19 April Worship Music & Responsive Readings
April 18, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Sunday Worship Music
Happy Earth Day!
All of the music for today can all be found through this link or individually linked below.
Responsive Reading: “God the Creator” — Hymnal No. 630
All Creatures of Our God and King — Hymn No 33- verses 1, 2, & 3
All Creatures of Our God and King — Hymn No 33- verses 4 & 5
Doxology — Hymnal No. 623
All Things Bright and Beautiful — Hymn No. 65
April 19 – Earth Day
April 18, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1
God loves God’s creation! As we celebrate this Earth Day, we remember that God calls us to be good stewards of the wonderful world God has given us.
WELCOME
PRELUDE —This is My Father’s World — arr., Penny Rodriguez
CALL TO WORSHIP — Kathryn Kuntzman
RESPONSIVE READING — “God the Creator” Hymnal No.630
The liturgist will read the parts in regular type and the congregation will respond with the words in bold print.
HYMN — All Creatures of Our God and King –No.33
Verses 1,2,3
PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
Creator God, we come before you with grateful hearts on this Earth Day, thanking you for the beauty and wonder of your creation. We ask for your guidance and wisdom as we strive to be better stewards of this precious planet. Help us to make choices that honor and protect the environment, ensuring that future generations can also experience its splendor. Gracious Lord, fill our hearts with compassion for all living beings. Help us to see the interconnectedness of life and to act with kindness and respect towards one another and the Earth. May our actions reflect your love for all creation. Amen.
RESPONSE— All Creatures of Our God and King – No.33
Verses 4,5
A READING FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT — Genesis 1 — Kathryn Kuntzman
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC — He’sGot the Whole World in His Hands
A READING FROM THE PSALMS — Psalm 8 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — “And God Saw That It Was Good” — 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: Kathryn Kuntzman
One: God commissioned us as human beings to care for all of God’s creation. Our ministry includes caring for the plants, trees, water, birds, animals, and people that enter our grounds and buildings. Let us give as God has enabled us to do so in order that all of God’s creation may be treated with respect and care. Will the ushers bring forward our gifts?
DOXOLOGY — No.623
Prayer of Dedication: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
O Creator God, we ask that you enable us to see all of creation as our brothers and sisters. Bless these gifts and multiply them so that we may meet the needs of our community. May our stewardship of the resources you have entrusted to us be pleasing in your sight. Amen.
HYMN — All Things Bright and Beautiful – No.65
BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
POSTLUDE — Fairest Lord Jesus — arr., Penny Rodriguez
April 12 – PEACE BE WITH YOU
April 11, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We rejoice in your presence among us.
We gather to celebrate our Risen Savior. We gather as witnesses to living hope.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — Christ Arose!
CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: Peace be with you.
All: The risen Christ speaks peace into our fear.
One: We have seen the Lord, wounded, risen, and present among us.
All: We come to worship the one who opens locked doors and calls us by name.
One: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.
All: Let us worship the living God who raises the dead and makes all things new.
HYMN — Rejoice, the Lord Is King — No.282
PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
Risen Lord, you come to us as you came to your disciples, through closed doors and across the distance of our doubts. Breathe your Spirit upon us, speak your peace into our fear, and open our hearts to the living hope born in your resurrection. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
RESPONSE — ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus — Hymn No.358
A READING FROM THE PSALMS — Psalm 16 — John Weiland
SPECIAL MUSIC — It is Well With My Soul — arr., Suzanne Arant
A READING FROM THE GOSPELS: John 20:19-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — “Peace Be With You!“ — 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
An important element of making peace is to listen to others. As we are generous with our time, talents and treasures, may we also be generous in listening to the spoken and unspoken needs in our community. Will the ushers bring forward our gifts?
DOXOLOGY — Hymnal No.623
Prayer of Dedication: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
O Gracious God, we offer these gifts as a thanksgiving for the peace we have received through our faith in you. Guide us to use them as instruments of your peace so that others may experience the joy we know. May you bless those who have given and those who will receive. Amen.
HYMN — Peace Like a River – No. 360
BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
POSTLUDE — The Rejoicing (from Suite in G) — Charles Callahan
YOUTH SUNDAY
April 10, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Mark your calendars to join us on Sunday, May 3rd as we celebrate our youth.
Ivy’s youth will lead the worship on this special Sunday- for more information please contact the office.
Rummage Sale
April 10, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Check your garages, clean out your closets and scan your storage spaces for items to donate for Ivy Chapel’s Rummage Sale on Saturday, April 25th from 8am- 3pm.
Items can be dropped off on Thursday and Friday, April 23rd and 24th from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm.
For more information please contact the office at 314-434-4991 or ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org.
Homecoming 2026
April 10, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Ivy Chapel is celebrating our anniversary on Sunday, May 17th!
We will have a special guest delivering our sermon, Dr. Laura Mignerone and that will be followed by a picnic luncheon in Fellowship Hall.
We invited everyone to attend as we celebrate Ivy’s past, enjoy the present and look forward to the future.
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
