GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

August 28, 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

Then the Lord said, I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. The cry of the Israelites has now come to me: I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharoah to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt. - Exodus 3:7-10 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honorDo not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:9 and 21 Then Jesus told his disciples, If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. - Matthew 16:24-25 The disciple is Christs disciple to the degree to which he or she takes part in Jesus suffering, his denial and his death. He reminds the reader Jesus never forced anyone to follow him; in fact he did not expect many to come along. He says rather If any man is prepared to spurn all other offers which come his way in order to follow him then he may be a disciple. Denying oneself means a consciousness focused on Christ devoid of self. Denying oneself means seeing only the One who goes ahead and no longer the way which seems impossible. Self-denial then expresses itself by saying, He leads the way, keep close to him. Bonhoeffers interest is to communicate the call is not to suffer just to suffer. The call is rejection not even for some idea of ones own but for the sake of Jesus. The call is not only to deny oneself but also to take up ones cross. The cross is laid on every Christian. The first Christ-suffering which every man must experience is the call to abandon the attachments of this world. Next, it includes temptation and bearing the sins of fellow Christians. The Christian does this by forgiving his sisters and brothers sin. Refusing to pick up this cross and avoiding suffering, so-called Christians give up their fellowship with their Lord and cease to follow after him. The way Jesus conquered the cup of crucifixion which he faced was by drinking it down, that is, by accepting it. This was his victory as it can be the victory of those who follow him. (96-103, Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship) Dietrich Bonhoeffers View of the Church for Others: Foundation, Message, Structure and Call, Fred Rose, p. 18.

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
August 28, 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 Elegie Josef Rheinberger

Alana Carithers, violinist Please stand for these parts of the service.

(1839-1901)

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People:

Psalm 105:1-5

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of his wonderful works. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles and the judgments he has uttered. Praise the Lord! Toulon

HYMN 457 (Blue Hymnal)I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art

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 VOLUNTARY Invocation Amy Marcy Beach

Alana Carithers, violinist

(1867-1944)

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 OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 3:1-15 Dana McKnight Holy Bible, p. 49 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. CHILDRENS SERMON EPISTLE READING Romans 12:9-21 Erika Tabor Holy Bible, p. 153 NT

GOSPEL READING

Matthew 16:21-28

Holy Bible, p. 22 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Finding Ourselves The Reverend Dr. Fred Rose in the Story the Church Tells Weve a Story to Tell to the Nations The Apostles Creed Message

HYMN 504 (Red Hymnal) AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

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

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 442 (Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Festival Voluntary Flor Peeters The Churchs One Foundation Aurelia

(1903-1986)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.

The flowers are given to the glory of God by Joy and John Nevin.

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 Jennifer Ball and Nicole Williams, and for the ministry of the CDC staff; and pray for the team assembling to search for a new director Continue to pray: for those in need of healing: 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 and 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, New Zealand and Haiti, still recovering from disaster for Coptic Christians in Egypt, for deliverance from persecution; and for those seeking democracy in North Africa & the Middle East for the missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee (back 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: We pray for the workplaces and businesses of Metropolitan Richmond: For economic development in depressed portions of the city, for the establishment of businesses that will create new employment opportunities. "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

We welcome back Alana Carithers, violinist, as todays guest musician. Alana has been a violinist in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Northwestern Symphony Orchestra, the Colorado Springs Symphony, and the Richmond Symphony. She is currently a violinist with Oberon Quartet in residence at St. Catherines School in Richmond. Next weeks soloist will be John Tyndall, baritone. The Chancel Choir returns Sunday, September 11, to begin its new season. 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 28): Opener Kent Cardwell; Greeters Caroline Leith, Megan Meyer, Carrie Rose; Nursery Worker Lewis Rosebro; Worship Kits Caroline Leith; Fellowship Hour Jean Appich WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (September 4): Opener Rick Nochta; Greeters Leslie Hartman, Cherry Corley, Carrie Rose; Nursery Worker TBD ; Worship Kits Lisa Cardwell; Fellowship Hour TBD

THE MISSIONS COMMITTEE is sponsoring an event on Thursday, September 8, highlighting Grace Covenant's mission in Honduras. We plan to hold the event on the terrace fronting Monument Avenue from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The gathering will have an ongoing slide show and dessert of cake and ice cream. We will also have a short and informal presentation by our guests involved in this mission.
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. Registration of your Martins Reward card will begin on September 11. At that 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. Please watch the Sunday bulletin for further information on registering your card. If you have any questions, please contact Cherry Corley 515-7330 or email her at cherrycorley47@gmail.com.

Combined Adult Sunday School Summer Schedule

September 4 Christof Meyer Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 4 of 4

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.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, August 28 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall

Monday, August 29 12:00 noon Tuesday, August 30 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:05 p.m. Thursday, September 1 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 2 5:45 p.m. Sunday, September 4 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m.

GRACE NOTES MAILING! Mens Luncheon

Vanguard Room

Staff Meeting Care Team Meeting Flying Squirrels Baseball Game Childrens Chapel

Room 213 Room 213 The Diamond Chapel

Community Group

2107 Maplewood Avenue

Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch

Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall

If you are interested in donating flowers for the sanctuary for Sunday mornings, please contact Lisa Gray at 673-0587. We have three Sundays available at this time: September 4, October 9 and October 23. Thank you.

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)

Finding Ourselves in the Story the Church Tells

THE REVEREND DR. FRED ROSE

SERMON NOTES