Professional Documents
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Grace Notes
Volume 43, Issue 10
October 2013
Considering Doors
Where is the Holy Spirit at work among Grace Covenant? What would you name? The session considered this question a couple weeks ago at their retreat hosted at Boaz & Ruth. They named a number of ways they see God faithfully working among us. Some of those named are: ~How Grace Covenant and the CDC have been partnering in creative and energizing ways. Notably, they spoke of the BBQ put together by the Christian Education Committee and the CDC. It was a big event that involved opening up the doors of the church in a new way and God blessed the gathering! Numerous children enjoyed a scavenger hunt throughout the church property, and the adults from the CDC and GCPC enjoyed fellowship. ~How Grace Covenant opened its doors to 40 women from CARITAS, and discovered Gods deep blessing throughout the interactions and ministry that week. ~How Grace Covenant recently hosted a BBQ for over 60 international students from VCU and Union Presbyterian Seminary. Once more, the church opened its doors in a new and creative way. And God blessed the gathering! A number of the students walked into the sanctuary and took pictures as if it was the first time they had ever stepped into a Christian space of worship. More, they asked questions What are these books? (pointing to our hymnals and Bibles). What is this white pillar? (noticing the baptismal font). Talk about an incredible moment to share the love of God! ~How the Service Day back in July sent dozens of folks from this church out into the city, and all returned having sensed God at work through them. We walked out through our doors in a new way, and God blessed the endeavor! ~How we have opened our doors to numerous new ministries that now rent office space at Grace Covenant. These new ministries have allowed the church to live into a call to steward the building that God has entrusted to us. More, in opening the doors to these groups, these ministries are finding creative ways to partner a blessing from God! I should mention that the retreat began with a devotional framed around a famous verse from Revelation 3:20: Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Stewardship Corner
Contributions of $30,000 in August were slightly above those of July and about six percent below those of August a year ago. Year to date contributions of $309,900 were 1% higher than the same period last year, due to an unusually large amount of contributions this year related to pledges in 2012. Total income of $51,400 in the General Fund in August included $8,000 transferred from Reserve Accounts. Expenses in August of $47,100 included $5,200 in insurance payments. The total was reduced by about $6,000 in reimbursements from the Building Fund for prior period air-conditioning repair expenses. Income for August, including the $8,000 transfer from reserves, exceeded expenses by $4,300. The Loaves and Fishes offering in August was $1,400 and our Five Cents Per Meal offering was $176.
Awakening a Love for Christ in the Heart of Richmond is the title of a mission study commissioned and adopted by the Session. This document calls the officers and the congregation to focus 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. These are the same imperatives Jesus stressed when He responded to the question of the Pharisees love the Lord God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). To do this requires that we use the gifts God has given us in the work of His Kingdom. And what is this called? It is called stewardship. And what is stewardship? It has been said that stewardship is all one does after saying I believe. All one does, not just how we use money. Stewardship of Gods possessions is about much more than money, although it involves money. It is about how we live our lives in response to the grace God has given us. It is unfortunate that we hear about stewardship only during this time of year. We should constantly remember our stewardship obligations as Christians and not expect that being reminded of them once a year is sufficient. During this month, there will be presentations that emphasize the good things being done through the ministries and programs of Grace Covenant. As you learn of these good things, please prayerfully consider how you are using the time, talents, and money with which God has blessed you. Using them as God intends they be used will allow more good things to happen. We will bring our pledge cards and lay them before God on October 27. Please use this opportunity to become an important part of this upward growth in the faith, this outward sharing of the Gospel, and this shepherding of guests and new members.
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The Session has called a congregational meeting to be held Sunday, October 20, after the 11 a.m. worship service for the purpose considering a change in GCPCs by-laws to reduce the size of the Session. It will be proposed that each class of the Session be reduced to three going forward, leading ultimately to a Session of nine members down from the current size of fifteen.
PW Circle 1 le Evening Circ 7:00 p.m. ve 1727 Park A ra Leigh Hostess: Lau Savage
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PW Circle 2 11:00 a.m. Vanguard Room Hostesses: Carole Wag ner and Mary Whitley
REV. MARK WRIGHT, PC(USA) MISSION COWORKER IN HONDURAS Greetings to Grace Covenant and the following update: Life in Tegucigalpa is back to normal with the resumption of school (the three Wright boys attend an American school, which has the same school year as schools in the States). Ashley and sons Ethan, Eliott, and Gabriel spent most of their summer with family in Memphis. Mark hosted several groups in Honduras including a group from Tampa Bay Presbytery and one from Westminster Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Mark was particularly excited about the innovative way in which the youth of Westminster Church have been forming a very special, intentional relationship with youth in the Presbytery of Honduras. Mark posed the question to the church leaders as to how they would like to use Westminsters Souper Bowl of Caring funds. Mark posed the question to the Presbytery leaders as to how they would like to see the funds utilized. The leaders surprised me with their insight and forward-thinking in a way that delighted me greatly. They said, why not use this in a way that is more sustainable, that helps for more than just immediate need and invites the recipients to feed themselves? Most of the pastors and members of the rural churches can find access to bits of land for planting the beans and corn they eat year around. But they need to buy seed and fertilizer. They dont have that money, and getting a loan can be difficult and very costly. What if this money can serve as a fund that they can borrow from for their planting and pay back at harvest time with a little extra money, or a small portion of the crop, which could be given to others who cant farm themselves? Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime, I thought! Well, more or lessThey already know how to fish. What they need is some help to buy hooks and bait. -continued on page 114
October
Sunday Monday Tuesday 1 Staff Meeting 10:00 am Admin. Committee Meeting and Missions Committee Meeting 7:00 pm
6 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm on the Terrace POJ Youth Event 5:00 pm 13 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm
Wednesday
2 Care Team 3:30 pm Kids Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm WNL 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm
9 Care Team 3:30 pm Kids Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm CDC Board Meeting 5:00pm WNL 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm 16 Care Team 3:30 pm Kids Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm CDC Parents Meeting 5:30 pm WNL 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm
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Mens Lunch 12 noon
15 Staff Meeting 10:00 am CDC Pumpkin Patch Trip Deacons Meeting 6:00 pm
20 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Congregational Meeting Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm on the Terrace 27 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm
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Care Team 3:30 pm Kids Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm WNL 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm
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Care Team 3:30 pm Kids Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm WNL 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm
Grace Notes Deadline: October 21 is the deadline for submissions for our November edition.
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Friday
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Openers/Closers
October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell Dottie-Ray Koch Rick Nochta Rob Rosebro Jake Savage Cal Gray
October Birthdays
1- Janet Stuart 2- Will Madden 2- Jo Garber 3- Pat Ball 4- Bakoma Mboe 5- Sharon Appich 6- Jed Wilson 8- Benjamin Cardwell 9- Ginny Chandler 9- George Turner 9- David Bell 12- Charlie Kennedy 13- Shep Williams 16- Scott Brooks 17- Susan Pillsbury David 17- Afua Ossei 18- Scott Boze IV 20- Jennifer Schooley Elizabeth Russell PW Circles 20- Roman Chenoweth 22- Helen Lanier Reveley 23- Ann Pais 24- Marjorie Adams 25- John Parker 25- John Valentine 26- Jack Corley 28- Robert Vaughn 31- Jimmy Appich
Greeters
October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27
Grace Covenant is proud to offer several opportunities for all of our children. Heres a handy outline of all that is happening!
Sunday School Hour: 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Nursery, Room 103 Children from birth to around 18 months (parental discretion) are invited into our nursery area where trained and loving caregivers will watch over and nurture these littlest Presbyterians. Preschool - Kindergarten, Room 102 Teacher: Ashley Purdy These children will be taking part in a Sunday School curriculum geared just for them. Children will look at appropriate scriptures and biblical themes. Elementary, Room 209 Teacher: Matt Nieves Ready for a bit more, our elementary age students will be digging deeper into early theological concepts, tenets of the faith, and connecting with who Christ is in their lives.
Worship Hour:
Nursery, Room 103 Children are invited to stay through the Sunday School and worship hours (9:30-12:00 noon) if parents wish. Preschool - Kindergarten Parents may pick-up at 10:30, or allow children to stay (they will move to rm. 101, adjacent). All children will have the opportunity to participate in Childrens Church in the chapel. Pick-up for this age-group will be in rm. 101 Elementary up to age 9 We invite these children to participate in worship with the whole church family until they are invited to continue worship in the chapel. Pick-up for this age-group will be in the social room.
-continued from page 4They can take it from there, and hold their heads high as they provide for their families needs and, perhaps, even have a bit to sere others. Especially for the pastors, who most often receive very little compensation from the church for their long hours of service and caring, such a thoughtful use of this gift is a blessing. It not only fills the belly but provides dignity to men and women, pastors and church members alike, whose life circumstances, culture, and society often strip them of dignity and make them feel worthless. As I thought about the sharing of the youth of West Chester, PA with their friends in the Presbyterian Church of Honduras, I was reminded of Pauls writings to the Church at Corinth as he talks about the generous undertaking underway to help the needy in Jerusalem. Paul tells us of the churches of Macedonia, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints (2 Corinthians 8:4). In Honduras there are countless missions, large and small, each doing good work in its own way. But Paul reminds us of our responsibilities to our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ, in sharing this ministry to the saints. What a blessing to know that God is using us in part of this growth. They have planted their seeds and fertilized the field. Soon will come the harvest. Your gifts, visits, prayer, and commitment to learn more continue to help us all in this good work that God has begun. Thank you! Pray for us. Pray for the harvest.
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Baby Madeline!
We have some surprising news: Madeline Hope Pritchett decided to make an early arrival! She was born on Wednesday, September 4, at 5:38 p.m., weighing 5 lbs. 14 oz. and stretching to 19 inches. This early arrival was definitely not in our plans and threw us for an unexpected loop. Warmest wishes, Debbie and Mason Pritchett
-continued from page 1By the end of the day, the Holy Spirit had definitely given us an image doors! The day began with our considering Jesus presence at the door calling all to follow him. More, it was undeniable that each time we have risked opening our doors or walking through our doors in creative, bold ways, God has blessed our faithfulness. Which makes sense. Pushing through doors, breaking down barriers, and opening full access to the Gospel is at the heart of our faith. For [Jesus] himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility. (Eph 2:14). When we open our doors (and when we walk through them!) we are living the Gospel we are removing every barrier to the love of Christ. We give thanks for Gods faithfulness and pray that God will continue to show us how to open and walk through our doors for the sake of our neighbors. Is God calling you to walk through a door? Perhaps its a conversation you are needing to have. Maybe its a call to walk through your own door so as to be the hands of feet of Christ in the city of Richmond. Perhaps you are being called to open the door for another - inviting them to join you in worship. In light of our stewardship season, God may be calling you to consider how you might open your financial resources for the ministry and mission of Grace Covenant. No matter how it takes shape, you can be sure God is calling each of us to risk a step of faith. Yet we step in hope as we see Gods continual blessings poured out on those who walk in Gods way.
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New Intern!
Luke Woodcock is currently a student in his third year at Union Presbyterian Seminary pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Luke is originally from Hampstead, North Carolina, a small town just north of Wilmington, NC. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in Peace, War, and Defense and minoring in History. Luke enjoys, in his rare spare time, hiking, camping, spending the day at the ocean, enjoying the company of his friends, and, of course, reading and writing. Luke will be serving Grace Covenant as an intern and is thrilled to become involved in the life, worship, and mission of the church.
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Grace Notes
UNFINISHED BUSINESS, is a topic I mentioned once before, referring to it as our Bucket List. I can now announce that it is the theme for our Fall Conference at Camp Hanover in October. The date is Thursday, the 17, from 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. Our conference leader this year is the Reverend Mrs. Jane Govan, pastor of the Cove Presbyterian Church, Covesville, VA, and member of the Presbytery Purpose Group for Older Adult Ministry. The cost is $15.00, with checks made payable to the Presbytery of the James; this includes a delicious Camp Hanover lunch. There are interesting afternoon options.
CHORAL SHOWCASE
VCU Choirs and VCU Music vocal majors perform
In older adult ministry we often refer to choral and solo vocal music, including the Missa Brevis in D, Hymn to St. Cecilia, and selections options. Options are ministry activities, from Brittens operas, song cycles, and folksong projects, or means of providing a particular arrangements. service or experience. I have recently discovered a very worthwhile option. One of our loChris Martin, organist cal Presbyterian congregations has a team of men who host a dinner club for men once a month in the assisted living section of Westminster Canterbury. They have been doing this for 27 years. The attendance may number 10 or 12. The menu is the same as that in the regular dining room. Special personal events are shared, both joys and frustrations. This is a Becky Reeves Rebecca "Becky" Potts good example of ministry already in place. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake Reeves died and went to be with our Lord on Saturday, me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to September 28, 2013. A memorial service will be held at come (Psalm 71:18). Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 10:00 Think about it, as Baby Boomers are turning a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2013. A recep65 every eight seconds. tion in the Social Room will follow the service. Please keep Becky's family and friends in your prayers.
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MissionsBeth Baleke
We continue to give thanks and pray for Beth Baleke in her mission work. These photos were taken recently as Beth spoke at a large church in her town in Uganda.
Upcoming Service Opportunities The Mission Committee invites you to join in upcoming service opportunities! Saturday, Oct 19, Boaz & Ruth's "The Long Walk to Freedom" - The Long Walk to Freedom will be held on Saturday morning, October 19, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. This walk, organized by Boaz & Ruth, is a way to raise funds and awareness for programs helping those coming out of the jail system to break free from recidivism so that they can enter back into vibrant community life. If you have questions or would like to support or join in the walk, please contact Jessica Reveley (jabreveley@gmail.com or (908) 433-1532). More information can be found at the following website http://www.longwalktofreedom.org/. Saturday, Nov 2, Shalom Farms - On Saturday morning, November 2, a group from Grace Covenant will be headed out to serve at Shalom Farms (http://shalomfarms.org/) to help tend the crops and prepare the farm for the coming winter. Shalom Farms is a Christian organization aimed at building community and combating food insecurity in the Greater Richmond Area, particularly low-income urban neighborhoods in which people often lack access to fresh produce. If you have questions or would like to join in this enjoyable time of service, please contact Nelson Reveley (nmr2uf@virginia.edu or 387-8094).
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The Staff
Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor bobby@grace-covenant.org 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 Christopher Tweel Christian Education Coordinator for children Christopher.tweel@upsem.edu Luke Woodcock Seminary Intern luke.woodcock@upsem.edu James Greene Custodian 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: 9:45 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
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) Wayne Casey (13) Jack Corley (13) Matt Hartman (13) Virginia Hudson (14) Cheryl Jacobs (15) Caroline Leith (15) Katie McCullough (13) Dana McKnight (14) Christof Meyer (15) Joy Nevin (14) Everett Reveley (15) Nelson Reveley (15) Robert Rosebro (13) Rob Turner (14) Nominating (M), Finance Property, Small Groups (M) Finance, Missions Missions (M), Small Groups Evangelism (M), CE/Discipleship CE/Discipleship, Fellowship, Worship Administration (Co-M), Property Administration (Co-M) Worship (Co-M), Finance CE/Discipleship (Co-M) Fellowship (M) Finance (M) CE/Discipleship (Co-M), Evangelism Property (M) Worship (Co-M)
Church Officers
DEACONS Compassion Ministry (Flowers, Prayer, Visitation and Care Team) Jan Kessel (14), Ann Pais (14), Dawson Watkins (13), Carol Wood (13) Hospitality Ministry (Ushers/Greeters, Glass Office, Inquirers Class, Guest Follow-up) Lisa Cardwell (15), Courtney Clements (15), Jennifer Schooley (15), Erika Tabor (14) Service (Meals, Transportation, Deacons Fund) Mary Gray (15), Ann Pais (14), Judy Waldron (14), Dawson Watkins (13) TRUSTEES: Lloyd Bostian (13) Kent Cardwell (13) Caroline Leith (14) John Roberts (15)
Grace Covenant Child Development Center Nicole Williams Director director.gccdc@verizon.net www.gracecovenantcdc.com
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