Welcome to Grace at Home. Below are worship resources to sustain and strengthen our faith. Click on the pictures below to access the video content. Scriptures and prayers are located below the links. Due to the rise in COVID-19 positivity rates, Grace Community Christian Church will only share in worship online. The building will not be open for in person worship. We will only offer virtual worship in the coming weeks, and look forward to gathering again in person when it is safe to do so.
Advent 2020
At the end of November, Christians across the United States and Canada, begin a new church year that starts with the season of Advent. The Christian year begins with a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ in our celebration of his birth at Christmas. In this season, we await the One who joyfully prepares a new table of blessings, Who invites and welcomes all to this holy moment of worship.
This is the fourth Sunday in Advent. Today we light the candle of love. In the beginning, when all was darkness, God spoke the word of Light and brilliant light shown forth. It was the glorious light of Creation. In due time, when darkness began to invade the land again, God sent the prophets to reclaim God’s people. Praise be to God for the words and spirits of the prophets who boldly proclaimed God’s love. Help us make our hearts ready to receive Jesus, the love of God with us, coming anew this season.
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"The Real Reason for the Season"
(Skit Guys video)
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"O Come All Ye Faithful"
(Opening song - sing along)
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"What Christmas is All About"
Linus Christmas Speech
(Children's worship moment)
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"We are Marching in the Light of God/Siyahamba"
(Sing and clap along)
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"Disciples of Christ"
(Video about identity and community)
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Olaf and Samantha Frozen 2
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Love Calls You Favored
Rev. Yvonne Gilmore
(Communion and sermon)
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"The world of the generous gets larger and larger"
--- Proverbs 11:24 (The Message)
Thank you in advance for sharing your gifts, tithes, and offerings with Grace Community Christian Church. You may give online below, mail in a check, or drop off your offering to the church.
Today's special offering supports the work of regional ministries this Christmas, including the vital ministry of the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin. Click here to learn more. To make a gift to the special offering, over and above your tithe or offering today, please include a note on your check or on Paypal.
Offering prayer
Holy God, thank you for this time of offering back some of what you’ve provided. We pray these gifts may be signs of the yes we will say to you, not only in this season, but in all the days to come. May they bring hope, peace and joy to those who’ve most often heard “NO!” echoing in their ears. Allow each of us, and everyone we encounter, know your love and grace as abundant gifts in this gift-giving season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Click here to give online give using Paypal or your credit card
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Opening Prayer
Mighty God, you created the cosmos and called each of us into life. Today we respond with thanksgiving and praise, as we step ever closer to the coming of the Christ. So fill our hearts with your Spirit, and bind us together even when we’re scattered because of COVID. Like Elizabeth and Mary meeting, let us be lifted up and filled with joy! Amen.
Prayer of Readiness
Come to us now, comforting God, with your powerful words of healing. Help us to remember the witness of Mary, a young girl, who never expected to play such a role in salvation history. Put the brakes on our rushing and sit us down to hear the story of your absolute Love for us. Get us ready for the birth of your Son who will become our Savior. Move us from the focus of our festivities to a focus on witnessing about your love through serving others. Challenge us to reach out to people in need, not only with a check to support a particular endeavor, but with actual contact in ministries of sacrifice and service. In such times as this remind us that we are called to proclaim your love through witness and service. Be with us as we pray the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples to pray
Our father who art in heaven...
Amen.
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26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”[a] 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”[b] 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[c] will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
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Zooming to Bethlehem
All are invited to join us online for a special interactive zoom service on December 24 at 4pm led by Pastor Yvonne and Grace church members. Come prepared to light a candle, and to share in communion during worship and your favorite carol in the chat. Invite friends and loved ones using this electronic invitation. Click here for the link to enter the service on the 24th.
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Grace Community Christian Church
2770 Montgomery Road
Aurora, IL 60504
www.graceccc.org
630.898.7990
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