November 20 – Together in Christ

We gather on the final Sunday of the Christian Church Year. Praise God for the Eternal Reign of Christ!

Thanksgiving blessings to all of you, from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We invite you to worship with us in person during the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. You can experience our worship services any time on our YouTube page.

We are currently experiencing difficulty with our in-sanctuary technology, but will be livestreaming worship on Facebook.

SILENT REFLECTION – Eternal Life – #610

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Antiphon – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come into God’s presence with thanksgiving!
All: Make a joyful noise to God!
One: This morning, let’s really praise God!
All: Yes! Let’s rejoice big-time over God’s salvation!
One: Give thanks! Bless God’s holy name!
All: Praise God for wonders all around the world!

*HYMN – All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name – #68

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown him Lord of all;
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all;
We’ll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of this fresh, new day; we are here to worship you! We are grateful that you are God of all the earth! Bless us with the tenacity to pay attention, so that we may become aware that 24/7 we are on holy ground.
Now, in this sacred place, take hold of us, O Potter God. Soften us. Sculpt us. Knead our souls. Shape us and re-shape us in your image. May you be seen in us.
God of life abundant; get us excited about all that we can do and be with what you offer! Amen!

*PRAISE RESPONSE – King of Kings – #291

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 23:1-6

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Love of the Lord – Cotter

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 46 & Colossians 1:11-20

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Let All Things Now Living – worship booklet, pp. 60-61

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the creator triumphantly raise.
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who still guides us on to the end of our days.
God’ banners are o’er us, His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.
Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished
As forward we travel from light into light.

His law he enforces, the stars in their courses
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim him divine.
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;
With glad adoration a song let us raise
Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:
“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Sortie – Young

Nov. 28 Livestream – Sign of Things to Come

Welcome to Advent, the season of waiting, the season of watching, the season of hope for what is coming next.

Remember you are invited to be with us both here online, and in person.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Song of Mary – Howell

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     One:  In the wilderness, blaze a trail for God.

     All:  Every valley shall be raised up.

     One:  Every mountain shall be made low. 

     All:  And the glory of God shall be revealed!  

*HYMN – We Gather Together – #597

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens HIs will to make down;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sin praises to His name: He forgets not His own.

Beside s to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning:
Thou, Lord, was at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation:
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

*OPENING PRAYER                                                     

      Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us moment by moment.  At this time of year, as the days grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we treasure daylight.  

       God of Light, help us to turn toward you this day.  As we begin this Advent Season, we pray that you will fill us with fresh expectation. Teach us once again that this season is a time to watch, not for things which have already happened, but for exciting, new things which have not yet taken place.  Come, Christ Jesus. This world needs you now. May we watch closely for what you are about to do next.  Amen.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster and Linda Lowry

 ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Hope

 ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

Gracious God, as we begin our Advent journey, we thank you for the gift of your Son, and for sending hope into a world filled with worry. Help us remember that we are your people, and because of your promises we have every reason to be hopeful. Take away our doubt and fear, and remind us that Christ is our Light, and the true source of hope.  Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 1) – worship booklet, p. 95

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

GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 33:14-16 – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Cotter 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 21:25-36 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Now Thank We All Our God – #592

Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns WIth them in highest heaven.
The one eternal God Whom earth and heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.

*God sends us into the world to love and bless.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata on “Regent Square” – Smith 

CCLI License #456361

Dec. 6 Livestream – Second Sunday of Advent

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of hope. As we also celebrate communion together, may you find the hope and peace you need in this season of anticipation.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: God Most High is alive today!
All: Jesus Christ loves all people.
One: God is great!
All: And greatly to be praised!
One: Over and over, we are amazed by God!
All: God is alive this moment.
One: The God of all life; the Holy One – is closer than our next breath.
All: Let us worship God together.

Hymn/ “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #186

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of the living; you promise to be with your people, and you faithfully fulfill this promise! Long ago, you sent your Spirit to live among us, guiding your creation toward a hope-filled future. We join together in worship seeking your truth and your promise for our day.
O God of hope eternal, you are with us now. Help us to sense your presence and to cherish your companionship. May we receive you and serve you. Come; fulfill within us your holy purposes. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath / Pastor Dan
The Candle of Hope

Response “When God Is a Child” p. 95, worship booklet
Verse 1 ONLY

Children’s Message / Liz Schurwan

Special Music / “Bring Us Hope”

Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Mark 1:1-8 and Isaiah 40:1-11

Sermon / Pastor Dan

Prayers of the People/ The Lord’s Prayer/ Holy Communion/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “You Are the Light” p. 100, worship booklet

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna DiVesta

Nov. 29 Livestream – First Sunday of Advent

On this first Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace. Join us as we pray for peace in our community, peace in our world and peace in our hearts.

This week’s order for worship:

Prelude/ Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: Faith in God gives us chances to begin all over again.
All: God’s love is a love that releases us from the past.
One: It is freeing to make a fresh start!
All: As our Savior, God gives all people a new lease on life!
One: We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
All: As Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness, salvation and life.

Hymn/ “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” #82

1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace:
   Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise.
   Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above;
   Praise His name I’m fixed upon it – Name of God’s redeeming love.
2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer, Hither by Thy help I’m come;
   And I hope by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home.
   Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering form the fold of God;
   He, to rescue me from danger, Bought me with HIs precious blood.
3. O to grace how great a debtor, Daily I’m constrained to be!
   Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee::
   Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;
   Here’s my heart O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above.

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Tender-Hearted God, this morning you have awakened us to a new day of life! We praise you, for you have blessed us.
Always-Loving God, you are the One who faithfully loves all people. May we sense your loving presence as we share in this time of worship. Wake us up all over again. As we begin this new Church Year, we remember your unexpected advent in Bethlehem. Your birth among us; your human birth as a little, newborn baby was a defining moment. In that moment, you made yourself known as never before, God. Forevermore, you continue making yourself known to your children. May we grow to know you more deeply this Advent Season; Tender-Hearted and Always-Loving Savior. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath / Pastor Dan
The Candle of Peace

Response “When God Is a Child” p. 95, worship booklet
Verse 2 ONLY

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

Children’s Message/ Sue Wilson

Special Music/ “Soon and Very Soon” Mike Neu, Tenor Saxophone
Aaron DiVesta, Baritone Saxophone

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Psalm 80:1-9, 14-19 and Mark 13:24-37

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

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

Hymn/ “Let There Be Peace on Earth” pp. 62-63, worship booklet
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our Creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

Benediction/ Pastor Dan

Postlude/ Anna DiVesta

Advent 2013 events with Ivy Chapel

All are welcome to celebrate Advent and Christmas with Ivy Chapel as we get ready for the birth of our Savior!

Here’s what’s happening:

Sunday, December 1, 10 am: Hanging of the Greens Worship, followed by a soup and bread lunch.
After lunch, the kids will head downstairs to make gifts for their families, while the adults and older kids will bake cookies upstairs.

Sunday, December 8, 10 am: Christmas Cantata
Performed by our Chancel Choir and other talented members of the congregation

Sunday, December 15, 6:30 pm: Advent Storytelling
Join us in the Ivy Chapel sanctuary for storytelling by candlelight. Afterwards, we’ll head into Fellowship hall for refreshments. All ages are welcome at this fun event.

Sunday, December 22, 10am: Children’s Christmas Pageant

Tuesday, December 24, 11 pm: Christmas Eve candlelight service

Questions? Send us an email or contact the church office at (314) 434-4991. We hope to see you soon.

Getting ready for Christmas

The Christmas season is upon us… and here at Ivy Chapel, we have several events for the entire family to get ready for Christ’s arrival in the world. Are you ready?

Hanging of the Greens. Sunday, December 2

Each year, we take a Sunday to decorate the church – and then celebrate with a Potluck Soup and Bread lunch. Sign up in the Narthex, or email us to sign up.

Santa’s Workshop and Cookie Baking

After lunch, the young ones among us will have the chance to make some special gifts for their loved ones. And while they’re hard at work, talented elves will make cookies in the kitchen. To RSVP for Santa’s Workshop or to bake cookies, drop us a line or call the Ivy Chapel office at 314-434-4991.

Christmas Cantata, Sunday, December 9

Our Chancel and Youth choirs have been hard at work for months preparing a special celebration of the season. Join us for this uplifting Ivy Chapel musical tradition.

Advent Family Storytelling, Sunday, December 16. 6:30p

Join us in the Ivy Chapel sanctuary for a family-oriented, Christmas-themed storytelling hour. We’ll bring our favorite books, stories and share them with the group. Afterwards, we’ll move to Fellowship Hall for refreshments. Want to join us? Let us know and we’ll save you a seat.

Children’s Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 23

Christmas is close – do you believe it? Come during worship to see our youth find a unique way to tell the Christmas story.

 

Would you like to learn more about Ivy Chapel’s youth programs? Call our office at 314-434-4991 or send us an e-mail with your questions.

Celebrate the Christmas season with Ivy Chapel

The Christmas season is an exciting, joyful, faithful journey at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ for adults and children alike. We have a lot of opportunities for you to celebrate with us. Everyone is welcome! Check the calendar page for complete details on all of the upcoming events at Ivy Chapel. If you have any questions or would like more information you can contact us via e-mail or at (314) 434-4991.

Sunday, November 29: First Sunday in Advent

Sunday, December 6: Second Sunday in Advent, Hanging of the Greens and Santa’s Workshop

Sunday, December 13: Third Sunday in Advent, Worship with Cantata by the Chancel Choir. 6:30 p.m. Advent Storytelling

Sunday, December 20: Children’s Christmas Pageant

Thursday, December 24: 6:30 p.m. Family worship, 11 p.m. Candlelight service

From all of us at Ivy Chapel, may the blessings of the season be upon you. We hope you’ll join us in anticipation as we celebrate the coming birth of Jesus Christ.