March 29 — Good Friday

Our worship is in memory of the sacrificial, self-giving love offered to all on the cross by Jesus Christ.

SILENT REFLECTION — Crucifixion of Christ — #645

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We come now to the hill at Calvary.
All: The love of God leads to the Cross.
One: The Servant Messiah summons us.
All: Despised and rejected; Jesus is a man of sorrows, acquainted with all our griefs.
One: The Anointed One of God, whom we have grown to love dearly, is being crucified.
All: We are in disbelief.
One: How can Jesus be dying?
All: Truly, Jesus is the Son of God.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Everlasting God, we need you. You respond to the cries of your children from all walks of life. This day, though; Christ Jesus, you are the One crying out. Help us to hear your cries; to see what you see; to feel what you feel. We are saved by your sacrifice. On this unforgettable Friday, may we be moved by the sorrows of betrayal, denial, cruelty, and condemnation that you endure for us. Your suffering and death are agony. On this day, we remember your excruciating pain, dying on the cross for all people. Our souls ache with grief and guilt over your crucifixion, Jesus.
You are aware of our need for your grace. We worship you. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.

*HYMN — I Need Thee Every Hour — #169

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

Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh

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

I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed son

CALL TO CONFESSION
One: God longs for us to come to God; to be truthful; and to confess our sin. God desires to free us from guilt and fear. Let us pray together.
All: God of steadfast love, we keep ourselves busy with pursuits that do not satisfy. We exhaust ourselves trying to fill our emptiness with activities and possessions that drain our energies rather than give life. Before you now, O God, we confess that we do not know how to live; and we are afraid to die. We readily excuse our own sin, but, at the same time, we are quick to condemn wrongdoing we see in others. Help us to own up to our sin and to repent. Forgive us when we do not do what you ask of us. Eternal God, we are sorry for failing you. Forgive us, Christ Jesus; we pray in your name. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

*HYMN — Beneath the Cross of Jesus — #239

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me:
And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 52:13-53:12

*HYMN — Were You There? — #266

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Christ on the Cross

The third hour
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they are doing.”

The fourth hour
John 19:26-27
“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.”

The fifth hour
Luke 23:43
“Truly, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The sixth hour
John 19:28
“I thirst.”

The seventh hour
Matthew 27:46
“My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?”

The eighth hour
Luke 23:46
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

The ninth hour
John 19:30
“It is finished.”

SOLO — Tis Finished — Valerie Waterman, Soloist

+ Depart in silence +

Blood Drive

Please join us for our Spring Blood Drive. We are once again partnering with Impact Life.

Where: Ivy Chapel UCC, Fellowship Hall

When: Thursday May 9, 2024 from 4:00-7:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME HAS CHANGED!!!!

You can schedule your appointment by following the link below or contacting Sue Wilson at 314.324.3756. Schedule your blood donation at Ivy Chapel HERE

THANK YOU for signing up and give the gift of life!

March 24 — Palm Sunday

Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — He Is Exalted

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Hosanna to the King of kings!
All: Let all who follow Christ sing God’s praises!
One: John the Baptist says, “One is coming who is greater than me.”
All: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
One: Look, he’s riding on a donkey. Here comes the Savior!
All: Let every knee bow before Jesus.
One: Let every tongue welcome him,
All: “Hosanna in the highest!”

*HYMN — Hosanna, Loud Hosanna — #233

Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of joyful moments; this morning, we recall the excitement felt by people welcoming Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. What a moment! Today, we find ourselves swept up in the party atmosphere of that wonderful parade. Even now, we can feel your mighty grace and love. We want to cut loose in ways that honor and praise you, Jesus. Your amazing love reaches out and includes everyone.
Your goodness challenges all people to rise up and walk in your ways. Hosanna! Reign over us, Holy Jesus. Come; and live among us. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Lord, Be Glorified — #528

In my life, Lord be glorified, be glorified.
In my life, Lord be glorified today.

In your church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.
In your church, Lord, be glorified today.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

*HYMN — Amazing Grace — #299

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace, my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought us safe thus far,
And Grace will lead us home.

When we’ve been there then thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

GOD’S WORD — Philippians 2:5-11

SPECIAL MUSIC — Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

GOD’S WORD — Mark 11:1-11

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LOR’DS PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — All Glory, Laud and Honor — #234

All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!

The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.

To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Majesty, Worship His Majesty

March 3 – Third Sunday in Lent – Turning the Tables

The grace and love of Jesus Christ are God’s immeasurable gifts to all people. On the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate this love and remember God’s gift to us with communion. All are welcome at God’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: The heavens are telling of the glory of God!
All: Day and night, earth’s creatures announce God’s works!
One: All life proclaims God’s handiwork.
All: The law of God is perfect.
One: The decrees of God are sure.
All: The precepts of God are right.
One: The commandments of God are clear.
All: God is faithful. Let us praise God together!

*HYMN — A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — #1

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
And He must win the battle.
82ils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Wise and Powerful God, we are drawn to this holy place, in part, because we realize that our knowledge alone is not enough to give life meaning. The pieces of our lives need a center. As your aspiring disciples, we are in the process of growing to recognize your Cross as the center. On the Cross, you displayed total unselfishness. You placed service to others above everything else. At Calvary, you went the distance for us. The truth is that your example scares us, Jesus. We are intimidated by what you soon may ask of us.Yet we long for wholeness which only you provide. Our longing for this is so deep that we continue seeking to follow you regardless of the risks.
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. We come to you, Christ Jesus. Make yourself known to us, we pray. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Have Come Into His House — #36

We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him,
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him,
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

GOD’S WORD — 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sun of My Soul

GOD’S WORD — John 2:13-22 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — One Bread, One Body — worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Believing the Table of Jesus Christ is open to all, we celebrate Open Communion.
All who desire to share in the Sacrament are welcome to receive the bread and the cup.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — How Great Thou Art — #16
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow’r thro’out the universe displayed.

Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountains grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing.
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, go great Thou art. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Thou Art Worthy

Feb 18 – God’s Loving Paths

WELCOME

PRELUDE– Spirit of the Living God

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God has blessed us with the gift of this precious morning.
All: This blessing raises our spirits!
One: Today, we praise our Ever-Faithful God.
All: This week, we have entered into a new season.
One: Our 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day has begun.
All: As we navigate this wilderness, Eternal God is our compass.
One: Let us return to God our Savior.
All: God will put a new and right spirit within us.

*HYMN–My Faith Looks Up to Thee –#462

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love toThee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Quiet Strength, we cannot resist evil completely by ourselves. Earthly temptations are around us everywhere. How can we deal with these temptations? We rely on you for help, Great God. You are always present; living among us; living within us. We are deeply grateful to be in your care.
God of Quiet Strength, help us to be still before you – – putting aside our cares and our distresses. In the stillness and in the beauty of this morning, may we be reminded that you are God. You repeatedly invite us to follow you. So then, Christ Jesus; come now, and fill us with the faith to receive your remarkable gift of life eternal. Amen.

*RESPONSE –Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord — #424

Teach me Thy way, O Lord; teach me thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light; teach me Thy way!

When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way!
When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, thro’ sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!

GOD’S WORD— Psalm 25:1-10

SPECIAL MUSIC –Great Is Thy Faithfulness

GOD’S WORD — Mark 1:9-15

SERMON -Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN –Grace Greater Than Our Sin– #383

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION–Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

 

Chili Supper

Our Annual Chili Supper is BACK!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 2nd from 4:30-7 pm and join us as we come together for fellowship, food and fun!
Adults meals are $15 and kids are $8 (10 and under)
Tickets are on sale after worship on Sundays.
For more information please contact the church office at 314-434-4991 or ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org.

January 14 – Known and Loved

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Worship the King

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Jim French
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Our brokenness can be healed.
One: And our wholeness can be restored.
All: God offers humankind salvation.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation!
All: Praise God!

*HYMN – I Sing the Almighty Power of God – #6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how wonThyders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, are present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jim French
Loving God, you care for us in marvelous ways! Seeing that you delight in us is a blessing! When you rejoice in us, then we are led to realize our full potential and to display your goodness. When your light dawns in our lives, we want to share the joy! We want to spread the good word… your Gospel!
God of Abundant Life, we are grateful for the undeserved graces which you give. Every chance that we get may we delight you by serving others in the gentle, caring manner of Christ our Savior.
God of cleansing, living water; stir among us now in worship. Renew our souls. Help us to recall the almighty power of baptism in your name, Jesus. 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.

INSTALLATION OF IVY CHAPEL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST OFFICERS

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 43:1, 18-21 – Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Me Jesus

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 139 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133

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

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

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

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

January 7 – Epiphany!

Happy New Year from Ivy Chapel. Star of Wonder! Today we celebrate Epiphany and are glad to have guest musician Judy Lindquist here with us to lead worship.

We also mark this day with Communion. If you are worshipping with us at home, please gather the elements before the service begins so we may celebrate God’s gift to us together.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: Hear God’s word for our day.
All: May we respond as the shepherds did.
One: Let’s go to Bethlehem.
All: May we display the ambition of the Magi!
One: Let’s follow God’s starlight to the Christ Child’s birthplace.
All: Come and behold him; born the king of angels!

*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
God of new things and God of all things; you are the Giver of grace. You surprised the world in Bethlehem. The way that you came alive in the commonplace was amazing! You did not send someone else. You came yourself! You were born as a vulnerable, little baby. We are grateful that you often come to us in quietly reassuring ways that do not call attention to yourself.

We praise you, Christ Jesus, for your wonderful, everlasting love! We give you thanks from the bottom of our hearts. May our lives humbly point to your presence in the world and faithfully contribute to your vision of a world led by you, Emmanuel, God-with-us. Amen.

*RESPONSE – The First Noel – #205

The first Noel the angel did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

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

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the east beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night. [Refrain]

And by the light of that same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain]

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 60:1-6 & Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful (T. Paris) – Judy Lindquist

RESPONSIVE READING – ADORATION OF THE MAGI, Matthew 2: 1-2 – #640

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive the sacrament.
The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

*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 by 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 thy mercy seat.

As they 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, ev’ry 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.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

December 24 – Fourth Sunday of Advent

Merry Christmas to all from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

Please join the livestream at 10 a.m. Sunday on our YouTube channel. This page will be updated with a link to the recorded service later in the day.

PRELUDE – God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Sue Wilson
One: It’s Christmas Eve! Let’s rejoice!
All: God Emmanuel is coming.
One: Soon it will be the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God will appear in an astonishing way!
One: God will come to earth as a newborn baby.
All: Christ will come to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: The Holy Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

*HYMN – It Came Upon the Midnight Clear – #199

It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o’er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o’er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST (in unison)
God Emmanuel, candlelight is an ideal symbol of your love. You are reliable as a steadily burning candle flame. Your light overcomes darkness, God. As a candle gives light in the darkness, you offer light to all people. You are the Savior of the whole world! You do this by becoming a human being, Jesus of Nazareth. People all over the world rejoice at Christmas, celebrating your birth as the Christ Child. For generations, people have marveled over this miracle, and your human birth will amaze people forever. We worship you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

RESPONSE – Infant Holy, Infant Lowly – #211

Infant holy, Infant lowly, for HIs bed a cattle stall;
Oxen lowing, little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all.
Swift are winging angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing;
Christ the Babe is Lord of all, Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigils till the morning new
Saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of the gospel true.
Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, great the morrow:
Christ the Babe was born for you, Christ the Babe was born for you.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN – Away in a Manger – #213

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus; look down from the sky,
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

READINGS

SPECIAL MUSIC – All Is Well (arr. Larson) – Valerie Waterman, Soloist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We rejoice to celebrate Open Communion as the United Church of Christ!
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome.
Cups in the outer ring on each communion tray contain grape juice. Other cups contain wine.

The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup

The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

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

*SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

*HYMN – Silent Night – #189

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

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

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

*POSTLUDE – What Child Is This?

December 17 – Special Music for Advent

Let us celebrate in joyful response to God’s grace on this, the third Sunday of Advent. Thank you to today’s musicians Rachel Benitez Borrego, Sarah Reifschneider and Kathryn Kuntzman, and to our narrator, Sarah Wilson, for leading our congregation in this special celebration of The Nativity in Words and Music. This meaningful worship service promises to be a joy and a blessing!

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Listen up everybody! God gives the world the greatest gift!
All: Let’s praise God together!
One: Glory to God in the highest!
All: And peace to all people on earth.

*HYMN – O Come, All Ye Faithful (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #188

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

Refrain:
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord!

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

Refrain

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest: [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Never-ending Love, we rejoice at the amazing promise of your advent. As the Coming Christ, you give birth to hope, peace, joy, and love. Your gifts inspire people to offer gifts at all times.

Come now, God Emmanuel. Bring us to life in the name of Jesus Christ. Show us your dreams for humankind and for life everywhere.

Precious Savior, you are the Maker and the Caregiver of all creation. Your love and compassion amaze us! We gather together this day to worship you. May our lives forever sing your praises! Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Joy

RESPONSE – Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #196

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

The Nativity in Words and Music
Cello:
Rachel Benitez Borrego
Sarah Reifschneider
Kathryn Kuntzman

Narrator:
Sarah Wilson

Joy to the World!

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE – Patapan

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