September 21 – Prayerful Living
September 19, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person? You can join us for 10 am Sunday worship online every week on our YouTube channel through this link.
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
Pastoral Care Training
September 17, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Training is for Deacons, Care Corp, and Mary & Marthas. It is also open to anyone interested in joining those ministries. The meeting will take place immediately after worship on Sept. 28th in the pastor’s office. We will be focusing on questions and answers plus refreshing basic pastoral care skills.
For more information please contact Pastor Carol at pastorcarol@ivychapel.org .
Coming Soon for Our Youth!
September 17, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
Confirmation Class for youth currently in the 8th grade or higher will begin in October. Classes are planned for 1st & 3rd Sundays after worship and the sessions will be 1 hour in length with food provided.
“Faith 101” for youth in 5th, 6th & 7th grades will begin in October. Classes are planned on the 3rd Sunday of each month after worship. Sessions will be less than 1 hour in length and food will be provided.
For more information, contact Linda Lowry, Jo Ann Moody or Pastor Carol, pastorcarol@ivychapel.org or call the church office 314-434-4991.
2025 World Communion Day
July 16, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
We will share with Christians from all over the globe to celebrate World Communion Sunday, a day to remember that we are united as one body in Christ, no matter where we are. On October 5 join us at 10 am during our in-person worship service or online as we gather around the Lord’s table, we will break bread and share the cup, reflecting on the unity, love, and grace we have through Christ.
Observed on the first Sunday in October, this day calls the Church to be the universal, inclusive Church. The day was first observed by Presbyterians in 1936, adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940, and shortly thereafter observed in churches worldwide.
Almighty God, from the ends of the earth you have gathered us around Christ’s holy table.
Let us come together to celebrate this sacred meal as a reminder of our shared faith and fellowship with believers worldwide.
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
June 7 — Pentecost
June 7, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
A Blessed Pentecost Day to everyone! All glory to God for the blessing of life! We give thanks to God for the invitation to be alive in a world full of possibility with open minds and open hearts to live with great joy until we meet again.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Acts 2:1 and Psalm 104) — JoAnn Moody
One: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one
place.
Many: We join for worship online and onsite, in real time and sometimes days later, and yet,
One: The Holy One sends forth the Spirit.
Many: Who unites us, connects us, and forms us as a community.
One: We were created in spirit and in truth, wonderfully and fearfully, in the image of Holy Love.
Many: God renews the face of the earth and the cosmos, this faith community and the church.
One: May the glory of God the Fire endure forever!
Many: Bless the Holy One, oh my soul. Praise God!
*HYMN — Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart — #154
Spirit of God, who dwells within 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 opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
Hast Thou not 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 Thou 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 heaven-descended Dove;
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — JoAnn Moody
Spirit of Unity, you knit us together with all of our connections and distinctions. You make us one and yet unique. We gather to hear your voice and to attune ourselves to the language of the other, to celebrate the diversity of your creation and to immerse ourselves in compassionate care, to give you glory and to recognize the gift of community. May our hearts be opened and our lips declare your praise. Inhabit our worship with your abiding presence and inflame us with your love. Amen.
*RESPONSE — Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place — #146
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angel’s wings,
I see glory on each face;
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry
*HYMN — Sweet, Sweet Spirit — #153
There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Refrain:
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Refrain
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 104:24-34, 35b — JoAnn Moody
SPECIAL MUSIC — Spirit Medley
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is; Breathe on Me, Breath of God;
Spirit of the Living God
GOD’S WORD — John 14:8-17, 25-27 — Rev. Susan Shumway
SERMON — Truth, Trouble, and Fear — Rev. Susan Shumway
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Susan Shumway
*HYMN — Spirit — Ivy worship booklet pp. 82-83
Refrain:
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free,
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” Refrain
You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain
You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Refrain
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow all the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. Refrain
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Susan Shumway
*POSTLUDE — Every Time I Feel the Spirit
June 1 — That They May All Be One
May 31, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
All glory to God for the blessing of life! We give thanks to God for the invitation to be alive in a world full of possibility with open minds and open hearts to live with great joy until we meet again.
WELCOME
PRELUDE — He Is Exalted
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: Come now into this hour of worship and of praise to God.
All: We enter joyfully into the sacred place of the Most High.
One: We long to encounter God as Spirit,
All: And to worship God in spirit and in truth.
One: May our every breath become a prayer,
All: And may our every heartbeat become an open door through which the Living One may enter.
*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 — Ann Molyneaux
Merciful and Gracious God, we praise you as the Creator of all life. You are the One who makes and loves all people. May we love everyone as genuinely as you do, God. Come alive among us day by day. May we live – growing and responding to all that you ask of us.
With joy we join together to worship you. Come now and fill our hearts with your unselfish, exceptional love. Oh God, be with us as we live into all that is possible.
We pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. men.
*RESPONSE — Thy Word — #178
Chorus:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Chorus:
I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love You to the end.
Chorus:
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 97 — Ann Molyneaux
SPECIAL MUSIC — Great is the Lord
GOD’S WORD — John 17:20-26 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*COMMUNION HYMN — Come Share the Lord — #260
We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame,
For thru the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord.
No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.
He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord
We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen, He meets us here,
In the breaking of the bread.
We’ll gather soon where angels sing,
We’ll see the glory of our lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord
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.
*HYMN — Called as Partners in Christ’s Service — Worship booklet, p.32
Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end
Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold
Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair
So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE — Christ for the World We Sing
April 27 — Resurrection Witness
April 26, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Peace be with you. Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. You are welcome here. God loves all people. God is still speaking…Christ is risen! Alleluia!
WELCOME
PRELUDE — Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain
*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: Children of God, come and worship.
All: We come to worship Jesus Christ, risen forever!
One: Come to receive forgiveness for your sins.
All: We come to discover hope in the face of fear.
One: Jesus Christ appears and declares, “My peace I give to you.”
All: Our Savior is here!
One: Our Savior is alive!
All: We come to rejoice in life born out of death. Alleluia!
*HYMN — Come Christians, Join to Sing — #70
Come, Christians, join to sing Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King; Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice, Before his throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!
Come, lift your hearts on high, Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky; Alleluia! Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend, To us He’ll condescend;
His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!
Praise yet our Christ again; Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain; Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore, His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore, “Alleluia! Amen!”
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
God of all our beginnings; may this day begin with praises for you! Let every breath become a witness to your Spirit, living within us and among us. Open our hearts to receive your saving gifts. Use our voices to proclaim your unsurpassed greatness. May the sound of our celebration help people to sense your powerful presence and to claim the joy of serving you, in Christ’s name. 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 heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 118:14-29 — John Weiland
SPECIAL MUSIC — I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
GOD’S WORD — John 20:19-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN — Because He Lives — #275
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives
Refrain
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
Refrain
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy He gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Refrain
And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.
Refrain
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE — Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
April 18 — Good Friday
April 17, 2025 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Our Savior Jesus Christ is crucified on a cross. We remember this holy sacrifice on Good Friday; this loving act of God.
PRELUDE — What Wondrous Love is This
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Linda Lowry
One: Christ Jesus empties himself,
All: Taking the form of a servant.
One: Christ Jesus humbles himself,
All: And becomes obedient unto death—even death on a cross.
One: There is no greater love than this—to lay down one’s very life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Merciful God, our souls ache with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Holy Spirit, we need you now. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.
*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.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION — Linda Lowry
Blessed Savior, each Good Friday invites the whole world to the foot of your cross. This is a forlorn and difficult place to be. Here we are shown our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Yes, like Simon Peter, sometimes we also draw swords in anger. We lash out at one another. We criticize; we envy; we injure one another. Worst of all, we continue pretending to serve you without making true sacrifices. Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. At the foot of your cross, sorrow and love mingle. Forgive us for crucifying you. Amen.
SILENCE
*ASSURANCE OF PARDON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*RESPONSE — 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?
RESPONSIVE READING — Crucifixion of Christ — #645
*HYMN — Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone — #512
GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross
Forgiveness
Luke 23:32-34
Acceptance
Luke 23:39-43
Love
John 19:25a-27
Anguish
Mark 15:33-34
Suffering
John 19:28-29
Fulfillment
John 19:30
Surrender
Luke 23:44-46
SPECIAL MUSIC — It Is Finished — Hartman
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist
DEPART IN SILENCE