Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Grace Notes
Volume 41, Issue 10

October 2011

All Men of the Church and their friends are invited by the Vanguard Class to this annual Oyster Roast get-together. Clams and oysters raw, steamed and fried will be featured. Dinner will be served at 5:00 p.m. and will include fried oysters, barbecue, hamburgers, slaw, potato salad and all the fixings, plus coffee. Apples, roasted peanuts and soft drinks will be available all afternoon. To whet your appetite for all this good food there will be steamed clams and oysters in the yard starting at 4:00 p.m. Come enjoy an autumn day in the country, or relax by watching football games on TV in the cabin. Pints of Raw Oysters will be available as long as they last, at cost. Everything else is free. Carpools will leave from the church parking lot, at 2:00 p.m. Directions are available at the church for those who prefer to travel on their own. If you plan to come, RSVP cards are available in the Glass Office. Please fill out and place in the box marked Oyster Roast by October 9th.

*Sponsored by The Vanguard Bible Class

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 at Pearsons Cabin on the Pamunkey River

Volume 41, Issue 10

Page 2

Twenty-Three Years of Music Ministry (Part 4 of 6)

After graduating from Boston University in May 1995 I accepted my first full-time position in church music. I was appointed the Director of Music at Blessed Trinity Roman Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. In my opinion this region of Florida is among the most beautiful in the entire state. It is fair to say that I experienced a bit of culture shock having just moved from Boston, but the tropical surroundings of St. Petersburg helped to ease those feelings quickly. Located less than a mile from Tampa Bay, Blessed Trinity is a relatively modern church, built in 1976. The building was heavily damaged in 1985 by hurricane Elana but was quickly rebuilt. I was hired by a priest and a music committee committed to furthering the churchs musical excellence in worship. In 1997 the parish had close to 1,600 members, but that number swelled to almost 3,000 once the snowbirds arrived by late November. I played for four weekend liturgies and for three weekday morning Masses. For the weekday Masses I had to play the organ AND cantor from the benchsomething I hope never to have to do again! My parish musicians included eight cantors, a large choir, and two handbell choirs for adults and children. The organ is a small electronic instrument which was specially designed for the church. The priest had a rank of fake pipes installed high above the altar to give the illusion that the church had a real pipe organ! Four times per year a brass quintet would accompany the choir for select holy days. The members of Blessed Trinity devoted many volunteer hours to keep the grounds and worship space immaculate. On numerous occasions Blessed Trinity was referred to as the jewel in the crown in the St. Petersburg Catholic Diocese. Even though I enjoyed every Monday (my day off) on the sugar sands of Clearwater Beach, I missed the ritual changing of the seasons. I remember playing Midnight Mass for two years with 80 degree temperatures outside (and even warmer in the choir loft), and driving home late seeing Christmas lights on palm trees instead of evergreens. I actually missed driving on snow and ice. A year after I was in Florida the bishop rotated about ten area pastors into different parishes, including Blessed Trinity. The new pastor made significant changes throughout much of the church, and so, longing to return to New England, I began the search process for a new church job. It was heartbreaking to leave such an established music ministry and a church set in an idyllic setting, but it was clearly time to leave. In June of 1997 I left Florida and settled in East Hampton, New York. It was in this town where I began working for the first time in the Presbyterian Church (USA). More next month! Chris Martin, Director of Music

Volume 41, Issue 10

Page 3

Sunday School Classes begin at 9:30 a.m.

Forum Class will be taught by Tom Miller on Revelation continued... Grace Bible Class leaders are, Jack Corley, John Nevin, and Bill Stuart. Vanguard Class is led by Matt Johnson and visitors Connections is taught by Christof Meyer, Brian Baird, and visiting teachers.

Stay tuned for upcoming topics which will be listed in our weekly bulletin. We are in great need of having flower donations to be placed on the communion table for our Sunday morning worship service. Flowers: If you are interested in donating flowers for the sanctuary, please contact Lisa Gray at 673-0587. We have 2 dates available at this time, November 27 and December 4. for flowers at this time:

All Circles Meet on Tuesday, October 11

PW Ci rcle 2

PW Circle 4 10:30 a.m. 208 Oxford Circle W Hostess: Jane Londrey

PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Lynne Norris

a.m. 11:00 m nt Roo ovena C ss: Pat Hoste ge Aldrid

le 1 PW Circ cle
Evening Cir

7:00 p.m 1727 Par

. e h Savage

k Avenu

aura Leig ostess: L H

Stewardship Corner and Financial Update

Page 4

Contributions in August amounted to only $22,500, down 31% from July's total and down about 20% from the total for August of last year. No rental income was received during the month and total income amounted to only $23,000. General Fund expenses totaled $51,200, a relatively large amount due to $11,400 insurance expenses. The resulting $28,100 deficit was offset by a $20,000 transfer from our restricted reserves. For the first eight months of the year contributions of $265,900 are running slightly ahead of last years total at this time, but they include $18,800 in 2011 pledges actually contributed last year. Our Five Cents Per Meal Offering in August was $197. While still somewhat low, it was a considerable improvement from the $101 total in July.

A Note from the Bookkeeper

Third quarter statements will be available in the Narthex for the first two Sundays in October. Statements not picked up by October 9 will be mailed. As always, you can call the bookkeeper anytime you have questions concerning your pledge, contributions, etc. Martha Rubin Bookkeeper 804-359-2463 ext. 205 fax: 804-278-6298

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Grace Notes

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Grace Notes

The results of this survey will strongly shape the narrative of the churchs profile that is included in our Church Information Form, the resume that GCPC publishes to prospective pastors. Obviously, this picture of the congregation is critical when representing GCPC to a prospective pastor. I believe the GCPC congregation is particularly sensitive to the importance of this information, and the degree of its accuracy will be determined by the honesty and the scope of the responses we receive. The MST will administer the survey in a way that ensures anonymity of all responses, so that members should feel no reluctance about giving honest and complete answers. We have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by having 100% participation in this survey. While it will not be the MSTs only means of receiving congregational input, it will be the instrument that elicits the broadest-based and most substantive input. I thank you for giving this survey your prompt and prayerful attention when you receive it. We are also preparing to elect a new class of officers at the end of October, and I thank you for your strong participation in the nominations process this year. Also, looking down the road, GCPC has the honor of hosting the first 2012 meeting of the Presbytery of the James on Saturday, February 18 of next year. In all this, we give thanks for Gods continued work among us leading, guiding, growing, encouraging, correcting, and sending out as we follow Him in loving and serving the world, in His name In Christs service,

Openers/Closers October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 Nursery Volunteers October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 Jo Garber Nikki Hazlegrove Susan Boze Gay Moss Mary Gray Jake Savage Lloyd Bostian Cal Gray Wayne Casey Charlie Appich

Childrens Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell Greeters October 2 Brian Baird Bob Copeland Leslie Hartman Elizabeth Russell TBA TBA TBA TBA

October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30

Elementary Sunday School October 2 October 9 October 16 October 23 October 30 Virginia Hudson Katherine Baird Janet Chenoweth Erika Tabor Katherine Baird Everett Reveley Virginia Hudson

Host/Hostess for the Fellowship Time Volunteers host our Fellowship Time in the Social Room after Worship on Sundays. If you would like to volunteer to host the Fellowship Hour one Sunday, please sign up on the calendar in the Glass Office. Grace Notes Deadline: Wednesday, October 19 is the deadline for submissions for our November edition. Volunteers for Grace Notes are needed to help prepare our monthly newsletter for bulk mail from 9:00 a.m.12 noon on Friday, October 28. If you would like to help for part, or all, of that time frame, simply come to the church library and enjoy some fellowship with other members as you volunteer in this ministry.

Grace Covenant Child Development Center

Things at the CDC are looking up! With numbers rising, we have had to add a new full-time staff member to our Infant 2 program. She has much experience working with young children, and staff members who have met her look forward to working with her. To get to know our staff and classrooms, check out the bulletin board in the church just past the glass office. For the next couple of weeks, information and pictures will be on display portraying our Infant 1 classroom. It will be shifted throughout the classes until you are familiar with all the staff and children at Grace Covenant Child Development Center! The fall season is upon us! We look forward to many wonderful fall activities this year. With themes like apples, leaves, weather, and animals, our kids will learn all about fall and what it involves. This week, our twoyear-olds will be going on leaf hunts: walks looking for leaves of all different colors. They will bring them back and put them in the science center to study and discuss, and maybe even make a book out of the different leaf stages! Our three-year-olds will actually be cooking simple recipe apple turnovers (very carefully), a great activity for learning how to follow written instructions in picture form. They will also learn basic math skills through measuring, pouring, and counting ingredients. Our toddlers are progressing very well with their communication skills. By introducing basic sign language, the children are able to communicate earlier. By learning the meaning of words before being able to say them, it is that much easier to make the connections verbally when they are physically able to make the correct sounds. With words like more, please, thank you, eat, diaper, and change, our one-year-olds are able to express their basic needs clearly. Effective communication among this age-group also helps to reduce frustration and decreases incidents of common aggressive one-year-old behavior such as biting, pushing, and hitting. I am amazed every day by what our one-year-olds are able to say! Thank you, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, for your continued support. With your help we are able to minister to our community not only by teaching young ones the wonderful message of God and Christian love, but by providing staff in our community a loving and positive Christian work environment.

Martins A+ School Rewards Program

October 9, 2011 March 31, 2012

Last year, the CDC earned $324 from the Martins A+ School Reward Program. The proceeds go to increase our Scholarship Fund so that we can help families with the cost of child care at the CDC. This program will begin October 9 and end March 31, 2012. At this time you are encouraged to go to the Martins website (Martinsfood.com/aplus) and register your Martins card. Each dollar spent will earn one point. Next spring the CDC will receive a check based on the number of points earned. STEP 1 Log on to this website: www.martinsfoods.com/aplus STEP 2 Scroll down to: Designate Your School STEP 3 Fill in the blanks STEP 4 ID number: 03012 The Board of Directors appreciate your support of the CDC and your continued prayers. If you have any questions or need help with this, please call or email Cherry Corley at 515-7330 or cherrycorley47@gmail.com.

PRESBYTERIAN OLDER ADULT MINISTRY -Reverend Charles E. Sutton-

October Birthdays
1- Janet Stuart 2- Jo Garber 2- Will Madden 3- Pat Ball 5- Sharon Appich 6- Jed Wilson 8- Benjamin Cardwell 9- David Bell 9- Ginny Chandler 9- George Turner 10- Samantha Stepahin 12- Charlie Kennedy 13- Shep Williams 15- Grace Pope 16- Scott Brooks 16- Robert Michaux 16- Madeline Roever 17- James Croxton 17- Susan Pillsbury David 17-Nathan Flaherty 18- Scott Boze IV 18- Rachel Wilson 20- Roman Chenoweth 20- Jennifer Schooley 22- Helen Lanier Reveley 24- Marjorie Adams 25-Maurice Bell 25- John Parker 25- John Valentine 26- Jack Corley 28- Linwood Tunstall 28- Robert Vaughan 31- Jimmy Appich 31- Boyd Davis 31-Wilkes Price

It has happened before, and it happened again recently. The pastor urged the congregation to gather in the parlor for a social time following the worship service. So, I slipped in to mingle for a few minutes. What would I talk about? The older adult Fall Retreat, of course. The first person I encountered quickly set me straight by saying, I dont like the term older adult. I dont consider myself old. Besides, I already have too many things in which I am already involved. The wife verified that statement quickly. I then began looking for the exit. I have to admit that, personally, I have never liked the term retreat. It tends to take me back to the 1950's. The term seems to suggest backing up and, I like to think, moving forward. In older adult ministry I have always visualized, congregations. Ministry should be happening in congregations. Older members need to connect with those younger and in turn the young need to inherit some of the maturity of our seniors. Bridges of trust and avenues of love need to be made visible in the congregation. I have learned that organization does not solve the problem of getting older adult ministry started and moving forward. The secret lies in persons who, with vision, energy, and enthusiasm, assess the needs of the congregation and commit time and energy to developing programs and options of ministry. The right people leading is the answer. From NETWORK NEWS some select lines from A Prayer for Senior Citizens follows: Bless, O God, the senior citizens of our nation. May they know deeply that we value the contributions they have made to our freedom. Inspire them to also leave a legacy of faith and prayer for all generations that remain after them. And may they remain faithful to You throughout their lives.

October
Sunday Monday Tuesday 2 Mission Study Team 8:30am 3 Mens Lunch 12 noon Handbell Choir 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon New Members Class 12:30pm 9 Mission Study Team 8:30am 10 Mens Lunch 12 noon Handbell Choir 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Committee Worship 10:55 am Meeting 7:00 pm Fellowship Hour 12 noon New Members Class 12:30pm 16Mission Study Team 8:30 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon Deacons Meeting 12:30 pm 23 Mission Study Team 8:30 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon 30 Mission Study Team 8:30 Handbell Choir 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Worship 10:55 am Fellowship Hour 12 noon 17 Mens Lunch 12 noon 4 Staff Meeting 10:00 am Care Team 2:00 pm Administration Committee Meeting 6:00 pm Mens Group 8:00 pm 11 PW Circles (See pg. 3) Staff Meeting 10:00 am Care Team 2:00 pm Christian Education, Finance and Property Committee Meetings 7:00 pm 18 Staff Meeting 10:00 am Care Team 2:00 pm Mens Group 8:00 pm 24 Mens Lunch 12 noon 25 Staff Meeting 10:00 am Care Team 2:00 pm

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Wednesday

5 Carol Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Live 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm 12 Carol Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Live 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm
19 GRACE NOTES DUE!

Carol Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Live 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm

26 Carol Choir 4:30 pm Junior Choir 5:00 pm Wednesday Night Live 6:00 pm Chancel Choir 7:15 pm

31 Mens Lunch 12 noon Congregational Meeting

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

7 Mothers Together 9:30 am Community Group 5:45 pm

8 Bread Breakers 6:30 pm at the Bairds house 1704 Hanover Avenue

Fellowship Committee Meeting 7:00 pm 13 Mothers Together 9:30 am 14 Community Group 5:45 pm 15

20

21

22 Mens Oyster Roast

Mothers Together 9:30 am Community Group 5:45 pm SESSION MEETING 7:00 pm 27 Mothers Together 9:30 am Evangelism Committee Meeting 6:30 pm 28 GRACE NOTES MAILING Community Group 5:45 pm

29 PEOPLE Group 6:00 pm at Dottie-Ray Kochs

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Wednesday Night programs are from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. every week in the Fellowship Hall. Programs include special guest speakers or people in our own congregation, sharing various topics.
October 5th Chris Martin, our Director of Music, is an avid bicyclist who has travelled many miles throughout Europe on two wheels. Chris will present a power point travelogue of his 2009 trip to Corsica, France. October 12th The Chief of Police, Bryan T. Norwood, has asked Richmond Churches to join him and his department to increase involvement and communication with the citys neighborhoods. This effort has had amazing results in reducing crime by Faith Leadership Teams making door-to-door contact with neighborhood citizens. He will share with us his experience with the success and challenges of this program. October 19th William Byrd Community House has been a mission outreach of Grace Covenant for years. Robert Bolling, Executive Director, will bring to us the broad expanse of programs the Center has for those in need of spiritual comfort and achieving self-sufficiency. October 26 Susan Boze, a noted antique appraiser, will join us to expand our appreciation of antiques and the mysteries of their value, beauty and history. Grace Covenant Presbyterian Women have had great enthusiasm for her knowledge of antiquity and her tips for us to use.

WNL Program Notes for October

Dinner is served from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. October 5: Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, salad bar and brownies October 12: Chicken casserole, scalloped tomatoes, peas, salad bar, cornbread, bread pudding October 19: Roast pork with apricot sauce, macaroni & cheese, assorted vegetables, salad bar, rolls and Jello and cookies for dessert October 26: Lasagna, garlic bread, salad bar, lemon custard cake

Meals are: $5.00 per adult

$2.00 children and students

$12.00 maximum per family

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Grace Notes

This letter was sent to the Presbytery of the James: We are writing to you because of the deep concern and sorrow felt by many of us over the enactment of Amendment 10-A to replace G-6.0106b of the Book of Order regarding the ordination of ministers, elders, and deacons. The removal of the specific language that those seeking leadership positions in the Church must live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness is a cheapening of what it means to be a leader in our denomination: to conduct our lives in holiness so that Christ is honored and glorified in everything we do. We are saddened by this change because it is yet another example of how our denomination continues to be more concerned with cultural accommodation and political correctness than it is with the authority of Scripture and the Confessions and the lordship of Christ. While the ordination of practicing homosexuals and adulterers is certainly at stake with the passage of this Amendment and provides the opportunity which we believe is counter to the clear teaching of Scripture, it is really a symptom of a larger series of concerns that over the last several decades have been festering in our denomination. These concerns include the importance of Scripture in guiding the Church and what it means to be biblically faithful, the deity and lordship of Christ, the meaning of the Gospel, and the definition of what a Christian is. We believe it to be too soon to know what the ultimate response of this Session to the Amendment should be. We are aware that some churches are discussing the possibility of leaving the denomination or at the very least forming a group with like-minded churches within the denomination throughout the country to determine what strategy should be next pursued. We do not at this time feel called to pursue these options, which could prove more divisive than helpful. We are aware of the language of G-6.0106a stating that church leaders manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian Gospel in the Church and in the world. We also know that the language of the Amendment itself requires a determination of the candidates ability and commitment to fulfill all requirement as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W-4.4003). Those questions deal with obedience in ones ministry to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and to being continually guided by the Confessions. We know that it has been suggested that the above questions could not be honestly answered in the affirmative by a wholly unrepentant sinner, which should disqualify him from ministry. It is also said that the Presbytery can and should enact standards of conduct for pastors to follow after installation and these would discourage sexual misconduct. These things, while positive, do not solve the specific problems caused by the Amendment. We are sure that God places a high premium on holy living and calls all of us to be set apart for his Glory, both corporately and individually. Perhaps the enactment of the Amendment was a wakeup call for our Church and denomination to reassess what it means to call ourselves Christians. Sincerely, The Session of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

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Grace Notes

Appreciation

Thank you for all the cards I received after my surgery. They really lifted

my spirits. - Brenda Barrett (Chris Martins mother)

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

ATTENTION THEATRE LOVERS!

Janet Chenoweth's new one-act play, Olives on the Front Porch, will be presented by the Bifocals Theatre group this fall. This hilarious comedy will be performed at Barksdale Theatre at Willow Lawn on the lobby stage Oct. 20 and 21 at 1:00 p.m. and Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the Barksdale shows are $10.00. The play will also tour various senior centers and residences Oct.31 Nov. 18, and tickets are usually free or low-cost. For more information go online to www.barksdalerichmond.org and click on "seniors.

BREAD BREAKERS is Saturday, October 8th, at 6:30 p.m. at 1704 Hanover Avenue.
Bring your favorite savory, sweet appetizer, or finger food. Late night entertainment will be pictures from the Baltic area. If you have any questions or need direction please phone Brian Baird at 804.355.4703.

The Staff
Brint Keyes

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 Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (Co-M); Mission Dana McKnight (11) - Finance/Stewardship (M) Christof Meyer (12) - Discipleship 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) - (Vice-Moderator) Susan Farrell (12) - Visitation, Transportation Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Meal Deliveries Julia Poppell (11) - (secretary) Visitation Dawson Watkins (11) - (Moderator) Visitor follow up Carol Wood (13) - Visitation and Prayer Ministry Sid Yates (12) - Ushers (M=Moderator) MISSION STUDY TEAM: John Nevin (Moderator) Matt Johnson (Co-Moderator) Brian Baird Matt Hartman Catherine Kerns Christof Meyer Everett Reveley Brint Keyes (ex officio)

Interim Pastor
Revbrint@verizon.net Chris Martin

Director of Music and Organist

martin@grace-covenant.org Vanessa Strait

Administrative Assistant
strait@grace-covenant.org Martha Rubin

Bookkeeper

bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org Willie Alford

Sexton

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: 9:30 a.m.
10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon

Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building Worship Service in the Sanctuary Congregational Fellowship in the Social Room

Grace Covenant Child Development Center Nicole Williams

Interim Director director.gccdc@verizon.net

Non Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID RICHMOND VA PERMIT NO. 161

Address Service Requested

October October October October October October October October October October October October

Brothers and sisters in Christ Id like to thank the many of you who came out for the State of the Church gatherings held at Westminster Canterbury and in our Fellowship Hall. I very much appreciated the opportunity for questions and conversation surrounding our membership strength, our financial position, the nascent Mission Study, the process for calling a new pastor, recent developments in our denomination, and the slate of officer nominations that the congregation will be voting on at our next congregational meeting, currently scheduled for October 30. I received a good bit of positive feedback, and am thinking about doing it again in about six months or so. Stay tuned I am glad to say that, even in the short time that has passed since those gatherings, the Mission Study Team (MST) has made significant progress in its task, and hopes to have a survey out to the congregation within the next few weeks. All the members of the team are working together to assemble a survey that elicits the kinds of information, perspectives, and desires that are both meaningful and material to understanding GCPCs profile as a congregation. For that reason, I cannot overemphasize how important it is that every member fill out and submit a survey. -continued on page 6-