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.
Fourth Week of Advent – LOVE
Welcome
Prelude “Noel Une Vierge Pucelle” Nicholas Lebegue
*Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle – Love Bradley Family
One: In a weary and worn world, how do we begin again? Where do we start?
All: Let us begin with tenderness. Let us begin with our hearts on our sleeve. Let us begin from a place of vulnerability and hope. Let us begin with love.
One: Yes, let us start with love. Today we light the candles of hope, peace, joy, and love.
All: May the warmth of these lights be our cornerstone. May the truth in these lights help us begin again.
One: May it be so! Amen.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 144 “In the Bleak Midwinter”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) John 1:1-5; 14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. IIn him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children Jeffrey 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.
*Passing of the Peace (Please let children pass through before standing.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Lord, Just as you sent John the Baptist to prepare the way for Jesus, help us to clear the path in our hearts, too. Show us the distractions that block us from the worship of you this Advent. Give us hearts that look for your coming on a daily basis. Help us to live our lives seeking Your presence so we can be refined and restored. 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)
As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. Amen.
Scripture Lesson John 1: 15-18
Sermon LOVE Shows Up The Rev. Cynthia Wilcox
Choral Anthem “O Come Divine Messiah ” harmony Healy Willan
16th cent. French carol
*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
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 Prayer
Announcements
*Hymn 110 “Love has Come”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
The flowers in the Sanctuary today were donated by Julie & Al Daidone in memory of their daughter, Caitlyn.
Candelighting liturgy comes from Sanctified Art.
Happening this Week:
December 21, Cookie Exchange at Coffee hour
December 21, Noon – 2:00 PM, Open House and sing-a-long at the Manse, 63 Tuxedo Rd.
December 21, 3:00-4:30 PM, Ecumenical Youth Group meeting at the Manse for Christmas Party and gift swap.
December 21, 3:00 PM, Blue Christmas Service in Union Congregational Sanctuary.
December 23, 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM Big Picture Bible Study at the Manse.
December 24, 7:00 PM, Christmas Eve Service in the Chapel at Union Congregational.
Please note that there is no Sunday School on December 28. Linwood Bagby will be our guest speaker.
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.
Please prayerfully consider making an estimate of giving to support Grace Church. Extra estimate of giving cards are located at the chapel entrance. We ask that these cards be dropped in the offering plate or sent to the church by December 31 so we can budget for 2026. Please note that in order for your donation to count for 2025 it must be received or postmarked by December 31.
The next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is January 11. If you can help provide a salad or dessert to feed thirty guests please let a Friends of Grace member know.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
