december 2015 grace notes

7/23/2019 December 2015 Grace Notes

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Advent simply means coming. This year, the churchobserves the season of Advent from Sunday, November 29,to Thursday, December 24. During this time, we remember

Jesuss coming among us in this world, and we anticipate hissecond comingthe time when Gods kingdom will be fullymade known on earth as it is in heaven.

Here are a few highlights at Grace Covenant during thisseason:

The Advent Wreath- Different families light a candle from the Advent Wreateach week in worship. By the fourth Sunday in Advent we will have lit the candof Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. On Christmas Eve, we then light the Christ can

which sits in the center of the wreath surrounded by the other four candles. Ware thankful to the families who have agreed to lead us!

The Advent Devotional- As part of our centennial celebration, a unique Adv

devotional has been put together as a way for the congregation to reflect on thepromises of God in Christ Jesus during this season. We have compiled a host o

Advent devotionals that GCPC congregants and pastors wrote over the years.There are devotionals from as early as 1955 and as recent as 1993 (and then acouple of new ones from 2015 in there as well). You can pick up the copiesduring office hours during the week or in worship on Sunday morning.

The 84th Annual Candlelight Service- A beautiful lessons and carols worshservice happening on Sunday, December 20, at 5:00 p.m. in our sanctuary.Childcare is available.

The Christmas Eve Service- We will gather in the chapel for worship onThursday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m. Childcare is available.

Amid all that unfolds at Grace Covenant, our neighborhood, and our worldwrest in the same hope this season: the light of Christ has come into the world, tdarkness has not overcome it. Thanks be to God!

Warmly in Christ,Bobby

Holiday Events,pp. 7-9

Calendar,pp. 8-9

GCPCAnnouncments,pp. 12-14

Volume 45, Issue 12

December 2015


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Christian Education and DiscipleshipSunday School

Held every Sunday from 9:45-10:30 a.m.The Nursery Crib Room (Rm. 103) and Sunday School are available for children ages 2 and up.

The Vanguard Class, Basement, Room B4 - This year the men's class will be looking at each ofthe fathers in scripture. How did they fare? What was their legacy? How does this inform us how tobe men and fathers in our church family? This exciting study that will continue to shape the men ofour church to face each day being who God created us to be.

Forum of Grace, Room 212 - A newly combined class that will be going deeper into the theologyand scripture of the Parables. A great class to come for lecture and some discussion.

Good Books, Room 303 - Looking for a good book and conversation about God in our everydaylives? The "Good Book Small Group" will be meeting to engage in precisely those kinds of booksand discussions. Our conversations will be framed devotionally through scripture, hymn, and prayer

(including prayer for each other) that relates to the book we will be exploring.

Pre-K, Room 102 - For our youngest Disciples there is a heavy emphasis on knowing one another,getting in tune with the teachers and their classmates, as well as just starting the process of knowing

what God's Love is, and just who is God anyway?

Early Elementary, Room 209 - This year they begin with the stories of the patriarchs and matri-archs of our faith and move with the seasons through the liturgical year.

Pilgrims' Prep, Room 302 - Confirmation is a big deal, here at GCPC even more so as we plan totake our Confirmands on an annual trip to Scotland following their confirmation! We spend our

first year in preparation, getting to know one another and finding out how God has an awesomepurpose and plan for our lives.

Youth Mentors-This mentoring program has been walking through the little-known books of theBible. Every word that comes from the mouth of God is precious and awesome; this class is allabout getting together and seeing how that Word is present in our life each day.

Sunday School Schedules for December and January:

December 6th All regular Sunday School classes scheduled to meet at 9:45 a.m.

December 13th NO Sunday School classes scheduled; please join us in the Fellowship Hall for the ChildrensChristmas pageant at 9:30 a.m.

December 20th All regular Sunday School classes scheduled to meet 9:45 a.m.

December 27th NO Sunday School classes scheduled; coffee and time of fellowship in the Fellowship Hallbeginning at 9:30 a.m.

January 3rd NO Sunday School classes scheduled; coffee and time of fellowship in the Fellowship Hallbeginning at 9:30 a.m.

January 10th All regular Sunday School classes scheduled to meet at 9:45 a.m.


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Christian Education and Discipleship

Womens Circles Meet Tuesday, December

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Presbyterian Women

Wednesday Night Supper

Join the Excitement at 6:00 p.m.

Save yourself the trouble of cooking dinner and join us Wednesday nights for a time of growthin fellowship and faith. Every night we'll have arts and crafts for the kids, timely announcements,

worship preparation cards for the coming Sunday, and either faith-infused live music, a trivianight, or an excellent presentation! $5 per adult, $2 per child, with $12 max per family. Our up-coming schedule is below:

December 2 - Holly Follies 2

December 9 -CDC Christmas Party DinnerWe schedule this event during WNS in the hope that members from our whole community,

across all ages and stages of life, will come together and celebrate this amazing community thatwe have built together.. The children will sing Christmas carols before dinner, and we warmlyinvite everyone to come enjoy this time of fellowship and dinner.

December 16Fellowship & kids activity

There will be no WNS on December 23 & 30.

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Memorial Poinsettias &Christmas Greens Fund

Dont forget to donate a Memorial Poinsettia or contribute to the Christmas Greens

Fund. Donation forms and the drop box are in the hallway near the GCPC bulletinboard, right outside of the social room.

Donations and forms are due no later than December 7.

Donation Form

Poinsettia: $10 each How Many?___________ Total: _____________

Christmas Greens Fund: Total Contribution:____________

Please make checks payable to: Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.

In Memory Of: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Memory Of: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

From: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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Holiday Special EventsChancel Choir Candlelight Rehearsals

Every year we invite members of Grace Covenant and friends from the community to sing withthe Chancel Choir at the annual Candlelight Carol Service. Candlelight this year will be Sunday,December 20, 5:00 p.m.

In order to sing with the Chancel Choir at Candlelight, singers must attend at least four rehearsalsfrom the list below, including the Saturday morning rehearsal prior to the Candlelight service. Con-tact Chris Martin for more information. We hope to see you at one of our rehearsals!

Chancel Choir Rehearsals for Candlelight Candlelight Choral MusicWed., December 2, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Christmas Lullaby - John RutterWed., December 9, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Infant Holy, Infant Lowly - Matthew CullotonSat., December 12, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon A Babe Is Born - William Mathias

Wed., December 16, 7:30-9:00 p.m. Ding Dong Merrily on High - Mack WilbergSat., December 19, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Climb to the Highest Mountain - Jennings(mandatory dress rehearsal) Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - Gardner

Stay with UsEgil Hovland


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Holiday Special Events

Candlelight Yard Signs-Yard signs will be ready for you to pick up and display in your yards, beginning December 6. Wellhave the signs at WNS in the Fellowship Hall and also on the following Sundays at the front and rea

doors. Please pick one up and display it proudly in your yard as a way to invite all your neighbors tothis wonderful Christmastime event at GCPC. Thanks for helping us get the wordout and helping ushare the wonderful Christmas story all around Richmond! And please remember to return youryard signs to the glass office after the Candlelight Lessons and Carols Service. Well reuse thesesame signs next year, simply change the date. Thanks from your GCPC Worship Committee.


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Faces of GCPC


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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wedn

1

Noon-PW Circle #3 ChristmasLuncheonFellowship Hall

24pm Care4:30pm C5:30pm Ju6pm WNS7:30pm C

68:30 Handbell Choir9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm)

9:30 Coffee and Care9:45 Sunday School10:55 Worship12:15 Fellowship Hour

7

6pmFinance Committee Mtg.

7pm CE

8

9:30am PW Circle #3

11am PW Circle #27pm PW Circle #1

94pm Care4:30pm C

5:30pm Ju6pmCDWNS7:30pm C

138:30 Handbell Choir9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm)9:30 Coffee and Care9:30Childrens Pageant10:55 Worship

12:15 Fellowship Hour4:30-6:30 POJYO Cookies & CarolsPOJYO

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7pm Session Meeting

15 164pm Care4:30pm C5:30pm Ju6pm WNS7pm Chan

Last choirFellowshi

208:30 Handbell Choir9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm)9:30 Coffee and Care9:45 Sunday School10:55 Worship12:15 Fellowship Hour

5pmCandlelight Service

21 22 23

NO WNS

279:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm)9:30 Coffee and Care10:55 Worship12:15 Fellowship Hour

28 29 30

NO WNS

December


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hursday riday Saturday

es 2

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9 am CDC Chapel

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6pm-People Group Gathering-Joy & John Nevin

5

Party with

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9 am CDC Chapel

11 12

10am-Noon Chancel Choir Rehears

179 am CDC Chapel

18 19

10am- Volunteer set-up for CandlelService

10am-12:30pm- Chancel Choir Reh

5pm- Parents Night Out

24Christmas Eve

CDC and Church Office Closed

5pmChristmas EveService

25 Christmas

CDC and Church Office Closed

26

31 New Years Eve Happy New Year! 2016


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Dear Grace Covenant Family:

Thank you so much for all of your support as we prepared our heartsand minds to give thanks! Our children learned about food and nutri-tion this month, which included the food groups, healthy vs. un-

healthy choices, how our bodies process food, and much more. Ouractivities led us to be thankful and showed us how to give thanks toGod and our friends. We enjoyed a great time of fellowship theWednesday before Thanksgiving as we gathered for a preliminary tur-key luncheon right here at school! Parents were able to enjoy a special time with their children. We are thankful to God for such a strong community!

We also greatly enjoyed sharing our songs with you during WNS on November 18. We are so incredibblessed with the presence of Mr. Martin, who is not only musically gifted, but also has an amazing tale

for sharing that gift with those around him. We were so glad to be able to show you all what theyvebeen working on, but the value they get from the music with Mr. Martin goes even beyond just learninsongs. They also participate in activities that teach musical concepts like rhythm, pitch, and beat.

As we move into December, we will start focusing on the Christmas story and how Jesus came into ouworld so long ago. The children will learn each piece of the Nativity as well as what it meant for Jesuscome to earth. They will also learn some important family traditions and the meaning behind them, likhow we share gifts with loved ones to have a generous heart. We also look forward to another annualChristmas reception on December 9 during WNS!

Nicole Flournoy

CDC Update

Next Presbytery Meeting:February 20, 2016

Overbrook Presbyterian Church,Richmond

From Our Presbytery


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Consider Gifts That Keep On Giving

Not sure what to give a loved one this year? Or not sure what toask for as a gift? As we celebrate God's coming incarnate asChrist, please consider asking for - or giving - a donation to one

of the local ministries we support: STEP, Boaz & Ruth, CARI-TAS, RISC, Shalom Farms, Richmond Justice Initiative, CHAT,Church Hill Academy, Elijah House Academy, among others.

Or consider inviting loved ones to give the gift of their time andfellowship volunteering with you at a place like Shalom Farmsor STEP.

Let us celebrate Christ's birth in the scriptural spirit of 1 John 4,"God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his

only Son into the world so that we might live through him... No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us."

Mission and Justice Ministry

Honduras Mission Trip2016 KHISH Honduras TripFrom January 1-9, a team of seven folks from Grace Covenant (Sarah andMatthew Oatts, Susan Pillsbury-David, Ron David, Sallie Leys, Lindsey Wetherby and Bobby Hulme-Lippert) will be joining with another 16 folks, some of whom are from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Kilmarnock, Virginia., for our annual Honduras mission trip through KHISH, an organization that worksalongside the people of southern Honduras to provide medical and dental treatment to those in need.Please be in prayer for this group as they prepare for the trip.

Fruit Borne from RISC Justice & Reform Ministry

Our partnership with RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities) has been bearing fruMake a joyful noise to the Lord! Over the last few years, we have helped spur Richmond City Council toactivate the city's Affordable Housing Trust Fund. This fund incentivizes the rehabilitation and construc-tion of affordably sized and priced units, for which there is currently great need from families living on ex

tremely tight budgets.You can read about the Fund's work in the recent Richmond Times-Dispatch article, "Long-dormant Ricmond trust fund pays first dividends in support of low-income housing" (Nov. 24, 2015). The City's No-vember 24 press release also notes, "The 2015 AHTF awards, totaling nearly one million dollars, are ex-pected to generate more than $23.5 million in affordable housing development in the city and nearly 200new and rehabilitated affordable housing units. In addition, special housing related services will be providto more than 220 families and homeless individuals."

Enormous thanks to all who have participated in RISC and the annual Nehe-miah Action over the years! God is Good!


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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details

I grew up in a Presbyterian Church that did not have an Ash Wednesday service. The whole idea of Ash

Wednesday struck me as something for other people, and I really had no appreciation for it one way oranother until I began serving a couple different Presbyterian congregations which had the service.

As many of you know, there is no biblical requirement to hold an Ash Wednesday service or to use ashes

much as there is no biblical requirement to celebrate Christmas or Easter (though we celebrate the truths be-hind them year-round). Still, Ash Wednesday has been observed by many Christians for at least the past ten

centuries. It is the day that marks the beginning of Lent a six-week period preceding Easter (Lent, too, is

not in the Bible).

Around the tenth century, Christians began placing ashes on their forehead to signify their need for repent-

ance, presumably emulating the likes of Job who repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). Notably, the asheswere done in the shape of the cross a symbol of the Good News. Thus, even as the ashes spoke of a need to

repent (turn to God) they also spoke of resurrection power and hope.

The first time I had ashes placed on my forehead, it didnt do anything (and never does!). However, the

visible ashen mark helped me consider again my need grace even as the cross-shape prompted me to give

thanks for the Life in which I already stand because of what Jesus has done on the cross. The ashes also made

me face anew the fact that I will one day die, which renewed my hope and thanks for the hope I have inChrist Jesus. Paradoxically, then, the ashes-receiving proved uplifting! Of course, this is in keeping with the

Gospel which always cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37) and convicts even as it heals and binds up wounds.

After receiving ashes, I went to research the topic in more detail. I realized that while there exists no Bibleverse that says we must observe Ash Wednesday or impose ashes, there is a good theological reasoning un-

derpinning the service. In many ways, the service enacts our call to confess our sins to another, to weep with

one another, and to know anew the Gospel hope (which can only be appreciated by naming, not avoiding, thedarkness).

To be sure, there is nothing magical about the service or the ashes. Indeed, when calling the people of God

to repentance, the prophet Joel says, rend your hearts not your clothing (2:13). The prophet Isaiah likewisetells the people to stop fasting and repenting in dust and ashes and instead get up and dojustice (Isaiah 58:5-

8). In other words, the prophets are calling the people out for thinking that they can perform external acts of

worship (like tearing their clothes or wearing ashes in repentance) that will take the place of actually givingtheir hearts and doing the real work of the Lord in the world. We are wise to avoid any imposition of ashes if

we think they gain us favor with God or have some power in and of themselves.

However, because the ashes can be a particularly poignant way for many Christians to know anew our hope

in Jesus Christ, ashes will be offered at our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on Wednesday, February 18th

in the chapel. The ashes will be entirely optional you may choose whether or not you come forward to re-ceive them. If you do come forward, I will put the ashes on your forehead in the shape of a cross with thewords, Consider yourself dead to sin and alive in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:11). My prayer is that through the

service of worship God will meet us in such a way that we are renewed in our hope and assured once again

that we rest in the promise of the One who has come to bring Life and Life Eternal.

AnnouncementsFellowship Hour

December 6 Nevin

December 13 Holmes

December 20 Savage

December 27 McCullough

Openers and Closers

December 6 Lloyd Bostian

December 13 Cal Gray

December 20 Rob Rosebro

December 27 Hank Downing

3- Jeannette Strunk

5- Karl Rubis

13- Cynthia Holmes

14- Bobby Hulme-Lippert

16- Pat Bell

16- Lloyd Bostian

16- Mary Mitchell

18- Jan Kessel

19- Kate Waters

20- George Gray III

20- Rebecca Horner

21- Carson Price

23- Louise Buhrman

25- Cal Gray

25- Cissy Mesco25- Jake Savage

25- Pritchard Whitley

27Hampton HarrisFollow GCPC on Instagram!Grace Covenant is on Insta-gram. Follow gcpc_rva to see

what's happening aroundGCPC.

Sunday, December 134:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Join us to decorate cookies... probably eatmore of them than we should, and carrythem with us as we sing carols to folksthroughout the city who are spending the

holiday season in retirement homes. It's agreat way to get into the spirit! Dinner willalso be provided.

Coming Soon:

Jan 24-Dinner and a Movie - hang out, see aflick, eat good food

Feb 28-Beach Blast Blowout - Winter blahs?How about an indoor beach party?


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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details

I grew up in a Presbyterian Church that did not have an Ash Wednesday service. The whole idea of Ash

Wednesday struck me as something for other people, and I really had no appreciation for it one way oranother until I began serving a couple different Presbyterian congregations which had the service.

As many of you know, there is no biblical requirement to hold an Ash Wednesday service or to use ashes

much as there is no biblical requirement to celebrate Christmas or Easter (though we celebrate the truths be-hind them year-round). Still, Ash Wednesday has been observed by many Christians for at least the past ten

centuries. It is the day that marks the beginning of Lent a six-week period preceding Easter (Lent, too, isnot in the Bible).

Around the tenth century, Christians began placing ashes on their forehead to signify their needfor repent-

ance, presumably emulating the likes of Job who repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). Notably, the asheswere done in the shape of the cross a symbol of the Good News. Thus, even as the ashes spoke of a need to

repent (turn to God) they also spoke of resurrection power and hope.

The first time I had ashes placed on my forehead, it didnt do anything (and never does!). However, the

visible ashen mark helped me consider again my need grace even as the cross-shape prompted me to give

thanks for the Life in which I already stand because of what Jesus has done on the cross. The ashes also made

me face anew the fact that I will one day die, which renewed my hope and thanks for the hope I have inChrist Jesus. Paradoxically, then, the ashes-receiving proved uplifting! Of course, this is in keeping with the

Gospel which always cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37) and convicts even as it heals and binds up wounds.

After receiving ashes, I went to research the topic in more detail. I realized that while there exists no Bible

verse that says we must observe Ash Wednesday or impose ashes, there is a good theological reasoning un-

derpinning the service. In many ways, the service enacts our call to confess our sins to another, to weep withone another, and to know anew the Gospel hope (which can only be appreciated by naming, not avoiding, the

darkness).

To be sure, there is nothing magical about the service or the ashes. Indeed, when calling the people of Godto repentance, the prophet Joel says, rend your hearts not your clothing (2:13). The prophet Isaiah likewise

tells the people to stop fasting and repenting in dust and ashes and instead get up and dojustice (Isaiah 58:5-

8). In other words, the prophets are calling the people out for thinking that they can perform external acts of

worship (like tearing their clothes or wearing ashes in repentance) that will take the place of actually givingtheir hearts and doing the real work of the Lord in the world. We are wise to avoid any imposition of ashes if

we think they gain us favor with God or have some power in and of themselves.

However, because the ashes can be a particularly poignant way for many Christians to know anew our hope

in Jesus Christ, ashes will be offered at our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on Wednesday, February 18th

in the chapel. The ashes will be entirely optional you may choose whether or not you come forward to re-ceive them. If you do come forward, I will put the ashes on your forehead in the shape of a cross with the

words, Consider yourself dead to sin and alive in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:11). My prayer is that through the

service of worship God will meet us in such a way that we are renewed in our hope and assured once again

that we rest in the promise of the One who has come to bring Life and Life Eternal.

Announcement

Parents Night OutEnjoy a night out for some last minute shopping or to just relish a

dinner out during the busy holiday season. Grace Covenant ishappy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Saturday,December 19, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A charge of $5 per child willhelp defray the costs of child care, though there is a $10 maximumper family with more than two children. Please RSVP by 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 17, to the church at [email protected] or 359-2463 with name of child and age.

Some updates of note: A lead teacher from CDC will serve as the host each month

Please do not forget to sign your child/children in and outduring PNO

We ask that you please bring a diaper bag with ample supplies for the evening

Please do not allow your children to bring food with them to PNO. This is due toallergies and the safety of all children. We will provide a safeand appropriate snack for them

Please RSVP by 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17. Please RSVP to: [email protected] 359-2463 with name and age of child.

Special Message from Deloris CrewsGrace Covenant family, I would like to thank each of you that were so thoughtful to me during myrecent leg fracture. All the prayers, food, visits, phone calls, and cards meant so much to me. I feelso blessed to have my church family! - With Christian Love, Deloris Crews

Our students are already getting excited about thetrip we are planning for 2017. If you have any mag-azines or travel books about Scotland and England

we are asking for donations or loans that we couldhouse here for the students to look at. It's a great

way for them to start connecting with this excitingheritage trip!

Holiday People Gathering Hosted by Joy & John NevinThe People Group will be hosting their annual Christmas party at the home of Joy and John Nevin(205 Kinlock Road, Manakin-Sabot 23103 ph: 784-2046) on Friday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m. Toparticipate, please RSVP to Joy by Wednesday, December 2, to [email protected].
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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STEWARDSHIP CORNERAlthough much improved over Septembers total, Octobers income was not sufficientto offset unusually high expenses during the month.

Contributions in October of $31,500 were up almost 20% from the prior month, whilefor the year to date their total is down about 9.3% from the same period last year.Total income in October was augmented by the transfer of $15,000 from reserves, and

$12,100 from directed contributions, including Presbyterian Womens funding of furni-ture for the renovated Fellowship Hall.

Expenses of $81,300 in October were particularly high. They included $21, 000 inbuilding repairs and improvements, comprised of improvements to the sound systemand the Fellowship Hall, and repairs relating to the roof, a portion of which is to be funded by the BuildingFund, $5,900 for elevator maintenance contracts and $2,500 for tenant improvements. Also, $3,700 was dis-bursed in local mission efforts, including expenses relating to CARITAS. Expenses exceeded income by$6,500.

Octobers Five Cents Per Meal offering was $83, Loaves and Fishes $1,340, and Mercy Fund $96.

Fellowship Announcement

Volunteers Needed to Help Set Up the Candlelight Reception

The church is looking for some volunteers to come in on Saturday, December 19, at 10:00 a.m. tohelp set-up for the annual Candlelight Reception.

If you can spare some time, please join us to help prepare for our wonderful Candlelight Service.

Announcments

Contribution EnvelopesContribution envelopes for 2016 will be available for pickup in the Narthex beginning Sunday, December 13, throughend of the year.

If you do not want your 2016 envelopes, please put them along with your completed survey in my mailbox in the goffice. I will recycle them and remove your name from the re-order list.

In anticipation of ordering envelopes for 2017, a survey form will be available for you to complete concerning your deto continue receiving envelopes. If you currently do not have envelopes, but would like to have a box, please compthe form and we will be happy to provide envelopes for you.

Should you have questions, please contact Martha at 359-2463, ext. 205, or email [email protected].


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Weekly Sunday Morning PrayerThe best way to start a Sunday morning, or any morning, is with prayer. Each Sunday morningfrom 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. in the Social Room we have a time of prayer and all are welcome toparticipate. It is a prayerful time when hearts are quieted and focused on God, joys and concerns

are shared, and prayers are raised in word and in spirit. It is a special time of caring, friendship, andblessing; please come and pray with us.

Monthly Prayer GroupA prayer group meets after the worship service on the first Sundayof each month. We will pray in the chapel from 12:30-1:00 p.m. fol-

lowing the 11:00 a.m. church service. For more information pleasecontact Itunu Adekoya at 309-310-1424 or [email protected], Susan Farrell at 359-6222 [email protected], or Carol Wood at 282-2446 [email protected] Please join us for our next meeting on December 6!

Worship

Additional Prayer Following Services

The Prayer Team will be available for prayer at the front of the sanctuary immediately after the ser-vice of worship from Sunday, November 1, to Sunday, December 20.

If you or someone you know needs prayer, simply come forward at the end of the service to receive

prayer. All prayer requests are confidential. We are grateful for the folks in our membership whohave a gift for prayer and their willingness to share that gift.

Linda Pitts & Carol Wood Dec. 6Itunu Adekoya & Susan Farrell Dec. 13Sampson Lodo & Gershon Abassah Dec. 20


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Bobby [email protected]

Christopher MartinDirector of Music and [email protected]

Christopher TweelDirector of Christian Formation & Pastoral [email protected]

Nelson ReveleyParish Associate for Outreach & Adult [email protected]

Denise ShaferDirector of [email protected]

Martha Rubin

Administrative Support/ [email protected]

Lauren VoylesSeminary Intern

Church Office Hours:Mon., Tues., and Thurs., 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Wed., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Fri, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon

Phone: (804) 359-2463

Fax: (804) 278-6298grace-covenant.org

Sundays:9:15 a.m.

Prayer Together in the Social Room9:30 a.m.

Sunday School for all agesin the Education Building

10:55 a.m.Worship Servicein the Sanctuary

12:15 p.m.Congregational Fellowship

in the Social Room

GCPC Child Development CenterNicole FlournoyDirector(804) [email protected]

Our Elders serve the church as leaders.

Our Deacons lead the church in service.

Please feel free to approach themwith any questions or feedback about Grace Covenants ministries.

CLERKOFSESSION: Everett Reveley

ELDERSJames Atchison (16) - Finance (C-M)Virginia Hudson (17) - Mission (M), NominatingCheryl Jacobs (15) - CE (M)Caroline Leith (15) - Property (Co-M), CEKatie McCullough (16) - Administration (M)Everett Reveley (15) Stewardship (M)Lewis Rosebro (17) - Property (Co-M)Pete Sizemore (16) - Administration (Co-M)Rob Turner (17) - Worship (M)

MODERATOROFTHEBOARDOFDEACONS: Lisa Cardwell

DEACONSItunu Adekoya (16) - Prayer (M)Lisa Cardwell (15) - Flowers (M)Courtney Clements (15) - Visitation (Co-M),

FellowshipPhil Coltrain (16) - Glass Office (M),

Deacons FundMary Gray (15) - Meals (M),

Visitation (Co-M)

Cynthia Holmes (17) - Fellowship (M)Jan Kessel (16) - Care Team (M),

Transportation (M)Dottie-Ray Koch (17) - Fellowship

(Food Committee)Sallie Leys (17) - Greeters/Ushers

Jessica Reveley (16) - Justice (M)Jennifer Schooley (15) - Guests Follow-Up,

New Members (M),Deacons Fund

Dawson Watkins (17) - Deacons Fund (M)Care Team

TRUSTEES:Caroline Leith (17)

John Roberts (15)Warren Zirkle (16)

The Staff Church Officers

december 2015 grace notes

Documents