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 103:1-2, 20-22, NIV

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LEADER:

Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

ALL:

Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits.

LEADER:

Praise the LORD, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

ALL:

Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

LEADER:

Praise the LORD, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

ALL:

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

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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 honor 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 - BEHOLD OUR GOD

(© 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise and Sovereign Grace Worship. CCLI # 5937510)

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Who has held the oceans in His hands

Who has numbered every grain of sand

Kings and nations tremble at His voice

All creation rises to rejoice

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Behold our God seated on His throne

Come let us adore Him

Behold our King nothing can compare

Come let us adore Him

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Who has given counsel to the Lord

Who can question any of His words

Who can teach the One who knows all things

Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds

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Who has felt the nails upon His hands

Bearing all the guilt of sinful man

God eternal humbled to the grave

Jesus Savior risen now to reign

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You will reign forever

(Let Your glory fill the earth)

You will reign forever

(Let Your glory fill)

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SONG - 10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD)

(© 2011 Thankyou Music, Said And Done Music, and SHOUT! Publishing. CCLI # 6016351)

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Bless the Lord O my soul

O my soul

Worship His holy name

Sing like never before

O my soul

I'll worship Your holy name

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The sun comes up it's a new day dawning

It's time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

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You're rich in love and You're slow to anger

Your name is great and Your heart is kind

For all Your goodness I will keep on singing

Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

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And on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still my soul will sing Your praise unending

Ten thousand years and then forevermore

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GOD CLEANSES

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION

—based on Psalm 51:10-12

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LEADER:

Merciful God,

you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you.

We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy.

We have not loved you with a pure heart,

nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves.

We have not done justice, loved kindness,

or walked humbly with you, our God.

Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness.

In your great compassion,

cleanse us from our sin.

ALL:

Create in us a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within us.

Do not cast us from your presence,

or take your Holy Spirit from us.

Restore to us the joy of your salvation

and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit

through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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SILENT CONFESSION

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WORDS OF ASSURANCE

—1 Peter 2:24, NRSV

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He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins,

we might live for righteousness;

by his wounds you have been healed.

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SONG OF ASSURANCE - GOD SO LOVED

(© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia; Small City Music. CCLI Song # 7102394)

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For God so loved the world

That He gave His only Son

That whosoever believes will not perish

They shall have eternal life

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I shall hold to the cross

I shall hold to God alone

For His love has salvaged me

For His love has set me free

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I shall wait upon the Lord

I shall wait upon His Word

And by His grace I am released

By His grace I am redeemed

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By His precious blood

I have been set free

For the glory of Jesus' Name

I surrender all now to Christ alone

In Jesus I am saved

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Yes they shall have eternal life

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PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH AND THE CITY

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COMMUNITY LIFE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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YOUNG ADULTS

• Are you between the ages of 18-25? Join us for lunch today after 2nd service! Meet by the YA booth in the Neighbours Hall for a 12:50 departure. All you need is your wallet and a willingness to make new friends. Can't make it today? We meet every Wednesday starting on Sept. 24 at 6:30 PM, see you there!

MINISTRIES AND VOLUNTEER FAIR

• We’re looking to recruit new greeters, coffee baristas, prayer warriors, A/V wizards, musicians, and GT Kids teachers. Come upstairs to the St. Andrews Hall and find out what it’s like to serve in any of these meaningful ministries! Not ready to volunteer? Visit our Young Adults, Men’s Ministry, and Outreach booths in the Neighbours Hall where you can find your tribe!

WOMEN'S MINISTRY BIBLE STUDY

• This Fall, join our Women's Ministry Bible Study as we explore Philippians and learn how Paul found joy in suffering and handled conflict with grace and truth. We'll meet Tuesdays at 7 PM, September 23 to November 25. Register at gracetoronto.ca/events

GTMEN BIBLE STUDY

• Join us as we dive into a 5 week study on Jonah. No registration is needed! Our Bible study on Jonah takes place every other week. For the full schedule and meeting details, visit gracetoronto.ca/ministries/men.

GRACE GATHERINGS REGISTRATION

• Want to join a Grace Gathering Small Group? The Fall 2025 semester will begin on September 1, 2025 Registration will be OPEN between September 1-15, 2025. To register and learn more about our Grace Gatherings,  please go to, https://gracetoronto.ca/grace-gatherings.

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!

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.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK

• CONTENTMENT (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul learned to be content in all circumstances through Christ’s strength. Reflect on areas in your life where contentment is hard to find. Pray for a heart that rests in God’s provision and strength, no matter your situation.

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

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SCRIPTURE READING

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1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

1 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 9 Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

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SERMON

Dan MacDonald

Q&A

Text your questions to 416-830-0335

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SONG OF RESPONSE - I GIVE YOU MY HEART

(© 1995 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia. CCLI Song # 1866132)

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This is my desire

To honour You

Lord with all my heart

I worship You

All I have within me

I give You praise

All that I adore is in You

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Lord I give You my heart

I give You my soul

I live for You alone

Ev'ry breath that I take

Ev'ry moment I'm awake

Lord have Your way in me

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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

—1 Thessalonians 3:12

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May the Lord make you increase and abound in love

for one another and for 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!

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