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 “The Church’s One Foundation” Samuel Wesley
Grace Chamber Ensemble
*Responsive Call to Worship Psalm 68
One: Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the Lord, to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.
All: Proclaim the power and majesty of God, You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; And give power and strength to your people. Praise be to God!
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 463 “How Firm a Foundation”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison) John 16:33; 17:1-8; 11
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. …..
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
One: The Word of the Lord All: Thanks be to God
Time with the Children Jeffery 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 allow the children to exit before standing)
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you humbly and honestly, confessing that we have too often forgotten that we are yours. We run ahead of your plans or lag behind in fear- sometimes carrying on as if there was no God at all. For these things we ask your forgiveness and we also ask for your strength. Give us clear minds and open hearts so we may better love you and your people. 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)
Scripture Lesson 1 Peter 5:6-1
Sermon Let Us Be ONE! The Rev. Cindy Wilcox
*Hymn 465 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
*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 “Glorious is the Name of Jesus” Robert J. Fryson
*Doxology Lasst Uns Erfreuen
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
Financial Update Mark Hatten
Pastoral Prayers
Announcements
*Hymn 742 “We Will Walk with God”
*Benediction
(All are welcome to join us for coffee hour!)
The flowers in the chapel this morning are dedicated to Jeffrey Blanford for his work with the Ecumenical Youth Ministry Program.
Happening this Week:
Sunday, May 17, 3-4:30 PM, Ecumemical Youth Group at the Manse.
Sunday, May 17, 5:00-6:30 PM, Friends of Grace Community Dinner at St. John’s.
Tuesday, May 19, 8:00 AM, Men’s Fellowship Breakfast at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
Tuesday, May 19, 1PM or 7PM, Big Picture Bible Study at the Manse.
Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 PM, Session Meeting online.
Thursday, May 21, 1:30 PM Sweet Hour of Prayer, at the Manse.
Thursday, May 21, 7:30 PM, Choir Rehearsal in the Chapel.
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
The next Friends of Grace Community Dinner is May 17, 5:00-6:30 PM at St. John’s, 55 Montclair Avenue.
RSVP now for “A Night at the Oscar’s” (Janet and Richard Oscar) POT LUCK DINNER, Saturday, June 6th, 5 PM, please contact the church office or Janet Oscar. joscar@benefitnavigator.com Reservations are needed so the hosts know how many to expect and what dish you will be bringing!
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 desperately needed! 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!
Sight and Sound – date: October 24, 2026 is the performance of “Joshua”; please sign up for the trip after coffee hour and the payment is due by June 1. $165 for adults and $110 for kids. contact Irene or Kem Mackey
