1

In late September, the church gave five members $100. They were charged to answer one question: How is God leading me (or us) to use this money? It was a free gift to use in any way that they discerned God leading them. Each of them then shared their 100 Project with the congregation in worship, at WNS, or in Grace Notes (see pg. 5). Each of them did something different with the money:

Sallie Leys gave to Shalom Farms, and her company generously matched her donation.

Janet Chenoweth (and children, Nina and Roman) gave $20 apiece to the Heifer Project, the SPCA, the Salvation Army, the Fan Free Clinic, and the Fox Elementary Farm (where she hopes part of her gift brings forth fresh tomatoes that we can share together next spring).

Jennifer Schooley (and children, Jack and Coco) is still discerning how to give the money, but is certain it will go toward serving those in need in some capacity.

Kent Cardwell is using the $100 to raise money for the GCPC General Budget and the GCPC Building Fund. Members can sponsor Kent at a per-mile rate as he does the Cap-to-Cap trail from Richmond to Jamestown on Saturday, October 31st. Wilkes Price did something creative. (see page 5)

While each used the money in different ways, there was a common denominator in this project. Each person shared how challenging this project was. One might think a free gift would be a blessing! But as they wrestled with stewarding the gift faithfully, they discovered that true discernment is a process. It involves listening to Scripture in prayer, to friends and neighbors, and to their own hearts. Ultimately, each of them acted in a way that echoed Christ’s love for this world, and each found themselves blessed by the Spirit’s faithfulness in this process.

I pray each of us might be encouraged by their witness. And I invite you to join me in prayer for our officers! The elders and deacons will be on their annual leadership retreat on Saturday, October 31, at Union Presbyterian Seminary. They will be doing this very same work of discernment on behalf of our congregation. Thank you for your faithful prayers and encouragement as we step into our 101st year of ministry together.

Oyster Roast

pg. 2 100 Project

pg. 5 November

Calendar pg. 8 Additional

Prayer pg. 11 Announcements

pg. 12

Volume 45, Issue 11 November 2015

2

Christian Education and Discipleship Men’s Ministry

Oyster season has long been celebrated at Grace Covenant by the annual Men’s Oyster Roast, and this year was no different. Each year the men of the church are invited by the Vanguard Class to come out and have dinner and roasted oysters on them. And for nearly 80 years we have enjoyed the hospitality of Pearsons’ cabin on the Pamunkey River. Some might be unfamiliar with the long history that the Vanguard Class has not only at this church, but as a movement that took place at other southern churches as well. As Christian men in the modern world we need to have time together, not only to study and discern our unique role in the Kingdom of God, but also to connect with our peers and mentors, to share stories and lend support. Generations need the space to share wisdom, while also gathering inspiration and new perspectives. The Vanguard ministry at Grace Covenant has been going further to reach out to all men, not just on Sunday mornings, but through fellowship and study at other times as well. This year we look forward to Brian Baird hosting us each month at his house to sample beer and study life through the lense of scripture. In addition to some other fun events like skeet shooting and bowling, we are looking forward to heading to Montreat in April for their annual “Mantreat,” where we will “Connect your personal journey to that of many others through stories and activities. There will be time for community and time to be alone. The Mantreat will also offer optional workshop options to learn new skills. 2015 workshops included: blacksmithing, drumming, wood carving, hiking, and primitive tool making.” The Vanguard Men’s ministry at GCPC is supporting new life in Christ for our men; we hope you will continue to join in.

3

Christian Education and Discipleship

All Women’s Circles Meet Tues., Nov. 13

PW Circle 1

7:00 p.m

1502 Park Ave.

Hostess:

Cheryl Jacobs

PW Circle 2

11:00 a.m.

Vanguard Room

Hostesses:

Carol Wagner &

Mary Whitley

PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Lewis Roseboro

Sunday School Held every Sunday from 9:45-10:30 a.m.

The nursery crib room and Sunday School are available for children ages 2 and up.

The Vanguard Class, Basement, Room B4 - This exploratory men's class discusses each of the fathers in scripture. How did they fare? What was their legacy? How does this inform us about being men and fathers in our church family? This exciting study will continue to shape the men of our church, as they face each day of being who God created us to be. Forum of Grace, Room 212 - A newly combined class that goes deeper into the theology and scripture of the Parables. Join us for great lecture and discussion. Good Books, Room 303 - If you are looking for some good books and conversation about God to integrate into your eve-ryday life, this is the group for you. The “Good Book Small Group” meets to engage in precisely those kinds of books and discussions. Converstations will be framed devotionally through scripture, hymn, and prayer (including prayer for each other) that relates to the book being exploring. Pre- K, Room 102 - For our youngest Disciples this Pre-K class focuses on getting to know one another, getting in tune with teachers and their classmates, as well as just starting the process of learning what God's Love is, and just who is God anyway? Early Elementary, Room 209 - Great stories of the patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith abound, as this class moves biblical learning of the seasons through the liturgical year. Pilgrims' Prep, Room 302 - Confirmation is a special time here at GCPC, even more so as we plan to take our Confirm-ands on an annual trip to Scotland following their confirmation! This pilgrimage group spends its first year in preparation, getting to know one another and finding out how God has an awesome purpose and plan for our lives. Youth Mentors - Join our mentoring program, as we walk through the little-known books of the Bible. Every word that comes from the mouth of God is precious and awesome. Our Youth Mentors class is all about getting together and seeing how that Word is present in our everyday lives.

Presbyterian Women

4

STEP Fall Banquet November 12, 2015 6:30-8:30 p.m.

West End Presbyterian Church, 9008 Quioccasin Rd., 23229 "If God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" (1 John 4:11) STEP, our partner in helping our neighbors rise out of poverty, is having its fall banquet on Nov .12. If you would like to join in and register (at no cost), please contact Jess Reveley at jabreveley@gmail.com by Nov. 5. The guest speaker will be Martin D. Brown, who writes and works on issues of poverty, marriage, and the family. Attire is dressy casual. Buffet opens at 6:15 p.m. and program begins at 6:30 p.m.

Metro-wide Transit: Open House Public Input Meetings November 4, 5 & 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. "Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations". (Isaiah 58:11) We have an excellent opportunity to help shape the vision of public transportation in our region for years to come, helping reconcile our metro area, alleviate poverty, and spur mutual economic prosperity! The Missions Committee invites your presence and perspective at one of the following public input meetings, which are being held by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). Your witness is critically important, and you can join in any of the following open-house style meetings (in which people will rotate through series of stations in under an hour), all of which run from 6:00-8:00 p.m.: Wed., Nov. 4, Main Street Station Thurs., Nov. 5, New Bridge Baptist Church Mon., Nov. 9, John Tyler Community College For more information, see www.metrocrt.org or contact Nelson Reveley at reveley@grace-covenant.org.

Mission and Justice Ministry

4

5

100 Project

When Bobby announced the “100 Project” during worship, our eight-year old son, Wilkes, was excited by the prospect of receiving $100. During the social hour on the terrace after worship, Wilkes readily submitted his name; and lo and be-hold, it was drawn. Once we explained that the $100 was not for his personal use (!), we began thinking about how the money could be used.

As others participants have noted, the process was not easy. There are many deserving people and non-profits in the Richmond area with which we have been involved at some level over the years. I suggested that we research different charities and let Wilkes choose one. Wilkes thought about this proposal and said that he would like to divide the money between four different charities. We liked that idea, but it didn’t seem “exciting” enough.

“What a boring story that would make,” I thought. Ashby had other ideas; he felt that from this exercise Wilkes needed to derive a sense of gratitude—to realize how God has blessed us. Ashby began talking to an administra-tion at VCU hospital about using the money to buy books that Wilkes could deliver to sick children. We talked to Bobby a bit, and he advised us to pray on the matter, which we did. After several weeks, we still weren’t “sold” on a particular idea.

We continued discussing our different proposals. While $100 does not go far these days and may not seem like much, there was a certain gravitas attached to the money: this money did not belong to us; it was the church’s. What we determined is that we wanted the experience to have a personal element while serving as a teaching mo-ment to our child. In the end, we decided to give $25 to the “Run for Mukhanyo” and use the remaining to buy food and prepare a meal for a family friend’s son who has bone cancer.

Wilkes’ school, Veritas School, was participating in a run which was raising funds for a Christian school in South Africa. Wilkes ran almost 5 miles in one hour and raised money donated by family members including $25 from the “100 project.”

The heart of the project, however, was buying food for our family friends and making a meal to deliver. We had never met their 20-year old son, Christian, who has cancer, but we were connected to the family in several ways. We knew his parents; his mother had been Wilkes’ art teacher in preschool, and his father’s sister and her hus-band, are our neighbors and friends and their children are Christian’s first cousins. Two sisters who live in our neighborhood and are our regular babysitters are also his first cousins, so while we didn’t know him personally, there exists a web of connections. Christian has been fighting a hard battle against this disease. Before he be-came sick, he was an active college student and football player described as soft-spoken and kind. We had heard that he misses his friends and is tired of being sick, which anyone would imagine. We approached his aunt, our neighbor, about making the family a meal, which she helped coordinate. We found out that hamburgers are his favorite food, so we decided to a make them, plus herb roasted potatoes, arugula and grape salad with black pep-per vinaigrette and pumpkin-oatmeal cookies (we heard he had a sweet tooth).

One Sunday afternoon I made the salad and burgers, and Wilkes assisted with the roasted potatoes and cookies. After Wilkes’ flag football game, we took the food to the family in time for Sunday supper. Wilkes—still in his football attire--was looking forward to meeting Christian and seeing the family, but when we arrived only Chris-tian’s father was there to greet us. The family was at church, and Christian was asleep. We talked for a bit and explained to Christian’s dad directions for cooking and re-heating the food. Though I could tell that Wilkes was disappointed not to meet Christian whom we had been talking about so much recently, I hope that this was a good reminder to our family that when doing something kind for someone else, we shouldn’t expect anything in return. And in the end, while our story may not be exciting or glamorous, the unremarkable nature of the exer-

cise might just be the lesson.

Carson Price 10.28.15

5

6

Join us for a six-week program centered on aging faithfully – an opportunity

for every generation to consider how to best love God and one another

amid life’s progression. The program begins at 6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship

Hall immediately following Wednesday Night Supper.

Life and Loss in the Lord

GCPC and Bon Secours

Presents

November 4 Care for Parents and Loved Ones

Reverend Braunda Ridley, Chaplain

November 11 Faith and Finances

Reverend Carson Rhyne

November 18 Death, Dying, and Grief

Reverend David Benshoff, Chaplain

7

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 didn’t ‘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.

Memorial Poinsettias

Memorial Poinsettias Those interested in providing memorial poinsettias for use in the Sanc-tuary during the Christmas season should send information and pay-ment to the church ON OR BEFORE Monday, December 7. Those ordering poinsettias are asked to provide information on the form below and mail or bring it to the church office. The price of the plants is $10.00. Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and marked for Memorial Poinsettias.

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

IN MEMORY OF BY

PRICE: $10.00 – Payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

Christmas Greens Fund

Grace Covenant members and friends may participate in the Christmas celebration by making a gift toward the purchase of fresh greens to deco-rate the Sanctuary. The gifts, in any amount, may be made in honor or memory of a friend or family member. The names of those remembered will be printed in the Candlelight bulletin with the memorial poinsettias names. Information and contributions should be sent to the church ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7. Please use the form below.

CHRISTMAS GREENS IN MEMORY OF BY

Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant and marked for the Christmas Greens Fund. PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 GCPC, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220

8

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour Monthly Prayer Meeting

2 7pm CE Meeting

3 4 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS—Life & Loss in the Lord 7pm Chancel Choir

5 9 am CDC Chapel

6

7 8:30 am Church Clean up

8 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

9 6pm Finance Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

10 9:30am PW Circle #3 11am PW Circle #2 7pm PW Circle #1

11 Veterans Day 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS—Life & Loss in the Lord 7pm Chancel Choir

12 9 am CDC Chapel

13

14 10am Parents and Playground

15 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

16 7pm Session Meeting

17

18 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS—Life & Loss in the Lord 7pm Chancel Choir

19 9 am CDC Chapel

20

21 8am Shalom Farms

22 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour Bowling and Bibles (POJYO)

23 Deadline for Grace Notes submissions

24 Deacons’ Meeting

25 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 7pm Chancel Choir

26 Thanksgiving CDC and Church Office Closed

27 CDC and Church Office Closed

28 5pm Parents Night Out

29 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour 5th Sunday Luncheon

30

November

9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour Monthly Prayer Meeting

2 7pm CE Meeting

3 4 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS—Life & Loss in the Lord 7pm Chancel Choir

5 9 am CDC Chapel

6

7 8:30 am Church Clean up

8 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

9 6pm Finance Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

10 9:30am PW Circle #3 11am PW Circle #2 7pm PW Circle #1

11 Veterans Day 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS—Life & Loss in the Lord 7pm Chancel Choir

12 9 am CDC Chapel

13

14 10am Parents and Playground

15 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

16 7pm Session Meeting

17

18 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS—Life & Loss in the Lord 7pm Chancel Choir

19 9 am CDC Chapel

20

21 8am Shalom Farms

22 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour Bowling and Bibles (POJYO)

23 Deadline for Grace Notes submissions

24 Deacons’ Meeting

25 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 7pm Chancel Choir

26 Thanksgiving CDC and Church Office Closed

27 CDC and Church Office Closed

28 5pm Parents Night Out

29 8:30 Handbell Choir 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour 5th Sunday Luncheon

30

** Reminder! November 23 is the deadline for submissions

for our December edition of Grace Notes.

10

Next Presbytery Meeting: February 20, 2016

Overbrook Presbyterian Church,

Richmond

From Our Presbytery

Join us for delicious food and great company! Wednesday nights are a time of growth in fellowship and faith, plus we'll have arts and crafts for the kids, timely announcements, worship preparation cards for the coming Sunday, and entertainment. $5 per adult, $2 per child, with $12 max per family. Our upcoming schedule is below: Nov. 4 - Care for Parents and Loved Ones Reverend Braunda Ridley, Chaplain Cranberry-apple salad, quinoa chili with cornbread and brownies

Nov 11 - Faith and Finances Reverend Carson Rhyne Chopped salad, chicken pot pie with dinner rolls and cookies Nov 18 - Death, Dying and Grief Reverend David Benshoff, Chaplain Caesar salad, homemade pizza, garlic bread and chocolate cake * Our menu is reliant on fresh and in-season ingredients; for this reason the menu may vary slightly to accommodate the freshest ingredients

"Celebrating Our Past - Believing in Our Future"

11

From Director: Nicole Flournoy

Thank you so much for your support during the month of October. We learned all about fall, and enjoyed some of our yearly activities like the pumpkin patch field trip and the Fall Festival.

As November unfolds, we will be shifting from discovering the wonderful weather activities, and seasonal changes of fall, to ex-ploring many aspects of food and nutrition. Students will learn the different food groups and identify both basic and some new exotic food items. Students will practice math with sorting, science through taste and smell, community awareness as they learn the origins of food, self-help skills by preparing and eating the food, and self-awareness as they learn about how nutritional food is good for our bodies. We’ll also spend time learning traditions associated with food around the world, leading up to our Thanksgiving holi-day. As we approach this wonderful season of fellowship and family, we will focus on how to thank God, our parents, our community, and for all of the wonderful blessings we get to enjoy every day. Thank you so much for being part of that community, and supporting us in our mis-sion to teach these important life skills and values to the little ones in our community.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone!

CDC Update

Additional Prayer Following Services

The Prayer Team will be available for prayer at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the service of worship from Sunday, November 1, to Sunday, December 20. If you or someone you know needs prayer, simply come forward at the end of the service to re-ceive prayer. All prayer requests are confidential. We are grateful for the folks in our member-ship who have a gift for prayer and their willingness to share that gift. Here is the schedule: Itunu Adekoya & Carol Wood Nov. 1 Susan Farrell & Emmanuel Nyankson Nov. 8 Linda Pitts & Charles Hammett Nov. 15 Sampson Lodo & Gershon Abassah Nov. 22 Carol Wood & Emmanuel Nyankson Nov. 29 Linda Pitts & Carol Wood Dec. 6 Itunu Adekoya & Susan Farrell Dec. 13 Samson Lodo & Gershon Abassah Dec. 20

12

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 didn’t ‘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 Fellowship Hour

November 8 Manning

November 15 Corby

November 22 Russell

November 29 Wood

Openers and Closers

November 1 Brian Baird

November 8 Jake Savage

November 15 Rick Nochta

November 22 Pete Sizemore

November 29 Kent Cardwell

in November…

2-Andrew Kennedy 5-Eddie Cardwell 9-Margaret Harvie 11-Emily Bell 11-Michelle Hulme-Lippert 11-Johnny Norris 11-Henry Hubbard 12-Hannah Sibole 12-Forrest Whitley 13-Loretta Albertis 13-Lynne Norris 14-Hannah Coltrain-Hamrick 14-Beverly Proffitt 16-Elizabeth Russell 17-Carlton Boisseau 17-Vivien Chen 22-Martha Rubin 22-Ellery Hartman 22-Rivers Crawford 28-Ella Appich 29-Cheryl Atchison 29-Janet Chenoweth 29– Helen Blackwell Holt

Date Night Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Saturday, November 28, from 5:00-8:00

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 by 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 25 , to the church at info@grace-covenant.org or 359-2463 with name of child and age.

Bowling & Bibles

Post Senior High Retreat Decompression!!

2:30- 5:30pm

If you were leading the retreat

and want a place to just hang out, or if you went to the retreat, and just don't want to say goodbye

yet, then Bowl. Bowl I say!

[Youth who led the retreat get free nachos at the bowling alley]

Email Christopher to RSVP—

christopher@grace-covenant.org

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 didn’t ‘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

Fellowship Announcement

Parents and Playground

GCPC parents! Bring your young children and join us, Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the Grace Covenant Playground. This will be a time for GCPC and CDC parents to gather while their kids get to play.

Greeters Needed!

We are looking for members who would like to offer a friendly smile and a warm handshake to our members and guests as they enter our doors for worship Sunday mornings. You can volunteer once a quarter, once a month or as often as you like. If you would be interested in finding out more or want to participate in this important ministry, please contact Sallie Leys at 358-6071.

We Need Your Help!

Join us for a church clean-up day Saturday, November 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Individuals with pick-up trucks, we especially need your help since there are some large things that will need to be taken to the dump.

New Communications Director

We welcome Denise Shafer to the Grace Covenant family. Denise is handling our GCPC Communications. Denise is in the office several days a week and you'll hear and see her name more in the coming days and weeks.

Denise is married to Michael Shafer and they have four children between them. In her spare time, Denise enjoys playing tennis, being anywhere around water and spending time with friends and family.

5th Sunday Luncheon

The next one is November 29! You are invited to a congregational luncheon in the Fellowship Hall after worship. The lunch will be box lunches provided by Cuisine A La Carte. Please RSVP for this luncheon in one of the three following ways: email info@grace-covenant.org, phone 359-2463, or pro-vide your RSVP on the communication card in the weekly bulletin.

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Worship Weekly Sunday Morning Prayer The best way to start a Sunday morning, or any morning, is with prayer. Each Sunday morning from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. 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.

Monthly Prayer Group A prayer group meets after the worship service on the first Sunday of each month. We will pray in the chapel from 12:30-1:00 p.m. following the 11:00 a.m. church service. For more information please contact Itunu Adekoya at 309-310-1424 or historybegins1727@yahoo.com, Su-san Farrell at 359-6222 or omatalsbh@gmail.com, or Carol Wood at 282-2446 or ctwood7@gmail.com Please join us for our next meeting on December 6!

Candlelight Yard Signs

Yard signs will be ready for you to pick up and display in your yards, beginning December 6. We’ll have the signs at WNS in the Fellowship Hall and also on the following Sundays at the front and rear doors. Please pick one up and display it proudly in your yard as a way to invite all your neighbors to this wonderful Christmastime event at GCPC. Thanks for helping us get the word out and helping us share the wonderful Christmas story all around Richmond! And please remember to return your yard signs to the glass office after the Candlelight Lessons and Carols Service. We’ll reuse these same signs next year, simply change the date. Thanks from your GCPC Worship Committee.

Grace Covenant Choirs in November

Junior Choir (grades 1-5) Sunday, November 15 11:00 a.m. Worship Sanctuary Carol Choir (ages 3-K) Wednesday, November 18 6:00 p.m. (before Wednesday Night Supper)

Fellowship Hall

Handbell Choir Sunday, November 22 11:00 a.m. Worship

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Candlelight Rehearsals Chancel Choir Candlelight Rehearsals Begin This Month

Every year we invite members of Grace Covenant and friends from the community to sing with the Chancel Choir at the annual Candlelight Carol Service. Candlelight this year will be Sunday, December 21, 5:00 p.m.

In order to sing with the Chancel Choir at Candlelight, singers must attend at least four re-hearsals from the list below, including the Saturday morning rehearsal prior to the Candle-light service. Contact Chris Martin for more information. We hope to see you at one of our re-hearsals!

Chancel Choir Rehearsals for Candlelight Candlelight Choral Music Wed., November 11, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Ding Dong Merrily on High - Mack Wilberg Wed., November 18, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Climb to the Highest Mountain - Carolyn Jennings Wed., November 25, 8:00-9:00 p.m. (Thanksgiving Eve) Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - John Gardner Wed., December 2, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Christmas Lullaby - John Rutter Wed., December 9, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Matthew Culloton Sat., December 12, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon A Babe Is Born - William Mathias Wed., December 16, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Stay with Us – Egil Hovland Sat., December 19, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (mandatory dress rehearsal)

Candlelight Carol Service Sunday, December 20, 2015, at 5:00 Sunday, December 20, 2015, at 5:00 p.m.p.m.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church 1627 Monument Avenue

Chancel Choir

Junior Choir

Handbell Choir

Congregational Carols

Reception to Follow

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Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor bobby@grace-covenant.org Christopher Martin Director of Music and Organist martin@grace-covenant.org Christopher Tweel Director of Christian Formation & Pastoral Assistant christopher@grace-covenant.org Nelson Reveley Parish Associate for Outreach & Adult Discipleship reveley@grace-covenant.org Denise Shafer Director of Communications denise@grace-covenant.org Martha Rubin Administrative Support/ Bookkeeper bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org Lauren Voyles Seminary Intern

Church Office Hours: Mon., Tues., 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

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

12:15 p.m. Congregational Fellowship

in the Social Room

GCPC Child Development Center Nicole Flournoy Director (804) 213-0200 director.gccdc@verizon.net 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 James Atchison (’16) - Finance (C-M) Virginia Hudson (’17) - Mission (M), Nominating 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) MODERATOR OF THE BOARD OF DEACONS: Lisa Cardwell 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’ Fund (M) Care Team TRUSTEES: Caroline Leith (’17) John Roberts (’15) Warren Zirkle (’16)

The Staff Church Officers