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 “Fairest Lord Jesus” arr. Mark Hayes
*Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 67:1-4
One: May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us— so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
All: May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 409 “God Is Here!”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Isaiah 56:1-5
“Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this— the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.” Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” And let no eunuch complain, “I am only a dry tree.”
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 remain seated until children have passed through.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Dear Lord, We have sinned against you in thought, word and deed. By what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. 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 Isaiah 56:6-8
Sermon Who’s Invited? The Rev. Cindy Wilcox
*Hymn 397 “O Look and Wonder”
*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 “I Love You, Lord” Laurie Klein arr. Mark Hayes
*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 408 “There’s a Sweet, Sweet Spirit”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for lemonade hour!)
- Please Stand
Thank you to our liturgist, Elaine Fiveland.
The flowers in the chapel today were given by Ruth Ann Stauffer.
Happening this Week:
Wednesday, August 11, 7:30 PM, Session Meeting on Zoom.
Saturday, August 22, 8:30 AM, Walking group at Brookdale Park.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
The next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is September 13, 5-6:30 PM at St. John’s Episcopal, 55 Montclair Avenue. If you are able to donate an appetizer, salad, entree or dessert to feed 30 guests, please let a Friends of Grace member know.
SOS Food Pantry Supplies needed! As the school year ends, our little food pantry is especially in need of non-perishable food items. Please continue to drop supplies off at the Manse or bring to church with you on Sundays.
It’s not too late for the 2nd Annual Summer Reading Challenge The Mission, if you dare, is to read through the Gospel of John plus 1st, 2nd and 3rd 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 Pastor Cindy knows you’re participating and can encourage you!
All are invited to the Open Committee meetings / Pot Lucks at the manse:
GROW: Wednesday, Aug 5, 6:30 PM (Completed)
REACH: Tuesday, Sept. 8, 6:30 PM
ACT/ Friends of Grace: Sunday, August 23, after worship in Cole Room
CARE/ Deacons: Sunday, Sept. 20th, 12 PM
EXALT: Sunday, Aug 9, 12 PM (Completed)
Pray, Walk, Love – Summer Walking Groups: Saturday Mornings at 8:30 AM at Brookdale Park- meet at the rose gardens Aug 22 and Aug 29. All ages and walking abilities are welcome.
Farewell Party for Alison, August 28, 7 PM at the Oscar’s house. Desserts and coffee will be served. Please RSVP to PastorCindy@gracemontclair.org.
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!
