Feb. 20 Livestream – What shall I do with my enemies?

Thank you, Bob Meinz, for serving as our worship musician today!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Amazing Grace – arr. Gordon Young

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: In Christ, God offers the whole world a marvelous invitation!
All: We are invited to walk in Christ’s footsteps.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God is our Refuge.
One: God hears our prayers, and God responds.
All: Let all the earth exalt God together!

*HYMN – In Christ There Is No East or West – #137
In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West;
In Him meet South and North.
All Christly souls are one in Him
throughout the whole wide earth.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of world-wide love, we gather to offer you our praises. You are fully alive in the world this day. Open our hearts to receive you. Free us to trust your call and to follow you, Blessed Savior. Fill us so completely with your grace that we bless even people who persecute us and love even people who seem to be our enemies. You are our Refuge, O God. May your Spirit stir within our souls, Christ Jesus, leading us to join you in ‘making all things new.’ Amen.

*HYMN – Be Still and Know – #24
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 37:1-4, 39-40 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart – arr. John Carter

GOD’S WORD – Luke 6:27-38 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133
I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to lavish Christ’s love on everyone!

*POSTLUDE – The Rejoicing – Charles Callahan

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Feb. 13 Livestream – Surprising Teaching

The Sermon on the Plain contains startling words from Jesus, who calls on his followers to love their enemies, to turn the other cheek, and bless those who curse you. These are words and teachings that are, perhaps, just as surprising and just as relevant today as they were when they were first spoken.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Meditation on “Under His Wings” – (based on #484)

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Rejoice, people of God!
All: We have been given this opportunity to worship God today!
One: God has gathered us here.
All: We are God’s people.
One: God joins us together as many parts of one body.
All: God shapes us into the one Body of Christ.
One: God is calling on us to bring good news to all people.
All: Let us tell everyone about the wonderful love of our Savior!

*HYMN – Christ for the World We Sing – #545
Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With loving zeal; the poor, and them that mourn,
the faint and overborne, sinsick and sorrow-worn,
for Christ to heal.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With fervent prayer; the wayward and the lost,
by restless passions tossed, redeemed at countless cost,
from dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With one accord; with us the work to share,
with us reproach to dare, with us the cross to bear,
for Christ our Lord.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With joyful song; the newborn souls, whose days,
reclaimed from error’s ways, inspired with hope and praise,
to Christ belong.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of universal love, we gather to offer you our praises. You are fully alive throughout the world! Open our hearts to receive you, we pray. Free us to trust your call and to follow you, Blessed Savior. Fill us to overflowing with your grace, so that we offer blessing and love to all people. This means everyone everywhere! You are our refuge and our strength. Christ Jesus, your Spirit is alive within us, guiding us to join you in your ministries of mercy and compassion. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Precious Lord, Take My Hand – #494
Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone;
Hear my cry, Hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall –

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 17:5-10 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – River of Peace – arr. Maureen Howell

GOD’S WORD – Luke 6:17-26 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER –Pastor Dan

*HYMN – It is Well with My Soul – #453
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Refrain:
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul
Refrain

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul
Refrain

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to lavish Christ’s love on everyone!

*POSTLUDE – Grand Chœur – Théodore Salomé

Cover image © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

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Jan. 30 Livestream – Living on the Edge

Thank you for being with us as we close out the first month of the year. Ivy Chapel members, please check your email for the Zoom link to today’s virtual annual meeting.

 WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Pastorale – Young  

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                   

One:  Praise God, who hears our cries and who delivers.  

All:  God cares. 

One:  Hope in God, who creates life.

All:  God brings dreams into being!

One:  Open yourself to the One who knows you completely.

All:  God offers everyone ministries that we can do!

*HYMN – Come, Thou Almighty King – #88

*OPENING PRAYER                                                        

      Caring God, we are grateful for the ways that you watch over all people.  We praise you for your loving kindness, Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit as we recall the mixed blessing of your encounter with people in Nazareth. You are a Savior who boldly lives on the edge. You continue turning the world upside down, challenging us to take on new ventures and to offer new expressions of your grace. When we feel tired or disappointed, remind us that you are able to bring change even out of disappointing situations.  Christ Jesus, we celebrate that you are an Eternal Savior who continues surprising the world with courage and compassion.  May our love for you move us to follow where you lead.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – The Greatest Thing (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #106

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 71:1-7, 12 – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Praise His Greatness – Hayes 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 4:21-30 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan 

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan                                                                   

*HYMN –  They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love – #119

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan

God sends us into the world to be ‘God’s people’ joyfully offering everyone Christ’s love.

*POSTLUDE – Little Postlude – Bender 

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Jan. 23 Livestream – Jesus of Nazareth, the Prophecy Powerfully Fulfilled

Today, we celebrate how the love of God brings us together to do His work, not as individuals, but as a community.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Softly and Tenderly – Hustad

CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: We gather together to worship God.
All: We are God’s people. The Spirit of God is upon us.
One: God anoints us to bring good news to all people.
All: This day is holy to our Resurrecting God.
One: God binds us together as many parts of one body.
All: Together, we become the Body of Christ.
One: This day is holy to our Supreme God.
All: The joy of God is our strength.

HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289
We come, O Christ, to You, True Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, In Whom all life began;
In You alone we live and move, And have our being in Your love.

You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge And Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s demand.

You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! In You we rest, Sure answer to our every quest.

You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant lifeThat earth can never give;
O risen Lord! We live in You, in us each day Your life renew!

We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King,
To You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring;
So fill our hearts, that all may view Your life in us, and turn to You!

OPENING PRAYER
O God, our Creator; you bring separate lives together. You gather us to hear your Word and to respond. You bless us by inviting us to carry out your ministries. We seek your guidance and your wisdom. Above all, God, we seek you. Help us to perceive who reveal yourself to be. Guide us. With your help, we hope to become your faithful disciples. Transform us from lone individuals into one community – the Body of Christ.
O God, your Spirit is upon us. Your joy is our strength. Bind us together. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – Spirit of the Living God – #150

Spirit of the living God, Fall fresh on me. Spirit of the living God, Fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, Fall fresh on me.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Shout to the Lord – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 4:14-21 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
                             
HYMN – We Are God’s People – #117

We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord,
Born of HIs Spirit, established by His word;
Our cornerstone is Christ alone, And strong in Him we stand:
O let us live transparently, And walk heart to heart and hand to hand.

We are God’s loved ones, the Bride of Christ our Lord,
For we have known it, the love of God outpoured;
Now let us learn how to return Then gift of love once given:
O let us share each hoy and care, And live with a zeal that pleases Heav’n.

We are the Body of which the Lord is Head,
Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead;
He wills us be a family diverse yet truly one:
O let us give our gift to God, and so shall His work on earth be done.

We are a Temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place.
Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace;
We die alone, for on its own Each ember loses fire:
Yet joined in one the flame burns on To give warmth and light, and to inspire.

SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to be ‘God’s people’ joyfully offering everyone Christ’s love.

POSTLUDE – A Trumpet Postlude – Hegarty

January 16 Livestream – Extravagant Sign

We are thrilled to have you with us today. We invite you to watch the world with us, as hard is it may be, so we call all discover signs of God’s strength. Find joy today!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Night Communion – Hebble

CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises.
All: God in Christ Jesus sets all people free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides.
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

HYMN – Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart – #154

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no o-p’ning skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou no bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.

Teach me to feel that Thous art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The baptism of the heav’n descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

OPENING PRAYER
God of grace, we give thanks for your presence among us this morning. As we gather together this day to praise you, may your Spirit bring our worship alive! Come now, O Holy One. Speak to us through your Living Word. We pray in your blessed name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – #142

Where the Spirit of the lord is, There is peace;
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is love.
There is comfort in life’s darkest hour,
there is light and life; There is help and power
in the Spirit, in the Spirit of the Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 62:1-5 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – He Hideth My Soul – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – John 2:1-11 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan                                

HYMN – I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – worship booklet,pp. 54-55

I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

I as there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the word I was there to cheer you on;
you were raised to praise the living God, ,to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your morning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to lavish Christ’s grace and love on everyone!

POSTLUDE – Frohlich soll mein Herze springe – Walacha

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Jan. 9 Livestream – A Star Appeared

Today, we reflect on the story of the wise men who followed the star to see the newborn King.

Jan. 9 Livestream – A Star Appeared

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Choral: Vom Himmel hoch – Pachelbel 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP   

     One:  Let us bow down in awe before the One who created us!

     All:  God is the Mighty Creator of all life.

     One:  God speaks out and reaches out to strengthen us.

     All:  God sends light to shine in darkness.

     One:  God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.

     All:  God takes care of us  –  calming our fears and giving us faith.

     One:  Praise God for offering us so much!

     All:  God our Maker blesses us with life. Let us sing!

*HYMN – We Three Kings – #220    

We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, for and mountain, Following yonder star.

REFRAIN

O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King of Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, 
King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

REFRAIN

Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

REFRAIN

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

REFRAIN

Glorious now behold I’m arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia! Peals through the earth and skies.

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

       Eternal God, Spirit of life; you moved over the face of the waters at the beginning of time itself. From generation to generation, you are God. Your being is too vast for us to fathom. Your thoughts and your ways are higher than ours. We share the amazement of the psalmist who marvels, “Your thoughts, O God; how vast is the sum of them. Try to count them. They are more than the sand!” Bless us as we gather here. This is holy ground, and with you, Christ Jesus, each day is a new day to be born. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Angels We Have Heard on High (Verses 1 and 3) – #206

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains.

REFRAIN

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem, and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

INSTALLATION OF 2022 IVY CHAPEL UCC OFFICERS                                                         

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 60:1-6 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Gésu Bambino (Marsha Fix and Valerie Waterman, Vocalists) – Pietro Yon    

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 2:1-12 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – What Child Is This? – #202 

What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherd watch are keeping?

REFRAIN

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
This, this is Christ the King, The babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding??
Good Cristian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

REFRAIN

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

REFRAIN

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – As with Gladness Men of Old – #219

As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heav’n and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet Ever seek the mercy seat.
As the offered gifts most rare At the manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee our heav’nly King.
Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world joyously to offer Christ’s grace and love! – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Allegretto – Schmid 

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Christmas Eve Livestream – Lighting the Christ Candle

On this holy night, Christians throughout God’s world are celebrating Christ’s birth. Tonight’s offering gifts will be given to the U.C.C. Christmas Fund.

Our Christmas worship begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24th. You can find the service on our YouTube page.

PRELUDE O Little Town of Bethlehem – Livingston

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’ss rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful #188

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, both the King of angels;

REFRAIN
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

God of God, and Light of Light begotten,
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created;

REFRAIN

Sing, choirs of angels, sin in exultation!
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

REFRAIN

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

REFRAIN

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE

RESPONSE When God Is a Child worship booklet, p. 95

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

REFRAIN

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born.

REFRAIN

Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Gracious God, tonight as we gather together to conclude this Advent journey, we celebrate that a new light has dawned! A Child is born, and this Child is our light and the source of our joy. The child brings hope into the world, and the promise of peace on earth. The child is love incarnate, love divine; and we thank you, O God, for this – the most perfect gift imaginable. Joy to the world! Christ is born! Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – Cotter

A Glimpse of God John 1:1-4

Census Luke 2:1, 3-5

No Vacancy Luke 2:6-7

Sensing the Spectacular Luke 2:8-12

The Messiah: World Première Luke 2:13-18

Eternal Mystery

SPECIAL MUSIC Who Would Imagine a King?
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “Open Communion” as the United Church of Christ
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to partake of this Communion.

The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup

The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

*The Prayer of Thanksgiving (in unison)
God Emmanuel, you are the One whom our very souls adore. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for bringing us together tonight to celebrate your birth. You became a human being in order to get through to us, and we are astounded by your ingenuity. Jesus, we are grateful to you for welcoming us as guests at your table. Each time we accept your invitation, we are blessed. Receiving the bread and the cup from you fills us with hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to all the world the grace which we receive from you. Amen.

SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

HYMN Silent Night #189

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light,
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Christ is born.

Dec. 19 Livestream – The Christmas Pageant

Welcome to Ivy Chapel’s all-church Christmas pageant! This year, we’re thrilled to have adults and children telling the story of the birth of Christ. The script was adapted by Tara Lowry from The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Silent Night – Mansfield

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                         

      One:  Listen up, everybody!  God gives the world the greatest gift!

      All:  The birth of Christ is God’s Christmas miracle. 

      One:  Praise God for coming alive as the Christ Child.

    All:  Glory to God in the highest!

*HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High – #206

*OPENING PRAYER                                                    

God of miracles, we are doing our best to believe that you are our Savior. But we wonder how a newborn baby can be our Savior.  Show us, we pray. God of love, reveal to us that you yourself are “newborn” each and every day. There are times when we forget this big promise of yours. But it clearly is true. Everything alive is a holy work of your creation. If we ever lose sight of this, guide us back to your truth.  When we run into difficulties, show us which way to go.  Jesus, you teach us that the most faithful way of living is following you. With your help, we can.  Help us to do what you ask us to do. Lead us to live as your followers. We love you, and we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER                                                           

Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we are reminded that “Love came down at Christmas  –  love amazing, love divine.” You loved the world enough to send your Son, and now it’s up to usto love others as you love us. Remind us that Christ is our Light,                and the true source of infinite, everlasting, pure love. Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 4) – worship booklet, p. 95

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Written by Susan Wojciechowski

Adapted by Tara Lowry as a Christmas Pageant for Ivy Chapel UCC

The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:

O Come, All Ye Faithful  (Verses 1 and 3) – #188

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing  (Verses 1 and 3) – #191

We Three Kings  (Verses 1 and 5) – #220

What Child Is This?  (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #202

*RECESSIONAL HYMN – Joy to the World! – #194

Children sing Verse 1 – Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 and 4

*BENEDICTION                                                                

     One:  God loves the world so much that God Most High comes down to earth.   

     All:  Christ the Savior is born.   

     One:  Everyone is welcome at the manger. 

     All:  Peace to all on earth.  Amen.

*POSTLUDE – Variations on an Ancient Noel – Roques 

Dec. 12 Livestream – Look forward

On this, the third Sunday of Advent, we don’t need to be reminded to look forward. We’re already doing it, looking ahead to Christmas and the miraculous birth. Let us take this moment and pause, and remember the joy God’s love brings to the world.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Offertory – Purvis 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

    One:  Be glad, children of God!

    All:   Our Savior Jesus Christ offers love to all the world!

    One:  Sing praises to God, the Holy One, who brings light and life! 

    All:   God lights our way!   

    One:  God lifts our spirits!

    All:   Glory to God for the biggest gift of all –  Jesus Christ!

*HYMN – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – #187    

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

    God Emmanuel; open our hearts to receive you Life in the fast lane does have its rewards But earthly rewards alone do not offer fulfillment The frenzy of the outside world leaves us exhausted So we gather this day seeking you, God of â€˜perpetually-arriving’ light!  We praise and adore you May we celebrate your overflowing gifts by living as joyful witnesses to your love We pray in your name, Christ Jesus Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy                                                          

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we ask that you open our eyes to the beauty and goodness around us, and fill our hearts with grateful joyRemind us that Christ is our light and the source of all joy, and that we are here to serve you and to spread this joy to others Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 3) – worship booklet, p95

 GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 12:2-6 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC                  

GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:26-38 – Pastor Dan    

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE  AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee –#13

*SENDING OUT – God sends us to freely offer Christ’s grace and joy to all! – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – A Joyous Carol – Roques

Dec. 5 Livestream – Make Ready

This is the second Sunday of Advent, our second step toward the Promise of Christmas. The second step toward finding the quiet, calm and peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We are glad you are with us today.

 WELCOME

 PRELUDE – In Bethlehem’s Low Stable – Walcha 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     One:  The days are surely coming, says our God, when justice and righteousness will appear.

     All:  God’s promises will be made known to us.

     One:  We will declare God’s goodness and salvation.

     All:  From now on, we will seek to walk in God’s ways. 

*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #186 

O, come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

REFRAIN
Rejoice! rejoice! Emanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From Depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.

REFRAIN

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!

REFRAIN

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

          God Emmanuel; we long for your peace, and we trust in your promises. We hear your call to turn toward you, to change our lives, and to receive you as our Savior.

          Eternal God, you are our righteousness.  Come now; meet us here.  Fill our minds with your wisdom and our hearts with your peace.  May this time of worship move us to take action working toward your dream of wholeness for all creation.  We pray in your name, Christ Jesus.  Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of God’s Peace

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world filled with unrest and strife. We ask that you quiet our restless hearts and instill in each of us the calm assurance that tells us you are in control so we need not worry. Give us the tools we need to serve as you would have us serve, and make us willing instruments of your peace.  Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 2) – worship booklet, p. 95

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving us promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there’s join in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.

 GOD’S WORD – Micah 5:2-5a – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Hayes 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 3:1-6 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Jesus, Lord to Me – #330

Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.

 CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYERS – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Like a River Glorious – #451

Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it growth Deeper all the way.

REFRAIN
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there.

REFRAIN

Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the Son of Love.
We may trust Him fully All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.

REFRAIN

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Angels We Have Heard on High – Turner

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