1

Exciting Updates!

It is exciting to see all that God is doing as we head toward our centennial celebration and continue to step forward into the future that God has for us. In recent days, the Session has been working hard to discern our next steps as a congregation.

Two weeks ago the Presbytery of the James approved a motion from GCPCs Session to form an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC). GCPC has a long history of having an Associate Pastor as part the leadership of the church, and the Session believes that this is a good time for us reinstate that position. We believe God is calling us to ensure through this AP position that we have a strong, vibrant focus on Christian Education with regard to our families and children, especially as our connection with the Child Development Center continues to grow.

To that end, the Session believes that the best candidates for leading our Christian Education forward will come from those who are seminary trained and ordained (or ordain-able). As well, having another ordained pastor on staff ensures strong pastoral assistance in worship and pastoral care as well as more-focused leadership and training for our deacons.

While we are excited to see how God leads us through this process, we recognize that there are likely many questions to be asked at this point. Below are some initial answers to the questions you might have at this point. If you have others questions, please speak with Bobby or one of the Ruling Elders.

FAQs What is the process for calling an Associate Pastor? On Sunday, March 8, the Nominating Committee will begin soliciting recommendations from

the congregation concerning the members who might best serve on the APNC. Oftentimes 5 to 7 persons serve on the APNC.

The Nominating Committee then takes those recommendations and discerns which persons it believes God is calling to serve on the APNC. Once the Nominating Committee has those names, the Session will call a Congregational Meeting so that the congregation can elect the APNC and the search process can begin.

The search process entails writing a Church Information Form (CIF) so that candidates have a clear picture of our congregation and then receiving Personal Information Forms (PIF) from candidates. The APNC reviews the PIFs and narrows the field of candidates that it would like to interview.

Throughout the process, the Presbytery of the James (POJ) will be involved via a representative from the Committee on Ministry (COM). The POJ must approve our CIF before it is published and assist in the search process in whatever ways prove helpful. Then the Presbytery gives final approval to the candidate that the APNC recommends.

Once the POJ approves of the candidate, the APNC will then present the candidates name and the terms of call at a Congregational Meeting. The congregation votes on the candidate. Assuming an affirmative vote, the candidate will begin serving as our AP shortly thereafter.

(Continued on page 6)

Volume 45, Issue 3 March 2015

Monument 10k, pg. 5

Blood Drive

on Good Friday, pg. 7

Presbytery

Notes, pg. 11 Prayer Vigil,

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: (Mens 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: The Grace Bible Class is being taught by Jack Corley and regularly engages in the study of a book from scripture. From Feb to March 8 they will be in the book of Jeremiah. 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 Yancys Whats So Important About Grace? Good Books Class: Third Floor, Room 303: Lesson facilitated by Nelson Reveley and Rev. Bobby, who will be leading a discussion class exploring good books about God in our everyday lives. Currently reading In the Name of Jesus by Henri Nouen.

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 scripture 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. We are having a great time eating and being together! Questions? Contact James Atchison (jwatch@gmail.com).

3

Archery Tag and Go Carts! SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015 Time:TBA

$10 includes: 1 game of Archery Tag and 1 game of Laser Tag with a refillable fountain drink. Pizza afterward!

We need a commitment of at least 10 in order for this event to happen. Please sign up by March 1 by emailing Christopher, christopher@grace-covenant.org. All participants must register. For more information, check out the G-Force website

Skate-A-Way March 8

330 Speeks Road Midlothian, VA 5:00-7:00 p.m. $5 per skater Join Salisbury and other POJ churches

Date Night Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Saturday, March 14, from 5:00 p.m.-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.

Looking forward to next year be sure to keep these dates on your calendar. These dates below will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

April 11 and May 23.

Christian Education and Discipleship

4

They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, Hosanna!John 12:13

Palm Sunday is March 29; please plan to join us for breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15. Please bring a breakfast food to share; CE will provide the coffee and tea and juice. Well also have palms for making crosses and more to wave as we process with the other churches that make up the Stuart Circle Parish of Churches. After breakfast we will gather next door in front of First English Lutheran for our combined Stuart Circle worship service and procession down Monument Avenue. This tradition continues to be a special time in the life of Grace Covenant, and we hope each of you and all your families will join us. And dont forget to let the little ones see the donkey!

Christian Education and Discipleship

Consider the LiliesLuke 12:27

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 11. 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 $12.50 per plant. The deadline for lily orders is Monday, March 30, so that we have time to get all the information into the Easter Sunday bulletin. Please take your lilies home after worship on Easter Sunday to decorate your homes or share with friends to celebrate this joyous Eastertime.

Flowering the Cross on Easter Sunday

Please remember to bring fresh flowers to add to the cross at the front of the sanctuary on Easter Sunday morning. This is a beautiful Grace Covenant tradition that allows each of us to bring some of our own flowers to add to this massive arrangement of fresh flowers and greens in the form of a cross. Please bring your flowers into the sanc-tuary before worship and tuck them into the cross form; the children enjoy helping with this special task. The flowered cross sits up front during our Easter worship ser-vice and afterward is carried outside to sit on our front steps as a witness to all who pass by that Jesus has indeed risen today!

5

All Womens Circles Meet Tues., March 10

PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Janet Chenoweth

PW Circle 1

7:00 p.m.

1727 Park Avenue

Hostess: Laura Leigh

Savage

PW Circle 2

11:00 a.m.

Vanguard Room

Hostess: Suzanne

Sizemore

Presbyterian Women

the 100th celebration continues Presbyterian Women will continue the centennial celebration by hosting the 26th Annual Spring Gathering of the Presbyterian Women of POJ on Saturday, May 2. This is a wonderful opportuni-ty to share the history of Grace Covenant with other Presbyterian Women. The program will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by lunch and an afternoon worship service with communion. I hope ALL women of Grace Covenant will save this date, May 2, and be part of the beginning of our next 100 years! Please call Mary Gray if you would like to volunteer to help make this event a great success. Thank you, Mary Gray, 247-4899

It's the Monument Ave. 10K season again! On Saturday, March 28, Grace Covenant will be hosting our annual 10K Hospitality Station and Boaz & Ruth Cheer Zone the morning of the race, for runners and spectators alike to enjoy snacks, coffee, and fellowship on our terrace. We will also have a bouncy castle for the wee ones! If you would like to volunteer for the sta-tion, or help provide healthy snacks, please contact Virginia Hudson at vhudson81@gmail.com. If you are interested in running to support Boaz & Ruth, please contact Jessica Reveley at jabreveley@gmail.com.

Monument 10k!

6

How long will this take? There is no set timeline for how long the process takes. From the time that an APNC is formed to the time that we call an AP, the process may take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

We currently have Christopher Tweel-our Director for Christian Formation (DCF)-who is charged with building up our ministries among families and children what will happen to him? Christopher is doing an excellent job! He took the position sensing God calling him to GCPC for such a time as this, but he also knew that the church may consider having an Associate Pastor again as it has for most of its history.

Can Christopher be called as our next Associate Pastor? He can. In fact, Christopher believes he is called to ordained ministry. Even when he took the DCF position, he spoke about one day seeking an ordained call, and thus he recognized that at some point he would move on from the DCF position. While Christopher can be called as our next AP, the APNC that is formed will be charged to do a full search of all viable candidates for the position. In this way, we best ensure we are calling the person whom God has for us.

How is an Associate Pastor different from our DCF position? Much like our DCF position, the AP will be charged with supporting and developing the Christian education of our children and families. This includes continuing to build connections with and ministry among our many CDC families. Along with that focus, an AP will assist in pastoral duties including worship, visitation, and teaching. Once we have called an AP, we will no longer staff the DCF position.

How will this affect GCPCs financial situation? Thankfully, God has prompted this congregation toward continued generosity in support of the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ through this congregation, which has allowed us to support a full-time DCF position. While it will be necessary to use more of our budget to call an AP and remain in keeping with Presbytery guidelines concerning ordained pay, the amount needed to do this has already been budgeted. We believe, too, that this is a good stewardship of that which God has entrusted us as we seek to step by faith into our call to nurture and form disciples of every age, particularly those among our children and families.

The AP process is not the only exciting thing unfolding these days! At the Session meeting in February, the Session approved the following four goals for 2015:

Train, Invite, Lead, and Support Train every member to be a disciple. We will encourage every single member to commit to a training outlet during the

course of 2015. Options include a Sunday School Class, Prayer Group, or Small Group. Quarterly, the Christian Education Committee will review our membership to see who is participating and who can yet be invited.

Invite neighbors, VCU students and faculty, former members, and friends to come to GCPC for special events. These events include such things as special worship services, musical events, special lectures or classes, meals, game nights, or theater productions. The invitations should be as personal as possible e.g., an in-person invitation, a phone call, a handwritten note, or a flyer on their door step.

Lead in worship. Each Ruling Elder will assist at least two times in leading a worship service during the course of the year. Such leadership will be through choir participation, leading of the Call and Confession, a testimony, or leading of the Prayers of the People.

Support the CDC's growth in any way that we can so that more families in Richmond might be blessed by that ministry. We will be proactive in inviting them to worship as well as into discipleship and mission opportunities.

In the coming months, the Session will be working on specific action steps to ensure we remain intentional with these goals. While we cannot say precisely where and how God will lead as we take steps of faith in these directions, we do know that God is faithful! We are excited to see what will unfold as we journey together in this centennial year.

(Continued from page 1)

7

Mission and Justice Ministry Good Friday Blood Drive

April 3, 2015 2:00-7:00 p.m.

As we remember the reconciling, life giving grace of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, we are grateful for this opportunity to unite in offering the life giving gift of blood. 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. We invite you to join us in service to God and our neighbors and partnership with the American Red Cross as we seek to provide 100 successful blood donations. All support is welcome, and if you are unable to donate yourself, we encourage you to consider seeking a substitute donor or volunteering your time. If you would like to donate, please contact info@grace-covenant.org or 359-2463.

Participating Churches: Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church,

St. James's Episcopal Church, and City Church of Richmond

Location: Fellowship Hall at Grace Covenant

Justice Ministry Update - Nehemiah Action 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 20

What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?

- Micah 6:8 Mark your calendars and join us for our Nehemiah Action in union with all our fellow congregations in RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities) at 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 20 (Location TBA). We are aiming to bring together a great witness of God's faithful to encourage and call upon leaders in our region to make decisions that enable our whole region to flourish. This year we are focused around three issues: (1) pre-school access and reading levels for elementary school students, (2) job training for entry-level health care positions, and (3) effective use and steady funding for the city's affordable housing trust fund. We need you there so that we can have as powerful a voice and witness as possible! For questions or more information, please contact Nelson Reveley nmr2uf@virginia.edu or 387-8094.

RISC's Mission & Vision Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities (RISC) is an

organization of racially, religiously, and socio-economically diverse

congregations. Our mission is to build an increasingly powerful, communal

voice that can hold local leaders accountable to take action upon researched

solutions to the root causes of injustice in the Greater Richmond Area.

RISC stands united in action and 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

8

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

2

3 9:45 Staff (GCPC)

4 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

5 10am CDC Chapel

6 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

7 8:30pm POJ PW Meeting 2-5pm POJ Youth Archery Tag and Pizza Trip 5-8pm Parents Night Out

8 DayLight Saving Time Begins! 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour POJ Youth Event

9 6pm Ukirk 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

10 PW Circles (see pg. 5) 6pm Finance Meeting

11 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

12 10am CDC Chapel

13 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

14 5-8pm Parents Night Out

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

16

17

18 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 8pm Chancel Choir

19 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting

20 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

21 9-1pm Shalom Farms

22 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

23 6pm Ukirk

24 25 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

26 10am CDC Chapel

27 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

28

29 Palm Sunday

9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Combine Sunday School and Breakfast, Stuart Circle Worship and Processional 10:55 GCPC Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

30 31

March

9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

2

3 9:45 Staff (GCPC)

4 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

5 10am CDC Chapel

6 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

7 8:30pm POJ PW Meeting 2-5pm POJ Youth Archery Tag and Pizza Trip 5-8pm Parents Night Out

8 DayLight Saving Time Begins! 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour POJ Youth Event

9 6pm Ukirk 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

10 PW Circles (see pg. 5) 6pm Finance Meeting

11 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

12 10am CDC Chapel

13 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

14 5-8pm Parents Night Out

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

16

17

18 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 8pm Chancel Choir

19 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting

20 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

21 9-1pm Shalom Farms

22 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

23 6pm Ukirk

24 25 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

26 10am CDC Chapel

27 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

28

29 Palm Sunday

9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Combine Sunday School and Breakfast, Stuart Circle Worship and Processional 10:55 GCPC Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

30 31

** Reminder! March 24 is the deadline for submissions

for our March edition of Grace Notes.

10

2015 Howie Lecture March 2, 2015

Richmond Campus 1:30-4:30 p.m. and/or 7:30-9:00 p.m.

"Mozart and Theology"

Dr. Steffen Losel, an ordained pastor in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Bavaria, and an expert in music and theology, will lecture.

These events are free and open to all.

A complimentary lunch will be provided for those attending the afternoon session. Registration is required.

Memorial Service for Reverend Syngman Rhee March 23, 2015, 1:00 p.m. Union Presbyterian Seminary

Sprunt Lectures May 4-6, 2015

"Liberating Scripture Reading Against the Grain" Elisabeth Schssler 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

11

Improving Your Annual Stewardship Campaign

A Workshop for Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders Stewardship Committees, and Finance Committees sponsored by the office of Financial Stewardship

Saturday, April 18, 2015 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church 4103 Monument Avenue, Richmond

Cost: $10 per person with a maximum of $50 per church The church will receive a $10 REFUND if the pastor attends.

Areas of Focus:

*How an annual stewardship campaign fits into a church's stewardship ministry *Selecting or designing the campaign plan that's right for your church

*Best Practices for conducting an effective campaign

Leader: Dr. Ann A. Michel

Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary

From Our Presbytery

Next Presbytery Meeting:

Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Union Presbyterian Seminary

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 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

in March 2 Reagan McCullough 3 Maria Rachal 3 Zoe Koch 4 Margaret Rosebro 5 Chuck Massey 6 Katherine Baird 6 Alex Robinson 7 Mac Janney 7 Avery McKay 7 Adele Ralston 8 Steve Booth 8 Sudie Wood 9 Carol Wood 9 Bennett Corby 10 Lily Spangler 11 Caroline Leith 11 Susan Farrell 12 Jason Peters 12 Dawson Watkins 13 John Nevin 13 Brannan Boze 14 Becky Yonan 14 Gay Moss 16 John Alexander 17 Helen Holt 20 Lucy Harvie 23 Helen Reveley 23 Debbie Pritchett 24 Betty Clough 25 June Horner 27 Holly Anderson 27 Bob Adams 29 Courtney Clements 29 Matthew Gray 29 Jonathan Hubbard 30 Tiffany Williams

30 Jane Johnson

Fellowship Hour

March 1 Wood

March 8 Jacobs

March 15 Holmes

March 22 Savage

Openers and Closers

March 1Jake Savage

March 8Rick Nochta

March 15Pete Sizemore

March 22Kent Cardwell

March 29Lloyd Bostian

MONUMENT AVE. CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD

For many years Dick Cardwell faithfully updated the churchs announce-ment board on Monument Avenue weekly with the current Sundays Sermon title, any special services, etc. At this time we are seeking a vol-unteer who would be willing to take on this important task. If this is of interest to you, or if you would like further infor-mation, please contact the church if you can take part in this service!

Thank you! - The Worship Committee

Souper Bowl Winner!

$113 in the Seahawks bowl $43 in the Patriots bowl

Total $156 Thanks to all who made donations to this great cause. Too bad our predictions ran into some trouble...

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 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

Food Donations Needed! Please continue to remember the William Byrd Community House food donation areas. Now in two places! A small basket beside the nursery and the large cart at the bottom of the back stars as you enter the basement level. Keep this incredible and ongoing ministry in mind as we continue to help Richmond feed needy children who are try to do well in school! Its a wonderful program that we support through food donation.

GCPC Softball Team Interested in joining the spring softball team? We need at least 16 men to join! The West Mens Richmond Softball League runs from mid-April through late July. Games begin on April 13 and 14 (specific schedule to be announced later in March). We will compete against other church teams in the city at the Westhampton Field at 901 Maple Ave. near St. Marys Hospital. Cost per person: $30. Email Bobby if you have an interest in being on the team (bobby@grace-covenant.org).

The Resource Table You may have noticed that the table in the narthex has been re-purposedwith books! Not only will you be able to find the titles that Christian Education classes of various types are studying currently, but also a stash of books that the church at large is looking at, books that are being preached about in a series, books the Session is studying, or books that were written by members or pastors from GCPC!

Please do take a moment and look through this awesome resource, and if you are so inclined feel free to take one and leave a donation toward its purchase. Or, drop a check in the offering plate with "CE Library" in the memo, so that we can keep this source replenished.

We celebrate our continuing education together and hope you will join in "reading along" with the congregation as a family member at GCPC.

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.

Prayer Vigil

On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, after he had eaten supper with his disciples, he went with them to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He asked them to stay alert while he prayed. However, when he returned to them he found them sleeping, and asked, Couldnt you stay awake for one hour? Stay awake and pray so that you wont give in to temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Mark 14:37-38).

We, too, are Jesus disciples. As we remember the events of that night in Jerusalem, let us accept Jesus request to pray with him.

Grace Covenant will host a Prayer Vigil beginning Thursday (April 2, 8:00 p.m.) following the

Maundy Thursday Service and continuing through Good Friday (April 3, 5:00 p.m.). You may sign up for the segment of time you would like to commit to be in prayer during the vigil. You may pray individually or with others. You may pray at the church, at your home, or at a place that feels prayerful, peaceful, or has spe-

cial significance for you. If you would like to pray at the church, the Sanctuary and Chapel will be open from 8:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m. on Good Friday. It is our hope to have all the time segments of the vigil covered in prayer. You are encouraged to

pray for at least 30 minutes, but you may pray as long as you wish. How might you pray? Prayer is time spent with God: sharing feelings and concerns, praise and

thanksgiving, and listening to Gods message for you. Prayer may be done in many ways, i.e., listening, speaking, thought/meditation, writing, reading, singing, instrumental music, drawing, movement, silent contemplation, etc. You may pray in any manner comfortable to you.

Will you join us in prayer with Jesus?

You may sign up on the board in the social room at church or contact the church office at in-fo@grace-covenant.org . For more information you many contact Linda Pitts at 850-345-0634 or lindapitts2113@gmail.com.

15

Wednesday Night Supper

March 4: White chili, cornbread, salad, sheet cake March 11: Barbecue and buns, baked beans, coleslaw, apple crisp March 18: Potato bar, salad, bread sticks, Jell-O and cookies March 25: Baked chicken and rice, broccoli, salad, rolls, bread pudding and lemon sauce

Contributions of $37,900 in January were down more than half from the peak year-end month of December. They were also down about one-fourth from January a year ago due mostly to a smaller amount of prepaid pledges being transferred to the then

current year. Januarys expenses of $65,800 were up from the $73,800 total in December after deducting mission donations of $21,200 in December and $4,000 payment to Presbytery in January, but they included $7,800 in building repairs and $3,200 in insurance premiums. Expenses in January exceeded income by $17,800. Our Five Cents per meal offering in January was $60, Loaves and Fishes $235, and Mercy $141.

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, timely announcements, wor-ship 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: Mar 4 - Fellowship and Presentation on Bobby's Holy Land Trip Mar 11 - Fellowship and Video "Division and Reunion: A Reflec-tion on American Presbyterianism" (then Justice Ministry Small Group 7:00-8:00 p.m.) Mar 18 - Fellowship and Handbell Choir Concert Mar 25 - Fellowship and 100th Celebration Presentation Video "Celebrating Our Past: 1915-1990

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 Martha Rubin Interim 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

www.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

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 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