Giving Thanks Summertime is often characterized by a slower pace, a little more vacation, and longer daylight. If youve experienced any or all of these, certainly there is obvious reason for thanks! But what if you have not? What if the summer and the past year for that matter have been filled with far more unknowns than restful enjoyment?
A former professor and mentor of mine, Steve Hayner, is the President of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. Earlier this year he was diagnosed with the pancreatic cancer. Despite aggressive treatment, at this point it appears he has just a few weeks to live. Having a wide network of friends and family who dearly care for him, Steve began a blog about his experience that you can visit here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/stevehayner
Below are a couple excerpts I find particularly insightful given his situation. I hope that his reflec- tions might offer words for you as you face unknown challenges. Or, it may be that you are more of a caregiver for someone right now. These words, then, offer a way for you to pray on behalf of those who face difficult unknowns. For all of us, these words offer rich reminders about what does (and does not) matter in this life.
At one point, Steve reflects,
There is a much bigger story of which this is only a tiny part. And it is Gods story of love, hope, for- giveness, reconciliation, and joy. We went into this journey choosing to trust God and to offer our fears to God. Weve been so grateful for the freedom from fear and the abundance of peace that we have experienced. There are, of course, times of discouragement, grief, pain, and wonder. After all, there are a lot of unknowns ahead of us.
Many are praying for one of Gods big miracles. We are as well. But it is not how God answers prayer that determines our response to God. God is committed to my ultimate healing. But being cured of my cancer may or may not be a part of that healing work.
He goes on to exhort himself, and truly all of us, to see what God has for us TODAY:
But life is about a lot more than physical health. It is measured by a lot more than medical tests and vital signs. More important than the more particular aspects of Gods work with us (in the physical, social, psychological, spiritual, mental realms of life) is Gods overall presence with us, nourishing, equipping, transforming, empowering, and sustaining us for whatever might be Gods call to my life today. -Continued on page 9-
GET CONNECTED WITH CARITAS Preparations are underway for our womens CARITAS program to be held Saturday, August 30, through Saturday, September 6. That week, Grace Covenant, along with help from City Church, will provide shelter, showers, meals, and other important services to forty women in Richmond. I love our CARITAS time! My memories of our week last summer still bring me joy. Yes, it was a ton of work and it was exhausting, but it is such a clear, practical way to love and serve my Lord and Savior.
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, and thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)
Please join me in this week of love and service. There are so many needs and opportunities of every size and scope. Can you help prepare a meal? Pack a bagged lunch? Provide transportation to the downtown YMCA for showers? Do a load of laundry? Are you up for spending a night at the church? Do you have a special interest or gift that just might be meaningful to share? Cameron Baird is going to open her "nail salon" to serve our guests. Nelson and Jess Reveley are going to help our guests put together resumes. Chris Martin is going to take a night to show off our organ (the ladies last year especially enjoyed this!). Christopher Tweel and Pastor Bobby are going to bring out their guitars for some sing-a-long time. Are you free to come over and offer friendship and prayer? Maybe you could help decorate for out Labor Day picnic dinner?
Call or email me with your ideas and availability. There is some way that everyone can be a part of this. There is a sign-up board in the Narthex. Find a place for your name. Lets join together to make this an incredible week for these women. May they leave us feeling loved, accepted, and encouraged, in our Lord.
Thank you, Susan Farrell 314-1937 or susanbarr311@aol.com
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm 4 Mens Lunch 12 noon
CDC Staff Meeting 6:00pm 5 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 6 Care Team 2:00 pm
AUGUST MUSICALES 7:00 pm 7 CDC Chapel 10:00 am
8 9 10 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Fellowship Committee 12:30 pm 11 Mens Lunch 12 noon
Christian Education Meet- ing 6:00 pm
12 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 13 Care Team 2:00 pm
Finance Meeting 6:00 pm
Worship Committee Meet- ing 7:00 pm 14 CDC Chapel 10:00 am
15
16
Shalom Farms Meet at church at 8:00 am 17 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm 18 Mens Lunch 12 noon 19 Staff Meeting 10:00 am
GRACE NOTES ARTICLES DUE! 22 23 Date Night 5:00 pm
24 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Interview Presentation 12:30 w/ Luke Woodcock 25
Mens Lunch 12 noon 26 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 27 Care Team 2:00 pm
AUGUST MUSICALES 7:00 pm
28 CDC Chapel 10:00 am
Boaz & Ruth Dinner 6:00 pm 29 30 CARITAS Starts
31 CARITAS Prayer 9:15 am Potluck Breakfast 9:00 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm
August
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm 4 Mens Lunch 12 noon
CDC Staff Meeting 6:00pm 5 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 6 Care Team 2:00 pm
AUGUST MUSICALES 7:00 pm 7 CDC Chapel 10:00 am
8 9 10 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Fellowship Committee 12:30 pm 11 Mens Lunch 12 noon
Christian Education Meet- ing 6:00 pm
12 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 13 Care Team 2:00 pm
Finance Meeting 6:00 pm
Worship Committee Meet- ing 7:00 pm 14 CDC Chapel 10:00 am
15
16
Shalom Farms Meet at church at 8:00 am 17 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm 18 Mens Lunch 12 noon 19 Staff Meeting 10:00 am
GRACE NOTES ARTICLES DUE! 22 23 Date Night 5:00 pm
24 Prayer 9:15 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm Interview Presentation 12:30 w/ Luke Woodcock 25
Mens Lunch 12 noon 26 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 27 Care Team 2:00 pm
AUGUST MUSICALES 7:00 pm
28 CDC Chapel 10:00 am
Boaz & Ruth Dinner 6:00 pm 29 30 CARITAS Starts
31 CARITAS Prayer 9:15 am Potluck Breakfast 9:00 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12:15 pm
Grace Notes Deadline: August 21 is the deadline for submissions for our September edition.
Openers/Closers
August 3 Hank Downing
August 10 Jake Savage
August 17 Pete Sizemore
August 24 Rick Nochta
August 31 Wayne Casey
Fellowship Hour
August 3 Rosebros
August 10 Sallie Leys
August 17 Warren Zirkle
August 24 The Millers
August 31 Sallie Leys
Summertime Office Hours
From Monday, June 23, to Friday, August 29, the office hours will be as follows: Monday -Thursday open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday open from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. August Birthdays 2- Clara Ling 3- Bob Copeland 3- Ron David 3- Christof Meyer 4- Thatcher Hartman 5- Jessica Reveley 6- Bill Bridenstine 7- Eva Chenoweth 7 Nina Chenoweth 8- Ray Davis 9- Dottie-Ray Koch 10- Llewellyn Harvie 10- Charles Horner 11- Charlie Appich III 11- Nell Dickenson 12 Analiese Meyer 12- Rob Turner 15- Phil Coltrain 15- Garland Price 15- Steve Satterfield 15 Gary Flake 16- Liz Copping 17- Everett Reveley 18- Fielding Crawford 19- Scott Boze III 22- Anna Mustanski 23 Chris Martin 23- Beth Nochta 26- Walter Lumpkin 28- Jim McCullough 29- Virginia Sommers 30- Holland Mesco 31- Lauren Corby
Fourth Thursdays Ministry
Boaz & Ruth's restaurant, Firehouse 15, is the only sit-down restaurant in Highland Park and offers job training for program participants. GCPC is supporting this business by joining in fellowship for dinner on the fourth Thursday of each month. When there are five Thursdays in the month, on occasion we may shift to the fifth Thursday. We meet this month on Thursday, August 28, at 6:00 p.m.
No long-term commitment required; intermittent visitors encouraged. If you are interested in joining, please join our email list for a once-a- month reminder to RSVP. Contact Jessica Reveley at jabreveley@gmail.com.
Parents Night Out/Date Night: Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Sat- urday, August 23, 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 to Vanessa Strait at info@grace-covenant.org or 359-2463 with name of child and age.
Save the Date! Were going back to school and back to Sunday School! On September 6, the GCPC Christian Ed- ucation ministry and the GCPC Child Develop- ment Center are happy to host a family cookout and party for all families with children! We will gather in the space between our two build- ings from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on that day for games and fellowship and food. Well have games for children of all ages, plus the ever popular bouncy house, scavenger hunt, corn hole toss, ladder golf, face painting, and bubbles of course! We hope youll come out for an afternoon of fun and meet the other children and parents in our church and school families. Please mark your calendars now and look for your invitations in the mail with more details about this event. We look forward to having all our families together on this day to kick off the new school year with some fun and games and good food!
A Note from Ray and Diane Thanks to everyone for your cards, calls and all expressions of sympathy during the recent passing of my mother. Your acts of kindness were very appreciated and very supportive of this difficult time. H. Ray and Diane Davis
The Meeting Room: If you happen to go into room 213 you might notice a few things missing! CE volunteers sifted through the archived materials and were able to clear away some of what was placed there. Not to fear, most was re-purposed, moved into the library or Christopher's office for better use, and between 5-10 copies of what had been archived has been saved for possible use or reference later. The hope of the CE Committee is that the library and this archival resource room can be cataloged in some way as to help members and the community better use the materials. Our CE heritage is important, and we are looking for some new ways to make sure we can continue to connect to it! -CE Committee
Youth Kickoff! September 6 @ 12 noon Save the Date!
Let's get together! A great time to grill out, play together, and hang out at Forest Hill Park in Richmond. We will have good food and fun, as well as go over all of the awesome things we have planned for the coming year. Plus T-shirts and ideas for the new year. Parents are in- vited and encouraged to come to ask ques- tions and meet some of the youth leaders. We hope to see you there!
-continued from page 1-
TODAY, my call might be to learn something new about rest. TODAY, my call might be to encourage another person in some very tangible way. TODAY, my call might be to learn something new about patience, endurance, and the identification with those who suffer. TODAY, my call might be to mull through a new insight about Gods truth or character.
The prayers and support of people along the way are also about Gods call to each of them (and me!) TODAY. As people pray, we are all changed, and we are all called to focus in a new way. We are all changed as individuals and as a community.
Steve then ends his remarks with, I thank you God for most this amazing day, reminding us that we have reason for thanks regardless of how the summer has or has not gone.
Give thanks in all circumstances. - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND DISCIPLESHIP
Sunday School is held every Sunday from 9:45- 10:30 a.m. The nursery crib room and Sunday School are available for children age 2 and up.
Combined Adult Sunday School is in the Fellow- ship Hall during the summer. We will look at a different Hero of the Faith each week.
August 3 Luke Woodcock J. R. R. Tolkien August 10 Tom Miller Charles Spurgeon August 17 Joshua Ralston TBA August 24 Beth Baleke Update on Mission Work in Sudan August 31 Labor Day Weekend Fellowship Breakfast
Presbyterian Women Salad Supper Tuesday, September 9, at 6:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall
Horizons Bible Study Overview- Reconciling Paul: A Contemporary Study of 2 Corinthians
Presented by- Christopher Tweel All Presbyterian Women are invited to come, bring a friend, and a Salad to share with all!
Hosted by Circle #2 Any questions please call Mary Gray- 247-4899
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church,
Thank you for all of your support during the month of July, while we explored the depths of the ocean! The younger chil- dren learned what the ocean is, many of them going to the beach for the first time with their families. They learned that fish live in the ocean, and so do some types of plants. They got to use water colors to express their interpretation of the ocean, cut out ocean animals from play dough, make ocean collages, and match sea creatures. They got to explore ocean materials with shells and sand in the sensory table, sorting and counting the shells as well. The older children went even farther. They learned about the layers of the ocean shelf, and different types of animals in the sea. They learned the difference between ocean fish and ocean mammals, and what characteristics make them up. They learned about the class of crustacean creatures and imitated the way they move. They learned all about squids, jellyfish, and octopi, and what the difference is between them. They even explored coral reefs, and learned that coral is actually an animal! As July comes to a close we begin setting our sights on Augusts theme of animal habi- tats. Children will learn what an ecosystem is, and explore different ecosystems all around the world. They will discover habitats in different climates, like the desert and tundra, and what kinds of plants and animals live in those climates. Learning about such drastically different weather and temperature patterns also gives us the opportunity to start learning about how animals and plants learn to adapt to their surroundings, like how penguins huddle in a circle and take turns being in the middle so they all stay warm. Well marvel at how even animals can use methods like taking turns, and how that is so similar to what we do! Likewise, we will look at different cultures around the world. From tribes in Africa to the indigenous people of Alaska, well look at things like how they build their houses, what they wear, and how they cook their food to acclimate to their conditions. How are we as people the same as animals? How are we different? How are we similar and different to each other? Well even explore these questions as we study the world map. We are so excited about ecosystems and habitats!
Nicole Williams, Director of CDC
PEOPLE GroupSave the Date September 13
Saturday, September 13, Betty Appich will be hosting PEOPLE Group at her River house. This PEOPLE Group event will be a lunch and fried chicken will be provided. Lunch will begin being served at 1:00 p.m. Please bring an appetizer, side dish, vegetable, or dessert to share. (Enough for 10 adults.) Please also bring a lawn chair. RSVP by Wednesday, September 10, to info@grace-covenant.org or by phoning the church office at 359-2463.
Jen Hatmaker comes to Richmond! A Conference - Richmond, VA - the metropolitan area, not just the city - is under construction; and we the Church - the body of Christ, not the buildings - are being called to rebuild it. But, that requires us to go on God's Mission. What is God's Mission? Based on what Jesus said, God's Mission is to: Love God. Love Neighbor. Make Disciples Who Make Disciples.
Friday evening, August 15, and Saturday morning, August 16, author, speaker, and blogger Jen Hatmaker will be at St. Giles Church (5200 Grove Ave.) where she will lead a discussion on living out that mission as individuals, families, and churches.
This is an excellent opportunity to grow in our call to awaken a love for Christ in the heart of Richmond.
In two weeks, Jen Hatmaker comes for a discussion on living on that mission as an individual, as a small group or family, and as a church!
Please note that Jen's message is NOT just for women only. She has a message for everyone, including men and women, church leaders, young adults, singles and par- ents.
Location: Weekend Schedule St. Giles Presbyterian Church Friday 8/15 6:00 - 9:30 p.m. 5200 Grove Avenue Saturday 8/16 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Richmond, VA 23226
Sign up online at www.eventbrite.com and type in Jen Hatmaker.
Who is Jen Hatmaker? Jen Hatmaker and her husband, Brandon, live in Austin, TX where they lead Austin New Church and raise their brood. They pioneered Restore Austin, connecting churches to local and global nonprofits for the spiritual and social renewal of Austin and beyond. She is the author of nine books and Bible studies, including Interrupted and 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. Jen and Brandon have five children ~ Gavin, Sydney, Caleb; and in 2010 they added Ben and Remy from Ethiopia.
In addition...Jen Hatmakers family, faith, and 105-year-old farmhouse will debut on HGTV starting August 7th! HGTV reached out to Hatmaker in June 2013, after she appeared on the Today Show. This will be a very faith-friendly cable show series over several weeks.
Discipleship Sunday September 7, 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
As we transition out the summer and come back into the regular rhythm of our church year, all are invited to join in the Discipleship Sunday on September 7.
We'll be gathering in the Fellowship Hall for a little celebration and reflection on what a new year at Grace Covenant might have in store for each of us. The back of the Fellowship Hall will be filled with information tables about opportunities to join in what different committees and church groups will be up to this fall, winter, and spring -- many ways to grow in discipleship of Christ! There will also be a delicious breakfast lovingly prepared by our GCPC staff!
During worship we will also take some time not only to bless those leaders who are taking part in our Christian Education for the coming year, but also the church family members who are teaching outside the church, and a time of blessing during worship for our students as they begin their new school year.
We look forward to this time of celebration with the whole church family, and to an exciting new year in education and growth in Christ and how we can continue to enliven our under- standing of Discipleship.
Stewardship Corner
As a result of individuals making mid-year gifts, contributions in June of $69,100 were particularly strong and more than double the amount of the previous month. Included in the total was almost $5,000 of un- pledged donations, a fairly high monthly total. For the first half of the year contributions of $258,500 were up 3.3% over the same period last year, even though last years first quarter included a sizable amount at- tributable to 2012 pledges. Total income of $333.400 for the first six months was up 3.1% over the same period last year.
June expenses of $54,400 were up about a third over Mays total, but they included $4,500 taxes on the Stuart Circle Building and $4,300 in various mission donations. For the month income exceeded expenses by $27,500, and for the first six months by $17,100.
Junes Loaves and Fishes offering was $555, while the Mercy Offering and Five Cents Per Meal were each less than $100.
An update from our Missionaries in Spain!
Dear friends, It was 10 years ago that Nate and I sat in the offices of International Teams and Mark F. pitched the idea of moving to Spain to start a new hostel for pilgrims. So much has happened since that day - including changing the goal from a pilgrim hostel to a pilgrim welcome center - but tomorrow, Thursday, July 24, Pilgrim House is finally going to OPEN!
We are so grateful for the amazing team the Lord has brought to Santiago. Gale, Anne, Danielle, and Jeremiah have worked so hard the past two years to help bring our collective vision to reality (photos taken a few days ago, before pre-opening clean-up):
Critical Prayer Points Friends, please pray for us. Opening up Pilgrim House, after years of moving in this direction, is exhilarating, daunting, and weighty. We're all really excited to be at this point, but we're still bursting at the seams with stuff to do, and our team lives with very little margin right now. We know it's just for a season, but even in the crazy seasons the Lord wants us to stay deeply connected to Him - would you please pray that we would be?
Please also pray for wisdom in how best to operate Pil- grim House, overflowing love for the pilgrims who will come in, and for us to be positive mentors to the dif- ferent young people who'll be serving with us through September.
So what else is about it? Also tomorrow, Nate and I celebrate our 15th anniversary! We used to dream of going to Hawaii for our big 15th anniversary - and instead we'll see Pilgrim House finally open. It's definitely a little crazy around here. Thanks for walking with us through this long road. As we've now come to realize, one does not simply walk into Santiago and start Pil- grim House. But it's been the best kind of adventure. Here's to the next 10 years!
Take care, Nate, Faith, and the kids
A One-Day Consultation to Create Our Future
Growing the POJ
Come, be part of a one-day experience to dream about how the Presbytery of the James can grow disciples for Jesus Christ. Well explore new church development, church transformation, church revitalization, evangelism, new worshiping communities. Well work on developing a strategy for the presbytery to embrace growth of persons in numbers and spiritual maturity.
August 28, 2014, is the date. Time is 9:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Place is Richmond Hall on the Un- ion Presbyterian Seminary Campus.
Who is invited? The entire presbytery: Teaching and Ruling Elders and persons interested in exploring how we can expand our ministry and outreach in this part of Gods Kingdom.
LEADERSHIP includes Shannon Kiser, Mission Catalyst for 1001 New Worshiping Commu- nities; Ray Jones, Coordinator of Evangelism Ministries, PC(USA); and Ann Philbrick, Associ- ate for Church Growth and Transformation, PC(USA).
Requirement: Registration . . . No cost; lunch and snacks provided . . . But registration is required. To register, call the office 262-2074, or email your name, church, and if you want a vegetarian meal to franklinr@pbyjames.org.
Deadline for registration is Tuesday, August 26, 2014.
Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor bobby@grace-covenant.org
Chris Martin Director of Music and Organist martin@grace-covenant.org
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 director.gccdc@verizon.net 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 Covenants ministries. CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley
ELDERS Jordan Ball (14) - Nominating (M), Finance (Co-M), Property (Co-M) Matt Hartman (16) - Missions (M) Virginia Hudson (14) Cheryl Jacobs (15) CE/Discipleship (M), Caroline Leith (15) - Fellowship (C-M), Katie McCullough (16) - Administration (Co-M) Dana McKnight (14) - Worship (Co-M), Christof Meyer (15) Evangelism (M) Joy Nevin (14) - Fellowship (Co-M) Everett Reveley (15) - Finance (Co-M), Property (Co-M) Pete Sizemore (16) - Administration (Co-M) Rob Turner (14) - Worship (Co-M)
DEACONS Lisa Cardwell (15) - Flowers Courtney Clements (15) - Fellowship Phil Coltrain (16) - Deacon Fund Mary Gray (15) - Meals Jan Kessel (15) - Care Ann Pais (14) - Care and Deacon Fund Jennifer Schooley (15) - Greeters and Ushers Judy Waldron (14) - Visitation
Greeter/Usher - Jennifer Schooley (Jan - Apr), Courtney Clements (May-Aug), Erika Tabor (Sept - Dec)
Guest follow-up/Inquirer Class - Erika Tabor (14) Justice Ministry - Jessica Reveley (16) Glass Office - Phil Coltrain (16)
Moderator - Erika Tabor (14) Secretary - Judy Waldron (14)
TRUSTEES: Caroline Leith (14) John Roberts (15) Warren Zirkle (16) The Staff Church Officers