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.
Third Week of Advent – Joy
Christmas Pageant
Welcome
Prelude “Veni Emmanuel“ Pietro A.Yon
*Lighting of the Third Advent Candle – Joy
One: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again? Where do we start?
All: Let us start small. Let us begin with what is right in front of us. Let us do the good that is ours to do, and let us do it with joy!
One: Yes, let us begin with joy. Today we light the candles of hope, peace, and joy.
All: May these lights remind us of what could be. May these lights inspire action. May the warmth of these lights fill us with joy.
One: May it be so! Amen.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 121 “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Psalm 126: 1-3
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Children’s Christmas Pageant A Shepherds’ View by Emily Rishel
*Hymn 115 (within pageant) “Away in a Manger”
*Hymn 117 (end of pageant) “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”
Pageant Cast:
Alexa Daum Owen Bradley
Ben Rutledge Sam Kennedy
Elliana Daum Scarlett Lohmeyer
Finn deVinck Sophia Rutledge
Indigo deVinck Violet Lohmeyer
Jack Bradley Yemi Akiwowo
Joshua Rutledge
Costumers/Helpers:
Isa Bradley
Morayo Akiwowo
Scripture Lesson Philippians 2:1-5
Message Join in the Joy The Rev. Cynthia Wilcox
*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 “Veni Domine” Pietro A.Yon
*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 concluding with 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 134 “Joy to the World”
*Benediction
The flowers in the Sanctuary today were donated by Beth Prochilo in memory of her husband, Joe.
Candelighting liturgy comes from Sanctified Art.
Happening this Week:
December 14, Ecumenical Youth Group for grades 6-12, 3:00-4:30 PM, meeting at Glen Ridge Congregational, 195 Ridgewood Avenue.
December 16, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast, 8:00 AM, at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
December 16, Big Picture Bible Study, 1 PM & 7 PM, at the Manse.
December 17, Session Meeting on Zoom, 7:30 PM.
December 18, Sweet Hour of Prayer, 1:30 – 2:30 PM at the Manse.
December 18, Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 PM, 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.
