Feb. 28 Virtual Worship – Always Close

Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.

Here is the order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!

Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35

1. Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
   Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.

RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.

2. Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
   Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,

REFRAIN

3. Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
   O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.

REFRAIN

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.

Response – El Shaddai – #18

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.

Children’s Message – Sue Wilson

God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee

God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
   E’en though it be a cross That raises me;
   Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee,
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
2. Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down,
   Darkness be over me, My rest a stone;
   Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer my God to Thee,
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
3. There let the way appear Steps unto heav’n’
   All that Thou sendest me In mercy giv’n;
   Angels to beckon me Nearer my God to Thee,
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. use,
4. Then, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise
   Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
   So by my woes to be Nearer my God to Thee,
   Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
5. Or if on joyful wing, Clearing the sky,
   Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upward I fly,
   Still all my song shall be Nearer my God to Thee,
   Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Feb. 21 Livestream – Jesus in the Wilderness

Thank you for joining us for the First Sunday of Lent. Today we also have a special message and mission moment from Kathy Poss of the Baby Blue Pantry.

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan
One: We worship Living God.
All: This week, we have entered into a new season.
One: Our 40-day journey to Christ’s Resurrection Day has begun.
All: As we navigate this wilderness, Gracious God is our compass.
One: This day of worship is an oasis in the desert.
All: Let us draw strength from the love of God our Savior.

Hymn – I Need Thee Every Hour – #169

1. I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord;
   No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford.

REFRAIN
I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.

2. I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by;
   Temptations lose their pow’r When Thou art nigh.

REFRAIN

3. I need Thee every hour In joy or pain;
   Come quickly and abide Or life is vain.

REFRAIN

4. I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One;
   O make me Thin indeed, Thou blessed Son!

REFRAIN

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Quiet Strength, we cannot resist evil completely by ourselves. Earthly temptations are everywhere. How do we deal with them? We need you, God. You are always present; living among us; living within us. We are thankful to be in your care.
God of Quiet Strength, help us to be still before you – – leaving behind our every distress. In the stillness and in the beauty of this morning, may we be reminded that you are God. You patiently continue inviting us to follow you. So then, Christ Jesus; come quietly now and bless us with the faith to accept your gift of life eternal. Amen.

Response – You Are My Hiding Place – #53

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You; Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.”

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

Mission Moment – Baby Blue Pantry – Kathy Poss

God’s Word – Psalm 25:1-10 – Pastor Dan

Children’s Message – Linda Lowry

Special Music – “Narrow Road”

God’s Word – Mark 1:9-15 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Feb. 17 Livestream – Ash Wednesday

Join us as we begin the Lenten journey together.

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation – 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 wisdom and grace; you are the reservoir from whom all people receive life.
We come this night seeking to return to you, O God.
Bless this Ash Wednesday worship; we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn – Jesus, I Come – #369

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 and grace, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We admit that we have failed to live by your Gospel of joy and lovingkindness. Forgive us, we pray.
Lead us to honor you, Jesus, by walking in your way of goodness and compassion. We call on you now, Dear Savior, asking for these blessings:
mend us, fill us,
send us, use us.
This we pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Silence

Assurance of Pardon – Pastor Dan
We are tempted often to hold on to the past.
But God calls us to leave it behind.

By the grace of our Risen Savior, the past is dead and gone.
The future is open! Let us live in the freedom which God offers.

Through our Savior Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen!

Response – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33

Scripture Reading – Joel 2:1-5, 10, 12-13 – Pastor Dan

The Imposition of Ashes – Pastor Dan

Special Music– The Old Rugged Cross – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

Scripture Reading – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-12 – Pastor Dan

The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan

Hymn – More Love to Thee – #428

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Feb. 14 Livestream – Transfiguration

Join us for our Transfiguration Sunday worship.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob;
whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth!
All: God lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: God upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
All: God opens the ears of the deaf and gives sight to the blind.
One: God watches over foreigners.
All: God sets prisoners free!
One: God remains faithful forever!
All: Let us praise the Maker of heaven and earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ provides us with strength which the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt.
God of all; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and power, fill us with courage to serve as your witnesses, we pray. Shape us into your messengers of hope and good news.
God of valleys and of mountaintops; you reveal what true mightiness is!
Fill the lives of all your children with joy and promise. Amen.

Hymn – Day By Day – #486

1. Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
   Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no causer for worry or for fear.
   He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Give unto each day what He deems best-
   Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.
2. Every day the Lord Himself is near me With a special mercy for each hour;
   All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
   He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
   The protection of HIs child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
   “As your days, your strength shall be in measure,” This the pledge to me He made.
3. Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
   That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
   Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
   One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land. Children’s Message – Sarah Heend Scripture Reading – Micah 4 – Pastor Dan Special Music – Nothing Left to Say Scripture Reading – Mark 9:2-9 – Pastor Dan

Sermon –Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – God of the Ages – #51

1. God of the ages, HIstory’s Maker, Planning our pathway, Holding us fast,
   Shaping in mercy All that concerns us; Father, we praise You, Lord of the past.
2. God of this morning, Gladly Your children Worship before You,
   Trustingly bow; Teach us to know You Always among us,
   Quietly sov’reign Lord of our now.
3. God of tomorrow, Strong Overcomer, Princes of darkness Own Your command;
   What then can harm us? We are Your people,
   Now and forever Kept by Your hand.
4. Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning, Lord of the future, Help us, we pray.
   Teach us to trust You, Love and obey You, Benediction – Pastor Dan Postlude – Anna DiVesta

The Souper Bowl of Caring

This year is different for many reasons. But, one thing that is the same: the need to tackle hunger with the Souper Bowl of Caring. This year, the need for hunger relief in our country has grown exponentially. Our local food charities need our help!

You can watch the Feb. 7 worship service here.

While we can’t place our donations in soup pots after worship as is our tradition, there are several ways to help those in need this year. You can send donations to Ivy’s financial secretary, Peter LaSalle. Please make checks out to Ivy Chapel and write Souper Bowl of Caring on the memo line.

Or donate directly to the food pantries most in need. Souper Bowl of Caring started their Tackle Hunger Map to respond to this urgent need. The Tackle Hunger Map allows you to see where local food charities are and what they need to do their important work. You can donate right through the map and be a part of the tradition of using the energy of the Big Game to tackle hunger.

What if everyone watching the Big Game gave just one dollar to local charities? What if each person gave what they could to local charities? We would have a lot less food insecurity in our country!

Thank you for helping make a collective impact on hunger!

Jan. 31 Livestream – Power

As we pray for the health and safety of our world, we reflect on the peace we can find through God, and how His leadership will show us the way forward.

The Ivy Chapel Board of Deacons, working with the virtual worship team, is continuing to watch case numbers, hospitalizations and vaccination rates across our area to create a strategy for returning to in-person worship. We hope to make an announcement soon with more details.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come to Christ, the Living One,
All: Rejected by the world, but in God’s sight chosen and precious.
One: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: New life is rising among us!
All: We rejoice at the miraculous ways God brings creation alive!
One: Come! And hear God’s Word for our day.
All: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Power and Might; your wisdom is beyond ours. Your patience surpasses ours. Your compassion exceeds ours. We continue finding ourselves amazed by you, Living God. This morning, we join together to praise you.
Christ Jesus, your life, death and resurrection are our model for faithful discipleship. Strengthen us, we pray, as we seek to walk in your ways: living wisely, patiently, and compassionately. Fill us, we pray, with your Spirit of unselfishness and love. Amen.

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 might!
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!

Children’s Message – Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Psalm – Pastor Dan

Special Music – “All Hail King Jesus with Majesty”

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:21-28 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “How Majestic Is Your Name” – #9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.

O Lord, we praise Your name. O Lord, we magnify Your name,
Prince of peace, Mighty God’ O Lord God Almighty.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 24 Livestream – Follow Me

The warmest of greetings from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Thank you for worshipping with us. We continue to pray for the health and safety of our world, and for brighter days ahead for all.

Do you want to know more about Ivy Chapel or do you have a question about our stream services? Get in touch with us.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

Third Sunday after Epiphany
“Follow Me”

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.
All: God only is my rock and my salvation. I shall not be shaken.
One: Pour out your hearts before God. Trust in God at all times.
All: Our trust is in God, Maker of heaven and earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of all times and places, may we receive your message now. Sometimes we do not like what we hear, but we know we need to listen. Your message is true and universal, although we would like to make distinctions that favor us and our friends. You call us out of our comfort zones to live courageously and to try new things. Rejoice; welcome; forgive; heal; love. These are acts of faith that you want to see us put into practice. You command us to reach out to people with whom we seem to have little in common.
Still-Speaking God, you call us to accompany you on a pathway – your sacred path of living grace. You inspire us, Jesus! Help us to absorb what you are saying and to respond to what you are asking. Then we will follow you by carrying what we have received from you to the places you want us to go, to the people you desire to reach. Amen.

Hymn      â€œYou Have Come Down to the Lakeshore” worship booklet, p. 101

1. You have come down to the lakeshore seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,
   But only asking for me to follow.

REFRAIN
O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; now with you I will seek other seas.

2. You know full well my possessions. neither treasure nor weapons for conquest,
   Just these my fishnets and will for working.

REFRAIN

3. You need hands, my exhaustion, working love for the rest of the weary
   A love that’s willing to go on loving.

REFRAIN

4. You who have fished other waters; you, the longing of souls that are yearning;
   As loving Friend, you have come to call me.

REFRAIN

Children’s Message – Sue Wilson

Scripture Reading – Psalm 62:5-12 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – “Come, Follow Me”

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:14-20 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “Spirit” – pp. 82-83, worship booklet

REFRAIN
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free,
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

1. You move on the waters, you called to the deep,
   Then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,
   and over the eons you called to each thing,
   “Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.”

REFRAIN

2. You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
   and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
   When they were confounded with idols and lies,
   then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.

REFRAIN

3. You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
   then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
   and down in the city you called once again
   when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.

REFRAIN

4. You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
   from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams;
   our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
   With bold new decisions your people arise.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 17 Livestream – Known and Loved

This week, we pray for all God’s children to remember they are known and loved. We pray that the momentous week ahead is peaceful, and that we can all pause to find the unity we so desperately need.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

Prelude — Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship — Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, 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 — “Shout to the Lord” — p. 80, worship booklet

My Jesus, My Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
Al 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 the 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,
For ever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand;
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.

REPEAT

Prayer of Invocation — Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Loving God, you care for us so faithfully and so thoroughly. Seeing that you delight in us brings out our best. When you rejoice in us, we come to realize and to believe in our capacity for goodness. When your light dawns in our lives, we want to share the joy! We want to spread the good word… your Gospel! We are amazed by the marvelous gifts which you give. Loving God, we dream of living as you do. Help us to recall the power of our own baptism and our personal commitment to you. God of cleansing, living water; you renew our souls. You name us as your children: precious, gifted, good.Every chance that we get may we delight you by serving others in the gentle and caring manner of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 139:1-6, 12-20 — Pastor Dan

Children’s Message — Jo Ann Moody

Special Music — “He Lifted Me”

Scripture Reading — John 1:43-51 — Pastor Dan

Sermon — Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer — Pastor Dan

Hymn — “The Potter’s Hand”

Beautiful Lord, wonderful savior I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, and mold me
Use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter’s hands
Call me guide me Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter’s hand
You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, and mold me Use me, fill me
I give my life to my Potter’s hands
Call me, guide me Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to my Potter’s hand
Take me, and mold me Use me, fill me
I give my life to my Potter’s hands
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to my Potter’s hand

Benediction — Pastor Dan

Postlude — Anna DiVesta

Jan. 10 Livestream – The Baptism of Christ

Thank you for joining us today, January 10, 2021.

As we reflect on the events at the U.S. Capitol this past week, we are thinking about defining moments. This coincides with the remembrance of the baptism of Jesus. Will this week be a turning point for our world, our country – and even for you? Worship with us, and be the change the world so desperately needs.

If you have questions or problems about Ivy Chapel or our virtual worship, please contact us.

Here’s the order for worship for today:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: God is the Creator of all life.
All: God sends light to shine in the darkness.
One: God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.
All: God takes care of humankind – calming fears and giving faith.
One: God’s love is real.
All: God’s grace is eternal.
One: Our cup overflows!
All: Together, let us praise God!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Living God, we worship you this day. You are the One who offers life and breath to all creation. From the very beginning, you have been moving over the face of the waters. Faithful and Loving God, we turn to you in prayer this day for reassurance. Holy Spirit, you are the One with the power to calm a stormy sea or to “trouble” a pool of still water. From water, life springs up! By water, life is nourished. Through water, new life begins. Christ Jesus, as we remember your baptism in the Jordan River, may we celebrate anew our holy baptism. Amen.

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 You 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 opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou not 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 Thou art always high;
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 too 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.

Scripture Reading – Psalm 29:1-4, 9-11 – Pastor Dan

Children’s Message – Ashton Wilson

Special Music

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:4-11 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “Spirit Song” – pp. 84-85, worship booklet

1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
   let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
   O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
   will descend upon your life and make you whole.

REFRAIN
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

2. O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
   lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name.
   O give him all your tears and sadness, give him all your years of pain
   and you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 3 Livestream – Gifts of the Magi

At 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, we retrace the steps of the kings who came from afar to shower the newborn King of Kings with gifts.

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: Come; hear God’s Word for our day.
All: God’s Word is truth.
One: God’s Word is a blessing to all people!
All: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
One: Come and behold him.
All: Let us worship Christ with our treasures!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of new things and God of all things; you are the Giver of grace. The way that you come alive in the commonplace puts us at ease. You came to earth through human childbirth. You did not send someone else. You came yourself! You were born as a little baby who became a small town carpenter. We are grateful that you often come to us in quietly reassuring ways that do not call attention to yourself.
We are grateful for your astonishing love, Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit this morning as we worship you. Amen.

Hymn – “I Wonder as I Wander” – #210

1. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky,
   How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
   For poor ordinary people like you and like I;
   I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.
2. When Mary birthed Jesus, ’twas in a cow’s stall,
   With wisemen and farmers and shepherds and all
   But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
   The promise of ages it then did recall.
3. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
   A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,
   For all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing,
   He surely could have it ‘cause He was the King.
4. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky,
   How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
   For poor ordinary people like you and like I;
   I wonder as I wander, out under the sky. Scripture Reading – Psalm 147:12-20 – Pastor Dan Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan Special Music – Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Matthew 2:1-12 – Pastor Dan Sermon – Pastor Dan Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion – Pastor Dan Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
   One: God be with you.
   All: And also with you.
   One: From God’s fullness, we have all received
   All: Grace upon grace.
   One: Together, let us receive God’s gifts of the bread and the cup.
   All: Christ our Savior makes all things new!
   
   Hymn – “We Three Kings” – #220
   
   We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar
   Field and fountain, moor 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.

2. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,
   King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

5. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
   Al le lu ia, Al le lu ia! Peals through the earth and skies.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

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