Service of Reconciliation and Wholeness“The soccer analogy worked!” For those of us at the Service of Reconciliation and Wholeness, I concluded the sermon with an analogy from the FIFA Laws of Soccer. Law 8 on “The Start and Restart of Play” includes the drop ball. The referee stops play because some obstruction occurred (i.e. a dog runs on the field, or a ball from outside the touch or goal lines enters the field) and play needs to be restarted without either team gaining advantage. The match resumes in hopes that the players will find the experience “safe, fair, and fun.”

It’s time! It’s time for Grace Covenant to step forward into God’s good future for this congregation. Our church must be a safe place where persons, both members and guests, are accepted as children of God. It must be a fair place where we “gather” and “equip” while other’s views are respected. In my visits, I did discover a goodly number of Republicans and a goodly number of Democrats. Political discussions often deteriorate because we are tempted to “demonize” those who don’t agree with us. Healthy discussion with utilization of good listening skills is vital to a healthy and fair congregation.

“We need to build another Habitat for Humanity house. Grace Covenant has built ten in the past! It would be fun to do a mission together.” One of our members shared this during my visit with him. What a great way to restore health—having “fun” through doing mission! We’ve done it throughout Grace Covenant’s 31 years. Mission helps reconcile sisters and brothers while serving the underserved and disadvantaged in the name of Christ.

Safe, fair, and fun. These are the “true” goals of soccer. One cannot press the analogy too far in the church because “safe” is often replaced with what Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke of as “The Cost of Discipleship.” Certainly for Christians down through the ages, discipleship has been and can be costly. But when division within a church family is identified and named, it is best to turn the situation over to God and move ahead.

Someone asked, “Now that the reconciliation service is behind us, what’s next?” Before we start a mission study and breathe, elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and breathe, pray for the PNC and breathe, we need to have fun for a little while! Nehemiah 8:10 reads: “Then Nehemiah said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’.” The joy of the Lord is your strength! With God’s help, may it be so!

In Christ’s Service,

Fred A. Holbrook, Transitional PastorFor emergencies, my cell phone is 540-421-4421.

GRACE notes

OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 34, N10

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,for by doing that somehave entertained angels without knowing it.”

– Hebrews 13:2

Visitors delight us.Our goal is simple: make all people feel welcomed, not overwhelmed.

We were all visitors once and remember how it feels to try a new place of worship. Attend as often as you want. Visitors are welcome at all GCPC events, classes and small groups as well as in worship. We will always be glad to see you!

Join us for coffee in between the two services or grab a cup of coffee in Heartland Hall on your way to Sunday School class. Heartland Hall is located next to the Sanctuary. There are always people to visit with or things to learn about if you want to just hang out.

Worship Schedule8:50am Praise Team Led Worship10am Church School All Ages11:05am Choral Led WorshipChildcare is provided during Worship.

Upcoming NewsletterArticle DeadlinesNov 2016 Issue - Deadline October 18Dec 2016 Issue - Deadline November 8

CHURCH STAFFInterim PastorFred Holbrook, fred.holbrook@gcpc.org.....ext.15Director of Music MinistriesRebecca Prater, rebecca.prater@gcpc.org ..ext. 13Church AdministratorPatrick Bell, patrick.bell@gcpc.org...............ext. 10Director of Youth Ministries, Miles McDonald miles.mcdonald@gcpc.org ...............................ext. 17Interim Director of Christian EducationLaura Holbrook, laura.holbrook@gcpc.org.....ext 12Finance Administrator.....................Debbie MillerOrganist ........................................................ Linda DoverContemporary Music Coord.............Denice TrawickiContemporary Music Drummer..........Daniel Cole Technical Director for Worship....Miles McDonaldChild Care Coordinator ................ Carolyn ChaffinKid’s Day Out Director ......................Kathy ConnorWedding Coordinator ..................... Lara Schesser

ELDERSTrent Amerine Bryan Evans Amy Grice Donna GoecklerJudy Hook Rob JonasJoe Lillian Ryan PeckJo Randolph Aaron Rickley Hilary Schmidt Tatum Specht Matt Stromberg Joy WilsonChris Krug - Interim Clerk of Session

SUPPORT STAFFDeacon Moderator ............................ Kathy WilliamsExecutive Committee................................ Joe Lillian, Rob Jonas, Jo Randolph, Aaron RickleyNewsletter Editor ...................................... Jami HowePrayer Chain ....................................... Cheryl JohnsonPresbyterian Women Moderator ................. vacant

MINISTRY UNITSCongregational Nurture Unit ModeratorsConnections and Care................................... Dee ZakEndowment .............................................. David SteenMusic ........................................................... Anne StroudGenerosity ........................................... Tony AndersenWorship ........................................................Kathy Bures

Education Ministry Unit ModeratorsAdult ................................................... Maggie BlankersChildren ..................................................Kathy HockleyYouth................................................. Pat Kowalczewski

Reach Out Ministry Unit Moderators

Marketing ..................................................Terri MonradWelcoming.......................................... Greg PrestridgeOutreach ..................................................Marcia TurnerKairos................................................................Dave Pack

Supportive Ministry Unit Moderators

Facility .............................................................Marc FeyhFinance ..................................................... Matt McBridePersonnel ................................................ Linda Bridges

Inclusive. Family Oriented. Welcoming.

11100 College BoulevardOverland Park, KS 66210Phone: 913-345-1256Fax: 913-345-1198gcpc.org

Facebook: facebook.com/GraceCovenantPresbyterian Twitter: @GraceCovPres

C E L E B R A T I N G G O D ’ S A L L E N C O M P A S S I N G L O V E !

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Generosity Sunday and Mortgage Note BurningOctober 23 is Generosity Sunday. During the one morning worship service at 10am, the “Estimate of Giving Cards” will be distributed and prayerfully completed by the Grace Covenant family. You should be receiving in the mail a letter that explains that day and asks you to complete the “Celebration Luncheon” reservation. We will enjoy Joe’s Kansas City BBQ and sides. This will be at no cost to those attending. Following the luncheon, we will have a mortgage note burning outside Heartland Hall.

This is an historic milestone for Grace Covenant. In 1985, our church was chartered with 123 members. The first phase of the current building was completed in 1989. The Education Wing was completed in 1992. In 2003, Grace Covenant conducted a 3-year campaign raising $975,000. In 2008, we conducted a 3-year capital campaign raising $985,000. The balance on the mortgage note was as follows at years’ end:

2006 $769,985 2007 $690,188 2008 $661,292 2009 $598,944 2010 $463,611 2011 $295,301 2012 $228,962 2013 $179,717 2014 $128,642 2015 $75,456 2016 $0 on July 31, 2016!!

Thank you for your amazing and faithful generosity!

FINANCIALLY SPEAKINGAugust 2016 Revenues budgeted to date: $456,974Revenues actual to date: $495,472Expenses budgeted to date: $549,927Expenses actual to date: $539,667

Our actual revenues exceed our actual expenses, resulting in a net income of $8,201 through August. Our year-to-date projections anticipated that we would have been in a deficit position of $80,197 at this point. We appreciate the faithful giving from our members and friends. Thank you!

The Young Adults & Families group will meet at Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch (1791 N. 1500 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66046) at 4pm on Saturday, October 14. Bring the whole family out to this free pumpkin patch for an afternoon of fun followed by dinner at McAllister’s in Lawrence. RSVP on the Facebook event, to Katie, katiehearn08@gmail.com, or to Emily, ekthussey@gmail.com, so we know to watch for you.

Also, mark your calendars for our third annual Progressive Dinner on Saturday, November 12, at 4:30pm. Location to be announced. Kids welcome!

Thank YouWe would like to thank so many of our GCPC family who expressed sympathy, sent cards and provided support in so many loving ways after the sudden death of my brother Eric on August 8! We are so thankful to be part of such a kind, loving, Christ-like community! Eric and his family are in St. Louis, and we found his church to be so much like GCPC. We feel very well taken care of and surrounded in love and grace. Thank you.-Kevin & Cheryl Johnson

Many thanks to everyone for all the prayers, cards and kind words after my back surgery. Your support is appreciated! - -George Bures

Grace Golf

Best turnout ever! On Sunday, August 28, 44 GCPC members and guests played at Falcon Valley Golf Course in our 11th Annual Reggie Reynolds Memorial Golf Scramble. Pastor Fred Holbrook, our talented musician, played a few selections on his bagpipes to give us a huge send-off and inspire us.

We enjoyed good golf and great fellowship afterward during the cookout at the golf course patio. This event has grown through the years from support of our church family, and contributions again go to the Reggie Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Fund, which benefits our youth.

PASTOR’S NOTE LIFE OF THE CHURCH CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

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What a wonderful start we have had to our new church school year! Thank you to all the teachers and team members who helped us ready courses and curriculum, resources and rooms for another year of education and nurture. September 11 was all-a-buzz as children, youth and adults filled the halls for Sunday School. It’s never too late to join! Come on over, Sunday’s at 10am!

Making a Home for Faith is the title of Elizabeth Caldwell’s book written to encourage the nurturing of the spiritual life of children. Building on Fred’s sermon “Will Our Children Have Faith?”, I am reminded of a passage in her book about raising “cluttered” children. She argues that the family can become so vested in so many moving parts of living in our culture that children don’t always develop healthy “clearings” for receiving and understanding abstracts such as service, a relationship with God, or loving our neighbor. I do not see this at Grace Covenant. I am so impressed with the ways parents and members alike provide spaces for children and youth to receive and understand God’s call on our lives. And I perceive a deeply rooted hope and practice for our children and youth to have time and space to see, hear, taste, touch, learn, do, give, share, and be with God.

But/and/however, I want to make an open plug for Grace Studies, Circle studies, weekly Bible studies, the Meditation Class, parenting classes, weekly worship, and all other times we gather to connect with God. These help adults “clear” their hearts and minds and remember we are the primary faith formers for the children and youth in our midst. Our hearts’ clutter can create clutter in those we are nearest to.

So, I raise my hands in a toast and a hallelujah for clearings over clutter. And, I’ll see you in Sunday School.

With Joy, Laura

October 30, 2016 - 12:15 (following worship)

Hot Dog Lunch | Games and Activities

Trunks with Goodies | Wear your costumes!

Please sign-up at church to share your trunk and treats!|

Advent ~ a time for waiting and watching. A time to prepare our hearts for the amazing act of God in Jesus. A time for remembering the life that changed the world.

The Advent Fair

Sunday, November 20

12 noon-2:30pm

Heartland Hall

Activities for all ages focused on centering our hearts and preparing our homes for the coming of the Messiah. A light lunch will follow worship in the Concourse.

We are off to a wonderful start with our first courses! It’s never too late to join a class!

• ChristandCulture:The Faith of a Mockingbird uses Harper Lee’s timeless book, To Kill a Mockingbird, to explore faith, theology, and ethics through the book’s characters.• BibleandTheology:The Sovereignty of God explores God’s nature in Isaiah, Hebrews, and the Book of Revelation. • YoungAdults:animate:faith Live action and animation video introduces topics of faith and life with thought provoking perspectives and questions. Discussion and doodling will happen. • NewtoGCPC:This Is Grace will meet for 4 weeks to learn about our church, Presbyterians, and more.

gRACE STUDIES

A Grace Studies Survey will be coming to your home! Be sure to share your ideas for

upcoming courses on our Sunday mornings!

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YOUTH IN ACTION The session met on Monday, August 15, for its monthly stated meeting. This is the summary of their meeting.

1) Welcomed Deacon Linda Starrett and Ruling Elder Sarah Evans. Linda was representing the Deacons and Sarah was observing the meeting to fulfill a requirement in her Polity course through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Sarah is taking courses as she prayerfully considers becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder within Heartland Presbytery. 2) Heard a report from Matt McBride, Finance Team moderator and church treasurer. He reviewed the July statements provided by Debbie Miller, our Finance Administrator, and declared that we are in a strong financial position. Matt shared a letter from Fred Holbrook that will update the congregation on the Equipping Grace…Today and Tomorrow Campaign. 3) Due to the positive position of the campaign funds, it was reported that the Youth Wing Renovations are about to begin. The total cost will be in the range of $305,000, $231,000 of which is already in hand. 4) Approved a contract for $22,397 to repair the concrete steps (Weekday Entrance), various parking lot curbs, and the Peace Pole patio area; and to repair, seal, and restripe the parking lot. These funds will come from the eliminated mortgage payments included in the 2016 budget and a line item for $2,900 for parking lot repairs included in the Team’s budget. 5) Approved one worship service at 10am on Consecration Sunday, October 23. 6) Approved a mortgage note burning on Sunday, October 23, following the Consecration Sunday luncheon. 7) Approved Sunday, January 29, 2017 for the annual meeting required in the Book of Order. There will be one worship service at 10am on that Sunday and the congregational meeting will follow. 8) Approved moving the September stated meeting to September 12 at 7pm due to Fred being in Virginia to preach an ordination sermon for a dear friend and to enjoy a week of vacation with the Holbrook children. Executive Committee will meet on September 8 at 7pm. 9) Celebrated with the Outreach Team their choice of two PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers whom Grace Covenant will support prayerfully and financially. They are: Christi Boyd and Jeff Boyd serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Leslie Vogel who works with CEDEPCA in Guatemala. 10) Approved offering the coffee in Heartland Hall at no expense to members and guests on Sundays. 11) Prayers were offered for members and friends who are sick, bereaved, or facing surgery.

The session met on Monday, September 12, for its monthly stated meeting. The following actions took place:

1) Welcomed Deacon Ginny Wirtz and were led in a devotional provided by Hilary Schmidt. The focus of the devotion was on courage. 2) Reflected on the Service of Reconciliation and Wholeness that occurred the prior evening. The session strongly affirmed the benefit of this service and pray that we will have a fresh “restart.” 3) Received the finance report as information. 4) Heard a report from Fred Holbrook that there are ten adults in the “This Is Grace!” classes inviting guests and visitors to learn more about Grace Covenant and what it means to be a member in a church in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and in this church in particular. 5) Rejoiced that the Youth Wing Renovation is underway. Due to increasingly “dark” sections of lighting in the Sanctuary, the Facilities Team recommended and session concurred that the Sanctuary Lighting capital campaign project be the next project after the Youth Wing. 6) Affirmed that all team budgets for 2017 are to be submitted to the Finance Team by the end of September. 7) Heard a report from Deacon Ginny Wirtz including a request that the process of informing the Deacon of events in the life of their Covenant Group families be reviewed. Fred promised to review this with Patrick. 8) Heard a reminder from Kairos Team that the “Advocacy Spot” is available in the area in or near Heartland Hall. Groups who wish to share their ministry focus may contact the Kairos Team. 9) Committed to try to take pictures and encourage others to take pictures of GCPC events for sending to our Church Administrator, Patrick Bell, for the church’s Facebook page. 10) Prayers were offered for members and friends who are sick, bereaved, or facing surgery.

FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR’S HOURS

Debbie Miller, our Finance Administrator, is in the office from 1:30pm on Mondays until early evening and again on Fridays from 9am to 3pm. Please feel free to contact her at the office at 913-345-1256 or by email at finance@gcpc.org.

SESSION NEWS

BIG CHANGES UNDERWAY!

More stories of those hard working, volunteers mostly unseen around GCPC. When you see any of these individuals, please take a moment to say “hi” and pray for them in their leadership role here at GCPC.

Dave Pack, Moderator of KAIROS Dave and his wife, Karen, have been members of GCPC since 1990. They have raised their son, Brian, and their daughter, Angela, here at GCPC and are now encouraging their grandchildren, Morgan and Brynnley, to live their lives as God has commanded us through biblical direction and daily prayer. Dave’s 101-year-old mother lives at Aberdeen Village.

Why did Dave agree to moderate KAIROS? “KAIROS focuses on education and advocacy in the areas of the environment, justice, and peacemaking. Peacemaking is my historical passion and I serve as the Peacemaking Coordinator, but the three areas are all tied to together in important ways. There is a clear biblical mandate to peacemaking that we need to be faithful to and that, more often than not, our country is not faithful to, in my opinion.”

Dave, a retired statistician, last worked in the pharmaceutical industry. He has been the Kansas City CROP Walk treasurer since the mid-1990s. Dave is also deeply involved in peacemaking outside of GCPC, through the American Friends Service Committee, national Peace Action, and PeaceWorks of Kansas City.

When you see Dave around GCPC, have a conversation about his early beliefs — he grew up in Kansas as a political conservative, supporting Barry Goldwater’s ’64 presidential bid as a sophomore at KU. Subsequent experiences as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin and through the PC(USA) challenged and changed him to a strongly liberal/progressive individual. Because he has been on both sides of the political divide it helps him to avoid condemning those on the other side, most of the time.

Dave’s prayer for GCPC: “I pray we can live our lives as God would have us live them based on his biblical direction to us and our continuing prayer for his daily direction. Sadly, I find ‘Christians’ in the United States are too often worshiping their own country more than Christ or God, practicing a ‘civil religion,’ as if there was a giant American bald eagle sitting on top of Christ’s cross.”

KAIROS TEAM This very active team addresses peacemaking, environmental and social justice issues, and the advocacy of them as they affect the least of these. In 2011, due to the efforts of the passionate environmentalists, Grace Covenant became the first Kansas congregation to earn the national PC(USA) Earth Care Congregations designation.

GCPC over the years has adopted the PC(USA)Commitment to the Peacemaking. KAIROS works to fulfill this commitment

through peacemaking advocacy through worship, prayer, and Bible study, by creating opportunities for members to develop peacemaking skills, by supporting the pursuit of social, racial, and economic justice locally, nationally, and globally, by supporting human rights and economic justice efforts in at least one area of the world, by studying global security concerns, and by making peace with the earth by protecting and restoring the environment through study, advocacy, and lifestyle commitments.

If any of these passions speak to you, KAIROS usually meets the 2nd Sunday after the last service for a potluck lunch, all are welcome. For more information contact Dave, kndpack@everestkc.net.

Donna Goeckler, Ruling Elder, class of 2019 Currently, elder liaison with Worship and Personnel teams, also serves as a Praise Team member, Youth Band co-coordinator, and occasional orchestra member.

As a founding member of Praise Team, dealings of the Worship Team speak closely to Donna’s heart. Donna is deeply committed to the success of the 8:50 service and the ways in which GCPC can reach current and potential new members through the way the Holy Spirit and music flow through service.

It was a natural fit for Donna to be a part of the Personnel Team because in her day job she is the assistant to the comptroller at Indian Hills Country Club, working with employee benefits and the general HR duties that entails. This is an especially important time for our Personnel Team, as we envision a new way of staffing and organizing the labor needs of GCPC. She is happy to lend whatever experiences she has to that endeavor.

Donna and her wife, Kim Krueger, met at GCPC 26 years ago. They are very excited to be renewing vows for their 25th anniversary this December here at GCPC. They have three fur babies: Penny, Jackson, and Allie.

Donna’s parents met in choir at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, KS, making her a lifelong Presbyterian whose soul is full of music, and her blood runs Wildcat Purple! Ancestors on her mother’s side moved to Alma, KS, from the East coast as settlers to help make Kansas a Free State, running a stop on the Underground Railroad. Her great grandfather used to tell stories about hearing voices and wagons in the middle of the night as his father and grandfather prepared to make the trip north to Nebraska with escaped slaves. Donna states “It seems I come from a long line of folks involved in social justice!”

Donnas’ wish: “I pray that we can continue to grow in our love for each other and work together to mend the brokenness that has affected us all in the past 18 months at our church. Growing up, I always loved the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”. I use it still as a guiding principle in my life. I want to be part of a congregation that can show how God’s love and grace can be reflected to each other and the world around us even in the midst of turmoil. We are a family. That means we stick together even when we are cranky with each other!”

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MUSIC NOTES KAIROSLOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Wednesday, November 23rd @ 6:45pmGathering Music by our Dixieland Band

at out Thanksgiving service.

Sunday, December 4th is a big day!Symphony Orchestra in morning Worship

then A Christmas Exclamation!including…

the M&M Holiday Silent Auctionto support our 8th – 12th graders’

Mission & Music trip – Summer of 2017Bidding from 8:30am-12:30pm

and again from 5-5:45pmin Heartland Hall

followed by…

A Christmas Exclamation! music programat 6pm in Sanctuary presented by our children’s

& youth choirs and our 4 bell choirs Carols and Christmas Songs Abound!

Sunday, December 18th “Songs of the Season”

Presented in worship by Praise Team with solo and ensembles at 8:50am and Chancel Choir & Chamber

Orchestra featuring Magnificat by Mark Hayes at 11:05am

Saturday, December 24thChristmas Eve services

• 5pm Exaltation! (8th-12th grade choir)

• 7:30pm Chancel Choir (college & adults)

• 10:45pm Vocal and Instrumental Soloists

“Thank you” notes

A BIG “THANK YOU” to our Music Librarianswho have given many hours in preparing music

for our ensembles to use in the new year.

“Thank you” to Mikki Walker – handbell & orchestra librarian, Ellie Nelson – children & youth librarian, and Connie Richards – Chancel Choir & lead librarian, and

additional help from Kathy Hockley. “Thank you” for your behind-the-scenes work that is so vitally important!

Grace Garden is winding down for the growing season. We have had a good year so far and are finishing up the season with lettuce, radishes, and beets. The tomato plants are not setting any new tomatoes, but we still have several pounds of fruit on the vines. The green peppers are also getting their second wind and producing a few peppers. The total weight of our harvest, so far, is a little over 116lbs.

While our produce isn’t picture perfect, it is local, organic, and fresh! We usually pick the vegetables the day of or the day before the food pantry is open. The volunteers at the food pantry are always grateful to receive our gifts. The garden usually shuts down the first weekend in November.

FAIR TRADE SALES ARE BACK! Visit us Sunday, Oct. 2, outside of Heartland Hall. Restock your pantry with coffee, tea, chocolates, that awesome olive oil and more. Your purchase makes a difference in the world! From the Equal Exchange website, “Fair Trade is a way of doing business that ultimately aims to keep small farmers an active part of the world marketplace, … a set of business practices voluntarily adopted by the producers and buyers of agricultural commodities and hand-made crafts that are designed to advance many economic, social and environmental goals, …” Visit equalexchange.coop/fair-trade.

KAIROS – Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

We would like to remind you that October 2 has been identified as the date when Grace Covenant receives the PCUSA Peace & Global Witness Special Offering as a part of the “Commitment to Peacemaking.” This year, the GCPC 25% has been designated to help the Heartland Presbytery/Maya Quiché Partnership Scholarship Fund.

What is the Heartland Presbytery/Maya Quiché Partnership and its Scholarship Fund? Heartland Presbytery signed a partnership of presence over 20 years ago with our brothers and sisters in the Maya Quiché Presbytery in Guatemala. A number of Grace Covenant members have participated in annual visits to Guatemala.

In 2012, a scholarship program was established helping pastors and emerging leaders to obtain or further their theological studies. As of September 2016, we have 29 students studying with these scholarships: 16 men and 13 women. Fifteen students are studying at the Licenciatura (college) level of study, eight at Bachillerato (high school) level, and six at the Diploma (middle school) level. Costs for these classes are covered by Heartland Presbytery scholarships and the Walton Fund Endowment of the PC(USA). A pilot program, established in 2016, has six students on a three-year study program to obtain their Básico (elementary) certificate, enabling them to continue their seminary studies at a higher level. In general, it costs approximately $400 per year to support one student in their studies. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

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OUTREACH NEWSThe October communion offering will be directed to two organizations that provide health care to low-income and uninsured residents of Wyandotte and Johnson County. The Duschene Clinic is a primary care doctors’ office in Wyandotte County that provides primary health care, medication assistance, and chronic disease management. The Health Partnership of Johnson County is Johnson County’s largest safety-net clinic for low income and uninsured residents of Johnson County and the only one providing care free of charge to this population.

We are collecting over the counter medications to help stock the clinics, including large bottles of Tylenol, Aleve, Advil, aspirin and cold/cough type medications. Generic or store brands are fine and less expensive. Please place your donations in the bin in the Weekday Entrance.

4TH ANNUAL ALLIE’S SALE, OCTOBER 6–8, 7AM–6PM at Valley View Methodist Church, 8412 W. 95th St. Allie’s Sale is a massive annual three-day charity garage sale held in memory of Allie, who attended KDO and Pioneer Preschool at GCPC. The sale features over 10,000 great items, raffle items, and food that are donated by local families and businesses. All proceeds are donated to the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation. The sale showcases the generosity and kindness of the local community while giving hope to the families affected by pediatric brain cancer. For more information, visit teamlittleowl.org/allies-sale.

GRACE IN ACTION FALL EVENTS IN OCTOBER: Wednesday, October 12, 10:30am–2:30pm: A team of 10 volunteers will be serving at the Kansas City Community Kitchen in Missouri. The KCCK has made national news recently for its innovative approach to providing lunch to homeless men and women in our community with restaurant style service and unique, healthy menu items. Can’t get away on a weekday? Then...

Saturday, October 15, 9am–1pm: We will have a team of eight volunteers head over to the KCCK to assist in meal prep for the following week. These two opportunities are for volunteers ages 14 and over and will be a great way for members to experience serving the homeless in a new way.

Saturday, October 15, 9am: For families with young children or others who would like to serve at the church, we will have a team meet at GCPC to sort and pack care packages of hygiene and food items that can be stored in your car and passed out to homeless individuals you see out in our community. This is a great way to be prepared to help those in need as you drive around the streets of our city! Please join us for one of these three opportunities. Look for the sign-up sheet in Heartland Hall on Sundays, or just e-mail Ryan Hussey, prhussey@gmail.com, and let him know what you want to do. Thanks for making Grace Covenant a great place to put our mission of service into action!

KCK Hot Lunch -We are happy to report that GCPC served 239 hot meals to the people of Kansas City, KS, on August 20 in a joint effort with St Michael’s parish in Leawood. The deacons responsible were Cheryl Johnson, Eileen Thomson, and Laura Patton. Serving were Eileen Thomson, Jim Byrd, Alan Hook, Cheryl Johnson, Chelly King, Deanna Sollner, Jake Sollner, Patty Smithson, Gay Lee Ludwig-Bonney, Steve Meredith, & Gloria Quigley. Making desserts were Sarah Byrd, Laura Patton, Susan Fitzgerald, Erin Frye, Bob Zurcher, Rob Jonas, Mac Fechtling, Jo Anne Kenefake, Cheryl Johnson, Susan Hayden, Chelly King,and Deanne Sollner. Year-to-date we have served 1,910 meals! Thanks to everyone who have participated to make this important mission successful.

Rosehill School Partnership News - Many thanks to those of you who donated an estimated $325 (that equals over 1,200 bars) worth of granola bars and some school supplies for Rosehill School in August. The school nurse reported that over 5,000 granola bars were provided to students in the last school year!

Tuesday, October 11, is the fall edition of the GCPC Blood Drive. Schedule an appointment to participate in this life-saving outreach online at “savealifenow.org,” sponsor code “gracecovenant,” or by contacting Tim Hayden, 913-897-1240 or tjhayden66@gmail.com. You can also sign up in Heartland Hall between services on October 2 or 9. Appointments are available between 2 and 6:15pm.

“It’s Just Coffee” or Everything I’ve Wanted to Ask a Pastor …Do you have questions about Grace Covenant? Would you like to know more about our church? Join us for “It’s Just Coffee” with Pastor Fred on Sunday October 2, 10am during the Sunday school hour in Room 4.

“This is Grace”If you are interested in knowing more about Grace Covenant please join us on October 2 and 9 in Room 4. We will look at what it means to be a Presbyterian, and be a member of a Presbyterian church. For further information please contact Pastor Fred, 913-345-1256 or fred.holbrook@gcpc.org.

WELCOMINg TEAM

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Photography sessions will take place November 14-17 and November 28-Dec 3. Monday-Friday sessions will be from 2:30-9pm, while the Saturday session on 12/3 will be 9:30am-4pm. Look for posters with details at church. Sign-up opportunities will be available in coming weeks.

PRESBYTERIANS AROUND THE WORLD:

“God is in the business of re-connecting, of putting things back together and of re-membering. God is working inside and, perhaps more importantly, outside of the church building.” - (Becca Messman in The Presbyterian Outlook, June 20, 2016)

The Church – Open Doors: Part II Torry Martin stated in his book, Of Moose and Men (2016), “I don’t suppose you’d know if there’s a good church around here, would ya?” I asked the ranger as we came around a bend on Eagle River Loop Road. “I don’t go to church,” said the ranger, “but there’s a big red one just ahead that I pass by every day.” The author was describing his church-seeking process after moving to a new community in Alaska.

There is no intent in Part II of this article to explore the rationale for church-seeking or church-leaving behaviors. It only gives facts about church membership using the last available membership data (2014) for the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Synod of Mid-America, Heartland Presbytery, and Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Membership Data for 2014 1. Presbyterian Church (USA) Membership Information: a. Reported Membership: 2014: 1,667,019 2013: 1,760,200 b. Membership Gains: 2014: 64,982 2013: 73,029 c. Membership Losses: 2014: 158,163 2013: 162,325 2. Mid-America Synod Membership Information: a. Number of Members: 56,738 b. Membership Gains/Losses, 2013-2014: Total Gains: 2,206 - Total Losses: 4,630 3. Heartland Presbytery Membership Information: a. Number of Members: 16,102 b. Membership Gains/Losses, 2013-2014: Total Gains: 757 - Total Losses: 1,975 4. Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Membership: a. January, 2014: 606 members b. December, 2014: 592 members c. This data only represents the total membership change because it does not include gains and losses for 2014.

PEW DWELLERS’ HEALTH NOTES:

Major goals of the New Dietary guidelines: Part VReading the Nutrition Facts label is a vital step in the selection of healthy foods. The December 10, 2015 (Revised May 2016) publication, “The Basics of the Nutrition Facts Panel” provides a guide for the selection of healthy foods. The source of this information is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This organization recommends that you check the following on the Nutrition Facts label when considering the purchase of food items:

1. Serving Size: This contains the nutrients for that serving.2. Number of calories in a single serving.3. Daily Value (DV) is the average level of nutrients for a person consuming 2,000 calories a day. For example, a food item, with a 5% DV of fat, provides 5% of the total fat that a person, consuming 2,000 calories a day, should eat for the entire day.4. List of ingredients: Foods with more than one ingredient must have an ingredient list. They are listed in descending order by weight. Those with the largest weight are listed first. For example, a can of Del Monte salt-free spinach lists spinach and water as the only ingredients.5. Information related to added sugars: Added sugars will be included on the Nutrition Facts label in 2018, according to “The Basics of the Nutrition Facts Panel”. For example, a ½ cup serving of dark red kidney beans in a can (Brand: Bush’s) contains, on the list of ingredients, sugar (3gm) as the fourth ingredient. The fifth ingredient is dextrose. Dextrose is a form of glucose derived from starches. It may be used as an added sugar in any processed food that is sweetened by the manufacturer.

The use of Nutrition Facts labels to select healthy foods for meal planning is a vital first step.

6 7

INFORMATION OF INTERESTNew Youth Rooms Coming Soon!The youth room renovations have started and progress is coming along well! Selections have been made on the ceiling tile, wall colors, carpeting and flooring. Despite minor delays on the plumbing and framing work, we are still on target to have the work complete in 45 days. Watch your e-mail inbox for news on an Open House to show off the new space — we’ll likely have that event in mid-November. Please remember that it’s now an active construction zone and is off-limits unless you are wearing a hard hat and working on the project. Thanks to everyone for supporting this exciting project for our youth!

Homeless Night EventOur annual Homeless Night Event is coming up on October 1–2. Students will stay the night outside with us and learn about how we can better serve the homeless population in our cities. We are asking our congregation to bring packages of toilet paper (the more the better) to church on October 2 or the following week. We will donate the toilet paper to Uplift or another organization that helps the homeless.

Upcoming Outreach Youth Events Please join us for upcoming Outreach Events — Random Acts of Kindness on October 23 and Red Bag shopping on November 27.

“Deeper” for Young Adult Singles and High School StudentsWe are starting a new program for both high school students and young adults together. By young adults we mean college age or recently out of college, and not married (everything changes when you get married). We will have this group at our normal Youth Group time at 6:30pm on selected dates, and you are welcome to join our youth dinner first at 6pm.

Why “Deeper”? We are thinking of this as an opportunity to dive “deeper” into faith and topics related to God and the church. We will explore issues of our faith that are confusing, controversial, and/or may require a certain amount study to go beyond a surface-level understanding. The group will look to the Bible for clarity and also to other sources that will help shed light on the issues at hand.

If you’re interested in being added to the e-mail distribution list for meeting reminders, please contact Miles, miles.mcdonald@gcpc.org.

Upcoming Events• HomelessNightEvent-October1–2

• CROPWalk-October2

• YouthLedYouthGroup-October9

• YouthTeamMeeting-October18

• TrunkorTreat-October30

• Hayride/Bonfire-November6

• M&MSilentAuction-December4

We asked three students last year, Pastor Santos Menchu, Andrea Chan, and Richardo Ulin, how the ability to study because of this scholarship opportunity made a difference in their lives. Their answers gave us great insight into the partnership and its influence on our brothers and sisters of Maya Quiché.

Pastor Santos explained how being able to study is helping him become more professional as a pastor and is teaching his congregation what he learns in classes. Andrea mentioned that this opportunity to study has helped her in teaching those in her church in the study of God’s word and has enabled her to help her pastor in pastoral ministries at her church. Richardo (son of Polo Ulin) mentioned that he feels more prepared to share the Word of God with his church and with those who need to know God. Richardo also mentioned the schooling has made him a better son, husband, and father.

So, remember our church Commitment to Peacemaking and let us all join in supporting this year’s Peace and Global Witness special offering on World Communion Sunday, October 2.

Sunday, October 9, KAIROS will also be partnering with Bread for the World — advocating for feeding the hungry here and around the world. Bread for the World Sunday (bread.org/library/bread-world-sunday) is an opportunity for you to join with others in thousands of churches across the country in living out God’s vision of a world without hunger. Through our prayers for an end to hunger, letters, and phone calls to our nation’s leaders, and financial support to Bread of the World, we will give bold witness to God’s justice and mercy in the world.

October 9 is also the Sunday we walk for CROP Walk — community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world. (crophungerwalk.org/Static/About-Us)

YOUTH NEWS

KAIROS (CONT. FROM P.4)

PRESBYTERIANS AROUND THE WORLD:

“God is in the business of re-connecting, of putting things back together and of re-membering. God is working inside and, perhaps more importantly, outside of the church building.” - (Becca Messman in The Presbyterian Outlook, June 20, 2016)

The Church – Open Doors: Part II Torry Martin stated in his book, Of Moose and Men (2016), “I don’t suppose you’d know if there’s a good church around here, would ya?” I asked the ranger as we came around a bend on Eagle River Loop Road. “I don’t go to church,” said the ranger, “but there’s a big red one just ahead that I pass by every day.” The author was describing his church-seeking process after moving to a new community in Alaska.

There is no intent in Part II of this article to explore the rationale for church-seeking or church-leaving behaviors. It only gives facts about church membership using the last available membership data (2014) for the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Synod of Mid-America, Heartland Presbytery, and Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Membership Data for 2014 1. Presbyterian Church (USA) Membership Information: a. Reported Membership: 2014: 1,667,019 2013: 1,760,200 b. Membership Gains: 2014: 64,982 2013: 73,029 c. Membership Losses: 2014: 158,163 2013: 162,325 2. Mid-America Synod Membership Information: a. Number of Members: 56,738 b. Membership Gains/Losses, 2013-2014: Total Gains: 2,206 - Total Losses: 4,630 3. Heartland Presbytery Membership Information: a. Number of Members: 16,102 b. Membership Gains/Losses, 2013-2014: Total Gains: 757 - Total Losses: 1,975 4. Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church Membership: a. January, 2014: 606 members b. December, 2014: 592 members c. This data only represents the total membership change because it does not include gains and losses for 2014.

PEW DWELLERS’ HEALTH NOTES:

Major goals of the New Dietary guidelines: Part VReading the Nutrition Facts label is a vital step in the selection of healthy foods. The December 10, 2015 (Revised May 2016) publication, “The Basics of the Nutrition Facts Panel” provides a guide for the selection of healthy foods. The source of this information is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This organization recommends that you check the following on the Nutrition Facts label when considering the purchase of food items:

1. Serving Size: This contains the nutrients for that serving.2. Number of calories in a single serving.3. Daily Value (DV) is the average level of nutrients for a person consuming 2,000 calories a day. For example, a food item, with a 5% DV of fat, provides 5% of the total fat that a person, consuming 2,000 calories a day, should eat for the entire day.4. List of ingredients: Foods with more than one ingredient must have an ingredient list. They are listed in descending order by weight. Those with the largest weight are listed first. For example, a can of Del Monte salt-free spinach lists spinach and water as the only ingredients.5. Information related to added sugars: Added sugars will be included on the Nutrition Facts label in 2018, according to “The Basics of the Nutrition Facts Panel”. For example, a ½ cup serving of dark red kidney beans in a can (Brand: Bush’s) contains, on the list of ingredients, sugar (3gm) as the fourth ingredient. The fifth ingredient is dextrose. Dextrose is a form of glucose derived from starches. It may be used as an added sugar in any processed food that is sweetened by the manufacturer.

The use of Nutrition Facts labels to select healthy foods for meal planning is a vital first step.

6 7

INFORMATION OF INTERESTNew Youth Rooms Coming Soon!The youth room renovations have started and progress is coming along well! Selections have been made on the ceiling tile, wall colors, carpeting and flooring. Despite minor delays on the plumbing and framing work, we are still on target to have the work complete in 45 days. Watch your e-mail inbox for news on an Open House to show off the new space — we’ll likely have that event in mid-November. Please remember that it’s now an active construction zone and is off-limits unless you are wearing a hard hat and working on the project. Thanks to everyone for supporting this exciting project for our youth!

Homeless Night EventOur annual Homeless Night Event is coming up on October 1–2. Students will stay the night outside with us and learn about how we can better serve the homeless population in our cities. We are asking our congregation to bring packages of toilet paper (the more the better) to church on October 2 or the following week. We will donate the toilet paper to Uplift or another organization that helps the homeless.

Upcoming Outreach Youth Events Please join us for upcoming Outreach Events — Random Acts of Kindness on October 23 and Red Bag shopping on November 27.

“Deeper” for Young Adult Singles and High School StudentsWe are starting a new program for both high school students and young adults together. By young adults we mean college age or recently out of college, and not married (everything changes when you get married). We will have this group at our normal Youth Group time at 6:30pm on selected dates, and you are welcome to join our youth dinner first at 6pm.

Why “Deeper”? We are thinking of this as an opportunity to dive “deeper” into faith and topics related to God and the church. We will explore issues of our faith that are confusing, controversial, and/or may require a certain amount study to go beyond a surface-level understanding. The group will look to the Bible for clarity and also to other sources that will help shed light on the issues at hand.

If you’re interested in being added to the e-mail distribution list for meeting reminders, please contact Miles, miles.mcdonald@gcpc.org.

Upcoming Events• HomelessNightEvent-October1–2

• CROPWalk-October2

• YouthLedYouthGroup-October9

• YouthTeamMeeting-October18

• TrunkorTreat-October30

• Hayride/Bonfire-November6

• M&MSilentAuction-December4

We asked three students last year, Pastor Santos Menchu, Andrea Chan, and Richardo Ulin, how the ability to study because of this scholarship opportunity made a difference in their lives. Their answers gave us great insight into the partnership and its influence on our brothers and sisters of Maya Quiché.

Pastor Santos explained how being able to study is helping him become more professional as a pastor and is teaching his congregation what he learns in classes. Andrea mentioned that this opportunity to study has helped her in teaching those in her church in the study of God’s word and has enabled her to help her pastor in pastoral ministries at her church. Richardo (son of Polo Ulin) mentioned that he feels more prepared to share the Word of God with his church and with those who need to know God. Richardo also mentioned the schooling has made him a better son, husband, and father.

So, remember our church Commitment to Peacemaking and let us all join in supporting this year’s Peace and Global Witness special offering on World Communion Sunday, October 2.

Sunday, October 9, KAIROS will also be partnering with Bread for the World — advocating for feeding the hungry here and around the world. Bread for the World Sunday (bread.org/library/bread-world-sunday) is an opportunity for you to join with others in thousands of churches across the country in living out God’s vision of a world without hunger. Through our prayers for an end to hunger, letters, and phone calls to our nation’s leaders, and financial support to Bread of the World, we will give bold witness to God’s justice and mercy in the world.

October 9 is also the Sunday we walk for CROP Walk — community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world. (crophungerwalk.org/Static/About-Us)

YOUTH NEWS

KAIROS (CONT. FROM P.4)

OUTREACH NEWSThe October communion offering will be directed to two organizations that provide health care to low-income and uninsured residents of Wyandotte and Johnson County. The Duschene Clinic is a primary care doctors’ office in Wyandotte County that provides primary health care, medication assistance, and chronic disease management. The Health Partnership of Johnson County is Johnson County’s largest safety-net clinic for low income and uninsured residents of Johnson County and the only one providing care free of charge to this population.

We are collecting over the counter medications to help stock the clinics, including large bottles of Tylenol, Aleve, Advil, aspirin and cold/cough type medications. Generic or store brands are fine and less expensive. Please place your donations in the bin in the Weekday Entrance.

4TH ANNUAL ALLIE’S SALE, OCTOBER 6–8, 7AM–6PM at Valley View Methodist Church, 8412 W. 95th St. Allie’s Sale is a massive annual three-day charity garage sale held in memory of Allie, who attended KDO and Pioneer Preschool at GCPC. The sale features over 10,000 great items, raffle items, and food that are donated by local families and businesses. All proceeds are donated to the Children’s Brain Tumor Family Foundation. The sale showcases the generosity and kindness of the local community while giving hope to the families affected by pediatric brain cancer. For more information, visit teamlittleowl.org/allies-sale.

GRACE IN ACTION FALL EVENTS IN OCTOBER: Wednesday, October 12, 10:30am–2:30pm: A team of 10 volunteers will be serving at the Kansas City Community Kitchen in Missouri. The KCCK has made national news recently for its innovative approach to providing lunch to homeless men and women in our community with restaurant style service and unique, healthy menu items. Can’t get away on a weekday? Then...

Saturday, October 15, 9am–1pm: We will have a team of eight volunteers head over to the KCCK to assist in meal prep for the following week. These two opportunities are for volunteers ages 14 and over and will be a great way for members to experience serving the homeless in a new way.

Saturday, October 15, 9am: For families with young children or others who would like to serve at the church, we will have a team meet at GCPC to sort and pack care packages of hygiene and food items that can be stored in your car and passed out to homeless individuals you see out in our community. This is a great way to be prepared to help those in need as you drive around the streets of our city! Please join us for one of these three opportunities. Look for the sign-up sheet in Heartland Hall on Sundays, or just e-mail Ryan Hussey, prhussey@gmail.com, and let him know what you want to do. Thanks for making Grace Covenant a great place to put our mission of service into action!

KCK Hot Lunch -We are happy to report that GCPC served 239 hot meals to the people of Kansas City, KS, on August 20 in a joint effort with St Michael’s parish in Leawood. The deacons responsible were Cheryl Johnson, Eileen Thomson, and Laura Patton. Serving were Eileen Thomson, Jim Byrd, Alan Hook, Cheryl Johnson, Chelly King, Deanna Sollner, Jake Sollner, Patty Smithson, Gay Lee Ludwig-Bonney, Steve Meredith, & Gloria Quigley. Making desserts were Sarah Byrd, Laura Patton, Susan Fitzgerald, Erin Frye, Bob Zurcher, Rob Jonas, Mac Fechtling, Jo Anne Kenefake, Cheryl Johnson, Susan Hayden, Chelly King,and Deanne Sollner. Year-to-date we have served 1,910 meals! Thanks to everyone who have participated to make this important mission successful.

Rosehill School Partnership News - Many thanks to those of you who donated an estimated $325 (that equals over 1,200 bars) worth of granola bars and some school supplies for Rosehill School in August. The school nurse reported that over 5,000 granola bars were provided to students in the last school year!

Tuesday, October 11, is the fall edition of the GCPC Blood Drive. Schedule an appointment to participate in this life-saving outreach online at “savealifenow.org,” sponsor code “gracecovenant,” or by contacting Tim Hayden, 913-897-1240 or tjhayden66@gmail.com. You can also sign up in Heartland Hall between services on October 2 or 9. Appointments are available between 2 and 6:15pm.

“It’s Just Coffee” or Everything I’ve Wanted to Ask a Pastor …Do you have questions about Grace Covenant? Would you like to know more about our church? Join us for “It’s Just Coffee” with Pastor Fred on Sunday October 2, 10am during the Sunday school hour in Room 4.

“This is Grace”If you are interested in knowing more about Grace Covenant please join us on October 2 and 9 in Room 4. We will look at what it means to be a Presbyterian, and be a member of a Presbyterian church. For further information please contact Pastor Fred, 913-345-1256 or fred.holbrook@gcpc.org.

WELCOMINg TEAM

8 5

Photography sessions will take place November 14-17 and November 28-Dec 3. Monday-Friday sessions will be from 2:30-9pm, while the Saturday session on 12/3 will be 9:30am-4pm. Look for posters with details at church. Sign-up opportunities will be available in coming weeks.

More stories of those hard working, volunteers mostly unseen around GCPC. When you see any of these individuals, please take a moment to say “hi” and pray for them in their leadership role here at GCPC.

Dave Pack, Moderator of KAIROS Dave and his wife, Karen, have been members of GCPC since 1990. They have raised their son, Brian, and their daughter, Angela, here at GCPC and are now encouraging their grandchildren, Morgan and Brynnley, to live their lives as God has commanded us through biblical direction and daily prayer. Dave’s 101-year-old mother lives at Aberdeen Village.

Why did Dave agree to moderate KAIROS? “KAIROS focuses on education and advocacy in the areas of the environment, justice, and peacemaking. Peacemaking is my historical passion and I serve as the Peacemaking Coordinator, but the three areas are all tied to together in important ways. There is a clear biblical mandate to peacemaking that we need to be faithful to and that, more often than not, our country is not faithful to, in my opinion.”

Dave, a retired statistician, last worked in the pharmaceutical industry. He has been the Kansas City CROP Walk treasurer since the mid-1990s. Dave is also deeply involved in peacemaking outside of GCPC, through the American Friends Service Committee, national Peace Action, and PeaceWorks of Kansas City.

When you see Dave around GCPC, have a conversation about his early beliefs — he grew up in Kansas as a political conservative, supporting Barry Goldwater’s ’64 presidential bid as a sophomore at KU. Subsequent experiences as a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin and through the PC(USA) challenged and changed him to a strongly liberal/progressive individual. Because he has been on both sides of the political divide it helps him to avoid condemning those on the other side, most of the time.

Dave’s prayer for GCPC: “I pray we can live our lives as God would have us live them based on his biblical direction to us and our continuing prayer for his daily direction. Sadly, I find ‘Christians’ in the United States are too often worshiping their own country more than Christ or God, practicing a ‘civil religion,’ as if there was a giant American bald eagle sitting on top of Christ’s cross.”

KAIROS TEAM This very active team addresses peacemaking, environmental and social justice issues, and the advocacy of them as they affect the least of these. In 2011, due to the efforts of the passionate environmentalists, Grace Covenant became the first Kansas congregation to earn the national PC(USA) Earth Care Congregations designation.

GCPC over the years has adopted the PC(USA)Commitment to the Peacemaking. KAIROS works to fulfill this commitment

through peacemaking advocacy through worship, prayer, and Bible study, by creating opportunities for members to develop peacemaking skills, by supporting the pursuit of social, racial, and economic justice locally, nationally, and globally, by supporting human rights and economic justice efforts in at least one area of the world, by studying global security concerns, and by making peace with the earth by protecting and restoring the environment through study, advocacy, and lifestyle commitments.

If any of these passions speak to you, KAIROS usually meets the 2nd Sunday after the last service for a potluck lunch, all are welcome. For more information contact Dave, kndpack@everestkc.net.

Donna Goeckler, Ruling Elder, class of 2019 Currently, elder liaison with Worship and Personnel teams, also serves as a Praise Team member, Youth Band co-coordinator, and occasional orchestra member.

As a founding member of Praise Team, dealings of the Worship Team speak closely to Donna’s heart. Donna is deeply committed to the success of the 8:50 service and the ways in which GCPC can reach current and potential new members through the way the Holy Spirit and music flow through service.

It was a natural fit for Donna to be a part of the Personnel Team because in her day job she is the assistant to the comptroller at Indian Hills Country Club, working with employee benefits and the general HR duties that entails. This is an especially important time for our Personnel Team, as we envision a new way of staffing and organizing the labor needs of GCPC. She is happy to lend whatever experiences she has to that endeavor.

Donna and her wife, Kim Krueger, met at GCPC 26 years ago. They are very excited to be renewing vows for their 25th anniversary this December here at GCPC. They have three fur babies: Penny, Jackson, and Allie.

Donna’s parents met in choir at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, KS, making her a lifelong Presbyterian whose soul is full of music, and her blood runs Wildcat Purple! Ancestors on her mother’s side moved to Alma, KS, from the East coast as settlers to help make Kansas a Free State, running a stop on the Underground Railroad. Her great grandfather used to tell stories about hearing voices and wagons in the middle of the night as his father and grandfather prepared to make the trip north to Nebraska with escaped slaves. Donna states “It seems I come from a long line of folks involved in social justice!”

Donnas’ wish: “I pray that we can continue to grow in our love for each other and work together to mend the brokenness that has affected us all in the past 18 months at our church. Growing up, I always loved the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love”. I use it still as a guiding principle in my life. I want to be part of a congregation that can show how God’s love and grace can be reflected to each other and the world around us even in the midst of turmoil. We are a family. That means we stick together even when we are cranky with each other!”

4

MUSIC NOTES KAIROSLOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

Wednesday, November 23rd @ 6:45pmGathering Music by our Dixieland Band

at out Thanksgiving service.

Sunday, December 4th is a big day!Symphony Orchestra in morning Worship

then A Christmas Exclamation!including…

the M&M Holiday Silent Auctionto support our 8th – 12th graders’

Mission & Music trip – Summer of 2017Bidding from 8:30am-12:30pm

and again from 5-5:45pmin Heartland Hall

followed by…

A Christmas Exclamation! music programat 6pm in Sanctuary presented by our children’s

& youth choirs and our 4 bell choirs Carols and Christmas Songs Abound!

Sunday, December 18th “Songs of the Season”

Presented in worship by Praise Team with solo and ensembles at 8:50am and Chancel Choir & Chamber

Orchestra featuring Magnificat by Mark Hayes at 11:05am

Saturday, December 24thChristmas Eve services

• 5pm Exaltation! (8th-12th grade choir)

• 7:30pm Chancel Choir (college & adults)

• 10:45pm Vocal and Instrumental Soloists

“Thank you” notes

A BIG “THANK YOU” to our Music Librarianswho have given many hours in preparing music

for our ensembles to use in the new year.

“Thank you” to Mikki Walker – handbell & orchestra librarian, Ellie Nelson – children & youth librarian, and Connie Richards – Chancel Choir & lead librarian, and

additional help from Kathy Hockley. “Thank you” for your behind-the-scenes work that is so vitally important!

Grace Garden is winding down for the growing season. We have had a good year so far and are finishing up the season with lettuce, radishes, and beets. The tomato plants are not setting any new tomatoes, but we still have several pounds of fruit on the vines. The green peppers are also getting their second wind and producing a few peppers. The total weight of our harvest, so far, is a little over 116lbs.

While our produce isn’t picture perfect, it is local, organic, and fresh! We usually pick the vegetables the day of or the day before the food pantry is open. The volunteers at the food pantry are always grateful to receive our gifts. The garden usually shuts down the first weekend in November.

FAIR TRADE SALES ARE BACK! Visit us Sunday, Oct. 2, outside of Heartland Hall. Restock your pantry with coffee, tea, chocolates, that awesome olive oil and more. Your purchase makes a difference in the world! From the Equal Exchange website, “Fair Trade is a way of doing business that ultimately aims to keep small farmers an active part of the world marketplace, … a set of business practices voluntarily adopted by the producers and buyers of agricultural commodities and hand-made crafts that are designed to advance many economic, social and environmental goals, …” Visit equalexchange.coop/fair-trade.

KAIROS – Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

We would like to remind you that October 2 has been identified as the date when Grace Covenant receives the PCUSA Peace & Global Witness Special Offering as a part of the “Commitment to Peacemaking.” This year, the GCPC 25% has been designated to help the Heartland Presbytery/Maya Quiché Partnership Scholarship Fund.

What is the Heartland Presbytery/Maya Quiché Partnership and its Scholarship Fund? Heartland Presbytery signed a partnership of presence over 20 years ago with our brothers and sisters in the Maya Quiché Presbytery in Guatemala. A number of Grace Covenant members have participated in annual visits to Guatemala.

In 2012, a scholarship program was established helping pastors and emerging leaders to obtain or further their theological studies. As of September 2016, we have 29 students studying with these scholarships: 16 men and 13 women. Fifteen students are studying at the Licenciatura (college) level of study, eight at Bachillerato (high school) level, and six at the Diploma (middle school) level. Costs for these classes are covered by Heartland Presbytery scholarships and the Walton Fund Endowment of the PC(USA). A pilot program, established in 2016, has six students on a three-year study program to obtain their Básico (elementary) certificate, enabling them to continue their seminary studies at a higher level. In general, it costs approximately $400 per year to support one student in their studies. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 6)

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

9

3

YOUTH IN ACTION The session met on Monday, August 15, for its monthly stated meeting. This is the summary of their meeting.

1) Welcomed Deacon Linda Starrett and Ruling Elder Sarah Evans. Linda was representing the Deacons and Sarah was observing the meeting to fulfill a requirement in her Polity course through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. Sarah is taking courses as she prayerfully considers becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder within Heartland Presbytery. 2) Heard a report from Matt McBride, Finance Team moderator and church treasurer. He reviewed the July statements provided by Debbie Miller, our Finance Administrator, and declared that we are in a strong financial position. Matt shared a letter from Fred Holbrook that will update the congregation on the Equipping Grace…Today and Tomorrow Campaign. 3) Due to the positive position of the campaign funds, it was reported that the Youth Wing Renovations are about to begin. The total cost will be in the range of $305,000, $231,000 of which is already in hand. 4) Approved a contract for $22,397 to repair the concrete steps (Weekday Entrance), various parking lot curbs, and the Peace Pole patio area; and to repair, seal, and restripe the parking lot. These funds will come from the eliminated mortgage payments included in the 2016 budget and a line item for $2,900 for parking lot repairs included in the Team’s budget. 5) Approved one worship service at 10am on Consecration Sunday, October 23. 6) Approved a mortgage note burning on Sunday, October 23, following the Consecration Sunday luncheon. 7) Approved Sunday, January 29, 2017 for the annual meeting required in the Book of Order. There will be one worship service at 10am on that Sunday and the congregational meeting will follow. 8) Approved moving the September stated meeting to September 12 at 7pm due to Fred being in Virginia to preach an ordination sermon for a dear friend and to enjoy a week of vacation with the Holbrook children. Executive Committee will meet on September 8 at 7pm. 9) Celebrated with the Outreach Team their choice of two PC(USA) Mission Co-Workers whom Grace Covenant will support prayerfully and financially. They are: Christi Boyd and Jeff Boyd serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Leslie Vogel who works with CEDEPCA in Guatemala. 10) Approved offering the coffee in Heartland Hall at no expense to members and guests on Sundays. 11) Prayers were offered for members and friends who are sick, bereaved, or facing surgery.

The session met on Monday, September 12, for its monthly stated meeting. The following actions took place:

1) Welcomed Deacon Ginny Wirtz and were led in a devotional provided by Hilary Schmidt. The focus of the devotion was on courage. 2) Reflected on the Service of Reconciliation and Wholeness that occurred the prior evening. The session strongly affirmed the benefit of this service and pray that we will have a fresh “restart.” 3) Received the finance report as information. 4) Heard a report from Fred Holbrook that there are ten adults in the “This Is Grace!” classes inviting guests and visitors to learn more about Grace Covenant and what it means to be a member in a church in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and in this church in particular. 5) Rejoiced that the Youth Wing Renovation is underway. Due to increasingly “dark” sections of lighting in the Sanctuary, the Facilities Team recommended and session concurred that the Sanctuary Lighting capital campaign project be the next project after the Youth Wing. 6) Affirmed that all team budgets for 2017 are to be submitted to the Finance Team by the end of September. 7) Heard a report from Deacon Ginny Wirtz including a request that the process of informing the Deacon of events in the life of their Covenant Group families be reviewed. Fred promised to review this with Patrick. 8) Heard a reminder from Kairos Team that the “Advocacy Spot” is available in the area in or near Heartland Hall. Groups who wish to share their ministry focus may contact the Kairos Team. 9) Committed to try to take pictures and encourage others to take pictures of GCPC events for sending to our Church Administrator, Patrick Bell, for the church’s Facebook page. 10) Prayers were offered for members and friends who are sick, bereaved, or facing surgery.

FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR’S HOURS

Debbie Miller, our Finance Administrator, is in the office from 1:30pm on Mondays until early evening and again on Fridays from 9am to 3pm. Please feel free to contact her at the office at 913-345-1256 or by email at finance@gcpc.org.

SESSION NEWS

BIG CHANGES UNDERWAY!

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Generosity Sunday and Mortgage Note BurningOctober 23 is Generosity Sunday. During the one morning worship service at 10am, the “Estimate of Giving Cards” will be distributed and prayerfully completed by the Grace Covenant family. You should be receiving in the mail a letter that explains that day and asks you to complete the “Celebration Luncheon” reservation. We will enjoy Joe’s Kansas City BBQ and sides. This will be at no cost to those attending. Following the luncheon, we will have a mortgage note burning outside Heartland Hall.

This is an historic milestone for Grace Covenant. In 1985, our church was chartered with 123 members. The first phase of the current building was completed in 1989. The Education Wing was completed in 1992. In 2003, Grace Covenant conducted a 3-year campaign raising $975,000. In 2008, we conducted a 3-year capital campaign raising $985,000. The balance on the mortgage note was as follows at years’ end:

2006 $769,985 2007 $690,188 2008 $661,292 2009 $598,944 2010 $463,611 2011 $295,301 2012 $228,962 2013 $179,717 2014 $128,642 2015 $75,456 2016 $0 on July 31, 2016!!

Thank you for your amazing and faithful generosity!

FINANCIALLY SPEAKINGAugust 2016 Revenues budgeted to date: $456,974Revenues actual to date: $495,472Expenses budgeted to date: $549,927Expenses actual to date: $539,667

Our actual revenues exceed our actual expenses, resulting in a net income of $8,201 through August. Our year-to-date projections anticipated that we would have been in a deficit position of $80,197 at this point. We appreciate the faithful giving from our members and friends. Thank you!

The Young Adults & Families group will meet at Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch (1791 N. 1500 Rd., Lawrence, KS 66046) at 4pm on Saturday, October 14. Bring the whole family out to this free pumpkin patch for an afternoon of fun followed by dinner at McAllister’s in Lawrence. RSVP on the Facebook event, to Katie, katiehearn08@gmail.com, or to Emily, ekthussey@gmail.com, so we know to watch for you.

Also, mark your calendars for our third annual Progressive Dinner on Saturday, November 12, at 4:30pm. Location to be announced. Kids welcome!

Thank YouWe would like to thank so many of our GCPC family who expressed sympathy, sent cards and provided support in so many loving ways after the sudden death of my brother Eric on August 8! We are so thankful to be part of such a kind, loving, Christ-like community! Eric and his family are in St. Louis, and we found his church to be so much like GCPC. We feel very well taken care of and surrounded in love and grace. Thank you.-Kevin & Cheryl Johnson

Many thanks to everyone for all the prayers, cards and kind words after my back surgery. Your support is appreciated! - -George Bures

Grace Golf

Best turnout ever! On Sunday, August 28, 44 GCPC members and guests played at Falcon Valley Golf Course in our 11th Annual Reggie Reynolds Memorial Golf Scramble. Pastor Fred Holbrook, our talented musician, played a few selections on his bagpipes to give us a huge send-off and inspire us.

We enjoyed good golf and great fellowship afterward during the cookout at the golf course patio. This event has grown through the years from support of our church family, and contributions again go to the Reggie Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Fund, which benefits our youth.

PASTOR’S NOTE LIFE OF THE CHURCH CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

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What a wonderful start we have had to our new church school year! Thank you to all the teachers and team members who helped us ready courses and curriculum, resources and rooms for another year of education and nurture. September 11 was all-a-buzz as children, youth and adults filled the halls for Sunday School. It’s never too late to join! Come on over, Sunday’s at 10am!

Making a Home for Faith is the title of Elizabeth Caldwell’s book written to encourage the nurturing of the spiritual life of children. Building on Fred’s sermon “Will Our Children Have Faith?”, I am reminded of a passage in her book about raising “cluttered” children. She argues that the family can become so vested in so many moving parts of living in our culture that children don’t always develop healthy “clearings” for receiving and understanding abstracts such as service, a relationship with God, or loving our neighbor. I do not see this at Grace Covenant. I am so impressed with the ways parents and members alike provide spaces for children and youth to receive and understand God’s call on our lives. And I perceive a deeply rooted hope and practice for our children and youth to have time and space to see, hear, taste, touch, learn, do, give, share, and be with God.

But/and/however, I want to make an open plug for Grace Studies, Circle studies, weekly Bible studies, the Meditation Class, parenting classes, weekly worship, and all other times we gather to connect with God. These help adults “clear” their hearts and minds and remember we are the primary faith formers for the children and youth in our midst. Our hearts’ clutter can create clutter in those we are nearest to.

So, I raise my hands in a toast and a hallelujah for clearings over clutter. And, I’ll see you in Sunday School.

With Joy, Laura

October 30, 2016 - 12:15 (following worship)

Hot Dog Lunch | Games and Activities

Trunks with Goodies | Wear your costumes!

Please sign-up at church to share your trunk and treats!|

Advent ~ a time for waiting and watching. A time to prepare our hearts for the amazing act of God in Jesus. A time for remembering the life that changed the world.

The Advent Fair

Sunday, November 20

12 noon-2:30pm

Heartland Hall

Activities for all ages focused on centering our hearts and preparing our homes for the coming of the Messiah. A light lunch will follow worship in the Concourse.

We are off to a wonderful start with our first courses! It’s never too late to join a class!

• ChristandCulture:The Faith of a Mockingbird uses Harper Lee’s timeless book, To Kill a Mockingbird, to explore faith, theology, and ethics through the book’s characters.• BibleandTheology:The Sovereignty of God explores God’s nature in Isaiah, Hebrews, and the Book of Revelation. • YoungAdults:animate:faith Live action and animation video introduces topics of faith and life with thought provoking perspectives and questions. Discussion and doodling will happen. • NewtoGCPC:This Is Grace will meet for 4 weeks to learn about our church, Presbyterians, and more.

gRACE STUDIES

A Grace Studies Survey will be coming to your home! Be sure to share your ideas for

upcoming courses on our Sunday mornings!

Service of Reconciliation and Wholeness“The soccer analogy worked!” For those of us at the Service of Reconciliation and Wholeness, I concluded the sermon with an analogy from the FIFA Laws of Soccer. Law 8 on “The Start and Restart of Play” includes the drop ball. The referee stops play because some obstruction occurred (i.e. a dog runs on the field, or a ball from outside the touch or goal lines enters the field) and play needs to be restarted without either team gaining advantage. The match resumes in hopes that the players will find the experience “safe, fair, and fun.”

It’s time! It’s time for Grace Covenant to step forward into God’s good future for this congregation. Our church must be a safe place where persons, both members and guests, are accepted as children of God. It must be a fair place where we “gather” and “equip” while other’s views are respected. In my visits, I did discover a goodly number of Republicans and a goodly number of Democrats. Political discussions often deteriorate because we are tempted to “demonize” those who don’t agree with us. Healthy discussion with utilization of good listening skills is vital to a healthy and fair congregation.

“We need to build another Habitat for Humanity house. Grace Covenant has built ten in the past! It would be fun to do a mission together.” One of our members shared this during my visit with him. What a great way to restore health—having “fun” through doing mission! We’ve done it throughout Grace Covenant’s 31 years. Mission helps reconcile sisters and brothers while serving the underserved and disadvantaged in the name of Christ.

Safe, fair, and fun. These are the “true” goals of soccer. One cannot press the analogy too far in the church because “safe” is often replaced with what Dietrich Bonhoeffer spoke of as “The Cost of Discipleship.” Certainly for Christians down through the ages, discipleship has been and can be costly. But when division within a church family is identified and named, it is best to turn the situation over to God and move ahead.

Someone asked, “Now that the reconciliation service is behind us, what’s next?” Before we start a mission study and breathe, elect a Pastor Nominating Committee and breathe, pray for the PNC and breathe, we need to have fun for a little while! Nehemiah 8:10 reads: “Then Nehemiah said to them, ‘Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength’.” The joy of the Lord is your strength! With God’s help, may it be so!

In Christ’s Service,

Fred A. Holbrook, Transitional PastorFor emergencies, my cell phone is 540-421-4421.

GRACE notes

OCTOBER 2016 | VOL 34, N10

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,for by doing that somehave entertained angels without knowing it.”

– Hebrews 13:2

Visitors delight us.Our goal is simple: make all people feel welcomed, not overwhelmed.

We were all visitors once and remember how it feels to try a new place of worship. Attend as often as you want. Visitors are welcome at all GCPC events, classes and small groups as well as in worship. We will always be glad to see you!

Join us for coffee in between the two services or grab a cup of coffee in Heartland Hall on your way to Sunday School class. Heartland Hall is located next to the Sanctuary. There are always people to visit with or things to learn about if you want to just hang out.

Worship Schedule8:50am Praise Team Led Worship10am Church School All Ages11:05am Choral Led WorshipChildcare is provided during Worship.

Upcoming NewsletterArticle DeadlinesNov 2016 Issue - Deadline October 18Dec 2016 Issue - Deadline November 8

CHURCH STAFFInterim PastorFred Holbrook, fred.holbrook@gcpc.org.....ext.15Director of Music MinistriesRebecca Prater, rebecca.prater@gcpc.org ..ext. 13Church AdministratorPatrick Bell, patrick.bell@gcpc.org...............ext. 10Director of Youth Ministries, Miles McDonald miles.mcdonald@gcpc.org ...............................ext. 17Interim Director of Christian EducationLaura Holbrook, laura.holbrook@gcpc.org.....ext 12Finance Administrator.....................Debbie MillerOrganist ........................................................ Linda DoverContemporary Music Coord.............Denice TrawickiContemporary Music Drummer..........Daniel Cole Technical Director for Worship....Miles McDonaldChild Care Coordinator ................ Carolyn ChaffinKid’s Day Out Director ......................Kathy ConnorWedding Coordinator ..................... Lara Schesser

ELDERSTrent Amerine Bryan Evans Amy Grice Donna GoecklerJudy Hook Rob JonasJoe Lillian Ryan PeckJo Randolph Aaron Rickley Hilary Schmidt Tatum Specht Matt Stromberg Joy WilsonChris Krug - Interim Clerk of Session

SUPPORT STAFFDeacon Moderator ............................ Kathy WilliamsExecutive Committee................................ Joe Lillian, Rob Jonas, Jo Randolph, Aaron RickleyNewsletter Editor ...................................... Jami HowePrayer Chain ....................................... Cheryl JohnsonPresbyterian Women Moderator ................. vacant

MINISTRY UNITSCongregational Nurture Unit ModeratorsConnections and Care................................... Dee ZakEndowment .............................................. David SteenMusic ........................................................... Anne StroudGenerosity ........................................... Tony AndersenWorship ........................................................Kathy Bures

Education Ministry Unit ModeratorsAdult ................................................... Maggie BlankersChildren ..................................................Kathy HockleyYouth................................................. Pat Kowalczewski

Reach Out Ministry Unit Moderators

Marketing ..................................................Terri MonradWelcoming.......................................... Greg PrestridgeOutreach ..................................................Marcia TurnerKairos................................................................Dave Pack

Supportive Ministry Unit Moderators

Facility .............................................................Marc FeyhFinance ..................................................... Matt McBridePersonnel ................................................ Linda Bridges

Inclusive. Family Oriented. Welcoming.

11100 College BoulevardOverland Park, KS 66210Phone: 913-345-1256Fax: 913-345-1198gcpc.org

Facebook: facebook.com/GraceCovenantPresbyterian Twitter: @GraceCovPres

C E L E B R A T I N G G O D ’ S A L L E N C O M P A S S I N G L O V E !