1

A Glimpse

I have heard many reflect with joy concerning the April 19 centennial worship service and celebration. Some likened it to a wedding where the goodness of God is palpably known throughout the entire day among friends and strangers alike. Others compared it to a high school or college reunion, except that the reunion included every class at once! Still others said it was humbling that God gave us the opportunity to share in such joy and thankfulness when, truly, it is the saints who have gone before us that have ensured we are alive and following Jesus together. Regardless, all agreed it was a day where the joy of the Lord was known. Now what? Where do we go from such a remarkable day? I think of Peter, James, and John with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. They experience the ultimate spiritually-uplifting moment: They see Jesus as his face shines like the sun and his clothes dazzle in pure white. Alongside Jesus are Moses and Elijah. Peter decides they need to set up tents for everyone so that the group can stay on the mountain together. He wants to prolong the time spent in the glow! And who can blame him? But the scene quickly turns. On their way down the mountain Jesus begins talking about how the Son of Man is about to suffer. His words echo those he spoke just before they all went up the mountain: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matt 16:24). Before and after the Mount experience Jesus talks of the hard path of true love. The Mount of Transfiguration was meant to encourage the disciples – feed their souls and show them a glimpse of the ultimate victory of Jesus over death. But the disciples were not made for remaining on the mountaintop – not then or now. We were made to follow Jesus in the ordinary and the difficult. While we can’t build a tent and keep everyone together just like we experienced on April 19, we can absolutely be nourished by it. The 19th was a soul-feeding glimpse: A reunion of humble and thankful saints who will one day sit not just at a Fellowship Hall meal for a few hours together but at the great banqueting table of

(Continued on page 4)

Volume 45, Issue 4 May 2015

Presbyterian Women Circles, pg. 3

Softball

Schedule, pg.6

Presbytery Notes, pg. 10

Fellowship Hall Renovation Update, pg. 14

WNS Calendar

and Menu, pg. 15

2

Held every Sunday from 9:30-10:30 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: (Men’s Class) Taught in rotation this class continues to study how "to be the men that God wants us to be this day," using material from scripture and the book “Sleeping Giant.”

Grace Bible Class, Second Floor, Room 212: John Nevin is teaching an ongoing study looking closely at the gospel of Matthew. The Forum Class: Basement, Room B7: Dr. Tom Miller will continue to lead the class through lessons on the theological principle Grace using some material from Phillip Yancy’s What’s So Important About Grace? Good Books Class: Third Floor, Room 303: Lesson facilitated by Nelson Reveley and Bobby, who will be leading a discussion class exploring good books about God in our everyday lives. Currently reading Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ by Eugene Peterson.

Christian Education and Discipleship

Sunday School

Toddlers Class, First Floor, Room 102: Taught by Rachel Lee this class focuses on spiritual development and early access to scripture through play and kinesthetic learning Elementary Class, Second Floor, Room 209-210: Taught by Moriah Illsley this class builds faith in young children and challenges them to apply lessons from scrip-ture to everyday life in school, at home and at play.

Youth Mentoring Class: Third Floor, Room 300: Each week volunteers and parents meet with teens to connect media to scripture in a way that is personally meaningful to our students. Currently in the book of Genesis!

Small Group for Parents! The Parents’ Small Group plans to continue meeting monthly through the end of May, and all parents/children are welcome to join in. The next meeting is Sunday, May 24.

Men’s Group – The next meeting with be May 6. All those interested, meet at the Bairds’ house (1704 Hanover) at 7:30 p.m. for fellowship and conversation (topics will rotate month-to-month). We will end by 9:00 p.m. Questions: Talk to or email Brian Baird - brian.baird5@gmail.com.

3

Date Night Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Saturday, May 23, 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 to the church at info@grace-covenant.org or 359-2463 with name of child and age.

Christian Education and Discipleship

Presbyterian Women All Women’s Circles Meet Tues., May 12

PW Circle 1

7:00 p.m

1727 Park Ave.

Hostess- Laura Leigh

Savage

PW Circle 2

11:00 a.m.

Vanguard Room

Hostess: Pat Aldridge

PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Lynne Norris

New Prayer Group Do you have a desire to pray for our church, our nation, our world? A new prayer group is starting after the worship service on the last Sunday of each month. We will pray in the chapel from 12:30 - 1:00 pm following the 11:00 church service. Our first prayer time will be on Sunday, May 31. For more information please contact Itunu Adekoya at 309-310-1424 or historybegins1727@yahoo.com, Susan Farrell at 359-6222 or susanbarr311@aol.com or Carol Wood at 282-2446 or ctwood7@gmail.com Please join us!

4

Jesus for all eternity. Abundant food, abundant friendship, abundant grace. May that glimpse of life-in-God together propel us forward – for others are surely meant to be at the abundant table, and so there is work to do.

(Continued from page 1)

RISC Nehemiah Action Success!

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

- Amos 5:24

We had an excellent RISC Nehemiah Action back on April 20 at St. Paul's Baptist Church. We continued our pursuit of justice in our region as we celebrated progress on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is now up and running to incentivize the construction of housing that is more affordable, especially for those with low income. Ellen Robertson, member of Richmond City Council, was present to celebrate with us. We also noted our recent work with local hospitals for the creation of a scholarship job training program on the north side or east end for entry level health care positions. Finally, we had the Chair of the Henrico Country School Board, John Montgomery, and the HCPS Superintendent, Dr. Patrick Kinlaw, present at the Action who expressed: (1) their recognition that there is a significant problem of elementary students reading under grade level in portions of Henrico; (2) their commitment to seeking a successful, measurable reading curriculum; and (3) their readiness to join members of RISC on a trip to visit a school in Baltimore that has seen dramatic increases its students' reading levels. Mr. Montgomery also highly encouraged and called upon community members to serve as mentors and tutors in our schools. Over 1,200 people came to the Action, our largest one yet. We, as part of this racially and socio-economically diverse host of God's faithful, remain committed to building a powerful communal voice that can encourage and hold local leaders accountable to take action upon researched solutions to the root causes of injustice in our communities. We remain united as well in active hope for a Greater Richmond Community in which everyone, regardless of zip code, social class, or skin color, has access to excellent education, nurturing community, safe neighborhoods, living-wage employment, restorative recreation, nourishing food, reliable health care, ease of transportation, and safe affordable housing. If you have any interest in learning more about this ministry or joining in it, please contact Nelson Reveley at nmr2uf@virginia.edu.

Mission and Justice Ministry

5

Mission and Justice Ministry

Shalom Farms Returns! Saturday, May 9

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Join us on the third Saturday of the month at Shalom Farms—a local food access and community development ministry shalomfarms.org - as we help ensure that everyone in our city has access to God's bounteous gift of nutritious produce. Please RSVP to Nelson Reveley at nmr2uf@virginia.edu or 387-8094. Carpooling from the church parking lot at 8:00 a.m. (and returning by 12:00 noon) is possible if there is inter-est. Otherwise, you can meet us out on the farm at 9:00 a.m. (1033 Rock Castle Rd., Goochland, VA 23063)! Our upcoming date will be June 20.

Food Donations Needed! There is an additional way to give to the incredible ministry happening at the William Byrd House. As we know this ministry for students also feeds them as part of their plan to increase wellness and success at school. Pick up a labeled grocery bag and fill it with the listed items! These are items that this ministry has identified as needed and is a great way to remind ourselves to continue our contributions. Thank you all for the amazing support you continue to show! Drop your filled grocery bags in the basket beside the nursery or in the large cart at the bottom of the back stars as you enter the basement level.

ONE Justice Conference: Richmond Justice Initiative Friday, May 15 - Saturday, May 16

Second Baptist Church 9614 River Rd., 23229

RJI (Richmond Justice Initiative) invites you to join in their ministry against human trafficking. This conference will be a time to come together as a united church in worship and prayer to the God of Justice, to gain Biblical teaching on God’s heart for justice and the Church’s role in the fight against injustice as disciples of Christ, and to mobilize the Church with tangible ways to pursue justice in our communities. Speakers include Corey Widmer, Bethany Hoang, and John Richmond.

General admission registration is $65 ($45 for students), but as a sponsor Grace Covenant has a select number of complimentary tickets available. We would love to have our congregants join in this conference. If you would like to participate, please contact Nelson Reveley nmr2uf@virginia.edu. For more information, please see onejusticeconference.com.

6

Men’s Softball Team Schedule

7

CDC Update Grace Covenant Presbyterian, This month, I would like to give out a special thank you to Mr. Martin for giving amazing music lessons to the Pre-K children every week. Through Mr. Martin’s hands-on and age appropriate musical activities, children learn rhythm, pitch, and creative expression. They even got to share that expression with the Wednesday night supper crowd on April 22, exposing parents of the CDC to the wonderful fellowship opportunity of WNS. This was both educational and furthered our mission to increase crossover in community between the church and CDC families! In keeping with the goal (of both the CDC and GCPC) to increase Grace Covenant’s presence in the Richmond area, we always strive for our children to grow through the program and graduate into the public school system with a love of learning and a foundation for a relationship with Christ. After a few years of pitfalls and setbacks, we now have a full Pre-K class planning to graduate in 2016! I’d like to give a second special thank you to GCPC’s Session and other leaders who made sure that we had the space to accommodate this class in order to finish their early education years here at Grace Covenant. This means so much to families, children, and staff, who are all so excited to provide a complete and quality experience for our community. In the meantime, for May, children will explore the mechanics of how we are able to go from place to place with next month’s child-favorite theme of Transportation! We will learn that humans can travel using their own body power, with their own two feet or even on a bicycle! They will learn what cars are and different parts of the car such as steering wheel, wheels, breaks, and horn, as well as trucks and different uses for trucks such as carrying cargo or performing industrial jobs. They will explore all different types of trains, and learn how trains import and export goods throughout the country, as well as look at airplanes and boats, and talk about how they are used for travel across the ocean. Through the concept of travel, children will also be introduced to the idea of places in other parts of the world, and how things there may be different. We may even get to explore some of the more obscure types of transportation, like hot-air balloons, dog sleds, motorcycles, and other fun topics - Nicole Flournoy Director of the Child Development Center

CDC Annual Spring Gathering! With the warming weather it’s time to start thinking about cook-outs, outdoor activities, and our annual Sunday School / CDC Spring Gathering! We’re planning to meet here at the church on Saturday, May 16, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. for fun and fellowship in the way of a bounce house, balloon animals, chalk drawing, face-painting, and much more! We’ll be organizing the food a little differently this year, in that we ask all participants to please bring a “pizza” dish to share. Relay Foods has even volunteered to attend and offer tutorials and samples for healthier (but still pizza-licious) alternatives to this classic American

(but kind of greasy!) meal. So whether you have kids in Sunday school, or just support GCPC’s Sunday school program, we look forward to seeing you there!

8

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 26th Annual Spring Gathering of the Presbyterian Women of POJ POYJO Team Building

3 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship Congregational Meeting 12:15 Fellowship Hour Backpacking trip info meeting

4 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

5 6 pm PW Salad Supper

6 4pm Care Team 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

7 10am CDC Chapel

8 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

9 9-12 noon Shalom Farms 6 pm The People Group Meeting @ Will Madden’s

10 Mother’s Day 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour *No Children's Church

11 Worship Committee 6:30pm Ukirk

12 PW Circles (see pg. 3)

13 4pm Care Team 6pm WNS 7pm Justice Ministry Small Group 7:15pm Chancel Choir

14 10am CDC Chapel

15 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary) Family Overnight Retreat

16 Family Overnight Retreat 3-5 pm CDC Pizza Potluck

17 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

18 Start of fellowship hall remodel

19 20 4pm Care Team

21 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting

22 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

23 Parents Night Out

24 Pentecost No Sunday School 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 10:55 GCPC Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour Parents Small Group

25 Church Office Closed CDC Closed 6:30pm Ukirk

26 27 28 29 30

31 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School in Grace Bible Class 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour 12:30pm New Prayer Group meeting

May

9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 26th Annual Spring Gathering of the Presbyterian Women of POJ POYJO Team Building

3 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship Congregational Meeting 12:15 Fellowship Hour Backpacking trip info meeting

4 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

5 6 pm PW Salad Supper

6 4pm Care Team 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

7 10am CDC Chapel

8 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

9 9-12 noon Shalom Farms 6 pm The People Group Meeting @ Will Madden’s

10 Mother’s Day 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour *No Children's Church

11 Worship Committee 6:30pm Ukirk

12 PW Circles (see pg. 3)

13 4pm Care Team 6pm WNS 7pm Justice Ministry Small Group 7:15pm Chancel Choir

14 10am CDC Chapel

15 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary) Family Overnight Retreat

16 Family Overnight Retreat 3-5 pm CDC Pizza Potluck

17 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

18 Start of fellowship hall remodel

19 20 4pm Care Team

21 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting

22 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

23 Parents Night Out

24 Pentecost No Sunday School 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 10:55 GCPC Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour Parents Small Group

25 Church Office Closed CDC Closed 6:30pm Ukirk

26 27 28 29 30

31 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School in Grace Bible Class 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour 12:30pm New Prayer Group meeting

** Reminder! May 20 is the deadline for submissions

for our June edition of Grace Notes.

10

CLERK OF SESSION TRAINING

May 3, 2015 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Swift Creek Presbyterian Church 5900 Woolridge Rd., Moseley, VA 23120

Sprunt Lectures May 4-6, 2015

"Liberating Scripture – Reading Against the Grain" Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza, Krister Stendahl Professor of Divinity at Harvard

Divinity School Preacher: Theodore J. Wardlaw (D.Min., '78), President of Austin Presbyterian

Theological Seminary 2015 Distinguished Alumnus: Glenn Q. Bannerman (M.R.E., '57), Professor

Emeritus of Recreation and Outdoor Education

Richmond Campus Commencement May 30, 2015,

10:00 a.m. Ginter Park Presbyterian Church,

3601 Seminary Ave., Richmond, VA

From Our Presbytery

Next Presbytery Meeting:

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 Location: King's Chapel,

Held at First Baptist Church, Ashland

11

Centennial Celebration

12

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 didn’t ‘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

Fellowship Hour

May 3 Nevin

May 10 E. Reveley

May 17 Cardwell

May 24 Baird

May 31 Price

Openers and Closers

May 3 —Jake Savage

May 10 —Cal Gray

May 17—Pete Sizemore

May 24—Kent Cardwell

May 31—Lloyd Bostian

Presbyterian Women Salad Supper

The Presbyterian Women Salad Supper is Tuesday, May 5, at 6:00 p.m.! Circle 1 will be organizing and preparing for this fun event. Please bring a salad to share! The Birthday Offering will be collected.

in May…

1– Dave Malan

2– Pete Sizemore

2– Lisa Cardwell

3– C. T. Anderson

3– Allison Hazlegrove

4– Diane Davis

7– Grace Battle

7– Sarah Oatts

8– Nancy States

9– Brent Corby

12– Margaret Cardwell

14– John Harris

15– Eleanor McClanahan

16– Wil Dickerson

17– Peter Albertis

17– Mary Reid McCullough

20– Curt Kennedy

20– Amara Tweel

21– RoseMaire Bundy

21– Jeanie Kennedy

21– Brian Baird

22- Jane Londrey

22- Leah Soukup

25– Erika Tabor

27– Katie McCullough

30– Tony Manning

Don’t Forget! The fellowship hall remodel starts Monday, May 18. We will not have access to the Fellowship Hall or kitchen starting on that day.

There will be no Children’s Church Sunday, May 10.

13

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 didn’t ‘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

Vacation Bible School is coming! We will be returning to the time of ancient Nazareth with an awesome curriculum study from Group Publishing. Mark your calendars for June 22- 26! We will be welcoming our students to VBS from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; there will be a large mid—morning snack. Children in childcare for the summer are welcome, and will be taken back into their CDC class at 12:oo noon, if previously arranged by parents. We are looking forward to an awesome VBS together!

Appalachian Trail Backpacking Trip We are looking at taking a backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail either June 11, 12, and 13 or June 12, 13, and 14. This will be a moderate hike which is great for teenagers and even beginners who are relatively healthy. We would plan on covering a little less than 10 miles a day on the trail. We will be "shelter hopping" and look to be going North bound on the trail. Our load out point is a mere 2 hours from Grace Covenant! If you are interested in some scenic wilderness and a prayerfully beautiful trip in the VA mountains, plan on coming to the info table on May 3 after church (in the social room). Stop by, look at the map, ask questions and sign up. For the group interested we will have a time of pre-planning and education on packing and details of what to expect each day.

Family Overnight Retreat May 15-16 We look forward to an overnight together with a campfire, some hiking, visiting with the goats and chickens, and spending a great morning together at Camp. After lunch on May 16 we will break with enough time to return for the CDC open house, for those that want to take part in that fun as well! All are invited!

Change in Martha’s hours Martha Rubin has been “in transition” the past few months. She has been helping Randy Nunn tran-sition into the bookkeeping position even as she has been helping Amy transition into her Communi-cations Director position. We are grateful for her flexibility! As of May 1, the transition period will end and Martha will be present for 10 hours a week as our Administrative Support. She will be pre-sent all day on Tuesdays and half days on Friday. As Administrative Support, Martha is still the one to whom you turn in receipts and have checks prepared. She will continue to prepare annual and quar-terly giving statements. Martha is also still the one you contact regarding your pledge or other contri-bution concerns. Other bookkeeping/financial duties are under Randy’s purview. Finally, Martha will continue providing administrative support in a variety of ways around the office.

14

Worship Sunday Morning Prayer The best way to start a Sunday morning, or any morning, is with prayer. Each Sunday morning at 9:15– 9:30 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.

Dear Members and Friends of Grace Covenant, As you may have heard, our Fellowship Hall will undergo a major renovation early this summer, which will primarily consist of new flooring, ceiling and light fixtures, newly “wrapped” columns, and fresh paint. We would like to provide an update regarding the timeline: Work will begin in mid-May with asbestos removal. This should take approximately two weeks. Earlier this year, we had the old materials which comprise the floor tile and glue (under the current carpet in the Fellowship Hall) tested and the results confirmed that these materials contain asbestos. The asbestos was tightly bound and, therefore, not hazardous; however, since we will be removing the carpet to install new flooring, it is prudent to have asbestos removal experts extract the old tiles and adhesive. It is our goal to have work begin on the renovation immediately following the asbestos abatement, which should be the first week of June. The renovation should last 5 - 7 weeks. We are excited to renew this space, which plays an important role in the life of our church. We appreci-ate your patience through this process. Sincerely, Carson Price, Cal Gray, Cheryl Jacobs, RoseMarie Bundy, Bobby Hulme-Lippert

Fellowship Hall Renovation Update

Summer Sunday School: Worship in the Church over Centuries This summer we will be exploring the history of worship from the early church to the present. What forms have worship taken and why? What has remained constant? What has changed? And how does looking to those who have gone before us inform how we worship faithfully today? We hope you will join in the class! Bobby Hulme-Lippert and Christopher Tweel will be leading the course. On May 31, a guest Sunday School lesson from Rev. Dr. Ross Mackenzie will also be part of the series (the particular Sunday in June TBA). Rev. Dr. Mackenzie’s bio is below.

From 1963 Rev. Dr. Mackenzie was a church historian at Union Seminary for nearly twenty years. He has served also in pastorates both in his native Scotland and in this country. In 1989 Rev. Dr. Mackenzie was asked to serve as the first full-time director of the Department of Reli-gion of the Chautauqua Institution. More recently he served as director of the department of re-ligion in western New York State, retiring from there as historian emeritus in 2006.

15

Wednesday Night Supper

May 6: Tuna-fish casserole, broccoli, salad, biscuits, and brownies May 13: Potato bar and pineapple upside-down cake

March’s contributions of $42,800 were up over one-third from those of February, but were about even with those of March a year ago after taking into account contributions relating to prior year pledges. For the first quarter of this year contributions are down about 7% from the same period last year. Expenses of $56,300 in March were also down from February’s

total and included about $8,000 in fuel costs and $2,800 in various mission initiatives. For the first quarter expenses are up about 16% over the first quarter of last year due mostly to higher personnel costs. March’s income exceeded expenses by $4,900, and for the first quarter expenses have exceeded income by $41,300. Our Five Cents Per Meal Offering in March was $92, Loaves and Fishes $255 and Mercy Fund $63.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

Menu

Join the Excitement at 6:00 p.m. "Celebrating Our Past - Believing in Our Future"

Save yourself the trouble of cooking dinner and come join us Wednesday nights for a time of growth in fellowship and faith. Every night we'll have arts & crafts for the kids, time-ly announcements, worship preparation cards for the coming Sunday, and either faith-infused live music, a trivia night, or an excellent presentation! $5 per adult, $2 per child, with $12 max per family. Our upcoming schedule is below:

May 6- Fellowship & Study on Parables in Luke's Gos-

pel, Nelson Reveley

May 13 - Fellowship & Study on Parables in Luke's Gos-

pel, Nelson Reveley (Justice Ministry Small Group, 7:00-8:00

p.m.)

Food and Faith Summer Series The Wednesday Night Summer Cook-Outs are back! Dinner will be put together by the hosts (see be-low), and it will start at 6:oo p.m. About 6:45 p.m., a conversation around Scripture and that evening’s theme will begin. It’s casual, and a great time to bring the whole family! We simply ask that you consid-er making a $3-4 donation per person to cover food costs ($12 max for a family). June 10 Hulme-Lipperts’ House 2307 Floyd Ave. From Farm to Table to Disciples June 17 Susan Farrell's House 1704 Park Ave. Hospitality June 24 Reveleys’ House 1031 Ridge Top Rd. Ethics July 8 Jacobs' House 1502 Park Ave. Generosity July 15 Bairds’ House 1704 Hanover Ave. Stewardship July 22 TBA Eucharist

16

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 nmr2uf@virginia.edu Amy Kempel Director of Communications amy@grace-covenant.org Martha Rubin Office Manager/Bookkeeper bookkeeper@grace-covenant.org Rex Childs Seminary Intern Rex.Childs@upsem.edu Linda Pitts Seminary Intern linda.pitts@upsem.edu

Church Office Hours: Mon., Tue., 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

12:00 noon 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 Covenant’s ministries.

CLERK OF SESSION: Everett Reveley

ELDERS James Atchison (’16) - Finance (C-M) Virginia Hudson (’17) - Mission (M), Nominat-ing Cheryl Jacobs (’15) - CE (M) Caroline Leith (’15) – Property (Co-M), CE Katie McCullough (’16) - Administration (M) Everett Reveley (’15) – Stewardship (M) Lewis Rosebro (’17) - Property (Co-M) Pete Sizemore (’16) - Administration (Co-M) Rob Turner (’17) - Worship (M)

DEACONS Itunu Adekoya (’16) - Prayer (M) Lisa Cardwell (’15) - Flowers (M) Courtney Clements (’15) - Visitation (Co-M), Fellowship Phil Coltrain (’16) - Glass Office (M), Deacons’ Fund Mary Gray (’15) - Meals (M), Visitation (Co-M) Cynthia Holmes (’17) - Fellowship (M) Jan Kessel (’16) - Care Team (M), Transportation (M) Dottie-Ray Koch (’17) - Fellowship (Food Committee) Sallie Leys (’17) - Greeters/Ushers Jessica Reveley (’16) - Justice (M) Jennifer Schooley (’15) - Guests Follow-Up, New Members (M), Deacons’ Fund Dawson Watkins (’17) - Deacons (M), Care Team

TRUSTEES: Caroline Leith (’14) John Roberts (’15) Warren Zirkle (’16)

The Staff Church Officers