July 11 Livestream – Joy!
July 10, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today is the seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Gather with us on this day with Joy as we thank God. Worship with us today on YouTube, and remember you are invited to be here in person next week.
July 11 Livestream – JOY!
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Welcome to this house of prayer.
All: We are on holy ground.
One: The Church is God’s sanctuary where everyone is welcome.
All: All people are God’s guests here.
One: It is a blessing to join together in worship.
All: Let us praise God!
*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33
- All crea-tures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou burn-ing sun with gold-en beam,
Thou silv-er moon with soft-er gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - Thou rush-ing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n a-long,
O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou ris-ing morn in praise re-joice,
Ye lights of eve-ning, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - Thou flow-ing wa-ter, pure and clear,
Make mu-sic for thy Lord to hear,
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou fire so mas-ter-ful and bright,
That giv-est man both warmth and light,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - And all ye men of ten-der heart,
For-giv-ing others, take your part,
O sing ye, Al-le-lu-ia!
Ye who long pain and sor-row bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - Let all things their Cre-a-tor bless,
And wor-ship Him in hum-ble-ness,
O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise, praise the Fa-ther, praise the Son,
And praise the Spir-it, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
We gather to thank you, Gracious God. Hear our praises! Even in our darkest moments you surround us with a love which is stronger than all of our difficulties, doubts or fears. In worship together, we express our joys and our sorrows. Dear God, you share in all of our emotions, and we are deeply grateful for your genuine caring.
Living God, you are the One who makes us whole. Come to us now, that we may receive glimpses of your Realm Eternal, which is far larger and grander than the conventional focus of our narrow, daily concerns. In the blessed name of Jesus; we await your Word. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Seek Ye First – #615
Seek ye first the King-doom of God,
And his right-eous-ness.
And all these things should be add-ed un-to you!
Al-le-lu, al-le-lu ia!
*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – #13
- Joy-ful, joy-ful, we a-dore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts un-fold like flow’rs be-fore Thee,
Open-in to the sun a-bove.
Melt the clouds of sin and sad-ness;
Drive the dark of doubt a-way;
Giv-er of im-mor-tal glad-ness,
Fill us with the light of day - All Thy works with joy sur-round Thee,
Earth and heav’n re-flect Thy rays,
Stars and an-gels sing a-round Thee,
Cen-ter of un-bro-ken praise.
Field and for-est, vale and mount-ain,
Flow-dry mead-ow, flash-ing sea,
Chant-ing bird and flow-ing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee. - Thou art giv-ing and for-giv-ing,
Ev-er bless-ing, ev-er blest,
Well-spring of the joy of liv-ing,
Oc-ean-depth of hap-py rest!
Thou our Fa-ther, Christ our Bro-ther—
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each oth-er,
Lift us to the joy di-vine. - Mor-tals join the might-y cho-rus
Which the morn-ing stars be-gan;
Fa-ther love is reign-ing o’er us,
Bro-ther love binds man to man.
Ev-er sing-ing, march we on-ward,
Vic-tors in the midst of strife;
Joy-ful mu-sic leads us sun-ward
In the tri-umph song of life.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 48 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – God of Wonders (Hindalong) – Sarah Wilson, Trumpet
GOD’S WORD – Mark 6:1-13 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Lord of the Dance – worship booklet, pp. 66-67
- I danced in the morn-ing when the world was be-gun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heav-en and I danced on the earth.
At Beth-le-hem I had my birth.
Refrain:
Dance, then, wher-ev-er you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wher-ev-er you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
- I danced for the scribe and the Phar-i-see,
But they would not dance and they would not foll-ow me;
I danced for the fish-er-men, for James and John;
They came to me and the dance went on.
Refrain
- I danced on the sab-bath when I cured the lame,
The ho-ly peo-ple said it was a shame;
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
And they left me there on a cross to die.
Refrain
- I danced on a Fri-day and the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the de-vil on your back;
They bur-ied my bo-dy and they thought I’d gone
But I am the dance and I still go on.
Refrain
- They cut me down and I leapt up high,
I am the life that’ll ne-ver, ne-ver die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
Refrain
`
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
CCLI License #456361
June 20 Livestream – In the Boat Together
June 19, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
A Happy and Blessed Fathers Day. We hope this worship experience renews your body, mind and soul.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Over and over, Jesus comes down to the lakeshore.
All: All he’s asking is for us to follow.
One: The fullness of God is beyond us.
All: Yet, on occasion, we are given glimpses of God.
One: Jesus looks into our eyes and calls out our names.
All: God is with all people at all times.
*HYMN – Shout to the North (Martin Smith)
- Men of faith, rise up and sing Of the great and glorious King. You are strong when you feel weak
In your bro-ken-ness complete.
Shout to the north and the south; Sing to the east and the west;
Je-sus is Sav-ior to all, Lord of Heaven and earth!- Rise up, women of the truth. Stand and sing to bro-ken hearts,
Who can know the heal-ing pow’r
Of our awe-some King of love.
Shout to the north and the south; Sing to the east and the west;
Je-sus is Sav-ior to all, Lord of Heaven and earth!
We’ve been thru fire. We’ve been thru rain.
We’ve been re-fined by the pow’r of His name.
We’ve fal-len deep-er in love with you. You’ve burned the truth on our lips.
- Rise up, women of the truth. Stand and sing to bro-ken hearts,
- Rise up, Church with broken wings. Fill this place with songs again Of our God who reigns on high.
By His grace again we’ll fly!
Shout to the north and the south; Sing to the east and the west;
Je-sus is Sav-ior to all, Lord of Heaven and earth!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
We sing your praises, O God; for you are gracious to your children in the course of so many storms. When dangers threaten, you give us the strength to carry on. God of Peace, you are the One who enables us to give to the winds our fears. Because of you, we can trust and be un-afraid. You are a Compassionate God who fulfills each one of your promises.
We have come to worship you this morning, Eternal God. May we listen closely for your voice – the One True Voice, Merciful and Mighty; whom we frequently find difficult to hear. Like the wild and restless sea – may we be still; know that you are God; and obey you. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – God Will Make a Way – worship booklet, p. 44
God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
He works in ways we can not see,
He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide, hold me close-ly to His side,
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way,
He will make a way.
GOD’S WORD – Job 38:1-7, 16-18 – Pastor Dan
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 107:1, 23-30 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – River in Judea –arr. Leavitt
Sarah Heend, Sue Wilson and Anna DiVesta, Vocalists
Aaron DiVesta, Saxophone
GOD’S WORD – Mark 4:35-41 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN – Spirit – worship booklet, pp. 82-83
Chorus: Spirit, Spirit of gen-tle-ness,
Blow through with wil-der-ness, call-ing and free,
Spirit, Spirit of rest-less-ness,
Stir me from plac-id-ness, wind, wind on the sea
You moved on the wa-ters, you called to the deep,
Then you coaxed up the moun-tains from the val-leys of sleep,
And o-ver the e-ons you called to each thing,
“A-wake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.â€
Chorus: Spirit, Spirit of gen-tle-ness,
Blow through with wil-der-ness, call-ing and free,
Spirit, Spirit of rest-less-ness,
Stir me from plac-id-ness, wind, wind on the sea
You swept through the des-ert, you stung with the sand
And you gift-ed your peo-ple with a law and a land,
When they were con-found-ed with i-dols and lies,
Then you spoke through your proph-ets to o-pen their eyes
Chorus: Spirit, Spirit of gen-tle-ness,
Blow through with wil-der-ness, call-ing and free,
Spirit, Spirit of rest-less-ness,
Stir me from plac-id-ness, wind, wind on the sea
You sang in a sta-ble, you cried from a hill,
Then you whis-pered in si-lence when the whole world was still
And down in the cit-y you called once a-gain
When you blew through your peo-ple on the rush of the wind.
Chorus: Spirit, Spirit of gen-tle-ness,
Blow through with wil-der-ness, call-ing and free,
Spirit, Spirit of rest-less-ness,
Stir me from plac-id-ness, wind, wind on the sea
You call from to-mor-row, you break an-cient schemes,
From the bond-age of sor-row the cap-tives dream dreams;
Our wom-en see vi-sions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new de-ci-sions your peo-ple a-rise
Chorus: Spirit, Spirit of gen-tle-ness,
Blow through with wil-der-ness, call-ing and free,
Spirit, Spirit of rest-less-ness,
Stir me from plac-id-ness, wind, wind on the sea
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
April 11 Livestream – Together with Joy!
April 10, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Whether you are here with in in the sanctuary or you are worshipping with us online, we rejoice that we can be together to celebrate the Risen Savior!
WELCOME
PRELUDE– Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Jesus, we hear you say, Peace be with you.
All: People rage with contempt; the land is consumed by violence; the air of the atmosphere is polluted. How can we claim peace in a time like this?
One: Peace be with you.
One: Jesus, we hear you say, Receive the Holy Spirit
All: We are afraid of this Spirit, too disturbed by it, too overwhelmed by it. Isn’t your Spirit a gift too powerful to be entrusted to humankind?
One: Receive the Holy Spirit.
One: Jesus, we hear you say, See my hands.
All: We do not want to see the wounds of the world. There are too many to recall, too many places scarred by injury. Why won’t you let us look away?
One: See my hands.
One: Jesus, we hear you say, Reach out your hand.
All: We are so bound up in your love, Jesus, that your peace, your Spirit, even your pain will not let us go. Therefore, we remember, we marvel, and we move forward in faith.
One: Reach out your hand.
One: Jesus, we hear you say, Do not doubt but believe.
All: Our Lord and our God, you are alive!
HYMN – Crown Him with Many Crowns – #3
- Crown Him with many crowns The Lamb upon His Thrown;
Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns All music but its own!
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King Thro’ all eternity. - Crown Him the Son of God Before the world’s began,
And ye, who tread where He hath trod, Crown Him the Son of Man;
Who every grief hath known That wrings the human breast,
And take and bears them for His own, that all in Him may rest. - Crown Him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save;
His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, And lives that death my die. - Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side,
Those wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorifies:
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou hast died for me:
Thy praise and glory shall not fail Thro’out eternity.
PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of Easter Joy; you can do anything! You are so flat-out Supreme that you frighten us, Amazing God. As we continue sharing time with you, we eventually grow somewhat more at ease in your presence, God.
Through your patient love, we learn that anyone and everyone can safely come to you – with our joys; our sorrows; our fears; our complaints; our doubts.
God of Easter Joy; we are grateful to you for teaching us your Way of life! Draw us away from the ways of this world. We praise you for the wholeness which you provide, God. Bring together the broken pieces of fragmented human lives. Help all people to accept who you are and to receive the love that you offer. Come now, and guide this time of worship, we pray. Amen.
PRAISE 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 – Acts 2:43-47 – Pastor Dan
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson
SPECIAL MUSIC – Make My Life An Alleluia! – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 20:19-31 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan – Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
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 – Anna DiVesta
CCLI License #456361
Good Friday Virtual Worship
April 2, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We glorify God our Savior for this extraordinary act of love; this holy sacrifice.
SILENT REFLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ betrayed.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ arrested.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ denied.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ abused, and beaten, and sentenced to die.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ crucified.
*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Everlasting God, we need you. You respond to the cries of your children from all walks of life. From the cross, Christ Jesus, you are the One crying out. Help us to hear your cries. Fill us with compassion for your pain and suffering. We are saved by your sacrifice. On this unforgettable night, may we be moved by the sorrows of betrayal, denial, cruelty, and condemnation that you endure for us. Your death is agony. This night, we remember you. Although we cannot fully imagine your excruciating pain, our souls ache as we recall you dying on the cross, Jesus.
You know our need for your grace. We worship and love you. 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 that 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. CALL TO CONFESSION – Pastor Dan
One: God longs for us to come to God; to be truthful; and to confess our sin.
God wants to free us from all guilt and fear. Let us pray together.
All: O Holy One, God Eternal; we frequently keep ourselves busy with things that do not satisfy. We try to fill our emptiness with activities and possessions that drain our energies rather than give life meaning. We get things all mixed up. We excuse our own sin at the same time that we condemn wrongdoing we see in others. Help us to own up to our sin and to repent. Have mercy on us, Dear God. We are sorry for failing you. Forgive us, we pray. Into your hands, we commend our souls. Amen. SILENCE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS – Pastor Dan THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 52:13-53:12 HYMN – Were You There? – #266 – Verses 1, 2 and 3 only - Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
Were you there when they crucified my Lord? - Were your there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
O! 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?
O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Christ on the Cross
The third hour
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.â€
The fourth hour
John 19:26-27
“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.â€
The fifth hour
Luke 23:43
“Truly, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.â€
The sixth hour
John 19:28
“I thirst.â€
The seventh hour
Matthew 27:46
“My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?â€
The eighth hour
Luke 23:46
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.â€
The ninth hour
John 19:30
“It is finished.â€
SPECIAL – ‘Tis Finished – Hartman –Marsha Fix, Vocalist
- Depart in silence +
Feb. 28 Virtual Worship –Â Always Close
February 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.
Here is the order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!
Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35
- Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.
RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.
- Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,
REFRAIN
- Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.
REFRAIN
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.
Response – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.
Children’s Message – Sue Wilson
God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee
God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436
- Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross That raises me;
Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - There let the way appear Steps unto heav’n’
All that Thou sendest me In mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. use, - Then, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise
Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - Or if on joyful wing, Clearing the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Feb. 14 Livestream – Transfiguration
February 13, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Join us for our Transfiguration Sunday worship.
Here is this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob;
whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth!
All: God lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: God upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
All: God opens the ears of the deaf and gives sight to the blind.
One: God watches over foreigners.
All: God sets prisoners free!
One: God remains faithful forever!
All: Let us praise the Maker of heaven and earth!
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ provides us with strength which the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt.
God of all; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and power, fill us with courage to serve as your witnesses, we pray. Shape us into your messengers of hope and good news.
God of valleys and of mountaintops; you reveal what true mightiness is!
Fill the lives of all your children with joy and promise. Amen.
Hymn – Day By Day – #486
- Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no causer for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Give unto each day what He deems best-
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest. - Every day the Lord Himself is near me With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of HIs child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As your days, your strength shall be in measure,†This the pledge to me He made. - Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land. Children’s Message – Sarah Heend Scripture Reading – Micah 4 – Pastor Dan Special Music – Nothing Left to Say Scripture Reading – Mark 9:2-9 – Pastor Dan
Sermon –Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – God of the Ages – #51
- God of the ages, HIstory’s Maker, Planning our pathway, Holding us fast,
Shaping in mercy All that concerns us; Father, we praise You, Lord of the past. - God of this morning, Gladly Your children Worship before You,
Trustingly bow; Teach us to know You Always among us,
Quietly sov’reign Lord of our now. - God of tomorrow, Strong Overcomer, Princes of darkness Own Your command;
What then can harm us? We are Your people,
Now and forever Kept by Your hand. - Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning, Lord of the future, Help us, we pray.
Teach us to trust You, Love and obey You, Benediction – Pastor Dan Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Jan. 24 Livestream –Â Follow Me
January 24, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
The warmest of greetings from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Thank you for worshipping with us. We continue to pray for the health and safety of our world, and for brighter days ahead for all.
Do you want to know more about Ivy Chapel or do you have a question about our stream services? Get in touch with us.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Third Sunday after Epiphany
“Follow Meâ€
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.
All: God only is my rock and my salvation. I shall not be shaken.
One: Pour out your hearts before God. Trust in God at all times.
All: Our trust is in God, Maker of heaven and earth!
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of all times and places, may we receive your message now. Sometimes we do not like what we hear, but we know we need to listen. Your message is true and universal, although we would like to make distinctions that favor us and our friends. You call us out of our comfort zones to live courageously and to try new things. Rejoice; welcome; forgive; heal; love. These are acts of faith that you want to see us put into practice. You command us to reach out to people with whom we seem to have little in common.
Still-Speaking God, you call us to accompany you on a pathway – your sacred path of living grace. You inspire us, Jesus! Help us to absorb what you are saying and to respond to what you are asking. Then we will follow you by carrying what we have received from you to the places you want us to go, to the people you desire to reach. Amen.
Hymn “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore†worship booklet, p. 101
- You have come down to the lakeshore seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,
But only asking for me to follow.
REFRAIN
O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; now with you I will seek other seas.
- You know full well my possessions. neither treasure nor weapons for conquest,
Just these my fishnets and will for working.
REFRAIN
- You need hands, my exhaustion, working love for the rest of the weary
A love that’s willing to go on loving.
REFRAIN
- You who have fished other waters; you, the longing of souls that are yearning;
As loving Friend, you have come to call me.
REFRAIN
Children’s Message – Sue Wilson
Scripture Reading – Psalm 62:5-12 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – “Come, Follow Meâ€
Scripture Reading – Mark 1:14-20 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – “Spirit†– pp. 82-83, worship booklet
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 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.â€
REFRAIN
- 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
- 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 the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Jan. 10 Livestream – The Baptism of Christ
January 10, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us today, January 10, 2021.
As we reflect on the events at the U.S. Capitol this past week, we are thinking about defining moments. This coincides with the remembrance of the baptism of Jesus. Will this week be a turning point for our world, our country – and even for you? Worship with us, and be the change the world so desperately needs.
If you have questions or problems about Ivy Chapel or our virtual worship, please contact us.
Here’s the order for worship for today:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: God is the Creator of all life.
All: God sends light to shine in the darkness.
One: God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.
All: God takes care of humankind – calming fears and giving faith.
One: God’s love is real.
All: God’s grace is eternal.
One: Our cup overflows!
All: Together, let us praise God!
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Living God, we worship you this day. You are the One who offers life and breath to all creation. From the very beginning, you have been moving over the face of the waters. Faithful and Loving God, we turn to you in prayer this day for reassurance. Holy Spirit, you are the One with the power to calm a stormy sea or to “trouble†a pool of still water. From water, life springs up! By water, life is nourished. Through water, new life begins. Christ Jesus, as we remember your baptism in the Jordan River, may we celebrate anew our holy baptism. Amen.
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 You 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 high;
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 too 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.
Scripture Reading – Psalm 29:1-4, 9-11 – Pastor Dan
Children’s Message – Ashton Wilson
Special Music
Scripture Reading – Mark 1:4-11 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – “Spirit Song†– pp. 84-85, worship booklet
- O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
will descend upon your life and make you whole.
REFRAIN
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
- O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name.
O give him all your tears and sadness, give him all your years of pain
and you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.
REFRAIN
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
All-Church Virtual Christmas Pageant
December 19, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Sunday, December 20 is the date of the annual Ivy Chapel Christmas Pageant. Of course, like everything else this year, things are going to look just a little different. A little? Nah. A lot.
Join us a 10 a.m. on Facebook Live as Pastor Dan Wilson leads us in prayer and reflection, and the lighting of the Advent wreath, the candle of love.
And… may we present… the Ivy Chapel Virtual Christmas Pageant, The Attic Christmas:
Thanks to Tara Lowry for spending so much time adapting the story, assigning the parts, editing the videos and coordinating the entire production.Merry Christmas from the youth, and all the families of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation/ Pastor Dan
One: Listen up, everybody! God gives the world such a marvelous gift.
All: Christ is born!
One: Glory to God in the highest!
All: And peace to all people on earth.
One: Let us pray.
All: O Wondrous God, send your Messenger to us this day with a word of grace.
If we are fearful, guide us to become Calm.
If we are tired, offer us Rest.
If we are empty, fill us with Grace.
God Emmanuel, we have been searching high and low for you.
We have presumed that you are far away.
How miraculous then it is
that we discover
you are close by,
changing hearts and minds.
Let us respond faithfully as you continue inviting us to follow you and
to join you in your work of Love.
We pray in your holy name, Coming Savior –
Son of God; Love’s pure Light. Amen.
Hymn – “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus‖ #187
- Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. - Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a king.
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit Ryle in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan – The Candle of Love
Praise Response – “When God Is a Childâ€
p. 95, worship booklet Verse 4 ONLY
- Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.
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.
Prayers of the People concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Special Music – “Welcome to Our Worldâ€
Tara Lowry, Vocalist
Anna DiVesta, Piano
Ivy Chapel presents
The Attic Christmas Pageant
Based on the book “The Attic Christmas” by B.G. Hennessy
Illustrated by Dan Andreason
Adapted by Tara Lowry
O CHRISTMAS TREE #221 (Verse 1)
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your branches are uplifted.
You seem to say that on this day our world’s supremely gifted.
The shining of your candles bright, reminds us Light has come tonight.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you lift our eyes to heaven.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH #206 (Verses 1 and 2)
Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be, Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo
WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE #220 (Verses 1 and 5)
We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia! Peals through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM #200 (Verses 1 and 4)
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.
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.
JOY TO THE WORLD #194 (Verses 1, 2, and 4)
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.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
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.
Nov. 15 Livestream
November 15, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Good Sunday morning once again to everyone. Even while we cannot be together in our sanctuary here at Ivy Chapel, we hope you can find some comfort in this shared experience.
Here’s today’s order for worship:
Prelude/ Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come, one! Come, all! All: God is worthy of our highest praise!
One: There are certain things which God alone can do. All: God’s wonders never cease!
One: We come together in amazement to praise God our Savior! All: Come, one and all!
Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Merciful and Gracious God, remind us this morning that you delight in all creation. It is a joy to be with you on this day of life that you have given! Each one of us is a uniquely valuable part of your Church. By bringing all of us together, you form us into your spectacular masterpiece. You are the Potter, and we are the clay. Refresh us through your Living Word, and teach us your way, O God. May human hearts everywhere learn to delight in you. Focusing on you brings life! Lead us as we continue learning to give away the gifts which you so abundantly are giving us. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God! Age to age, you’re still the same; by the power of your name. El Shaddai, God Almighty; we will praise and lift you high! Amen.
Hymn/ “El Shaddai†#18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyonna Adonai,
Age to age You’re still the same by the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Er-kahm-ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lift You high, El Shaddai.
Children’s Message/ Sarah Wilson
Special Instrumental Music/ Anna DiVesta and Sarah Wilson
Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Psalm 90:1-8, 12-16 and Matthew 25:14-30
Sermon/ Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer/ Pastor Dan
Hymn/ “Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord†#424
- Teach me Thy way, O Lord, Teach me Thy Way!
Thy guiding grace afford – Teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright, More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heavenly light, Teach me Thy way! - When I am sad at heart, Teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, Teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, In times of dire distress,
In failure or success, Teach me Thy way! - When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way!
When storms o’respread the skies, Teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the clouds and rain, Thro’ sorrow, toil and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way! - Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, Until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way!
Benediction/ Pastor Dan
Postlude/ Anna