December 11 – Heartbeat of Justice

The Advent season continues. Today, as anticipation grows for the Birth, we light the third candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of Joy.

Check this space at 10 a.m. on Sunday for our livestream worship, or view anytime on the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel. If you have any questions about Ivy Chapel UCC, please feel free to reach out to us.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Shepherd’s Pipe – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God gathers us for this time of worship.
All: God promises life eternal.
One: God renews people with steadfast love.
All: Trust in God who is our refuge and strength.
One: Together, let us worship God, the Giver of Salvation.
All: Sing praises and exalt God’s holy name!

*HYMN – How Great Our Joy – #192

While by the sheep we watched at night,
Glad tidings brought an angel bright.

Refrain:
How great our joy!
Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!

There shall be born, so he did say,
In Bethlehem a Child today. [Refrain]

There shall the Child lie in a stall,
This Child who shall redeem us all. [Refrain]

This gift of God we’ll cherish well,
That ever joy our hearts shall fill. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Wondrous God, we look forward with joyful expectation to future ways that you will reveal yourself in this world! May your living presence be felt this day by all who gather to worship you.
O Holy One, we give you thanks for calling us to serve you through our participation in this faith community. Fill us with your love, Christ Jesus. We praise you for revealing that each one of us can offer your unconditional love to everyone! With your help, Faithful Savior, may we fulfill the ministries which you would like us to offer. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy

*RESPONSE – Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming (Verse 3) – #196

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 146:5-10

SPECIAL MUSIC – Thy Holy Wings and O Little Town of Bethlehem – arr. Hassell

GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:46-55

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – #187

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Noel Suisse, Grand jeu et Duo – Daquin