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 “Thirty-Five Miniatures, no. 8” Flor Peeters, Op. 55
Responsive Call to Worship
One: Lord, we come into your sacred tent. We come to worship you on your holy mountain. Let our walk be blameless, and righteous. Let us speak truth from our hearts;
All: Lord let us revere you; and keep your oaths even when it hurts. Help us not to change our minds, but to stay steadfast in worship of you. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 172 “Blessed Are They”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) Matthew 5:1-12
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time With Children
*Passing of the Peace (Please let children pass through before standing.)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Merciful God, Jesus calls the humble, the merciful, and the peacemakers blessed, yet we confess that we often choose pride, judgment, and division. We turn away from suffering, settle for comfort instead of righteousness, and hesitate to follow when faith requires courage. Forgive us, O God. Restore us by your grace, and shape our lives to reflect the blessing of your kingdom. Amen. Silent Confession.
Assurance of Forgiveness
*Glory Be to God in Song 582 “Glory to God”
Scripture Lesson 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Sermon The Radical Flip The Rev. Cynthia Wilcox
*Hymn 822 “When We Are Living”
*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
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper/Pastoral Prayers
Please note that gluten-free bread is served and water can be substituted for grape juice.
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.
Acknowledgement of Officers who have Fulfilled their Term
Ordination/Installation of Officers
Being ordained this morning is Julie Daidone to ministry as a Deacon and Dusty Kennedy to ministry as Elder.
Being installed this morning are as Honorary Deacons: Joanne Akiwowo, Fiona Bradley, Marcela Coelho, and Danilo Mesquita; those who have been previously ordained: Deacons Joan Bernard, Allyson Roe, and Kelly Tobierre; and Ruling Elders Rob Depue, Ruth Liang, Emy Kamihara, Don Nyland, and Denarra Simmons.
Announcements
*Hymn 701 “I’m Gonna Live so God can Use Me”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
Thank you to violinist, Liz Moulthrop.
Happening this Week:
February 1, 12 Noon-1:30 PM, Confirmation meeting at the Manse.
February 1, 3:00 – 4:30 PM, Ecumenical Youth Group serving at Toni’s Kitchen, 73 S. Fullerton Ave.
February 3, 8:00 AM, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
February 3, 1:00 PM Big Picture Bible Study at the Manse/7:00 PM Big Picture Bible Study at Pat Warren’s home, 306 Grove St., Montclair.
February 4, 10:30 AM, Caregiver’s Group, in the Learning Center at Union Congregational.
February 5, 1:30 PM, Sweet Hour of Prayer at the Manse.
February 5,, 7:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal, in the Chapel at Union Congregational.
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 always needed! Shop RIte is having their “can can” sale which is a great time to help out with our pantry supplies! 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!
The Next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is February 8. Thanks to generous donors we are all set for this dinner!
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
