GRACE COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

July 3, 2011

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: Acting Director 1627 Monument Avenue Richmond, VA 23220 Phone: 804.359.2463 Fax: 804.278.6298 www.grace-covenant.org [email protected] Brint Keyes Christopher Martin Vanessa Strait Martha Rubin Willie Alford Frances Mathews

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

So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:21-25 All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:27-30 Innumerable times a whole Christian community has broken down because it had sprung from a wish dream. The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try to realize it. But Gods grace speedily shatters such dreams. Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves. The sooner this shock of disillusionment comes to an individual and to a community, the better for both. A community which cannot bear and cannot survive such a crisis, which insists upon keeping its illusion when it should be shattered, permanently loses in that moment the promise of Christian community. Sooner or later it will collapse. Every human wish dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. Those who love their dream of a Christian community more than the Christian community itself become destroyers of that Christian community even though their personal intentions may be ever so honest, earnest, and sacrificial. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, pp. 25-29 (passim)

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP
July 3, 2011 10:55 a.m.

WE GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Reverend B. Brinton P. Keyes Please fill out the communication card and place it in the offering plate during the offertory. PRELUDE Berceuse Louis Vierne

(1870-1937)

Please stand for these parts of the service.

CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: All:

from Psalm 89

I will sing of Your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that Your steadfast love is established forever; Your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. Blessed are the people who know the hymns of praise, who shout on parade in the bright presence of God; They dance and rejoice in Your Name all day long, and extol Your righteousness. Their strength testifies to Your glory, and our welfare testifies to Your favor. All that we are and have, we owe to God the Holy God of Israel, our King! O LORD, our LORD, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!

HYMN 478 (Blue Hymnal) Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven

Lauda Anima

PRAYER OF CONFESSION Almighty and merciful Father, You made us from dust, and created us a people; You saved us from death, called us to obedience, and sent us forth to bless. But still we stray. We tend our cares and worries first, and distance ourselves from others need. We call You Lord, but turn away when obedience is inconvenient. We call You Savior, but place our trust in wealth, esteem, and success. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, and forgive us our sins. Convict our hearts of our waywardness, and deliver us from the vanity of self-deceit. Accept our offering of our broken selves, and redeem us by Your unending grace, that we may be filled with the joy of Your salvation, and stirred to go forth into all the world, sharing Your gospel and loving Your people; in the power of Your Holy Spirit, and through Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, in whose most holy, humble and powerful Name we pray. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON ALLELUIA Gelobt sei Gott

Alleluia, music by Melchoir Vulpius, c.1560-1616 1986 by G.I.A. Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.

WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD

OFFERING SOLO Come, Thou Dear Redeemer
Kari Craig, alto Come, Thou dear Redeemer. Come, Lord Jesus, to set us free, From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee. Hope of all the earth Thou art, Joy of every longing heart. Come, Thou dear Redeemer, Born a Child, yet Thou art a King, Born to reign in us forever. Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring. Rule in all our hearts alone, Raise us to Thy glorious throne. Amen.
- text by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)

Csar Franck

(1822-1890)

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

Carrie Rose

WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION EPISTLE READING Romans 7:15-25a Carrie Rose Holy Bible, p. OT

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

CHILDRENS SERMON GOSPEL READING Matthew 11:16-30

Katie McCullough Holy Bible, p. NT

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. SERMON Divine Wisdom, Human Deeds B. Brinton P. Keyes Pentecost

HYMN 480 (Red Hymnal) Let There Be Light, Lord God of Hosts 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) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning; is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. INVITATION TO THE LORDS TABLE Greatorex

DISTRIBUTION OF THE ELEMENTS SOLO O Rest in the Lord (Elijah)

Kari Craig, alto

Felix Mendelssohn

(1809-1847)

O rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, and He shall give thee thy hearts desires. Commit thy way unto Him; and trust in Him; and fret not thyself because of evil doers.

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.

WE GO FORTH IN GODS NAME

HYMN 564 (Blue Hymnal) BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Rigaudon Andr Campra O Beautiful for Spacious Skies Materna

(1660-1744)

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 James B. Roberts, Ann and Bill Van Steenburgh, Vicky Giblin and Ethel Jones Gray by Cal and Lisa Gray.

Give thanks to God: for the continuing work of the CDC Board in shepherding that ministry through a promising and challenging new season; for the leadership of Frances Mathews, Jennifer Ball and Nichole Williams, and for the ministry of the CDC staff for Beverly Proffitts continuing recovery from surgery Continue to pray: for those in need of healing: Charles Jed Wilson, recovering from hip surgery; Tom Millers father, Joe; Cheryl Jacobs mother, Lucinda; Susan Farrells grandmother, Mary Lou (Uh-oh); Jim Thomas mother and stepfather, Dan & Linda; Brian Bairds brother-in-law, Jerry; Katherine Bairds stepfather, Bob; Peter and Loretta Albertis; Rosie & George Turner; Edwards & Stella Schlieser; Nela Bostian and Eila Brooks for Vanessa Strait, having tests performed at UVA on July 13 for those facing vocational challenges: Jennifer Schooley, Wayne Casey, Erika Tabor, Sudie Wood, Carol Wood, Matt Hartman, and Logan Moorheads daughter-in-law Sharie for Leslie Hartmans community garden ministry, and for John Lootens traveling across the United States for our session, that they may faithfully lead this congregation by humbly following Gods Word for Beth Lloyd for Stuart Chapman, William Bridenstine, David Russell, Chris Pais, and Mike Child, serving in our nations Armed Forces for the victims of floods and tornadoes across our country for Coptic Christians in Egypt, for deliverance from persecution for the missionaries we support: Elizabeth Gee (back in the US from Indonesia, fighting cancer) Valentin & Svetlana Chicu in Moldova The Zobule family in the Solomon Islands for the people of Japan and Haiti, still recovering from disaster for people of North Africa & the Middle East seeking democracy for Governments and Governing Bodies of Metropolitan Richmond: for the Mayor and City Council of Richmond, the City Manager, and all city employees.
"Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Phil 4:6

Today we welcome back Kari Craig, alto, and Linwood Lunde, organist, as this mornings guest musicians. Kari is the alto section leader in the Chancel Choir and is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Linwood is the regional representative for the Schantz Organ Company and was for years the organist at the Byrd Theater in Carytown. Next Sunday our guest soloist will be John Tyndall, baritone.

WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR TODAY: Opener Pete Sizemore; Greeters Bob Copland, Everett Reveley, Leslie Hartman; Nursery Worker Julia Poppell; Worship Kits Judy Waldron; Fellowship Hour - TBA WORSHIP SUPPORT FOR NEXT SUNDAY: (July 10): Opener Hank Downing; Greeters Lewis Rosebro, David Martin; Nursery Worker Katie McCullough; Worship Kits ; Fellowship Hour - Sallie Leys

Combined Adult Sunday School Summer Schedule

Summer Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Coffee, tea, water, and snacks will be available at 9:30 a.m. July 3 July 10 July 17 July 24 July 31 August 7 August 14 Brian Baird Brian Baird Brint Keyes Brint Keyes Carrie Rose Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 1 Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 2 TBA TBA A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23

Christof Meyer Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 3 Christof Meyer Perception vs. Reality: Gods Word in Practice Part 4

"Have Lunch With Us! Immediately following the Worship Service the Connections Class will be hosting a lunch downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome - particularly if you are a guest, have small children, or have questions about our church."

THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT

Sunday, July 3 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 4 Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall

Independence Day Church Office & Child Development Center Closed

Tuesday, July 5 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 7 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 8 5:45 p.m. Saturday, July 9 9:00 a.m. Sunday, July 10 9:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 10:55 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:30 p.m.

Staff Meeting Congregational Care Team Meeting Administrative Committee Meeting

Room 213 Room 213 Room 213

Childrens Chapel

Chapel

Community Group

2107 Maplewood Avenue

Church Painting Day

Various Rooms

Prayer Combined Sunday School Classes Worship Service Fellowship Hour Fellowship Lunch

Social Room Fellowship Hall Sanctuary Social Room Fellowship Hall

2011 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 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 Nikki Hazlegrove (13) - Meal Deliveries Jim McCullough (13) - Deacons Fund 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)

SERMON NOTES
Divine Wisdom, Human Deeds
B. BRINTON P. KEYES