February 15- A Light in the Darkness
February 14, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
WELCOME
PRELUDE My Faith Looks Up to Thee
*CALL TO WORSHIP Kathryn Kuntzman
One: We come together today as a community of faith. We are here to listen to God.
All: Our hearts are open to hear God’s voice. We desire to follow God’s leading.
One: We share in a new covenant of promise and of hope. We are called to be a light in the darkness.
All: We acknowledge our need for ongoing transformation. We desire to shine the light of Christ.
One: We offer to God thanks and praise for grace and the goodness he has lavished upon us.
All: We praise God’s name for his unconditional love and grace. All glory be to God!
*HYMN Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim Hymn No.74
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Kathryn Kuntzman
Word made flesh, God with us, on that mountain you revealed yourself to your three closest disciples and to us. Transfigure our hearts and minds so we may shine your light in the darkness. Break through our clouds of doubt and our lack of courage which lessen our ability to illuminate the darkness in our world. Inspire us to seek to know you more fully as we are fully known and loved by you. Amen.
*RESPONSE Fairest Lord Jesus Hymn No.104
OLD TESTAMENT READING Exodus 24:12-18 Kathryn Kuntzman
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Linda Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC He is Exalted/Lord, I Lift Your Name on High! Paris/Keveren
GOSPEL READING Matthew 17:1-9 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “The Beloved” 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:
We have taken a step forward in faithfulness in reflecting upon the mountaintop. Even now we are being changed – transfigured more fully in the image of Christ. May our pledges and our offerings represent the depth of our commitment to continue onward in this journey of faith. Will the ushers bring forward our gifts.
DOXOLOGY Hymnal No.623
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Thank you, God, for choosing us to speak for you and to act on your behalf. It is an honor to share your Good News with others. In gratitude, we offer these gifts back to you. Bless them and multiply them so they may be a blessing to others. Amen.
*HYMN Praise Him! Praise Him! Hymn No.73
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Six Ecossaises (French Dances) Ludwig van Beethoven
February 8- A Light in the Darkness
February 7, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Spirit of the Living God, Fall Fresh on Me
*CALL TO WORSHIP Jim French
One: Jesus taught: Blessed are the poor in spirit. The realm of God is theirs.
All: Those who mourn are blessed. They will be comforted.
One: The meek will inherit the earth. The merciful will obtain mercy.
All: All who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed; they will be filled.
One: Blessed are the pure in heart and the peacemakers. They will see God.
All: Those persecuted or falsely accused will be blessed. Even in the face of evil, we will rejoice.
*HYMN O How Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit Hymn No.229
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Jim French
We come into this moment carrying the weight of our lives. We feel the strain in our bodies and on our spirits. Draw near to us now. Kindle in us courage to carry out acts of mercy and the work of lifting burdens. Let your Spirit move among us and remake us to share in life at its fullest and best as disciples of Jesus. Amen.
Passing of the Peace Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
(May the peace of Christ be with you. Response: And also with you.)
*RESPONSE Peace Like a River Hymn No.360
OLD TESTAMENT READING Micah 6:1- Jim French
SPECIAL MUSIC Lord, I want to be a Christian in my Heart
GOSPEL READING Matthew 5:1-16 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “The Salt” Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
INVITATION TO GENEROSITY Jim French
One: Friends of God, when we give, we join the work of lifting burdens and repairing the places we call home. Let our offerings be given with open hands, willing hearts, and a commitment to our shared life. Will the ushers come forward with our gifts?
*DOXOLOGY Hymn No.623
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All: Bless what we have brought to you. Let it move where relief is needed, where repair can begin, and where dignity can rise. Carry us forward in your work with gratitude and joy. Amen.
*HYMN The Master Has Come Hymn No.502
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Rondo in C Gordon Young
February 1-A Light in the Darkness
January 30, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
All of the music is linked on the individual songs below for you to sing with us.
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Immortal, Invisible, God, Only Wise Welsh Melody
*CALL TO WORSHIP Julie McAllister
One: Come, people of God—the dawn is breaking! A new day rises where sorrow had settled in.
All: The dawn is breaking— and we rise with it.
One: Where burdens have bent us low, the Holy One draws near, steadying our steps.
All: The Holy One draws near— and we gather our courage.
One: Where yokes have weighed on shoulders and spirits, God is loosening what has held us down.
All: What held us down is lifting—and we move toward freedom.
One: Come, all who yearn for justice; all who hope for healing; all who hunger for joy.
All: We come to the dawning way, we come to the hopeful way,
we come to the way God makes glorious.
*HYMN The Light of the World is Jesus Hymn No.373
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Julie McAllister
Gracious Giver of light, into the shadows of our isolation you speak words of life and community. Challenger of Souls, you call us to venture beyond the familiar, safe places which we think of as home, and you boldly lead us out into the big, wide world you love so much. Through Your gentle, healing touch you redeem broken places in our lives and you heal the wounds of all the earth.
Healing Spirit, breathe new life into us during this time of worship. Led by your Word, may we live as ambassadors of your reconciling love. We praise you for calling us to come home to you. Amen.
*RESPONSE There’s a Quiet Understanding Hymn No.144
OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 9:1-4 Julie McAllister
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Tara Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC It Is Well with My Soul arr., Suzanne Arant
GOSPEL READING Matthew 4:12-23 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “A Great Light” 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
Liturgist: Faithful friends, the God who shines a great light into our despair also invites us to join the work of healing, justice, and building community. In thanksgiving for the grace we have received and in hope for the vision God is shaping here, let us offer our resources, our commitments, and our lives. Let us give with joy. Amen.
DOXOLOGY Hymn No.623
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*COMMUNION HYMN Come, Share the Lord Hymn No.260
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 To Be God’s People Hymn No.121
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Sweet, Sweet Spirit arr., Glenda Austin
Jan 25th-Cancelled due to weather
January 22, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Out of an abundance of caution, Ivy Chapel is cancelling this Sunday’s services and the Annual Meeting and Luncheon in anticipation of the extreme cold and winter storm.
The annual Meeting and Soup Luncheon will be held NEXT SUNDAY, Feb 1st following worship.
Please stay safe this weekend!
Coffee Fellowship
January 22, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Please join us on February 15th for a special time of coffee fellowship and to help by completing a survey about what Ivy is looking for in “Our Settled Pastor”. The survey will be available online after the 15th- please contact the office for more information at 314-434-5141 or ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org
Ash Wednesday
January 22, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
You are invited to join us for a special service at 2 pm on Wednesday, February, 18th for our Ash Wednesday observance.
Palm Sunday
January 22, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
We hope you’ll join us for Palm Sunday services on March 29th at 10 am.
Good Friday
January 22, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
We invite you to join us for Good Friday worship at 1 pm, on Friday April 3rd.
Easter Services
January 22, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
We welcome you to join us this Easter morning at 10 am for worship.
He IS Risen!
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
