August 2011

Grace Notes Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church August 2011 Volume 41, Issue 8

DEACONS AT GCPC In the Presbyterian Church (USA), Deacons are one of three ordained offices (along with Elders and

Ministers of Word and Sacrament). The Book of Order describes deacons and their responsibilities as

follows:

“The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the

example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, exemplary lives, brotherly and

sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office [G-6.0401].”

“It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the

friendless, and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.

They shall assume such other duties as may be delegated to them from time to time by the ses-

sion, such as leading the people in worship through prayers of intercession, reading the Scrip-

tures, presenting the gifts of the people, and assisting with the Lord‟s Supper [G-6.0402a.]…”

Grace Covenant‟s Deacons serve in the following ministries:

Transportation: In 2009 the Deacons began providing transportation for several of our

members living in retirement communities. Members of the transportation team alternate

Sundays and transport members at Westminster-Canterbury, The Hermitage and Imperial

Plaza to and from our Sunday worship service. If you would like to be a part of the trans-

portation team, or if you would like to request transportation, please contact Susan Farrell

at 359-6222 or [email protected].

Flowers: Members of the church donate flowers to be placed in the chancel for Sunday

worship services. After worship, if the donors do not wish to retrieve the flowers, deacons

divide the flowers and deliver them to members who cannot join us for worship. Pat Ball

is the coordinator, and would welcome anyone interested in this ministry. You may con-

tact her at 484-6011 or [email protected].

Meals: During an illness, after surgery, after the arrival of a newborn, or at other times of

change in one‟s daily routine, it can be a tremendous blessing to receive a meal prepared for

you and your family. We try to accommodate special dietary requirements when possible.

If you would like to help with this ministry, or if we can be of service to you in such a time,

please contact Nikki Hazlegrove at 282-1220 or [email protected].

-continued on page 5-

mailto:[email protected]


Twenty-Three Years of Music Ministry (Part 2 of 6)

In February 1990 I became the Assistant Organist at St. Bridget Roman Catholic Church, Rich-

mond—a post that I held for 2 ½ years. Back in 1990 St. Bridget had five weekend services (now

six). Before I was hired, the church‟s Minister of Music had to play for all weekend Masses, wed-

dings, funerals, and baptisms. The Assistant Organist‟s job was to share some of this workload.

My main responsibilities at St. Bridget were to play the 7:30 a.m. Sunday service and to accompany

the choir at the 10:30 a.m. service. It was thrilling to work with my first choir and alongside a tal-

ented music director who was a graduate of Sewanee. Under his leadership I learned how to accom-

pany choirs and soloists (à la Episcopalian style). Perhaps one of the most time-demanding aspects

of the job was weddings: over 60 a year! Being a full-time student, serving a “full” part-time job in

the church, and working as a cashier at Ukrops kept me busy!

I made my first professional recording with the St. Bridget Choir in

1991, and I became active in the Student Catholic Campus Music Min-

istry at the University of Richmond, often playing services on the

chapel‟s Von Beckerath pipe organ—a rare instrument from Ham-

burg, Germany. St. Bridget still has its 1926 E. M. Skinner pipe organ

which was rescued from Richmond‟s historic Monumental Church in

the 1960‟s.

As a VCU music performance major, I was required to give two recitals

over four years. During this time period I presented both of my recitals at the neighboring St.

Stephen‟s Episcopal Church (which has the second largest pipe organ in Richmond… just one more

rank than Grace Covenant‟s Schantz organ).

My family has a history with St. Bridget: my grandparents attended this church,

and my father attended St. Bridget School. My father served as an altar boy at St.

Bridget for many years. I played for my grandmother‟s funeral Mass in 2007 at

St. Bridget with the Chancel Choir from Grace Covenant leading the music for

the service. Today, I continue to assist St. Bridget when available for Saturday

evening services and other occasions.

My years at St. Bridget were among the most formative in my career as a church musician. I left St.

Bridget in August 1992 to pursue graduate studies in sacred music at Boston University‟s School of

Theology.

More next month!

Chris Martin

Director of Music

Page 2 Volume 41, Issue 8

1926 E. M. Skinner Pipe Organ

Page 3 Volume 41, Issue 8

SUNDAY WORSHIP AT 10:55

Grace Covenant now begin its Sunday worship services at 10:55 a.m. with announcements. The Worship Committee has made this change in hopes of improving the liturgical flow of the worship service. Please come into the sanctuary five minutes early to hear the announcements; they will not be repeated during the worship service. After Brint delivers the Sunday morn-ing announcements, he will call for a time for us to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, then Chris will begin the organ prelude as we become quiet and focus ourselves toward worship. Please adjust your schedule accordingly and plan to be in the sanctuary no later than 10:55. Thank you!

Amendment 10-A Update Dear members of GCPC, At its June 16 meeting, and in response to the concerns voiced at the May 25 Congregational Dis-cussion, the Session appointed an ad-hoc committee composed of Tom Miller, Maurice Bell, and Christof Meyer to draft a letter regarding the passage of Amendment 10-A for the Session to send to the Presbytery of the James. Regrettably, given conflicting summer schedules, the committee has not had sufficient time to meet and give this matter the attention that it deserves. However, the Session expects to have the letter finalized by the end of August, when we will share it with the congregation. If you have any questions on this matter, please reach out to any of your elders. In Christ, Everett Reveley Clerk of Session Rev. Brint Pratt Keyes Interim Pastor Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Page 4

Stewardship Corner and Financial Update June's contributions of $38,000 were up 16.2% from May's total, which in turn had shown a significant increase from a low total in April. June's total was slightly smaller than June of last year. No rental income was recorded in June and total income was only $39,000. May's General Fund expenses were also low at $37,300. While the total included $8,100 in property taxes, this was mostly off-set by transfer of prior contributions which funded our choir section

leader expenses for the first half of the year. Through June our General Fund expenses of $281,600 are about 15% less than those of the same pe-riod last. year. For the month, income exceeded expenses by $1,700, while for the first six months operating expenses exceeded usual income by $32,900, compared to a deficit of about $95,000 for the first half of last year. This year's calculation excludes monies repaid by the Child Development Center, funds borrowed from the Radio Fund, and a bequest. Our Five Cents per Meal Offering in June was only $135, down from $199 in May and $364 in April.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN September will soon be here. Mark your calendar for upcoming PW

events: Tuesday, September 13th, 6:00 p.m., our Fall Salad Supper and

Program will be held. On Tuesday, September 20th, Circle meetings

will begin again.

I am pleased to report that there will again be an evening circle. The

Leader is Laura Leigh Savage and the Bible teacher will be Judy Wal-

dron. The other 3 circles will continue to meet during the day. This year‟s Horizon Bible Study

is “Confessing the Beatitudes” written by the Reverend Margaret Aymer.

Thank you to all the circles for making the Hygiene Kits and School Kits for Church World Ser-

vice that were taken to the PW Spring Gathering in Charlottesville. PW in the Presbytery of

the James had great results: 637 Hygiene Kits, 90 School Kits and 196 Baby Kits were col-

lected. A special thank you to the Presbytery staff who packed the boxes and transported them

to Church World Services in Windsor, MD. Keep saving the commemorative stamps. They are

sold to stamp dealers and the amount from the sales exceeds $8500.00. This money provides

funds for the printing press in the Congo where Christian Education materials are

printed, for the purchase of Bibles and hymnals, and for scholarships for pastors

who wish to attend seminary in the Congo and further their education in Belgium.

I am looking forward to our new year together. Beth Coltrain, Moderator

Page 5 Grace Notes

-Continued from front page-

Ushering: Ushers serve an important role during our Sunday morning worship and at

other worship services (e.g., Candlelight, Maundy Thursday, funerals). It‟s a relatively

simple but wonderful way to meet other members, as well as to serve the church. Please

contact Sid Yates at 360-0367 or [email protected] if you are interested in being a

part of this ministry.

Care Team: This year the Deacons formed a Care Team to follow up with

members who have long been absent, visit those who are homebound, and

care for those who are suffering an illness or other difficult situation. Our

aim is to restore long-absent members to fellowship, and to care and pray for

those in distress. Please contact Rev. Keyes at [email protected] or

804/359-2463 if you are interested in this ministry.

Prayer Ministry: Several years ago, the Deacons began a Sunday morning prayer ministry.

We pray for those who are sick, those in difficulty, those who grieve the loss of a loved one,

and those in need of care. We pray for family and friends, for the church and our city, for our-

selves and for the world. All prayers are welcome; all are offered up in hope and confidence

to the Lord. Members and guests alike are welcome to attend this brief but meaningful Sun-

day morning gathering weekly in the Social Room at 9:15.

Cherry Corley ([email protected]) is the moderator of the Board of Deacons, and you can find

a list of all deacons and their ministries in the back of every Sunday worship bulletin. Thank you for your

prayerful support of our ministries, and please consider offering your time to this important and fulfilling

service.

Note from the Nominating Committee We hope each of you has received a letter and forms to nominate members of Grace Covenant to serve as Elders and Deacons for the class of 2014. We now ask that each of you take time to prayer-fully consider those you know best among our congregation and to lift them up as candidates for both of these offices. Right now and more than ever before, Grace Covenant needs strong leader-ship in Elders and equally strong service in Deacons to lead our church in this time of transition. Please complete your forms and bring them back to the church no later than August 15th. God has already His plan for Grace Covenant, we need only supply those leaders among ourselves to help carry out His plan for all of us in the years ahead. Thank you to all for your nominations.



Page 6

Openers/Closers August 7: Charlie Appich August 14: Rob Rosebro August 21: Jef Londrey August 28: Kent Cardwell Nursery Volunteers August 7: Carson Price

August 14: Lisa Cardwell

August 21: Matt Hartman

August 28: Lewis Rosebro

Greeters August 7: Kaete Unterzuber Bob Copeland August 14: Elizabeth Russell Carol Wood August 21: Elizabeth Russell Carrie Rose Presbyterian Women’s Circles August 28: Megan Meyer Carrie Rose Caroline Leith Host/Hostess for the Fellowship Time Volunteers host our Fellowship Time in the Social Room after Worship on Sun-days. If you would like to volunteer to host the Fellowship Hour one Sunday, please sign up on the calendar in the Glass Office.

Children’s Worship Kits Caroline Leith Grace Notes Deadline: Monday, August 22 is the deadline for submissions for our September edition. Volunteers for Grace Notes are needed to help prepare our monthly newsletter for bulk mail from 9:00 a.m.—12 noon on Monday, August 29. If you would like to help for part, or all, of that time frame, sim-ply come to the church library and enjoy some fellowship with other members as you volunteer in this ministry. Flowers: If you are interested in donating flowers for the sanctuary for Sunday morn-ings, please contact Lisa Gray at 673-0587.

Page 8 Grace Notes

Grace Covenant Child Development Center

This summer at Grace Covenant Child Development Center has been, if a little rocky in the beginning, a won-derful, educational and fun-filled couple of months! We continue to do water-play, a very educational sensory activ-ity for children 1-4. By pouring and measuring, they are getting a mathematical sense of more and less, heavier and lighter. With wet paint-brushes, they paint the side-walk and develop their sense of creativity by watching the marks form on the pavement. When they squeeze, pull, push, and pour, they also use their fine-motor skills, or small muscle groups, which will be important for use when they begin writing in Kindergarten. When they run away from the hose, jump in the water, and laugh heavily they use their gross-motor skills, or large-muscle groups. They also get much-needed exercise, and learn healthy habits. When they feel the water, they are getting a valuable sensory experience, learning about their bodies and how they react to different substances. Experimenting with the water, toys, and themselves also gives them a sense of autonomy and experimentation. These are the skills our teachers create activities to develop, not just during water-play, but inside the classroom as well. Taking the thematic ap-proach, our teachers use a weekly theme to plan activities based on all these areas of development: cognitive, gross motor, fine motor, creative, science and sensory, with communication and other skills. With themes like, "Friends and Family," "Transportation," "Cooking is fun!," and "Community Helpers," we teach children not only about themselves, but how to make connec-tions in the world around them. We also continue daily to send God's Message of love, peace, understanding and knowing-Christ through this valuable mission. Thank you for your support; without you we could not con-tinue to educate and encourage these children and families in the presence of God, and with more than 10 additional infants this fall and several returning students, plus the numerous calls we re-ceive daily for childcare, we will continue to reach more and more of our community in the years to come! Nicole Williams, Assistant Director

CDC Board Members are: Cal Gray, Jean Appich, Jordan Ball, Susan Boze, Cherry Corley, Catherine Kerns, Marcia Manning, Janet Miller, Christof Meyer, and Beth Coltrain

PRESBYTERIAN OLDER ADULT MINISTRY

-Reverend Charles E. Sutton-

Here it is August already. The

time is at hand to announce to

you our Presbytery‟s Annual

Older Adult Retreat at Camp

Hanover on October 13. Bro-

chures are now available. Our attention will be given to

the preserving and sharing of memories, and the legacy of

our faith journeys. The keynote presentation, titled: This

Is Your Testimony, will be given by the Reverend Janet

James, this years‟ moderator of the Presbytery of the

James.

A frequent observation by psychiatric hospital staff, and

nursing home staff is that few visits are made to patients

by church members and ministers. Why? Many of us

struggle with this part of older adult ministry because of

strong discomforts we have with the whole notion of hu-

man aging, and our own on-coming death.

Many of us are slow to visit in a nursing home or retire-

ment center because of the concentration in a single facil-

ity of people who are ill, and infirm. People are brought

together in a single facility - “where people go to die.”

With this idea foremost in mind we make excuses, are dis-

couraged about visiting, or even the considering of such

care for our loved ones, or ourselves. A concerted effort is

made at Westminster/ Canterbury to promote the attitude

of “living life well.” Often the greater mistake is made in

waiting too long to make the decision. With the responsi-

bilities of home management and maintenance lifted, there

is time to become involved in desired projects and activi-

ties, and then one‟s state of health is important.

A survey report recently appeared in the Richmond

TIMES-DISPATCH which informed us that persons born

from 1946 to 1964, “baby boomers” are rejecting the age

of 65 as the point for turning “old.” The 77 million boom-

ers are celebrating their 47th through 65th birthdays this

year. The survey claims that one-quarter of the boomers

insist that you‟re not old until you‟re 80.

“Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O

God.”

Psalm 71:18

August Birthdays

2- Clara Ling

3- Bob Copeland

4- Ainsley Coleman

4- Thatcher Hartman

7- Eva Chenoweth

7- Nina Chenoweth

8- Ray Davis

9- Dottie-Ray Koch

10- Charles Horner

11- Nell Dickenson

11- Charlie Appich III

12- Analiese Meyer

12- Rob Turner

13- Corbin Rogers

15- Phil Coltrain

15- Miss Gary Flake

17- Everett Reveley

18- Evelyn Turner

18- Billy Koch

18- John Newman Cole

19- Scott Boze

20- Nancy White

22- Anna Mustanski

23- Helen Whaley

23- Chris Martin

23- Beth Nochta

23- Megan Rogers

26- Walter Lumpkin

28- William Morris

28- Jim McCullough

28- Conrad Hackett

29- Virginia Sommers

Page 10

August Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Men’s Lunch 12 noon

2 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 3 4

Children’s Chapel 10:30 am

5

Community Group 5:45 pm

6

7

Prayer ministry 9:15 am

Sunday School 9:45 am

Worship 10:55 am

Fellowship Hour 12 noon

Fellowship Lunch 12:30 pm


7:00 pm Worship Comm.

Meeting

9 Staff Meeting 10:00 am

7:00 pm Christian Education

Property and Finance

Comm. Meetings

10

11


12

5:00 pm Kira Disse Wedding

rehearsal


13


14 Prayer ministry 9:15 am


Worship 10:55 am





6:00 pm Admin. Committee

Meeting

17

CDC Board Meeting

18


7:00 pm Session Meeting

19

CDC Closed Cleaning Day


20

PEOPLE GROUP at

Jean Appich’s

River House



Worship 10:55 am


Deacons’ Meeting 12:30 pm



Brint on Vacation

*GRACE NOTES

DUE!


24

25


6:30 pm Evangelism

Committee Meeting

26


27

28



Worship 10:55 am




Vacation Cont’d.

*GRACE NOTES

MAILING!!!!

30 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 31

August Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday


2 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 3 4


5


6

7



Worship 10:55 am




7:00 pm Worship Comm.

Meeting


7:00 pm Christian Education

Property and Finance

Comm. Meetings

10

11


12


rehearsal


13




Worship 10:55 am





6:00 pm Admin. Committee

Meeting

17

CDC Board Meeting

18


7:00 pm Session Meeting

19

CDC Closed Cleaning Day


20

PEOPLE GROUP at

Jean Appich’s

River House



Worship 10:55 am


Deacons’ Meeting 12:30 pm



Brint on Vacation

*GRACE NOTES

DUE!


24

25


6:30 pm Evangelism

Committee Meeting

26


27

28



Worship 10:55 am




Vacation Cont’d.

*GRACE NOTES

MAILING!!!!

30 Staff Meeting 10:00 am 31

Page 12 Grace Notes

COME AND BROWSE!

Our library has so many wonderful books – some new, with shiny dust jackets, some old with wisdom from those who have gone before us. Your librarians are constantly dazzled by the riches! We have simplified taking out books – just sign the card in its back and leave it in the box on the table. (We aren’t using the card catalog. Find your book by its subject; authors are in alphabetical order, subjects are shown on the shelves.) We’re on the Dewy Decimal System, with a Children’s Section straight ahead as you enter; you’ll find Bible heroes’ stories and seasonal stories there. As a library specializing in Biblical studies and helps for the Christian life, we have the 200’s as our main territory. Go to the back corner at the table’s end, and you will find commentaries on every book of the Bible, from Genesis to Revela-tion; coming around to the right, under the windows, many texts in different translations. On the right wall, look for helps in the Christian life, for devotions, for works by noted Christians, for theological discussions, for Christianity and culture. Coming toward the door, Presbyterian and Reformed doctrine, and a few biographies. Don’t miss the beautiful art books that sparkle the shelves with famous artists’ Biblical scenes. Check out the magazines by the door: Horizons, Pres-byterian Outlook, Presbyterians Today. A poster showing the numbers of specific subjects will be posted soon. And remember the verse from Revelation: BLESSED IS HE THAT READETH! Your Library Committee, Evelyn and Diane

In Deepest Sympathy We would like to express sympathy in the recent passing of Katherine Baird’s step father and Lisa Cardwell’s father. Please remember to keep their families in your prayers. Thank you!

SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT AND

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT NEEDED The Sunday School Superintendent is called to serve by the Christian Education Committee.

The Superintendent, as a member of Grace-Covenant Presbyterian Church, should be one

who is committed to the service of Jesus Christ, and one who has an interest and some

knowledge in the Christian Education of the church. He or she is a member of the Chris-

tian Education Committee and meets with it at its regular monthly meetings.

The Sunday School Superintendent serves for a term of two years (September – August).

An Assistant Superintendent is also called to serve for a term of two years beginning one

year behind the Superintendent, so that at the end of the Assistant’s second year he or she

will automatically step up to serve as Superintendent.

The Sunday School Superintendent should arrive by 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings. The

Superintendent, aided by the Assistant Superintendent, is present each Sunday to:

1. Distribute roll books and offering bags to each class.

2. Check to make sure all teachers and nursery workers are present.

3. Help with the recruitment of Sunday school teachers.

4. Serve as a Sunday school greeter, directing students and visitors to their appropriate

classes.

5. Collect the roll books and offering bags. Record attendance in the glass office.

If interested, or for more information, please contact Jean Appich at (804) 355-4624

or Tom Miller at (804) 745-2129.

Page 13 Grace Notes

Christian Education

Grocery Cart Drop Off Next time you go to the grocery store, pick up a few extra canned goods. As a church we want to be a huge blessing to the William Bryd Community House with food for their pantry. Please place dry canned goods, boxes of pasta, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, and toiletry items in the Grocery Cart in the Narthex.

Sunday Attendance The Hand Talley Counter we use for Sunday Services is missing. If you know where it is please return to Sid Yates mail box in the Glass Office.

Sunday Greeters The Evangelism committee is looking for people to sign up for occasional greeting at the church before Sunday worship. The need is for only as many days as you might be interested. Please contact Brian Baird at 804.586.4156 or [email protected] if you're interested in helping out, and thanks!

Save the Date! Mark your calendars now for next month. Rally Day is Sunday, September 11th. Details coming soon!

Page 14 Grace Notes

tel:804.586.4156


The Staff 2011 Officers Brint Keyes Interim Pastor [email protected] Chris Martin Director of Music and Organist [email protected] Vanessa Strait Administrative Assistant [email protected] Martha Rubin Bookkeeper [email protected] Willie Alford Sexton Church Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Phone: (804) 359-2463 Fax: (804) 278-6298 www.grace-covenant.org

Sundays: 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building 10:55 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary 12:00 noon Congregational Fellowship in the Social Room Grace Covenant Child Development Center Frances Mathews Acting Director [email protected]

Our Elders serve the church as leaders; our Dea-

cons lead the church in service. Please feel free

to approach them with any questions or feedback

about GCPC's ministries.

CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley

ELDERS:

Jean Appich („11) - Christian Education

Brian Baird („11) - Evangelism (M)

Maurice Bell („13) - Finance/Stewardship

Kent Cardwell („12) - Missions (M)

Cal Gray („11) - Property (M)

Matt Hartman („13) - Worship; Evangelism

Cheryl Jacobs („12) - Worship (M); Administration

Catherine Kerns („13) - Christian Education; Evangelism

Caroline Leith („11) - Worship

David Martin („13) - Administration (Co-M); Property

Katie McCullough („13) - Administration (Co-M); Mission

Dana McKnight („11) - Finance/Stewardship (M)

Tom Miller („12) - Christian Education (M)

Everett Reveley („12) - Finance/Stewardship

DEACONS:

Pat Aldridge („11) - Cards and Prayer Ministry

Betty Appich („11) - Deacon Support

Pat Ball („12) - Flower Deliveries

Cherry Corley („12) - (Moderator)

Susan Farrell („12) - Visitation, Transportation

Jim McCullough („13) - Deacons‟ Fund

Nikki Hazlegrove („13) - Meal Deliveries

Julia Poppell („11) - (secretary) Visitation

Carrie Rose („13) - Visitation and Card Ministry

Dawson Watkins („11) - (Vice-Moderator) Visitor follow up

Carol Wood („13) - Visitation and Prayer Ministry

Sid Yates („12) - Ushers

(M=Moderator)

Address Service Requested

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

August August August August August August August August August August August August August

Sunday School in the

Summer 9:45 a.m. Adult Summer Sunday School Classes

Meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m. for coffee, tea, and a breakfast snack.

Sunday School will be held from 9:45 - 10:40 a.m.

July 31 Carrie Rose ―A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23‖

August 7 Brint Keyes ―Perspectives on Love‖ Part 3

Anyone who is interested in leading a study and discussion for Sundays, August 14, 21, 28 or September 4,

please call Jean Appich at 355-4624 to be put on the rotation schedule.

September 4th will be our last Summer Sunday School Class.

Thank you. The Christian Education Committee

Documents

August 2011