5 April- Easter Sunday Worship Music
April 4, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Sunday Worship Music
Here is a link for all of the worship music for Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 together.
Each song below is included and linked separately.
Christ the Lord is Risen Today –No. 268
To God Be the Glory — No 79
Doxology — No. 623
Jesus Loves Me — No. 341
The Day of Resurrection — No. 276
April 5 – EASTER SUNDAY
April 4, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed.
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
We are happy that you are here to share in worshipping our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Please join us in Fellowship Hall following worship for refreshments.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Thine is the Glory! – arr., Lani Smith
CALL TO WORSHIP – Jim French
One: Christ is risen from the dead.
All: Christ is risen indeed!
One: Death has been defeated, and the tomb stands empty.
All: God’s love has triumphed over the grave.
One: This is the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ!
All: This is the good news of the resurrection! Christ is risen, Alleluia!
HYMN – Christ the Lord is Risen Today – No.268
PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jim French
Living God, on this day of resurrection, we praise you for your life-giving power. You have raised Jesus from the dead and opened the way to new life. Fill our worship with joy, awaken our hope, and shape us as witnesses to your grace. Through the risen Christ we pray, Amen.
RESPONSE – To God Be the Glory – No.79
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE –Tara Lowry
A READING FROM THE PSALMS – Psalm 118:1-2,4-24 – Jim French
SPECIAL MUSIC – Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
A READING FROM THE GOSPELS – Matthew 28:1-10 – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON – “Do Not Be Afraid” – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
OFFERING – Jim French
Invitation to Generosity:
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
COMMUNION HYMN – Jesus Loves Me – No.341
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.
HYMN – The Day of Resurrection – No.276
BENEDICTION -Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
POSTLUDE – Hallelujah! (from “Messiah”) – G.F. Handel
3 April- Good Friday Worship Music
April 3, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Sunday Worship Music
Here is a link for all of the worship music for Good Friday, April 26, 2026 together.
Each song below is included and linked separately.
Beneath the Cross of Jesus No. 239
Were You There? No. 266
April 3 2026 — Good Friday
April 3, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Ever faithful
PRELUDE — What Wondrous Love is This?
CALL TO WORSHIP — Linda Lowry
One: We come now to the hill at Calvary.
All: The love of God leads to the Cross.
One: The Servant Messiah summons us.
All: Despised and rejected; Jesus is a man of sorrows, acquainted with all our griefs.
One: The Anointed One of God, whom we have grown to love dearly, is being crucified.
All: We gather in the shadow of the cross, remembering the depth of Christ’s love, and the cost of our redemption.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Everlasting God, we need you. You respond to the cries of your children throughout the world. But this day Jesus, you are the One crying out. Help us to hear your cries; to see what you see; to feel what you feel. We are saved by your sacrifice. On this unforgettable day, may we be moved by the sorrows of betrayal, denial, cruelty, and condemnation that you endure for us.
Your suffering and death are agony. On this day, we remember your excruciating pain, dying on the cross for all people. Our souls ache with grief and guilt over your crucifixion, Jesus. You know of our need for your grace. We worship you. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.
HYMN — Beneath the Cross of Jesus — No.239
PRAYER OF CONFESSION — Linda Lowry
We confess to You, our Lord and Savior, that we have betrayed and denied You, forgotten and doubted You. When our faith is tested, we wonder where You are. When we see injustice in the world, we often stand by, we turn our backs, we ignore the cries of others. We confess that again and again we deny You and betray You with our silence when we fail to proclaim Your Good News, when we fail to live out Your teachings and love our neighbor as ourselves. Forgive us, O God, and help us to truly repent. Help us to remember Your sacrifice, Your love, and to know Your forgiveness. In the name of the One who lived, who was crucified, and who lives again, Jesus the Messiah, we pray. Amen.
SILENCE
ASSURANCE OF PARDON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness. He will not always accuse; neither will he stay angry forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him. As far as the east from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.
HYMN — Were You There? — No.266
Verses 1,2,3 only
GOD’S WORD — Matthew 26:36-46
SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
The Last Day in the Life of Christ
Betrayal
John 18:1-11
Denial
John 18:15-18, 25-27
Interrogation
John 18:28-38
Rejection
John 19:1-7
Condemnation
John 19:8-16a
Crucifixion
John 19:16b-27
Completion
John 19:28-30
SPECIAL MUSIC — It Is Finished — Bob Hartman
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist
DEPART IN SILENCE
29 March Worship Music
March 27, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Sunday Worship Music
Here is a link for all of the worship music for Palm Sunday, March 29. 2026 together.
Each song below is included and linked separately.
The songs include:
Hosanna, Loud Hosanna! — No.233
All Glory, Laud and Honor — No. 234
Doxology — Hymn No. 623
What Wondrous Love is This — No. 250
March 29 – Ever Faithful
March 27, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
All of the worship music can be found on this page.
Palm Sunday
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!
PRELUDE/PARADE OF PALMS “Prepare the Way of the Lord!”
HYMN — Hosanna, Loud Hosanna! — No.233
WELCOME — Valerie Waterman
PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
Dear Lord, as we gather today, we remember Your triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Just as the people laid down their palms before You, may we lay down our hearts, offering our worship and praise. Just as the people shouted praises as You entered, may we also raise our voices in thanksgiving and adoration. May we celebrate Your goodness with hearts full of joy and gratitude, knowing that You are always with us. Amen.
A TIME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE with BLESSING OF THE PALMS — Linda Lowry
PRAYER OF TRANSFORMATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
ALL: Patient God, we confess that we love a parade. We are very happy to see banners waving and hear people shouting their praises. Our hearts thrill to the spectacle. But we fail to see the sadness on the face of the Savior; our shouts block out his sorrow. He comes to us as King, and we expect that royal treatment will follow. We do not and cannot believe that in a few days we will be among those who will turn our backs and run from his presence. How fickle we are, O Lord. Yet you continually forgive us and call us to turn our lives around–to see the needs of others, to reach out in trust and faith, to be willing to witness to your good news of saving love. Heal our hearts and give us courage for the days ahead; for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen. — written by Nancy Townley
ASSURANCE OF GOD’S LOVE AND FORGIVENESS — Kathryn Kuntzman
One: Tell the daughters of despair, proclaim it to the sons of sadness:
All: Christ has come to save us! Hosanna! We will give our thanks to God, who offers us forgiveness and grace; who comes to bring us grace, hope, life. Hosanna in the highest. Amen!
SPECIAL MUSIC — With a Heart of Thanksgiving — by Howard Helvey
SCRIPTURE READING — Matthew 21: 1-11 — Kathryn Kuntzman
HYMN — All Glory, Laud and Honor — No. 234
SERMON — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
OFFERING
Invitation to Generosity: Kathryn Kuntzman
One: God calls us by name. We are called God’s own. Out of abundance of love shared with us, we too share ourselves and these gifts for God’s good purposes in the world. Let us receive the morning offering.
DOXOLOGY Hymn No.623
Prayer of Dedication — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
ALL: On my own, what I have to give doesn’t amount to much in the light of all you have given to me and in the face of so much need. Put together as a congregation, what we offer you here in love becomes more, not simply added together, but somehow multiplied in its usefulness. We ask you to bless our gifts and with the addition of your blessing, just as it was with the loaves and fishes, there is enough for all. Amen. ~ from the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand
SCRIPTURE — Matthew 26:14 – 27:66
A Reading in Two Voices
Rev.Doni Driemeier-Showers & Tara Lowry
HYMN — What Wondrous Love is This — No. 250
BENEDICTION — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
POSTLUDE — An Elegy — Frederik Magle
March 22 — Ever Faithful
March 21, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Along with God’s whole Church we are on a 40-day wilderness trek.
By grace alone, we live.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — Prelude in C (from the Well-tempered clavier) J.S. Bach, born March 21, 1685
CALL TO WORSHIP — JoAnn Moody
One: From the depths, we cry to the Lord.
All: We wait for the Lord, trusting in mercy and hope.
One: God speaks life into dry bones and breathes into weary hearts.
All: We come, longing for the Spirit who gives life.
One: Christ calls the dead to rise and the grieving to hope.
All: Let us worship the God who brings life out of death.
HYMN — On Eagle’s Wings — Ivy Worship Booklet, pp. 70-71
PRAYER OF INVOCATION — JoAnn Moody
God of life, You meet us in valleys of loss and places where hope feels far away. As we gather in worship, draw near to us with your restoring presence. Breathe your Spirit into what feels dry within us and open our hearts to the life you promise. Through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
RESPONSE — God Will Make a Way — Ivy Worship Booklet, p. 44
A READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 130 — JoAnn Moody
SPECIAL MUSIC — Bist du bei mir (If you are near) — J.S. Bach
NEW TESTAMENT READING — John 11:1-45 — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
SERMON — “New Life” — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
OFFERING
Invitation to Generosity: JoAnn Moody
Friends, as we have been cared for through the gifts we have received, may we offer these gifts. Gifts for your people who need hope, who hunger for food and justice, who yearn for peace, and who long for your graceful presence in their lives. Will the ushers please come forward with the offering.
DOXOLOGY Hymn No. 623
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
All: Jesus, You are the Light of the World. Shine Your light in me today. Accept these our gifts so they may be used to chase away the darkness of sin, the darkness of fear and doubt and despair. May Your Holy Spirit live in me and make me a shining example of Your amazing grace, redeeming love, and life-changing power. Amen.
HYMN — Shine, Jesus, Shine — Ivy Worship Booklet, pp. 78-79
RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION — Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers
One: Come out! Jesus commands,
All: And calls us from the tombs of our existence into the brightness of a new day.
One: Come out! Jesus cries,
All: And unbinds us from the chains of our past.
One: Come out! Jesus calls,
All: And entices us into a world filled with grace and possibility.
One: So, Go out!
All: Into a world that needs our life, our breath, our spirit!
One: Go out!
All: Into a world that needs the Spirit of God, carried on our lips and in our loving arms.
One: Go out!
All: Into the world to live as God’s resurrected people!
One: Go out: and go on the breath of God’s holy wind!
~ written by the Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, UCC Worship Ways
POSTLUDE —Little Prelude and Fugue in F — J.S. Bach
22 March Worship Music
March 19, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Sunday Worship Music
Here is a link for the worship music for Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The songs include:
On Eagles Wings – Ivy Worship Booklet, pp. 70-71
God Will Make a Way, Ivy Worship Booklet, p. 44
Doxology, Hymn No. 623
Shine, Jesus, Shine – Ivy Worship Booklet, pp. 78-79
March 15 – Ever Faithful
March 14, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Along with God’s whole Church we are on a 40-day wilderness trek.
By grace alone, we live.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Be Thou My Vision Traditional Irish tune Kathryn Kuntzman, cello
CALL TO WORSHIP Linda Lowry
One: The Lord calls us out of darkness into light.
All: We come, trusting the God who opens our eyes.
One: God sees beyond appearances and knows the truth of our hearts.
All: We come, longing to live as children of the light.
One: Even in the darkest valley, we will not be afraid.
All: For the light of Christ is with us, His love will never let us go.
One: Let us worship the One who opens our eyes and leads us home.
All: We come to worship in spirit and in truth, rejoicing in the light of the Lord!
HYMN Morning Has Broken No. 274 (Gaelic melody)
PRAYER OF INVOCATION Linda Lowry
God of light and truth, You see us as we are and call us into new life. As we gather in worship, open our eyes to your presence and our hearts to your grace. Lead us through shadow and uncertainty and shape us by your word to live as people awakened by your light. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
RESPONSE Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us Hymn No. 449
A READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 23 Linda Lowry
MINISTRY MOMENT: Unleashing Potential
Darlene Sowell, CEO of Unleashing Potential and Brittany Campbell
SPECIAL MUSIC Air from County Derry (Londonderry Air) Kathryn Kuntzman, cello
A READING FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT Ephesians 5:8-14 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “Illumination” 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: Linda Lowry
Maybe today, it feels as if you have nothing left to give. Perhaps you are tired and your life feels like ashes or dust. The Gospel story today tells us healing happened through spit and dust in the hands of Jesus. God can birth new dreams and bring new insights even in our weariness. So, let’s discover what abundance emerges when whatever we have left to give is placed in the hands of grace. Will the ushers come forward with our gifts?
DOXOLOGY Hymn No.623
Prayer of Thanksgiving:
All: Into a world desperate for hope, let our gifts bring the light of good news. Into hearts searching for compassion, let our gifts demonstrate care and nurture. Into each person yearning for new life, let our gifts provide assurance that abundant life is available through faith. Amen.
HYMN Be Thou My Vision No. 400 (Irish Hymn)
BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
POSTLUDE An Irish Medley Kathryn Kuntzman, cello
March 8-Ever Faithful
March 7, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Third 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 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty arr., Diane Bish
*CALLTO WORSHIP Blair Bittick
One: Come, let us worship God!
All: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
One: Come, let us worship our Shepherd!
All: We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we follow where God leads us.
One: Come, let us open our hearts!
All: We receive God’s love poured into our hearts through the Spirit.
One: Come, let us worship God, the rock of our salvation!
All: Let us worship God, whose mercy guides and sustains us on the path of new life!
*HYMN Amazing Grace Hymn No. 299
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Blair Bittick
Creator God, maker of heaven and earth, we come before you with songs of joy and hearts full of gratitude. We thank you for your abundant blessings and for guiding us like a shepherd guides his flock. Help us to listen for your voice and to follow your ways faithfully. Open our hearts to receive the life you offer and let our lives be shaped by your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*RESPONSE Open My Eyes, That I May See Hymn No. 174
A READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 95 Blair Bittick
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Linda Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC I Want Jesus to Walk with Me arr., Lloyd Larsen
NEW TESTAMENT READING Romans 5:1-11 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “Grace” 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:
The God of Living Water invites us to share our time, our talents, and our financial resources with others who are still thirsty for meaning and purpose in life. Let us give back to God from the abundance we have received. Give as God has enabled you to do so. Will the ushers come forward with our gifts?
*DOXOLOGY Hymn No. 623
*Prayer of Thanksgiving: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All: Gracious God, we pray that our gifts may provide nourishment to those who thirst for justice, strength to those who hunger for hope, and a community to those living in loneliness. May the amazing grace you have given us flow through our gifts. Amen.
*HYMN Fill My Cup, Lord Hymn No. 367
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE How Firm a Foundation arr., Gilbert Martin
