WELCOME TO GRACE COVENANT!

Thank you for joining us today! We are an historic Presbyterian

congregation offering traditional worship and multiple ministries
for persons of all ages. Please join us following worship for fellowship
in the Social Room. Thank you for turning off your cell phones,
pagers, cameras, and other electronic devices for the duration
of morning worship.

Preparation for Worship

“The simple and glorious facts that God is a self-revealing God
and that he has revealed himself to man indicate the importance
of our minds.”
~John Stott

“Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news

about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in
their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the
Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And
he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed
to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it was written:
‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good new to the poor.
He was sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
And recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat
down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on
him, and he began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is
fulfilled in your hearing.’ ”
~Luke 4:14-21
 A SERVICE FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD
November 29, 2009 The First Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m.

GATHER TO GLORIFY GOD

PRELUDE Sleepers, Awake! A Voice Is Calling Johann Sebastian Bach
(1685-1750)

LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE The Cobb Family

Steve, Emily, Hollis, and Camden

†CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 105 (selected verses)

Pastor: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.
People: Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
Pastor: Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
People: Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
All: Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles,
and the judgments he pronounced.
Praise the Lord.

†Please stand for these parts of the service.

†HYMN 466 (blue) O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Azmon

†PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Father, you have taught us through your word that in the past you spoke
through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
but in these last days you have spoken to us through your Son.
We confess that we have too often failed or refused to listen
to the truth that Jesus has brought into our lives.
Forgive us, O God, for turning away
from the one who has given us life eternal.
Show us Lord, the abundance Jesus has made available,
and help us to respond to the grace freely planted in our hearts.
We pray this in the name of our Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

†ASSURANCE OF PARDON

†CHRISTMASTIME ALLELUIA based on Adeste Fideles

(All sing the Alleluia refrain after the organ introduction.)

GIVE THANKS TO GOD

WELCOME Chris Thomas

Please print name and information on the Friendship Register and pass it to your neighbor.
OFFERING

ANTHEM Blest Be the God of Israel Michael Burkhardt

Chancel Choir (b. 1957)

Blest be the God of Israel, Who comes to set us free;

Who visits and redeems us, Who grants us liberty.
The prophets spoke of mercy, Of freedom and release;
God shall fulfill that promise And bring his people peace.

Now from the house of David A child of grace is giv’n;

A Savior comes among us To raise us up to heav’n.
Before him goes the herald, Forerunner in the way,
The prophet of salvation, The messenger of day.

On those who sit in darkness The sun begins to rise,

The dawning of forgiveness Upon the sinner’s eyes.
God guides the feet of pilgrims Along the paths of peace.
O bless our God and Savior With songs that never cease!
– text by Michael Perry, 1973.

†DOXOLOGY 592 (blue) Old Hundredth

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him, above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

HEAR THE WORD OF GOD

CHILDREN’S SERMON

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV

NEW TESTAMENT READING Luke 4:14-21 NIV

SERMON “Christ Our Prophet” Steve Cobb

“Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down.
The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
and he began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled
in your hearing.’ ”
~Luke 4:20-21

†HYMN 341 (blue) Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine! Assurance

†AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed”

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the
Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day
he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth
on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall
come to judge the quick and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion
of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the
life everlasting. Amen.

†GLORIA PATRI 579 (blue) Glory Be to the Father Greatorex

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day
our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is
the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

GO FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

†HYMN 147 (red) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Veni Emmanuel

†BENEDICTION

†CHORAL RESPONSE Rejoice! Rejoice! Veni Emmanuel

†POSTLUDE Savior of the Nations, Come! Paul Manz

(1919-2009)

Join us in the Social Room following worship for refreshments and fellowship.

The flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory
of Bridget Farrell by Dr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell.

Alleluia, music by James J. Cepponis © 1997 by G.I.A. Publications.

Blest Be the God of Israel, text by Michael Perry © 1983 by Hope Publishing Co.
All rights reserved. Used by permission. Reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-715262.
SERMON NOTES
 THIS WEEK AT GRACE COVENANT
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 12:00 p.m. Presbyterian Men’s Lunch Room B-4

November 30

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

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

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

December 2 4:30 p.m. Carol Choir Room 108
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

December 3 10:00 a.m. Mothers Together children’s choir Room 108
10:30 a.m. Children’s Chapel Chapel
7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting Room 213

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

December 6 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: Communion Sanctuary
12:00 p.m. Congregational Fellowship Social Room
12:15 p.m. Mission Evangelism Committee Meeting Room B-4
6:00 p.m. Youth Group: Mission TBD
 Events and News
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW PASTOR CALLED: We are very excited
that our new pastor, Steve Cobb, is here!
Please join us for coffee in the Social Room
after this morning’s Worship Service for an
additional opportunity to meet Steve, in
addition to his family.
BULLETIN DEADLINE: Submissions for
Sunday’s bulletin must be submitted by noon
on Wednesday, to our Administrative
Assistant, Janice Caldwell, in her box in the
Glass Office, to her office in Room 204, or
via e-mail at caldwell@grace-covenant.org.
GRACE NOTES: Submission deadline to our
monthly newsletter is the 15th of the month.
Volunteers, who are willing and able to
assist in the preparation for the bulk mailing
of January’s edition, will be needed on
Wednesday, December 23, from 9:00 a.m.
until 12 noon. Please come to the church’s
library, on the second floor of the Education
Building, to assist on that day. If you would
like to be added to the newsletter’s mailing
list, please let the Administrative Assistant,
Janice Caldwell, know by either e-mailing
her at caldwell@grace-covenant.org or by
calling the church office at 359-2465.
DISPLAY CASE: Noah’s Ark now occupies the
hall display case, thanks to Margaret
Cardwell and Lewis Rosebro.
MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS AND CHRISTMAS
GREENS FUNDS: If you would like to
purchase a poinsettia or Christmas greens in
memory, or in honor of someone, then
please pick up a green form from the
brochure racks in the Narthex, or the Glass
Office. The deadline to make purchases is
December 7. Please put the form, and
payment, in the box in the Glass Office.
DEACONS FUND: Grace Covenant has a
Deacons Fund to assist members who are in
financial need. Please contact Steve Cobb,
our Pastor, or Chris Thomas, our Associate
Pastor, to make a request. All requests are
confidential.
COMMUNITY NEWS
AS YOU PRAY...please pray for Rodney
Mullins, Katie Vought (daughter-in-law of
Susan Farrell), Elizabeth Gee (a missionary,
who recently spoke at our Missions
Conference, and has a reoccurrence of
cancer). Pray for Lindley Hill, who is currently
residing at Morning Side on Skipwith, and
for his wife, Louise Hill, who is now at
Health South. Please continue to pray for
Marge McFall, who now resides at Our Lady
of Hope. In addition, remember Nela
Bostian, who is recovering at Emeritus on
Gaskins Road.
NEW BABY! On Friday, November 20, a new
baby girl, Eleanor “Ella” Catherine was born
to the parents of Campbell(Goodloe) and
Conrad Hackett.
 OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
CHURCH WORKERS FOR TODAY:
Opener–Lloyd Bostian; Greeters–Bob
Copeland and Brian Baird; Nursery
Workers–Lewis Rosebro, Margaret Cardwell,
Lisa Cardwell (and Susan Farrell); Worship
Kits–Kaete Unterzuber; Coffee Fellowship
Time–Suzanne and Pete Sizemore; Guest
Register Attendant–Jo Garber.
CHURCH WORKER FOR WEDNESDAY
NIGHT SUPPER THIS WEEK (December 2):
Dottie-Ray Koch.
CHURCH WORKERS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
(December 6): Opener–Charlie Appich;
Greeters–Bob Copeland, Everett Reveley
and Leslie Hartman; Nursery
Workers–Lauren Corby and Carson Price;
Worship Kits–Kaete Unterzuber; Coffee
Fellowship Time–volunteer needed; Guest
Register Attendant–Betty Appich.
CHURCH WORKER FOR WEDNESDAY
NIGHT SUPPER NEXT WEEK (December 9):
Pat Ball.
FELLOWSHIP HOUR: If you would like to
volunteer to make the coffee for the
Fellowship Hour one Sunday, then please
sign up on the calendar, located on the
counter in the Glass Office.
SERVE MEALS TO THE HUNGRY: Volunteers
are needed to serve the evening meal on
Monday, January 18, 2010, from 5:15 p.m.
until 6:30 p.m. at Conrad Center, 1400
Oliver Hill Way. If you are interested in
helping, contact Patrise Sears at 338-6580.
WORSHIP
WE INVITE CHILDREN over the age of 5 to
participate in the entire service. Special
Worship Kits for children are available in the
Narthex. For children five years of age or
younger, we also have a crib nursery,
toddler room, and preschool care.
MUSIC NOTES: In 1745 J. S. Bach
composed his six Schübler chorales for
organ. Each organ chorale is a trio
arrangement (two manuals and pedal) of
vocal movements from Bach’s selected
choral cantatas. Performed by many
organists and having been arranged for
strings and concert bands, today’s prelude is
by far the most popular of Bach’s Schübler
organ chorales. The choral anthem is a
paraphrase of the Benedictus in Luke 1:68-
79. The anthem text is by Michael Perry who
was one of the United Kingdom’s leading
hymn writers of the twentieth century. The
anthem is based on the hymn tune MERLE’S
TUNE, composed by Hal Hopson in 1983
and named for Hopson’s oldest sister,
Merle, who was his first piano teacher. The
service concludes with a toccata based on
the German Advent hymn tune NUN KOMM
DER HEIDEN HEILAND (Presbyterian Hymnal,
#14). The chorale melody is played in the
pedals, while the toccata is performed in the
manuals.
HEARING AIDS AND LARGE PRINT HYMNALS
are available from the ushers.
THE SERVICE IS BROADCAST LIVE on WLES
590 AM.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS: the monthly
Scripture Verse Memory Cards, given to the
children each week after the Children’s
Sermon, will discontinue as of December27.
 DISCIPLESHIP
CHILDREN’S Infants–Nursery,
CLASSES:
main level; Toddlers–Room 102;
Preschoolers–Room 101; Grades 1-6
–Rooms 207-210.
ADULT CLASSES: Commit to growing in new
ways this year. We have four excellent adult
classes getting started; make a decision
today about which one will help you grow in
the faith the most!
GRACE BIBLE CLASS: What God Wants From
Me – 9:45 a.m. in Room 212
CONNECTIONS CLASS: The Person of Jesus
– 9:30 a.m. in Room 303.
VANGUARD BIBLE CLASS: A Study of Esther
and Job – 9:30 a.m. in Room B-4.
FORUM CLASS: Tom Miller will lead the class
on December 6; Pageant on December 13;
Taylor Reveley will teach on December 20.
RESOURCES TO GROW IN THE FAITH: Come
check out our new Resource Table in the
Narthex! We have a number of excellent
resources available for purchase for a great
price. If you have questions, please contact
Christian Education Committee members
Jean Appich, Laura Leigh Savage, or Chris
Thomas.
FELLOWSHIP
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER AND
PROGRAM: This week’s programs for
December 2 are our “Wreath Making” for
the adults and “Cookie Making” for the
children. Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m.
followed the program at 6:40 p.m. The cost
of the meal is $5 per adult, $2 per children
and students, and $12 maximum per family
unit. This week’s menu includes Brunswick
Stew, salad bar, corn bread, Jello and
cookies.
MOTHERS TOGETHER: meet every Thursday
at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For
more information, contact Patricia Clarke by
phone, 342-7481, or be e-mail,
patriciaandsteve@comcast.net The final
meeting for Mothers Together in 2009 will
be on Thursday, December 10.
COMMUNITY GROUPS: In Community
Groups we seek to live life together under
the gospel as we build relationships with
God, each other, and our neighbors. Join
us as we gather for fellowship, Bible study,
and prayer, followed by a meal. There is
also a group just for men that meets on the
first, third, and fifth Tuesdays at the home of
Brian Baird, 1704 Hanover Avenue. We
usually listen to and talk about a sermon,
catch up on life, and pray for each other.
This is an open group. For more information
call Matt Hartman at 212-1961.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S COORDINATING
TEAM MEETING AND LUNCHEON: On
Tuesday, December 1, the Presbyterian
Women Coordinating Team will meet at
10:30 a.m. in Room B-4. The Presbyterian
Women Luncheon, and program, will begin
at 12 noon in the Fellowship Hall. This
year’s program will be the Douglas Freeman
High School Festival Choir, a capella choirs,
the “Downbeats” and the “Syncopations”
directed by Amy Hruska. All members and
friends are invited to attend!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN BIBLE LEADERS will
meet on Monday, December 7, in the
church library.
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CIRCLES: meet on
Tuesday, December 8.
Circle 1– Katherine Baird’s,
1704 Hanover Avenue at 7:30 p.m.
Circle 2 – Lydian Room of GCPC,
Dottie-Ray Koch, Hostess, at 10:30 a.m.
Circle 3 – Social Room of GCPC,
Stephanie Thomas, Hostess, at 9:30 a.m.
Circle 4 – Beth Coltrain’s,
3202 Hawthorne Avenue, 10:30 a.m.
Circle 5 – Room B-4 (Covenant
Room) of GCPC, Liz Ramsey, Hostess,
11:30 a.m.
PEOPLE GROUP–EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Come be part of a group of members and
guests when we gather for fun, fellowship
and very good food! Everyone brings a
covered dish. The food is always delicious
and fellowship is delightful. The next PEOPLE
Group will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday,
December 12. We will be getting together at
the beautifully decorated home of Beth and
Phil Coltrain. Beth and Phil live in
Richmond’s historic Ginter Park area. Ginter
Park is a beautiful neighborhood with tree-
lined streets and beautiful grand residences.
Mark your calendars now to be part of this
delightful evening. For additional
information, call Suzanne and Pete Sizemore
at 288-7757.
MI S S I O NS
MISSION EVANGELISM COMMITTEE: Will
meet on Sunday, December 6, after the
Worship Service, in Room B-4 (Covenant
Room).
THE SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS ANGEL
TREE has been put up. Members of the
Presbyterian Women Circles, Sunday school
classes, PEOPLE, Bread Breakers, Mothers
Together, and individuals are invited to
choose one or more angels from the tree to
provide gifts to a less fortunate child. Items
need to be brought to the stage (in the
Fellowship Hall) by Monday, December 7.
WILLIAM BYRD COMMUNITY HOUSE: Food
donations may be left in the basket in the
Glass Office (the office on the main floor of
the Education Building, near the rear doors).
Please consider giving, as the need is great.
FIVE CENTS PER MEAL: On the first Sunday of
the month, we receive the sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper, and, in gratitude for what
God has given us, we have a hunger
offering, Five Cents Per Meal. To contribute,
use a pew envelope and mark it “Five Cents
Per Meal” and put it in the offering.
PRISON MINISTRY: Gather your Christmas
cards to be donated to Greensville
Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia. A
collection box is located in the Presbyterian
Women’s closet, which is in the Social
Room. We will deliver the cards to the center
the first week of December. Thank you, in
advance, for your caring and generous help!
HONDURAS 2010: The next mission trip to
Honduras is scheduled for January 10-16,
2010. Those who may be interested in
participating in the 2010 mission trip may
check out our website, www.KHISH.org
(That’s Kurtz Humanitarian Initiative for
Southern Honduras, named for the founder
of this effort, which began in 2005). Susan
Pillsbury David (clwturtle@aol.com) or
Cherry Corley (ccorley@fpcrichmond.org)
can answer your questions about how you
may find your place on our team.
 Pastor: Steve Cobb
Associate Pastor: Chris Thomas
Director of Music: Chris Martin
Seminary Intern: Rachel Butler

1627 Monument Avenue

Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: 804.359.2463
Fax: 804.278.6298
www.grace-covenant.org
info@grace-covenant.org

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

Radio: WLES 590 AM