March 2 Livestream – Ash Wednesday

Welcome

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer – Pastor Dan
One: Turn away from evil; and return to your God.
All: God is gracious and merciful;
One: God is slow to anger,
All: And abounding in steadfast love.
One: “Now,” says the Holy One, “return to me with all your heart.”
All: Be still; and know that I am God.
One: Let us pray.
All: God of ever-flowing springs; you are the eternal reservoir from whom all creation
receives life. We enter this sanctuary seeking to return to you, O God.
Bless this time of worship; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn – Lord, I Lift Your Name on High– worship booklet, p. 68
Sing through Two Times
Lord, I lift your name on high:
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life;
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift Your name on high!

Responsive Call to Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Holy God, Maker of all;
All: Jesus Christ, Savior of all;
One: Holy Spirit, breath of life;
All: Have mercy on us. Let us confess our sins.

Prayer of Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are acquainted with all our ways.
As we take this first step on a crucial Lenten spiritual journey, we turn to you in prayer. Come, O Holy Spirit; in your cleansing power, breathe on us and fill us with life anew.
God of forgiveness, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We confess that we have failed to live by your Gospel of goodness and grace. Forgive us, we pray. From now on, as sinners pardoned and cleansed by you, Jesus; may we faithfully follow in your footsteps of love and compassion. This we pray in your holy name. Amen.

Silence

Assurance of Pardon – Pastor Dan

Hymn – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76
Lord, prepare me to be a Sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.

Lord, prepare me to be a testimony,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Testimony for You.

The Imposition of Ashes – Pastor Dan

God’s Word – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-12 – Pastor Dan

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Prayer of Thanksgiving concluding with The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan

Hymn – How Beautiful – worship booklet, p. 50
How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Feb. 27 Livestream – Loud Cloud

Thank you, Kevin Uppercue, for serving as our guest musician in worship today.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Depth of Mercy – Kevin Uppercue

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Bless one another; love one another; serve one another;
All: For by doing so, we bless, love, and serve Christ.
One: Forgive one another; seek peace; do justice;
All: For by doing so, we follow the way of Christ.
One: Live into hope; walk by faith; seek the eternal;
All: For by doing so, we honor Christ.
One: Enter this time of worship with joy, coming to Christ our Savior,
All: Who is, and who was, and who is to come – the Almighty.

*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

*OPENING PRAYER
Holy God, may every aspect of our character praise you. May we lift your name on high!
Life-giving, life-changing God; wash over us this day. Shatter every narrow view of who you are. By your wisdom and strength, empower us to be living witnesses to your Gospel.
Savior of overpowering light, you reveal what mightiness is. Fill us with your Spirit of grace. We ask this in your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Open Our Eyes, Lord – #132
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 99 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Earl Kreder, Saxophone

GOD’S WORD – Luke 9:28-36 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Revive Us Again – #95
We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died, and is now gone above.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God! for Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior, and scattered our night.
All glory and praise To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and hath cleansed every stain.
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fanfare and Trumpet Voluntary – David Lasky

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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Feb. 6 Livestream – Surprising

For this week’s order for worship, please see the YouTube description.

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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Dec. 26 Livestream – Christ Emmanuel

God offers every person “new life in Christ.” May we accept God’s gift and let Christ be born in us.
We welcome Rev. Mary Albert as our guest pastor this morning. Thank you, Mary, for leading us in worship today!
A Blessed Christmas to God’s whole world.

Service will begin both in-person and online around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. Please join us in our sanctuary or on our YouTube page.

WELCOME

PRELUDE Born Is He, the Divine Christ Child – Harris

CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings Good News.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Listen! Your sentinels lift their voices and sing for joy. In plain sight, they see the return of the Lord.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Break forth into singing, for the Lord has comforted the people and redeemed Jerusalem.
All: Let Christ be born in us.

HYMN Angels from the Realms of Glory #207

Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth:

REFRAIN
Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant Light:

REFRAIN

Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star:

REFRAIN

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear:

REFRAIN

PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Emmanuel, you are with us! In recent days, once again we have received your Sacred Word foretelling the Birth of Christ. We have listened to the promises of your prophets. We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have celebrated your exceptionally bright star in the heavens. We have followed this star to a humble birthplace. We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us.
God, we rejoice that your amazing love is ever-new and ever-lasting! Today, may your goodness and love fill our souls, as we echo your angels, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace to all on earth.” Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE Joy to the World! #194

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the Nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of HIs love
And wonders of HIs love, And wonders, wonders of His love.

GOD’S WORD Colossians 3:12-17 Pastor Mary

SPECIAL MUSIC ‘He Is Lord’ with ‘O Come, Let Us Adore Him’ – Hayes

GOD’S WORD John 1:1-18 Pastor Mary

SERMON Pastor Mary

HYMN The Star Carol #201

Long years ago on a deep winter night, High in the heavens a star shone bright,
While in a manger a wee Baby lay, Sweetly asleep on a bed of hay.

Jesus, the Lord, was that Baby so small, Laid down to sleep in a humble stall;
Then came the star and it stood overhead, Shedding its light ‘round His little bed.

Dear Baby Jesus, How tiny Thou art, I’ll make a place for Thee in my heart,
And when the stars in the heavens I see, Ever and always I’ll think of Thee.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Mary
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN O Little Town of Bethlehem #200

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love,
O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is give’n!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of HIs heav’n.
No ear my hear His coming, But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem! descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

SENDING OUT Let Christ be born in us. Pastor Mary

POSTLUDE Joy to the World   – Young

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

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