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1
Exciting Updates!
It is exciting to see all that God is doing as we head toward
our centennial celebration and continue to step forward into the
future that God has for us. In recent days, the Session has been
working hard to discern our next steps as a congregation.
Two weeks ago the Presbytery of the James approved a motion from
GCPCs Session to form an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee
(APNC). GCPC has a long history of having an Associate Pastor as
part the leadership of the church, and the Session believes that
this is a good time for us reinstate that position. We believe God
is calling us to ensure through this AP position that we have a
strong, vibrant focus on Christian Education with regard to our
families and children, especially as our connection with the Child
Development Center continues to grow.
To that end, the Session believes that the best candidates for
leading our Christian Education forward will come from those who
are seminary trained and ordained (or ordain-able). As well, having
another ordained pastor on staff ensures strong pastoral assistance
in worship and pastoral care as well as more-focused leadership and
training for our deacons.
While we are excited to see how God leads us through this
process, we recognize that there are likely many questions to be
asked at this point. Below are some initial answers to the
questions you might have at this point. If you have others
questions, please speak with Bobby or one of the Ruling Elders.
FAQs What is the process for calling an Associate Pastor? On
Sunday, March 8, the Nominating Committee will begin soliciting
recommendations from
the congregation concerning the members who might best serve on
the APNC. Oftentimes 5 to 7 persons serve on the APNC.
The Nominating Committee then takes those recommendations and
discerns which persons it believes God is calling to serve on the
APNC. Once the Nominating Committee has those names, the Session
will call a Congregational Meeting so that the congregation can
elect the APNC and the search process can begin.
The search process entails writing a Church Information Form
(CIF) so that candidates have a clear picture of our congregation
and then receiving Personal Information Forms (PIF) from
candidates. The APNC reviews the PIFs and narrows the field of
candidates that it would like to interview.
Throughout the process, the Presbytery of the James (POJ) will
be involved via a representative from the Committee on Ministry
(COM). The POJ must approve our CIF before it is published and
assist in the search process in whatever ways prove helpful. Then
the Presbytery gives final approval to the candidate that the APNC
recommends.
Once the POJ approves of the candidate, the APNC will then
present the candidates name and the terms of call at a
Congregational Meeting. The congregation votes on the candidate.
Assuming an affirmative vote, the candidate will begin serving as
our AP shortly thereafter.
(Continued on page 6)
Volume 45, Issue 3 March 2015
Monument 10k, pg. 5
Blood Drive
on Good Friday, pg. 7
Presbytery
Notes, pg. 11 Prayer Vigil,
pg. 14 WNS Calendar
and Menu, pg. 15
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2
Held every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The Nursery Crib Room (Rm
103) and Sunday School are available for children ages 2 and
up.
The Vanguard Class, Basement, Room B4: (Mens Class) Taught in
rotation this class continues to study how "to be the men that God
wants us to be this day," using material from scripture and the
book Sleeping Giant. Grace Bible Class, Second Floor, Room 212: The
Grace Bible Class is being taught by Jack Corley and regularly
engages in the study of a book from scripture. From Feb to March 8
they will be in the book of Jeremiah. The Forum Class: Basement,
Room B7: Dr. Tom Miller will continue to lead the class through
lessons on the theological principle Grace using some material from
Phillip Yancys Whats So Important About Grace? Good Books Class:
Third Floor, Room 303: Lesson facilitated by Nelson Reveley and
Rev. Bobby, who will be leading a discussion class exploring good
books about God in our everyday lives. Currently reading In the
Name of Jesus by Henri Nouen.
Christian Education and Discipleship
Sunday School
Toddlers Class, First Floor, Room 102: Taught by Rachel Lee this
class focuses on spiritual development and early access to
scripture through play and kinesthetic learning Elementary Class,
Second Floor, Room 209-210: Taught by Moriah Illsley this class
builds faith in young children and challenges them to apply lessons
from scripture to everyday life in school, at home and at play.
Youth Mentoring Class: Third Floor, Room 300: Each week
volunteers and parents meet with teens to connect media to
scripture in a way that is personally meaningful to our students.
Currently in the book of Genesis!
Small Group for Parents! The Parents Small Group plans to
continue meeting monthly through the end of May, and all
parents/children are welcome to join in. We are having a great time
eating and being together! Questions? Contact James Atchison
([email protected]).
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Archery Tag and Go Carts! SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015 Time:TBA
$10 includes: 1 game of Archery Tag and 1 game of Laser Tag with
a refillable fountain drink. Pizza afterward!
We need a commitment of at least 10 in order for this event to
happen. Please sign up by March 1 by emailing Christopher,
[email protected]. All participants must register. For
more information, check out the G-Force website
Skate-A-Way March 8
330 Speeks Road Midlothian, VA 5:00-7:00 p.m. $5 per skater Join
Salisbury and other POJ churches
Date Night Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to
our families again on Saturday, March 14, from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
A charge of $5 per child will help defray the costs of child care,
though there is a $10 maximum per family with more than two
children. Please RSVP to the church at [email protected] or
359-2463 with name of child and age.
Looking forward to next year be sure to keep these dates on your
calendar. These dates below will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
April 11 and May 23.
Christian Education and Discipleship
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They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
Hosanna!John 12:13
Palm Sunday is March 29; please plan to join us for breakfast in
the Fellowship Hall at 9:15. Please bring a breakfast food to
share; CE will provide the coffee and tea and juice. Well also have
palms for making crosses and more to wave as we process with the
other churches that make up the Stuart Circle Parish of Churches.
After breakfast we will gather next door in front of First English
Lutheran for our combined Stuart Circle worship service and
procession down Monument Avenue. This tradition continues to be a
special time in the life of Grace Covenant, and we hope each of you
and all your families will join us. And dont forget to let the
little ones see the donkey!
Christian Education and Discipleship
Consider the LiliesLuke 12:27
Please plan to purchase beautiful potted lily plants to help
decorate our sanctuary for Easter Sunday.
The order forms will be available at the information table
across from the Social Room, beginning March 11. Please fill out
your form and drop it into the box with your check to cover the
cost of the lilies.
This year the cost is $12.50 per plant. The deadline for lily
orders is Monday, March 30, so that we have time to get all the
information into the Easter Sunday bulletin. Please take your
lilies home after worship on Easter Sunday to decorate your homes
or share with friends to celebrate this joyous Eastertime.
Flowering the Cross on Easter Sunday
Please remember to bring fresh flowers to add to the cross at
the front of the sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. This is a
beautiful Grace Covenant tradition that allows each of us to bring
some of our own flowers to add to this massive arrangement of fresh
flowers and greens in the form of a cross. Please bring your
flowers into the sanc-tuary before worship and tuck them into the
cross form; the children enjoy helping with this special task. The
flowered cross sits up front during our Easter worship ser-vice and
afterward is carried outside to sit on our front steps as a witness
to all who pass by that Jesus has indeed risen today!
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All Womens Circles Meet Tues., March 10
PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Janet Chenoweth
PW Circle 1
7:00 p.m.
1727 Park Avenue
Hostess: Laura Leigh
Savage
PW Circle 2
11:00 a.m.
Vanguard Room
Hostess: Suzanne
Sizemore
Presbyterian Women
the 100th celebration continues Presbyterian Women will continue
the centennial celebration by hosting the 26th Annual Spring
Gathering of the Presbyterian Women of POJ on Saturday, May 2. This
is a wonderful opportuni-ty to share the history of Grace Covenant
with other Presbyterian Women. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m.
followed by lunch and an afternoon worship service with communion.
I hope ALL women of Grace Covenant will save this date, May 2, and
be part of the beginning of our next 100 years! Please call Mary
Gray if you would like to volunteer to help make this event a great
success. Thank you, Mary Gray, 247-4899
It's the Monument Ave. 10K season again! On Saturday, March 28,
Grace Covenant will be hosting our annual 10K Hospitality Station
and Boaz & Ruth Cheer Zone the morning of the race, for runners
and spectators alike to enjoy snacks, coffee, and fellowship on our
terrace. We will also have a bouncy castle for the wee ones! If you
would like to volunteer for the sta-tion, or help provide healthy
snacks, please contact Virginia Hudson at [email protected]. If
you are interested in running to support Boaz & Ruth, please
contact Jessica Reveley at [email protected].
Monument 10k!
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How long will this take? There is no set timeline for how long
the process takes. From the time that an APNC is formed to the time
that we call an AP, the process may take anywhere from a few months
to over a year.
We currently have Christopher Tweel-our Director for Christian
Formation (DCF)-who is charged with building up our ministries
among families and children what will happen to him? Christopher is
doing an excellent job! He took the position sensing God calling
him to GCPC for such a time as this, but he also knew that the
church may consider having an Associate Pastor again as it has for
most of its history.
Can Christopher be called as our next Associate Pastor? He can.
In fact, Christopher believes he is called to ordained ministry.
Even when he took the DCF position, he spoke about one day seeking
an ordained call, and thus he recognized that at some point he
would move on from the DCF position. While Christopher can be
called as our next AP, the APNC that is formed will be charged to
do a full search of all viable candidates for the position. In this
way, we best ensure we are calling the person whom God has for
us.
How is an Associate Pastor different from our DCF position? Much
like our DCF position, the AP will be charged with supporting and
developing the Christian education of our children and families.
This includes continuing to build connections with and ministry
among our many CDC families. Along with that focus, an AP will
assist in pastoral duties including worship, visitation, and
teaching. Once we have called an AP, we will no longer staff the
DCF position.
How will this affect GCPCs financial situation? Thankfully, God
has prompted this congregation toward continued generosity in
support of the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ through this
congregation, which has allowed us to support a full-time DCF
position. While it will be necessary to use more of our budget to
call an AP and remain in keeping with Presbytery guidelines
concerning ordained pay, the amount needed to do this has already
been budgeted. We believe, too, that this is a good stewardship of
that which God has entrusted us as we seek to step by faith into
our call to nurture and form disciples of every age, particularly
those among our children and families.
The AP process is not the only exciting thing unfolding these
days! At the Session meeting in February, the Session approved the
following four goals for 2015:
Train, Invite, Lead, and Support Train every member to be a
disciple. We will encourage every single member to commit to a
training outlet during the
course of 2015. Options include a Sunday School Class, Prayer
Group, or Small Group. Quarterly, the Christian Education Committee
will review our membership to see who is participating and who can
yet be invited.
Invite neighbors, VCU students and faculty, former members, and
friends to come to GCPC for special events. These events include
such things as special worship services, musical events, special
lectures or classes, meals, game nights, or theater productions.
The invitations should be as personal as possible e.g., an
in-person invitation, a phone call, a handwritten note, or a flyer
on their door step.
Lead in worship. Each Ruling Elder will assist at least two
times in leading a worship service during the course of the year.
Such leadership will be through choir participation, leading of the
Call and Confession, a testimony, or leading of the Prayers of the
People.
Support the CDC's growth in any way that we can so that more
families in Richmond might be blessed by that ministry. We will be
proactive in inviting them to worship as well as into discipleship
and mission opportunities.
In the coming months, the Session will be working on specific
action steps to ensure we remain intentional with these goals.
While we cannot say precisely where and how God will lead as we
take steps of faith in these directions, we do know that God is
faithful! We are excited to see what will unfold as we journey
together in this centennial year.
(Continued from page 1)
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Mission and Justice Ministry Good Friday Blood Drive
April 3, 2015 2:00-7:00 p.m.
As we remember the reconciling, life giving grace of Christ's
crucifixion and resurrection, we are grateful for this opportunity
to unite in offering the life giving gift of blood. On average,
every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,
and this is a precious gift that cannot be manufactured but only
comes through the generosity of donors. We invite you to join us in
service to God and our neighbors and partnership with the American
Red Cross as we seek to provide 100 successful blood donations. All
support is welcome, and if you are unable to donate yourself, we
encourage you to consider seeking a substitute donor or
volunteering your time. If you would like to donate, please contact
[email protected] or 359-2463.
Participating Churches: Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church,
St. James's Episcopal Church, and City Church of Richmond
Location: Fellowship Hall at Grace Covenant
Justice Ministry Update - Nehemiah Action 6:30 p.m. Monday,
April 20
What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love
mercy, and walk humbly with your God?
- Micah 6:8 Mark your calendars and join us for our Nehemiah
Action in union with all our fellow congregations in RISC
(Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities) at 6:30 p.m.,
Monday, April 20 (Location TBA). We are aiming to bring together a
great witness of God's faithful to encourage and call upon leaders
in our region to make decisions that enable our whole region to
flourish. This year we are focused around three issues: (1)
pre-school access and reading levels for elementary school
students, (2) job training for entry-level health care positions,
and (3) effective use and steady funding for the city's affordable
housing trust fund. We need you there so that we can have as
powerful a voice and witness as possible! For questions or more
information, please contact Nelson Reveley [email protected] or
387-8094.
RISC's Mission & Vision Richmonders Involved to Strengthen
our Communities (RISC) is an
organization of racially, religiously, and socio-economically
diverse
congregations. Our mission is to build an increasingly powerful,
communal
voice that can hold local leaders accountable to take action
upon researched
solutions to the root causes of injustice in the Greater
Richmond Area.
RISC stands united in action and hope for a Greater Richmond
Community
in which everyone, regardless of zip code, social class, or skin
color, has
access to excellent education, nurturing community, safe
neighborhoods,
living-wage employment, restorative recreation, nourishing food,
reliable
health care, ease of transportation, and safe affordable
housing
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship
12:15 Fellowship Hour
2
3 9:45 Staff (GCPC)
4 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS
7:15pm Chancel Choir
5 10am CDC Chapel
6 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
7 8:30pm POJ PW Meeting 2-5pm POJ Youth Archery Tag and Pizza
Trip 5-8pm Parents Night Out
8 DayLight Saving Time Begins! 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30
Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour POJ Youth
Event
9 6pm Ukirk 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.
10 PW Circles (see pg. 5) 6pm Finance Meeting
11 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS
7:15pm Chancel Choir
12 10am CDC Chapel
13 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
14 5-8pm Parents Night Out
15 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship
12:15 Fellowship Hour
16
17
18 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 8pm
Chancel Choir
19 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting
20 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
21 9-1pm Shalom Farms
22 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship
12:15 Fellowship Hour
23 6pm Ukirk
24 25 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS
7:15pm Chancel Choir
26 10am CDC Chapel
27 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
28
29 Palm Sunday
9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Combine Sunday School and
Breakfast, Stuart Circle Worship and Processional 10:55 GCPC
Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour
30 31
March
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship
12:15 Fellowship Hour
2
3 9:45 Staff (GCPC)
4 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS
7:15pm Chancel Choir
5 10am CDC Chapel
6 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
7 8:30pm POJ PW Meeting 2-5pm POJ Youth Archery Tag and Pizza
Trip 5-8pm Parents Night Out
8 DayLight Saving Time Begins! 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30
Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour POJ Youth
Event
9 6pm Ukirk 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.
10 PW Circles (see pg. 5) 6pm Finance Meeting
11 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS
7:15pm Chancel Choir
12 10am CDC Chapel
13 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
14 5-8pm Parents Night Out
15 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship
12:15 Fellowship Hour
16
17
18 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 8pm
Chancel Choir
19 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting
20 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
21 9-1pm Shalom Farms
22 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship
12:15 Fellowship Hour
23 6pm Ukirk
24 25 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS
7:15pm Chancel Choir
26 10am CDC Chapel
27 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)
28
29 Palm Sunday
9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Combine Sunday School and
Breakfast, Stuart Circle Worship and Processional 10:55 GCPC
Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour
30 31
** Reminder! March 24 is the deadline for submissions
for our March edition of Grace Notes.
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10
2015 Howie Lecture March 2, 2015
Richmond Campus 1:30-4:30 p.m. and/or 7:30-9:00 p.m.
"Mozart and Theology"
Dr. Steffen Losel, an ordained pastor in the
Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria, and an expert in music and
theology, will lecture.
These events are free and open to all.
A complimentary lunch will be provided for those attending the
afternoon session. Registration is required.
Memorial Service for Reverend Syngman Rhee March 23, 2015, 1:00
p.m. Union Presbyterian Seminary
Sprunt Lectures May 4-6, 2015
"Liberating Scripture Reading Against the Grain" Elisabeth
Schssler Fiorenza, Krister Stendahl Professor of Divinity at
Harvard Divinity School Preacher: Theodore J. Wardlaw (D.Min.,
'78), President of Austin
Presbyterian Theological Seminary 2015 Distinguished Alumnus:
Glenn Q. Bannerman (M.R.E., '57),
Professor Emeritus of Recreation and Outdoor Education
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Improving Your Annual Stewardship Campaign
A Workshop for Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders Stewardship
Committees, and Finance Committees sponsored by the office of
Financial Stewardship
Saturday, April 18, 2015 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church 4103 Monument Avenue,
Richmond
Cost: $10 per person with a maximum of $50 per church The church
will receive a $10 REFUND if the pastor attends.
Areas of Focus:
*How an annual stewardship campaign fits into a church's
stewardship ministry *Selecting or designing the campaign plan
that's right for your church
*Best Practices for conducting an effective campaign
Leader: Dr. Ann A. Michel
Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological
Seminary
From Our Presbytery
Next Presbytery Meeting:
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Union Presbyterian Seminary
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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details
I grew up in a Presbyterian Church that did not have an Ash
Wednesday service. The whole idea of Ash Wednesday struck me as
something for other people, and I really had no appreciation for it
one way or another until I began serving a couple different
Presbyterian congregations which had the service.
As many of you know, there is no biblical requirement to hold an
Ash Wednesday service or to use ashes much as there is no biblical
requirement to celebrate Christmas or Easter (though we celebrate
the truths be-hind them year-round). Still, Ash Wednesday has been
observed by many Christians for at least the past ten centuries. It
is the day that marks the beginning of Lent a six-week period
preceding Easter (Lent, too, is not in the Bible).
Around the tenth century, Christians began placing ashes on
their forehead to signify their need for repent-ance, presumably
emulating the likes of Job who repented in dust and ashes (Job
42:6). Notably, the ashes were done in the shape of the cross a
symbol of the Good News. Thus, even as the ashes spoke of a need to
repent (turn to God) they also spoke of resurrection power and
hope.
The first time I had ashes placed on my forehead, it didnt do
anything (and never does!). However, the visible ashen mark helped
me consider again my need grace even as the cross-shape prompted me
to give thanks for the Life in which I already stand because of
what Jesus has done on the cross. The ashes also made me face anew
the fact that I will one day die, which renewed my hope and thanks
for the hope I have in Christ Jesus. Paradoxically, then, the
ashes-receiving proved uplifting! Of course, this is in keeping
with the Gospel which always cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37) and
convicts even as it heals and binds up wounds.
After receiving ashes, I went to research the topic in more
detail. I realized that while there exists no Bible verse that says
we must observe Ash Wednesday or impose ashes, there is a good
theological reasoning un-derpinning the service. In many ways, the
service enacts our call to confess our sins to another, to weep
with one another, and to know anew the Gospel hope (which can only
be appreciated by naming, not avoiding, the darkness).
To be sure, there is nothing magical about the service or the
ashes. Indeed, when calling the people of God to repentance, the
prophet Joel says, rend your hearts not your clothing (2:13). The
prophet Isaiah likewise tells the people to stop fasting and
repenting in dust and ashes and instead get up and do justice
(Isaiah 58:5-8). In other words, the prophets are calling the
people out for thinking that they can perform external acts of
worship (like tearing their clothes or wearing ashes in repentance)
that will take the place of actually giving their hearts and doing
the real work of the Lord in the world. We are wise to avoid any
imposition of ashes if we think they gain us favor with God or have
some power in and of themselves.
However, because the ashes can be a particularly poignant way
for many Christians to know anew our hope in Jesus Christ, ashes
will be offered at our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on Wednesday,
February 18th in the chapel. The ashes will be entirely optional
you may choose whether or not you come forward to re-ceive them. If
you do come forward, I will put the ashes on your forehead in the
shape of a cross with the words, Consider yourself dead to sin and
alive in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:11). My prayer is that through the
service of worship God will meet us in such a way that we are
renewed in our hope and assured once again that we rest in the
promise of the One who has come to bring Life and Life Eternal.
Announcements
in March 2 Reagan McCullough 3 Maria Rachal 3 Zoe Koch 4
Margaret Rosebro 5 Chuck Massey 6 Katherine Baird 6 Alex Robinson 7
Mac Janney 7 Avery McKay 7 Adele Ralston 8 Steve Booth 8 Sudie Wood
9 Carol Wood 9 Bennett Corby 10 Lily Spangler 11 Caroline Leith 11
Susan Farrell 12 Jason Peters 12 Dawson Watkins 13 John Nevin 13
Brannan Boze 14 Becky Yonan 14 Gay Moss 16 John Alexander 17 Helen
Holt 20 Lucy Harvie 23 Helen Reveley 23 Debbie Pritchett 24 Betty
Clough 25 June Horner 27 Holly Anderson 27 Bob Adams 29 Courtney
Clements 29 Matthew Gray 29 Jonathan Hubbard 30 Tiffany
Williams
30 Jane Johnson
Fellowship Hour
March 1 Wood
March 8 Jacobs
March 15 Holmes
March 22 Savage
Openers and Closers
March 1Jake Savage
March 8Rick Nochta
March 15Pete Sizemore
March 22Kent Cardwell
March 29Lloyd Bostian
MONUMENT AVE. CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD
For many years Dick Cardwell faithfully updated the churchs
announce-ment board on Monument Avenue weekly with the current
Sundays Sermon title, any special services, etc. At this time we
are seeking a vol-unteer who would be willing to take on this
important task. If this is of interest to you, or if you would like
further infor-mation, please contact the church if you can take
part in this service!
Thank you! - The Worship Committee
Souper Bowl Winner!
$113 in the Seahawks bowl $43 in the Patriots bowl
Total $156 Thanks to all who made donations to this great cause.
Too bad our predictions ran into some trouble...
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13
Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details
I grew up in a Presbyterian Church that did not have an Ash
Wednesday service. The whole idea of Ash Wednesday struck me as
something for other people, and I really had no appreciation for it
one way or another until I began serving a couple different
Presbyterian congregations which had the service.
As many of you know, there is no biblical requirement to hold an
Ash Wednesday service or to use ashes much as there is no biblical
requirement to celebrate Christmas or Easter (though we celebrate
the truths be-hind them year-round). Still, Ash Wednesday has been
observed by many Christians for at least the past ten centuries. It
is the day that marks the beginning of Lent a six-week period
preceding Easter (Lent, too, is not in the Bible).
Around the tenth century, Christians began placing ashes on
their forehead to signify their need for repent-ance, presumably
emulating the likes of Job who repented in dust and ashes (Job
42:6). Notably, the ashes were done in the shape of the cross a
symbol of the Good News. Thus, even as the ashes spoke of a need to
repent (turn to God) they also spoke of resurrection power and
hope.
The first time I had ashes placed on my forehead, it didnt do
anything (and never does!). However, the visible ashen mark helped
me consider again my need grace even as the cross-shape prompted me
to give thanks for the Life in which I already stand because of
what Jesus has done on the cross. The ashes also made me face anew
the fact that I will one day die, which renewed my hope and thanks
for the hope I have in Christ Jesus. Paradoxically, then, the
ashes-receiving proved uplifting! Of course, this is in keeping
with the Gospel which always cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37) and
convicts even as it heals and binds up wounds.
After receiving ashes, I went to research the topic in more
detail. I realized that while there exists no Bible verse that says
we must observe Ash Wednesday or impose ashes, there is a good
theological reasoning un-derpinning the service. In many ways, the
service enacts our call to confess our sins to another, to weep
with one another, and to know anew the Gospel hope (which can only
be appreciated by naming, not avoiding, the darkness).
To be sure, there is nothing magical about the service or the
ashes. Indeed, when calling the people of God to repentance, the
prophet Joel says, rend your hearts not your clothing (2:13). The
prophet Isaiah likewise tells the people to stop fasting and
repenting in dust and ashes and instead get up and do justice
(Isaiah 58:5-8). In other words, the prophets are calling the
people out for thinking that they can perform external acts of
worship (like tearing their clothes or wearing ashes in repentance)
that will take the place of actually giving their hearts and doing
the real work of the Lord in the world. We are wise to avoid any
imposition of ashes if we think they gain us favor with God or have
some power in and of themselves.
However, because the ashes can be a particularly poignant way
for many Christians to know anew our hope in Jesus Christ, ashes
will be offered at our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on Wednesday,
February 18th in the chapel. The ashes will be entirely optional
you may choose whether or not you come forward to re-ceive them. If
you do come forward, I will put the ashes on your forehead in the
shape of a cross with the words, Consider yourself dead to sin and
alive in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:11). My prayer is that through the
service of worship God will meet us in such a way that we are
renewed in our hope and assured once again that we rest in the
promise of the One who has come to bring Life and Life Eternal.
Announcements
Food Donations Needed! Please continue to remember the William
Byrd Community House food donation areas. Now in two places! A
small basket beside the nursery and the large cart at the bottom of
the back stars as you enter the basement level. Keep this
incredible and ongoing ministry in mind as we continue to help
Richmond feed needy children who are try to do well in school! Its
a wonderful program that we support through food donation.
GCPC Softball Team Interested in joining the spring softball
team? We need at least 16 men to join! The West Mens Richmond
Softball League runs from mid-April through late July. Games begin
on April 13 and 14 (specific schedule to be announced later in
March). We will compete against other church teams in the city at
the Westhampton Field at 901 Maple Ave. near St. Marys Hospital.
Cost per person: $30. Email Bobby if you have an interest in being
on the team ([email protected]).
The Resource Table You may have noticed that the table in the
narthex has been re-purposedwith books! Not only will you be able
to find the titles that Christian Education classes of various
types are studying currently, but also a stash of books that the
church at large is looking at, books that are being preached about
in a series, books the Session is studying, or books that were
written by members or pastors from GCPC!
Please do take a moment and look through this awesome resource,
and if you are so inclined feel free to take one and leave a
donation toward its purchase. Or, drop a check in the offering
plate with "CE Library" in the memo, so that we can keep this
source replenished.
We celebrate our continuing education together and hope you will
join in "reading along" with the congregation as a family member at
GCPC.
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Worship
Sunday Morning Prayer
The best way to start a Sunday morning, or any morning, is with
prayer. Each Sunday morning at 9:15 9:30 in the Social Room we have
a time of prayer and all are welcome to participate. It is a
prayerful time when hearts are quieted and focused on God, joys and
concerns are shared, and prayers are raised in word and in spirit.
It is a special time of caring, friendship, and blessing; please
come and pray with us.
Prayer Vigil
On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, after he had eaten
supper with his disciples, he went with them to the Garden of
Gethsemane to pray. He asked them to stay alert while he prayed.
However, when he returned to them he found them sleeping, and
asked, Couldnt you stay awake for one hour? Stay awake and pray so
that you wont give in to temptation. The spirit is willing, but the
flesh is weak (Mark 14:37-38).
We, too, are Jesus disciples. As we remember the events of that
night in Jerusalem, let us accept Jesus request to pray with
him.
Grace Covenant will host a Prayer Vigil beginning Thursday
(April 2, 8:00 p.m.) following the
Maundy Thursday Service and continuing through Good Friday
(April 3, 5:00 p.m.). You may sign up for the segment of time you
would like to commit to be in prayer during the vigil. You may pray
individually or with others. You may pray at the church, at your
home, or at a place that feels prayerful, peaceful, or has spe-
cial significance for you. If you would like to pray at the
church, the Sanctuary and Chapel will be open from 8:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m. on Good Friday. It is our hope to have all the time
segments of the vigil covered in prayer. You are encouraged to
pray for at least 30 minutes, but you may pray as long as you
wish. How might you pray? Prayer is time spent with God: sharing
feelings and concerns, praise and
thanksgiving, and listening to Gods message for you. Prayer may
be done in many ways, i.e., listening, speaking,
thought/meditation, writing, reading, singing, instrumental music,
drawing, movement, silent contemplation, etc. You may pray in any
manner comfortable to you.
Will you join us in prayer with Jesus?
You may sign up on the board in the social room at church or
contact the church office at [email protected] . For more
information you many contact Linda Pitts at 850-345-0634 or
[email protected].
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Wednesday Night Supper
March 4: White chili, cornbread, salad, sheet cake March 11:
Barbecue and buns, baked beans, coleslaw, apple crisp March 18:
Potato bar, salad, bread sticks, Jell-O and cookies March 25: Baked
chicken and rice, broccoli, salad, rolls, bread pudding and lemon
sauce
Contributions of $37,900 in January were down more than half
from the peak year-end month of December. They were also down about
one-fourth from January a year ago due mostly to a smaller amount
of prepaid pledges being transferred to the then
current year. Januarys expenses of $65,800 were up from the
$73,800 total in December after deducting mission donations of
$21,200 in December and $4,000 payment to Presbytery in January,
but they included $7,800 in building repairs and $3,200 in
insurance premiums. Expenses in January exceeded income by $17,800.
Our Five Cents per meal offering in January was $60, Loaves and
Fishes $235, and Mercy $141.
STEWARDSHIP CORNER
Menu
Join the Excitement at 6:00 p.m. "Celebrating Our Past -
Believing in Our Future"
Save yourself the trouble of cooking dinner and come join us
Wednesday nights for a time of growth in fellowship and faith.
Every night we'll have arts & crafts for the kids, timely
announcements, wor-ship preparation cards for the coming Sunday,
and either faith-infused live music, a trivia night, or an
excellent presentation! $5 per adult, $2 per child, with $12 max
per family. Our upcoming schedule is below: Mar 4 - Fellowship and
Presentation on Bobby's Holy Land Trip Mar 11 - Fellowship and
Video "Division and Reunion: A Reflec-tion on American
Presbyterianism" (then Justice Ministry Small Group 7:00-8:00 p.m.)
Mar 18 - Fellowship and Handbell Choir Concert Mar 25 - Fellowship
and 100th Celebration Presentation Video "Celebrating Our Past:
1915-1990
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Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor [email protected] Christopher
Martin Director of Music and Organist [email protected]
Christopher Tweel Director of Christian Formation & Pastoral
Assistant [email protected] Martha Rubin Interim
Office Manager/Bookkeeper [email protected] Rex Childs
Seminary Intern [email protected] Linda Pitts Seminary Intern
[email protected]
Church Office Hours: Mon., Tue., and Thurs., 9:00 a.m.- 3:30
p.m.
Wed., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon
Phone: (804) 359-2463
Fax: (804) 278-6298
www.grace-covenant.org
Sundays: 9:15 a.m.
Prayer Together in the Social Room 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building
10:55 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary
12:00 noon Congregational Fellowship
in the Social Room
GCPC Child Development Center Nicole Flournoy Director (804)
213-0200 [email protected]
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 James Atchison (16) - Finance (C-M) Virginia Hudson (17)
- Mission (M), Nominat-ing Cheryl Jacobs (15) - CE (M) Caroline
Leith (15) Property (Co-M), CE Katie McCullough (16) -
Administration (M) Everett Reveley (15) Stewardship (M) Lewis
Rosebro (17) - Property (Co-M) Pete Sizemore (16) - Administration
(Co-M) Rob Turner (17) - Worship (M)
DEACONS Itunu Adekoya (16) - Prayer (M) Lisa Cardwell (15) -
Flowers (M) Courtney Clements (15) - Visitation (Co-M), Fellowship
Phil Coltrain (16) - Glass Office (M), Deacons Fund Mary Gray (15)
- Meals (M), Visitation (Co-M) Cynthia Holmes (17) - Fellowship (M)
Jan Kessel (16) - Care Team (M), Transportation (M) Dottie-Ray Koch
(17) - Fellowship (Food Committee) Sallie Leys (17) -
Greeters/Ushers Jessica Reveley (16) - Justice (M) Jennifer
Schooley (15) - Guests Follow-Up, New Members (M), Deacons Fund
Dawson Watkins (17) - Deacons (M), Care Team
TRUSTEES: Caroline Leith (14) John Roberts (15) Warren Zirkle
(16)
The Staff Church Officers