grace notes, december, 2009

Grace NotesChurch Office (804) 359-2463, www.grace-covenant.org

Steve Cobb, Pastor, [email protected] Thomas, Associate Pastor, [email protected]

Rachel Butler, Seminary Intern, [email protected] Martin, Director of Music and Organist, [email protected]

Janice Caldwell, Editor, [email protected] Rubin, Bookkeeper, [email protected]

Willie Alford, Sexton

Volume 39, Number 12 December 2009______________________________________________________________________________________

A Word from Our PastorSteve Cobb, Pastor

“I have come that they may have life, and have it tothe full.” ~John 10:10

Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,

God bless you in your dedication and devotion toGrace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Although thisis in advance of any knowledge about thestewardship campaign (we may have preliminarynumbers by the time you read this),my strong senseis that the profound love you hold for Jesus willalways serve to provide exceedingly abundantly tohis church. Your faithfulness to this Body of Christ istruly an inspiration. I write this because it is throughGod, the Holy Spirit’s inspiration that we come torealize our gifts, the ministries to which we arecalled, and the power a community of faith bringsto the world.

We will be launching our first sermon seriesbeginning on November 29th. As we approachChristmas there is no better time to revisit theimpact this baby we celebrate will have on our lives.The topics and scriptures we will be exploring arelisted below. I would encourage everyone to read,more than once if possible, the passage prior to theSunday we encounter it together in worship.

Date Topic Scripture

November 29th Christ as Prophet Luke 4:14-21

December 6th Christ as Priest Hebrews 4:14-16

December 13th Christ as King Isaiah 11:1-9

December 20th Christ as Lord Ephesians 1:15-23

December 24th Christ as Savior Luke 2:8-15

In His Love,

Steve

Chancel Choir to BeginRehearsing Music for Candlelight

Christopher D. Martin,Director of Music and Organist

Want to sing in the choir for Candlelight, but don’thave the time to make a commitment to theChancel Choir for the entire season? Here’s yourchance!

Every year we invite members of Grace Covenantand friends from the community to sing with theChancel Choir at the annual Candlelight CarolService.

In order to participate in the choir for this service,singers must attend at least four rehearsals (listedbelow) and the Saturday morning rehearsal prior toCandlelight Service.This year’s Candlelight Service will be Sunday,December 20, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

December 2009Grace Notes

Candlelight rehearsal times in December:

Wednesday, December 2, 7:30 p.m.Wednesday, December 9, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, December 12, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Wednesday, December 16, 7:30 p.m.Saturday, December 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

(mandatory rehearsal)Sunday, December 20, 4:00 p.m. rehearsal,

5:00 p.m. service

For more information, contact Chris Martin at thechurch office, 359-2463.

Stewardship CornerLloyd Bostian, Treasurer

While the preceding two months posted smallamounts of income in excess of expenses,October’s expenses increased significantly and an$18,600 deficit was recorded for the month.Included in those expenses were our annual elevatormaintenance contract and a storm sewer feeimposed by the City of Richmond for the first timethis year. Contributions of $33,200 for the monthwere reasonably good, but rental income was downdue to expenses in connection with a new tenant inthe Stuart Circle Building. For the first ten months ofthe year contributions are running 2.1% above theamount received last year for the same period, andexpenses are close to 5% below those of last yearfor the same period. Our General Fund deficit atthe end of October was $98,900, compared to$130,000 at October of last year.

Our Five Cents Per Meal offering in October was$320, not quite as strong as September’s $400, butbetter than those in the summer months.

We have reduced the number of offering envelopesordered for 2010. If your current number is higherthan 225, you will receive a new number for yourenvelopes for 2010. We apologize for anyinconvenience.

Presbyterian Older Adult MinistryRev. Charles E. Sutton

At an All Saints’ Day Service at WestminsterCanterbury in Richmond on November 1, 2009,seventy-six names were read as having died sincethe same service in 2008. We have had severaldeaths in our congregation this year. Along withmany of you, I now know more about grief thanever before. In my pastoral record the list of funeralsconducted is the longest. I now realize I did notbegin to understand the depth, or power of grief’spain in the hearts and lives of those whoexperienced the loss of a loved one by death. Weall read and believe the promises, comfort andassurances of Scripture; however, the loss is stillreal, and it takes change, along with time to bringhealing. It often helps to recall and think about thebest and brightest events of a life shared, holdingthem in memory. When asked how long it has takento get through the grief, fellow residents oftenanswer, “You don’t, “ or “It can take years.”

During one Christmas season I spoke with thedoctor of a church member outside of her hospitalroom. “You are aware,” I suggested, “That yourpatient’s husband died on December 18. Ever sincethen December and Christmas has been hard forher.” “Oh, I must remember that,” he replied, “itmay explain the way she is feeling now.”

This congregation provides in many ways, byindividuals, as well as groups, it’s ministry ofcomfort and support. Sorrow affects not only theseniors of our church, but touches us all at variousstages of life. To organize a ministry sometimestends to dampen the Spirit, still this may be the timeto plan some type of seminar, or study, on griefmanagement ministry. “Comfort, comfort mypeople, says your God.” ~ Isaiah 40:1

The gentle and loving touches of Grace Covenantmembers has been a supporting power for me, andmy family, as we share faith in a loving God and aredeeming Savior. Jesus said, “Whoever lives andbelieves in me will never die.” ~ John 11:26 Andthis is our great promise and comfort, always.

December 2009 Grace Notes

News of Members

Remember the families of Helen Gray and Adeline(Lina) Sanders, as they recently went to be with theirLord. In addition, John Lootens’ father passed awayin October, and Steve Satterfield’s mother alsopassed away recently.

Newer residences: Marge McFall is residing at “OurLady of Hope”. Lindley Hill is currently residing at“Morning Side” on Skipwith, and his wife, Louise, isnow residing at “Health South”.

Please remember to pray for those who recently hadsurgery, as they recover, as well as those amongstus who are still unemployed, that they will soon findemployment! In addition, pray for those members,who are participating in short-term mission trip thiswinter in Honduras.

On November 12, Alpheaus Graham Zobule sentout a quick e-mail to update those who might beinterested in his ministry, Island Bible Ministries, inthe Solomon Islands. At your convenience, pick upa copy of this e-mail in the brochure rack located inthe Glass Office.

Announcements

Presbyterian Women’s Coordinating Team Meetingand Luncheon: On Tuesday, December 1, thePresbyterian Women Coordinating Team will meetat 10:30 a.m. in Room B-4. Presbyterian WomenLuncheon and program will begin at 12 noon in theFellowship Hall. This year’s program will be theDouglas Freeman High School Festival Choir, acapella choirs, the “Downbeats” and the“Syncopations,” directed by Amy Hruska. Allmembers, and friends, are invited to attend!

Prison Ministry: Please gather your ChristmasCards, to be donated to Greensville CorrectionalCenter in Jarratt, Virginia. A collection box islocated in the Presbyterian Women’s closet, locatedin the Social Room. The cards will be delivered tothe center the first week of December.

Forum Class: Tom Miller will lead the class onDecember 6; Pageant on December 13; TaylorReveley will teach on December 20.

Memorial Poinsettias and Christmas Greens Funds:If you would like to purchase a poinsettia orChristmas greens in memory of, or in honor ofsomeone, then please pick up a form from thebrochure racks in the Narthex, Glass Office, or fillout the one at the back of this newsletter! Thedeadline to make purchases is December 7. Pleaseput the form, along with payment, in the box in theGlass Office, or mail it to the church marked,“Attention: Jane Londrey”.

The Salvation Army Christmas Angel Tree has beenput up! Members of the Presbyterian WomenCircles, Sunday school classes, PEOPLE, BreadBreakers, Mothers Together, and individuals areinvited to choose one or more angels from the treeto provide gifts to a less fortunate child. Items needto be purchased and brought to the church byDecember 7.

Presbyterian Women Bible Leaders will meet onMonday, December 7, in the church library.

Presbyterian Women Circles: meet on Tuesday,December 8.

Circle 1–Katherine Baird’s,1704 Hanover Avenue at 7:30 p.m.

Circle 2–Lydian Room of GCPC,Dottie-Ray Koch, Hostess at 10:30 a.m.

Circle 3–Social Room of GCPCStephanie Thomas, Hostess at 9:30 a.m.

Circle 4–Beth Coltrain’s,3202 Hawthorne Avenue at 10:30 a.m.

Circle 5–Room B-4, Covenant Room of GCPCLiz Ramsey, Hostess at 11:30 a.m.

Mothers Together: meet every Thursday in theFellowship Hall. For more information, contactPatricia Clarke by phone at 342-7481 or by e-mailat [email protected]. Their final meetingfor 2009 will be on Thursday, December 10.


Flowers: If you are interested in donating flowers inthe sanctuary on Sundays, contact Cherry Corley at515-7330.

The PEOPLE Group–EVERYONE IS WELCOME!Come be part of a group of members and guestwhen we gather for fun, fellowship and very goodfood! Everyone brings a covered dish. The food isalways delicious and fellowship is delightful. Thenext PEOPLE Group will be on Saturday,December 12 at 6:30 p.m. We will be gettingtogether at the beautifully decorated home of Bethand Phil Coltrain. Beth and Phil live in Richmond’shistoric Ginter Park area. Ginter Park is a beautifulneighborhood with tree-lined streets and beautifulgrand residences. Mark your calendars now to partof this delightful evening! Feel free to call Suzanneand Pete Sizemore at 288-7757 for additionalinformation.

Grace Notes Deadline: December 15 is thedeadline for submissions to January’s edition of ourmonthly newsletter, Grace Notes.

75TH Annual Candlelight Carol Service: Sunday,December 20, at 5:00 p.m.

Volunteers for Grace Notes: are needed to helpprepare our monthly newsletter for bulk mail from9:00 a.m. -12 noon on Wednesday, December 23.If you would like to help for any, or all, of that timeframe, simply come to the church library and enjoysome fellowship with other members as youvolunteer in this bite-sized ministry.

Fellowship Hour: If you would like to volunteer tomake the coffee for the Fellowship Hour on aSunday, then please print your name on theCalendar in the Glass Office. There are stillopenings left in December!

William Byrd Community House: Food donationsare needed; donations may be left in the basket inthe Glass Office (in the office near the back doors,on the main floor of the Education Building). Pleaseconsider giving.

Serve Meals to the Hungry: Volunteers are neededto serve a meal on Monday, January 18 (MartinLuther King, Jr.’s Day), 5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., at

Conrad Center, 1400 Oliver Hill Way. If you areinterested in helping, contact Patrise Sears, 338-6580.

Deacons Fund: Grace Covenant has a DeaconsFund to assist members who are in financial need.Contact Pastor Steve Cobb, or Associate PastorChris Thomas, to make a request. All requests areconfidential.

Volunteers’ Duties and DatesOpeners/Closers

December 6: Charlie AppichDecember 13: Bob BrooksDecember 20: Cal GrayDecember 27: John Lootens

January 3, 2010: Jef Londrey

Nursery VolunteersDecember 6: Lauren Corby, Carson Price,

one more volunteer needed herefor the regular rotation as well asone volunteer for “on-call” basis

December 13: Leslie Hartman,Rebecca Horner, Jo Garber(and Beth Coltrain)

December 20: Stephanie Thomas,Ann Hubbard, Katie McCullough(and Susan Boze)

December 27: Megan Rogers, Katherine Arthur,Julia Poppell(and Nikki Hazlegrove)

January 3, 2010: Lauren Corby, Carson Price,one more volunteer needed here!

Coffee Fellowship TimeDecember 6: volunteer neededDecember 13: The BairdsDecember 20 & 27: volunteers neededJanuary 3, 2010: volunteer needed

GreetersDecember 6: Bob Copeland,

Everett Reveley, Leslie HartmanDecember 13: Lewis Rosebro & David MartinDecember 20: Kent Cardwell, Everett Reveley,

Leslie HartmanDecember 27: Brian Baird, Kelly & David Lacy,


and Stephanie ThomasJanuary 3, 2010: Bob Copeland, Everett Reveley,

and Leslie Hartman

Children’s Worship KitsDecember & January: Kaete Unterzuber

Guest Register AttendantsDecember 6: Betty AppichDecember 13: Dawson WatkinsDecember 20: Everett ReveleyDecember 27: Lisa and Cal Gray

Wednesday Night Supper Glass Office MonitorsDecember 2: Dottie-Ray KochDecember 9: Pat BallDecember 16 (last one for 2009):

Laura Leigh SavageJanuary 6, 2010: Steve Clarke

A NoteNelson Reveley,

Member of Grace Covenant

Dear Grace Covenant friends and family,

Greetings! I hope this letter finds you well. Asmany of you know, I am recently married andcurrently interning at Williamsburg PresbyterianChurch as the final part of my seminary degree. Mytime in Williamsburg has been wonderful and I amlearning a lot in my internship, but I miss you allvery much. I am particularly sad not to be with youduring this time of celebration and transition as Rev.Cobb and his family join our community, but I knowthat you are pressing forward to a bright future forthe church, one beaming with the love of God andneighbor. I also want to thank you for all the loveand support you have shown me over the years,especially as I marched my way throughseminary–which would have been a much tougherroad without Grace Covenant’s aid and backing.Please take care of yourselves, and I hope to seeyou all again soon.

Sincerely,

Nelson Reveley

Wednesday Night Supper Programsand Menus

$5 per adult, $2 children and students,$12 maximum per family unit

Here’s a taste of the good things you can expect:

December 2–Wreath making (adults)and cookie making (kids)

December 9–Christmas Bible meditationDecember 16–Christmas karaoke, cider, etc.

Menus for December are as follows (menus aresubject to change due to food costs & availability):

December 2–Brunswick stew, salad bar, cornbread, Jello and cookies.

December 9(Family Night!)–No peek beef,noodles, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls,brownie.

Children’s menu–Macaroni & Cheese

December 16–Mystery chicken, rice, greenbeans, spinach salad, rolls and fruit cakecookies.

Thank You!

Richard Haney, Former Interim Pastor

Dear Grace Covenant Friends,

Pam and I want to thank everyone for the lovelyreception and gifts you gave us on our last Sunday,October 18. We so appreciated your love andkindness as we said good-bye to one another. Wecount our almost two years at Grace Covenant asa privileged season in our lives. We pray God’srichest blessings upon you as Steve and Emily andtheir children join you for a new season of ministry.I had a busy and productive two and one half weeksof study in Oxford. I wrote nearly 20 new pages forthe thesis and met with my supervisors. I am justbeginning to settle in at Fairfield Presbyterian. Thankyou for remembering us in your prayers. Youcertainly will be in ours.

Grace and Peace,

Richard Haney


Newly Nominated Officers

On November 1, 2009, on behalf of theCongregational Nominating Committee, Mr.David Martin, nominated, and the Congregationelected by voice vote the following:

For Elder, Class of 2012Kent CardwellCheryl JacobsTom MillerStephen PiepgrassEverett Reveley

For Deacon, Class of 2012Pat BallCherry CorleySusan FarrellSid Yates

For Congregational Nominating Committee,Class of 2012

Wayne CaseyDiane DavisLeslie Hartman

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 – Geoff Campbell2 – Bill Correll

Callan Hartman5 – William Cole

Jack Frazer9 – Anita Grymes

Joice Zobule10 – Black Magalis11 – Emily Anne Johnson16 – Pat Bell

Lloyd BostianMary Mitchell

18 – Jan Kessel19 – Camden Cobb20 – George Gray III

Rebecca Horner21 – Ella Carson Price

Aaliyah TunstallSade White

22 – Courtney Johnson23 – Louise Buhrman25 – Cissy Anderson

Travis CroxtonCal GrayJake SavageDan TurnerPritchard Whitley

27 – Hampton HarrisOllie KittrellRay Kromer

28 – Sam Lowe30 – Michael Luning31 – Henry Reed Randolph


Memorial Poinsettias

Those interested in providing memorial poinsettias for use in the Sanctuary during the Christmas season shouldsend information and payment to the church ON OR BEFORE Monday, December 7. Those orderingpoinsettias are asked to provide information on the form below and mail or bring it to the church office. Theprice of the plants is $10.00. Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Churchand marked for Memorial Poinsettias.

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MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS

IN MEMORY OF ________________________________________________________

BY ___________________________________________________________________

PRICE: $10.00 - Payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENTBY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

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CHRISTMAS GREENS FUNDS

Grace Covenant members and friends may participate in the Christmas celebration by making a gifttoward the purchase of fresh greens to decorate the Sanctuary. The gifts, in any amount, may be made inhonor or memory of a friend or family member. The names of those remembered will be printed in theCandlelight bulletin with the memorial poinsettia names. Information and contributions should be sent tothe church ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7. Please use the form below.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN MEMORY OF________________________________________________________________________

BY___________________________________________________________________________________

Checks should be may payable to Grace Covenant and marked for the Christmas Greens Fund.

PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENTBY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

GCPC, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond VA 23220


Calendar

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213December 1 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Women Luncheon Fellowship Hall

Wednesday 4:00 p.m. Child Development Center Choir Room 108December 2 4:30 p.m. Carol Choir Room 108

5:00 p.m. Junior Choir Room 1086:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper Fellowship Hall

6:40 p.m. Wednesday Night Program Fellowship Hall7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Room 108

Thursday 9:30 a.m. Mothers Together Fellowship HallDecember 3 10:00 a.m. Mothers Together children’s choir Room 108

7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting Room 213

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Handbell Choir Room 312December 6 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room

9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 10810:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel11:00 a.m. Worship Service: Communion Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room12:15 p.m. Mission Evangelism Committee Meeting Room B-4

4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD6:00 p.m. Youth Group: Mission TBD

Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship ChapelDecember 7 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4

2:00 p.m. PW Bible Leaders Meeting LibraryDeadline of submissions: Memorial Poinsettias and Christmas Greens

Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women (PW) Circle 3 Social RoomDecember 8 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213

10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 2 Lydian Room10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 4 3202 Hawthorne Avenue11:00 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 5 Covenant Room (Room B-4)

7:30 p.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 1 1704 Hanover Avenue

Wednesday 4:00 p.m. CDC Choir Room 108December 9 4:30 p.m. Carol Choir Room 108

5:00 p.m. Junior Choir Room 1085:30 p.m. CDC PVA Meeting Room B-46:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper Fellowship Hall



Thursday 9:30 a.m. Mothers Together (last one) Fellowship HallDecember 10 10:00 a.m. Mothers Together children’s choir Room 108

Saturday 8:30 a.m. Decorate the Sanctuary with greens SanctuaryDecember 12 10:00 a.m. Candlelight Choir Rehearsals Sanctuary

6:30 p.m. PEOPLE Meeting 3202 Hawthorne Avenue


9:30 a.m. Sunday School(Pageant) Education Building10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 10810:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room

4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD6:00 p.m. Youth Group: Christmas Caroling The Bairds


7:00 p.m. Christian Education Meeting Room 213

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213December 15 4:00 p.m. Grace Notes deadline for January’s edition Room 204

6:00 p.m. Child Development Center’s Christmas Party Fellowship Hall

Wednesday 4:00 p.m. CDC Choir Room 108December 16 4:30 p.m. Carol Choir Room 108

5:00 p.m. CDC Board Meeting Room B-45:00 p.m. Junior Choir Room 1085:30 p.m. CDC Choir Rehearsal Room 1086:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper Fellowship Hall


Thursday 7:00 p.m. Session Meeting Room B-4December 17

Friday Poinsettias placed in chancel today SanctuaryDecember 18

Saturday 10:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal (mandatory) SanctuaryDecember 19 -12:30 p.m.



9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 10810:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room

4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD4:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary

5:00 p.m. CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Sanctuary


Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213December 22

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Grace Notes VolunteersDecember 23

Thursday 5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service SanctuaryDecember 24

Friday CHRISTMAS: Office Closed GCPCDecember 25

Sunday 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social RoomDecember 27 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building

10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 10810:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room

Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship Chapel

December 28 Undecorate the church GCPC

Sunday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213December 29

Friday New Year’s Day: Office Closed GCPCJanuary 1, 2010

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Handbell Choir Room 312January 3 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room

9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 10810:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel11:00 a.m. Worship Service: Communion Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room

6:00 p.m. Youth Group GCPC


Extra items on December’s Calendar:

Decorate Sanctuary on December 12

Poinsettias placed in Chancel on December 18Candlelight Service on December 20

Christmas Eve Service on December 24Undecorate church on December 28


Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church NON PROFIT ORG.1627 Monument Avenue US POSTAGERichmond VA 23220 PAID

RICHMOND VAAddress Service Requested PERMIT NO. 161

Phone: (804) 359-2463, Fax: (804) 278-6298

9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building11:00 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship in Social Room

StaffPastor: Steve Cobb

Associate Pastor: Chris ThomasSeminary Intern: Rachel Butler

Director of Music and Organist: Chris MartinAdministrative Assistant: Janice Caldwell

Bookkeeper: Martha RubinSexton: Willie Alford

Child Development Center Director: Beth Lloyd, 213-0200

Church Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

www.grace-covenant.org

grace notes, december, 2009

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