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

—Psalm 96:1-2, NIV

LEADER:

Sing to the LORD a new song;

ALL:

Sing to the LORD, all the earth.

LEADER:

Sing to the LORD, praise his name;

ALL:

Proclaim his salvation day after day.

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SONG - SING TO THE KING

(© 2003 CCLI # 4010902)

Sing to the King Who is coming to reign

Glory to Jesus the Lamb that was slain

Life and salvation His empire shall bring

And joy to the nations when Jesus is King

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Come let us sing a song

A song declaring that we belong to Jesus

He is all we need

Lift up a heart of praise

Sing now with voices raised to Jesus

Sing to the King

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For His returning we watch and we pray

We will be ready the dawn of that day

We'll join in singing with all the redeemed

'Cause Satan is vanquished and Jesus is King

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SONG - A THOUSAND HALLELUJAHS

(© 2022 City and Vine Music Publishing International; Phil Wickham Music; Simply Global Songs. CCLI Song # 7190270)

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Who else would rocks cry out to worship

Whose glory taught the stars to shine

Perhaps creation longs to have the words to sing

But this joy is ours

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With a thousand hallelujahs

We magnify Your name

You alone deserve the glory

The honour and the praise

Lord Jesus this song is forever Yours

A thousand hallelujahs

And a thousand more

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Who else would die for our redemption

Whose resurrection means we'll rise

There isn't time enough to sing of all You've done

But we have eternity to try

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Praise to the Lord

To the Lamb

To the King of heaven

Praise for He rose

Now He reigns

We will sing forever

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SONG- GREAT ARE YOU LORD

(© 2012 Open Hands Music, Integrity's Praise! Music, and Integrity's Alleluia! Music. CCLI # 6460220.)

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You give life You are love

You bring light to the darkness

You give hope You restore ev'ry heart that is broken

And great are You Lord

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It's Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise

We pour out our praise

It's Your breath in our lungs

So we pour out our praise to You only

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And all the earth will shout Your praise

Our hearts will cry these bones will sing

Great are You Lord

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GOD CLEANSES

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

—Psalm 130, NRSV

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

—based on Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 5:17

LEADER:

Hear the good news!

Who is in a position to condemn?

Only Christ,

and Christ died for us,

Christ rose for us,

Christ reigns in power for us,

Christ prays for us.

Anyone who is in Christ

is a new creation.

The old life has gone;

a new life has begun.

Know that you are forgiven, and be at peace.

ALL:

Thanks be to God

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SONG OF ASSURANCE - YET NOT I BUT THROUGH CHRIST IN ME

(© 2018 CityAlight Music. CCLI # 7121852)

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What gift of grace is Jesus my redeemer

There is no more for heaven now to give

He is my joy my righteousness and freedom

My steadfast love my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold my hope is only Jesus

For my life is wholly bound to his

Oh how strange and divine I can sing all is mine

Yet not I but through Christ in me

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The night is dark but I am not forsaken

For by my side the Saviour he will stay

I labour on in weakness and rejoicing

For in my need his power is displayed

To this I hold my Shepherd will defend me

Through the deepest valley he will lead

Oh the night has been won and I shall overcome

Yet not I but through Christ in me

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No fate I dread I know I am forgiven

The future sure the price it has been paid

For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon

And he was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold my sin has been defeated

Jesus now and ever is my plea

Oh the chains are released I can sing I am free

Yet not I but through Christ in me

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With every breath I long to follow Jesus

For he has said that he will bring me home

And day by day I know he will renew me

Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold my hope is only Jesus

All the glory evermore to him

When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat

Yet not I but through Christ in me

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When the race is complete still my lips shall repeat

Yet not I but through Christ in me

Yet not I but through Christ in me

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GOD AT WORK

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PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE CITY

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COMMUNITY LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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FAMILY CAFE

• Grace Toronto is hosting a special coffee hour for families next Sunday, September 29th, after the first service, in the St Andrews Hall (2nd floor). Come meet other parents and kids, and enjoy delicious baked goods and specialty hot drinks!

IMPRINT PRESALE NOW OPEN

• This year's theme, Turn & Return, invites writers, artists, and readers to explore how our lives are formed by experiences of change, choice, the familiar, and the new. Where, what, or who are we turning or returning to—and how does our faith drive or anchor us in seasons of change? Visit tinyurl.com/imprint12 to pre-order your copy today!

THANKSGIVING BRUNCH

• Join us after either service for brunch in the St. Andrew’s Hall on OCTOBER 13. Start new friendships or deepen old ones over a plate of tasty food. Please RSVP in advance to save your seat! Adults are $10. Children 12 and under are free.

YOUNG ADULTS THANKSGIVING POTLUCK

• Are you between the ages of 18 and 25? Do you like impressing others with a secret family recipe? Can you buy a bucket of KFC chicken? Then join us for a potluck dinner on OCTOBER 16, 7pm in the church building! RSVP to let us know what you’re bringing.

WOMEN'S MINISTRY BREAKFAST AND MINGLE

• Women of Grace, come meet up for a light morning breakfast and banter Sunday OCTOBER 20, 9:15–10:30 am. in St. Andrews Hall. Reconnect with old friends and take time to meet new ones. Hope to see you there!

ALL CHURCH PRAYER AND WORSHIP

• We are excited to announce our  first united prayer and worship gathering, as churches together, on NOVEMBER 14, from 7-8:30 at St Paul’s Bloor Church. Grace Toronto, Little Trinity, and St Paul’s Bloor, along with several other partners, invite you to come and pray!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

• STEWARDSHIP & ECONOMICS (Genesis 2:15) Scripture clearly teaches that everything we own belongs to God. In His grace, He entrusts us to manage these resources on His behalf, and the Bible provides guidance on faithful stewardship. How well are we managing the resources God has given us?

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, visit gracetoronto.ca/give.

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GOD COMMUNES

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 1: 18-25

Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

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SERMON

Dan MacDonald

Q&A

Text your questions to 416-830-0335

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SONG OF RESPONSE - JESUS MESSIAH

(© 2008 Vamos Publishing and Alletrop Music. CCLI # 5183443)

He became sin who knew no sin

That we might become His righteousness

He humbled Himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing love so amazing

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Jesus Messiah Name above all names

Blessed Redeemer Emmanuel

The Rescue for sinners

The Ransom from heaven

Jesus Messiah Lord of all

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His body the bread His blood the wine

Broken and poured out all for love

The whole earth trembled and the veil was torn

Love so amazing love so amazing

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All our hope is in You

All our hope is in You

All the glory to You God

The Light of the world

Jesus Messiah

Lord of all

The Lord of all

The Lord of all

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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

BENEDICTION

—2 Thessalonians 3:18

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

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PRAYER

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

CONNECT WITH US

Need to get connected at Grace? Click here to fill in our Connections form!

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