GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Loving God & Our Neighbors in the Heart of the City

September 11, 2011

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: Director of Music: Administrative Assistant: Bookkeeper: Sexton: Child Development Center: Acting Director 1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 www.grace-covenant.org info@grace-covenant.org Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin Willie Alford Frances Mathews

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

Hearing Aids, Large Print Hymnals, and Bulletins are available each week from the ushers.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

But Joseph said to them, Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as He is doing today. - Genesis 50:19-20 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lords. - Romans 14: 8 The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out, like shining from shook foil; It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod? Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod. And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; And though the last lights off the black West went, Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs -Because the Holy Ghost over the bent World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings. - Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889)

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
September 11, 2011 10:55 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Sinfonia from Cantata No. 29 Johann Sebastian Bach

(We Thank Thee, God, We Thank Thee) Please stand for these parts of the service.

(1685-1750)

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: All: When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became Gods sanctuary, Israel his dominion. The sea looked and fled; Jordan turned back. The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why is it, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, Who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of water. All Hail the Power of Jesus Name!

Psalm 114

HYMN 142 (Blue Hymnal)

Coronation

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty and merciful Father, You made us from dust, and created us a people; You saved us from death, called us to obedience, and sent us forth to bless. But still we stray. We tend our cares and worries first, and distance ourselves from others need. We call You Lord, but turn away when obedience is inconvenient. We call You Savior, but place our trust in wealth, esteem and success. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, and forgive us our sins. Convict our hearts of our waywardness, and deliver us from the vanity of self-deceit. Accept our offering of our broken selves, and redeem us by Your unending grace, that we may be filled with the joy of Your salvation, and stirred to go forth into all the world, sharing Your gospel and loving Your people; in the power of Your Holy Spirit, and through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose most holy, humble and powerful Name we pray.

Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

ALLELUIA
1x: Choir alone 2x: Congregation and Choir

David Hass

Alleluia, music by David Haas, b. 1957 1988 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

OFFERING ANTHEM Behold Now, Praise the Lord
Chancel Choir

Everett Titcomb

(1884-1968)

Behold now, praise the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord. Ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord, even in the courts of the house of our God. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and praise the Lord.
- from Psalm 134

DOXOLOGY 592 (Blue Hymnal) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Old Hundredth

Everett Reveley

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Genesis 50:15-21 Everett Reveley Holy Bible, p. 47 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON Christof Meyer

EPISTLE READING GOSPEL READING

Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35

Holy Bible, p. 154 NT Holy Bible, p. 24 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 9 (Red Hymnal) What Lord of All Really Means Now Thank We All Our God B. Brinton P. Keyes Nun Danket

COMMISSIONING OF SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS 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) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning; is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Greatorex

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORDS PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

WE GO FORTH IN GODS NAME

HYMN 515 (Red Hymnal) God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE
God bless our native land; Firm may she ever stand Through storm and night: When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, Do Thou our country save By Thy great might. Amen.
- Siegfried Mahlmann, 1815

National Hymn

America

POSTLUDE

A Prayer of Patriotism (America, the Beautiful)

Richard Purvis

(1913-1994)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.
The flowers are given this morning to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jim Aldridge by the family.

Give thanks to God for: Gods faithfulness and providence in the lives of Vanessa Strait and Carol Wood GCPCs Education Ministry, those who serve as teachers, and those who come with faith seeking understanding Pray for: Those who lost loved ones in, and the survivors of, the tragedies of 9/11 ... Evelyn Tower (pneumonia), Ben Gordon (health), Dan and Rebecca Floyd (pregnancy difficulties)... Beth Bowman, returning to Europe Continue to pray for: Those in need of healing: Tom Millers father, Joe; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh-Oh); Jim Thomas mother and stepfather, Dan and Linda; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Peter and Loretta Albertis; Rosie and George Turner; Nela Bostian and Eila Brooks Those in the twilight of their lives: Stella Schlieser Those facing vocational challenges: Jennifer Schooley, Wayne Casey, Matt Hartman, and Logan Moorheads daughter-in-law Sharie Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry, and for John Lootens traveling across the United States Our Session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word; and for the Mission Study Team, that they may discern, together with the congregation, Gods purpose for GCPC Beth Lloyd Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces The victims of floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and drought across our country; for the people of Japan, New Zealand and Haiti, still recovering from disaster; and for those seeking democracy in North Africa and the Middle East Missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee back in US from Indonesia (fighting cancer); Valentin and Svetlana Chicu in Moldova; The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands Schools and Educational Institutions of Metropolitan Richmond: For all public schools; for students, teachers and support personnel, including cafeteria workers, building and grounds staff, and school bus drivers. "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

As cantor of the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Bach was called upon to write a cantata for every Sunday of the year. Over a number of years, Bach wrote almost 300 cantatas. This was a remarkable feat because not only did he have to compose the music, he had to research the text, have the parts copied (by his wife and children), and on top of it he had to rehearse and learn to perform the music. Todays prelude is one of Bach's most well-known pieces which was originally arranged for orchestra. The cantatas opening Sinfonia is a joyful expression of thanksgiving to God. Today, we celebrate Rally Day, and also our nation remembers 9/11. And so we give God thanks for a brand new season and for Gods healing presence through the years as summed up in the title of Bachs prelude: We Thank Thee, God, We Thank Thee! Today we welcome back our Chancel Choir from its summer break. American composer Everett Titcomb served as the organist at St. John the Evangelist Church in Boston. Titcomb composed numerous anthems and service music for the Episcopal liturgy. Titcomb is well-known for his anthem Behold Now, Praise the Lord, composed for the centennial of Christ Church Cathedral (Houston, Texas) in 1939. This anthem is still frequently performed at the Cathedral. A native of San Francisco, composer Richard Purvis held the position of Organist and Master of Choristers at the citys Grace Cathedral from 1947-1971. Purvis organ compositions were characterized as tuneful, richly colorful, and even whimsical. A Prayer of Patriotism (1966) includes fanfares, a flowing melody, a lively pedal, and a classic Hollywood finale on the American hymn tune MATERNA. Next Sunday Alana Carithers, violinist, will participate in worship since she was unable to be here last month because of the storm. Childrens Choirs rehearsals begin this week. New children welcome at any time! Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Wednesday, September 14, 4:30 p.m. Junior Choir (grades 1-5) Wednesday, September 14, 5:00 p.m. Choir Room Choir Room

It is never too late to participate in Grace Covenants Choirs. We hope to see you and your children (and your parents) at one of our rehearsals.

Sunday School Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. -beginning Sunday, September 18, 2011Forum Class will be taught by Tom Miller on Revelation (continued) Grace Bible Class leaders are Jack Corley, John Nevin, and Bill Stuart Vanguard Class is led by Matt Johnson and visiting teachers Connections Class is led by Christof Meyer, Brian Baird, and visiting teachers

FALL KICK-OFF EVENT Salad Supper Tuesday, September 13, 2011 6:00 p.m. Program: Bill Young, "History in Person," performing his newest character, John Paul Jones. All are invited. Child Care provided. 5:00 p.m. PW Coordinating Team Meeting in Vanguard Room.

All Circles Meet Tuesday, September 20

*Remember - Circles resume meeting on Tuesday, September 20th. See Circle information for time and place. The study for the year is Confessing the Beatitudes by Reverend Margaret Aymer.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (September 11): Opener Whit Whitley; Greeters Bob Copeland; Nursery Worker Jo Garber; Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell; Fellowship Hour Suzanne and Pete Sizemore WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (September 18): Opener Hank Downing; Greeter Megan Meyer; Nursery Worker Lewis Rosebro; Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell; Fellowship Hour Tour the Child Development Center next door

Martins A+ Rewards Program It is that time again! Beginning Sunday, September 11 you may register your Martins bonus card in the Martins A+ School Rewards Program. In 2011 the CDC received a check from Martins for 1% of the total amount purchased by members of GCPC and parents of the CDC. In 2012 the CDC will receive a check based on a points system. Please follow the steps below to register your bonus card to benefit the Grace Covenant Child Development Scholarship Fund. Log on to this website: Scroll down to: Fill in the blanks ID number: 03012 www.martinsfoods.com/aplus Designate Your School

The Board of Directors appreciate your support of the CDC and your continued prayers. If you have any questions or need help with this, please call or email Cherry Corley at 515-7330 or cherrycorley47@gmail.com.

YOU C

N HELP!

Grace Covenant has been giving non-perishable foods items to the William Byrd Community House for several years to assist in filling their food pantry. The William Byrd Community House maintains a food closet that serves Richmond City and the adjacent counties. When available, their food pantry also provides individuals with the basic household items and toiletries to maintain themselves and their families. These are everyday items that Food Stamp dollars will not cover and may be very costly to a low-income family. We have partnered with this ministry by giving non-perishable food items. In the past Grace Covenant has collected food one Sunday a month, but this is a collection we cam support every week. Items can be placed in the grocery cart outside of the Social Room. YOU CAN HELP in the simplest ways!

The first Wednesday Night Live is THIS Wednesday, September 14! Join us at 6:00 p.m. to open the 2011-2012 season. Our host will be Jim McCullough who will have Bible/Grace Covenant Trivia for all ages! Please bring your family and friends This should be a great year! We have lots of guests and wonderful programs lined up throughout the coming year...See you there! Wednesday Night programs are from 6:30-7:00 p.m. every week in the Fellowship Hall. Programs include special guest speakers or people in our own congregation, speaking on various topics. September 14 Program: Bible/Grace Covenant Trivia led by Jim McCullough Menu: Hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, and Nells Famous Assorted Pies.

If you are interested in donating flowers for the sanctuary for Sunday mornings, please contact Lisa Gray at 673-0587. We have three Sundays available at this time: October 2, October 9 and October 23. -Thank you

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, September 11 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. Monday, September 12 12:00 noon 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 13 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 14 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, September 15 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 16 5:45 p.m. Saturday, September 17 9:00 a.m. Sunday, September 18 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Carol Choir (ages 3-K) rehearsal Junior Choir (grades 1-5) rehearsal WNL Supper and Program Chancel Choir Evangelism Committee Community Group Session Meeting (10-A) Choir Room Choir Room Fellowship Hall Choir Room Fellowship Hall 2107 Maplewood Avenue Fellowship Hall RALLY DAY! Handbell Choir Prayer Rally Day Continental Breakfast Worship Service Fellowship Hour New Members/Inquirers Class (1/5) Mens Luncheon Worship Committee Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting PW Coordinating Team PW Salad Supper Christian Education Committee Property Committee Finance Committee Handbell Room Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Connections Classroom Vanguard Room Vanguard Room Room 213 Room 213 Vanguard Room Fellowship Hall Room 213 Vanguard Room Library

Handbell Choir Handbell Room Prayer Social Room Sunday School Classes Various Rooms Worship Service Sanctuary Tour of the C.D.C. Child Development Center Deacons Meeting Vanguard Room New Members/Inquirers Class (2/5) Connections Classroom State of the Church Dinner Fellowship Hall

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 Grace Covenants 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) Everett Reveley (12) - Finance/Stewardship DEACONS: Pat Aldridge (11) - Cards and Prayer Ministry Betty Appich (11) - Deacon Support Pat Ball (12) - Flower Deliveries Cherry Corley (12) - (Moderator) Susan Farrell (12) - Visitation, Transportation Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Meal Deliveries Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund 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 (M=Moderator)

SERMON NOTES
What Lord of All Really Means
B. BRINTON P. KEYES