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, “Tiento del Octavo Tono,” Antonio Cabezon
*Responsive Call to Worship, Psalm 119
ONE: The decrees of the Lord are wonderful.
ALL: The unfolding of God’s word gives light and understanding.
ONE: Turn to us, O God, and be gracious to us.
ALL: Make your face shine upon your servants. We come together to worship the
living God.
Opening Prayer
*Hymn 519, “You Are My Strength When I Am Weak”
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading (In Unison), Psalms 98:1-4
O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. The Lord has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises.
Time with the Children
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
Call to Confession
Unison Prayer of Confession followed by time of Silent Confession
God of grace, we want to understand what the kingdom of heaven is like, but our minds are clouded by cares and concerns of the world. We fail to trust your power, hidden in all things. We fail to watch for you, working out your purposes in mysterious ways. We fail to be wholehearted in our faith and discipleship. We fail to put our trust in the treasures of your kingdom instead of the treasures of the world. Gracious God, hidden and manifest, connect eyes to see and ears to hear your good news for the world even here and now. Transform our lives and our world by your grace.
Silent Confession.
Assurance of Forgiveness
*Glory Be to God in Song, Hymn 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, Matthew 13:31-34, 44-48
Sermon, The Invasive, Hidden, and Unexpected Kingdom, Linwood Bagby
Choral Anthem, “The Lord Is the Strength of His People”, Sean Ivory
*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
*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
Pastoral Prayers
Announcements
*Hymn 714, “God of the Fertile Fields”
*Benediction
Thank you to our liturgist, Elaine Fiveland.
The flowers in the chapel today were given in thanksgiving for the life of Richard Hagen and the music he brought to our congregation.
Happening this Week:
Tuesday, September 29, New Testament Big Picture Bible Study, 7:00 PM, at the Manse.
Thursday, October 1, New Testament Big Picture Bible Study, 1:00 PM, at the Manse.
Thursday, October 1, Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 pm, in the Chapel.
Friday, October 2, Sweet Hour of Prayer, 1:00 PM, at the Manse.
Sunday, October 4, Blessing of the Pets, 1:00-2:00 PM, at the Manse. Please invite friends and neighbors and their pets!
Daily Devotionals online Monday-Friday 9:00 AM. Check out www.gracemontclair.org for more information.
SOS Food Pantry Supplies needed! Our little food pantry is always in need of non-perishable food items. Please continue to drop supplies off at the Manse or bring to church with you on Sundays.
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.
New Testament Big Picture Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM or Thursdays at 1:00 PM. The study will meet at the Manse all but the second Tuesdays and Thursdays of the month. There is a suggested $20 donation to cover the cost of study materials.
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.
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