Chris Martin and narrator
Nikki Hazlegrove („13) - Meal Deliveries John Harris will present a program in the
Jim McCullough („13) - Deacons‘ Fund Sanctuary. Details are listed above.
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
SERMON NOTES
“Devotion and Discipleship”
B. BRINTON P. KEYES