Dec 28- Come to Us, Abide with Us

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Merry Christmas! 

May God guide and bless our worship this morning as we celebrate God’s great gift – the Promised Messiah, Jesus.  Together, let us listen quietly and watch intently for God.  May Jesus Christ be praised!

WELCOME

PRELUDE       Hark! The Herald Angels Sing     Kevin Hildebrand

*CALL TO WORSHIP         Kathryn Kuntzman
One: Sing of God’s glory!
All: Shout praises to God, all the earth!
One: Rejoice!
All: We will rejoice for God is our life and our salvation! 
One:  Joy to the world!
All: Christ is born!

*HYMN      Joy to the World!       #194                     

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION       Kathryn Kuntzman
God, you are with us!  We have heard the promise of the prophets. 
We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs.  We have seen your star in the heavens.  We have followed your star to a humble birthplace.  We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us.  Now, may all hope and joy fill our lives, as we echo your angels, proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest!  Peace to God’s people on earth!”  Amen

PASSING OF THE PEACE       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.”   (Response) “And also with you.”

*RESPONSE      Emmanuel      #185
(Sing twice)

OLD TESTAMENT READING        Isaiah 63:7-9    Kathryn Kuntzman

SPECIAL MUSIC     The First Noel/Good King Wenceslaus  settings by Sharon Aronson

GOSPEL READING      Matthew 2:13-23    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING
We will sing the first TWO verses of each selected carol.

SERMON       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
   Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN          Angels from the Realms of Glory       #207                 

*BENEDICTION     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE    Joy to the World   setting by Fred Bock