1 March — Ever Faithful

Second 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   The Old Rugged Cross       arr., Penny Rodriguez

*CALLTO WORSHIP              Julie McAllister
One:  God calls us to leave what is familiar and follow where grace leads.
All:  We come, trusting the promise we cannot see.
One:  God keeps watch over all who journey by faith.
All:  Our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
One:  God offers new life, born of Spirit and truth.
All:  Let us worship the God who calls us forward in faith.

*HYMN         Great is Thy Faithfulness         #17                

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION         Julie McAllister  
Calling God, You invite us into futures we cannot yet imagine.  As we gather in worship, steady our hearts and strengthen our trust.  Loosen our grip on what feels safe and familiar, and open us to the life you promise.  Shape us by your grace, that we may walk faithfully with you through this Lenten journey.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.         

*RESPONSE     Trust and Obey          #469
(verses 1 and 5)

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE        JoAnn Moody

A READING FROM THE PSALMS      Psalm 121         Julie McAllister

SPECIAL MUSIC            Standing on the Promises        arr., James Koerts

NEW TESTAMENT READING   Romans 4:1-5,13-17       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON            “Faith”             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:   Julie McAllister       
The season of Lent invites us to consider the cost Jesus paid so we could know the unconditional love of God.  So great a gift calls for a response in faith.  Let us offer whatever gifts we have so others can experience God’s boundless love and grace.  Will the usher come forward with our gifts?

*DOXOLOGY   #623

*Prayer of Thanksgiving:        Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All: O God, we offer back to you a portion of the resources with which you have blessed us.  Use these gifts and our lives to share your matchless grace.  Amen.

*COMMUNION HYMN         We Come as Guests Invited     #258

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A]           Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice.  The other cups contain wine.

*HYMN       Something for Jesus         #441

*BENEDICTION          Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE       Down to the River to Pray