Jan 4-Abide With Us
January 2, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
If you can’t make it in-person on Sundays, please join us online on our YouTube channel every week!
Happy New Year! Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Die drei Weisen aus dem Morgenlande (Op. 48, No. 3) O. Malling
*CALL TO WORSHIP JoAnn Moody
One: Sing for joy, and praise God!
All: God’s holy power makes winds blow and water flow!
One: Hear the Word of God and believe the good news!
All: Christ the Savior is born!
One: Jesus of Nazareth is God’s Anointed One!
All: What a gift! Christ truly is “the joy of all the earth!”
One: God Emmanuel loves you.
All: Praise God for coming to life among us!
*HYMN The First Noel #205
(verses 3-6 only)
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION JoAnn Moody
Everlasting God; you come to life in this world as holy light, desiring to be known by humankind. During the year ahead, open our eyes and our ears and our hearts to recognize you living among us. Day by day, you are creating and leading us along the way to fullness of life. You came to earth through human childbirth. You did not send someone else. You came yourself! You were born as a little baby who grew up in a small town. We are grateful that you often come in quietly reassuring ways that do not call attention to yourself. We praise you for your abundant love, Jesus. Thank you for teaching us to live as disciples of your grace. Amen.
*RESPONSE Day by Day #486
OLD TESTAMENT READING Jeremiah 31:7-14 JoAnn Moody
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Tara Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC Pastorale on ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’ G. Edmundson
GOSPEL READING John 1:10-18 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON Abide With Us Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*COMMUNION HYMN Of The Father’s Love Begotten #193
PRAYER OF PREPARATION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
INVITATION AND DISTRIBUTION
(Instructions given to congregants – All people who wish to participate in communion are invited to come forward and gather in a large circle from the front pews to the altar. Pastor will serve those on the altar area and ushers will serve those on the floor level.)
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
*HYMN As With Gladness Men of Old #219
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Praeludium in G Major (BWV 568) J. S. Bach

