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.
Welcome
Prelude “Ayre” Arcangelo Corelli arr. S. Drummond Wolff
*Call to Worship Ezra 3:11
One: Let us sing, praising and giving thanks to the Lord
All: For God is good- God’s steadfast Love endures forever
One: Let all the people shout with a great shout when they praise the Lord
All: Because the Foundation of the House of the Lord was laid
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 442 “The Church’s One Foundation”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Psalm 118: 1-4, 22-24
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children
*Passing of the Peace
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Lord, Why do we continue to build our hope and homes upon anything but you? We know storms will inevitably come- we have experienced lose and destruction time and time again, whether it be physical, spiritual or emotional. Yet, we keep rebuilding our lives in low lying plains of culture: idolizing status, competition, wealth, beauty and fame over Your eternal immutable values and virtues. You are consistently merciful, compassionate . wise and loving, doing good and making justice at the city gates. We want to build our lives on you. Silent Confession.
Assurance of Forgiveness
*Glory Be to God in Song “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 1 Peter 2:4-6
One: This is the Word of the Lord All: Thanks Be to God
Sermon How’s YOUR Foundation? The Rev. Cynthia Wilcox
*Hymn 379 “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”
*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 “Oh, How He Loves You and Me” Kurt Kaiser arr. Mark Hayes
*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 417 “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”
*Benediction
Good News! Sunday School will continue throughout the summer! Only exception Labor Day Weekend.
Interested in learning how to become a member of Grace? Classes will be held this fall. Please contact Pastor Cindy at PastorCindy@gracemontclair.org to learn more.
Confirmation Classes to begin this Fall for 8th graders thru high schoolers who have yet to be confirmed. For more information, contact Pastor Cindy or the church office.
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.
Summer Wisdom Challenge!
THE MISSION- if you dare…
* in June: read Proverbs * in July: read Ecclesiastes * in August: read Job
with the MISSION ACCOMPLISHED all participants are invited to the celebration, Monday, August 25th, 4-5 PM walk on the Spring Lake boardwalk (or sit on a bench) 5-7 PM BBQ and discussion of the wisdom books back at Pastor Cindy and Dennis’ home.
Help keep the little food pantry filled this summer! Please bring non-perishables to church or leave on the Manse front steps. Kid friendly items are most welcome since school is out for the summer!
The next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is August 17. If you Can you provide salad or an appetizer or entree to serve 30 guests please let the office or Friends of Grace member know.
Save the Dates:
August 10, 3 PM, Pastor Cindy’s installation at Union Congregational
August 15, 4 PM, Community-Wide Worship Service marking the second anniversary of the church fire
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.