GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

March 11, 2012

Loving God & Our Neighbors in the Heart of the City

WELCOME TO GRACE COVENANT!

We are an historic Presbyterian congregation offering traditional worship and multiple ministries for persons of all ages.

Please join us after worship for fellowship in the Social Room.

Thank you for turning off your cell phones, pagers, cameras, and other electronic devices during worship, and for leaving food and beverages outside the sanctuary. Interim Pastor: Director of Music: Administrative Assistant: Bookkeeper: Sexton: Child Development Center Director: Student Assistant for Christian Ed: Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin Willie Alford Nicole Williams Christopher Tweel

1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 www.grace-covenant.org info@grace-covenant.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Radio: WLES 590 AM www.wlesradio.com

Hearing Aids, Large Print Hymnals, and Bulletins are available each week from the ushers.

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. - 1 Corinthians 1:21 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. - John 2:19-22 Some there are who presume so far on their wits that they think themselves capable of measuring the whole nature of things by their intellect, in that they esteem all things true which they see, and false which they see not. Accordingly, in order that man's mind might be freed from this presumption, and seek the truth humbly, it was necessary that certain things far surpassing his intellect should be proposed to man by God. - Thomas Aquinas, Summa Contra Gentiles [1264] (London: Burns, Oates & Washbourne, Ltd., 1923), 10.

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
March 11, 2012 The Third Sunday in Lent 10:55 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Psalm Prelude (Psalm 40:1-3)
I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.

Craig Phillips

(b. 1961)

Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader:

from Psalm 19

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; People: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. Leader: The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; People: The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. Leader: More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; People: Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. All: In keeping them there is great reward. Praise the LORD! HYMN 43 (Red Hymnal)
Father, We Praise Thee

Christie Sanctorum

PRAYER OF CONFESSION God of mercy, in Jesus Christ You emptied yourself and took the form of a servant, coming to our world to seek and save the lost. We confess that we have wandered away from Your voice and turned aside from Your costly love. We are misled by pride, for we see ourselves pure when we are stained, and great when we are small. We have failed in love, neglected justice, ignored Your truth, and shown ourselves wholly undeserving of Your grace. Lord, have mercy upon us, and forgive us our sins, we pray. Remove from us the weight of sin that clings so closely. Accept our repentance, and nurture in us Your humble Spirit. Deliver us from wayward detours, and return us to paths of righteousness, that our lives may be an offering to You, and we may be fit to serve Your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON KYRIE

Lord Have Mercy, music by John Merbecke, 1550; arr. Healey Willan, 1930, 1990 by The Presbyterian Hymnal, Westminster/John Knox Press, All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

PRESENTATION OF TITHES, OFFERINGS, AND GIFTS ANTHEM Restless Is the Heart Bernadette Farrell (b. 1957)

Restless is the heart until it comes to rest in you. All the earth shall remember and return to our God.

Lord, you have been our refuge through all time, from one generation to the next; before the mountains were born, or the earth brought forth, you are God without beginning or end. To your eyes a thousand years are like a day, no more than a watch in the night. You sweep us away like a dream, like the grass that springs green in the morning, but faded by light. Make us know our lifes shortness that we may gain true wisdom of heart. In the morning fill us with your love.
texts by St. Augustine and Psalm 90

DOXOLOGY 592 (Blue Hymnal) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Old Hundredth

Virginia Hudson

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 20:1-17 Virginia Hudson Holy Bible, p. 65 OT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

CHILDRENS SERMON RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Christof Meyer Psalm 19:7-14

The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of the Lord are just and rejoice the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear and gives light to the eyes. (refrain) The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb. (refrain)

By them also is your servant enlightened, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can tell how often he offends? Cleanse me from my secret faults. (refrain) Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of great offense. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. (refrain)

Lord, You Have the Words, music by Richard Proulx (1937-2010) 1986 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

EPISTLE READING GOSPEL READING

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22

Holy Bible, p. 157 NT Holy Bible, p. 90 NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON HYMN 86 (Blue Hymnal) The Wisdom of God
When We Are Tempted to Deny Your Son

B. Brinton P. Keyes
Psalm 22

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

GLORIA PATRI 579 (Blue Hymnal) PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORDS PRAYER
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

Greatorex

WE GO FORTH IN GODS NAME

HYMN 344 (Red Hymnal) If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE POSTLUDE Restless Is the Heart Prelude (Suite for Organ) Neumark Bernadette Farrell Denis Bdard (b. 1950)

Please join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship. The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Ann and John Leith by Caroline Leith.

Give thanks for: The ministry of the Mission Study Team, who completed their report last week. Healing for Erika Tabors foot and Brenda Barretts ankle. The blessing of our building, the opportunity to welcome the women of CARITAS this past week, and the many, many volunteers who selflessly and humbly gave themselves in service. The LORD is glorified by this ministry. Continue to pray for: Betty Appich and the family of Jim Sykes, her brother, who passed away last week; Ben Gordon, for health, and his mother Alice, undergoing chemo; Ann Pais daughter-in-law Jane, with cancer, and nephew Paul, with ALS; Juliette Harriman White; Lauren Corby, whose baby is due March 20; Cheryl Jacobs mother, Lucinda, recovering from knee surgery, and her dad, Rolland; Erika Tabor, recovering from foot surgery; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh Oh) and father, Jim; Svetlana Chicus mother, Estera, with lymphoma; Evelyn Turner; Peter Albertis; Rosie and George Turner; and Nela Bostian Those facing vocational challenges: Erika Tabor and Carlos Juara; Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry and John Lootens away on travel Our Session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word; Beth Lloyd Daniel Reas, Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces The people of Egypt, Libya and Syria, as they seek peaceful ways forward for their countries; the governments of Iran and Israel, that they may pursue peaceful coexistence rather than mutual aggression; and the people of Haiti, Japan, New Zealand, Turkey and the Midwest US, as they continue to recover from natural disasters Missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee back in US from Indonesia (fighting cancer); Valentin and Svetlana Chicu in Moldova; The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands, facing employment uncertainty; Beth Baleke in Uganda Health care in Metropolitan Richmond: For all the sick and their caregivers, doctors, nurses, hospice workers, home healthcare workers, and all who minister to the health of others.

Craig Phillips is a distinguished American composer and organist whose choral and organ music is heard in churches and cathedrals across the United States. Dr. Phillips, who is Director of Music at All Saints Church, Beverly Hills, has just been named by the American Guild of Organists as the Distinguished Composer for 2012. His Psalm Prelude is an expressive and lyrical paraphrase of the opening verses of Psalm 40. The piece maneuvers through several key signatures in effectively painting the ethos of the text. The piece ends softly yet assuredly, just as it begins. One of Britain's leading liturgical composers since the 1970s, Bernadette Farrell is known throughout the world for her challenging texts and memorable melodies. Restless Is the Heart is a beautiful a cappella choral anthem which combines the timeless words of St. Augustine (Our hearts are restless until they rest in youfrom his Confessions [397 A.D.]) and a paraphrase of Psalm 90.
One of the leading composers for the organ in Canada is Denis Bdard, who also served as organist of the Cathedral in Vancouver, Canada. Bdards Prelude is the opening movement of his Suite for Organ.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and the Monument Avenue 10K Get a front-row seat for all the action and fun of one of Richmond's biggest events -- the Monument Avenue 10K! Starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, March 31, we'll have lots of coffee, food, and fellowship on the terrace. A moon bounce will also be on hand for the kids. Come by, bring a friend (or two), cheer on the runners and walkers, and stay as long as you like! Also, if you'd like to help with this event (setting/cleaning up, bringing food, making coffee, etc.), please contact Virginia Hudson at vhudson81@gmail.com.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY (March 11): Opener Lloyd Bostian; Greeters Megan Meyer and Cherry Corley; Nursery Worker Jo Garber; Elementary Sunday School Virginia Hudson; Worship Kits Evelyn Tower; Fellowship Hour Sallie Leys WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY (March 18): Opener Pete Sizemore; Greeters needed; Nursery Worker Lisa Cardwell; Elementary Sunday School Erika Tabor; Worship Kits Evelyn Tower; Fellowship Hour Kent Cardwell and family

Consider the lilies

If you are interested in placing an Easter Lily in the Sanctuary for use on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, you must complete a form and send it in with payment to the church office ON or BEFORE Monday, March 26. The lilies may also be given in memory or in honor of family and friends. The price of each plant is $11.00. Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church and marked Easter lilies in the memo. Please pick up an Easter lily form in the Glass Office or in the narthex and drop it in the clear plastic box.

CONNECTIONS: with Brian Baird and/or Christof Meyer. Next weeks topic, March 18 will be on Bible Reading (O.T., N.T., Gospel) FORUM CLASS: Tom Miller has begun a series on Did Christ Really Have to Die? Room B-7 GRACE BIBLE CLASS: The remainder of March, Bill Stuart will be speaking on the Gospel of John. Room 212 VANGUARD CLASS: Gospel of Matthew with Matt Johnson. Room B-4
Infants, 0-16 months old Toddlers, 17 months2 years old Preschoolers, 3 and 4 year olds Kindergarten2nd grade Grades 3rd6th Nursery Main Level Room 102 Room 101 Rooms 207-210 Rooms 207-210

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY: This year GCPC began offering DISCIPLE, a 34-week in-depth Bible study for small groups. Led by a trained facilitator, the study includes 30 minutes of daily reading and a weekly 2-1/2-hour seminar. Each Sunday the bulletin lists the topic and assignments for the coming week to give the congregation an idea about what the course covers. If the curriculum looks appealing, then youre invited to consider signing up for the next class. Week 8: Security The People with a King Monday: 1 Samuel 1-7 (Samuel) Tuesday: 1 Samuel 8-10; 12-13; 14:47-20:42; 31 (Saul) Wednesday: 2 Samuel 11:1-19:8; 21-24 (David) Thursday: 1 Kings 1-3; 4:20-8:66 (Solomon) Friday: 1 Kings 9-12 (Solomons apostasy, division of the kingdom) Saturday: (readings in textbook)

Join us this Wednesday, March 14, at 6:00 p.m. Menu includes: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, biscuits and brownies for dessert. For this weeks program: Andrew Fuller, International Director of World Horizons, a global Christian witness to Muslims. Andrew returns to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church with another powerful missions update. Wednesday Night Programs are 6:30-7:15 p.m. every week in the Fellowship Hall. Why are we here? Where are we going? "In the beginning..." began the Christian journey. WNL adopts the journey as "Christianity Explored." We will delve into sin, specialness of Jesus, life's purpose, the afterlife and much more. Each table will become interactive. This is not for the weakhearted but for the believer, skeptic, and non-believer. Invite your friends and neighbors as we explore the Christian life.

RUNNING WITH GRACE, 2012: Again this year, some members and friends of Grace Covenant will be running and walking on Monument Avenue each week. We plan to start in the Grace Covenant parking lot at 4:00 p.m. sharp on Sunday afternoon. The pace is flexible and all are welcomerunners, walkers, whatever you may be. Get into the spirit of the 10k with us! Contact Brian Baird at 804-586-4156 or brian.baird5@gmail.com for details.

CHURCH SOFTBALL TEAM: Its softball time! Grace Covenants Biblical Batters is looking to field a softball team to play in the spring West Richmond Mens Church Softball League. If youre interested in playing, please contact the team manager, Chris Tetzlaff, at 804-264-1414 or by email at crt928@gmail.com The season begins in April so please contact Chris soon.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, March 11 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Lunch for Disciple & Community Group Disciple Bible Study Community Group Discussion Mens Luncheon Property Committee Meeting PW Circle # 3 Staff Meeting PW Circle # 4 PW Circle # 2 Care Team Meeting Administration Committee Meeting Finance Committee Meeting Christian Education Meeting Fellowship Committee Meeting PW Circle # 1 Carol Choir (ages 3K) rehearsal Junior Choir (grades 1-6) rehearsal CDC Board Meeting Chancel Choir rehearsal Session Meeting Handbell Choir Prayer Sunday School Worship Service Fellowship Hour Lunch for Disciple & Community Group Disciple Bible Study Community Group Discussion Social Room Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Room 303 Fellowship Hall Vanguard Room Vanguard Room Social Room Room 213 Westminster Canterbury Covenant Room Room 200 Library Vanguard Room Room 213 1727 Park Ave. Choir Room Choir Room Vanguard Room Choir Room Vanguard Room Handbell Room Social Room Various Rooms Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall Room 303 Fellowship Hall

Monday, March 12 12:00 noon 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 13 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 14 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. Thursday, March 15 7:00 p.m. Sunday, March 18 8:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

2012 Officers
Our Elders serve the church as leaders. Our Deacons lead the church in service. Please feel free to approach them with any questions or feedback about Grace Covenants ministries. CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley ELDERS: Jordan Ball (14) - Nominating (M); Finance Kent Cardwell (12) - Fellowship (M) Matt Hartman (13) - Mission (M) Virginia Hudson (14) - Evangelism (M) Cheryl Jacobs (12) - Worship (M); Fellowship Katie McCullough (13) - Administration (M) Dana McKnight (14) - Finance, Worship Christof Meyer (12) - Christian Ed (M), CDC (M) Tom Miller (12) - Christian Education Joy Nevin (14) - Administration Everett Reveley (12) - Finance (M) Robert Rosebro (13) - Property (M) Rob Turner (14) - Worship, Nominating DEACONS: Pat Ball (12) - Flowers Cherry Corley (12) - Communication Cards Susan Farrell (12) - Transportation, Care Team Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Vice-Moderator - Meals Jan Kessel (14) - Care Team Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund, Nominating Ann Pais (14) - Care Team Erika Tabor (14) - Secretary - Communication Cards Judy Waldron (14) - Moderator - Cards Dawson Watkins (13) - Care Team Carol Wood (13) - Prayer, Communication Cards Sid Yates (12) - Ushering MISSION STUDY TEAM: John Nevin (M) Matt Johnson (Co-M) Brian Baird Matt Hartman Christof Meyer Everett Reveley Brint Keyes (ex officio) (M=Moderator)

YOU C

N HELP!

Grace Covenant has been giving nonperishable foods items to the William Byrd Community House for several years to assist in filling their food pantry. The William Byrd Community House maintains a food closet that serves Richmond City and the adjacent counties. When available, their food pantry also provides individuals with the basic household items and toiletries to maintain themselves and their families. These are everyday items that Food Stamp dollars will not cover and may be very costly to a low-income family. We have partnered with this ministry by giving non-perishable food items. In the past Grace Covenant has collected food one Sunday a month, but this is a collection we can support every week. Items can be placed in the grocery cart outside of the Social Room. YOU CAN HELP!

SERMON NOTES
The Wisdom of God B. BRINTON P. KEYES