April 28 – Abiding in Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! May this worship renew us body, mind and soul. Praise God for abiding with all people in steadfast love.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Abide with Me — Piano setting

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jo Ann Moody
One: Come; let us worship God.
All: Let all the ends of the earth turn to God.
One: Come; let us remember and re-claim our baptism.
All: Let the love of God be seen in our lives.
One: Christ is the Vine.
All: We are the branches.

*HYMN — Abide with Me — #577

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord abide with me.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless,
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jo Ann Moody
Wondrous God, we praise you as the Creator of all life! You are the One who creates and loves all people. Shape us into your living witnesses who bless others as you always do.
Foot-washing Savior, guide us to follow your humble example. Come now; and fill us with your unselfish, exceptional love. You are the Vine. We are the branches. Through Christ’s love, we are all connected. Amen.

*RESPONSE — To Be God’s People — #121

Almighty Father give us a vision
of a dying world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior,
In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer.

Refrain:
To be God’s people in this place,
live His goodness, share His grace,
Proclaim God’s mercy through His Son
be His love, to every one.

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort.
Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us,
A light that others then may see.
Refrain

MISSION MOMENT — Every Child’s Hope — Kathryn Kuntzman

GOD’S WORD — 1 John 4:7-21 — Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD — John 15:1-9 — Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC — Abide with Me — Organ setting

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Love Lifted Me — #317

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 — Abide with Me — Gospel setting

April 21 – Enfolded by Love

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me.”
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We are blessed that God has given another day of life!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Jesus Shall Reign

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The Good Shepherd accompanies us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given all that we have.
All: God provides us with everything that we need.
One: Every valley that we walk through; God comforts us.
All: Step by step, God is with us.
One: God leads us along God’s path of goodness and righteousness.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We receive abundantly from God.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

*HYMN — We Will Glorify — #35

We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone

He is Lord of heaven Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give

Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God our Maker, and Creator of all the earth; you have enabled us to gather this day in your sanctuary. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We marvel at the wholeness which you offer everyone. In worship, we receive guidance for living as your people.
Good Shepherd, you tirelessly watch over all your sheep. In turn, you ask us to care for one another in life-giving ways. Help us to grow in love that displays genuine caring and self-sacrifice.
May we dare to take on the roles that you give us to fulfill, O God. Help us to be your loving disciples everywhere you lead us. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Are the Reason — #245

We are the reason that He gave His life,
We are the reason that He suffered and died.
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give,
To show us the reason to live.

We were the reason that He gave His life
We were the reason that He suffered and died
To a world that was lost, He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN — Hymn of Promise — #277

In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free

In the cold and snow of winter
There’s a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

There’s a song in every silence
Seeking word and melody
There’s a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me

From the past will come the future
What it holds, a mystery
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

In our end is our beginning
In our time, infinity
In our doubt, there is believing
In our life, eternity
In our death, a resurrection
At the last, a victory

Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 23

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sheep May Safely Graze — J. S. Bach

GOD’S WORD — John 10:11-18

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Lift High the Cross — #523

(Refrain)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred name.

Come, brethren, follow where our Saviour trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God. (Refrain)

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. (Refrain)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious Tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw men unto Thee. (Refrain)

Set up Thy throne, that earth’s despair may cease
Beneath the shadow of its healing peace. (Refrain)

For Thy blest Cross which doth for all atone,
Creation’s praises rise before Thy Throne. (Refrain)

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Lift High the Cross

April 14 – Christ Among Us

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! A warm welcome and a special thank you to Judy Lindquist for serving as worship musician today.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Lamb of God – Paris

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Sue Wilson
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice over the earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities there are for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked upon the earth.
All: God became a human being.
One: Jesus died on the Cross to bless all people with forgiveness and hope.
All: Jesus rose to walk with his disciples.
One: Christ is living among us.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us.

*HYMN – The Day of Resurrection – #276

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, From earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, With hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, May raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth her song begin!
The world resound in triumph, And all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen Their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, Our joy that hath no end.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Sue Wilson
Risen Savior, you fill us with life! When no one else can, you raise our spirits. Especially during times when it feels that our lives are dominated by disappointment or despair; O God, you transform us. In your miraculous, uplifting way, you provide resurrection. You fill empty souls with life!
Christ Jesus, you are the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. You invite us to live and to love boldly as your followers. This is challenging! Still we are empowered to give your invitation a try, for we know that you do not expect perfection out of us. When we fail, you are the One who helps us, who picks us up, and who encourages us to try again. This is a wondrous blessing of Christian discipleship! With you, it is never too late to make a new start. Thank you, Jesus. You give us hope. Amen.

*RESPONSE – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480

I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 81:1-3, 6-10, 16 — Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Will Rise — Tomlin

GOD’S WORD — Luke 24:13-48 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Because He Lives — #275

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

And life is worth the living, just because He lives
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy He gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Refrain

Refrain:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future

And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.
Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Be Thou My Vision — Irish tune

April 8 – Second Sunday of Easter

All are welcome at the table today. If you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements for communion before we begin so we can celebrate together.

WELCOME

SILENT REFLECTION — The Risen Lord — #646

PRELUDE — Easter Medley:
Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
He Is Lord
He Lives!

*CALL TO WORSHIP Rod Hertenstein
One: A new day has dawned:
All: Christ is risen!
One: In our hearts and all over the world:
All: Christ is alive!
One: As we care for God’s creation:
All: Christ is alive!
One: In the face of an unexpected neighbor:
All: Christ is alive!
One: As we share God’s abundance:
All: Christ is alive!

*HYMN — Crown Him with Many Crowns — #3

Crown him with many crowns, The Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail HIm as thy matchless King Thro all eternity.

Crown Him the Son of God Before the worlds began,
And ye, who tread where He hath trod, Crown Him the Son of Man;
Who every grief hath known That wrings the human breast,
And takes and bears them for His own, That all in Him may rest.

Crown him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, And lives that death may die.

Crown him the Lord of love; Behold His hands and side,
Those wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorified;
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou hast died for me;
Thy praise and glory shall not fail Thro’out eternity.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Rod Hertenstein
God of Easter Joy; you can do anything! You are Supreme; and yet you do not threaten people. With care, you gently lead us to be at ease around you, Holy God. You reveal that anyone can safely come to you — bringing our joys; our sorrows; our fears; our questions; our doubts.
God of astonishing love; we thank you for patiently teaching us your Way. You draw us away from harmful ways of this world. You empty us of all that would hurt or condemn. You mend broken pieces of fragmented lives. You help people to accept who you are and to receive the wholeness which you offer. We praise you for your self-giving love, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — He Is Our Peace — #454

He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

GOD’S WORD — Acts 4:32-35 — Rod Hertenstein

SPECIAL MUSIC — Ask Me What Great Thing I Know

GOD’S WORD — John 20:19-31 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – 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
Our church celebrates Open Communion. All who desire are welcome to receive the bread and the cup.
The cups in the outer circle of the communion tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

*HYMN — I Will Sing of My Redeemer — #237

I will sing of my Redeemer And his wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered, From the curse to set me free.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story, How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth Over sin and death and hell.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will sing of my Redeemer And his heavenly love for me;
He from death to life has brought me, Son of God, with Him to be.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Christ Arose!