Youth Lock-in

February 26, 2026 by  
Filed under What's happening

The Ivy Youth will be having their Lock-in Friday March 27-28 from 6pm to 10 am. Be on the lookout for more information in the KYPs.

Palm Sunday

February 26, 2026 by  
Filed under What's happening

We hope you’ll join us for Palm Sunday services on March 29th at 10 am.

Good Friday Worship

February 26, 2026 by  
Filed under What's happening

We invite you to join us for Good Friday worship at 2 pm, on Friday April 3rd.

Easter Sunday Worship

February 26, 2026 by  
Filed under What's happening

We welcome you to join us this Easter morning at 10 am for worship.
He IS Risen!

RUMMAGE SALE

February 26, 2026 by  
Filed under What's happening

Check your garages, clean out your closets and scan your storage spaces for items to donate for Ivy Chapel’s Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 25th from 8am- 3pm.
Items can be dropped off on Thursday and Friday, April 23rd and 24th from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm.

Youth Sunday

February 26, 2026 by  
Filed under What's happening

Mark your calendars to join us on Sunday, May 3rd as we celebrate our youth.
Ivy’s youth will lead the worship on this special Sunday- for more infomrationplease contact the office.

February 22- Ever Faithful

First Sunday in Lent
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. 
Along with God’s whole Church we are on a 40-daiy wilderness trek.  By grace alone, we live.

WELCOME

PRELUDE      Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

*CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 32)           John Weiland                                                        
One; Come, all who are weary from carrying the weight of mistakes and regrets.
All: We come to lay our burdens down before the God of mercy.
One: Come, all who long for a fresh start and a clean heart.
All: We come to receive the gift of grace and the joy of forgiveness
One: The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
All: We will rejoice, for God’s mercy is new every morning!
One: Let us worship the One who forgives, restores, and makes all things new.
All: With grateful hearts, we lift our voices in praise!

*HYMN        It is Well with My Soul      Hymn No. 453

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION    John Weiland
Our hearts are blessed as we gather before You today, O Lord, for you have given us freedom from all our transgressions and joy in exchange for heavy hearts. You are the refuge we seek when we are troubled and the courage we need when we venture into our days. Bless us today with Your steadfast love as we declare our trust in You. Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*RESPONSE       Through It All        Hymn No. 304
Sing only the refrain, twice

A READING FROM THE PSALMS     Psalm 32         John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC       As the Deer         arr., Nevue

NEW TESTAMENT READING      Romans 5:12-19    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON        “Forgiveness”      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

OFFERING

Invitation to Generosity:    John Weiland
As human beings, it is tempting to want more of everything for ourselves.  Yet, it is true that only in generous sharing do we finally realize that we have enough. God has richly blessed us beyond anything we could ever deserve.  Let us give with gladness.

*DOXOLOGY   Hymn No. 623

*Prayer of Thanksgiving:        Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All:  By your grace, O God, our eyes are opened  and our hearts are attuned to the needs of others.  We give so more people may know your acceptance and forgiveness.  We support the ministry of teaching, preaching, and healing among us and in our larger community.  Expand our horizons and tear down the limits of our caring for others.  Amen.              

*HYMN     I Then Shall Live as One Who’s Been Forgiven          Hymn No. 133

*BENEDICTION         Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE     Guide Me Ever, Great Redeemer    arr., Dale Wood

February 15-  A Light in the Darkness

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.  God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE    My Faith Looks Up to Thee       

*CALL TO WORSHIP      Kathryn Kuntzman
One: We come together today as a community of faith.  We are here to listen to God.
All: Our hearts are open to hear God’s voice.  We desire to follow God’s leading.
One: We share in a new covenant of promise and of hope.  We are called to be a light in the darkness. 
All:  We acknowledge our need for ongoing transformation.  We desire to shine the light of Christ.
One: We offer to God thanks and praise for grace and the goodness he has lavished upon us.
All: We praise God’s name for his unconditional love and grace.  All glory be to God!

*HYMN    
  Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim         Hymn No.74                                                  

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION         Kathryn Kuntzman              
Word made flesh, God with us, on that mountain you revealed yourself to your three closest disciples and to us. Transfigure our hearts and minds so we may shine your light in the darkness.  Break through our clouds of doubt and our lack of courage which lessen our ability to illuminate the darkness in our world.  Inspire us to seek to know you more fully as we are fully known and loved by you. Amen.

*RESPONSE        Fairest Lord Jesus         Hymn No.104                                         

OLD TESTAMENT READING        Exodus 24:12-18        Kathryn Kuntzman                                            

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE      Linda Lowry                                                                                       

SPECIAL MUSIC    He is Exalted/Lord, I Lift Your Name on High!     Paris/Keveren                                       

GOSPEL READING     Matthew 17:1-9      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON         “The Beloved”       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

OFFERING

Invitation to Generosity:
We have taken a step forward in faithfulness in reflecting upon the mountaintop.  Even now we are being changed – transfigured more fully in the image of Christ. May our pledges and our offerings represent the depth of our commitment to continue onward in this journey of faith.  Will the ushers bring forward our gifts.

DOXOLOGY      Hymnal No.623

Prayer of Thanksgiving:       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Thank you, God, for choosing us to speak for you and to act on your behalf.  It is an honor to share your Good News with others.  In gratitude, we offer these gifts back to you.  Bless them and multiply them so they may be a blessing to others.  Amen.                                                                 

*HYMN       Praise Him! Praise Him!      Hymn No.73

*BENEDICTION        Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE             Six Ecossaises (French Dances)                        Ludwig van Beethoven                               

February 8- A Light in the Darkness

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. 
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE   Spirit of the Living God, Fall Fresh on Me          

*CALL TO WORSHIP          Jim French                                                                                     
One:  Jesus taught:  Blessed are the poor in spirit.  The realm of God is theirs.
All:  Those who mourn are blessed.  They will be comforted.
One:  The meek will inherit the earth.  The merciful will obtain mercy.
All:  All who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed; they will be filled.
One:  Blessed are the pure in heart and the peacemakers.  They will see God.
All:  Those persecuted or falsely accused will be blessed.  Even in the face of evil, we will rejoice.

*HYMN    O How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit   Hymn No.229                                                  

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION         Jim French             
We come into this moment carrying the weight of our lives.  We feel the strain in our bodies and on our spirits.  Draw near to us now.  Kindle in us courage to carry out acts of mercy and the work of lifting burdens.  Let your Spirit move among us and remake us to share in life at its fullest and best as disciples of Jesus.  Amen.

Passing of the Peace        Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
(May the peace of Christ be with you.  Response:  And also with you.)

*RESPONSE    Peace Like a River  Hymn No.360

OLD TESTAMENT READING    Micah 6:1-   Jim French                                                                

SPECIAL MUSIC      Lord, I want to be a Christian in my Heart

GOSPEL READING       Matthew 5:1-16    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON    “The Salt”          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

INVITATION TO GENEROSITY    Jim French
One: Friends of God, when we give, we join the work of lifting burdens and repairing the places we call home.  Let our offerings be given with open hands, willing hearts, and a commitment to our shared life.  Will the ushers come forward with our gifts?

*DOXOLOGY     Hymn No.623

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All:  Bless what we have brought to you.  Let it move where relief is needed, where repair can begin, and where dignity can rise.  Carry us forward in your work with gratitude and joy.  Amen. 

*HYMN   The Master Has Come  Hymn No.502                                                                          

*BENEDICTION          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE          Rondo in C     Gordon Young