May 8, 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
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the
other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be for-
given; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for
your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to
him.”

-Acts 2:37-39

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it
to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished
from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us
while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?”
That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and
their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed,
and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and
how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

-Luke 24:30-35

There are many reasons for the failure to comprehend Christ's teaching...but the chief
cause which has engendered all these misconceptions is this: that Christ's teaching is
considered to be such as can be accepted, or not accepted, without changing one's
life.

-Leo Tolstoy
 A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
May 8, 2011 The Third Sunday of Easter 11:00 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

PRELUDE Prière (Suite Gothique) Léon Boëllmann
(1862-1897)

†Please stand for these parts of the service.

†CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 116

Leader: I love the LORD,

because He has heard my voice and my supplications.
People: Because He inclined His ear to me,
therefore I will call on Him as long as I live.
Leader: The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
People: Then I called on the name of the LORD:
“O LORD, I pray, save my life!”
Leader: Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
People: The LORD protects the simple;
when I was brought low, He saved me.
Leader: What shall I return to the LORD for all His bounty to me?
People: I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD,
All: I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all His people.

†HYMN 208 (Red Hymnal) The Day of Resurrection! Lancashire

†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.

Alleluia, music O FILLII ET FILIAE,

Airs sur les hymnes sacrez, odes et noëls, 1623,
© 1990, The Presbyterian Hymnal, Westminster/John Knox Press.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.
 WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD
WELCOME Katherine Baird

MINUTE FOR MISSION Jim McCullough

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

OFFERING

ANTHEM Look at the World John Rutter

Chancel and Junior Choirs (b. 1945)

Look at the world, everything all around us:

Look at the world and marvel every day.
Look at the world: so many joys and wonders,
So many miracles along our way.

Look at the earth bringing forth fruit and flower;

Look at the sky, the sunshine and the rain;
Look at the hills, look at the trees and mountains,
Valley and flowing river, field and plain:

Think of the spring, think of the warmth of summer

Bringing the harvest before the winter’s cold.
Everything grows, everything has a season,
Till it is gathered to the Father’s fold:

Every good gift, all that we need and cherish

Comes from the Lord in token of His love;
We are His hands, stewards of all His bounty;
His is the earth, and His the heavens above:

Praise to Thee, O Lord, for all creation,

Give us thankful hearts, that we may see:
All the gifts we share, and every blessing,
All things come of Thee.

- text by John Rutter

Look at the World, text by John Rutter (b. 1945) © 1996 Oxford University Press.
All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.
†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 Katherine Baird

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Katherine Baird

EPISTLE READING Acts 2:14-21 Holy Bible, p. 114 NT

CHILDREN’S SERMON Kelley Lane

GOSPEL READING Luke 24:13-49 Holy Bible, p. 87 NT

SERMON “Why the Gospel Must Be Told” B. Brinton P. Keyes

†HYMN 525 (Blue Hymnal) Here I Am, Lord Here I Am, Lord

†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 383 (Red Hymnal) I Love to Tell the Story Hankey

†BENEDICTION

†CHORAL RESPONSE Twofold Amen John Storer

†POSTLUDE Christ Is Arisen! Gerald Near

(b. 1942)

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 honor and memory
of all mothers by the Vanguard Class.
The Suite Gothique is the most popular organ work by Léon Boëllmann, a French composer not
widely known today. When the suite was introduced in 1895, the piece was an immediate hit and vari-
ous instrumental versions of it were made. Prière is the composer’s favorite movement from the suite.
This gentle prelude features a lovely main theme, mostly played in the upper registers, that seems to
serenely float in quiet sonorities. The mood never varies from its sense of peace and tranquillity, even
when the dynamics rise a bit in the middle section.

John Rutter’s anthem Look at the World is a work for combined choirs featuring our Chancel and Jun-
ior Choirs. John Rutter is one of England's best-known composers of the late-twentieth century, and
while he is most popular in England and in the United States, his music is performed worldwide. In
1996 the Archbishop of Canterbury conferred a Lambeth Doctorate of Music upon him in recogni-
tion of his contribution to church music. Look at the World was composed in 1996 in celebration of
the 70th anniversary of the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

The postlude is by Gerald Near, one of the finest American composers of organ and choral music
today. Near’s compositional style is very unique in that his musical language is both evasive at times
and at others extremely personal. Between 1995 and 1997 Near composed a large collection of organ
works based on chorales (hymns). Today’s postlude is an energetic setting on CHRIST IST ERSTAN-
DEN, a German Easter hymn (Presbyterian Hymnal, #112).

Give thanks to God for the assurance of eternal life that we know in Christ, and for the promise of
His eternal rest into which our sisters Betty Berry and Ruth Boring passed last Tuesday; and for all
who are, and have been, mothers.
Continue to pray for Tom Miller’s father, Joe; Cheryl Jacob’s mother, Lucinda; Katie McCul-
lough’s grandmother; Beverly Proffitt, recovering from hand and wrist surgery; Ray Inscoe, recov-
ering 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, Jason Pace and Logan Moor-
head‟s daughter-in-law Sharie, all facing vocational challenges; Leslie Hartman’s community gar-
den ministry…
Stuart Chapman and William Bridenstine, serving in our nation’s Armed Forces; the victims 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 all pastors, ministers, missionaries,
and servants of Christ.
"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
 WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE! Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m.
This week’s dinner is “It’s Italian”: cheese ravioli with red
meat sauce, garlic bread, and salad bar. Italian cream cake is
for dessert. A Bible study is planned for our program.

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.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY: Opener-Lloyd

Bostian; Greeters-Lewis Rosebro, David Martin, Carol
Wood, Carrie Rose, Brian Baird; Nursery Workers-Carson Price, Jo Garber; Worship
Kits-Lewis Rosebro; Fellowship Hour-TBD

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (May 15): Opener-Charlie Appich;

Greeters-Kent Cardwell, Everett Reveley, Leslie Hartman; Nursery Worker-Beth Coltrain;
Worship Kits-Lewis Rosebro; Fellowship Hour-TBD

Save the date: Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, is on Sunday, June 5th; the whole con-
gregation 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.
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

Join us this Tuesday, May 10, for our PW Circles

PW C
ircle
2 3 PW Circle 4
C ircle 9:30
a.m.
PW 11:00 a.m.
: 0 0 a.m. Host
ess: L
1 1 ewis
Rose Hostess: Joy Nevin
ess: Socia
Host n l Roo bro
i c k enso m 205 Kinloch Road
D
Nell
B-4
Room

Congratulations to Mary Gray! Mary was surprised last Tuesday evening when
Evalyn Page (PWOJ Moderator) presented her with the PW Life Membership Award
from the members of Grace Covenant's PW. Thank you, Mary, for two years as
Moderator of the Presbyterian Women at Grace Covenant.
 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 announce-
ments. Visit http://www.facebook.com/GraceCovenantPC
and be sure to "Like" us!

BREAD BREAKERS: The next Bread Breakers Fellowship Time is

THIS SATURDAY, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Prices‟ home, located
at 8514 Academy Road, 23229. BBQ, slaw and rolls will be provided.
Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Our hosts this month
are Ashby & Carson Price and Vickie & Johnny Overstreet. It is important to RSVP; please
do so by emailing chefcarson@alacarson.com about your attendance.

Sunday morning classes are a great way to deepen your faith and also to fellowship with others.
There are several Sunday School Classes to choose from. All Sunday School Classes begin
at 9:30 a.m.
Connections Class “Contemporary Issues” Room 303
May 8 - "Contemporary Issues : Ordination Standards"
May 15 : "Contemporary Issues : Pluralism in the Church"
May 22 : "Contemporary Issues : Parenting in the year 2011"
May 29 : "Contemporary Issues : Hell"

Vanguard Class “TBA” Room B-4

Grace Class “Bible Study” Room 212
Forum Class “Revelation” with Tom Miller Room B-7
 COMMUNITY GROUPS: In Community Groups we
seek to live life together under the gospel as we build re-
lationships 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.

Sunday School This Summer

Dear Adult Sunday School Classes: the Christian Education Committee needs your help.
We would like for you to please answer the following questions for us:

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 lec-
tionary-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 certain
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!

 THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT
Sunday, May 8 MOTHER‟S DAY
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 noon Fellowship Hour Social Room

Monday, May 9
7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting Vanguard Room

Tuesday, May 10
1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting Room 213
2:00 p.m. Care Team Meeting Room 213
7:00 p.m. Christian Education Meeting Room 213
7:00 p.m. Property Committee Meeting Vanguard Room
7:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting Library

Wednesday, May 11
6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Live & Program Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m. Nominating Committee Meeting Forum Classroom
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Choir Room

Thursday, May 12
9:30 a.m. Mothers Together
10:30 a.m. Children’s Chapel Chapel

Friday, May 13
5:00 p.m. Wedding Rehearsal Sanctuary
5:45 p.m. Community Group 2107 Maplewood Avenue

Saturday, May 14
6:30 p.m. Bread Breakers 8514 Academy Road
4:00 p.m. Ebertowski-Powers Wedding Sanctuary

Sunday, May 15
9:30 a.m. Meeting of Session –Acts 16:5
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
 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: 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
“Why the Gospel Must Be Told”
B. BRINTON P. KEYES