Grace Presbyterian Church
Serving people, through Christ, to meet the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the community and the world around us.
Welcome and Announcements
Prelude “Thirty-Five Miniatures, No. 21” Flor Peeters, Op. 55
Responsive Call to Worship
One: To the first disciples, Jesus said, “Drop your nets and leave your boats.”
All: “Follow me,” he said.
One: To us, Jesus would say, “Silence your scattered thoughts and lay down your distractions.”
All: God is with us. Jesus calls us.
One: God calls us here to worship.
All: Let us worship God together.
Opening Prayer
Song “Amazing Grace: My Chains are Gone”
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
My chains are gone, I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me born below
Will be forever mine, will be forever mine
You are forever mine.
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lesson (Unison) Jonah 3:1-5,10
The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, “Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth. When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.
Time with Children
Song “Jesus Loves Me”
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by Silent Personal Confession
God of mercy, we confess that we have settled down in Nineveh. We are comfortable living under unjust systems and feign blindness to the plight of others. We would rather fault another’s character than acknowledge the unfair harshness of their reality. We confess our discomfort in speaking truths that unmask idolatries. Make us ready to follow Jesus, ready to repent, and eager to change our hearts and lives. Call to us again and show us your mercy. May we hear your good news and work for your reign on Earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Gloria Patri
Passing of the Peace
Scripture Reading Mark 1:14-20
Message Gone Fishing The Rev. Robin Miller Currás
Hymn 377* “Tu Has Venido a la Orilla”
Affirmation of Faith (in unison) The Declaration of Faith
In forming his people and sending them into the world Jesus called individuals to be disciples. They were to share the joy of his companionship, to understand and obey his teachings, and to follow him in life and death. We confess that Christians today are called to discipleship. Life shared with Christ and shaped by Christ is God’s undeserved gift to each of us. It is also God’s demand upon every one of us, never perfectly fulfilled by any of us. Forgiven by God and supported by our siblings in Christ, we strive to become more faithful and effective in our daily practice of the Christian life.
Minute for Mission Friends of Grace
Offertory “Siyahamba” Traditional South African
Doxology
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Pastoral Prayer/The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn* “The Kingdom of God Is Justice and Joy”
Benediction
Some of this morning’s liturgy was written by Stephanie Sorge and provided for free distribution.
Mark your calendars:
After Worship this Sunday: Youth Group
Wednesday, January 17, Norma’s Bible Study,10:00 am at Union Congregational
Thursday, January 18, Church Rebuild online at 10:00 am/Choir Rehearsal Union Congregational 7:30 pm
After Church Next Sunday
Annual Meeting
Notice is hereby given of the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION of Grace Presbyterian Church and the ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION of Grace Presbyterian Church to be held in joint session at Union Congregational Church, Cooper A venue, Montclair, New Jersey on Sunday, January 28, 2024 immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service for the purposes stated below.
1. To elect Elders and Deacons to fill vacancies on the Session and Board of Deacons.
2. To elect members at large to the Personnel and Nominating Committees.
3. To receive reports and to conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
4. To review and approve a proposed amendment to the bylaws of Grace Presbyterian Church. You can review the proposed amendment here.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
Food for the Little Pantry is desperately needed. Non-perishables only please. Food may be dropped off at the Manse or given to a Friends of Grace team member at church on Sunday. Donations of socks, hats, gloves and new or gently used and washed blankets are also wanted.