Nov 16-Infinite Possibilities
November 15, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
We are glad that you could join us today, Bible Presentation Sunday, as we share God’s Word with our young people. Please join us following worship for refreshments and fellowship.
Please click here for a link to all of the music for today or below on individual songs.
WELCOME
PRELUDE How Firm a Foundation arr. Gilbert Martin
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Kathryn Kuntzman
One: Sing praises to God on high, for glorious are God’s works!
All: We will sing praises to the ends of the earth!
One: Blessed is the One who comes to dwell among us.
All: We rejoice in the salvation that God has provided!
One: Let us worship the Lord with joy and thanksgiving!
All: For He is our strength and our song!
*HYMN Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
Gracious and Mighty God, we gather before You with hearts ready to sing a new song. Your works are marvelous, Your love unshakable, and Your salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Let every breath within us join the chorus of creation, lifting our voices in praise. Let us be comforted and strengthened in your presence. Let your Spirit awaken joy in every heart. And remind of us your vision that all might live in a world of peace, and justice and love. Amen.
*RESPONSE Stand Up and Bless the Lord! #100
GOD’S WORD Isaiah 12 Kathryn Kuntzman
BIBLE PRESENTATION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Tara Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC Jesus Loves Me! This I know. For the Bible tells me so.
GOSPEL READING Luke 21:5-19 Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN How Firm a Foundation #179
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Standing on the Promises arr. James Koerts
Nov 9- Hold on to Faith
November 8, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
May our love for God always continue growing and may we come alive as Christ’s disciples!
All music for this Sunday can be found through this link or the links on individual songs below.
WELCOME
PRELUDE: Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 145) — Linda Lowry
One: Lift praises to the name of our God; bless God’s name forever!
All: How great is our God!
One: From generation to generation we will sing your praises and speak of your goodness!
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you are just and kind in all your doings.
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you watch over us in love and hear the desperate cries of those who call to you!
All: How great is our God! How great is our God! Bless God’s name forever!
*HYMN: Sing Praise to God #45
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Eternal God, we praise you for your gift of this magnificent new day! God of the living, your promise is to remain with all humankind, and you faithfully fulfill this promise. Long ago, O Holy Spirit, you blessed this Earth with the breath of life. Now and forever you are guiding your sacred creation toward a future overflowing with promise. This morning, we come seeking your truth, your justice and your astonishing joy!
God, we humbly thank you for loving us as we are and for welcoming us into Your sanctuary. Bless us with true awareness that you are alive here. Help us to sense your presence in this place and every place. Bring your vision for the world to life through us, we pray. In Jesus name, Amen.
PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE: Thou Art Worthy #11
GOD’S WORD: Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 — Linda Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC: Great is the Lord Michael W Smith
GOSPEL READING: Luke 20:27-38 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN: Through the Love of God, Our Savior — Ivy worship bklt. p. 89
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Little Prelude and Fugue in F J.S. Bach
Nov 2- Transforming Love
November 1, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
Join us after worship for a time of refreshments and fellowship in Fellowship Hall.
All music for worship can be found through this link or on each individual song.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Swing Low, Sweet Chariot arr., Jack Butler
*CALL TO WORSHIP —Julie McAllister
One: Come, a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us as we gather.
All: May the lingering echo of saints resound in our songs.
One: May their stories open a space for the Spirit to enter us anew.
All: In remembering them, may we find ourselves re-membered.
One: May the God of every generation form us anew for this generation.
All: And may a new joy rise in our lives and in the life of the world.
*HYMN For All the Saints #548
verses 1,4,5,6
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION –Julie McAllister
God of every age and time, inspire us today with memories of saints whose energy still lingers, hovering around and within as encouragement and strength. Wrap us anew with a felt sense of your persistent presence, granting a new energy to offer You everything of our hearts, minds and souls. Yes, Lord of Life, root us and ground us in this. And let it be more than enough for today, as we gather in the name of Jesus. Amen.
TOTENFEST A Time For Remembrance Of Loved Ones
*RESPONSE Soon and Very Soon, We are Going to See the King #559
GOD’S WORD — Ephesians 1:11-23 — Julie McAllister
ALL GOD’S CHILDREN — Tara Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC Deep River, My Home is over Jordan arr. James Michael Stevens
GOSPEL READING Luke 6:20-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON– Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*COMMUNION HYMN —Shall We Gather at the River –#575
verses 1,3,4
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A] Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.
*HYMN — I Sing Song of the Saints of God- Ivy worship booklet p. 52
*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION “We Remember Them” – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
(See Insert)
*POSTLUDE When the Saints Go Marching In arr. Jonathon Robbins
Earl Kreder, saxophone
Oct 26-Consecration Sunday
October 24, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Let us rejoice and praise God! All are invited to join us In Fellowship Hall following worship for a Consecration Luncheon when we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day.
All of our music is linked below or you can get a pdf of all music together by clicking here.
WELCOME — Valerie Waterman
PRELUDE — O God, Our Help in Ages Past
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a long time. We remember many eras before this one. Some of them we miss.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a short time. We are searching for a place to call home.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: All of us are seeking the restoration that only God can provide.
All: God brings us together in one community. Let us worship the God of restoration and transformation.
*HYMN — God of Our Life #614
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
Gracious God, thank you for the ways you have sustained our church through many different challenges. We thank you for your gifts of faith and hope for the future. Be with us as we join together to share our gifts to bring healing and renewal. God, you are transforming Your church into a new future. Show us how we can be a part of that future. Help us to put our faith in Your dream for us. Let us make those dreams real with the gifts we bring today. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
“May the peace of Christ be with you.” (Response) “And also with you.”
*RESPONSE — Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart — Ivy worship booklet p.42
GOD’S WORD — Romans 12:1-3,9-13 — Jim French
STEWARDSHIP SONG Dream God’s Dream — Insert (verses 1-3)
STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE Dreaming God’s Dream – Connection– JoAnn Moody
*HYMN — Something for Jesus #441
SCRIPTURE — Luke 10:25-37— Jim French
SPECIAL MUSIC — I Surrender All arr., Joel Raney
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (Responsive-see Insert) — Valerie Waterman
The Congregation responds with “Hear our prayer” following “God in your mercy……”
Ending with Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
THE ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC during the singing of the final hymn by placing your 2026 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket.
Dream God’s Dream!
*HYMN — We Give Thee but Thine Own #622
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — John Weiland
One: Please join me in prayer as we ask God to consecrate these pledges.
All: Creator God, we give you thanks for supplying all our needs. In gratitude, we offer back to you our tithes and offerings. Today we pledge to you our intentions to support the ongoing ministries of Ivy Chapel. May you bless our gifts and our pledges. May we utilize them with your guidance to meet the needs of our community and our world. Amen.
*POSTLUDE — Trumpet Tune on “Simple Gifts” Phil Lehenbauer
Oct 19- Dreaming God’s Dream-Education
October 18, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons…
Dreaming God’s Dream
WELCOME
PRELUDE Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet M. W. Smith/A. Grant
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God brings us together in the word.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s story.
One: God brings us together in stewardship.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s community.
One: God brings us together in a vision for the future.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s dream. Amen.
*HYMN Be Thou My Vision #400
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Ever Present God, we thank you for your love that never lets us go. Thank you for the privilege of gathering in this space to worship you. We do not come merely to open the doors of the church,
but we come that our hearts might be opened to you and to one another. As we worship you today, may we be transformed from individuals to members of your one body. Energize us to utilize our gifts for the strength of all humanity. Empower us to share our time, talents, and treasures as we seek to envision your dream for us and your world. Be with us as we continue to search for your dreams and fulfill your visions as we create your Realm here on earth. Amen.
*RESPONSE SeekYe First the Kingdom of God #61
(Sing twice)
GOD’S WORD Psalm 119:97 – 105
STEWARDSHIP SONG Dream God’s Dream Insert
(verses 1 & 2)
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Dreaming God’s Dream– Education
SPECIAL MUSIC Hymn of Promise setting by John Carter
ALL GOD’S CHILDREN JoAnn Moody
SCRIPTURE READING 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5
SERMON Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN Open My Eyes #174
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing arr. Diane Bish
October 5- World Communion Sunday
October 3, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
On this World Communion Sunday, we are blessed to be joining with Christians everywhere in the worship of God! Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior.
For a link to all of the music for today please click here.
Each song is also linked to their specific sheet music.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – For Those Tears I Died – Marsha J. Stevens
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather as God’s people to celebrate the beauty of our diversity.
All: Let us love each other as God loves us, beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image.
One: We give thanks for who we are, Beloved of God.
All: Let us open our hearts to God’s spirit of love and unity.
One: We celebrate the gifts of all gathered here today.
All: Let us worship God with all we are and celebrate the beauty of all God’s creation.
*HYMN- In Christ There Is No East or West #137
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Majestic God, your realm encompasses the universe, the earth, and our community. All creation declares your glory. May we unite with our kin around the world in celebrating you and the connections we share. As we gather in your name, may we remember those we join in faith, hope, and worship on every continent representing every tradition. May we declare in spirit and in truth…one bread, one body…the church striving to be one as you, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Spirit are one. Amen.
*RESPONSE – Bind Us Together #130
GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE JoAnn Moody
SPECIAL MUSIC – In The Garden – C. Austin Miles
GOD’S WORD John 17:21-23
SERMON – Many Parts, One Body – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
*COMMUNION HYMN One Bread, One Body – Ivy worship booklet p. 72
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [B] – Ivy worship booklet, pp. 12-13
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
*HYMN – They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love #119
*BENEDICTION – Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE
Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream
September 25, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts! May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons… Dreaming God’s Dream
WELCOME
PRELUDE Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 146)
One: Praise God! Praise the Holy One, O my soul!
All: We will sing praises to God our whole lives long!
One: Praise God in whom we may trust. Praise God in whom we may hope.
All: Happy are we whose hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: The Holy One lifts the bowed down. The Righteous One loves justice.
All: The Holy One brings the way of the wicked to ruin. Praise God who reigns forever!
*HYMN We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer #27**
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Steadfast God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, teach us your way, so that we may live filled with your Spirit – richly offering compassion and grace. Fill us to overflowing as we journey toward your ever-new horizons, dreaming Your dream. Lead us to treasure and to continue reaching for Your dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*RESPONSE Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord #424**
GOD’S WORD 1 Timothy 6:6-19
SPECIAL MUSIC Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
GOD’S WORD Luke 16:19-31
SERMON Dreaming God’s Dream Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN The Voice of God is Calling Ivy Worship Booklet, page 90 **
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Sweet, Sweet Spirit
* indicates a time to stand if able
** words can be found in separate link- please click on songs or here
September 21 – Prayerful Living
September 19, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
What great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
WELCOME
PRELUDE — How Long Has It Been – Lister
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 113)
One: Praise the Holy One! From the rising of the sun until its setting, the name of God deserves our praise!
Many: Who is like our God…seated on high?
One: Praise the Most High, who observes all things and remembers the poor and those in need.
Many: God our Righteousness raises the lowly and levels the exalted.
One: Praise the Righteous One, who is just and mighty, who repairs and redeems.
Many: The Redeemer pours out love and justice, compassion and conviction, hope and salvation. Praise the Holy One!
*HYMN — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Great God, who gathers us together in spirit and in truth, sanctify our time together. Grant us wisdom and discernment. Open our hearts to receive and to give. Be glorified in our worship and the transformation that moves us forward as your people. In your glorious and precious name, we pray. Amen.
*RESPONSE — Sweet Hour of Prayer — #166
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known:
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By they return, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear,
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His words and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer,
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
May I thy consolation bear,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
Fare-well, fare-well, sweet hour of prayer,
GOD’S WORD — 1 Timothy 2:1-7
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC –Spirit — Akers
GOD’S WORD — Luke 16:1-13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Prayerful Living — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN — What a Friend We Have in Jesus — #162
What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find asolace there.
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE — How Great Thou Art — Boberg
July 13 — Disciples Together
July 12, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
God loves all people. No one is a stranger to God. Wherever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here at Ivy Chapel.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — I Have Decided to Follow Jesus — arr. James Koerts
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Linda Lowry
One: Let us gather to worship.
All: O God, we wish to see Jesus! We come to worship, to pray, and learn.
One: We come looking for Jesus in Scripture lessons, in our own life experiences, in helping our world, in prayers for each other.
All: We seek to follow in the way of Jesus.
One: We lay bare before God and one another our own journey filled with gladness and hope, with reluctance and sorrow, with fear and confusion.
All: God, speak to us, show us, touch us with your presence! Let our journey lead us to Jesus, so that we may show Jesus forth in our lives, our faith community, and our world. Amen.
*HYMN — Help Us Accept Each Other — 127
Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe:
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.
Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,
To love them as we find them, or as they may become.
Let Your acceptance change us so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and laughter’s healing art.
Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and for bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
God of the journey, you invite us, the church, “to accept the cost and joy of discipleship” and “to be your servants in the service of others.” In so doing, may your presence be our guide and Jesus our model. May we respond to you in loving faithfulness. Amen
*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 25:1-10 — Linda Lowry
SPECIAL MUSIC — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — arr. Gary Prim
GOD’S WORD — Colossians 1:1-14 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON —Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN — Jesu, Jesu — Ivy worship booklet, p. 57
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE —Let All Things Now Living — arr.Larry Schackley
June 22 — In God’s Presence
June 21, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and celebrate this gift together! May today’s worship fill your soul with joy and strength.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — Be Thou My Vision — arr. Paul Manz
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalms 42 & 43) — Kathryn Kuntzman
One: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so we long for you, O God. As the plants turn toward the sun, so we turn to you, O God. As the tide ebbs and flows, so we move with you, O God.
Many: Hope in God! Again, we worship the Holy One, our help and our God.
One: When tears are our constant companion, when our souls become weary, when we feel forgotten or alone, we may ask the question, “Where is God?”
Many: Trust in God! Again, we honor the Present One, our strength and our God.
One: Deep calls to deep. The steadfast love of God surrounds us. The Spirit of Truth leads us to everlasting joy.
Many: Rejoice in God. Again, we praise the Living One, our source and our God.
*HYMN — As the Deer Pants for Water — Ivy worship booklet p. 26
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You!
I want you more than gold or silver,
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
Chorus
You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything!
Chorus
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
God in whom we take refuge, we seek you as the calm in the storm, the path in the wilderness, and the order in the chaos. Renew our strength with a vision of your kingdom made real and expanding before us. Encourage us with a word of possibility and an encounter with your presence. Enliven us as we pray, sing, laugh, cry, witness, listen, ponder, and imagine in your midst and in our own way. We come to you with our full selves knowing you offer us the fullness of your being. May we find hope and challenge, joy and rest, peace and power as we immerse ourselves in you and glorify your name. Amen.
*RESPONSE — We Will Glorify the King of Kings — 35
We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am
Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone
He is Lord of heaven Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give
Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am
STIRRING WORSHIP — Children’s Time — Rev. Susan Shumway
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 43 — Kathryn Kuntzman
SPECIAL MUSIC — Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — arr. Paul Manz
GOD’S WORD — Luke 8:26-39 — Rev. Susan Shumway
SERMON — “From the Tombs” — Rev. Susan Shumway
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Susan Shumway
*HYMN — Higher Ground — #448
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
Refrain
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
Refrain
I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”
Refrain
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Susan Shumway
*POSTLUDE — The Rejoicing (from Suite in D) — Charles Callahan

