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Dear Grace Covenant Family,

It has been a uniquely wonderful month for my family. As many of you know, Michelle and I had been in the adoption process for nearly a year, and we received a phone call in late January from Leos birth parents letting us know they would like us to be the adoptive parents. Not long after that our son, Leo Joshua, was born (February 3, 2016), and we found ourselves in California for the month as we finalized the adoption. Its a remarkable, surprising story filled with plenty of moments where it was completely evident to us that Gods hand was guiding every step of this process. Ill be sharing more of the story in the coming days, and we cant wait to introduce you to Leo himself!

In the meantime, know that Michelle and I are incredibly grateful to you, our Grace Covenant family, for the many kind words and prayers you have offered us in this time. As well, I am thankful that you so generously allowed me to take my paternity leave in California so that we could be together as a family as we finalized all the legal aspects of the adoption. Finally, I am grateful to the session, the diaconate, and the staff who so ably continued to lead the congregation in my absence.

While this is exciting news, it is hardly the only exciting thing God is doing around Grace Covenant.

Right now there are three other expectant couples in the congregation!

Our mission and justice committees recently helped to launch Jobs for Life in our Fellowship Hall every Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:30 p.m. This ministry has proved a huge blessing to the participants and volunteers alike. If you have not had a chance to see this ministry in action, feel free to drop by any Tuesday night, through June 7. You can assist this new program, by signing up to help cook a meal on one of the Tuesday nights (a meal accompanies each Tuesday training).

Throughout Lent, new, prayerful worship services are being offered each Wednesday following the weekly supper.

As we head into March, we are looking forward to our Holy Week activities: the Maundy Thursday worship service, the 2nd Annual Good Friday blood drive, the Good Friday communion service, the Saturday Easter Egg Hunt, and Easter Sunday worship!

As we head toward Easter we remain mindful that Jesus Christ is Risen! And we give thanks for the many ways we see Christs resurrection, life and power at work among Grace Covenant!

Warmly in Christ,

Bobby

Holy Week

Calendar, p. 5 Calendar, pp. 8-9 Mission

Committee Reflection, p. 10

Volume 46, Issue 3 March 2016

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Christian Education and Discipleship

Sunday School Held every Sunday from 9:45-10:30 a.m. The Nursery Crib Room (Rm. 103) and Sunday School are available for children ages 2 and up.

The Vanguard Class, Basement, Room B4 - Jesus spoke a great deal in parables. A parable is an illustration, a story that is designed to teach a lesson. Jesus used them frequently and cited the com-mon culture, norms, and situation of the time He did so in order to teach the listeners in terms they would understand. Join us each week as we explore these parables.

Forum of Grace, Room 212 - A newly combined class that will be going deeper into the theology and scripture of the Parables. A great class to come for lecture and some discussion.

Good Books, Room 303 - See below for more details.

Pre-K, Room 102

Early Elementary, Room 209

Pilgrims' Prep, Room 302 - Confirmation preparation

Youth Mentors

Good Books-Room 303

Good Books started a new book on February 28. Join us to explore Strength in Love, a collection of sermons, written by Martin Luther King, Jr. Current Book: Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Strength to Love (February 28 - Mar. 27) Next Book List: Martin Luther's The Freedom of a Christian (April 10 - 24) John Calvin's The Christian Life (May 1 - 22)

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A Note from Doug & Linda Pitts

To Our Friends at Grace Covenant: Thank you so much for the reception and delicious cake you provided as a "going away" for us following worship on February 7. We also want to thank everyone so very much for making us feel so welcomed and a part of the faith family at GCPC. Our experiences in being a part of, and involved with, this church have been very important to us during our time in Richmond and you have truly been a blessing in our lives. We pray God's wonderful and gracious blessings on each of you and may He hold you in the palm of His hand. We hope that we might have the opportunity for our paths to cross again in the future. We will definitely visit GCPC any time we're in or near Richmond. Grace and Peace, Linda and Doug Pitts

Womens Circles Meet Tuesday, March 8

Presbyterian Women

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Baby Shower for Bobby, Michelle & Baby Leo Sunday, March 13, 12:30-2:30 p.m. (This is a change in date!)

A baby shower and luncheon is being planned for Sunday, March 13, following worship. Everyone is invited!

The congregation is going in together to purchase a joint gift. If you wish to contribute, please make a donation to the church, indicating on the check or envelope that it is for the baby shower.. You may also add your own gifts to a congregational gift basket we are putting together. Please provide a gift (unwrapped for purposes of the basket) to Katherine Baird. Both donations for the joint gift and additional gifts for the gift basket are due on March 11. Questions? Contact Katherine Baird at katherine.laybourn@gmail.com. In lieu of cards, we invite you to help stock their family library by contributing a favorite children's book, with a personal note inside the front cover. Please drop off your unwrapped book in the Fellowship Hall on March 6 before worship (please don't wrap the books, as we'll be displaying them). Help us eliminate duplication by indicating your book of choice: contact Jessica Reveley (in person, at 908-433-1532 or jabreveley@gmail.com).

Church News

Dedicate an Easter Lily Please plan to purchase beautiful potted lily plants to help decorate our sanctuary for Easter Sunday. The order forms will be available at the information table across from the Social Room, beginning March 6 . Please fill out your form and drop it into the box with your check to cover the cost of the lilies. This year the cost is $13.00 per plant. The deadline for lily orders is Monday, March 21, so that we have time to get all the information into the Easter Sunday bulletin.

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Church & Community News

Class Name Position

2016

2016

2016

2017

2017

2017

2018

2018

2018

HOLY WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT Worship Services Schedule PALM SUNDAY- March 20, 2016 9:00 a.m. Potluck Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Palm Sunday Worship (First English Lutheran) 11:00 a.m. Worship (Grace Covenant)

MAUNDY THURSDAY- March 24, 2016 6:00 p.m. Church supper 7:00 p.m. Choral Tenebrae Sanctuary

GOOD FRIDAY- March 25, 2016 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil, Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Worship Service 2314 Monument Ave.

EASTER SUNDAY- March 27, 2016 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Chancel Choir and Handbells Hallelujah Chorus Bring flowers for the Flowering Cross

Sanctuary Open Good Friday for Prayer

The Worship Ministry invites everyone to engage in prayer for each other, our church, and our world, as our sanctuary will be open for prayer on Good Friday, March 25 from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Unlike past years, there is no need to sign up for a specific time. Simply come when it is convenient during the appointed hours and remain as long as you would like. The pew Bibles as well as alterna-tive devotional materials will be available for use.

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Church News

Jobs for Life at Grace Covenant Has Begun Tuesdays 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. The STEP Jobs for Life program has officially begun. Enormous thanks to all those who have been able to volunteer to help out with this soft skills job training ministry. Jobs for Life uses a biblically-based curriculum paired with a team of mentors, pastors, and business leaders to help this group of students discover who they are, what gifts and in-terests they possess, and what roadblocks they face in achieving their goals. The program will continue running Tuesday eve-nings through June 7.

Mission and Justice Ministry

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Mission and Justice Ministry Shalom Farms Returns, Saturday Morning, March 19

Join us the third Saturday of the month at Shalom Farms - a local food access and community de-velopment ministry (www.shalomfarms.org). We will help ensure everyone in our city has access to God's bountiful gifts of nutritious produce. We'll be out on the farm from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Nelson Reveley at nmr2uf@virginia.edu or 387-8094 if you can join us.

A group will be carpooling from the church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. (and re-turning by noon). Otherwise, you can meet us out on the farm at 9:00 a.m. (1033 Rock Castle Rd., Goochland, VA 23063).

Movement for Metro-Wide Transit: Help Envision the System, Mid-March

We welcome your support to share your thoughts on the need and promise of a metro-wide sys-tem to enhance equality of access to transportation for people throughout Central Virginia.

Your witness is critically important and this is a key opportunity to help shape this plan. The meet-ings will be open house from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and attendees can arrive at any point in that time-frame to give feedback through a series of interactive sta-tions.

Please attend a session if you are able.

North Park Library 8508 Franconia Road, Henrico, VA

Wednesday, March 9, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Ramsey United Methodist Church 5900 Hull Street Road, Richmond, VA Thursday, March 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

DMV West Broad 2300 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VA Monday, March 14, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

For more information or if you have questions, please see www.metrocrt.org or contact Nelson Reveley at nmr2uf@virginia.edu.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2 4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir6pm-WNS Lenten Worship & Meal7:30pm Chancel Choir

6 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

7 6pm-Admin Committee 6pm Finance Committee Mtg. 7pm CE Committee 7pm Worship Committee Mtg

8 9:30am-PW Circle #3 11:00am-PW Circle #2 6:00pm-PW Circle #1-Serving dinner for STEP Jobs for Life & meeting after 6:00pm STEP Jobs for Life

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4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir6pm-WNS Lenten Worship & Meal7:30pmChancel Choir

13 BABY SHOWER

9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour 12:30-2-30pm-BABY SHOWER

14 6pm Deacons Mtg 7pm Session Mtg

15 6:00pm-STEP Jobs for Life

16 4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir5:30pm Junior Choir6pm WNS Lenten Worship & Meal7:30pm Chancel Choir

20 PALM SUNDAY

9:00am Potluck Breakfast 9:45 Palm Sunday Worship (First English Lutheran) 11:00am Worship (Grace Covenant)

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22 6:00pm-STEP Jobs for Life

23 4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir5:30pm Junior ChoirNO WNS 7:30pm Chancel Choir

27 EASTER 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Coffee and Care 9:45 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

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29 6:00pm-STEP Jobs for Life

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March 2016

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Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir

WNS Lenten Worship & Meal 7:30pm Chancel Choir

3 9am-CDC Chapel

4

5

4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir

WNS Lenten Worship & Meal Chancel Choir

10 9am-CDC Chapel

11

12

4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS Lenten Worship & Meal 7:30pm Chancel Choir

17 9am-CDC Chapel

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Shalom Farms-9:00am Parents Night Out 5:00-8:00 p.m.

4:30pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5:30pm Junior Choir

7:30pm Chancel Choir

24 9am-CDC Chapel

MAUNDAY THURSDAY Choral Tenebrae-Sanctuary 6pm-Supper 7pm Service

25 GOOD FRIDAY

9:30am-3:30pmBlood Drive

8:00am-4:00pmPrayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

7:30pm Worship Service 2314 Monument Ave.

26 EASTER EGG HUNT 10:00am Details to Come Soon!

31 9 am-CDC Chapel

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Mission and Justice Ministry Mission Committee Reflection Threefold Mission & Justice Ministry: Relief, Development, and Reform

Our lives focus largely upon caring and working generously for families, communities, the congregation, busi-nesses, and institutions in which God has placed us. These are noble God-given callings. We are called in Christ as well to care and work for the needs of those beyond the boundaries of our everyday lives, especially those facing a dire lack of resources, relationships, or opportunities. How do we at Grace Covenant seek to help those outside the course of our everyday lives in these significant times of need? How do we seek justice (mishpat and tzadeqah in Hebrew) and the Kingdom of God (Basileia tou Theou in Greek) that so deeply mark Gods self-revelation in Scripture and Christ Jesus? How do we bear the fruits of our worshipping the Living God, faithfully foreshadowing and abidingly awaiting Christs return and the Kingdom Come? We do so by prayerfully engaging the following:

Relief Helping people in emergency situations or in need of ongoing assistance, whether medical, material, financial, relational, etc. We engage relief ministries through the Loaves & Fishes Fund, CARITAS, Good Fri-day Blood Drive, World Pediatric Project, ACTS, refugee assistance, and FeedMore (including Meals on Wheels).

Development Helping people develop their God-given talents so that they can exercise them in community with others, breaking free as able from need for relief support. We engage in development ministries through STEP (Strategies to Elevate People), Boaz & Ruth, Shalom Farms, Elijah House, CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring), the Honduras Medical and Dental Mission Trip, Living Waters for the World, POJ missionary Cindy Correll in Haiti, and Compassion International. Helping proclaim the spoken Gospel of Christ, from which outreach to others stems as a fruit, is also develop-ment ministry. We engage in it abroad through our support of Alpheaus Zobule and Islands Bible Ministries, Inc. in the Solomon Islands and the work of the Chicu family with Global Church Movements in Moldova, as well as in the fact that nearly every ministry we support is faith-based.

Reform Helping people address underlying institutional causes of poverty that stack the deck against their accessing opportunities and flourishing. We engage in reform ministries through RJI (Richmond Justice Initia-tive), RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities), and Congregational Movement for Metro-wide Transit.

We also of course engage in Relief and Development ministries amongst our congregation as well. In regards to Relief ministries, the Deacons Fund aids those in emergency situations within the congregation, and ministries of pastoral care, regular visitations, transportation, prayer, care team, parents night out, and meals ministry are also integral parts of our congregational life. Devoted worship of God, Christian Education offerings, and times for fellowship also are the essential ways in which we engage in Development ministry within the congre-gation, as we are grown to be ever more faithful and fruitful followers of Christ. It is a blessing to be so richly engaged in Gods mission and justice to the world. If you are reaching out in other groups or ministries, please let us know (just email info@grace-covenant.org).

We deeply and sincerely appreciate the chance to spread awareness of other opportunities and ways in which to live our faith, loving God in truth and action!

Grace and Peace, Nelson Reveley

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Mission and Justice Ministry

Good Friday Blood Drive Friday, March 25, 9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

On average, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion, and this is a precious gift that cannot be manufactured but only comes through the generosity of donors.

The Deacons and Missions Committee invite you, in service to God and our neighbors and partner-ship with the Red Cross, to join in the Good Friday Blood Drive this year. We are grateful for this op-portunity to unite in offering the life-giving gift of blood as we remember the reconciling and life-giving grace of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

All support is welcome, and if you are unable to donate yourself, we encourage you to consider seek-ing a substitute donor or volunteering your time. If you would like to donate or volunteer please con-tact info@grace-covenant.org or (804) 359-2463. You can also sign up to donate online at www.redcrossblood.org (search key word, "goodfriday").

In this love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.

- 1 John 4:10-11

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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details

I grew up in a Presbyterian Church that did not have an Ash Wednesday service. The whole idea of Ash Wednesday struck me as something for other people, and I really had no appreciation for it one way or another until I began serving a couple different Presbyterian congregations which had the service.

As many of you know, there is no biblical requirement to hold an Ash Wednesday service or to use ashes much as there is no biblical requirement to celebrate Christmas or Easter (though we celebrate the truths be-hind them year-round). Still, Ash Wednesday has been observed by many Christians for at least the past ten centuries. It is the day that marks the beginning of Lent a six-week period preceding Easter (Lent, too, is not in the Bible).

Around the tenth century, Christians began placing ashes on their forehead to signify their need for repent-ance, presumably emulating the likes of Job who repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). Notably, the ashes were done in the shape of the cross a symbol of the Good News. Thus, even as the ashes spoke of a need to repent (turn to God) they also spoke of resurrection power and hope.

The first time I had ashes placed on my forehead, it didnt do anything (and never does!). However, the visible ashen mark helped me consider again my need grace even as the cross-shape prompted me to give thanks for the Life in which I already stand because of what Jesus has done on the cross. The ashes also made me face anew the fact that I will one day die, which renewed my hope and thanks for the hope I have in Christ Jesus. Paradoxically, then, the ashes-receiving proved uplifting! Of course, this is in keeping with the Gospel which always cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37) and convicts even as it heals and binds up wounds.

After receiving ashes, I went to research the topic in more detail. I realized that while there exists no Bible verse that says we must observe Ash Wednesday or impose ashes, there is a good theological reasoning un-derpinning the service. In many ways, the service enacts our call to confess our sins to another, to weep with one another, and to know anew the Gospel hope (which can only be appreciated by naming, not avoiding, the darkness).

To be sure, there is nothing magical about the service or the ashes. Indeed, when calling the people of God to repentance, the prophet Joel says, rend your hearts not your clothing (2:13). The prophet Isaiah likewise tells the people to stop fasting and repenting in dust and ashes and instead get up and do justice (Isaiah 58:5-8). In other words, the prophets are calling the people out for thinking that they can perform external acts of worship (like tearing their clothes or wearing ashes in repentance) that will take the place of actually giving their hearts and doing the real work of the Lord in the world. We are wise to avoid any imposition of ashes if we think they gain us favor with God or have some power in and of themselves.

However, because the ashes can be a particularly poignant way for many Christians to know anew our hope in Jesus Christ, ashes will be offered at our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on Wednesday, February 18th in the chapel. The ashes will be entirely optional you may choose whether or not you come forward to re-ceive them. If you do come forward, I will put the ashes on your forehead in the shape of a cross with the words, Consider yourself dead to sin and alive in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:11). My prayer is that through the service of worship God will meet us in such a way that we are renewed in our hope and assured once again that we rest in the promise of the One who has come to bring Life and Life Eternal.

Lenten Worship and Meal Through March

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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details

I grew up in a Presbyterian Church that did not have an Ash Wednesday service. The whole idea of Ash Wednesday struck me as something for other people, and I really had no appreciation for it one way or another until I began serving a couple different Presbyterian congregations which had the service.

As many of you know, there is no biblical requirement to hold an Ash Wednesday service or to use ashes much as there is no biblical requirement to celebrate Christmas or Easter (though we celebrate the truths be-hind them year-round). Still, Ash Wednesday has been observed by many Christians for at least the past ten centuries. It is the day that marks the beginning of Lent a six-week period preceding Easter (Lent, too, is not in the Bible).

Around the tenth century, Christians began placing ashes on their forehead to signify their need for repent-ance, presumably emulating the likes of Job who repented in dust and ashes (Job 42:6). Notably, the ashes were done in the shape of the cross a symbol of the Good News. Thus, even as the ashes spoke of a need to repent (turn to God) they also spoke of resurrection power and hope.

The first time I had ashes placed on my forehead, it didnt do anything (and never does!). However, the visible ashen mark helped me consider again my need grace even as the cross-shape prompted me to give thanks for the Life in which I already stand because of what Jesus has done on the cross. The ashes also made me face anew the fact that I will one day die, which renewed my hope and thanks for the hope I have in Christ Jesus. Paradoxically, then, the ashes-receiving proved uplifting! Of course, this is in keeping with the Gospel which always cuts to the heart (Acts 2:37) and convicts even as it heals and binds up wounds.

After receiving ashes, I went to research the topic in more detail. I realized that while there exists no Bible verse that says we must observe Ash Wednesday or impose ashes, there is a good theological reasoning un-derpinning the service. In many ways, the service enacts our call to confess our sins to another, to weep with one another, and to know anew the Gospel hope (which can only be appreciated by naming, not avoiding, the darkness).

To be sure, there is nothing magical about the service or the ashes. Indeed, when calling the people of God to repentance, the prophet Joel says, rend your hearts not your clothing (2:13). The prophet Isaiah likewise tells the people to stop fasting and repenting in dust and ashes and instead get up and do justice (Isaiah 58:5-8). In other words, the prophets are calling the people out for thinking that they can perform external acts of worship (like tearing their clothes or wearing ashes in repentance) that will take the place of actually giving their hearts and doing the real work of the Lord in the world. We are wise to avoid any imposition of ashes if we think they gain us favor with God or have some power in and of themselves.

However, because the ashes can be a particularly poignant way for many Christians to know anew our hope in Jesus Christ, ashes will be offered at our Ash Wednesday service at 7pm on Wednesday, February 18th in the chapel. The ashes will be entirely optional you may choose whether or not you come forward to re-ceive them. If you do come forward, I will put the ashes on your forehead in the shape of a cross with the words, Consider yourself dead to sin and alive in Jesus Christ (Rom 6:11). My prayer is that through the service of worship God will meet us in such a way that we are renewed in our hope and assured once again that we rest in the promise of the One who has come to bring Life and Life Eternal.

Announcements

Entering & Exiting GCPC

There are lots of exciting activities happening at GCPC on a regular basis. We are proud to have so many great things going on and so many good people going in and out of our facility. We are a city church and we have recently had a security evaluation done. We are very conscious of the safety and security of our kids, members and guest throughout the week and on Sundays. You will notice, that the kickstands have been removed from the alley entrance doors and we ask that you please not prop those doors open. As we continue to develop our additional security standards, we will share with added measures in the very near future. Thanks for helping us keep GCPC a safe place to worship and learn.

Parents Night Out Saturday, March 19 Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Saturday, March 19, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. A charge of $5 per child will help defray the costs of child care, though there is a $10 maximum per family with more than two children. Please RSVP by 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, to the church at info@grace-covenant.org or 359-2463 with name of child and age.

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Announcements Openers and Closers

March 6- Brian Baird

March 13- Kent Cardwell

March 20 Cal Gray

March 27- Pete Sizemore

2-Hollis Cobb 16 John Alexander 3-Maria Rachal 19 Jullian Janney 4-Margaret Rosebro 20 Lucy Harvie 4- Paige Lake 23 Helen Reveley 5- Dr. Charles Massey 23 Debbie Pritchett 6- Dr. Katherine Baird 23 Ann Londrey 6-Alex Robinson 24 Betty Clough 7-Dr. Samuel (Mac) Janney, II 25 June Horner 7-Avery McKay 27 Holly Anderson 7-Benjamin Anderson 27 Bob Adams 7-Adele Ralston 29 Courtney Clements 8-Steve Booth 29 Matthew Gray 8-Sudie Wood 29 Jed Londrey 9-Carol Wood 29 Cooper Hammet 9-Bennett Corby 30 Tiffany Williams 10-Lily Spangler 11-Caroline Leith 11-Susan Farrell 11-Blair Gibson 12- Dawson Watkins 13-John Nevin 13-Brannan Boze 14-Becky Yonan 14 Gay Moss Follow GCPC on Instagram!

Grace Covenant is on Insta-gram. Follow gcpc_rva to see what's happening around GCPC.

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Weekly Sunday Morning Prayer The best way to start a Sunday morning, or any morning, is with prayer. Each Sunday morning from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. in the Social Room we have a time of prayer and all are welcome to participate. It is a prayerful time when hearts are quieted and focused on God, joys and concerns are shared, and prayers are raised in word and in spirit. It is a special time of caring, friendship, and blessing; please come and pray with us.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

Current contributions in January were up slightly from the total of January last year, but total con-tributions of $50,300 were up significantly due to payments on last years pledges. Also, approxi-mately $12,600 was recorded that had been prepaid in 2015 on this years pledges. Expenses totaled $ 52,100 in January and included $5,400 in insurance and $4,400 in taxes on the Stuart Circle Building. Total income exceeded expenses in January by $9,900, as a result of the recording of prepaid pledges mentioned above. In January our Five Cents per Meal offering was $64, and Loaves and Fishes offering $230.

Worship

What is Pilgrimage? It's a trip for the youth of GCPC who have completed the confirmation pro-cess. It's an opportunity to connect, not only with leaders and mentors in the church, but also friends on a journey that will put us in the shoes of the early reformation church in Scotland and England. It's set to be an incredible trip that will take place in the summer of 2017.

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Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor bobby@grace-covenant.org Christopher Martin Director of Music and Organist martin@grace-covenant.org Christopher Tweel Director of Christian Formation & Pastoral Assistant christopher@grace-covenant.org Nelson Reveley Parish Associate for Outreach & Adult Discipleship reveley@grace-covenant.org Denise Shafer Director of Communications denise@grace-covenant.org Martha Rubin Administrative Support/ Bookkeeper bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org Lauren Voyles Seminary Intern

Church Office Hours: Mon., Tues., and Thurs., 9:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Wed., 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Fri, 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon

Phone: (804) 359-2463

Fax: (804) 278-6298

grace-covenant.org

Sundays: 9:15 a.m.

Prayer Together in the Social Room 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building

10:55 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary

12:15 p.m. Congregational Fellowship

in the Social Room

GCPC Child Development Center Nicole Flournoy Director (804) 213-0200 director.gccdc@verizon.net gracecovenantcdc.com

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: Elected in February

ELDERS James Atchison (16) - Finance (M) Virginia Hudson (17) - Evangelism (M) Susan Boze (18) - Christian Education (M) Ray Davis (18) - Evangelism, Admin & Personnel Katie McCullough (16) - Mission (M) Bill Jacobs (18) - Stewardship (M), Property Lewis Rosebro (17) - Property (M) Pete Sizemore (16) - Admin & Personnel (M), Nominating Rob Turner (17) - Worship (M) MODERATOR OF THE BOARD OF DEACONS: Lisa Cardwell DEACONS Itunu Adekoya (16) - Prayer (M) Lisa Cardwell (18) - Felowship; Deacons Fund Phil Coltrain (16) - Glass Office (M) Deacons Fund Mary Gray (18) - Greeters/Ushers (Co-M) Meals (Co-M) Cynthia Holmes (18) - New Members (M) Jan Kessel (16) - Care Team (M), Dottie-Ray Koch (18) - Fellowship Sallie Leys (17) - Greeters/Ushers (Co-M) Meals (Co-M) Jessica Reveley (16) - Justice (M) Dawson Watkins (17) - Deacons Fund (M) Care Team Steve Kemp (18) - Media & Technology Margaret Harvie (18) - Visitation & Flowers TRUSTEES: Caroline Leith (17) Warren Zirkle (16)

The Staff Church Officers