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 “Unto Us a Child is Born” Jean F. Dandrieu
*Responsive Call to Worship
One: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
All: So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
One: But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.
All: Teach us, O Lord, how to lead lives of holiness and godliness while, in accordance with your promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.
One: This is the day that the Lord has made;
All: let us rejoice and be glad in it.
One: Lift up your hearts.
All: We lift them up to the Lord.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 145 “What Child is This”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Ephesians 4:20-24
That is not the way you learned Christ! For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children (no Sunday School this week)
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
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Holy and merciful God, we confess we neglect to seek your wisdom for our lives. Instead, we think more highly of ourselves and our own knowledge, choosing to go our own way in this world. Lord, have mercy. We let the cares and concerns of this world crowd out the promise of your Word, that you are with us always. Christ, have mercy. We confess we face the future with uncertainty and misgivings. Help us put our trust in you so we may live faithful and obedient lives, as we depend on the wisdom of your Holy Spirit and the love of Christ to shape our lives and actions. Lord, have mercy. Amen. Silent Confession.
Responsive Assurance of Forgiveness
One: The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
All: He fulfills the desires of all who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.
One: Friends, hear and believe the good news: In Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven!
All: Alleluia! Amen
*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 Luke 2:41-52
Sermon The Heart of the Matter: Jesus in the Temple Linwood Bagby
*Hymn 113 “Angels We Have Heard on High”
*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 “Noel sur les Flutes” Louis-Claude Daquin
*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 insert “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
The flowers in the Sanctuary today were donated by the Tobiere family in memory of the Riley family.
Happening this Week:
December 29, Church office Closed
January 1, 2026, 10 AM, The New Years Day Walk will take place in Brookdale Park. Meet in the upper parking lot. Questions? Contact Pat Walsh.
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.
