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
1 March — Ever Faithful
February 28, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Second 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 The Old Rugged Cross arr., Penny Rodriguez
*CALLTO WORSHIP Julie McAllister
One: God calls us to leave what is familiar and follow where grace leads.
All: We come, trusting the promise we cannot see.
One: God keeps watch over all who journey by faith.
All: Our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
One: God offers new life, born of Spirit and truth.
All: Let us worship the God who calls us forward in faith.
*HYMN Great is Thy Faithfulness #17
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION Julie McAllister
Calling God, You invite us into futures we cannot yet imagine. As we gather in worship, steady our hearts and strengthen our trust. Loosen our grip on what feels safe and familiar, and open us to the life you promise. Shape us by your grace, that we may walk faithfully with you through this Lenten journey. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
*RESPONSE Trust and Obey #469
(verses 1 and 5)
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE JoAnn Moody
A READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 121 Julie McAllister
SPECIAL MUSIC Standing on the Promises arr., James Koerts
NEW TESTAMENT READING Romans 4:1-5,13-17 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON “Faith” 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
The season of Lent invites us to consider the cost Jesus paid so we could know the unconditional love of God. So great a gift calls for a response in faith. Let us offer whatever gifts we have so others can experience God’s boundless love and grace. Will the usher come forward with our gifts?
*Prayer of Thanksgiving: Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
All: O God, we offer back to you a portion of the resources with which you have blessed us. Use these gifts and our lives to share your matchless grace. Amen.
*COMMUNION HYMN We Come as Guests Invited #258
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 Something for Jesus #441
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Down to the River to Pray
Youth Lock-in
February 26, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
The Ivy Youth will be having their Lock-in Friday March 27-28 from 6pm to 10 am. Be on the lookout for more information in the KYPs.
Palm Sunday
February 26, 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 Worship
February 26, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
We invite you to join us for Good Friday worship at 2 pm, on Friday April 3rd.
Easter Sunday Worship
February 26, 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!
RUMMAGE SALE
February 26, 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.
Youth Sunday
February 26, 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 infomrationplease contact the office.
February 22- Ever Faithful
February 21, 2026 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
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
