Nov 30- Come to Us, Abide with Us
December 1, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Today is the First Sunday in Advent, when we begin preparing for the coming of the Holy Child whom God will send. May we all appreciate and receive God’s amazing gift to the world. Please join us for refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the Annual Meeting.
All of the music is linked on the individual song titles below.
WELCOME
PRELUDE O Come, O Come Emmanuel Ethan Edwards- cello
*CALL TO WORSHIP Linda Lowry
One: In the wilderness, blaze a trail for God.
All: Every valley shall be raised up.
One: Every mountain shall be made low.
All: And the glory of the Lord will be revealed among us.
*HYMNS Hark the Herald Angels Sing #191
Go, Tell It on the Mountain #216
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Linda Lowry
Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us moment by moment. At this time of year, as the daytime hours grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we treasure daylight.
God of Light, help us to turn toward you as we begin this Advent Season. Fill us with fresh expectation. Teach us again that this season is a time to watch, not for things that have already happened, but for exciting new things that have not yet taken place. Come, Christ Jesus. This world greatly needs you. Help us to watch closely and to remain ready for the next holy moment when you will be born. Amen.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Hope
Reader One: The prophet Isaiah calls to us from the past to imagine the future when God’s reign will be fully realized and recognized throughout creation. When that time comes, God “shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.
All: Today, we choose to live in hope, believing that the time of God’s reign has come and is coming among us.
Reader Two: We light this candle of hope as a sign of our promise to follow the Light as we answer God’s call to transform our hope into reality today and in the days to come.
*RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #186
(Verse 1 Only)
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 2:1-5 Linda Lowry
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Dottie Foster
SPECIAL MUSIC Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
GOSPEL READING Matthew 24:36-44 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “Transform Our Hope” Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus #187
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Heavenly Sunlight
November 23 -Together in Christ
November 22, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We apologize that today’s worship service was not live-streamed or recorded. If you would like a copy of the sermon manuscript, please contact our church office at ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org.
All of the music for today’s worship can be found here or below on the individual hymn listings.
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC – Today is Reign of Christ Sunday
We gather today on the final Sunday of the Christian Church Year.
May we come alive as Christ’s disciples and may our love for God continue growing forever.
Praise God for the Eternal Reign of Christ.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Crown Him with Many Crowns arr. Cindy Berry
(in the setting of J. S. Bach’s Prelude in D Major)
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 46) JoAnn Moody
One: In this present time, no matter what passes before us,
All: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
One: As earth shakes and nations are in an uproar,
All: God is present with us and is our refuge in times of trouble.
One: As the world trembles in fear and worry,
All: May we find stillness and peace, knowing God is God of all.
*HYMN We Gather Together #597
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION JoAnn Moody
Holy Redeemer, In the dusk of this liturgical year, we recall the beauty of our days together. The blessedness of Christmas love and the light of Epiphany move us to bring illumination to our neighbors. The hope of Easter and the strength of Pentecost inspire us to bring the Good News of God’s love to this world. All of this is to create God’s Realm here on this earth, where we follow the steps of Christ, knowing the endurance of the Holy Spirit abides with us today and always. Through Christ, who reigns forever. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE Jesus, Name Above All Names #57
(sing twice)
A READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 46 JoAnn Moody
SPECIAL MUSIC “Here I Am, Lord” arr. Mark Hayes
NEW TESTAMENT READING Colossians 1:11-20 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations #524
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah arr. Cindy Berry
(In the setting of J. S. Bach’s Fuga II, from the W.T.C., Vol. I)
Nov 16-Infinite Possibilities
November 15, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
We are glad that you could join us today, Bible Presentation Sunday, as we share God’s Word with our young people. Please join us following worship for refreshments and fellowship.
Please click here for a link to all of the music for today or below on individual songs.
WELCOME
PRELUDE How Firm a Foundation arr. Gilbert Martin
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Kathryn Kuntzman
One: Sing praises to God on high, for glorious are God’s works!
All: We will sing praises to the ends of the earth!
One: Blessed is the One who comes to dwell among us.
All: We rejoice in the salvation that God has provided!
One: Let us worship the Lord with joy and thanksgiving!
All: For He is our strength and our song!
*HYMN Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
Gracious and Mighty God, we gather before You with hearts ready to sing a new song. Your works are marvelous, Your love unshakable, and Your salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Let every breath within us join the chorus of creation, lifting our voices in praise. Let us be comforted and strengthened in your presence. Let your Spirit awaken joy in every heart. And remind of us your vision that all might live in a world of peace, and justice and love. Amen.
*RESPONSE Stand Up and Bless the Lord! #100
GOD’S WORD Isaiah 12 Kathryn Kuntzman
BIBLE PRESENTATION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Tara Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC Jesus Loves Me! This I know. For the Bible tells me so.
GOSPEL READING Luke 21:5-19 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN How Firm a Foundation #179
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Standing on the Promises arr. James Koerts
Nov 9- Hold on to Faith
November 8, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
May our love for God always continue growing and may we come alive as Christ’s disciples!
All music for this Sunday can be found through this link or the links on individual songs below.
WELCOME
PRELUDE: Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 145) — Linda Lowry
One: Lift praises to the name of our God; bless God’s name forever!
All: How great is our God!
One: From generation to generation we will sing your praises and speak of your goodness!
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you are just and kind in all your doings.
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you watch over us in love and hear the desperate cries of those who call to you!
All: How great is our God! How great is our God! Bless God’s name forever!
*HYMN: Sing Praise to God #45
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Eternal God, we praise you for your gift of this magnificent new day! God of the living, your promise is to remain with all humankind, and you faithfully fulfill this promise. Long ago, O Holy Spirit, you blessed this Earth with the breath of life. Now and forever you are guiding your sacred creation toward a future overflowing with promise. This morning, we come seeking your truth, your justice and your astonishing joy!
God, we humbly thank you for loving us as we are and for welcoming us into Your sanctuary. Bless us with true awareness that you are alive here. Help us to sense your presence in this place and every place. Bring your vision for the world to life through us, we pray. In Jesus name, Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE: Thou Art Worthy #11
GOD’S WORD: Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 — Linda Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC: Great is the Lord Michael W Smith
GOSPEL READING: Luke 20:27-38 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN: Through the Love of God, Our Savior — Ivy worship bklt. p. 89
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Little Prelude and Fugue in F J.S. Bach
Nov 2- Transforming Love
November 1, 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.
Join us after worship for a time of refreshments and fellowship in Fellowship Hall.
All music for worship can be found through this link or on each individual song.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Swing Low, Sweet Chariot arr., Jack Butler
*CALL TO WORSHIP —Julie McAllister
One: Come, a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us as we gather.
All: May the lingering echo of saints resound in our songs.
One: May their stories open a space for the Spirit to enter us anew.
All: In remembering them, may we find ourselves re-membered.
One: May the God of every generation form us anew for this generation.
All: And may a new joy rise in our lives and in the life of the world.
*HYMN For All the Saints #548
verses 1,4,5,6
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION –Julie McAllister
God of every age and time, inspire us today with memories of saints whose energy still lingers, hovering around and within as encouragement and strength. Wrap us anew with a felt sense of your persistent presence, granting a new energy to offer You everything of our hearts, minds and souls. Yes, Lord of Life, root us and ground us in this. And let it be more than enough for today, as we gather in the name of Jesus. Amen.
TOTENFEST A Time For Remembrance Of Loved Ones
*RESPONSE Soon and Very Soon, We are Going to See the King #559
GOD’S WORD — Ephesians 1:11-23 — Julie McAllister
ALL GOD’S CHILDREN — Tara Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC Deep River, My Home is over Jordan arr. James Michael Stevens
GOSPEL READING Luke 6:20-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON– Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*COMMUNION HYMN —Shall We Gather at the River –#575
verses 1,3,4
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 — I Sing Song of the Saints of God- Ivy worship booklet p. 52
*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION “We Remember Them” – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
(See Insert)
*POSTLUDE When the Saints Go Marching In arr. Jonathon Robbins
Earl Kreder, saxophone
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
