GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

August 14, 2011

Loving God & Our Neighbors in the Heart of the City

WELCOME TO GRACE COVENANT!

We are an historic Presbyterian congregation offering traditional worship and multiple ministries for persons of all ages.

Please join us after worship for fellowship in the Social Room.

Thank you for turning off your cell phones, pagers, cameras, and other electronic devices during worship, and for leaving food and beverages outside the sanctuary. Interim Pastor: 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

So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. And they told him, Joseph is still alive! He is even ruler over all the land of Egypt. He was stunned; he could not believe them. But when they told him all the words of Joseph that he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. Israel said, Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I must go and see him before I die. - Genesis 45:25-28 But she came and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. He answered, It is not fair to take the childrens food and throw it to the dogs. She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table. Then Jesus answered her, Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish. And her daughter was healed instantly. - Matthew 15:25-28 Is there not in every one a longing for light, for God, however hidden? - Annemarie Wchter Arnold

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
August 14, 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 The Peace May Be Exchanged. (Rubrics) Dan Locklair

(b. 1949)

Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: How very good and pleasant it is when kindred live together in unity! People: It is like the precious oil on the head, running down upon the beard, Leader: On the beard of Aaron, running down over the collar of his robes. People: It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. All: It is God Who has called us to be a people, and we are His. Thanks be to God!

from Psalm 133

HYMN 473 (Blue Hymnal)

For the Beauty of the Earth

Dix

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

Gelobt sei Gott

Alleluia, music by Melchoir Vulpius, c.1560-1616 1986 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

OFFERING SOLO Come unto Him (Messiah)
Stephanie Auld, soprano

Georg Frederick Handel

(1685-1759)

Come unto Him, all ye that labour, come unto Him ye that are heavy laden, and He will give you rest. Take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him, for He is meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. - Matthew 11:28-29

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

Dana McKnight

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Dana McKnight

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Genesis 45:1-28

Holy Bible, p. 42 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

CHILDRENS SERMON GOSPEL READING Matthew 15:21-28

Brian Baird Holy Bible, p. 21 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 303 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Revealing What Is Hidden Be Thou My Vision The Apostles Creed B. Brinton P. Keyes Slane

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

SOLO

Blute nur, du liebes Herz! (St. Matthew Passion) Johann Sebastian Bach
Stephanie Auld, soprano Blute nur, du liebes Herz! Ach! Ein Kind, das du erzogen, Das an deiner Brust gesogen, Droht den Pfleger zu ermorden, Denn es ist zur Schlange worden. [Bleed and break, thou loving heart! Ah! A child whom Thou didst nourish, A friend whom Thou didst cherish, He doth gather foes around Thee, He doth like a serpent wound Thee.]

(1685-1750)

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 411 (Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals Sigfrid Karg-Elert Arise, Your Light Is Come! Festal Song

(1877-1933)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.
The flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Taylor Dickenson and in honor of Nell Dickenson by Suzanne and Pete Sizemore.

Give thanks to God: for the continuing work of the CDC Board in shepherding that ministry through a promising and challenging new season; for the leadership of Frances Mathews, Jennifer Ball and Nicole Williams, and for the ministry of the CDC staff for Gods faithfulness in the lives of Matt Hartman and Jennifer Schooley. Continue to pray: for those in need of healing: Phil Coltrain, recovering from pneumonia; Beth Bowman; 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 & George Turner; Nela Bostian and Eila Brooks for those in the twilight of their lives: Stella Schlieser... for those facing vocational challenges: Jennifer Schooley, Wayne Casey, Carol Wood, Matt Hartman, and Logan Moorheads daughter-in-law Sharie for Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry, and for John Lootens traveling across the United States for our Session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word for Beth Lloyd for Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces for the victims of floods, tornadoes, drought and heat across our country, and for the people of Japan and Haiti, still recovering from disaster for an end to violence in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds, and Bristol for Coptic Christians in Egypt, for deliverance from persecution; and for those seeking democracy in North Africa and the Middle East for the missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee (back in the US from Indonesia, fighting cancer); Valentin and Svetlana Chicu in Moldova; The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands... for the workplaces and businesses of Metropolitan Richmond: For safe, respectful work environments, healthy work ethics and attitudes, and sufficient salary and benefits for all workers. For owners and managers: for servant leadership, civic responsibility and ethical decision-making. "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

Our guest soloist today is Stephanie Auld, who was our alto section leader in the Chancel Choir from 2007-2008. Currently, Stephanie is a soprano section leader in the choir at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, and she is in her final year at VCU as a vocal performance major. Next Sunday our Handbell Quintet and Ben Williams, bassoonist, will provide special music during the service. CHOIR REHEARSALS BEGIN SOON: First rehearsals for Grace Covenants choirs begin next month. Chancel Choir, Wed., September 7, 7:00 p.m.; Handbell Choir, Sun., September 11, 8:30 a.m.; Carol Choir, Wed., September 14, 4:30 p.m.; and Junior Choir, Wed., September 14, 5:00 p.m.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (August 14): Opener Rob Rosebro; Greeters - Leslie Hartman, Carol Wood, Elizabeth Russell; Nursery Worker Lisa Cardwell; Worship Kits Caroline Leith; Fellowship Hour - Elizabeth Russell WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (August 21): Opener Jef Londrey; GreetersElizabeth Russell, Carol Wood, Carrie Rose, Presbyterian Women Circles; Nursery Worker Matt Hartman; Worship Kits Caroline Leith; Fellowship Hour - Doris Farquhar NOTE FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE By now each of you should have

received a letter and forms to nominate members of Grace Covenant to serve as Elders and Deacons for the class of 2014. We hope you have taken time to prayerfully consider those you know best among our congregation and to lift them up as candidates for both of these offices. Right now and more than ever before, Grace Covenant needs strong leadership in Elders and equally strong service in Deacons to lead our church in this time of transition. Please complete your forms and bring them back to the church no later than tomorrow August 15th.

Combined Adult Sunday School Summer Schedule

August 21 August 28 Jack Corley Christof Meyer What Is Stewardship? TBA

Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Light refreshments are available at 9:30 a.m. September 4 will be our last Summer Sunday School Class.

PEOPLE GROUP will be gathering together again THIS SATURDAY, August 20, at Jean Appichs Rappahannock River House. Please join us as this is our last summer event for 2011. Feel free to bring a friend and please bring a dish to share. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., but feel free to come as early as 2:30 p.m. to enjoy games, the beach, boat rides, sailing, swimming, good food, and fellowship. Directions can be found on flyers located around the church. If you are willing to take one or two people in your car or you need a ride, please call Vanessa at the church at 804-359-2463 to arrange carpooling.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, August 14 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. Monday, August 15 12:00 noon Tuesday, August 16 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 19 5:45 p.m. Saturday, August 20 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 21 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch Mens Luncheon Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room

Staff Meeting Room 213 Care Team Meeting Room 213 Administrative Committee Meeting Evangelism Committee Meeting Property Committee Meeting Mens Group 1704 Hanover Avenue CDC Board Meeting Nominating Committee Meeting Childrens Chapel SESSION MEETING Vanguard Room Room 213 Chapel Vanguard Room

CDC CLOSED - CLEANING DAY Community Group 2107 Maplewood Avenue

PEOPLE GROUP

Jean Appichs River Place Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room

Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch Deacons Meeting

2011 Officers
Our Elders serve the church as leaders. Our Deacons lead the church in service. Please feel free to approach them with any questions or feedback about GCPC's ministries.
CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley ELDERS: Jean Appich (11) - Christian Education Brian Baird (11) - Evangelism (M) Maurice Bell (13) - Finance/Stewardship Kent Cardwell (12) - Missions (M) Cal Gray (11) - Property (M) Matt Hartman (13) - Worship; Evangelism Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M); Administration Catherine Kerns (13) - Christian Education; Evangelism Caroline Leith (11) - Worship David Martin (13) - Administration (Co-M); Property Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (Co-M); Mission Dana McKnight (11) - Finance/Stewardship (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education (M) 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
Revealing What Is Hidden
B. BRINTON P. KEYES