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
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!
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
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
