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.
Second Week of Advent – Peace
Welcome
Prelude “Come Now, Savior of the Gentiles ” Georg F. Kaufmann
*Lighting of the Second Advent Candle – Peace
One: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again? Where do we start?
All: Let us begin together. Let us begin arm in arm. Let us begin by holding each other up, instead of tearing each other down. Let us begin with words of peace.
One: Yes, let us begin with peace. Today we light the candles of hope and peace.
All: May these lights remind us of what could be. May these lights mark a new beginning. May peace flow like a river, and may it start with us.
One: Arm in arm, hand in hand, side by side. May we begin again. Amen.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 105 “People, Look East”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children
*Passing of the Peace (Please let children pass through before standing.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Lord, once again we have missed the ‘bull’s eye’, which is to live in perfect unity with you and our neighbors. We have become distracted, and have not been able to sustain our focus on loving you with all our heart, mind and soul. And we have not been able to sustain an attitude or action of love toward our neighbors. Often, we don’t even know their names. Lord, help us to slow down, sit in your presence and care for others. 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 14:27
Sermon Prince of Peace The Rev. Cynthia Wilcox
*Hymn 87 “Comfort, Comfort, Now Thy People”
*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 “While We are Waiting, Come” Don Cason
*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
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Please note that gluten-free bread is served and water can be substituted for grape juice.
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.
Announcements
*Hymn 96 “On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
Instrumentalist: Liz Moulthrop, violin
The flowers in the Sanctuary today were donated by the deVinck family.
Candelighting liturgy comes from Sanctified Art.
Happening this Week:
December 7, Ecumenical Youth Group for grades 6-12, 3:00-4:30 PM, serving at Toni’s Kitchen, St. Luke’s Episcopal, 73 S. Fullerton Avenue.
December 7, Friends of Grace Community Dinner, 5:00-6:30 PM at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
December 9, Reach Meeting on Zoom, 7:30 PM/No Big Picture Bible Study this week!
December 10, Norma’s Bible Study, 10:00 AM, in the Learning Center at Union Congregational.
December 11, Sweet Hour of Prayer, 1:30 – 2:30 PM at the Manse.
December 11, Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM, in the Chapel at Union Congregational.
December 13, Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, 10:00 AM-12:00 Noon in the Chapel at Union Congregational.
Poinsettia Dedications – if you would like to dedicate a poinsettia in the front of the chapel, dedication forms are available in the back. All money and dedications need to be to the church office by December 15 and dedications will appear in the December 21 bulletin. Forms and money can be put in the collection plate. The suggested donation is $8.
Favorite Hymn? If you have a favorite hymn that you would like to hear as part of the worship service, please let Pastor Cindy 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.
