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 “Noel Une Vierge Pucelle” Nicolas LeBegue
Responsive Call to Worship
One: Arise, shine for your light has come,
All: and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us.
One: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
but will have life.
All: The grace of God has dawned upon the world with healing for all humankind.
One: With voices from Isaiah, John, and Titus, we add our own.
All: Let us worship God!
Opening Prayer
Hymn 57* “The Snow Lay on the Ground”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lesson (Unison) Isaiah 60:1-6
Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.
Time with Children
Song “Jesus Loves Me”
Assurance of Pardon
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by Silent Personal Confession
God of glory, you sent Jesus among us as light of the world, to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sins obscure your light. We can turn our back on others’ need, ignore cries for help, and remain complacent when justice and peace work are left undone. In your mercy, move us, baptize us once again with your Spirit, that forgiven and renewed, our lives may reflect your light and your love. May the face of Christ shine through us! We pray, honored and humbled to be your hands and feet in this fragile world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gloria Patri
Passing of the Peace
Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-12
Message …and myrrh The Rev. Robin Miller Currás
Hymn 63* As with Gladness Men of Old
Affirmation of Faith (in unison) (from the Confession of Belhar)
We believe that this unity of the people of God must be manifested and be active in a variety of ways; in that we love one another; that we experience, practice, and pursue community with one another; that we are obligated to give ourselves willingly and joyfully to be of benefit and blessing to one another; together know and bear one another’s burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ; that we need one another and uphold one another, admonishing and comforting one another; that we suffer with one another for the sake of righteousness; pray together; together serve God in this world and together fight against all which may threaten or hinder this unity[.]
Offertory “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” Spiritual
Doxology
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Pastoral Prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer
Hymn 66* “We Three Kings of Orient Are”
Benediction
Mark your calendars:
After Worship this Sunday: Book Group at the Manse
Youth Group Service Day at Toni’s Kitchen: 3-5pm 73 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair.
Tuesday, January 9, Reach Meeting 7:30 pm online
Wednesday, January 10, Norma’s Bible Study 10 am at Union Congregational
Exalt Meeting 7:30 pm online
Thursday, January 11, Church Rebuild online at 10:00 am
12 noon Nominating Committee at the Manse
Next Sunday: Friends of Grace Community Dinner 5pm at St John’s Episcopal 55 Montclair Avenue
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM.
Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
Please plan on attending Saturday, January 20 “Congregation Input Session for Church Rebuild” in the chapel at UCC from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon
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.