Grace Notes

Steve Cobb, Pastor, cobb@grace-covenant.org

Christopher J. Thomas, Associate Pastor, thomas@grace-covenant.org
Christopher D. Martin, Director of Music and Organist, martin@grace-covenant.org
Janice A. Caldwell, Editor, caldwell@grace-covenant.org
Church Office (804) 359-2463, www.grace-covenant.org

Volume 39, Number 11 November 2009

______________________________________________________________________________________

A Word from Our Pastor preach to the world in the name of Christ. It is this
conviction that encourages us to strive, to prepare
Steve Cobb, Pastor for works of service, so that the body of Christ may
Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ, be built up... Ephesians 4:12.
There is no doubt these are unsettled times in the
I am so very excited to be days away from eyes of the world. As Christians we too struggle to
joining you in ministry. As mentioned to the make sense of the headlines which catch our
Pastor Nominating Committee, it is attention. At times we can even miss the still, small
simultaneously a fulfillment of God’s voice of God speaking consistently and clearly a
providential care and incredibly humbling to join message that is so very contrary to the message of
my ministry with the ministry of Grace Covenant fear that so often takes center stage. As recipients of
Presbyterian church. The following is just one of grace we can and must proclaim to the world the
the reasons I know this represents such a message that God is always in charge. Through the
powerful kairos (opportune) time is each of our centuries, the lives of billions of believers have
lives. May God bless our ministries as we seek witnessed to this wonderful claim. They are the
to carry the name of Jesus to a world so clouds of witnesses who assure us that God is
desperately in need of good news only he can indeed sovereign, faithfully watches over us, and
bring. has provided for our redemption. The gift of our
In the epistle to the Ephesians there is a wonderful Messiah is, and always has been, more than
image of who and what we are called to be as enough to allow the church to grow and flourish in
followers of Jesus Christ. There is one body and one unsettled times.
Spirit–just as you were called to one hope when you Since 1790 so many have served Grace Covenant
were called–one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one faithfully. You have answered God’s call with
God and Father of all, who is over all and through courage, endurance, determination, and grace to
all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6) This is a beautiful the great glory of God. You have poured yourselves
description of Christian community and the ways in into the preservation of this body of Christ, and
which we each participate in that community to contributed to God’s plan for the redemption of the
bring it strength and vitality. Please note the world. The tangible expression of your involvement
emphasis place on the power we wield only as a in this church renews all our energy and strengthens
community of believers. all our resolve. Together, and only together, this
It is this emphasis that led the Reformers to point out community at 1627 Monument Avenue serves as a
that the question for each Christian is not, “Am I beacon for Christ in Richmond.
called to ministry?” but rather, “To which ministry We know we walk beside every single person who
am I called?” In the Reformation tradition, pastors has ever been part of Grace Covenant as we
are called to preach to the congregation, in the boldly, and faithfully journey together into the
name of Christ, so that the congregation may future. As believers in God’s promises we will
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Grace Notes
continue, speaking the truth in love, and trust that trot). Come and enjoy food and fellowship, and
we will in all things grow up into him who is the dancing and learn more about the ministry and
Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, upcoming events of the new Richmond Center for
joined and held together by every supporting Christian Study. For more details and registration,
ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each go to http://richmondstudycenter.org
part does its work (Ephesians 4:15-16). Grace Notes Deadline: November 15 is the
deadline for submissions to December’s edition of
In His Love, our monthly newsletter, Grace Notes.

Steve Serve Meals to the Hungry: Volunteers are needed

to serve a meal on Monday, November 16, from
5:15 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., at Conrad Center, 1400
News of Members Oliver Hill Way. If you are interested in helping,
please contact Patrise Sears at 248-1668.
New Arrival! Clayton “Clay” Daniel Grinnan was
born on September 25, to the proud parents Stewardship: Our Stewardship season began in
Samara and Daniel Grinnan, and to big sister, October and will conclude with Dedication Sunday
Emily. on November 22.
Volunteers for Grace Notes: are needed to help
Give thanks for the many people in our prepare our monthly newsletter for bulk mail 9 a.m.
congregation, who successfully had surgery in -12 noon on Tuesday, November 24. If you would
recent months. Please remember to pray for them as like to help for any, or all, of that time frame, simply
they recover, as well as those amongst us who are come to the church library and enjoy some
still unemployed, that they will find employment fellowship with other members as you volunteer in
soon! In addition, pray for those members, who are this bite-sized ministry.
participating in short-term mission trip this winter in
The PEOPLE Group–EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Honduras.
Come be part of a group of members and guest
Announcements when we gather for fun, fellowship and very good
food! Everyone brings a covered dish. The food is
WELCOME Pastor Steve Cobb! This month our new always delicious and fellowship is delightful. The
lead pastor, Steve Cobb, is beginning a new next PEOPLE Group will be at 6:30 p.m. on
chapter in the history of Grace Covenant. Please December 12. We will be getting together at the
remember to pray for him and his family as they beautifully decorated home of Beth and Phil
adjust to this move, and begin lives here amongst Coltrain. Beth and Phil live in Richmond’s historic
us at Grace Covenant! (Steve will preach here for Ginter Park area. Ginter Park is a beautiful
the first time on Sunday, November 15.) neighborhood with tree-lined streets and beautiful
grand residences. Mark your calendars now to part
Mothers Together: meet every Thursday in the of this delightful evening! Feel free to call Suzanne
Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact and Pete Sizemore at 288-7757 for additional
Patricia Clarke by phone at 342-7481 or by e-mail information.
at patriciaandsteve@comast.net.
William Byrd Community House: Food donations
Music Benefit for The Richmond Center for are needed; donations may be left in the basket in
Christian Study: On Friday, November 6, from the Glass Office (in the office near the back doors,
7:00-10:00 p.m., St. Giles Presbyterian Church on the main floor of the Education Building). Please
presents a music benefit for The Richmond Center consider giving.
for Christian Study, featuring Tommy Witten on
Forum Class: Tom Miller will lead the class in
piano (free dance lessons in swing, waltz, and fox
November.
November 2009 Page 3
Grace Notes
Fellowship Hour: If you would like to volunteer to Greeters
make the coffee for the Fellowship Hour on a November 1: Bob Copeland,
Sunday, then please print your name on the Everett Reveley, Leslie Hartman
Calendar in the Glass Office. There is still one November 8: Lewis Rosebro & David Martin
opening left in November! November 15: Kent Cardwell, Everett Reveley,
Flowers: If you are interested in donating flowers in Leslie Hartman
the sanctuary on Sundays, contact Lisa Gray at November 22: Brian Baird, Kelly & David Lacy,
673-0587. and Stephanie Thomas
November 29: Bob Copeland and Brian Baird
Volunteers’ Duties and Dates December 6: Bob Copeland, Everett Reveley,
and Leslie Hartman
Openers/Closers
November 1: Pete Sizemore Children’s Worship Kits
November 8: Hank Downing November & December: Kaete Unterzuber
November 15: Jake Savage Guest Register Attendants
November 22: Whit Whitley November 1: Betty Appich
November 29: Lloyd Bostian November 8: Dawson Watkins
December 6: Charlie Appich November 15: Everett Reveley
December 13: Bob Brooks November 22: Lisa and Cal Gray
December 20: Cal Gray November 29: Jo Garber
December 27: John Lootens December 6: Betty Appich
Nursery Volunteers Wednesday Night Supper Glass Office Monitors
November 1: Lauren Corby, Carson Price, November 4: Sam Lowe
one more volunteer needed here! November 11: David Martin
November 8: Leslie Hartman, November 18: Julia Poppell
Rebecca Horner, Jo Garber November 25: Stephen Piepgrass
(and Beth Coltrain) December 2: Dottie-Ray Koch
November 15: Stephanie Thomas, December 9: Pat Ball
Ann Hubbard, Katie McCullough December 16: Laura Leigh Savage
(and Susan Boze)
November 22: Megan Rogers, Katherine Arthur, Thanks
Julia Poppell
(and Nikki Hazlegrove) Thanks to everyone at Grace Covenant, who
November 29: Lewis Rosebro, Margaret showed me so much love and concern while I as
Cardwell, Lisa Cardwell recovering from surgery. The many cards meant so
(and Susan Farrell) much and I had reread them so many times. The
December 6: Lauren Corby, Carson Price, visits and phone calls were equally meaningful, and
one more volunteer needed here! I want everyone to know how grateful I am to each
and every one. Thank you, and I will see you very
Coffee Fellowship Time soon.
November 1: Elizabeth Russell
November 8: Ray and Diane Davis With much love and gratitude,
November 15: Ray and Diane Davis
November 22: Cherry and Jack Corley Dottie-Ray Koch
November 29: Suzanne and Pete Sizemore
December 6: volunteer needed
December 13: The Bairds
Page 4 November 2009
Grace Notes
Wednesday Night Supper Programs Presbyterian Women
and Menus Circle Meetings
$5 per adult, $2 children and students, November 10
$12 maximum per family unit Circle 1–1704 Hanover Avenue 7:30 p.m.
Here’s a taste of the good things you can expect: Katherine Baird, Leader
Hostesses: Katherine Baird & Erika Tabot
November 4–Hymn sing
November 11–Veteran’s Day panel Circle 2–Lydian Room 10:30 a.m.
November 18–Operation Christmas Child Marge McFall, Leader
project Dottie-Ray Koch, Co-Leader
November 25–Thanksgiving dinner Circle 3–Social Room 9:30 a.m.
December 2–Wreath making (adults) Lynne Norris, Leader
and cookie making (kids) Becky Reeves, Co-Leader
December 9–Christmas Bible meditation Hostesses: Margaret Cardwell
December 16–Christmas karaoke, cider, etc. and Lewis Rosebro
(Babysitting provided)
Menus for November are as follows (menus are Circle 4–Westminster Canterbury, 10:30 a.m.
subject to change due to food costs & availability): Jo Garber’s place
November 4–Rock castle chicken, Harvard Julia Poppell, Leader
beets, romaine fruit salad, rolls and apple crisp. Lee Farrar, Co-Leader
November 11(Family Night)–Meat loaf, squash Circle 5–Covenant Room (Room B-4) 11:30 a.m.
casserole, collard greens, tomato aspic, rolls Nell Dickenson, Leader
and sheet cake. Pat Aldridge, Co-Leader
Children’s menu–chicken nuggets! Hostess: Maria Rachel

November 18–Barbeque on buns, baked beans,

cole slaw and éclair cake.
Thank You
November 25–Turkey, dressing and gravy, sweet By Lee Farrar
potatoes, green beans, cranberry salad, rolls
and Nell’s homemade pumpkin pie! Thanks, all of you, for your prayers, meals, cards
and telephone calls during my recent hospitalization
December 2–Brunswick stew, salad bar, corn and convalescence. Grace Covenant, as a
bread, Jello and cookies. community, gives each of us a family we can call
December 9(Family Night!)–No peek beef, upon in time of need. We all can be thankful for the
noodles, mixed vegetables, salad bar, rolls, wonderful support we receive from our members
brownie. and staff.
Children’s menu–Macaroni & Cheese
December 16–Mystery chicken, rice, green
beans, spinach salad, rolls and fruit cake
cookies.
November 2009 Page 5
Grace Notes
For Richard NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
By Evelyn Ritchie Tower
2–Andrew Lewis Kennedy
Imagine a church of great beauty, 4–Sky Harper
Blessed by generations of believers, 5–Eddie Cardwell
Possessing a gifted organist, a willing choir, –Lydia Lewis Coleman
A church slowly emptying, besieged by distances, 6–Sean Gillman
Without a shepherd, –Ed Schlieser
Looking for a rescuer. 7–Belle Pace
9–Caroline Piepgrass
Imagine a church –Mildred Vaughan
Whose members hold together 10–Margaret Parrott
In dogged devotion to their Lord; 11–Emily Bell
Think of their joy, to find –Johnny Norris
So strong a shepherd, pointing 12–Forrest Whitley
To the Word’s pastures, 13–Lynne Norris
Finding a niche for each lamb; –Mary Parrott
In clear voice, all hear –Sid Smith
His warm, vital guidance. 14–Hannah Coltrain
Consider how he names the flock, –Beverly Proffitt
Greets them, in love stands watching. 16–Mac McClanahan
Imagine a church with a prophet –Elizabeth Russell
Commissioned to send a message to the world; 17–Vivien Chen
Imagine the prophet kindling 18–Elisabeth Spivey
Others’ hearts, to widen –Scott Winston
The latitudes where Christ is Lord. 19–Cole Thomas Stepahin
Imagine a man with a match 21–Mary Harwood
Setting deadwood ablaze, 22–Alexandra Roever
Imagine a church done over, –Martha Rubin
Imagine Grace Re-Covenant! 23–Amos Zobule
Imagine our gift, 25–Cindy Lasher
To be sent on -- 28–Ella Andrews Appich
Pastor Richard! –Eila Brooks
–Cleveland Planz
29–Janet Chenoweth
–Helen Blackwell Holt
30–Chris Thomas
Page 6 November 2009
Grace Notes
Memorial Poinsettias
Those interested in providing memorial poinsettias for use in the Sanctuary during the Christmas season should
send information and payment to the church ON OR BEFORE Monday, December 7. Those ordering
poinsettias are asked to provide information on the form below and mail or bring it to the church office. The
price of the plants is $10.00. Checks should be made payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
and marked for Memorial Poinsettias.

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MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS
IN MEMORY OF ________________________________________________________

BY ___________________________________________________________________

PRICE: $10.00 - Payable to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT

BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

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CHRISTMAS GREENS FUNDS

Grace Covenant members and friends may participate in the Christmas celebration by making a gift
toward the purchase of fresh greens to decorate the Sanctuary. The gifts, in any amount, may be made in
honor or memory of a friend or family member. The names of those remembered will be printed in the
Candlelight bulletin with the memorial poinsettia names. Information and contributions should be sent to
the church ON OR BEFORE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7. Please use the form below.

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IN MEMORY OF________________________________________________________________________

BY___________________________________________________________________________________

Checks should be may payable to Grace Covenant and marked for the Christmas Greens Fund.

PLEASE SUBMIT INFORMATION AND PAYMENT

BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 7

GCPC, 1627 Monument Avenue, Richmond VA 23220

November 2009 Page 7
Grace Notes
Calendar
Sunday 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room
November 1 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 108
10:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel
11:00 a.m. Worship Service: Communion Sanctuary
(5 cents a meal offering)
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room
12:05 p.m. Congregational Meeting Sanctuary
4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD
No Youth Group (break)

Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship Chapel

November 2 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4
7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting Room 213

Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213

November 3

Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper Fellowship Hall

November 4 6:40 p.m. Wednesday Night Program Fellowship Hall

Thursday 9:30 a.m. Mothers Together Fellowship Hall

November 5

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Handbell Choir Room 312

November 8 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 108
10:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room
4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD
6:00 p.m. Youth Group–Mission

Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship Chapel

November 9 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4
5:30 p.m. Deacons Meeting Room B-4
7:00 p.m. Christian Education Committee Meeting Room 213
7:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee Meeting Library

Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 3 Social Room

November 10 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213
10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 2 Lydian Room
10:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 4 Home of Jo Garber
11:30 a.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 5 Covenant Room (Room B-4)
7:30 p.m. Presbyterian Women Circle 1 1704 Hanover Avenue
Page 8 November 2009
Grace Notes
Wednesday Veteran’s Day
November 11 4:00 p.m. Child Development Center Choir Room 108
4:30 p.m. Carol Choir Room 108
5:00 p.m. Junior Choir Room 108
5:30 p.m. PVA Meeting (CDC) Room B-4
6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper Fellowship Hall
6:40 p.m. Wednesday Night Program Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Room 108

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Handbell Choir Room 312

November 15 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 108
10:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel
11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room
4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD
4:00 p.m. Grace Notes deadline for December edition Room 204
6:00 p.m. Youth Group Home of Lunings

Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship Chapel

November 16 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4
5:15 p.m. Serve Meals to the Hungry Conrad Center

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213

November 17

Wednesday 4:00 p.m. Child Development Center Choir Room 108

November 18 4:30 p.m. Carol Choir Room 108
5:00 p.m. Child Development Center Board Meeting Room B-4
5:00 p.m. Junior Choir Room 108
6:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper Fellowship Hall
6:40 p.m. Wednesday Night Program Fellowship Hall
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Room 108

Thursday 9:30 a.m. Mothers Together Fellowship Hall

November 19 10:00 a.m. Mothers Together children’s choir Room 108
3:00 p.m. Westminster Canterbury Bible Study 1600 Westbrook Avenue
7:00 p.m. Session Meeting Room B-4

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Handbell Choir Room 312

November 22 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 108
10:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel
11:00 a.m. Worship Service: Dedication Sunday Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room
4:00 p.m. Prayer and Praise Gathering Social Room
6:00 p.m. Youth Group GCPC
November 2009 Page 9
Grace Notes
Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship Chapel
November 23 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. Volunteers for Grace Notes needed! Library
November 24 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213

Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Dinner Fellowship Hall

November 25 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Service Chapel
8:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Room 108

Thursday Offices Closed: Thanksgiving GCPC

November 26

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Handbell Choir Room 312

November 29 9:10 a.m. Prayer Ministry Social Room
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Education Building
10:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Room 108
10:40 a.m. Session Meeting Chapel
11:00 a.m. Worship Service: Advent begins Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room
4:00 p.m. Community Groups TBD

Monday 10:00 a.m. Child Development Center’s Worship Chapel

November 30 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Room 213

December 1 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Women Luncheon Fellowship Hall

Extra items on December’s Calendar:

Decorate Sanctuary on December 12
Poinsettias placed in Chancel on December 18
Candlelight Service on December 20
Christmas Eve Service on December 24
Undecorate church on December 28
Page 10 November 2009
Grace Notes
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church NON PROFIT ORG.
1627 Monument Avenue US POSTAGE
Richmond VA 23220 PAID
RICHMOND VA
Address Service Requested PERMIT NO. 161

Phone: (804) 359-2463, Fax: (804) 278-6298

9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages in the Education Building
11:00 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship in Social Room
Staff
Senior Pastor: Steve Cobb
Associate Pastor: Chris Thomas
Music Director and Organist: Christopher D. Martin
Church Secretary: Janice Caldwell
Bookkeeper: Martha Rubin
Sexton: Willie C. Alford
Child Development Center Director: Beth Lloyd, 213-0200
Church Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
www.grace-covenant.org
November 2009 Page 11
Grace Notes