June 25 – United and Uniting

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! On June 25, 1957, the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church merged and the United Church of Christ was born! We celebrate that all people are called by God to live as united and uniting human beings. We express our love for God by devoting ourselves to living in ways leading toward, “A just world for all.”

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue on the Kyrie – Corrette

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Jo Ann Moody
One: God is the source of all that is alive!
All: God gives birth to every living thing!
One: In certain ways, we are all thirsty.
All: At times, we seek things that do not satisfy.
One: We crave earthly things.
All: But the things of this world do not take care of our thirst.
One: Jesus Christ is the Living Water.
All: Whoever drinks this water will never thirst.

*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 – Jo Ann Moody
Gracious God, we find in you a love even deeper than we can imagine. From you, we receive the water that wells up to life eternal. Your grace is a miraculous, free gift that you offer to everyone. As our trust in you continues growing; help us to let go of our burdens, our worries, our fears. Bless every soul who is thirsting for you, Christ Jesus. You are the Living Water. You are the wellspring of grace. You are the One who makes us whole. Come alive within us today, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Make Me a Servant – #415

Make me a servant humble and meek;
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant, make me a servant,
Make me a servant today

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 67:1-7 – Jo Ann Moody

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

SPECIAL MUSIC – We’re Marching to Zion – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 10:24-39 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATEMENT OF FAITH – worship booklet, p. 5

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:
He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.
Amen.

*HYMN – Wherever He Leads I’ll Go – #543

“Take up thy cross and follow Me, ”I heard my Master say;
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today”

Refrain:
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads, I’ll go.

He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will, I now abide, Wherever He leads, I’ll go [Refrain]

It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me. [Refrain]

My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Marching to Zion – Wolaver

June 18 – Freely Give!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads in the Ivy Capel community, and to all those who fulfill fatherly roles in our lives.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Praeambulum – Scheidemann

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Together, we rejoice in amazement! God’s love has no limit!
All: Christ sends us out as his disciples, saying, “Go to the lost.
One: You have received without payment.
All: Give without payment.”
One: Come, Holy Spirit.
All: Lift us!
One: Come, Holy Spirit.
All: Teach us.
One: Come, Holy Spirit.
All: Fill us, and use us.
One: Send us into the world to serve as ambassadors of your grace.
All: Here we are, God. Send us!

*HYMN – All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name – #68

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all!
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown him Lord of all!

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race
Ye ransomed of the fall,
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all!
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
And crown him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all.
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all!

Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
We at his feet may fall,
We’ll join the everlasting song
And crown Him Lord of all.
We’ll join the everlasting song
And crown Him Lord of all!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Life-Giving God, here now on holy ground, we gather together to make joyful noise and to worship you! We praise you, Astonishing God, for you are among us in this place as you are with all of your children in all places. With deep gratitude, we celebrate each one of the blessings that you freely give. Transform us into your servants; send us out as ambassadors of your healing and compassion. We pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Awesome God – worship booklet, p. 28

Our God is an awesome God,
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power and love
Our God is an awesome God!
Our God is an awesome God!
Our God is an awesome God!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN – I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord – worship booklet, 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

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 100

SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Curry

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 9:35-10:8

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love – #119

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

All praise to the Father from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Offertoire sur les Grands Jeux – Couperin

June 11 – The Call of Abram

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Our Savior Jesus Christ calls us to newness of life. What a joy it is that God gathers us for worship! Praise God for this morning!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Antiphon III, Op. 18, No. 3 – Dupré

*CALL TO WORSHIP – John Weiland
One: Let us rejoice!
All: We rejoice, for Living God rules over all the earth!
One: All that lives and moves belongs to God.
All: Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
One: God is good.
All: God’s mercies endure forever.

*HYMN – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – #82

Come Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God.
He, to rescue me from danger,
Bought me with His precious blood

O to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – John Weiland
God, our Maker, Redeemer and Friend; you are always faithful. We rejoice that you are with us on this day and every day! As you once acted in our baptism, you are still acting to make all things new within us and among us. Gracious Savior, you change our hearts. You invite us to be your followers. Lead us, Jesus; for we seek to live as you live by offering all people your total love. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33

Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.

You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.

Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 50:7-15 – John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC – Brethren, We Have Met to Worship – arr. Goss

GOD’S WORD – Genesis 12:1-9 & Matthew 9:9-13,18-26 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Wonderful Grace of Jesus – #319

Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea,
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions, sing it!
Greater far than all my sin and shame.
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise his name!

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost.
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. [Refrain]

Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity,
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata for a Joyous Occasion – Young

June 4 – This is Good!

In this world of God’s creation, there is always hope! Thanks to God’s power and love, hope for life, renewal and growth are always near.

To bring us ever closer and recognize the sacrifice God made for us in his Son Jesus, we celebrate open communion at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. As we begin worship this morning, gather the elements so we may partake together.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Litany of the Bells – Hebble

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Diann Sheahan
One: It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
All: That’s how it is with God’s love.
One: Once you’ve experienced it,
All: It’s fresh like spring.
One: You want to sing!
All: You want to pass it on!

*HYMN – Morning Has Broken – #274

Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Diann Sheahan
God, we do not know how faith grows any more than we know how seeds grow. We have been planted in this place in hopes that you would grow faith in us; first little blades of awakening; then ears of obedience; and finally the full grain of maturity into the likeness of Christ.
Guide us to live and grow in ways that please you, O God. May we joyfully serve you by fulfilling the ministries which you give us to do.
God, we have come here to worship you. This is holy ground. Cultivate us in your fertile soil. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Give Thanks – worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks, give thanks.

GOD’S WORD – Genesis 1:1-2:4a – Diann Sheahan

SPECIAL MUSIC – El Shaddai – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 8 & Matthew 28:16-20 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – We Come As Guests Invited – #258

We come as guests invited When Jesus bids us dine,
HIs friends on earth united To share the bread and wine;
The bread of life is broken, The wine is freely poured
For us, in solemn token Of Christ our dying Lord.

We eat and drink, receiving From Christ the grace we need,
An in our hearts believing On Him by faith we feed;
With wonder and thanksgiving For love that knows no end,
We find in Jesus living Our ever present friend.

One bread is ours for sharing, One single, fruited vine,
Our fellowship declaring Renewed in bread and wine-
Renewed, sustained and given By token, sing and word,
The pledge and seal of heaven, The love of Christ our Lord.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
As the United Church of Christ, we celebrate Christ’s Extravagant Welcome through “open” Communion. All who desire to receive are welcome to receive the bread and the cup.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*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.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Intonation and Fugue – Scherer