April 17 Easter Livestream – He is Risen!
April 16, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
WELCOME
PRELUDE – All Hail, King Jesus with Majesty – Hayes
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Rejoice! It’s Resurrection Day!
All: Today, we celebrate amazing news – Christ is risen!
One: God has opened the way to Paradise.
All: The massive tombstone has been rolled out of the way.
One: The tomb is empty!
All: Christ is alive!
*HYMN – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – #268
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Life-giving God, you are the One who sends the dawn and who fills people with hope. We are here on this Day of days to worship you. Your love for all people is so deep that you give your life for us, dying in our place on the cross. But your Gospel doesn’t end there, Jesus. To top it all off, you display your ultimate power by rising from the dead.
Christ Jesus, you have blessed the world forever through the miracle of your resurrection. Your empty tomb proclaims that you are alive! Alleluia! Amen!
*RESPONSE – Were You There? (Verses 1,2,3 and 4) – #266
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Oh, sometimes I feel like shouting, glory, glory, glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the dead
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster
RESPONSE – He Is Lord – #103
He is Lord, He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and he is Lord!
Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Was It a Morning Like This? (Valerie Waterman, Vocalist) – Croegaert
GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:1-12 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Thine Is the Glory – #281
Thine is the glory, Risen conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou or death has won!
Angels in bright raiment Rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes Where Thy body lay.
Refrain:
Thine is the glory, Risen Conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou o’er death hast won!
Lo! Jesus meets us. Risen from the tomb,
Lovingly He greets us, Scatters fear and gloom.
Let His church with gladness Hymns of triumph sing,
For the Lord now liveth; Death has lost its sting. [Refrain]
No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of Life!
Life is naught without Thee; Aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conqu’rors, Through thy deathless love;
Bring us safe through Jordan To Thy home above. (Refrain)
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – How Firm a Foundation – Cherwien
April 15 Livestream – Good Friday – The Last Words from the Cross
April 13, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Our Savior Jesus Christ is crucified on a cross. We remember this holy sacrifice, this loving act of God.
PRELUDE – Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen – Walcha
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ Jesus empties himself,
All: Taking the form of a servant.
One: Christ Jesus humbles himself,
All: And becomes obedient unto death – even death on a cross.
One: There is no greater love than this – to lay down one’s very life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Merciful God, our souls ache with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Holy Spirit, we need you now. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.
*HYMN – Beneath the Cross of Jesus – #239
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day.
Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me:
And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.
I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Blessed Savior, each Good Friday invites the whole world to the foot of your cross. This is a forlorn and difficult place to be. Here we are shown our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Yes, like Simon Peter, sometimes we also draw swords in anger. We lash out at one another. We criticize; we envy; we injure one another. Worst of all, we continue pretending to serve you without making true sacrifices.
Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. At the foot of your cross, sorrow and love mingle. Forgive us for crucifying you. Amen.
SILENCE
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Pastor Dan
*RESPONSE – Were You There? (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #266
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 – Pastor Dan
THE LORD’S PRAYER
SPECIAL MUSIC – Lamb of God – Hamilton
The Last Words from the Cross
Forgive – Luke 23:34
Behold – John 19:26-27
Today,… Paradise! – Luke 23:43
I Thirst – John 19:28
My God, My God – Mark 15:34
Into Your Hands – Luke 23:46
It Is Finished – John 19:30
SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Finished – Hartman
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist
DEPART IN SILENCE
April 10 Livestream – Palm Sunday – Hosanna!
April 9, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Please join us for a special service on Good Friday at 7:30 p.m., and then for our Easter Celebration Worship at 10 a.m. next Sunday.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Beneath the Cross – Hustad
*CALL TO WORSHIP – (inspired by lyrics of Jennette Threlfall, 1873)
One: Hosanna, loud Hosanna!
All: Blessed is the One who is coming!
One: Hosanna, loud Hosanna!
All: May the rivers of justice run!
One: Children singing, families dancing,
All: Elders give a shout!
One: Glory in the highest!
All: Even stones cry out!
One: Hosanna, loud hosanna!
All: May this refrain never cease.
One: Hosanna in the highest!
All: Here comes the One who brings peace.
*OPENING HYMN – All Glory, Laud and Honor – #234
All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!
The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.
To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!
*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (liturgy by Michael Anthony Howard, adapted)
Dear God; Creator of Life; Giver of all that is Good; we confess that we have disregarded your calling and abandoned your love.
We have paid lip service to life while serving the powers of death.
Violence vulgarly scars the streets of Bucha, Ukraine and many other places throughout your world, God. We witness horrible acts of brutality, cruelty and evil-displaying no regard for human life.
We even accept violence at our own nation’s borders and in the Metro East. It seems that we have become accustomed to violence in the schools, the sanctuaries, the Sacramentos of our day.
In our politics; in our pockets; in our religion; in our relationships;
violence has invaded the imagination of our hearts. How can this be?
The time for transformation has come, but has found us unresponsive.
Creation groans. The very stones cry out!
Yet the Church has remained silent. Forgive us, O God. Cleanse our hearts and souls! Move us to action. Rejuvenate our communities. Restore our humanity. Revive our fervor for justice. Resurrect us as
your people, so that we may join with all creation in proclaiming,
“Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!” Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS
*RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord! – worship booklet, pp. 80-81
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Near the Cross – Curry
GOD’S WORD – Luke 19:28-40 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN – Hosanna, Loud, Hosanna! – #233
Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.
“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – A Song of Comfort – Brahms
April 3 Livestream – Fifth Sunday of Lent – A New Thing
April 2, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us in this, the fifth Sunday of Lent.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Hobby
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather in the presence of God.
All: We gather to worship God.
One: We are not meeting by ourselves.
All: We gather with many ancestors.
One: With Moses and Aaron;
All: With Sarah and Abraham
One: With Mary and Joseph;
All: With women of faith, and with fishermen;
One: With tax collectors – Zacchaeus and Matthew;
All: With converts – Nathaniel, Nicodemus and Paul;
One: With saints of every persuasion, from every generation;
All: Let us declare God’s praises together!
*HYMN – My Faith Looks Up to Thee – #462
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Life-Saving God; above all, you make our spirits soar like no one else! You give us sanctuary from a frightening and exhausting outside world. As Mary did long ago in Bethany, we come to worship you, Blessed Jesus. Our joy in response to all that you give moves us to offer you our praises.
If we get a little carried away, it’s because your abundant love changes everything. That’s what happened back when Mary anointed you. Like her, we are grateful beyond words for a chance to be close to you, Jesus. Come alive within us now. Cleanse us; change us; lead us, we pray. Amen.
*RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me – #254
Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
Jesus to Calv’ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there, brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 43:15-2 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Were You There? – Leavitt
GOD’S WORD – John 12:1-8 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]
Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
As the United Church of Christ, we celebrate “open” communion. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Are Ye Able? Said the Master – #507
“Are ye able,” said the Master,
“To be crucified with me?”
“Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answered,
“To the death we follow Thee
Refrain:
Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, Like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance Above us shall be
A beacon to God, To love, and loyalty.
Are ye able to remember,
When a thief lifts up his eyes,
That his pardoned soul is worthy
Of a place in paradise? [Refrain]
Are ye able when the shadows
Close around you with the sod,
To believe that spirit triumphs,
To commend your soul to God? [Refrain]
“Are ye able?” Still the Master
Whispers down eternity,
And heroic spirits answer
Now, as then, in Galilee. [Refrain]
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Iste Confessor – Tallis
March 27 Livestream – 4th Sunday of Lent – Lost and Found
March 25, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our 40-day soul-searching journey continues. Thank you, Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician today.
Please feel free to join us in person, or live at 10 a.m. on the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Brethren, We Have Met to Worship – arr. Penny Rodriguez
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: By God’s mercy,
All: We are delivered from distress.
One: By God’s mercy,
All: We are extravagantly welcomed home!
One: By God’s mercy,
All: We are cleansed, healed, made whole.
One: We are amazed by God’s unconditional, steadfast love!
All: As God’s people, let us rejoice and praise God together!
*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387
*OPENING PRAYER
Welcoming God, we need you. Apart from you, life lacks meaning. We come seeking what money cannot buy. We come seeking what you alone provide – nourishment for our souls.
Welcoming God, your love for your children endures forever. Even if we squander all that you have given, still your eyes light up as soon as you see us approaching. Immediately, you rejoice! You embrace us, celebrating nothing more than that we are alive. Crying tears of joy, you throw your arms around us; joyfully giving thanks, “O my child, you’re home! Welcome home!”
Welcoming God, we are astonished by your boundless love. Come now; teach us to love as you love – spontaneously and extravagantly! May we throw our arms open wide, joyously offering your love. Amen.
*RESPONSE – Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – #142
MISSION MOMENT – One Great Hour of Sharing – “Love Remains”
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 32:1-7, 11 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Wonderful Words of Life – arr. William Ringham
GOD’S WORD – Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – The Master Has Come – #502
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – God Be with You till We Meet Again – improvised
March 20 Livestream – 3rd Sunday of Lent – Open Invitation
March 19, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you, Bob Meinz, for serving as our worship musician today!
WELCOME
PRELUDE – My Jesus, I Love Thee – improvised
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Brokenness can be healed and wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation.
All: Praise God!
*HYMN – More Love to Thee – #428
More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
Moe love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
*OPENING PRAYER
Gentle Healer; Mighty Savior; the power to make new is yours. On this sabbath day, we come to your sanctuary, seeking relief from earthly demands. We praise you for blessing us with holy rest and healing.
God of forgiveness and mercy; we are thankful that you receive us as we are. We regret that there are times when we do not devote ourselves to serving you. We allow ourselves to become overly discouraged by the circumstances and complexities of earthly life. We are sorry for failing you, God. Forgive us, we pray. We humbly ask you to fill us with the faith to turn away from sin and toward you. When we fail, we will call on you for grace. When our lives do display faith, we will praise you, Jesus. Amen.
*RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454
He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.
Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 55:1-9 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Well with My Soul – arr. Suzanne Arant
GOD’S WORD – John 4:7-14 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness – #325
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in Thy great day;
For who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully absolved through these I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.
Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,
Which at the mercy seat of God
Forever doth for sinners plead,
For me, e’en for my soul, was shed.
Lord, I believe, were sinners more
Than sands upon the ocean shore,
Thou hast for all a ransom paid,
For all a full atonement made.
*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – arr. Bruce Greer
March 13 Livestream – 2nd Sunday of Lent – Strong and Tender
March 12, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Kyrie, eleison. Christ, have mercy. Thank you, Bob Meinz, for serving as our worship musician today. And thank you to Jan Abrams, Executive Director of Caring for Kids, Inc., who is delivering today’s Mission Moment.
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP AND PRAYER OF INVOCATION
One: God desires to gather us together.
Many: God is present all around us.
One: To nurture is God’s nature.
Many: For our good, God moves.
One: To mother is one of God’s gifts.
Many: For our safety, God reaches.
One: God is our fortress.
Many: God is our strength.
One: Because of us, God is wounded.
Many: By God’s wounds, we are saved.
One: Through God, we receive comfort.
Many: In God, every soul finds peace and rest.
One: Let us pray together.
Many: God, you are our stronghold, and you are with us now. Gentle and Dynamic Spirit, breathe life into this sacred time of worship. Amen.
*HYMN – Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling – #389
Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Refrain:
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?
Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.
Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
*CALL TO CONFESSION AND PRAYER OF CONFESSION
One: Let us offer our confession to God. Let us pray.
Many: O Wounded Healer, Mighty and Merciful God, nothing we say can undo damage that has been done. As you once wept over Jerusalem, we now weep over this world. O God, you see what we are doing with gifts which you have given us. Your prophets speak, yet we fail to listen. You desire to bless all creation with fullness of life, yet we fail to comply. Human lives are in chaos this day, yet we fail to respond. Beyond the horrific carnage of war, we long for peace that only you can give. Forgive us, O God, Creator and Lover of life. In Jesus’ name, have mercy. Amen.
*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS – Pastor Dan
Hear the good news. Our God has been faithful through all generations. Our God makes all things new. Through the mercy of our Savior Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*RESPONSE – People Need the Lord – #527
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
CHRISTIAN ACTION – Caring for Kids, Inc. – Jan Abrams, Executive Director
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 27 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD – Luke 13:22-24, 30-35 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord – #424
Teach me Thy way, O Lord; teach meTthy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light; teach me Thy way!
When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy way!
When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way!
When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, thro’ sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy way!
Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to be living instruments of God’s peace.
*POSTLUDE
March 6 Livestream – 1st Sunday of Lent – Wilderness
March 5, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We’d like to thank Sarah Bereza for serving as our worship musician today. A reminder that we will be celebrating communion today, so be sure to gather the elements before worship begins so you can share in the experience with us.
A reminder to contribute to this year’s Lenten offering to benefit area children in need. https://www.ivychapel.org/2022/02/28/help-area-children-lenten-offering/
WELCOME
PRELUDE – My Faith Looks Up to Thee– arr. Mark C. Jones
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: We have come to worship God.
All: Living God blesses people with limits and boundaries, with free will and choices.
One: This week, we have entered a new season.
All: As God’s Church, we have set out on a fresh, Lenten journey.
One: Today, we remember some of the temptations Jesus faced.
All: May the way Jesus conquered all temptations be our guide for
responding faithfully in our own personal wildernesses.
One: May this time of worship serve as an oasis in our desert wilderness.
All: Let us rely on God’s strength in all situations.
*HYMN – My Faith Looks Up to Thee – #462
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!
*OPENING PRAYER
Life-Saving God; above all, you are our heart’s desire. You alone make our spirits soar. You have enabled us to break free from an exacting and exhausting world to come into your sanctuary.
Breathe new life into us, Faithful and Loving God. Bless us, we pray, with eyes to see earthly demands for what they truly are. Teach us. Change us. Lead us to love all people with your steadfast love, Jesus. By your grace and peace, empower our witness, Life-Saving God; for we long to serve you. Amen.
*RESPONSE – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you’re still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – arr. Michael Burkhardt
GOD’S WORD – Luke 4:1-13 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – I Need Thee Every Hour – #169
I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford
Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh
I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain
I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed son
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480
I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE Toccata in B Minor – Eugène Gigout
March 2 Livestream – Ash Wednesday
March 2, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome
Call to Worship and Opening Prayer – Pastor Dan
One: Turn away from evil; and return to your God.
All: God is gracious and merciful;
One: God is slow to anger,
All: And abounding in steadfast love.
One: “Now,” says the Holy One, “return to me with all your heart.”
All: Be still; and know that I am God.
One: Let us pray.
All: God of ever-flowing springs; you are the eternal reservoir from whom all creation
receives life. We enter this sanctuary seeking to return to you, O God.
Bless this time of worship; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn – Lord, I Lift Your Name on High– worship booklet, p. 68
Sing through Two Times
Lord, I lift your name on high:
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life;
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift Your name on high!
Responsive Call to Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Holy God, Maker of all;
All: Jesus Christ, Savior of all;
One: Holy Spirit, breath of life;
All: Have mercy on us. Let us confess our sins.
Prayer of Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are acquainted with all our ways.
As we take this first step on a crucial Lenten spiritual journey, we turn to you in prayer. Come, O Holy Spirit; in your cleansing power, breathe on us and fill us with life anew.
God of forgiveness, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We confess that we have failed to live by your Gospel of goodness and grace. Forgive us, we pray. From now on, as sinners pardoned and cleansed by you, Jesus; may we faithfully follow in your footsteps of love and compassion. This we pray in your holy name. Amen.
Silence
Assurance of Pardon – Pastor Dan
Hymn – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76
Lord, prepare me to be a Sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.
Lord, prepare me to be a testimony,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Testimony for You.
The Imposition of Ashes – Pastor Dan
God’s Word – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-12 – Pastor Dan
The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Prayer of Thanksgiving concluding with The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan
Hymn – How Beautiful – worship booklet, p. 50
How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ
How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ
How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Feb. 27 Livestream – Loud Cloud
February 26, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you, Kevin Uppercue, for serving as our guest musician in worship today.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Depth of Mercy – Kevin Uppercue
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Bless one another; love one another; serve one another;
All: For by doing so, we bless, love, and serve Christ.
One: Forgive one another; seek peace; do justice;
All: For by doing so, we follow the way of Christ.
One: Live into hope; walk by faith; seek the eternal;
All: For by doing so, we honor Christ.
One: Enter this time of worship with joy, coming to Christ our Savior,
All: Who is, and who was, and who is to come – the Almighty.
*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.
Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!
*OPENING PRAYER
Holy God, may every aspect of our character praise you. May we lift your name on high!
Life-giving, life-changing God; wash over us this day. Shatter every narrow view of who you are. By your wisdom and strength, empower us to be living witnesses to your Gospel.
Savior of overpowering light, you reveal what mightiness is. Fill us with your Spirit of grace. We ask this in your holy name, Jesus. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Open Our Eyes, Lord – #132
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 99 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Earl Kreder, Saxophone
GOD’S WORD – Luke 9:28-36 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Revive Us Again – #95
We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died, and is now gone above.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God! for Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior, and scattered our night.
All glory and praise To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and hath cleansed every stain.
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Fanfare and Trumpet Voluntary – David Lasky
