Nov 16-Infinite Possibilities

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

We are glad that you could join us today, Bible Presentation Sunday, as we share God’s Word with our young people. Please join us following worship for refreshments and fellowship.

Please click here for a link to all of the music for today or below on individual songs.

WELCOME

PRELUDE   How Firm a Foundation    arr. Gilbert Martin            

*CALL TO WORSHIP —   Kathryn Kuntzman

One:  Sing praises to God on high, for glorious are God’s works!
All: We will sing praises to the ends of the earth!
One:
 Blessed is the One who comes to dwell among us.
All: We rejoice in the salvation that God has provided!
One:
 Let us worship the Lord with joy and thanksgiving!
All: For He is our strength and our song!

*HYMN    Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION —  Kathryn Kuntzman
Gracious and Mighty God, we gather before You with hearts ready to sing a new song. Your works are marvelous, Your love unshakable, and Your salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Let every breath within us join the chorus of creation, lifting our voices in praise. Let us be comforted and strengthened in your presence. Let your Spirit awaken joy in every heart. And remind of us your vision that all might live in a world of peace, and justice and love.  Amen.

*RESPONSE   Stand Up and Bless the Lord! #100

GOD’S WORD    Isaiah 12     Kathryn Kuntzman

BIBLE PRESENTATION      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE —
Tara Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC   Jesus Loves Me! This I know. For the Bible tells me so.

GOSPEL READING  Luke 21:5-19     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN   How Firm a Foundation   #179

*BENEDICTION      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE   Standing on the Promises      arr. James Koerts     

Nov 9- Hold on to Faith

God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
May our love for God always continue growing and may we come alive as Christ’s disciples!
All music for this Sunday can be found through this link or the links on individual songs below.

WELCOME

PRELUDE:  Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 145) — Linda Lowry                               
One: Lift praises to the name of our God; bless God’s name forever!
All: How great is our God!
One: From generation to generation we will sing your praises and speak of your goodness!
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you are just and kind in all your doings.
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you watch over us in love and hear the desperate cries of those who call to you!
All: How great is our God! How great is our God! Bless God’s name forever!

*HYMN: Sing Praise to God  #45

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Eternal God, we praise you for your gift of this magnificent new day!  God of the living, your promise is to remain with all humankind, and you faithfully fulfill this promise.  Long ago, O Holy Spirit, you blessed this Earth with the breath of life.  Now and forever you are guiding your sacred creation toward a future overflowing with promise.  This morning, we come seeking your truth, your justice and your astonishing joy!
God, we humbly thank you for loving us as we are and for welcoming us into Your sanctuary.  Bless us with true awareness that you are alive here.  Help us to sense your presence in this place and every place.  Bring your vision for the world to life through us, we pray.  In Jesus name, Amen.

PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.”   (Response) “And also with you.”

*RESPONSE: Thou Art Worthy #11

GOD’S WORD: Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21  —  Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC:     Great is the Lord           Michael W Smith

GOSPEL READING: Luke 20:27-38 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN: Through the Love of God, Our Savior — Ivy worship bklt. p. 89

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE    Little Prelude and Fugue in F      J.S. Bach    

Oct 26-Consecration Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Let us rejoice and praise God! All are invited to join us In Fellowship Hall following worship for a Consecration Luncheon when we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day.

All of our music is linked below or you can get a pdf of all music together by clicking here.

WELCOME  — Valerie Waterman

PRELUDE — O God, Our Help in Ages Past

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French

One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a long time. We remember many eras before this one. Some of them we miss.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a short time. We are searching for a place to call home.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: All of us are seeking the restoration that only God can provide.
All: God brings us together in one community. Let us worship the God of restoration and transformation.

*HYMN — God of Our Life #614    

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French    
Gracious God, thank you for the ways you have sustained our church through many different challenges. We thank you for your gifts of faith and hope for the future. Be with us as we join together to share our gifts to bring healing and renewal. God, you are transforming Your church into a new future. Show us how we can be a part of that future. Help us to put our faith in Your dream for us.  Let us make those dreams real with the gifts we bring today. Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE                                               
“May the peace of Christ be with you.”   (Response) “And also with you.”

*RESPONSE — Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart — Ivy worship booklet p.42

GOD’S WORD —  Romans 12:1-3,9-13Jim French

STEWARDSHIP SONG   Dream God’s Dream — Insert (verses 1-3)

STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE   Dreaming God’s Dream – Connection–  JoAnn Moody

*HYMN —  Something for Jesus  #441                      

SCRIPTURE  — Luke 10:25-37Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Surrender All    arr., Joel Raney

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE   (Responsive-see Insert) —  Valerie Waterman
The Congregation responds with “Hear our prayer” following “God in your mercy……”
Ending with Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

THE ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC during the singing of the final hymn by placing your 2026 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket.
Dream God’s Dream!

*HYMN — We Give Thee but Thine Own #622

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — John Weiland

One:  Please join me in prayer as we ask God to consecrate these pledges.

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for supplying all our needs.  In gratitude, we offer back to you our tithes and offerings.  Today we pledge to you our intentions to support the ongoing ministries of Ivy Chapel.  May you bless our gifts and our pledges.  May we utilize them with your guidance to meet the needs of our community and our world.  Amen.

*POSTLUDE — Trumpet Tune on “Simple Gifts”  Phil Lehenbauer                 

Oct 19- Dreaming God’s Dream-Education

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons…
Dreaming God’s Dream

WELCOME

PRELUDE  Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet     M. W. Smith/A. Grant

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                         

One: God brings us together in the word.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s story.
One: God brings us together in stewardship.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s community.
One: God brings us together in a vision for the future.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s dream. Amen.

*HYMN   Be Thou My Vision       #400               
         
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
                                                         
Ever Present God, we thank you for your love that never lets us go. Thank you for the privilege of gathering in this space to worship you. We do not come merely to open the doors of the church,
but we come that our hearts might be opened to you and to one another. As we worship you today, may we be transformed from individuals to members of your one body.  Energize us to utilize our gifts for the strength of all humanity. Empower us to share our time, talents, and treasures as we seek to envision your dream for us and your world.  Be with us as we continue to search for your dreams and fulfill your visions as we create your Realm here on earth. Amen.

*RESPONSE   SeekYe First the Kingdom of God    #61       
                   (Sing twice)
GOD’S WORD   Psalm 119:97 – 105                  

STEWARDSHIP SONG    Dream God’s Dream  Insert
                                              (verses 1 & 2)

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT     Dreaming God’s Dream– Education

SPECIAL MUSIC   Hymn of Promise     setting by John Carter  

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN JoAnn Moody

SCRIPTURE READING   2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5                

SERMON   Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
  Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN    Open My Eyes   #174

*BENEDICTION    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE    Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing     arr. Diane Bish

October 5- World Communion Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC

God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
 On this World Communion Sunday, we are blessed to be joining with Christians everywhere in the worship of God!  Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior.

For a link to all of the music for today please click here.  
Each song is also linked to their specific sheet music.

WELCOME

PRELUDE –  For Those Tears I Died –  Marsha J. Stevens

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                     

One: We gather as God’s people to celebrate the beauty of our diversity.
All: Let us love each other as God loves us, beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image.
One: We give thanks for who we are, Beloved of God.
All: Let us open our hearts to God’s spirit of love and unity.
One: We celebrate the gifts of all gathered here today.
All: Let us worship God with all we are and celebrate the beauty of all God’s creation.

*HYMN-  In Christ There Is No East or West  #137           

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
                                                       

 Majestic God, your realm encompasses the universe, the earth, and our community. All creation declares your glory. May we unite with our kin around the world in celebrating you and the connections we share. As we gather in your name, may we remember those we join in faith, hope, and worship on every continent representing every tradition. May we declare in spirit and in truth…one bread, one body…the church striving to be one as you, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Spirit are one. Amen.

*RESPONSEBind Us Together  #130    

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27                             

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE   JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC –  In The Garden – C. Austin Miles

GOD’S WORD   John 17:21-23                           

SERMON –   Many Parts, One Body –  Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                                                       

*COMMUNION HYMN    One Bread, One Body – Ivy worship booklet p. 72

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [B] –  Ivy worship booklet, pp. 12-13
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.

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

*BENEDICTION –  Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE                                     

Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream

Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts! May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons… Dreaming God’s Dream

WELCOME

PRELUDE     Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise                       

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 146)                                

One: Praise God! Praise the Holy One, O my soul!
All: We will sing praises to God our whole lives long!
One: Praise God in whom we may trust. Praise God in whom we may hope.
All: Happy are we whose hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: The Holy One lifts the bowed down. The Righteous One loves justice.
All: The Holy One brings the way of the wicked to ruin. Praise God who reigns forever!


*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
                                                  

Steadfast God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, teach us your way, so that we may live filled with your Spirit – richly offering compassion and grace.  Fill us to overflowing as we journey toward your ever-new horizons, dreaming Your dream.   Lead us to treasure and to continue reaching for Your dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant.  Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

GOD’S WORD   1 Timothy 6:6-19                  

SPECIAL MUSIC     Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart                                                                                  

GOD’S WORD    Luke 16:19-31

SERMON   Dreaming God’s Dream Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*BENEDICTION       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE            Sweet, Sweet Spirit        

August 24 — Healing Reign

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC! Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. Today, let us join with one another in worshipping the God of kindness.

WELCOME

ORGAN PRELUDE — Chime Prelude No. 5 in F Major — Raymond H. Herbek

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: We may be parched with thirst, like an unwatered garden; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: God Most High refreshes us as a spring of living water.
One: We may be weary from worry or from work; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Holy one offers us Sabbath rest.
One: We may be lost or confused; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Eternal One offers us kindness.
One: We may be bent over with struggle or pain; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Healing One makes us well.

*HYMN — Be Thou My Vision — 400
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by or by night,
Waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee  and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. 

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
Kind-hearted God, we lift our praises to your sacred name.You truly care for every living being. Your goodness and mercy are remarkable! You never lose track of a single one of us. We are blessed that you are our God! Give us ears to hear the fresh word of power and grace that you speak this day. Soften our stubborn hearts and remove any barriers that keep us from serving you. Help us to continue becoming faithful imitators of you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — #414

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master,  today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 71:1-6 — John Weiland

SPECIAL PIANO MUSIC — I Need Thee Every Hour — Arr. Gail Smith

GOD’S WORD — Luke 13:10-17 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Set Free — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

LITANY OF WELCOME — John Weiland

*HYMN — Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us — #449

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*ORGAN POSTLUDE — Come, Christians, Join to Sing — Don Schlosser

June 22 — In God’s Presence

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and celebrate this gift together! May today’s worship fill your soul with joy and strength.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Be Thou My Vision — arr. Paul Manz

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalms 42 & 43) — Kathryn Kuntzman
One: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so we long for you, O God. As the plants turn toward the sun, so we turn to you, O God. As the tide ebbs and flows, so we move with you, O God.
Many: Hope in God! Again, we worship the Holy One, our help and our God.
One: When tears are our constant companion, when our souls become weary, when we feel forgotten or alone, we may ask the question, “Where is God?”
Many: Trust in God! Again, we honor the Present One, our strength and our God.
One: Deep calls to deep. The steadfast love of God surrounds us. The Spirit of Truth leads us to everlasting joy.
Many: Rejoice in God. Again, we praise the Living One, our source and our God.

*HYMN — As the Deer Pants for Water — Ivy worship booklet p. 26

As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You

Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You!

I want you more than gold or silver,
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.

Chorus

You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything!

Chorus

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
God in whom we take refuge, we seek you as the calm in the storm, the path in the wilderness, and the order in the chaos. Renew our strength with a vision of your kingdom made real and expanding before us. Encourage us with a word of possibility and an encounter with your presence. Enliven us as we pray, sing, laugh, cry, witness, listen, ponder, and imagine in your midst and in our own way. We come to you with our full selves knowing you offer us the fullness of your being. May we find hope and challenge, joy and rest, peace and power as we immerse ourselves in you and glorify your name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Will Glorify the King of Kings — 35

We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone

He is Lord of heaven Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give

Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

STIRRING WORSHIP — Children’s Time — Rev. Susan Shumway

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 43 — Kathryn Kuntzman

SPECIAL MUSIC — Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — arr. Paul Manz

GOD’S WORD — Luke 8:26-39 — Rev. Susan Shumway

SERMON — “From the Tombs” — Rev. Susan Shumway

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Susan Shumway

*HYMN — Higher Ground — #448

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

Refrain

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

Refrain

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Susan Shumway

*POSTLUDE — The Rejoicing (from Suite in D) — Charles Callahan

April 27 — Resurrection Witness

Peace be with you. Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. You are welcome here. God loves all people. God is still speaking…Christ is risen! Alleluia!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: Children of God, come and worship.
All: We come to worship Jesus Christ, risen forever!
One: Come to receive forgiveness for your sins.
All: We come to discover hope in the face of fear.
One: Jesus Christ appears and declares, “My peace I give to you.”
All: Our Savior is here!
One: Our Savior is alive!
All: We come to rejoice in life born out of death. Alleluia!

*HYMN — Come Christians, Join to Sing — #70

Come, Christians, join to sing Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King; Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice, Before his throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high, Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky; Alleluia! Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend, To us He’ll condescend;
His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!

Praise yet our Christ again; Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain; Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore, His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore, “Alleluia! Amen!”

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
God of all our beginnings; may this day begin with praises for you! Let every breath become a witness to your Spirit, living within us and among us. Open our hearts to receive your saving gifts. Use our voices to proclaim your unsurpassed greatness. May the sound of our celebration help people to sense your powerful presence and to claim the joy of serving you, in Christ’s name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — 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 118:14-29 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

GOD’S WORD — John 20:19-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — Because He Lives — #275

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives

Refrain

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives

Refrain

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy He gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

Refrain

And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

January 12 — Epiphany

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

After last week’s cancellation, we will have a busy worship today. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion, so please gather the elements before worship begins so we can gather around God’s table together.

We will also have the installation of 2025 Ivy Chapel UCC Officers today. Thank you to those who have dedicated their time and talent to serve our church. After worship, we will plan the ear ahead with the All Boards Meeting.

Behold! The Light of God has come!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Classic Trio — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jo Ann Moody
One: Arise! Shine; for your light has come!
All: The glory of God has risen among us!
One: Lift up your eyes!
All: We are awake! Praise God for deliverance and blessings!
One: Let your hearts rejoice, and be radiant with hope!
All: God’s wondrous ways are being revealed to us today!

*HYMN — We Three Kings of Orient Are — #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.

Born a King on 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 Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Peals through the earth and skies.
[Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jo Ann Moody
God of Holy Light; we come to this time and place to be with you, to worship you, and to learn from you. May our time together resemble your creation of light in the darkness.
Eternal God, your purposes become clear to us in Jesus Christ. We come with boldness to claim our relationship with you. We are grateful for pioneers in faith whose discipleship has patterned for us a way of life rooted in your Gospel. The flames which you ignited within our forebears have not burned out. Your love and compassion are still proclaimed in the Church, where your people continue challenging centers of earthly power. Today, our search for meaning has led us to this place of worship. We gather to praise you and to discover more fully who you are calling us to become. Guide us. This we pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — The First Noel — #205

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense.
[Refrain]

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought.
[Refrain]

INSTALLATION OF 2025 IVY CHAPEL UCC OFFICERS

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 60:1-6 — Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — What Wondrous Love Is This — Cotter

RESPONSIVE READING — Adoration of the Magi, Matthew 2:1-12 — #640

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRAYER OF JESUS — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — Here, O My Lord, I See Thee — #259

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
Here would I touch and handle things unseen;
Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee lean.

Here would I feed upon the Bread of God;
Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
Here would I lay aside each earthly load;
Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.

I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;
They blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION — worship book, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN — Arise, Your Light Is Come! — worship book, p. 25

Arise, your light is come!
The Sprit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God,
Which shines on you today.

Arise, your light is come!
Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captives’ liberty,
Good tidings to the poor.

Arise, your light is come!
All you in sorrow born,
Build up the broken-hearted ones
And comfort those who mourn.

Arise, your light is come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing;
God’s power will make us strong.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Cathedral Fanfare — Young

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