Grace Presbyterian Church
Meeting in the Chapel at Union Congregational Church
Serving people, through Christ, to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the community and the world around us.
Welcome
Prelude “Spirit Song” John Wimber arr. James Abbington
*Call to Worship Psalm 26
One: Let this be our Supreme desire, our object and our prayer, until we stand before
your throne…to glorify you there.
All: Let us trust you without fear, Let us bring our humble hearts to you and let us
know your love is near.
One: We come before you to walk in the truth, to come into your house to pray and shout aloud your praise.
All: In the full assembly we will bless the Lord.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 733 “We All are One in Mission”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) 1 Corinthians 1:10
I appeal to you brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you may be perfectly united in the same mind and the same judgement.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children
The 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.
*Passing of the Peace (Please let children pass through before standing.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
As the Body of Christ, your Church Lord forgive us for not welcoming all people, especially those who are different from us. As the Body of Christ, your Church
forgive us for coming to church to get something out of it, instead of focusing on serving one another with your love. As the Body of Christ, your Church forgive us for failing to love the people in our community and beyond. Open our eyes to see the need around us. Open our hearts to share in the joys and pains of others, and open our hands to humbly serve all God’s people with love and care. Because we are Your Body- the Church. Silent Confession.
Assurance of Forgiveness
*Glory Be to God in Song 582 “Glory to God”
Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me,
and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me,
and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.
World without end, without end. Amen. (sing 3 times)
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen.
Scripture Lesson John 13:34-35; Colossians 3:11
One: This is the Word of the Lord All: Thanks Be to God
Sermon United- not uniform The Rev. Cynthia Wilcox
Connected through Christ
Choral Anthem “Lord, Send Your Spirit” Raymond Wise
*Affirmation of Faith (in unison) 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.
Introduction to the Offering
Offertory
*Doxology
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below;
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Praise him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Prayer of Dedication
Pastoral Prayers
Announcements
*Hymn 300 “We are One in the Spirit”
*Benediction
The flowers in the sanctuary today were donated by the Liang’s in memory of their parents and Raymond’s sister, Irma.
Happening this Week:
September 28, Ecumenical Youth Group for grades 6-12, 3:00-4:30 PM, meets today at St John’s Episcopal, 55 Montclair Avenue, Montclair.
September 30, Pastor Cindy’s Big Picture Bible Study, 1-2:30 PM or 7-8:30 PM at the Manse, 63 Tuxedo Road.
October 1, Caregivers Group, 10:30 AM in the Learning Center at Union Congregational.
October 2, Sweet Hour of Prayer, 1:30 – 2:30 PM at the Manse. (Note day and time change to every Thursday at 1:30 PM!)
October 2, Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM in the Chapel at Union Congregational.
WANTED: A time traveler! We need someone ASAP to help manage the creative discernment and filling of a Grace Presbyterian time capsule. Once filled, It will be placed in the foundation of our church before it is totally closed back up. Imagine future Grace Presbyterian congregants discovering our treasures and messages! Please contact the church office.
Want to come for dinner? Dennis and Pastor Cindy are hosting pot luck dinner parties for 10-12 people at the manse and would love to see you at the table! Please call the church office and get on the guest list for a date that works!
Help keep the little food pantry filled! Please bring non-perishables to church or leave in the storage bin located on the edge of the Manse driveway.
The next Friends of Grace community dinner is October 12. Can you help by providing an appetizer, salad, or entree to feed 30 guests? Please let a Friends of Grace member know.
The flowers on the chancel table will be distributed to congregants who can’t get to church. If you would like to donate flowers in celebration or in memory of anyone please contact Ruth Liang rrliang76@gmail.com. Also, if you have any spare vases you would like to donate, please bring them to church or drop them off at the Manse.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
