February 15-  A Light in the Darkness

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.  God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here. If you can’t make it in-person on Sunday, we invite you to join us for worship every week on our YouTube Channel.

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