Oct 26-Consecration Sunday
October 24, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Let us rejoice and praise God! All are invited to join us In Fellowship Hall following worship for a Consecration Luncheon when we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day.
All of our music is linked below or you can get a pdf of all music together by clicking here.
WELCOME — Valerie Waterman
PRELUDE — O God, Our Help in Ages Past
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a long time. We remember many eras before this one. Some of them we miss.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a short time. We are searching for a place to call home.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: All of us are seeking the restoration that only God can provide.
All: God brings us together in one community. Let us worship the God of restoration and transformation.
*HYMN — God of Our Life #614
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
Gracious God, thank you for the ways you have sustained our church through many different challenges. We thank you for your gifts of faith and hope for the future. Be with us as we join together to share our gifts to bring healing and renewal. God, you are transforming Your church into a new future. Show us how we can be a part of that future. Help us to put our faith in Your dream for us. Let us make those dreams real with the gifts we bring today. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE — Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart — Ivy worship booklet p.42
GOD’S WORD — Romans 12:1-3,9-13 — Jim French
STEWARDSHIP SONG Dream God’s Dream — Insert (verses 1-3)
STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE Dreaming God’s Dream – Connection– JoAnn Moody
*HYMN — Something for Jesus #441
SCRIPTURE — Luke 10:25-37— Jim French
SPECIAL MUSIC — I Surrender All arr., Joel Raney
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Responsive-see Insert) — Valerie Waterman
The Congregation responds with “Hear our prayer” following “God in your mercy……”
Ending with Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
THE ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC during the singing of the final hymn by placing your 2026 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket.
Dream God’s Dream!
*HYMN — We Give Thee but Thine Own #622
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — John Weiland
One: Please join me in prayer as we ask God to consecrate these pledges.
All: Creator God, we give you thanks for supplying all our needs. In gratitude, we offer back to you our tithes and offerings. Today we pledge to you our intentions to support the ongoing ministries of Ivy Chapel. May you bless our gifts and our pledges. May we utilize them with your guidance to meet the needs of our community and our world. Amen.
*POSTLUDE — Trumpet Tune on “Simple Gifts” Phil Lehenbauer
Oct 19- Dreaming God’s Dream-Education
October 18, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons…
Dreaming God’s Dream
WELCOME
PRELUDE Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet M. W. Smith/A. Grant
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God brings us together in the word.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s story.
One: God brings us together in stewardship.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s community.
One: God brings us together in a vision for the future.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s dream. Amen.
*HYMN Be Thou My Vision #400
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Ever Present God, we thank you for your love that never lets us go. Thank you for the privilege of gathering in this space to worship you. We do not come merely to open the doors of the church,
but we come that our hearts might be opened to you and to one another. As we worship you today, may we be transformed from individuals to members of your one body. Energize us to utilize our gifts for the strength of all humanity. Empower us to share our time, talents, and treasures as we seek to envision your dream for us and your world. Be with us as we continue to search for your dreams and fulfill your visions as we create your Realm here on earth. Amen.
*RESPONSE SeekYe First the Kingdom of God #61
(Sing twice)
GOD’S WORD Psalm 119:97 – 105
STEWARDSHIP SONG Dream God’s Dream Insert
(verses 1 & 2)
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Dreaming God’s Dream– Education
SPECIAL MUSIC Hymn of Promise setting by John Carter
ALL GOD’S CHILDREN JoAnn Moody
SCRIPTURE READING 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN Open My Eyes #174
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Diane Bish
Oct 12- Dreaming God’s Dream- Action
October 10, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons…
Dreaming God’s Dream
For a pdf of all of the music in today’s worship, please click here.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We join together, each with different needs.
All: God meets every need with blessing.
One: We join together, each with different gifts.
All: God welcomes every gift as blessing.
One: We have come together to dream God’s dream.
All: No gift is too small, no dream is too big. Amen.
HYMN– We Are God’s People #117
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Inspiring God, be with us today as we gather together in stewardship. We are grateful to be a part of your community. Open our hearts to your gifts. Surprise us with new learning and renewed community. Bring us together in a vision for the future. Encourage us to welcome every gift, so that we might dream every dream. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE —We Are a New Creation Ivy worship booklet, p.91
(verses 3 and 4 only)
GOD’S WORD James 2:14-17
STEWARDSHIP SONG– Dream God’s Dream (verse 1)
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Dreaming God’s Dream –Christian Action
SPECIAL MUSIC Simple Gifts arr. Russell Schulz-Widmar
GOSPEL READING Matthew 25:31-40
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN—Take My Life and Let It Be #436
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee arr. Matt Limbaugh
October 5- World Communion Sunday
October 3, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
On this World Communion Sunday, we are blessed to be joining with Christians everywhere in the worship of God! Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior.
For a link to all of the music for today please click here.
Each song is also linked to their specific sheet music.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – For Those Tears I Died – Marsha J. Stevens
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather as God’s people to celebrate the beauty of our diversity.
All: Let us love each other as God loves us, beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image.
One: We give thanks for who we are, Beloved of God.
All: Let us open our hearts to God’s spirit of love and unity.
One: We celebrate the gifts of all gathered here today.
All: Let us worship God with all we are and celebrate the beauty of all God’s creation.
*HYMN- In Christ There Is No East or West #137
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Majestic God, your realm encompasses the universe, the earth, and our community. All creation declares your glory. May we unite with our kin around the world in celebrating you and the connections we share. As we gather in your name, may we remember those we join in faith, hope, and worship on every continent representing every tradition. May we declare in spirit and in truth…one bread, one body…the church striving to be one as you, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Spirit are one. Amen.
*RESPONSE – Bind Us Together #130
GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE JoAnn Moody
SPECIAL MUSIC – In The Garden – C. Austin Miles
GOD’S WORD John 17:21-23
SERMON – Many Parts, One Body – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
*COMMUNION HYMN One Bread, One Body – Ivy worship booklet p. 72
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [B] – Ivy worship booklet, pp. 12-13
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
*HYMN – They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love #119
*BENEDICTION – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE
Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream
September 25, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts! May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons… Dreaming God’s Dream
WELCOME
PRELUDE Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 146)
One: Praise God! Praise the Holy One, O my soul!
All: We will sing praises to God our whole lives long!
One: Praise God in whom we may trust. Praise God in whom we may hope.
All: Happy are we whose hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: The Holy One lifts the bowed down. The Righteous One loves justice.
All: The Holy One brings the way of the wicked to ruin. Praise God who reigns forever!
*HYMN We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer #27**
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Steadfast God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, teach us your way, so that we may live filled with your Spirit – richly offering compassion and grace. Fill us to overflowing as we journey toward your ever-new horizons, dreaming Your dream. Lead us to treasure and to continue reaching for Your dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*RESPONSE Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord #424**
GOD’S WORD 1 Timothy 6:6-19
SPECIAL MUSIC Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
GOD’S WORD Luke 16:19-31
SERMON Dreaming God’s Dream Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN The Voice of God is Calling Ivy Worship Booklet, page 90 **
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Sweet, Sweet Spirit
* indicates a time to stand if able
** words can be found in separate link- please click on songs or here
September 21 – Prayerful Living
September 19, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
What great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
WELCOME
PRELUDE — How Long Has It Been – Lister
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 113)
One: Praise the Holy One! From the rising of the sun until its setting, the name of God deserves our praise!
Many: Who is like our God…seated on high?
One: Praise the Most High, who observes all things and remembers the poor and those in need.
Many: God our Righteousness raises the lowly and levels the exalted.
One: Praise the Righteous One, who is just and mighty, who repairs and redeems.
Many: The Redeemer pours out love and justice, compassion and conviction, hope and salvation. Praise the Holy One!
*HYMN — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Great God, who gathers us together in spirit and in truth, sanctify our time together. Grant us wisdom and discernment. Open our hearts to receive and to give. Be glorified in our worship and the transformation that moves us forward as your people. In your glorious and precious name, we pray. Amen.
*RESPONSE — Sweet Hour of Prayer — #166
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known:
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By they return, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear,
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His words and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer,
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
May I thy consolation bear,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
Fare-well, fare-well, sweet hour of prayer,
GOD’S WORD — 1 Timothy 2:1-7
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC –Spirit — Akers
GOD’S WORD — Luke 16:1-13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Prayerful Living — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN — What a Friend We Have in Jesus — #162
What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find asolace there.
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE — How Great Thou Art — Boberg
September 14 — Reckless Love
September 12, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Every one of us is blessed that God has gathered us together for worship. Let us worship God who offers every person grace and life eternal.
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Julie McAllister
One: Let us enter the presence of our God with a renewed heart and a right spirit.
Many: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your steadfast love.
One: Let us speak, hear, and embrace truth and the wisdom of God.
Many: Strengthen and empower us, O God, according to your steadfast love.
One: Let us hear joy and gladness. Restore our crushed spirits.
Many: Revive us again, O God, according to your steadfast love.
*HYMN — Revive Us Again — 95
We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died, and is now gone above.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God! for Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior, and scattered our night. Refrain
All glory and praise To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and hath cleansed every stain. Refrain
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. Refrain
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Julie McAllister
Maker of Heaven and Earth, we rejoice in your presence. In you, we find joy and strength, comfort and courage, truth and insight. Speak to us again. Reveal your power in and through us. Show us your glory and be glorified in our worship. May your glorious light shine through hidden spaces. May your blessed darkness make space for rest. Fortify us for this journey and make us instruments of your kingdom. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE — The Bond of Love — 123
We are one in the bond of love;
We are one in the bond of love.
We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God;
We are one in the bond of love.
Let us sing now, everyone;
Let us feel His love begun.
Let us join our hands that the world will know
We are one in the bond of love.
GOD’S WORD — 1 Timothy 1:12-17 — Julie McAllister
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD — Luke 15:1-10 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — “Precious” — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN — I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever Ivy worship bk. p.56
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE
Sept. 7 — Estimate the Cost
September 6, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here! This morning is a sacred gift from God. We gather to worship God. Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior.
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: We come into your house, Divine Potter. We are your clay.
Many: We praise you, O God. Wonderful are your works. Mold us again!
One: We bring our burdens and concerns, our hopes and dreams, our doubts and our delights.
Many: We praise you, O God. Wonderful are your works. Hold us in your sure and righteous hand!
One: We seek your wisdom. Reveal your direction and our path.
Many: We praise you, O God. Wonderful are your works. Rebuild and replant us!
*HYMN — God of Grace and God of Glory — 514
God of grace and God of glory, On Thy people pour Thy pow’r;
Crown Thine ancient Church’s story, Bring her bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.
Lo, the hosts of evil round us Scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways.
From the fears that long have bound us Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.
Cure Thy children’s warring madness; Bend our pride to Thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Thy dom’s goal.
Set our feet on lofty places, Gird our lives that they may be
Armored with all Christlike graces In the fight to set ment free.
Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage,
That we fail not man nor Thee,
That we fail not man nor Thee.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Ann Moyneaux
Sovereign God, you are the Potter who has fashioned us into being a community. Dwell in our midst. Share your wisdom and open every point of receptivity within us. You are holy, gracious, and kind. As we gather, we recommit to accept the joys and the costs of discipleship. May you be glorified in our worship, and may we be transformed as we encounter you and your way anew this day. Amen.
*RESPONSE — I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go —538
It may not be on the mountain’s height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle’s front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I’ll go where You want me to go.
Refrain:
I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord,
O’er mountain or plain or sea;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,
I’ll be what You want me to be.
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak,
There may be now, in the paths of sin,
Some wand’rer whom I should seek;
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my Guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet,
I’ll say what You want me to say. [Refrain]
3 There’s surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth’s harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor thru life’s short day
For Jesus the Crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care–
I know Thou lovest me
I’ll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I’ll be what You want me to be. [Refrain]
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 1 — Ann Molyneaux
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD — Luke 14:25-33 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — “The Cost of Discipleship” — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*COMMUNION HYMN — One Bread, One Body — Ivy worship bk. p. 72
Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.
Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain
Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain
Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A] — Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.
*HYMN — Called as Partners in Christ’s Service — Ivy worship bk. p. 32
Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end
Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold
Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair
So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE
August 31 — Open Table
August 30, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC! Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. There are no barriers Today, let us join with one another in worshiping the God of kindness.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — Come, Now is the Time to Worship — arr. Lebenske
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: Together, let us sing God’s praises!
All: Sinful and righteous, thoughtful and thoughtless, young and old, wise and foolish; all are welcome here.
One: This is Holy Ground – a place where all belong.
All: Every person is a dearly loved child of God.
One: God knows us completely; and God loves us fully!
All: Our hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: In the ideal season, God plants.
All: In the fullness of time, God harvests.
One: God is here now.
All: Come, let us worship God!
*HYMN — Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above — 45
Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation;
with healing balm my soul he fills,
and every faithless murmur stills:
o God all praise and glory.
What God’s almighty power hath made,
his gracious mercy keepeth;
by morning glow or evening shade
his watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of his might,
lo! all is just and all is right:
to God all praise and glory
The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing
An ever present help and stay
Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His one, HIs chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.
Then all my gladsome way along
I sing aloud thy praises,
that men may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises:
be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part!
To God all praise and glory.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
God of openness and grace; we come to this gathering of your community where there are no barriers, and where everyone’s abilities are celebrated as gifts. We come to receive your extravagant hospitality, and your gentle care. We come to learn how we may offer your treasured sensitivity to a stranger, to a friend, to a family member, to those whose faces are unfamiliar to us, and to the face who meets us in the mirror. Be with us now during this sacred time of worship. We ask this in your blessed name, Christ Jesus, Amen.
PASSING THE PEACE —Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the Peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE — Jesus Loves Me — 341
Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Jesus loves me he who died
heaven’s gate to open wide.
He will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in. [Refrain]
Jesus loves me, this I know,
as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee,
saying, “Let them come to me.” [Refrain]
GOD’S WORD — Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16 —Jim French
SPECIAL MUSIC — You Are My All in All — arr. Lebenske
GOD’S WORD — Luke 14:1, 7-14 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Open Table — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN — Through the Love of God, Our Savior — Ivy worship bk. page 89
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE —Forever — arr. Lebenske
August 24 — Healing Reign
August 23, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC! Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. Today, let us join with one another in worshipping the God of kindness.
WELCOME
ORGAN PRELUDE — Chime Prelude No. 5 in F Major — Raymond H. Herbek
*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: We may be parched with thirst, like an unwatered garden; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: God Most High refreshes us as a spring of living water.
One: We may be weary from worry or from work; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Holy one offers us Sabbath rest.
One: We may be lost or confused; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Eternal One offers us kindness.
One: We may be bent over with struggle or pain; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Healing One makes us well.
*HYMN — Be Thou My Vision — 400
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by or by night,
Waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
Kind-hearted God, we lift our praises to your sacred name.You truly care for every living being. Your goodness and mercy are remarkable! You never lose track of a single one of us. We are blessed that you are our God! Give us ears to hear the fresh word of power and grace that you speak this day. Soften our stubborn hearts and remove any barriers that keep us from serving you. Help us to continue becoming faithful imitators of you, Christ Jesus. Amen.
*RESPONSE — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — #414
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 71:1-6 — John Weiland
SPECIAL PIANO MUSIC — I Need Thee Every Hour — Arr. Gail Smith
GOD’S WORD — Luke 13:10-17 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Set Free — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
LITANY OF WELCOME — John Weiland
*HYMN — Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us — #449
Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.
Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.
Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*ORGAN POSTLUDE — Come, Christians, Join to Sing — Don Schlosser
