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 “Pastorale” George F. Handel
*Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 104:1-4
One: Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
All: The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.
One: He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind.
All: He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 300 “We Are One in the Spirit”
Prayer for Illumination in French (Paul Denk)
Lord, we know that your Word has been brought to us by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Now let the Holy Spirit transpose this written Word into living Word- that transforms our hearts, souls and lives. In Christ’s name, Amen
Scripture Reading in English (Janet Prevette) Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Scripture Reading in Russian (Ruth Ann Stauffer) Acts 2:5-6
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
Scripture Reading in Japanese (Tomie Hara) Acts 2:7-8
Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?
Scripture Reading in German (Pat Walsh) Acts 2:9-11
Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”
Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time with the Children
The Lord’s Prayer (Congregants in language of their choice)
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 (Carmen Van Atta in Chinese) Please allow the children to exit before standing)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Lord, you have given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, But we often don’t unwrap the gift
Lord, you have given us the ability to be part of your ministry of healing, hope and love,
But we often don’t choose to participate because we are too busy with our own plans.
Lord, let us receive your Holy Spirit more openly, graciously and intentionally Silent Confession.
Assurance of Forgiveness
*Glory Be to God in Song 582 “Glory to God”
Scripture Lesson in Latin (Juan Luengo) Acts 2:13-16
Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
Scripture Lesson in Armenian (Will Denk) Acts 2:17-18
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
Scripture Lesson in Spanish (Marie Nyland) Acts 2:19-21
I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
This is the word of the Lord, Thanks be to God
Sermon Now You’re Speaking My Language! The Rev. Cindy Wilcox
Choral Anthem “Every Time I feel the Spirit” arr. William Dawson
*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 Lasst Uns Erfreuen
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
Congregational Prayers (in Arabic Michael Hawley)
Announcements (insert)
*Hymn (insert) “You Gotta Sing”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
The flowers in the chapel this morning are given by Janet Prevette in memory of her husband, parents, and brother.
Happening this Week:
Monday, May 25, Memorial Day, Church Office Closed.
Tuesday, May 26, 1PM or 7PM, Big Picture Bible Study at the Manse.
Thursday, May 28, 1:30 PM Sweet Hour of Prayer, at the Manse.
Thursday, May 28, 7:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal in the Chapel.
Sunday, May 31, Deacons Meeting after Worship.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
The Next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is June 14. If you can provide salad, an appetizer, entree or dessert to serve 30 guests please let a Friends of Grace member know!
RSVP now for “A Night at the Oscar’s” (Janet and Richard Oscar) POT LUCK DINNER, Saturday, June 6th, 5 PM, please contact the church office or Janet Oscar. joscar@benefitnavigator.com Reservations are needed so the hosts know how many to expect and what dish you will be bringing!
2nd Annual Summer Reading Challenge The Mission, if you dare, is to read through the Gospel of John over the summer. All participants are then invited to a Finale Celebration/Discussion, Monday August 31st, at 4 PM on the boardwalk in Spring Lake, followed by a BBQ at Pastor Cindy and Dennis’ home at the shore. Please RSVP so I know you’re participating and can encourage you!
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.
Food Pantry Supplies are desperately 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!
Sight and Sound – date: October 24, 2026 is the performance of “Joshua”; please sign up for the trip after coffee hour and the payment is due by June 1. $165 for adults and $110 for kids. contact Irene or Kem Mackey
