WE’RE GLAD YOU’VE JOINED US TODAY.

WHO WE ARE.

• We are a community of city-centred, gospel-focused people striving to serve and renew Toronto through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

WHO WE WELCOME.

• We welcome people of all races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds and faiths – both religious and irreligious.

WHO WE BELIEVE IN.

• We believe Christ is relevant to every person in every situation, and we want to help you discover him.

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GOD CALLS

CALL TO WORSHIP

—from Matthew 11:28-29, NIV

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LEADER:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;

for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

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ALL:

Praise the Lord!

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SONG - HOW GREAT THOU ART

(© 1949 and 1953 Manna Music, Inc., Stuart Hine Trust. CCLI # 14181)

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O Lord my God

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all the worlds

Thy hands have made

I see the stars

I hear the rolling thunder

Thy pow'r thru'out

The universe displayed

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Then sings my soul

My Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art

How great Thou art

Then sings my soul

My Savior God to Thee

How great Thou art

How great Thou art

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When through the woods

And forest glades I wander

And hear the birds

Sing sweetly in the trees

When I look down

From lofty mountain grandeur

And hear the brook

And feel the gentle breeze

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And when I think

That God His Son not sparing

Sent Him to die

I scarce can take it in

That on the cross

My burden gladly bearing

He bled and died

To take away my sin

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When Christ shall come

With shout of acclamation

And take me home

What joy shall fill my heart

Then I shall bow

In humble adoration

And there proclaim

My God how great Thou art

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SONG - ALL WHO ARE THIRSTY

(© 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire). CCLI # 2489542)

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All who are thirsty

All who are weak

Come to the fountain

Dip your heart in the stream of life

Let the pain and the sorrow

Be washed away

In the waves of His mercy

As deep cries out to deep

We sing

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Come Lord Jesus come

Come Lord Jesus come

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Holy Spirit come

Holy Spirit come

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SONG - O COME TO THE ALTAR

(© 2015 © Be Essential Songs. CCLI # 7051511)

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Are you hurting and broken within

Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin

Jesus is calling

Have you come to the end of yourself

Do you thirst for a drink from the well

Jesus is calling

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O come to the altar

The Father's arms are open wide

Forgiveness was bought with

The precious blood of Jesus Christ

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Leave behind your regrets and mistakes

Come today there's no reason to wait

Jesus is calling

Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy

From the ashes a new life is born

Jesus is calling

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Oh what a Savior

Isn't he wonderful

Sing alleluia Christ is risen

Bow down before him

For he is Lord of all

Sing alleluia Christ is risen

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Bear your cross as you wait for the crown

Tell the world of the treasure you've found

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GOD CLEANSES

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

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—Psalm 130, NRSV

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LEADER:

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.

ALL:

Lord, hear my voice!

LEADER:

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my supplications!

ALL:

If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,

Lord, who could stand?

LEADER:

But there is forgiveness with you,

so that you may be revered.

ALL:

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord

more than those who watch for the morning,

more than those who watch for the morning.

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SILENT CONFESSION

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WORDS OF ASSURANCE

—Psalm 147:2-3, 5, NRSV

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The LORD builds up Jerusalem;

he gathers the outcasts of Israel.

He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

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SONG OF ASSURANCE - THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD

(© 2010 Hillsong Publishing, So Essential Tunes, Stugio Music Publishing. CCLI # 5660739)

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Give me eyes to see more of who You are

May what I behold still my anxious heart

Take what I have known and break it all apart

You my God are greater still

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And no sky contains

No doubt restrains all You are

The greatness of our God

I spend my life to know

And I'm far from close to all You are

The greatness of our God

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Give me grace to see beyond this moment here

To believe that there is nothing left to fear

And that You alone are high above it all

You my God are greater still

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And there is nothing that could ever separate us

There is nothing that could ever separate us

From Your love

No life no death of this I am convinced

That You my God are greater still

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And no words could say

Or song convey all You are

The greatness of our God

I spend my life to know

And I'm far from close to all You are

The greatness of our God

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And no sky contains

No doubt restrains all You are

The greatness of our God

I spend my life to know

And I'm far from close to all You are

The greatness of our God

All You are the greatness of our God

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PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE CITY

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COMMUNITY LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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ALPHA

• What is the meaning and purpose of life? Is there a God? Who is Jesus?Come join us as we explore these important questions of faith over the next 10 weeks together (October 9th - December 11th). Sign up online at gracetoronto.ca/events.

THANKSGIVING BRUNCH

• Join us for Thanksgiving Brunch after either service on Oct 12th. RSVP by Oct 5th. Adult tickets are $10, kids 12 and under are free.

KIDS CAFE

• Join us for a kid-friendly coffee hour on Sunday, October 5th in the St Andrews Hall, after the first service. Enjoy fellowship, delicious baked goods, and specialty hot drinks!

WORSHIP NIGHT

• Come join us on Oct 22nd at 7PM for a night of worship and prayer as we reflect on how the Lord has been the Good Shepherd in our lives.

MEMBERSHIP CLASS

• Interested in becoming a member of our church? We invite you to attend a membership class on Saturday, October 25th from 9am-2pm in the St. Andrews hall (2nd floor). Lunch is provided. Register online at gracetoronto.ca/events.

FAMILY TALKS

• Join us for our next Family Talks Seminar on Saturday, November 1st from 9-11:30 am. This month we're looking at how parents should raise their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Breakfast is included! Register online at gracetoronto.ca/events.

GOSPEL LIVING IN THE AGE OF AI

• On Thursday, November 6, Grace Toronto will be hosting a talk on the topic of Gospel and AI, where we will explore the world of AI through the lens of the Christian faith. Join us at 7 PM in the sanctuary.

PCC FALL FUNDRAISER

• PCC Toronto is having their annual fall fundraiser on November 1st. Come join them as they celebrate God's faithfulness this past year in an evening of music, stories, dessert, and fellowship. In support, Grace Toronto has purchased 20 seats! So sign up while you can by emailing stephen@gracetoronto.ca.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

• COMMUNITY (Acts 2:42-47) The early church devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, building a strong community of faith. Pray for opportunities to deepen your relationships and serve others in love.

SUPPORT

• If you are in any form of need or if you are able to help others, please visit http://www.gracetoronto.ca/help  or visit http://www.gracetoronto.ca/prayer  to submit your prayers.

DIACONATE

• The Diaconate exists to contribute to the flourishing of gospel-centered community by meeting the practical needs of our church community, and extending help and compassion to those experiencing hardship or difficult circumstances.
• Click here for more information.

OFFERING

• To set up your online giving or to learn more about giving options, visitgracetoronto.ca/give.

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GOD COMMUNES

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SCRIPTURE READING

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1 Thessalonians 2:17-20, 3:1-13

17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

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SERMON

Dan MacDonald

Q&A

Text your questions to 416-830-0335

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SONG OF RESPONSE - MY SOUL WILL WAIT

(© 2021 Sovereign Grace Praise. CCLI Song # 7190363)

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When the enemy surrounds

And my heart grows faint within

When the darkness overwhelms

And my fears are pressing in

I will trust in You O Lord

In the silence I will wait

I will stand upon Your Word

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You're my solid rock and my salvation

My steadfast hope that won't be shaken

My soul will wait my soul will wait for You

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You're my stronghold and my shield

In the midst of every threat

Though the wicked never yield

They will vanish like a breath

Yes I know the outcome's sure

Satan's evil plans will fail

In Your power I'm secure

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You're my solid rock and my salvation

My steadfast hope that won't be shaken

My soul will wait my soul will wait for You

You're my comfort when I feel forsaken

My refuge and my sure foundation

My soul will wait my soul will wait for You

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This is love I can't explain

This is mercy unreserved

Through Your sacrifice so great

I have peace that's undeserved

For the battle has been won

And I fear no shame or loss

Now the sting of death is gone

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Pouring out our hearts before You

We will trust in You

Perfect Savior strong Defender

We will trust in You

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COMMUNION
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PRAYER FOR THOSE SEARCHING FOR TRUTH

Lord Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life.  Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open me to the reality of who you are.  Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing and that leads to the life you promise.  Amen.

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PRAYER OF BELIEF

Lord Jesus Christ, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever dared admit, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope.  I thank you for paying my debt on the cross, taking what I deserved in order to offer me complete forgiveness. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as my Saviour and Lord.  Amen.

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GOD COMMISSIONS

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BENEDICTION

—2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV

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May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who loved us and by his grace

gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

encourage your hearts and strengthen you

in every good deed and word.

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PRAYER

Would you like prayer?  Send us an email at prayer@gracetoronto.ca.  We would love to intercede for you!

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