May 28 – Pentecost

A Blessed Memorial Day Weekend to all. We offer God humble thanks for the sacrifice of each person who has given their life while serving in our nation’s military. Praise God for the blessing of living in this free nation.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Chorale – Hebble

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Receive God’s gift of the Holy Spirit!
All: The winds of God are stirring among us.
One: How amazing is the power of God!
All: The breath of God fills people with life!
One: God calls us to be dreamers and prophets.
All: Christ envisions a world alive with the Spirit of God!

*HYMN – The Church’s One Foundation – #115

The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation by water and the Word.
From heav’n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.

Elect from ev’ry nation, yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, with ev’ry grace endued.

Tho’ with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.

Mid toil and tribulation and tumult of her war
She waits the consummation of peace forevermore
Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious shall be the Church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One
And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won;
O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly, On high may dwell with Thee.

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of wind and fire; Source of mountains and seas; Creator of darkness and light; we marvel at all of your magnificent works! God of Pentecost, may you fill this house of prayer today. Sweep through this sanctuary, Mighty Wind, and bless your people with a breath of new life! Awaken our spirits; inspire our praise; and set us on fire with your love! May no one remain unmoved by your presence or deprived of the dreams you have for all humankind. Help us respond to your Gospel with joy and commitment by serving others in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Spirit of the Living God – #150

Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

SPECIAL MUSIC – Joy Song – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Acts 2:1-21

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations – #524

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren – Walther

May 21 – 59th Anniversary

Good morning, and thank you for joining us for the 59th Anniversary of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Couplet du Gloria – Couperin

*CALL TO WORSHIP – (November 14, 1965 adapted)
One: Come, let us celebrate God’s presence among us!
All: I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
One: I will lift up my voice in God’s sanctuary.
All: With songs of gladness, I will praise God – the rock of my salvation.
One: O come, let us worship and bow down before God, our Maker.
All: We are God’s people, the sheep of God’s pasture.
One: Each day, new blessings come from Living God.
All: Let all people praise God today!

*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on HIm cast your care,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O Praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father and the Son,
And praise the spirit, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – (January 26, 1975 adapted)
With great joy we come to you, our God. We praise you for your marvelous works among us! Be with us now as we offer you the love of our hearts and the service of our hands. Grant that your goodness, which has crowned all our days, may prompt us to see your glory in this temple built to you. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O God, our Strength and our Redeemer. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – We Bow Down (Verses 1 and 2) – worship booklet, p. 93

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life
Lord of the land and the sea
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time
Lord of all lords You will be

We bow down and we worship You Lord
We bow down and we worship You Lord
We bow down and we worship You Lord
Lord of all Lords You will be

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – worship booklet, p. 51

I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.

Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.

When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 55:2, Proverb 3:18, 21-22a, 34 & 1 Peter 5:5-7, 10-11

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Great Thou Art – Marohnic

GOD’S WORD – John 17:1-11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133

I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fantasy – Pachelbel

May 14 – Witness of Love

To all of the mothers out there, and those who fill motherly roles in our lives, a Happy Mother’s Day from Ivy Chapel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Canon – Martini

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises!
All: God in Christ Jesus has set us all free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

*HYMN – Love Divine, All Loves Excelling – #71

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast.
Let us all in Thee inherit,
Let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Faithful God, you continue revealing to us that your love never quits. Again and again, you search for us, find us, and welcome us back to fullness of life with you. This is what you are doing this very morning. Somehow you have brought us here today for another brush with your Unseen, Holy Presence. We are in awe of your grace and power, Dear God.
Stir within us now, we pray. Merciful Redeemer, what pure joy it is experiencing the fullness of your love through Christ. May we ever love and serve you in the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – The Gift of Love (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #126

Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain

Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within,
The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 66:8-20 & 1 Peter 3:13-22

SPECIAL MUSIC – Here I Am, Lord – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – John 14:15-21, 27

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Love Lifted Me – #317

I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me;
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs. [Refrain]

Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Antiphon V,Op. 18, No. 5 – Dupré

May 7 – Enduring Witness

Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. There are no strangers here at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Christ is risen, so that all people may enjoy abundant life!

On this Fifth Sunday of Easter, we will celebrate the sacred rite of Communion. If you are worshipping from home, please gather the elements before the service begins so you may join us at the Lord’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prologue – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, let us celebrate God’s presence among us!
All: I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’
One: I will lift up my voice in God’s sanctuary.
All: With songs of gladness, I will praise God – the rock of my salvation.
One: O come, let us worship and bow down before God, our Maker.
All: We are God’s people, the sheep of God’s pasture.
One: Each day, new blessings come from Living God.
All: Let all people praise God today

*HYMN – There’s a Quiet Understanding (Verses 1 and 2) – #144

There’s a quiet understanding
when we’re gathered in the Spirit,
It’s a promise that He gives us,
When we gather in His name.
There’s a love we feel in Jesus,
There’s a manna that He feeds us,
It’s a promise that He gives us
When we gather in His name.

And we know when we’re together,
sharing love and understanding,
That our brothers and our sisters
feel the oneness that He brings.
Thank You, thank You, thank You, Jesus,
for the way You love and feed us,
For the many ways You lead us,
Thank You, thank You, Lord.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Everlasting God, we celebrate the gifts of your Spirit. We are grateful that you do not feed the world a diet of shame or fear. You offer all people wholesome, true nourishment through your Living Word. In this manner, you teach humankind to live in compassionate, caring ways.
Trail-blazing God, you call on all people to stand up for your justice and to follow wherever you lead. You fill people with strength and hope! Christ Jesus, Risen Savior, breathe on us and fill us with your Spirit. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – You Are My All in All – worship booklet, p. 99
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 122:1-2, 7-9 & 1 Peter 2:1-5, 10

SPECIAL MUSIC – Morning Has Broken – Marohnic

GOD’S WORD – John 14:1-14

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260

We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame,
For thru the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord.

No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.

He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen, He meets us here,
In the breaking of the bread.

We’ll gather soon where angels sing,
We’ll see the glory of our lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate Christ’s Extravagant Welcome through “open” Communion.
All who desire to receive the gifts of God are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at this table.

Leader: Jesus said, “Believe in God, believe also in me.”
People: And the people said, “How can we know The Way?
Leader: And Jesus said, “I am the Way. And the truth. And the light.”
People: And the people said, “Show us, and we will be satisfied.”
Leader: And Jesus said, “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
And so since you have asked, today I will show you one of the ways that I will always be here with you.
People: And so Jesus took the bread, and broke it, and gave it to them and said,
“I am the Way and the truth and the life.”
Leader: If you know me, you will know my Abba God also. And I will show you, so you remember. Take this bread. ‘This bread is just like my body, whenever you eat it and remember all that unites you, I am with you.’
People: And after supper, Jesus took the cup and poured it out sharing it with them. And again, he told them. “I am the Way and the truth and the life.”
Leader: Then he said “In my Abba’s house there are many rooms. And I will show you, so you remember. This is the cup of forgiveness, which is as vast as my Abba’s house in heaven. This cup is grace, poured out abundantly on all and for all.”
People: Then Jesus said, “I go and prepare a place for you, so that where I am, there you will be also.”
Leader: This is Christ’s table, and all are welcome here. Come from the Fast and the West, from the North and the South to gather at this feast for forgiveness and unity,

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Jesus Is All the World to Me – #342

Jesus is all the world to me,
My life, my joy, my all;
He is my strength from day to day,
Without Him I would fall:
When I am sad, to Him I go,
No other one can cheer me so;
When I am sad, He makes me glad,
He’s my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
My friend in trials sore;
I go to Him for blessings, and
He gives them o’er and o’er:
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest’s golden grain;
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He’s my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
And true to Him I’ll be;
Oh, how could I this friend deny,
When He’s so true to me?
Following Him I know I’m right,
He watches o’er me day and night;
Following Him by day and night,
He’s my friend.

Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better friend;
I trust Him now, I’ll trust Him when
Life’s fleeting days shall end:
Beautiful life with such a friend,
Beautiful life that has no end;
Eternal life, eternal joy,
He’s my friend.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott – Pachelbel