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1 Grace Notes Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 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 God’s 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 re- turned 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 entrust- ed 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. -continued on page 12-

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Page 1: October 2013

1

Grace Notes Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 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 God’s 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 re-

turned 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 entrust-

ed 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.

-continued on page 12-

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2

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 in-

cluded $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, includ-

ing 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 of-

fering 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 docu-

ment 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 your-

self” (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 God’s 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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We welcome newest members:

Mandana Azimi and Ali Bonakdar

Beth Bowman

Barbara Harkins

Michelle Hulme-Lippert

Sarah Miller

The Session has called a congregational meeting to

be held Sunday, October 20, after the 11 a.m. wor-

ship service for the purpose considering a change in

GCPC’s 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.

The PW are currently studying: An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in

Exodus and Deuteronomy

PW Circle 1

Evening Circle

7:00 p.m.

1727 Park Ave

Hostess: Laura Leigh

Savage

PW Circle 2

11:00 a.m.

Vanguard Room

Hostesses: Carole Wag-

ner and Mary Whitley

PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Jane Londrey

All Circles Meet on Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Page 4: October 2013

4

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 re-

sumption 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 Westmin-

ster 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 Westminster’s “Souper Bowl of Caring” funds. Mark posed the ques-

tion 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 don’t have that mon-

ey, 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 can’t 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 less…They already know

how to fish. What they need is some help to buy hooks and bait.

-continued on page 11-

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Meals for October:

October 2: No-peek beef, noodles, green beans, salad, and sheet cake

October 9: Chicken pot pie, broccoli, salad, rolls, and banana pudding

October 16: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, lima beans, salad, rolls, and peach cobbler

October 23: Roast pork and apricot sauce, red-skinned potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad,

rolls, pineapple upside-down cake

October 30: Baked macaroni and cheese, cabbage, peas, salad, rolls, and lemon custard cake

Programs for October:

October 2: Guest Speaker Rev. Dr. Alpheus Zobule. Bible Study and Solomon Islands

Update.

October 9: Table Talk Fellowship. Open fellowship and discussion of a Jonathan Edwards

excerpt.

October 16: Missons Night. Lea Whitehurst. Bible Study and update on RISC.

October 23: Stewardship. Budget update and Bible Study.

October 30: Trivia Night. The Reformation and Reformed Tradition.

Page 6: October 2013

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

Admin. Committee Meeting

and Missions Committee

Meeting 7:00 pm

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

3 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

4

VCU Choral Concert

7:30 pm

5

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

7 Men’s Lunch 12 noon

6:10 CDC Staff Meeting

Worship Committee

Meeting 7:00 pm

8

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

PW Circles Meet (See pg. 3)

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

10 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

11 12

13 Handbell Choir 8:30 am

Prayer 9:15 am

Sunday School 9:30 am

Worship 10:55 am

Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm

14

CDC CLOSED

Men’s Lunch 12 noon

15

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

CDC Pumpkin Patch Trip

Deacons’ Meeting 6:00 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

17 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

SESSION 7:00 pm

18 19 POJ Fall Meeting

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

21

GRACE NOTES DUE!

Men’s Lunch 12 noon

22

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

23 Care Team 3:30 pm

Kids’ Choir 4:30 pm

Junior Choir 5:00 pm

WNL 6:00 pm

Chancel Choir 7:15 pm

24 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

25 26 ANNUAL MEN’S OYSTER ROAST

27 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Prayer 9:15 am

Sunday School 9:30 am

Worship 10:55 am

Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm

28

Men’s Lunch 12 noon

29

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

30

Care Team 3:30 pm

Kids’ Choir 4:30 pm

Junior Choir 5:00 pm

WNL 6:00 pm

Chancel Choir 7:15 pm

31 CDC Fall

Festival

October

Page 7: October 2013

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Page 7

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

Admin. Committee Meeting

and Missions Committee

Meeting 7:00 pm

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

3 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

4

VCU Choral Concert

7:30 pm

5

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

7 Men’s Lunch 12 noon

6:10 CDC Staff Meeting

Worship Committee

Meeting 7:00 pm

8

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

PW Circles Meet (See pg. 3)

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

10 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

11 12

13 Handbell Choir 8:30 am

Prayer 9:15 am

Sunday School 9:30 am

Worship 10:55 am

Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm

14

CDC CLOSED

Men’s Lunch 12 noon

15

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

CDC Pumpkin Patch Trip

Deacons’ Meeting 6:00 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

17 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

SESSION 7:00 pm

18 19 POJ Fall Meeting

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

21

GRACE NOTES DUE!

Men’s Lunch 12 noon

22

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

23 Care Team 3:30 pm

Kids’ Choir 4:30 pm

Junior Choir 5:00 pm

WNL 6:00 pm

Chancel Choir 7:15 pm

24 CDC Chapel

10:00 am

25 26 ANNUAL MEN’S OYSTER ROAST

27 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Prayer 9:15 am

Sunday School 9:30 am

Worship 10:55 am

Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm

28

Men’s Lunch 12 noon

29

Staff Meeting 10:00 am

30

Care Team 3:30 pm

Kids’ Choir 4:30 pm

Junior Choir 5:00 pm

WNL 6:00 pm

Chancel Choir 7:15 pm

31 CDC Fall

Festival

Grace Notes Deadline: October 21 is the deadline for

submissions for our November edition.

Page 8: October 2013

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Openers/Closers

October 6 Rick Nochta October 13 Rob Rosebro October 20 Jake Savage October 27 Cal Gray

Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell Dottie-Ray Koch

Fellowship Hour Schedule

October 6 The Bairds October 13 Jean Appich October 20 Sallie Leyes October 27 The Rosebros

Greeters

October 6 October 13 Elizabeth Russell October 20 PW Circles October 27

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 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 31- Wilkes Price

Page 9: October 2013

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Child Development Center

GCPC Members,

What a great month of learning all about Community Helpers!

Our little ones had a wonderful time with many special visitors,

many of which were parents within our own community. One

Dad, a forensics specialist, brought his equipment truck and

showed the kids how he helps the police solve crimes. Another

Dad, a contractor, brought his special tools and gave each child a

hard hat. Yet another Dad, a VCU professor, wore his cap and gown and spoke to the children

about college and teaching. It’s never too early to start thinking about college, right? Some other

community helpers included a commercial airline pilot, a nurse, a cosmetologist, and—no commu-

nity helpers curriculum would be complete without—the firefighters coming by for a visit! The

children even got to get in the truck and talk to the firefighters in gear. They didn’t get to drive the

truck, though, as reported by one of our three year olds, because that would not be safe. The chil-

dren had fun and learned all about the world around them with hands on experiences and support-

ing activities.

As September winds down and the transition into fall settles, we start to focus on Au-

tumn! What is the weather like in Autumn? We’ll learn all about the change in weather, and the

change in plants and animals all around us. We’ll watch as the squirrels collect nuts for the winter,

and learn all about hibernation. We’ll collect leaf samples and watch the colors change from

greens to reds. We’ll discover what is means to have a plentiful harvest when we go to the pump-

kin patch and harvest our own pumpkin! Then we will celebrate and give thanks to God for all of

our fall blessings with our annual Fall Festival. I hope everyone’s in the mood for apples and

pumpkin pie, because fall is here! What a wonderful gift from God to be able to not only watch

the world around us change, but also introduce this blessing to our ever-growing number of little

ones. Thank you for all of your support!

Nicole Williams, CDC Director

A+ School Rewards Program!

It’s that time of year again! Time to register your Martin’s bonus card

to benefit the Grace Covenant Child Development Center. Purchases

made from October 6, 2013 to March 22, 2014 will result in earnings for the CDC Scholarship Fund. To

register your bonus card, just follow these easy steps:

Go to “Martinsaplus.com” Click on “Customer Zone Click “Register” Enter the first 3 letters of your last name Enter your 11 digit bonus card number (begins with 48 on back of your card). Then click “Log in”. Enter ID number for CDC: 03012 Click “Complete” Now, go shopping at Martin’s!!!!

Any questions or need assistance, email Nicole Williams

At [email protected] or call her at 213-0200.

Page 11: October 2013

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Grace Covenant is proud to offer several opportunities

for all of our children. Here’s 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 lov-

ing 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 appropri-

ate 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: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon 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 Children’s 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 wor-

ship in the chapel. Pick-up for this age-group will be in the social room.

-continued from page 4- They 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 circum-

stances, 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 re-

minded of Paul’s 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 privi-

lege 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.

Page 12: October 2013

12

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 1-

By the end of the day, the Holy Spirit had definitely given us an image – doors! The day began with our con-

sidering 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 faithful-

ness. Which makes sense. Pushing through doors, breaking down barriers, and opening full access to the Gos-

pel 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 divid-

ing 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 eve-

ry barrier to the love of Christ.

We give thanks for God’s 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 it’s a conversation you are needing to have. Maybe it’s 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 stew-

ardship season, God may be calling you to consider how you might open your financial resources for the min-

istry 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 God’s continual blessings poured out on those who walk in God’s way.

Page 13: October 2013

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New Staff Member!

Christopher Tweel is currently a student in his third year at Union

Presbyterian Seminary. Previously Christopher and his wife Leah

lived and worked in North Carolina. They had met in college in

West Virginia, and are now enjoying the journey of raising their

daughter, Amara, together in Richmond. Leah is an artist with a

Masters Degree in Library Science. When not working, studying

for seminary, or spending joyful time with his family, Christopher

finds refreshment in hiking, camping, gardening, and road biking.

Christopher is excited to have the opportunity to serve Grace Cov-

enant's Christian Education program for another year!

New Intern!

Luke Woodcock is currently a student in his third year at Union Pres-

byterian Seminary pursuing a Master of Divinity degree. Luke is orig-

inally from Hampstead, North Carolina, a small town just north of

Wilmington, NC. He completed his undergraduate work at the Uni-

versity 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 compa-

ny of his friends, and, of course, reading and writing. Luke will be

serving Grace Covenant as an intern and is thrilled to become in-

volved in the life, worship, and mission of the church.

POJ Youth Event

Just a reminder about our next Youth event— Sunday, October 6. We are planning a FUN scav-

enger hunt through the Fan. A Taco Bar will follow hosted by Overbrook Church. We will con-

tinue our ongoing discussion about our relationships with each other through Christ. Meet in the

parking lot at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 5:00 p.m. (1627 Monument

Ave). Please RSVP with the number of youth from your church that plan to attend to Kathe-

rine Baird by leaving a message on her phone at 586-4158.

Looking forward to seeing you, your students, and their friends! Spread the word!

Page 14: October 2013

14

Grace Notes

PREBSYTERIAN OLDER ADULT MINISTRY

CHARLES SUTTON, CONTACT PERSON

“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 confer-

ence 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 in-

teresting afternoon options.

In older adult ministry we often refer to

“options.” Options are ministry activities,

projects, or means of providing a particular

service or experience. I have recently discov-

ered a very worthwhile option. One of our lo-

cal Presbyterian congregations has a team of

men who host a dinner club for men once a

month in the assisted living section of West-

minster 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

good example of ministry already in place.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake

me, O God, till I declare your power to the

next generation, your might to all who are to

come (Psalm 71:18).

Think about it, as Baby Boomers are turning

65 every eight seconds.

Becky Reeves

Rebecca "Becky" Potts

Reeves died and went to be

with our Lord on Saturday,

September 28, 2013. A me-

morial service will be held at

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 10:00

a.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2013. A recep-

tion in the Social Room will follow the ser-

vice. Please keep Becky's family and friends

in your prayers.

CHORAL SHOWCASE VCU Choirs and VCU Music vocal majors perform choral and solo vocal music, including the “Missa Brevis in D,” “Hymn to St. Cecilia,” and selections from Britten’s operas, song cycles, and folksong arrangements.

Chris Martin, organist

Page 15: October 2013

15

Missions—Beth 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

([email protected] 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, Novem-

ber 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 combat-

ing food insecurity in the Greater Richmond Area, particularly low-income urban neighbor-

hoods 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 ([email protected]

or 387-8094).

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Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor [email protected] Chris Martin Director of Music and Organist [email protected] Vanessa Strait Administrative Assistant [email protected] Martha Rubin Bookkeeper [email protected] Christopher Tweel Christian Education Coordinator for children [email protected] Luke Woodcock Seminary Intern [email protected] 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. 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 Grace Covenant Child Development Center

Nicole Williams Director [email protected] www.gracecovenantcdc.com

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 Covenant’s ministries.

CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley

ELDERS Jordan Ball (’14) - Nominating (M), Finance Wayne Casey (’13) - Property, Small Groups (M) Jack Corley (’13) - Finance, Missions Matt Hartman (’13) - Missions (M), Small Groups Virginia Hudson (’14) - Evangelism (M), CE/Discipleship Cheryl Jacobs (’15) – CE/Discipleship, Fellowship, Worship Caroline Leith (’15) - Administration (Co-M), Property Katie McCullough (’13) - Administration (Co-M) Dana McKnight (’14) - Worship (Co-M), Finance Christof Meyer (’15) – CE/Discipleship (Co-M) Joy Nevin (’14) - Fellowship (M) Everett Reveley (’15) - Finance (M) Nelson Reveley (’15) – CE/Discipleship (Co-M), Evangelism Robert Rosebro (’13) - Property (M) Rob Turner (’14) - Worship (Co-M) 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)

The Staff Church Officers