Jan 18- A Light in the Darkness
January 16, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Whoever you are, Wherever you are on life’s journey,
You are welcome here.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Be Thou My Vision Traditional Irish Melody arr. Burlington
*CALL TO WORSHIP John Weiland
One: Wait patient for the Lord; he will listen and hear your cry.
All: God drew me up from the depths and set my feet upon a rock.
One: The Creator put a song of praise in my mouth. Many will see and put their trust in the Lord.
All: Happy are those who make the Lord their trust, who do not go after false idols.
One: Sacrifice and burnt offering you do not desire.
All: I delight to do your will, O my God, your law is within my heart.
One: I have spoken of your faithfulness and proclaimed your steadfast love to all people.
All: O Lord, let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep us safe forever.
*HYMN I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever
Ivy worship booklet p. 56
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
O God our Creator, you have knit us together and called us into being. We pray you fill our hearts with your Spirit. Everything we desire can be found in you. We ask you to draw near to us in this time of worship. We pray you equip us to be a source of your healing in the lives of our community. May we ever more fully become your light in the darkness of our world. Amen.
*RESPONSE Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love
Ivy worship booklet p. 57
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 49:1-7 John Weiland
SPECIAL MUSIC This is My Father’s World Franklin Sheppard arr. Berry
GOSPEL READING John 1:29-42 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “A Servant” Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
INVITATION TO GENEROSITY
One: In heaven it’s believed that there is no good thing lacking. There is no scarcity, no shortage. We have the opportunity today to mirror Heaven. Let us offer whatever we are led to give, so that abundance may flow and that God’s people lack no good thing.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
All: Creator of heaven and earth, receive these offerings from our hearts and our hands. May they be used to bring your light to all who are surrounded in darkness. Amen.
*HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling #71
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Ash Grove Traditional Welsh Melody arr. Berry
Jan 11-A Light in the Darkness
January 9, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We apologize for the technical difficulties we encountered with sound and then filming this morning.
We are working to fix any problems and plan to be live again next week- we hope you see us there!
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. If you can’t make it in person on Sunday to Ivy Chapel, please join us every week online on our YouTube channel.
All of the songs are linked individually to their sheet music below.
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here. Please join us for a time of fellowship and refreshments in Fellowship Hall following worship.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Morning Song James Southbridge
*CALL TO WORSHIP Linda Lowry
One: Come, you who are weary, you who have been bruised by life, you whose flame has flickered in the winds of the world.
All: We come, longing to be renewed.
One: The Holy One who stretches out the heavens is stretching us now—
stretching our hearts toward courage, our hands toward compassion,
our lives toward gentle justice.
All: We open ourselves to be stretched into new life.
One: A voice from heaven says to us, as it said to Jesus:
You are my beloved. This Spirit rests upon us, too.
All: We are God’s Beloved, called to bring gentle justice.
One: Come, let us remember who we are.
All: Let us worship God with joy.
*HYMN Another Year Is Dawning #613
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Linda Lowry
Holy One, Breath of Creation, You stretched out the heavens and set the earth dancing with life. You whispered belovedness over Jesus rising from the Jordan, and your Spirit rested upon him like a gentle dove. Rest your Spirit upon us now. Stretch our hearts where they have grown tight. Soften the places that have been hardened by fear or disappointment. Wake the embers of joy that still glow beneath the ash. Remind us that we are your Beloved, not because of what we have done, but because of who You are and the love that holds us. As we gather at the water today, let us remember who we are, and who we are becoming together— your people of compassion, courage, and gentle justice. In the name of Christ, the One who shows us how to be human, we pray. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE Gracious Spirit, Dwell in Me #149
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 42:1-9 Linda Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC Water Music, HWV 350: Rigaudon Händel (tr. Peasgood)
GOSPEL READING Matthew 3:13-17 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “The Chosen One” Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
OFFERING
Invitation to Generosity Linda Lowry
*Doxology (traditional) #623
*Prayer of Dedication Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing #93
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Water Music, HWV 349: Alla Hornpipe Händel (tr. Peasgood)
Jan 4-Abide With Us
January 2, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
Coffee Fellowship
December 30, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Join us Sundays, Jan 11th and 18th following worship in Fellowship for coffee time. We hope to see you there!
Youth Overnight Lock-In
December 30, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend the night at Ivy Chapel?
Well, for our youth in 4th grade and up, they are about to find out!!!
The Youth Lock-In will be from 6 pm on Friday, January 23rd to 10 am on Saturday, January 24th. There will be food, there will be movies, there will be shenanigans! Dinner and breakfast will be provided, but please be sure to bring a sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow, as everyone will be sleeping on the floor.
Please let Tara Lowry know if you plan on attending this amazing event.
Annual Meeting and Soup Potluck
December 30, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Ivy Chapel will hold the Annual Meeting on Sunday, Jan. 25th, immediately following worship. This meeting will be conducted in person in the sanctuary with remote participation available via Zoom (link will be provided). The agenda will be provided in advance of the meeting.
We hope you are able to join us as we celebrate our members contributions throughout the past year with the Elmer awards. We will then have a soup potluck in Fellowship Hall.
Dec 28- Come to Us, Abide with Us
December 30, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Merry Christmas!
May God guide and bless our worship this morning as we celebrate God’s great gift – the Promised Messiah, Jesus. Together, let us listen quietly and watch intently for God. May Jesus Christ be praised!
WELCOME
PRELUDE Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Kevin Hildebrand
*CALL TO WORSHIP Kathryn Kuntzman
One: Sing of God’s glory!
All: Shout praises to God, all the earth!
One: Rejoice!
All: We will rejoice for God is our life and our salvation!
One: Joy to the world!
All: Christ is born!
*HYMN Joy to the World! #194
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Kathryn Kuntzman
God, you are with us! We have heard the promise of the prophets.
We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have seen your star in the heavens. We have followed your star to a humble birthplace. We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us. Now, may all hope and joy fill our lives, as we echo your angels, proclaiming “Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God’s people on earth!” Amen
PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE Emmanuel #185
(Sing twice)
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 63:7-9 Kathryn Kuntzman
SPECIAL MUSIC The First Noel/Good King Wenceslaus settings by Sharon Aronson
GOSPEL READING Matthew 2:13-23 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING
We will sing the first TWO verses of each selected carol.
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN Angels from the Realms of Glory #207
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Joy to the World setting by Fred Bock
Dec 24-Come to Us, Abide with US
December 24, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Christmas Eve Worship- 5pm
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
If you can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person for worship, we invite to join us online every week on our YouTube channel.
WORDS OF WELCOME Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRELUDE O Holy Night Adolphe Adam
Valerie Waterman, vocalist
*CALL TO WORSHIP John Weiland
One: On this holiest of nights,
All: We come, joining the shepherds who are stunned by wonder.
One: On this most silent night,
All: We come, our hopes and dreams joining those of Mary and Joseph.
One: On this nights of carols and candlelight,
All: We come, our glad songs joining with the choirs of angels over us.
*HYMN O Little Town of Bethlehem #200
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION John Weiland
Magnificent God, at one time the world wondered whether your marvelous promise of a Messiah could be believed. Now we know.Holy and Astonishing God; by your design, you came to life as a human being. You chose to be born of flesh to help us be born of Spirit.
On this night of your birth, Jesus, we celebrate that you do live among us. Tonight, and always, you are here. You have high hopes and expectations for us as your people. Fill us with your Spirit. Lead us to continue growing as your disciples. We are grateful for your continuing gifts, God Emmanuel. May we respond by faithfully serving you! Amen.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH
John Weiland: Tonight, we gather to remember with the prophet Isaiah:
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this (Isaiah 9:6-7).
All: We gather to once again bask in the glory that visited a stable and a manger, shepherds watching their flocks, and a young couple cradling the newborn Messiah.
Linda Lowry: We light the Christ candle as a sign of the glory that came among us in unexpected places and to unexpected people, that we may be people who seek and follow the glory of the Christ child here and now.
(Light the center candle of the Advent wreath.)
*RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #186
(All Verses)
THE FIRST LESSON Isaiah 52:7-10
A CHRISTMAS CAROL It Came Upon The Midnight Clear #199
THE SECOND LESSON Psalm 98
A CHRISTMAS CAROL Good Christian Men, Rejoice #214
THE THIRD LESSON Hebrews 1:1-4
SPECIAL MUSIC Wexford Carol
Tara Lowry, violin
THE GOSPEL LESSON John 1:1-14
HOMILY “Emmanuel: God with Us” Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
“Amazing Peace”, by Dr. Maya Angelou
The Lord’s Prayer (debts/debtors)
COMMUNION HYMN What Child Is This? #202
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
SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
(Instructions given to congregants – Pastor light candle from Christ candle and will move down the center aisle to light candle of person closest to aisle; congregants pass the light to each other; congregants will stand when we begin to sing Silent Night. On the last verse of Silent Night we will raise our candles.)
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Hark the Herald Angels Sing #191 (Verse 1)
Away in a Manger #213 (Verse 1)
*Silent Night, Holy Night #189 (All Verses)
*BLESSING Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*Please rise in body or spirit.
Dec 21- ‘The Merry Mix-Up Pageant’
December 20, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
WELCOME Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRELUDE Gesu Bambino (The Infant Jesus) Pietro Yon
Valerie Waterman, vocalist
*CALL TO WORSHIP Audrey Farrell
ONE: The Prince of Peace is coming, born to us in a stable.
ALL: Unbelievable beginnings for he who is born King of the Jews.
ONE: This story sounds impossible, and yet this is no mix-up.
ALL: All are welcome at the manger.
*HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful #188
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Eli Willey
Ever present, God, when you gave your only son to the world, he was placed in the care of modest parents, born in a lowly manger, and the news of his birth was shared with humble shepherds. It was no ordinary welcome for a king. But through your grace, you remind us that peace, love, hope, and joy can come from the most unexpected of places. Help us continue having faith in your power, your love, and your surprises. Amen.
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Love
Reader 1: Today, we come face to face with the scandal of Advent: Mary, the unmarried mother; God Incarnate growing in Mary’s womb as a vulnerable baby; Joseph contemplating leaving Mary because of her pregnancy; God’s love at work in ways that society and propriety could not understand; God calling Mary and Joseph to faithfulness despite the fear of disgrace.
All: With Mary and Joseph, we choose to wait, watch, and listen for the way of Love instead of responding in fear to the world’s judgment.
Reader 2: We light this candle of love as a sign of our faithfulness as we seek, find, and follow Emmanuel, God with us.
*RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #186 (Verse 4 Only)
SPECIAL MUSIC Winter Wonderland
Jack Fernandez, piano
The Merry Mix-Up Pageant
Written by Tara Lowry
The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Insert)
O Little Town of Bethlehem (Verses 1, 2 & 4) #200
Angels We Have Heard on High (Verses 1,2 & 3) #206
Cast sings “Away in a Manger”
We Three Kings (Verses 1 & 5) #220
*HYMN Go Tell it on the Mountain #216
Children/Youth sing Verse 1
Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 & 3
*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION Blair Bittick
ONE: And so concludes our merry tale of the birth of our Lord and Savior.
ALL: But the story of God’s love does not end there.
ONE: It continues on in the hearts of each and every one of us.
ALL: All are welcome to share God’s love.
*POSTLUDE O Come, Little Children arr., Diane Bish
Dec 14- Come to Us, Abide with Us
December 13, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
On this third Sunday of Advent, we look forward with joyful anticipation to what God reveals to us.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming/ In the Bleak Midwinter Kathryn Kuntzman, cello
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Our souls magnify the Lord. Our spirits rejoice in God our Savior!
All: We come today with eager hope, awaiting God’s new revelation.
One: The mighty One has done great things! God’s mercy covers generations.
All: We come today with ready peace, trusting with anticipation.
One: The One who lifted up the lowly and filled the hungry dwells with us.
All: We come today with fervent joy, we worship with great expectation.
(Inspired by Luke 1:46b-55, The Magnificat)
*HYMN When God Is a Child Ivy worship booklet, p. 95
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of us all, your children here and your children afar—
We enter this moment of worship with eager anticipation. We know that even before a child would come to lead the way, You were leading our way. Wondrous God, we look forward with joyful expectation to the future ways that you will reveal yourself in this world! Make your presence known as we worship you in spirit and in truth. Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Joy
First Reader (Liturgist): In the midst of our waiting and longing for God to make the world right again, we cling to the truth that God has saved, God is saving, and God will save. So today, we join our voices with the prophet Isaiah, who calls us to live in the joy of the truth of God’s salvation.
All: We choose to believe that the day is coming when “the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).
Second Reader (Pastor): We light this candle of joy as a sign of the Truth that sets us free to live in joy as we wait and work for the day when all creation will flourish together.
*RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #186
(verse 3 only)
AN OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 35:1-10
SPECIAL MUSIC Of the Father’s Love Begotten/ Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
Kathryn Kuntzman, cello
A READING FROM THE GOSPEL Matthew 11:2-11 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “Awaken Our Joy” Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN How Great Our Joy! #192
*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
One: Go with confidence into the days ahead.
All: Allow the joy within each one of us to shine upon those who suffer.
One: Let your light be magnified by the grace of God.
All: May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the presence of the Holy Spirit be among us and within us. Amen.
*POSTLUDE Patapan arr., James Biery
