Grace Presbyterian Church
Meeting in the chapel at Union Congregational, 76 Cooper Avenue, Upper Montclair.
Serving people, through Christ, to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the community and the world around us.
Welcome
Prelude “It is Well With My Soul” Philip P. Bliss
Grace Presbyterian Church Chamber Ensemble
*Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 23
One: The Lord is our shepherd; we shall not want. He makes us lie down in green pastures; He leads us beside quiet waters.
All: He restores our souls; he guides us in the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name.
One: Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for you are with us; our rod and your staff, they comfort us.
All: You prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies. You anoint our head with oil; our cup overflows.
One: Surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives,
All: and we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 721 “Lord, You have Come to the Lakeshore”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Installation of Officers
Being installed as Honorary Deacons are Marcela Coelho and Danilo Mesquita; being installed as Deacon is Joan Bernard and being installed as Elder is Ruth Liang.
Time With Children Jeffery Blanford
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.
*Waving of the Peace (Due to flu and other illnesses we are going to “wave” to each other vs. hugging and shaking hands.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Gracious God, you call us to live as children of light, yet we confess that we often choose shadows instead. We hide what should be brought into the light, and we grow comfortable with what does not please you. Forgive us for the ways we sleep when you call us to awaken. Shine your light upon our hearts, O Christ. Expose what is false, heal what is broken, and lead us back into goodness, righteousness, and truth. Wake us from our slumber and help us walk again as children of your light. In your mercy we pray. 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)
Scripture Lesson John 9:1-41
Sermon Blind Faith The Rev. Cindy Wilcox
*Hymn (insert) “Blind Man Sat by the Road and he Cried”
*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 “Jesus Paid it All” John T. Grape
*Doxology Old 100th
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Prayer of Dedication
Pastoral Prayers
Announcements
*Hymn 39 “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
Happening this Week:
Sunday, March 15, Choir Rehearsal in the chapel after worship.
Sunday, March 15, 12 Noon-1:30 PM, MAKE UP Confirmation Class meeting at the Manse.
Sunday, March 15, 3-4:30 PM, The Ecumenical Youth Group is meeting at the Manse.
Sunday, March 15, 5-6:30 PM, Friends of Grace Community Dinner at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
Tuesday, March 17, 8:00 AM, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
Tuesday, March 17, 1 PM or 7 PM, Big Picture Bible Study at the Manse.
Wednesday, March 18, 7:30 PM Session Meeting, on Zoom.
Thursday, March 19, Sweet Hour of Prayer, 1:30 PM, at the Manse.
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.
Easter Lily Dedication forms can be found at the back of the chapel. Please return by March 29 with a check to the church office or in the offering plate. Flowers will be in the chapel on Easter Sunday.
Anyone interested in attending a dinner party at the manse or hosting a dinner party at your own home? Please Contact Pastor Cindy pastorcindy@gracemontclair.org
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.
Food Pantry Supplies are always needed! We are in need of: Pasta, Rice, Cereal (hot or cold), Peanut butter, Tuna fish, Spam, Spaghettios (or similar canned pastas), Canned chili, Soup. Please bring items to church on Sunday or leave in the bin on the Manse driveway!
The Next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is March 15.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
