October 6 — World Communion Sunday — Imagine Together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our shared journey “Imagining Together” continues. Let us exalt God above all. Today we join with Christians throughout God’s world celebrating World Communion Sunday.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The Holy Mysteries: The Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The broken bread and the outpoured cup are Christ’s blessings for the community of faith. Take and eat. Take and drink.
“The Savior of the world is here!”

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude on “Bread of Life” — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: May the grace of God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: And with all of God’s children.
All: Forever and ever, God reigns!

*HYMN — Christ for the World We Sing — #545

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With loving zeal;
The poor, and them that mourn,the faint and overborne,
Sinsick and sorrow-worn, For Christ to heal.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost, From dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With one accord,
With us the work to share, with us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear, For Christ our Lord.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With joyful song;
The newborn souls, whose days, reclaimed from error’s ways,
Inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Gracious and Forgiving God; be with us, and in us, and beside us, and over us. Fashion us to change, so that we may more perfectly love and forgive. Shape us and transform us, so that we may more fully share and give. Gracious and Forgiving God, you are here, as we gather to worship you. We praise you for being alive within us and among us! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Holy Ground — #83

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 89:1-2, 5-9, 11, 14-17 & John 3:16-17

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus Paid It All — Hamilton

GOD’S WORD — Mark 10:17-27

SERMON

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

*HYMN — Bread of the World, in Mercy Broken — worship booklet, p. 29

INVITATION

All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
Cups in the outside ring on the communion tray contain grape juice. All other cups contain wine.
Please come forward down the center aisle.

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Merciful and Loving God, we are grateful. You welcome us into your Church. You welcome all people as guests at your table on World Communion Sunday and always. We thank you, Christ Jesus, for your gift of this Holy Sacrament. The bread and the cup are simple yet marvelous reminders of your steadfast love. O God, our Creator and our Savior; we pray for all people throughout your world. May each and every person joyously experience being fed, nourished, strengthened, and loved by you. Amen.

*HYMN — In Christ There Is No East or West — #137

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West;
In Him meet South and North.
All Christly souls are one in Him
throughout the whole wide earth.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Postludium — Young

September 29 – ‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

A heart-felt welcome to our guest witnessing steward, the Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers. We are blessed that Doni is offering a personal faith message during worship today as our congregation sets out together on our autumn stewardship pilgrimage.

Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall following worship for a special reception in celebration of and in thanksgiving for the ministry of our worship musician Bob Meinz.
Thank you so much, Bob, for your good-natured, extended service providing worship leadership among us!

WELCOME

PRELUDE –  Lord, I Want to Be a Christian   — arr. John Carter                  

*CALL TO WORSHIP  (Psalm 146, UCC Worship Ways adapted)    –  John Weiland 
One-Blessed are those whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!
One-God executes justice for the oppressed and gives food for the hungry.
 ALL-God sets the prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind!
One-God lifts up those who are bowed down.
ALL-God watches over the strangers and upholds the orphan and the widow.  
One-People of God, sing praises to the One who is your help –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!

*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 Eternal, you have gathered us together. We are here to praise you! As recipients of your blessings, we are inspired by you to become givers!  May we lavish your grace and your compassion on all people.  
 Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us. During this time of worship, teach us your ways, Christ Jesus. Lead us to continue learning and growing in faithfulness to you. We pray in your holy name, Jesus.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – To Be God’s People #121

Almighty Father give us a vision
of a dying world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior,
In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer.

Refrain:
To be God’s people in this place,
live His goodness, share His grace,
Proclaim God’s mercy through His Son
be His love, to every one.  

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort. 
Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us,
A light that others then may see.

Refrain:

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 13 – John Weiland

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND TRANSFORMATION    Pastor Dan

We confess, O God, that the burdens which weigh us down also narrow our vision.  Fear of scarcity makes us focus on our own survival.  We regard strangers with suspicion, and we find it difficult to share.  We speak words that we regret, and we keep silent when we need to speak. Weariness and discouragement sap our energy and our faith.
We wonder how there could be good news that is not of our own making.   We, whom you call to be an Easter people, are in need of resurrection.  Amen.

 WORDS OF GOD’S LOVE AND ASSURANCE    Pastor Dan
In the person of Jesus,
God invites us to discover the freedom and new life that God offers:
God’s forgiveness heals us.
God’s grace dispels our weariness and discouragement.
God’s love clears our vision.
God’s compassion lifts our burdens. 
Thanks be to God!  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC – As the Deer  

GOD’S WORD  – John 11

SERMON – Rev. Driemeier-Showers                   

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers            
Pastoral Prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN – Live Into Hope – worship booklet, p. 65

Live into hope of captives freed,
Of sight regained, the end of greed.
Th’ oppressed shall be the first to see
The year of God’s own jubilee!

Live into hope! The blind shall see
With insight and with clarity,
Removing shades of pride and fear,
A vision of our God brought near.

Live into hope of liberty,
The right to speak, the right to be,
The right to have one’s daily bread,
To hear God’s word and thus be fed.

Live into hope of captives freed,
From chains of fear or want or greed.
God now proclaims our full release
To faith and hope and joy and peace.

*BENEDICTION –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers

*POSTLUDE – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee  — arr. Matt Limbaugh

September 22 — Last of All and Servant of All

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Consolation — Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
Come, one and all.
Come, all who are discouraged or overwhelmed. Meet God here.
Come, all who are energetic or upbeat! Meet God here.
Come, all who are worn out or hurting. Meet God here.
As John the Baptist proclaims, ‘The Savior of the world is here!’
We come now to worship God.

*HYMN — Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — #82

Come Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God.
He, to rescue me from danger,
Bought me with His precious blood

O to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
God, you are without equal. You are a God of unmatched power and of great mercy. You alone are the One who makes worship a sacred time. You give life! You have given us life. You have given life to your Church. Although it is quite forward on our part, we call on you to come here now. God, visit our community of faith this very day with your blessing. Lift us beyond preoccupations with earthly concerns. Make your Church out of us. As Jesus Christ, you have shown us that focusing on you brings life. Yes, with you, there is fullness of life.
Holy One, lead us, we pray. Lead us as we continue learning to give away the amazing gifts which you so abundantly give to us in the first place. You are beyond all that we can ask or imagine. We pray for your blessing upon all people everywhere. May our living be faithful and pleasing to you. We ask all this in the holy name of Christ Jesus. Amen

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Make Me a Servant — #415

Make me a servant humble and meek;
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant, make me a servant,
Make me a servant today

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Sarah Wilson

*HYMN — The Greatest Thing — #106

The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;
I want to know You more, I want to know you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;

The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;
I want to love You more, I want to love you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;

The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;
I want to serve You more, I want to serve you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 54:1-4, 6 — Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC — Be Thou My Vision — Hamilton

GOD’S WORD — Mark 9:30-37 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Here I Am, Lord — worship booklet, pp. 46-47

I, the Lord of sea and sky I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I have made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Refrain:
Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, If You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

I, the Lord of wind and flame I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide ‘Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Trumpet Tune — Wolford

September 15 – Who Do You Say That I Am?

Patience
Dear God, I need to be patient. Slow me down when I am in a hurry. Hold me back when I want to leap ahead. Quiet me when I am much too anxious. Amen.
Inviting God In — Joyce Rupp

WELCOME

PRELUDE — I Love You, Lord/I Lift Your Name on High

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Listen closely; for Living God is summoning us to come together
in worship and praise.
All: We trust the ways of God, and we respond to the Spirit
moving among us.
One: God, who is the Maker of all creation, calls rich and poor,
young and old, joyful and sorrowful, to gather as one people.
All: All are worthy in God’s sight, and God’s grace is given for
all to share.

*HYMN — How Great Thou Art — #16

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow’r thro’out the universe displayed.

Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountains grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing.
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, go great Thou art. Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all mercy, fill us with awe and wonder as we gather in your presence now. Make your Word known to us, and extend your Spirit to bless us. Draw us away from our own individual plans, so that we may faithfully listen to the witness of all creation proclaiming your magnificent wonders! Bless us with eyes and ears to behold the beauty of your making that is all around us. Quiet our restless souls, and enhance our trust in you. Guide us as we seek to live in ways which deepen our relationship with you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — I Love You, Lord — #228

I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You;
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy, my King, in what You hear;
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 116:1-9

SPECIAL MUSIC — In the Garden

GOD’S WORD — Mark 8:27-38

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Wherever He Leads I’ll Go — #543

“Take up thy cross and follow Me, ”I heard my Master say;
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today”

Refrain:
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads, I’ll go.

He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will, I now abide, Wherever He leads, I’ll go Refrain

It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me. Refrain

My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — What a Friend

September 8 — Ephphatha! Be Opened!

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. May our souls be moved by the compassion and power of Christ.

‘ E p h p h a t h a ! ‘

Aramaic is the language which was the vernacular spoken in Palestine during the 1st Century.

Aramaic was the “mother tongue” of Jesus of Nazareth.

The New Testament records a very limited number of times when Jesus is quoted as saying something in Aramaic. Today’s Gospel reading is one of these rare incidents.

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, when a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to him, Jesus takes the man aside apart from the crowd. Next, Jesus places his fingers in the man’s ears and he touches the man’s tongue. Jesus looks up; Jesus sighs; and then Jesus says, “Ephphatha!”

This is an Aramaic word which is an imperative. That is, the word is a command, meaning, “Be opened!”

The Gospel of Mark declares that, when Jesus commands this, “Immediately, [the man’s] ears were opened, [the man’s] tongue was released, and [the man] spoke plainly.”
(Mark 7:35)

People were exceedingly astounded, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
(Mark 7:37)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Cantilena — Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: A fruitful field is growing!
All: Good fruit of the Spirit is being displayed all the time!
One: As our offering gifts are placed on God’s altar, we routinely sing,
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
All: How true! God’s joys are flowing like a river.
One: Our cup overflows!
All: In every wilderness, on stormy seas, within each living soul;
God brings peace and blessing.

*HYMN — O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing — #93

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood availed for me.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come;
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro’ all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
God of all truth, your reality is far beyond any human religion. We call on you now, and we welcome your transforming Spirit.
God, you are acquainted with all our ways. You know everything from our shallow motives to our deepest thoughts. You are aware of our flaws and our sins. You are aware of our prejudices and our favoritisms. Yet you welcome us, not as failures, but as messengers of your reign, Eternal God. We seek to worship you and to represent you faithfully at all times.
Living God, we are grateful to be in your house. This is holy ground. We rejoice; for you are alive among us, Christ Jesus! Amen.

*RESPONSE — Open My Eyes, That I May See — #174

Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear,
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my mouth, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 146 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — Servant Medley — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Mark 7:24-37 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Blessed Assurance — #295

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Savior am happy and bless’d;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Recessional — Wolford

August 25 — At Home With God

We are glad to welcome you to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, and we hope you will feel right at home with us here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude and Fugue — Zachow

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Sue Wilson
One: Come, let us lift our praises to the Creator of the heavens!
All: God’s promises deliver fullness of joy!
One: God’s works delight us and lead us to dream!
All: Let us worship God, who loves all people
and who rejoices in life everywhere!

*HYMN — Trusting Jesus — #498

Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all. Refrain

Singing if my way is clear, Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call; Trusting Jesus, that is all. Refrain

Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall, Trusting Jesus, that is all. Refrain

*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER — Sue Wilson
Gentle and Kind God; Giver of all life; hear our prayers of praise for summertime beauty, for graceful birds, for fragrant flowers, for the fruit of the earth, for rain, for sunshine, for moonlight, and for much, much more. Send the cooling breath of your Spirit to surround us and inspire our faith journeys. May we be nourished by your life-giving words and ways, Christ Jesus; and may we live as your faithful disciples, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — In the Name of the Lord — #19

There is strength in the name of the Lord;
There is pow’r in the name of the Lord:
There is hope in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 84 — Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC — On Eagle’s Wings — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Joshua 24:1-5, 13-15 & John 6:56-69 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — The Solid Rock — #315

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Refrain:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on HIs unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my sould gives way He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in HIm be found;
Dressed in HIs righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Laudes Domini — Young

August 11 — Shaping Community

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. We’re honored to have you part of our community.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Lied — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP Jan Wirtz
One: Give praise to the Holy One at all times and bless God’s name.
All: Hope in the Holy One! For with God, there is steadfast love
and sacred power.
One: Let God’s radiance wash over you and lead you to shine brightly
through the presence of the Most High.
All: Hope in the Holy One! For with God, there is steadfast love
and sacred power.

*HYMN — Love Divine, All Loves Excelling — #71

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast.
Let us all in Thee inherit,
Let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jan Wirtz
God of love, we come to you now. We come to praise you and to learn from you. We approach you with a mixture of emotions. We bring our concerns and our burdens, as well as our thanksgivings and our hopes, which are founded upon your promises. All people are your people, God. Sometimes we are people in need, and sometimes people with abundance. Sometimes we are people overcome by despair, and sometimes people overwhelmed with joy! We are grateful for your dynamic, lively Spirit!
God of love, you promise that wherever we are on life’s journey, you are present to guide and to bless. We gather in your name, Jesus; so that we may continue learning to follow in your way of love and grace. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — The Bond of Love — #123

We are one in the bond of love;
We are one in the bond of love.
We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God;
We are one in the bond of love.

Let us sing now, everyone;
Let us feel His love begun.
Let us join our hands that the world will know
We are one in the bond of love.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 34:1-8 — Jan Wirtz

SPECIAL MUSIC —Softly and Tenderly — arr. Goss

GOD’S WORD —John 6:35, 41-51 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*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!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Fughetta — Muffat

July 21 – Wherever you are

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. Always. This belief is at the very heart of the UCC, and of everything we do here at Ivy Chapel. (Featured Image by freepik)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — The Master Has Come — (Ash Grove)

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us call on God.
All: God is near to all who call.
One: Come into the presence of God and be nourished.
All: We are here to renew our covenant with God! Let every heart rejoice!

*HYMN — All Things Bright and Beautiful — #65

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings. [Refrain]

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky; [Refrain]

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]

He gave us eyes to them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, you are a Magnificent God! You are eternal; and you are our “contemporary”. We gather to worship you with thanksgiving for all that you have done, for all that you are doing, and for all that you promise to do in the world. We are amazed and overjoyed that you so thoroughly love the whole world. We cannot earn your love. It’s a pure gift! What we can do is receive and treasure and share it. Astonishing God, you revealed your love for all people when you came to earth in person as Jesus Christ.
God, fill us with your love. We pray that this worship will lead us to grow in your image. Throughout our lives, may we discover more fully who you are and who you would like us to become. May our faith in you and our devotion to you always continue growing. Amen.

*RESPONSE — I Will Sing of the Mercies — worship booklet, p. 56

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.

Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 89:1-4, 20-29

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN — Pass It On — #503

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
You spread His love to everyone; You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding,
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, You want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve found,
You can depend on Him, it matters not where you’re bound.
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – I want my world to know;
The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.

GOD’S WORD — 2 Samuel 7:1-13

SPECIAL MUSIC — Make Me a Blessing

GOD’S WORD — Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Great Is Thy Faithfulness — #17

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Three Pieces for the Flutes

June 23 — In the boat together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! God loves all the people. Whoever you are, you’re welcome here. Let’s rejoice and worship God together!

Read this week’s blog post about the UCC’s 60th anniversary.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — It Is Well with My Soul

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather in amazement! We are here to worship the God of life.
All: Let’s open our hearts to the steadfast love God offers.
One: The fullness of God is beyond us.
All: Yet we do catch glimpses of God’s greatness.
One: God does not leave us alone when we are dismayed or scared.
All: God is a stronghold for all people at all times.

*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 Thy wonders 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 we can be,
Thou, God, art present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
We sing your praises, O God; for you are gracious to us in the course of so many storms. When enemies threaten, you give us the strength to take them on. God, you are the One who enables us to give to the winds our fears. Because of you, we can trust and be unafraid. You are a fantastic God who makes good on each one of your promises.
O Holy One, we have come to worship you this morning. May we listen closely for your voice, which we sometimes have difficulty to hearing. Like the wild and restless sea—may we be still; know that you are God. Calm our fears, Christ Jesus, as you did for the disciples on that stormy, rough sea. Fill us with courage, and bless us with faith to follow you by offering your peace to everyone. We pray in your name, Jesus. 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 107:1-6, 23-32

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

GOD’S WORD — Mark 4:35-41

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Peace Like a River — #360

I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — He’s Got the Whole World (… the wind and the rain!) In His Hands

June 2 — Stretch Out Your Hand

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. May God bless all people with love and joy! We celebrate open communion on the first Sunday of every month. If you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements before worship begins so you may gather at the table with us. All are welcome here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: O come now into this time of worship and 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: Let every breath become a prayer,
All: And every heartbeat become an open door through whic the Living One may enter.

*HYMN — Sing Praise to God — #45

Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation;
with healing balm my soul he fills,
and every faithless murmur stills:
to God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made,
his gracious mercy keepeth;
by morning glow or evening shade
his watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of his might,
lo! all is just and all is right:
to God all praise and glory

The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing
An ever present help and stay
Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His one, HIs chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Then all my gladsome way along
I sing aloud thy praises,
that men may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises:
be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part!
To God all praise and glory.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Holy Spirit Fire; Wind of God; you are beyond all that we can imagine. There are no words that can fully describe your majesty and power. Dear God, we know you best through your life among us as the Messiah. As Jesus of Nazareth, you showered your love on everyone you met. Still today, Jesus, you call for our re-birth as your children, through the cleansing waters of baptism. We long to be like you, Christ Jesus. May we be faithful and fruitful in the ministries which you give us to do.
Wind of God, blowing among crowds, sweeping across generations to claim us; may we be born anew to your sacred lifestyle of giving. Hear us, Holy God, as we pray together, asking you to shape us into the human beings you intend us to be. Come, help us to live as you have created us to live. Amen.

*RESPONSE — There’s a Quiet Understanding — #144

There’s a quiet understanding
when we’re gathered in the Spirit,
It’s a promise that He gives us,
When we gather in His name.
There’s a love we feel in Jesus,
There’s a manna that He feeds us,
It’s a promise that He gives us
When we gather in His name.

And we know when we’re together,
sharing love and understanding,
That our brothers and our sisters
feel the oneness that He brings.
Thank You, thank You, thank You, Jesus,
for the way You love and feed us,
For the many ways You lead us,
Thank You, thank You, Lord.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 81:1-10 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — Here I Am to Worship

GOD’S WORD — Mark 2:23-3:6 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — One Bread, One Body — worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

1 Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

2 Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

3 Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE JOYFUL FEAST
The Sacrament of Holy Communion [A] worship book, pp. 10-11

As the United Church of Christ, we celebrate ‘Open’ Communion.
All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.

*HYMN — We Are a New Creation — worship booklet, p. 91

We are a new creation Of Christ the Living Word.
Our songs of jubilation Shall everywhere be heard.
New life blooms fresh and glorious For those who heed the call
Of Christ Who reigns victorious O’er sin and death and all.

We are a new creation of God For this new day.
As partners let us follow The life, the truth, the way.
Christ bids us work together As colleagues old and young.
As women, men, and nations, God’s folk of every tongue.

We are a new creation For service here on earth.
We live our faith in action To tell our Savior’s worth,
Let love and justice blending Now show for all to see
God’s grace is never ending. It reaches you and me

We are a new creation By God’s own gracious hand,
Old burdens cast behind us, A daring future planned
In ministry and mission, United let us live,
In Christ a shining vision To God’s wide world to give.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — “Little” Prelude and Fugue in F — J. S. Bach

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