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New Life The Monument 10K Hospitality Station was a great success! A couple dozen folks from Grace Covenant stood alongside Monument Avenue handing out bottled water and cheering for the constant flow of runners. Of course, we were hardly the only noise there was music playing and cowbells ringing to accompany all the cheering. The morning was filled with energy!

At one point, I raised my eyes just above all the runners for a few moments. I noticed the trees that line Monument Avenue; in particular, I observed that their buds were showing. The green of new life right around the corner! I found myself grateful to have seen this quiet, new life emerging; I had almost missed it amid all the commotion. I am mindful that the atmosphere around the church this time of the year can feel like the atmosphere at the race busy and full! All of the activities are wonderful, but we need to take the time again to lift our eyes to the Lord that our hearts might know again what (and who) lies at the center of this season. If you need an outlet to help you do this, I invite you to participate in the Good Friday Prayer Vigil (details on page 14).

My prayer is that all of us find time in these coming days to slow, look up from the commotion, and consider our God in Christ Jesus. For in him we see the one who has conquered the power of sin and death and has given us new life. In fact, with the same power that raised Christ from the dead, Jesus is at work birthing new life in our hearts, our congregation, our families, and our neighborhood. Where have you seen buds of new life emerging recently? What distracts you from noticing? May God grant you the eyes to see that our Risen Lord is among us and faithfully at work to bring forth Gods new creation.

Volume 45, Issue 3 April 2015

Holy Week Worship Schedule, pg. 4

Blood Drive on Good Friday, pg. 5

Presbytery Notes, pg. 11

Prayer Vigil,

pg. 14 WNS Calendar

and Menu, pg. 15

GCPC Water Bottle from the Monument 10k Hospitality Station

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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 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, April 26 at 5:00 p.m. Location TBA. We are having a great time eating and being together! Questions? Contact James Atchison at jwatch@gmail.com.

Mens Group A monthly mens group starts on Wednesday, April 1. All those in-terested, 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. Ques-tions? Talk to or email Brian Baird at brian.baird5@gmail.com.

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Date Night Grace Covenant is happy to offer this blessing up to our families again on Saturday, April 11, 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. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next Parents Night Out on May 23.

Christian Education and Discipleship 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 sanctuary 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 service 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!

Presbyterian Women All Womens Circles Meet Tues., April 14

PW Circle 1

7:00 p.m.

1727 Park Avenue

Hostess: Laura

Leigh

PW Circle 2

11:00 a.m.

Vanguard Room

Hostess: Mariaa Rachal

PW Circle 3 9:30 a.m. Social Room Hostess: Leah Tweel

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Holy Week and Easter Celebrations

HOLY WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT 2015

Worship Services Schedule

PALM SUNDAY March 29, 2015 9:00 a.m. Potluck Breakfast 9:45 a.m. Palm Sunday Worship (First English Lutheran) 11:00 a.m. Worship (Grace Covenant)

MAUNDY THURSDAY April 2, 2015 6:00 p.m. Dinner (instead of Wednesday) 7:00 p.m. Communion Service and Choral Tenebrae Sanctuary

GOOD FRIDAY April 3, 2015 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. Worship Service 2314 Monument Ave.

EASTER SUNDAY April 5, 2015 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Chancel Choir and Handbells Hallelujah Chorus Bring flowers for the Flowering Cross

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Mission and Justice Ministry Good Friday Blood Drive

April 3, 2015 GCPC Fellowship Hall

2:00-7:00 p.m.

Participating Churches: Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church,

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

As we remember the reconciling, life-giving grace of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, we are grateful for this opportunity to offer life-giving donations of blood. 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. For more information, you can also simply contact info@grace-covenant.org or 359-2463. Donor Sign-up: Sign up at redcrossblood.org -- enter our zip code 23220 or search key word "goodfriday" (one word) -- or contact Nelson Reveley 387-8094. Please feel free to invite others!

Shalom Farms Returns! Saturday, April 18

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 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 interest. Otherwise, you can meet us out on the farm at 9:00 a.m. (1033 Rock Castle Rd., Goochland, VA 23063)! Our upcoming date for the spring will be May 16. Thanks to the 22 folks who joined in on March 21st!

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.

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Mission and Justice Ministry Justice Ministry Update - Nehemiah Action

6:30 PM Monday, April 20th 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 Nehemiah Action in union with all our fellow congregations in RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities) at 6:30 PM, Monday, April 20 at St. Paul's Baptist Church (4247 Creighton Rd, Richmond, VA 23223). 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 in eastern Henrico County, (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 (804) 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

A Visit to Haiti and Cindy Correll Many thanks to Grace Covenant for allowing me to be a part of a group that traveled to Haiti from February 5-12 to visit Mission Co-Worker Cindy Correll. Led by Rev Elizabeth McGuire, Assistant Pastor at Salisbury Presbyterian Church in Midlothian, our group of seven also included Colleen Earp from Camp Hanover, Bill Nix from Fredericksburg, Becky Soper and Chris Webster from Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church, and Rev Kimberleigh Wells, Assistant Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville. Cindy has been on the job for almost two years now. She wanted to give us a taste of the work in which she is involved, and the opportunity to meet folks she is accompanying on their journeys toward farmers collective rights, food sovereignty, caring for themselves and each other in a climate that features land grabbing by rich landowners and by their own government, and a virtual absence of their government in providing basic services such as health care and education far from Port-au-Prince. We saw incredible MPB (Mouvemen Peyson Bayonnais) Yard Gardens. Developed under the direction of missionary agronomist Mark Hare, they yielded fresh vegetables for families with just enough to spare to allow the

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women to take the excess to market to supplement their incomes. We worshipped at St Basile le Grand Episcopal Church in Gonaives, a two hour service in French with lots of music (we had Books of Common Prayer in English and French, but no hymnals.) We met with leaders of farmers cooperatives which support their members in developing new agricultural techniques that will be sustainable and will restore the depleted resources of the countryside. We saw a rural cooperative school, where teachers come to work every day despite not having been paid in over a year. They teach in a school with no furniture and no books. We spent hours on roads that were impassible even by our four wheel drive vehicles unless we unloaded and walked. We tried to sleep through an all-night voodoo ceremony just outside the walls of the compound where we were housed, thanked our police escort through one anti-government demonstration, and bribed our way through another one (I wonder how that looked on our accounting to the Presbytery of the James.one bribe, ten USD!). Most of all, we had hours of good conversations, with Cindy and among ourselves, about how best to help the Haitian people help themselves. We are grateful to Cindy for her quiet leadership, to the Presbytery of the James for spearheading this work in Haiti, and to God for safe passage! Susan Pillsbury David

Mission and Justice Ministry

CDC Update Grace Covenant, Spring is upon us! We are so thankful to our creator for bringing us out of this dreary winter and into the hope and promise of new life that the first signs of Spring bring. In the month of April, children will be learning how to identify different attributes of Spring and recognize the first signs that winter is over and warm weather is coming. They will observe the weather every day and see if it is Lion weather or Lamb weather, seeing first-hand how Spring comes in like a lion and out like a lamb. They will discover

what to wear for different weather situations, and explore lots of different hands on science experiments to learn about rain, mud, the sun, the clouds, and other Spring weather identifiers. Theyll take walks to observe the changing scenery around us and also learn to identify different Spring plants like daffodils, tulips, and grass. Through these experiences, they will observe and learn what colors fill the world around us, and learn to appreciate the diversity with which God has blessed our world. Theyll learn to recognize green as a symbol of life, as well as the animals that come back out and about to enjoy the wonderful weather. Theyll compare the activity of animals in the Spring to that of the Winter, and be able to identify the animals that share our environment with us. Theyll learn what these animals need through hands on experiences like bug collecting, making bird feeders, and taking walks to observe. They will also learn all about the importance of the life cycle such as from baby to adult, from seed to flower, and from egg to bird. Most importantly of all, children will learn the most joyous message of new life that comes to us on Easter day. Yes, they will learn the sad story of Jesus dying on the cross (in age appropriate detail) but the real focus of Easter will be the overwhelming happiness of His resurrection and the salvation that comes with it. Thank you so much for all of your support as we bestow these important life-long lessons on the children in our community, and help them build the foundation for a relationship with Christ. -Nicole Flournoy, Director of the Child Development Center

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29

30

31

1 No Dinner or Choirs

2 10am CDC Chapel 6pm Dinner 7pm Maundy Thursday Communion Service 8pm Start of Prayer Vigil 8pm Chancel Choir

3 Good Friday Prayer Vigil 7am Morning Prayer 2-7 pm Good Friday Blood Drive 7:30 Good Friday Service

4 10am Annual Easter Egg Hunt 8:30pm POJ PW Meeting

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

6 Church Office Closed 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

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8 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

9 10am CDC Chapel

10 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

11 5-8pm Parents Night Out

12 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour POJ Youth Teambuilding at Camp Hanover

13 6:30pm Ukirk

14 PW Circles (see pg. 5)

15 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 8pm Chancel Choir

16 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting

17 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

18 9-12pm Shalom Farms 10-12pm Brass Quintet Practice

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

20 6:30 RISC Nehemiah Action

21 22 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

23 10am CDC Chapel

24 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

25

26

9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 10:55 GCPC Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

27

6:30pm Ukirk

28 29 30

April

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29

30

31

1 No Dinner or Choirs

2 10am CDC Chapel 6pm Dinner 7pm Maundy Thursday Communion Service 8pm Start of Prayer Vigil 8pm Chancel Choir

3 Good Friday Prayer Vigil 7am Morning Prayer 2-7 pm Good Friday Blood Drive 7:30 Good Friday Service

4 10am Annual Easter Egg Hunt 8:30pm POJ PW Meeting

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

6 Church Office Closed 6pm CE Comm. 7pm Worship Comm.

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8 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

9 10am CDC Chapel

10 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

11 5-8pm Parents Night Out

12 9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 9:30 Sunday School 10:55 Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour POJ Youth Teambuilding at Camp Hanover

13 6:30pm Ukirk

14 PW Circles (see pg. 5)

15 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 8pm Chancel Choir

16 10am CDC Chapel 7pm Session meeting

17 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

18 9-12pm Shalom Farms 10-12pm Brass Quintet Practice

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

20 6:30 RISC Nehemiah Action

21 22 4pm Care Team 4:30pm Carol Choir 5pm Junior Choir 6pm WNS 7:15pm Chancel Choir

23 10am CDC Chapel

24 7am Morning Prayer (Sanctuary)

25

26

9:15 Prayer Team (Social Rm) 10:55 GCPC Worship 12:15 Fellowship Hour

27

6:30pm Ukirk

28 29 30

** Reminder! April 23 is the deadline for submissions

for our April edition of Grace Notes.

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Trailblazers Award Ceremony and Banquet April 7, 2015, 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Union Presbyterian Seminary Black Alumni/ae Association

Lake Chapel on the Richmond campus, 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, VA

"Sounding the Alarm" featuring President Brian K. Blount

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

Rev. Nelson Reveley GCPC Parish Associate! At the request of our session, the Presbytery of the James approved Rev. Nelson Reveley to serve as our Parish Associate for Outreach and Adult Discipleship! This is an unpaid 6-8 hour-a-week position in which Rev. Nelson will be doing much of what he already does facilitate and organize mercy and justice ministries (with an emphasis on inviting non-members to participate), participate in leading worship, teach Sunday School, and assist in organizing programming for Wednesday Night Suppers. This position formally begins on April 1, 2015 and is renewable annually. We are grateful for Rev. Nelsons inspiring leadership, and pray Gods blessing and strength upon him as he continues to lead us.

GCPC Parish Associate

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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, June 16, 2015 Location: TBA

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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements

Fellowship Hour

April 5 Leys

April 12 Miller/Farquhar

April 19 Watkins

April 26 Bowman

Openers and Closers

April 5 Cal Gray

April 12 Rob Rosebro

April 19Hank Downing

April 26Brian Baird

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 14 and will be played every Tuesday night. We will com-pete 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).

Annual Easter Egg Hunt Join us Sunday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. for our annual Easter egg hunt at the Cardwell home (7105 University Dr,). After the egg hunt there will be cookies, face painting and a visit from the Easter bunny.

in April

3- Nolen Spivey 4- Leslie Hartman 5- Jordan Ball 6- Paul Wilson 6- Theo Zobule 7- Sanny Zobule 10- Ashby Price 12- Jackie Bowles 12- George Gray 12- Sandra Lumpkin 13- Harrison Campbell Hackett 14- Rob Rosebro 16- Philip Janney 19- Amanda Dickerson 19- John Ryan Mustanski 20- Judith Frayser 26- Stephen Coltrain 26- Eason Reveley 28- Jo McMillin 29- Christopher Winston

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Ash Wednesday Service Background and Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements

Mantreat at Montreat

Take a walk on the wild side and join us on a mens retreat at Montreat (montreat.org/mantreat) April 24-26. Connect your personal journey to that of many

others through stories and activities. Enjoy music, campfires, and optional workshops such as blacksmithing, wood carving, drumming and hiking. For more information, contact Christopher Tweel at christopher@grace-covenant.org.

Join us for our Centennial Celebration!

A group of Grace Covenanters has been working for two years to plan a celebration of the centennial anniversary of Grace Covenant. The congregations of Grace Street Presbyterian Church and the Church of the Covenant worshipped together on the first Sunday in April 1915 thereby giving birth to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. It is this important occasion that is to be celebrated. A new seal has been designed and prominently displayed in the Social Room. It includes references to our past and to the future in keeping with the slogan adopted by the planning group; Celebrating our Past Believing in our Future. A centennial banner has been made and is displayed in the narthex. Its design includes 100 pieces of fabric donated by members of the congregation and five pieces donat-ed by missionaries supported by Grace Covenant. Bobby wears a new stole that compliments the banner. Wednesday night presentations are scheduled to emphasize our history, our present, and our future.

Sunday, April 19 is the day of celebration. 359 invitations were sent to current members, former mem-bers, and pastors who have served Grace Covenant. Post cards were also sent to 1,369 households in the Fan. The highlight of the day will be a worship service led by former pastors. A luncheon will fol-low the worship service. Arrangements have been made for the use of the parking lot behind the Lee Medical Building. Mem-bers of the congregation able to walk from that lot to the church are encouraged to do so. Carpooling is also encouraged as is walking for those members who live close to the church. This is a once in a lifetime occasion, so please plan to be a part of this celebration.

Centennial Luncheon Update The April 19 luncheon RSVPs are closed! We have had 280 folks RSVP, and we cannot accept anymore due to limited space. If you or someone you know would like to be put on a waiting list for the lunch, please call the church office (804-359-2463) or Jack and Cherry Corley (804-515-7330). Similarly, if have made a reservation but cannot make it, please call the church office or the Corleys so that folks on the waiting list can attend.

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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 thanks-giving, and listening to Gods message for you. Prayer may be done in many ways, i.e., listening, speak-ing, thought/meditation, writing, reading, singing, instrumental music, drawing, movement, silent con-templation, 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 info@grace-covenant.org . For more information you many contact Linda Pitts at 850-345-0634 or lindapitts2113@gmail.com.

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Wednesday Night Supper

April 8: Pizza, salad, green beans and banana pudding April 15: Lasagna, garlic bread, salad and peach cobbler April 22: Tuna fish casserole, broccoli, salad, biscuits and brownies April 29: Spaghetti with/without meat sauce, garlic bread, salad, and short cake

Contributions of $30,100 in February were up from Januarys $26,700 total, exclusive of pledges prepaid in 2014 and transferred to the current account in January. The total was, however, down about 7% from that of February a year ago. Februarys expenses of $67,300 were up slightly from Januarys high level. They included almost

$20,000 in unusual personnel expenses consisting of a severance package for the Church Secretary and the payment of sabbatical expenses for the Director of Music. Februarys expenses exceeded income by $28,500. Our Five Cents per Meal offering in February amounted to $286, Loaves and Fishes $720, and Mercy Offering $153. Over $2,100 was paid out of Loaves and Fishes for local mission causes during the month.

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:

Apr 8 - Fellowship & 100th Celebration Presentation "Believing in Our Future: Ministries Today" Apr 15 - Fellowship & 100th Celebration "Believing in Our Future: The Years to Come" Apr 22 - Fellowship & Presentation on our January 2015 Honduras Mission Trip (KHISH) Apr 29 - Fellowship & Children's Choir Concert

Our planter beds are here and have some green in them! These beds are meant to give our rear entry a sense of welcome and are part of the new "face" we are presenting to our visitors and church family. We plan to keep annuals rotating in for big events and to keep the area looking fresh. The boxes themselves were made by the students at "Nehemiah's Workshop" a CHAT organization that teaches high school boys the blessing of carpentry. They did a great job! We are proud to display their work at our entry.

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Bobby Hulme-Lippert Pastor bobby@grace-covenant.org Christopher Martin Director of Music and Organist martin@grace-covenant.org Christopher Tweel Director of Christian Formation & Pastoral Assistant christopher@grace-covenant.org Nelson Reveley Parish Associate for Outreach & Adult Discipleship 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 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