Sept. 10 – God’s Presence in Trial and Rejoicing

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. The steadfast love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.

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WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Ann Molyneaux
One: God’s love is eternal.
All: God’s love is joyous, and lavish, and unlimited!
One: The steadfast love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
All: The heavens are telling of the glory of God!
One: Children of God, rejoice!
All: A new day has dawned, and we are alive to enjoy this gift!

*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]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Ann Molyneaux
Compassionate God; Creator of Life; Giver of Blessings; your mercy is boundless! We have come this day to worship you, O God!
As we gather here in your name, Jesus, already you are among us. May we sense your living presence in us and around us this moment.
You enable human beings to live in gentle, peaceful ways; pursuing not ‘our own’ justice, but your justice, Gracious Savior. If we become lost; guide us. If we get off track; challenge us.
Open our hearts to receive your compassion. Next, guide us to live as genuinely caring
souls; so that we may serve as your vessels of resurrection hope in this world. Lead us, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Come Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35

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

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

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

Come like a spring in the dessert,
Come to the withered of soul:
O let Your sweet healing power
Touch me and make me whole. Refrain

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 103:8-18 – Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC – Shall We Gather at the River? – Leavitt

GOD’S WORD – Romans 12:14, 17, 19-21 & Matthew 18:15-22 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – 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!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Postlude on ‘In Babilone’ – Young