October 30 – Transforming Love

All are welcome here. God loves all people. Invite Jesus Christ into your life today.

Join us in person at 10 a.m. Sunday, or worship anytime on our YouTube page.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Sarabande – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us praise God together!
All: Rejoice over God’s marvelous works!
One: God is working miracles!
All: God’s love is unconditional – unlimited – unending!
One: The earth is full of the glory of God!
All: As long as we are alive, we will sing God’s praises!

*HYMN – Where He Leads Me – #539

I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
I can hear my Savior calling,
“Take thy cross and follow, follow Me.”

Refrain:
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
Where He leads me I will follow,
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way.

I’ll go with Him thro’ the garden,
I’ll go with Him thro’ the garden,
I’ll go with Him thro’ the garden,
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way. [Refrain]

I’ll go with Him thro’ the judgment,
I’ll go with Him thro’ the judgment,
I’ll go with Him thro’ the judgment,
I’ll go with Him, with Him all the way. [Refrain]

He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
He will give me grace and glory,
And go with me, with me all the way. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Merciful God, you walk with the meek and the poor. You walk with the hungry and the thirsty. You walk with the persecuted and the sorrowful; and you call us to walk humbly with you.
When we are foolish, be our wisdom, O God. When we are weak, be our strength, we pray.
Caring God, you love and uplift all people. You call us to do the same. Continue giving us a clearer and clearer vision of who you are, God. You have created us in your image, and you want us to live as reflections of your goodness. With your continuing help, may we learn to do justice and to love kindness. Lead us, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – You Are My Hiding Place – #53

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You. I will trust in You;
Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord”

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 32:1-7

SPECIAL MUSIC – Surely the Presence of the Lord – Marohnic

GOD’S WORD – Luke 19:1-10

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – “Are Ye Able,” Said the Master – #507

“Are ye able,” said the Master,
“To be crucified with me?”
“Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answered,
“To the death we follow Thee

Refrain:
Lord, we are able. Our spirits are Thine.
Remold them, make us, Like Thee, divine.
Thy guiding radiance Above us shall be
A beacon to God, To love, and loyalty.

Are ye able to remember,
When a thief lifts up his eyes,
That his pardoned soul is worthy
Of a place in paradise? [Refrain]

Are ye able when the shadows
Close around you with the sod,
To believe that spirit triumphs,
To commend your soul to God? [Refrain]

“Are ye able?” Still the Master
Whispers down eternity,
And heroic spirits answer
Now, as then, in Galilee. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Gloria Patri – Kindermann

September 25 Livestream – From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving

All are invited to find shelter in our sanctuary, here among the trees that surround Ivy Chapel. Our services begin at 10 a.m. every Sunday. You may also join us on our YouTube channel.

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!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Handel

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Many are gathered here, hungry for so much: Souls who hunger for rest and nourishment; for inspiration and faith.
All: We will give you something to satisfy your hunger. We have stories of faith and songs of praise.
One: All who are hungry in body, whose stomachs have known the pain of emptiness.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have resources to share and a Table big enough for all!
One: All who are hungry for a relationship with the God of abundance an
generosity.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have stories old and new of God’s amazing presence and love.
One: We share, because we know there is more than enough for all people everywhere – a surplus; like overflowing baskets of bread and fish!
All: All will eat together nourished by that which Jesus himself blesses and shares.

*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
Bedrock God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, you have created this scenic sanctuary to nourish souls. In this sacred space, your people receive glimpses of our oneness with each other and with you. At times, we have asked you for exceptional abilities, so that we might achieve glorious, impressive things and be admired. Instead, we pray, help us to value Your Glory, so that we may become your humble followers.
We have asked you, God, for riches, so that we might feel comfortable and secure. Deliver us from this temptation and teach us Your Way, so that we may live overflowing with your Spirit – offering to others Your ‘wealth of compassion and grace.’
We have asked you, God, to bless our dreams, so that we might find happiness. Instead, we pray, lead us to exalt you and to continue seeking Your Dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus – Hamilton

GOD’S WORD – Luke 16:19-31

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Living for Jesus – #413

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in E Minor – Pachelbel

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April 17 Easter Livestream – He is Risen!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – All Hail, King Jesus with Majesty – Hayes

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Rejoice! It’s Resurrection Day!
All: Today, we celebrate amazing news – Christ is risen!
One: God has opened the way to Paradise.
All: The massive tombstone has been rolled out of the way.
One: The tomb is empty!
All: Christ is alive!

*HYMN – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – #268
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Life-giving God, you are the One who sends the dawn and who fills people with hope. We are here on this Day of days to worship you. Your love for all people is so deep that you give your life for us, dying in our place on the cross. But your Gospel doesn’t end there, Jesus. To top it all off, you display your ultimate power by rising from the dead.
Christ Jesus, you have blessed the world forever through the miracle of your resurrection. Your empty tomb proclaims that you are alive! Alleluia! Amen!

*RESPONSE – Were You There? (Verses 1,2,3 and 4) – #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?

Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Oh, sometimes I feel like shouting, glory, glory, glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the dead

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster

RESPONSE – He Is Lord – #103
He is Lord, He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and he is Lord!
Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Was It a Morning Like This? (Valerie Waterman, Vocalist) – Croegaert

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:1-12 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Thine Is the Glory – #281
Thine is the glory, Risen conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou or death has won!
Angels in bright raiment Rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes Where Thy body lay.

Refrain:
Thine is the glory, Risen Conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou o’er death hast won!

Lo! Jesus meets us. Risen from the tomb,
Lovingly He greets us, Scatters fear and gloom.
Let His church with gladness Hymns of triumph sing,
For the Lord now liveth; Death has lost its sting. [Refrain]

No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of Life!
Life is naught without Thee; Aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conqu’rors, Through thy deathless love;
Bring us safe through Jordan To Thy home above. (Refrain)

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – How Firm a Foundation – Cherwien

April 3 Livestream – Fifth Sunday of Lent – A New Thing

Thank you for joining us in this, the fifth Sunday of Lent.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Hobby

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                 

    One: We gather in the presence of God.
    All:  We gather to worship God.

    One:  We are not meeting by ourselves.

    All:  We gather with many ancestors. 
    One:  With Moses and Aaron;                                                                                                                        

    All:  With Sarah and Abraham
One:  With Mary and Joseph;                                                                            

    All:  With women of faith, and with fishermen;

    One:  With tax collectors  –  Zacchaeus and Matthew;

    All:  With converts  –  Nathaniel, Nicodemus and Paul;

    One:  With saints of every persuasion, from every generation;                                                                                                   

    All:  Let us declare God’s praises together!

*HYMN – My Faith Looks Up to Thee – #462

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
         Be Thou my guide;
         Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
         Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                       

       Life-Saving God; above all, you make our spirits soar like no one else!  You give us sanctuary from a frightening and exhausting outside world. As Mary did long ago in Bethany, we come to worship you, Blessed Jesus. Our joy in response to all that you give moves us to offer you our praises.  

       If we get a little carried away, it’s because your abundant love changes everything. That’s what happened back when Mary anointed you. Like her, we are grateful beyond words for a chance to be close to you, Jesus. Come alive within us now. Cleanse us; change us; lead us, we pray.  Amen. 

*RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me – #254

            Oh, how He loves you and me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

He gave His life, what more could He give;

Oh, how He loves you,

Oh, how He loves me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv’ry did go,

His love for mankind to show.

What He did there, brought hope from despair.

Oh, how He loves you,

Oh, how He loves me,

Oh, how He loves you and me.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 43:15-2 – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Were You There? – Leavitt

 GOD’S WORD – John 12:1-8 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan 

*HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265

            Let us break bread together on our knees.

Let us break bread together on our knees.

Refrain:

When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,

O Lord have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees.

Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]

Let us praise God together on our knees.

Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]

 THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION      

As the United Church of Christ, we celebrate “open” communion. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.

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

*HYMN – Are Ye Able? Said the Master – #507

            “Are ye able,” said the Master,

“To be crucified with me?”

“Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answered,

“To the death we follow Thee

Refrain:

Lord, we are able.  Our spirits are Thine.

Remold them, make us, Like Thee, divine.

Thy guiding radiance Above us shall be

A beacon to God, To love, and loyalty.

Are ye able to remember,

When a thief lifts up his eyes,

That his pardoned soul is worthy

Of a place in paradise? [Refrain]

 Are ye able when the shadows

Close around you with the sod,

To believe that spirit triumphs,

To commend your soul to God? [Refrain]

“Are ye able?” Still the Master

Whispers down eternity,

And heroic spirits answer

Now, as then, in Galilee. [Refrain]

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan             

*POSTLUDE – Iste Confessor – Tallis

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 

Praying for the return to in-person worship

Like all of you, we’re looking forward to the day when we can worship together in person again. The Ivy Chapel Board of Deacons – together with our virtual worship team – have been working hard to create a plan to make this all possible.

We’re closely watching case numbers, hospitalizations and vaccination rates so we can do what is right for our members and the community at large.

In addition to the health concerns, there are technical and logistical hurdles to overcome. We are in the process of upgrading the sound system so we can continue to provide a livestream of the worship even once we have people back in the sanctuary.

We’re almost there, with just a few more components to acquire and install. From there, we’ll be testing the new set up. You will likely notice significant changes to the online experience, but we will keep you updated.

Please note that even once we are back in person, the worship experience will be very different. We will strictly enforce the mask requirements and social distancing. We won’t have coffee hour or children in the sanctuary, and will not have congregational singing.

If you need more information, please contact us or reach out to someone from the Board of Deacons or the Ivy Chapel council.

Thank you for your patience and for sticking with us.

Oct. 25 Livestream

Be a force for positivity in the world! Embrace the good, even when it’s a challenge. Focus on the can-dos, rather than the do-nots. Love your neighbor. Be kind to all.

The order for Sunday, October 25 Worship:

Prelude / Anna diVesta

Responsive Call to Worship / Rev. Dan Wilson
One: Morning has broken!
All: Let us worship God.
One: We are drawn to worship by the unseen.
All: In worship, we sense God’s closeness.
One: The Creator of all living things gives us life!
All: There are wonders all around us!
One: Holy God is more than we can imagine.
All: Together, let us sing God’s praises!

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: I invite you to bow with me, and let us pray together.
All: God Who Leads; we know that we have not reached your Promised Land. We know that we have not yet seen the fulfillment of all that you have spoken across the generations. We know that there remains much to be done as your disciples in pursuit of “a just world for all.”
God Who Fulfills Promises; grant that we may have the faith of Moses, who trusts fully in you. Moses trusts ‘sight unseen’ that your Promised Land of Milk and Honey steadily is drawing near. Grant that we may display such trust to continue working on behalf of your justice, especially when we are tempted to despair that our efforts may be futile.
“Sometimes Unseen, but Always Faithful God,” we praise you
for guiding us toward loving as Christ loves;
for guiding us toward being willing to sacrifice our lives on behalf of others.
Fill us with your Spirit of unselfishness, Christ Jesus. We pray for your blessing on the whole world this day. Lead us to love you and to follow you, Jesus. Amen.

Hymn/ “With My Whole Heart” worship booklet, p. 98

Children’s Message / Sue Wilson

Special Music/ “Toccata in D” / Anna

Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Matthew 22:34-46

Sermon/Prayer / Pastor Dan

Hymn / “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” # 119

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna

July 5 Virtual Worship

This week, we invite you to join us for a virtual communion experience. Gather your own elements, and we can share them together.

As our Independence Day celebrations wind down, we pause to pray for peace and unity in our county and our world. Thank you for continuing to join us for our virtual worship experiences. And while we anxiously await the time when we may be able to worship together again, we will always put the health and safety of our members, friends and community first. Be safe, be healthy, and stay connected as best you can.

America

  1. My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing;
    Land where my fathers died, Land of the Pilgrim’s pride,
    From every mountain side Let freedom ring!
  2. Let music sweet the breeze, and ring from all the trees Sweet freedom’s song:
    Let mortal tongues awake, Let all that breathe partake;
    Let rocks their silence break, The sound prolong.

America the Beautiful

  1. O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain,
    For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!
    America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
    And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
  2. O beautiful for pilgrim feet, Whose stern impassioned stress
    A thoroughfare for freedom beat Across the wilderness!
    America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
    Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

Battle Hymn of the Republic

  1. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
    He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
    He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; lory! glory, hallelujah!
    His truth is marching on.

REFRAIN
Glory! glory, hallelujah! Glory! glory, hallelujah!
Glory! glory, hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

  1. In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea,
    With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;
    As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free,
    While God is marching on.

REFRAIN

Spirit

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.

  1. You move 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

  1. You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
    and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
    When they were confounded with idols and lies,
    Then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.

REFRAIN

  1. You sand 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

  1. You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
    from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams;
    our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
    With bold new decisions your people arise.

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