February 22- Ever Faithful

If you can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person? You can join us online every week on our YouTube channel linked here.

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