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 “Andante Moderato” Antonio Vivaldi
Ed. and arr. by S. Drummond Wolff
*Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 86:11-13
One: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth;
All: Give me an undivided heart to revere your name. I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
One: I will glorify your name forever.
All: For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 370 “This is My Father’s World”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Matthew 11:25-30
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time with the 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 allow the children to exit before standing)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Heavenly Father, We come before You acknowledging that we have not always followed Your guidance or reflected Your love in our lives. Forgive us when we have turned from Your ways, when we have neglected the needs of others, or when our hearts have been hardened toward those You call us to serve. Have mercy upon us, Lord, and restore us to Your path of love, justice, and compassion. Help us honor the fatherly love You show to all Your children, and guide us to live faithfully in Your name, through Christ. 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 Matthew 11:25-30
Sermon Thanks Dad The Rev. Cindy Wilcox
Choral Anthem “Siyahamba” Traditional South African Mark Hatten, congas
*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
Pastoral Prayers
Announcements
*Hymn 192 “Shine, Jesus, Shine”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to coffee hour!)
The flowers in the chapel this morning are given by Ruth & Raymond Liang in celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary!
Happening this Week:
Thursday, June 25,, 1:30 PM Sweet Hour of Prayer, at the Manse.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
The next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is July 12, If you can help by providing an appetizer, salad, entree or dessert to feed 30 guests, please let a Friends of Grace member know.
JOIN US: Fun, Faith, Family Fridays @ Brookdale Park, Montclair: July 10, 17 or 24 There will be something for everyone so bring friends, family, neighbors and stay for the 7:30 concert!
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!
Pastor Leggett is celebrating a big birthday on July 3! Help him celebrate by sending a card to the church at 63 Tuxedo Rd, Montclair, NJ 07042 so we can gather them all and hand deliver them to our beloved Pastor Emeritus.
After thirteen years of dedicated and stellar service, Alison Hurlock, our church administrator, is leaving to be closer to her mother in South Carolina. Details of a farewell gathering will follow soon, but for now we are seeking someone to replace her (as if that’s possible!).
Administrative Office Manager Position Opening: Grace Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time Administrative Office Manager (25–35 hours per week). To request a full job description or apply, please email: gracemontclairjobs@gmail.com Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
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!
