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 “Fix Me, Jesus” Traditional arr. Nolan Williams
Call to Worship
One: Bless the Lord!
All: Bless the Lord, o my soul!
One: Lord God, you dress in honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment.
All: Hold us in your light, in the palm of your hands, in the warmth of your Spirit.
One: Fill us.
All: Fill this space.
One: Breathe new life into our words and into our worship.
All: Bless us, Lord!
Opening Prayer
Hymn * (back page of bulletin) “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” Matt Redman, Jonas Myrin
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Lesson (Unison) Genesis 12:1-4a
Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’
So Abram went[.]
Time with Children
Call to Confession
Unison Confession of Faith
God of Abundance may our blessings be too numerous to count, and may we not forget to acknowledge them and their Source. Forgive us for focusing on what we lack and our fits of jealousy at the experiences of others. No matter how little or how much we possess, may our stores of graciousness and generosity never run low. May we never be depleted of faith or zeal for your beloved community. May our lives be a blessing to this world!
Assurance of Forgiveness (based on 1 Timothy 1:15)
Praise be to God in Song “Gloria Patri”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen.
Passing of the Peace
Scripture Reading Mark 10:35-45
Message Blessed to Be a Blessing! The Rev. Robin Miller Currás
Hymn 339 * “Be Thou My Vision”
Affirmation of Faith (in unison) Philippians 2: 5-11
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess to the glory of God: Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.
Offertory “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” William J. Kirkpatrick
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 Thanksgiving
Pastoral Prayers concluding with 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.
Hymn 369 * “I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me”
Announcements
Benediction
This morning’s liturgy was written by Pastor Robin and © Presbyterian Outlook, 2024 by Rev. Teri McDowell Ott and provided for free distribution. The pastoral prayer has been shaped in conversation with World In Prayer, a ministry of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, in Lodi, CA, USA, whose mission is to assist Christians to pray with current events in mind.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mark your calendars:
Sunday, Oct 20, Youth Group lunch at the Manse after worship with new youth leader, Jeffery.
Sunday, Oct 20, Book Group in the Cole Room at Union Congregational after the worship service
Wednesday, Oct 23, Norma’s Bible Study, 10 am at the Learning Center at Union Congregational
Choir Rehearsal, every Thursday at 7:30 pm in the Chapel
Saturday, Oct 26, Spooky Crafts Meet Up at the Manse 1 pm-3 pm
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
Food for the Little Pantry is always wanted and needed. Non-perishables only please. Food may be dropped off at the Manse or placed in the basket as you enter or leave the chapel on Sunday.
