GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

February 5, 2012

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 Director: Student Assistant for Christian Ed: Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin Willie Alford Nicole Williams (Acting) Christopher Tweel

1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 www.grace-covenant.org info@grace-covenant.org

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

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. - Isaiah 40:27-31 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, [Jesus] departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, "Everyone is looking for You." And he said to them, "Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out." And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. - Mark 1:35-39 The Church exists by mission as fire exists by burning. Without mission there is really no Church. - Emil Brunner (1889-1966), The Word and the World (London: Student Christian Movement Press, 1931), 11.

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
February 5, 2012 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 Cantilne Gabriel Piern

(1863-1937)

Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP

from Psalm 147

Leader: Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion! People: For He strengthens the bars of your gates; He blesses your children within you. Leader: He sends out His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly. People: He gives snow like wool; He scatters frost like ashes. Leader: He hurls down hail like crumbs who can stand before His cold? People: He sends out His word, and melts them; He makes His wind blow, and the waters flow. Leader: He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and ordinances to Israel. People: He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know His ordinances All: Praise the LORD!

HYMN 454 (Blue Hymnal)

Blessed Jesus, at Your Word

Liebster Jesu

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful God, You pardon all who truly repent and turn to You. We humbly confess our sins and ask Your mercy. We have not loved You with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with You, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, and forgive us our sins, we pray. In Your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of Your salvation and sustain us with Your bountiful Spirit, that we may hereafter bear faithful, righteous, and joyful witness to the Christ who died that we might have new life, for it is in His Name that we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON ALLELUIA Taiz

Alleluia, music by Jaques Berthier 1987 by GIA Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

OFFERING ANTHEM My Song Shall Be Alway of the Loving-kindness of the Lord Gerald Near

(b. 1952)

My song shall be alway of the loving-kindness of the Lord; with my mouth will I show forth thy truth. For I have said, Mercy shall be set up forever, thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heavens. Psalm 89:1-2

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

Pete Sizemore

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Pete Sizemore

OLD TESTAMENT READING

Isaiah 40:21-31

Holy Bible, p. 634 OT

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

CHILDRENS SERMON EPISTLE READING GOSPEL READING 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39

Leslie Hartman Holy Bible, p. 162 NT Holy Bible, p. 37 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 504 (Blue Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Outward Imperative
Draw Us in the Spirits Tether

B. Brinton P. Keyes
Union Seminary

The Apostles Creed

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

SACRAMENT OF THE LORDS SUPPER DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS 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 287 (Red Hymnal) BENEDICTION CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus Toccata on Marching to Zion Helen Lemmel Gordon Young (1919-1998) Come, Labor On Ora Labora

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship. The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of H. Taylor Dickenson by Nell Dickenson. As we enter our 89th year of broadcast ministry, todays radio broadcast has been supported by a generous gift to the glory of God and in loving memory of Jane Martin Roberts.

Give thanks for: Ella Appich, recovered from a shoulder fracture... The wonderful fellowship enjoyed by so many as part of the Fellowship Ministrys Dinner for Six event Continue to pray for: Afua Osseis aunt, Augusta; Juliette Harriman; Lauren Corby, whose baby is due March 20; Cheryl Jacobs mother, Lucinda, recovering from knee surgery, and her dad, Rolland; Maurice Bells friend, Van; Erika Tabor, recovering from foot surgery; Sudie and Carol Woods sister Bettie, undergoing chemo; Stella Schlieser; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh Oh) and father, Jim; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Evelyn Turner; Peter Albertis; Rosie and George Turner; and Nela Bostian Steve Satterfield and Ainura Aitmurzaeva as they negotiate her travel to the US Those facing vocational challenges: Erika Tabor; Carlos Juara; and Logan Moorheads daughter-in-law Sharie Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry, and John Lootens away on travel Our Session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word; and for the Mission Study Team, that they may discern, together with the congregation, Gods will for GCPC Our Child Development Center, as they interview candidates for Director Beth Lloyd Daniel Reas, Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces The people of Egypt, Libya and Syria as they seek peaceful ways forward for their countries; and the people of Haiti, Japan, New Zealand and Turkey, as they continue to recover from natural disasters Missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee back in US from Indonesia (fighting cancer); Valentin and Svetlana Chicu in Moldova; The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands, facing employment uncertainty; Beth Baleke in Uganda For the coming of God's Kingdom in Metropolitan Richmond: For a spirit of unity and cooperation among all people in all jurisdictions. We pray that all would earnestly seek the common welfare of this metropolitan city.

The noted French composer, conductor, and organist, Gabriel Piern, has been called the most complete French musician of the late Romantic/early 20th century era. In his own music Piern blended a seriousness of purpose (acquired in part through his studies with Csar Franck) with a lighter, more popular flavor reminiscent of Jules Massenet (with whom Piern also studied). In 1890 Gabriel Piern succeeded his teacher, Franck, as organist at St. Clotilde Cathedral, a distinct honor for a young man of age twenty-seven. He held this post until 1898, abandoned his career as an organist, and thereafter concentrating on composition and conducting. His Cantilne comes from a suite of three pieces for organ. The piece is set as a trio: one line for a solo voice (right hand), another line for the accompaniment (left hand), and an independent bass line in the pedal (feet). Gerald Near is considered one of the finest composers of church music writing today. Near is a prolific composer of choral and organ music, much of which is performed every weekend in worship services throughout the world. His anthem My Song Shall Be Alway of the Loving-kindness is a contemporary musical setting on Psalm 89:1-2. This short anthem begins with two independent voice lines, followed by rich four-part harmonies. Gordon Young was one of Americas most brilliant organists. He was a talented composer of both organ and choral works. His name is known and respected wherever fine church music is admired. His joyful toccata, set in triplets, on the Gospel hymn tune by Robert Lowry, Marching to Zion (1867), serves as todays postlude.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church will hold its Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, February 19, immediately following the morning service of worship. The docket will include the presentation of the Budget for 2012 and a review of 2011 giving and 2012 pledges. Please make plans to attend.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (February 5): Opener Kent Cardwell; Greeter Bob Copeland; Nursery Worker Susan Boze; Elementary Sunday School Christopher Tweel and Katherine Baird; Worship Kits NEED WORSHIP KITS COORDINATOR; Fellowship Hour Carol Wood WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (February 12): Opener Rick Nochta; Greeters NEED GREETERS; Nursery Worker Mary Gray; Elementary Sunday School Christopher Tweel and Virginia Hudson; Worship Kits NEED WORSHIP KITS COORDINATOR; Fellowship Hour Erika Tabor SAVE THE DATE: CARITAS is coming back to Grace Covenant this year. We will need a lot of volunteers to make this successful. Save the date beginning Saturday, March 3, through Saturday, March 10.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING -- IS TODAY!

Grace Covenant is joining the Presbytery of the James's attack against hunger by participating in the nationwide Souper Bowl of Caring event TODAY! The GCPC Youth will be taking up a "souper" special offering after worship -- so please look for the soup pots in the Narthex to make a contribution, as we do our part to help feed those who are in need. To learn more about this important effort, please visit www.souperbowl.org

FLOWER DONATIONS: Throughout the year people (members and friends) will honor or remember special people in their lives by providing donations for flowers. These flowers are displayed in the Sanctuary for Sunday Service. There are three open dates that are available, March 11, April 1, and April 29. If you would like to participate in this ministry, please contact Lisa Gray at 804-673-0587 or by email at c.lgray@comcast.net.

CONNECTIONS: with Brian Baird and/or Christof Meyer. Room 303 FORUM CLASS: Wisdom from the Early Church. with Nelson Reveley. Room B-4 GRACE BIBLE CLASS: Reformed Tradition with John Nevin. Room 212 VANGUARD CLASS: Gospel of Matthew with Matt Johnson. Room B-7

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY: This year GCPC began offering DISCIPLE, a 34-week in-depth Bible study for small groups. Led by a trained facilitator, the study includes 30 minutes of daily reading and a weekly 2-1/2-hour seminar. Each Sunday the bulletin lists the topic and assignments for the coming week to give the congregation an idea about what the course covers. If the curriculum looks appealing, then youre invited to consider signing up for the next class. Week 3: Covenant The Called People Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Gen. 12 13; 14:17 17 27 (call of Abram, covenant with God) Gen. 18 23 (birth of Isaac, testing of Abraham) Gen. 24 27 (Isaac and Rebekah) Gen. 28 33; 35 (Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and the twelve sons) Gen. 37; 39-41 (Joseph in Egypt); 42 45 (Josephs brothers in Egypt); 47 50(Jacobs move to Egypt) (readings in textbook)

Join us this Wednesday, February 8, at 6:00 p.m. Menu includes: Baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, Harvard beets, salad, rolls and brownies. Wednesday Night Programs are from 6:30-7:15 p.m. every week in the Fellowship Hall. Peter Rowan, VCU Minister for Reformed University Fellowship, will present equipping VCU students with Christian knowledge as they face a variety of challenges in college and in the world at large.
PRAYER TIME START A NEW THING IN THE NEW YEAR: Do you enjoy pray-

ing with others or have a sense that God is calling you to pray for others in the life of our church? If so, please come and join the prayer team on Sunday mornings from 9:15-9:30 a.m. in the social room. You just might find out you have the gift of prayer! For prayer requests or questions please contact Carol Wood at 804-282-2446 or cwjer2911@aol.com or the church office.

RUNNING WITH GRACE, 2012: Again this year, some members and friends of Grace Covenant will be running and walking on Monument Avenue each week. We plan to start in the Grace Covenant parking lot at 4:00 p.m. sharp on Sunday afternoon. The pace is flexible and all are welcomerunners, walkers, whatever you may be. Get into the spirit of the 10k with us! Contact Brian Baird at 804.586.4156 or brian.baird5@gmail.com for details. Get your hats and boots and head on over to see the Cotton Patch Gospel presented by the BTSR* Shoestring players, including Cameron Thomas and Christopher Tweel and choreography by Rev. Crystal Sygeel, event coordinator from Union Presbyterian Seminary Richmond Campus. Performances are at Richmond Chapel on the BTSR campus on Brook Road at 7:30 p.m., this Thursday through Saturday, February 9-11.Tickets are $12 ($10 for students) at the Cokesbury bookstore on the Union Presbyterian Seminary campus. * Baptist Theological Seminary of Richmond

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, February 5 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 6 12:00 noon 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7 10:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, February 9 9:30 a.m. Saturday, February 11 9:30 a.m. 12:00 noon 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 12 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY! Mission Study Team Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Lunch for Disciple & Community Group Disciple Bible Study Community Group Discussion Mens Luncheon Worship Committee Meeting Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Finance Committee Meeting Mens Group Carol Choir (ages 3 K) rehearsal Junior Choir (grades 1-6) rehearsal WNL Supper and Program Chancel Choir rehearsal Mothers Together New Members Class (3 of 3) Sunday School Teacher Training PEOPLE Group Fellowship Hall 1704 Hanover Avenue Westminster Canterbury Vanguard Room Social Room Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Room 303 Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room Social Room Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Room 303 Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room n Room 213 Room 200 1704 Hanover Avenue Choir Room Choir Room Fellowship Hall Choir Room

Mission Study Team Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Lunch for Disciple & Community Group Disciple Bible Study Community Group Discussion

2012 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 Grace Covenants ministries. CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley ELDERS: Jordan Ball (14) - Nominating (M); Finance Maurice Bell (13) - Stewardship (M); Property Kent Cardwell (12) - Fellowship (M) Matt Hartman (13) - Mission (M) Virginia Hudson (14) - Evangelism (M) Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M); Fellowship Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (M) Dana McKnight (14) - Finance, Worship Christof Meyer (12) - Christian Ed (M), CDC (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education Joy Nevin (14) - Administration Everett Reveley (12) - Finance (M) Robert Rosebro (13) - Property (M) Rob Turner (14) - Worship DEACONS: Pat Ball (12) Cherry Corley (12) Susan Farrell (12) Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Vice-Moderator Jan Kessel (14) Jim McCullough (13) Ann Pais (14) Erika Tabor (14) - Secretary Judy Waldron (14) - Moderator Dawson Watkins (13) Carol Wood (13) Sid Yates (12) MISSION STUDY TEAM: John Nevin (M) Matt Johnson (Co-M) Brian Baird Matt Hartman Christof Meyer Everett Reveley Brint Keyes (ex officio) (M=Moderator)

Grace Covenant is now entering its 89th year of Radio Ministry. On January 27, 1924, Grace Covenants radio station WBBL produced its first broadcast, primarily through the efforts of a deacon, Dr. C. Brown Pearson, who, with the help of some friends, built a transmitter, strung a 40-foot wire antenna from the roof of the educational building, and drove up to Washington to get a broadcast license in order to broadcast an evangelic campaign featuring Dr. R. A. Torrey. WBBL was one of the oldest church-owned religious radio stations in the world and the first radio station in Richmond. It not only broadcast the regular Sunday morning worship service at Grace Covenant, but it also produced various evening programs. Although the church no longer owns its own radio station, the Radio Ministry is still continuing today as we broadcast the morning worship service over radio station WLES (590 AM). Stop by the radio studio, now located in the basement, some Sunday after worship service and thank the volunteers who serve each Sunday in this ministry to the Richmond community.

SERMON NOTES
The Outward Imperative B. BRINTON P. KEYES