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

Christmas Eve Livestream – Lighting the Christ Candle

On this holy night, Christians throughout God’s world are celebrating Christ’s birth. Tonight’s offering gifts will be given to the U.C.C. Christmas Fund.

Our Christmas worship begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24th. You can find the service on our YouTube page.

PRELUDE O Little Town of Bethlehem – Livingston

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’ss rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful #188

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, both 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 of God, and Light of Light begotten,
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created;

REFRAIN

Sing, choirs of angels, sin in exultation!
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

REFRAIN

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

REFRAIN

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE

RESPONSE When God Is a Child worship booklet, p. 95

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

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

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

REFRAIN

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born.

REFRAIN

Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Gracious God, tonight as we gather together to conclude this Advent journey, we celebrate that a new light has dawned! A Child is born, and this Child is our light and the source of our joy. The child brings hope into the world, and the promise of peace on earth. The child is love incarnate, love divine; and we thank you, O God, for this – the most perfect gift imaginable. Joy to the world! Christ is born! Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – Cotter

A Glimpse of God John 1:1-4

Census Luke 2:1, 3-5

No Vacancy Luke 2:6-7

Sensing the Spectacular Luke 2:8-12

The Messiah: World Première Luke 2:13-18

Eternal Mystery

SPECIAL MUSIC Who Would Imagine a King?
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “Open Communion” as the United Church of Christ
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to partake of this Communion.

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 tonight 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.

Christ is born.

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

Nov. 21 Livestream – The Reign of Christ

We celebrate with joy and thanksgiving that you are sharing in the worship experience with us today! Please watch our website or our YouTube channel for special Thanksgiving messages this week, and for an update on Advent here at Ivy Chapel.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Prelude in G – Couperin

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

       One:  In the midst of difficulty, God sets a table of rejoicing for us. 
       All:  Though the world seems focused on turmoil, yet will we praise God! 
       One:  Our lives are called to be witnesses to God’s goodness and power. 
       All:  Our hearts are created to display compassion toward all of God’s people. 
       One:  May we live as God’s servants and witnesses in today’s world.
All:  Filled with joy and thanksgiving, let us worship God!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come – #588

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide,
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

*OPENING PRAYER 

        We come to you, O God of Abundant Grace, in thanksgiving for your gift of our cherished homeland – a bountiful land whose harvest is capable of feeding all the world.  

        We come to you now, O God, in thanksgiving for the gift of faith- the faith revealed to us and instilled within us through your steadfast love. Most of all, we come to you in thanksgiving for the astonishing gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. O Holy One, you fill us to overflowing with grace and mercy!  For your countless blessings, we praise and worship you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – We Bow Down – worship booklet, p. 93

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea;
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,
and Lord of all lords You will be.
We bow down and we worship You, Lord,
We bow down and we worship You, Lord;
we bow down and we worship You, Lord,
Lord of all lords You will be.

You are King of creation and King of my life,
King of the land and the sea;
You were King of the heavens before there was time,
and King of all kings You will be.
We bow down and we crown You the King,
we bow down and we crown You the King;
we bow down and we crown You the King,
King of all kings You will be.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAG – Linda Lowry   

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 93 – Pastor Dan           

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Oh, I Want to Know You More – Hamilton  

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:4b-8 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan                      

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

*HYMN – We Will Glorify – #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.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Marche – Young 

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Nov. 14 (No stream) – Praise the Holy One

Today we gather in our beautiful, windowed sanctuary to praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn and all the gifts He lovingly shares with us.

Worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday. Due to a technical glitch, there is no livestream for this week. We hope to be back up and running next week. Thank you for your patience and understand, and have a good week.

Here are this week’s order for worship and scripture readings:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Children of the Heavenly Father – Hustad

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

      One:  Works of God are all around us!   

      All:  Praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn!  

      One:  May we strive to live as giving servants in the manner of our Savior. 

      All:  Jesus Christ is our Master and our Savior.   

      One:  At the name of Jesus, let every knee bow.    

      All:  Let every tongue proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord! 

      One:  Have faith.  God provides.  

      All:  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  

*HYMN – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – #10   

*OPENING PRAYER                                                     

       Living God, you rose from the dead on Resurrection day. Nothing compares to the promise we have in you! You are the Giver of everlasting life. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the wonders of your mighty love.

       Long ago, you made yourself known through commonplace acts of kindness as well as spectacular miracles. You are among us this morning, O Tower of Refuge and Strength. The deepest human hungers are satisfied by you and you alone. We praise you for being with us, day by day, Faithful God; gently teaching us that Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is your church. May we exalt you and honor you, Jesus, by joyfully giving away your love. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry                                                                               

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 16                                     

SPECIAL MUSIC – Since Jesus Came Into My Heart – Hamilton  

 GOD’S WORD – 1 Samuel 1:1-20 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan 

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

*RESPONSE – UCC Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 5

*HYMN – The Greatest Thing – #106  

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in G Major – Pachelbel 

Nov. 7 Livestream – Totenfest

Thank you for being with us today as we mark Totenfest, the annual celebration of life remembering those we have lost in the past year. If you are joining us online, please gather your bread and wine or grape juice so we can have communion together.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude on “Bread of Life” – Young

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Come, all who are anxious or angry.
All: Come, all who are discouraged or exhausted.
One: Enter into the joy of your Master. This is the sanctuary of God.
All: This is holy ground.
One: God is here to receive you and to love you.
All: From the past will come the future. What it holds is a mystery!
One: Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
All: In our death, a resurrection. At the last, a victory!

*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 for;
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 wold 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 Sabbath His name, From age to age the same, A
nd He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should treated to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The prince of Darkess 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 good and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of abundant blessing; out of pure love, you set people free.
God of everlasting life; we worship you!
We praise you as a Giving, Loving God. All people are in your care, and you are stirring among us. It is thanks to you, O God, that relationships are healthy; that compassion flows abundantly; that brokenness is mended; that souls love one another!
We come this day, seeking your guidance, God. Reveal to us, we pray, ways that we may faithfully offer people support and blessing. In your life, Christ Jesus, we see unselfishness and kindness that we want to emulate. Merciful and Mighty One, guide us to follow you by offering tender, loving care to all. Lead us toward becoming your joyful children of grace. 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 healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.

GOD’S WORD – Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – For All the Saints (Verses 1-4) – #548

For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
They name, O Jesus, be forever blest:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might,
Thou Lord, their captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine;
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

TOTENFEST – Thanksgiving for Loved Ones

SPECIAL MUSIC – Marcia Funebre sulla morte d’un Eroe, Op 26 (Beethoven) – Mike Waller

GOD’S WORD – Mark 12:38-44 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “open communion,” for we believe Christ’s Table is open to all people. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Hymn of Promise – #277

In the bulb there is a flower; In the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter There’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, Seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, Bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; What it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity.
In our doubt there is believing; In our life, eternity.
In our death a resurrection; At the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – To God Be the Glory – Hustad

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Food photo created by mdjaff – www.freepik.com

Oct. 27 Livestream – Take Heart!

Take Heart! No matter what happens, Jesus is here for us. Let us gather and hear God’s calling.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Perfect Love – Hustad

*CALLNG ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Let us sing God’s praises!
All: God is gathering us together this moment!
One: From many different places, we come.
All: All who are struggling, God will help.
One: All who are grieving, God will console.
All: All who are lost, God will guide.
One: Let us worship God who brings us together.
All: Sing for joy, all the earth!

*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 life That 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.
T You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring;
So fill our hearts, that all my view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of perpetual renewal; we give you thanks today for gathering us together as your Church and for gracing us with your faithful presence.
Loving God, we come to pray and praise, to meditate and be mindful. Open our minds to new understandings, and our hearts to new people. Call us out of comfort, out of our fear of change, and into a sense of amazement at this world which you are constantly creating and renewing with life abundant. Guide our feet to follow your path in the world, so that we may faithfully love everyone with your extravagant love.
God of newness; we rejoice that you are shaping all that is alive into your emerging masterpiece. Continue guiding your whole creation toward your vision of fullness of life for all! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, Into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 126

SPECIAL MUSIC – O God, Beyond All Praising – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Mark 10:46-52 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but no 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, I have already come;
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And Grace will lead me home.

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

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to give away God’s love. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in A Minor – Sweelinck

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