Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream
September 25, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts! May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons… Dreaming God’s Dream
WELCOME
PRELUDE Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 146)
One: Praise God! Praise the Holy One, O my soul!
All: We will sing praises to God our whole lives long!
One: Praise God in whom we may trust. Praise God in whom we may hope.
All: Happy are we whose hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: The Holy One lifts the bowed down. The Righteous One loves justice.
All: The Holy One brings the way of the wicked to ruin. Praise God who reigns forever!
*HYMN We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer #27**
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Steadfast God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, teach us your way, so that we may live filled with your Spirit – richly offering compassion and grace. Fill us to overflowing as we journey toward your ever-new horizons, dreaming Your dream. Lead us to treasure and to continue reaching for Your dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.
*PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*RESPONSE Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord #424**
GOD’S WORD 1 Timothy 6:6-19
SPECIAL MUSIC Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
GOD’S WORD Luke 16:19-31
SERMON Dreaming God’s Dream Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN The Voice of God is Calling Ivy Worship Booklet, page 90 **
*BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE Sweet, Sweet Spirit
* indicates a time to stand if able
** words can be found in separate link- please click on songs or here
September 21 – Prayerful Living
September 19, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
What great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
WELCOME
PRELUDE — How Long Has It Been – Lister
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 113)
One: Praise the Holy One! From the rising of the sun until its setting, the name of God deserves our praise!
Many: Who is like our God…seated on high?
One: Praise the Most High, who observes all things and remembers the poor and those in need.
Many: God our Righteousness raises the lowly and levels the exalted.
One: Praise the Righteous One, who is just and mighty, who repairs and redeems.
Many: The Redeemer pours out love and justice, compassion and conviction, hope and salvation. Praise the Holy One!
*HYMN — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Great God, who gathers us together in spirit and in truth, sanctify our time together. Grant us wisdom and discernment. Open our hearts to receive and to give. Be glorified in our worship and the transformation that moves us forward as your people. In your glorious and precious name, we pray. Amen.
*RESPONSE — Sweet Hour of Prayer — #166
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known:
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By they return, sweet hour of prayer.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear,
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His words and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer,
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
May I thy consolation bear,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
Fare-well, fare-well, sweet hour of prayer,
GOD’S WORD — 1 Timothy 2:1-7
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
SPECIAL MUSIC –Spirit — Akers
GOD’S WORD — Luke 16:1-13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
SERMON — Prayerful Living — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*HYMN — What a Friend We Have in Jesus — #162
What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find asolace there.
*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
*POSTLUDE — How Great Thou Art — Boberg
2025 World Communion Day
July 16, 2025 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
We will share with Christians from all over the globe to celebrate World Communion Sunday, a day to remember that we are united as one body in Christ, no matter where we are. On October 5 join us at 10 am during our in-person worship service or online as we gather around the Lord’s table, we will break bread and share the cup, reflecting on the unity, love, and grace we have through Christ.
Observed on the first Sunday in October, this day calls the Church to be the universal, inclusive Church. The day was first observed by Presbyterians in 1936, adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940, and shortly thereafter observed in churches worldwide.
Almighty God, from the ends of the earth you have gathered us around Christ’s holy table.
Let us come together to celebrate this sacred meal as a reminder of our shared faith and fellowship with believers worldwide.
November 10th-Risk and Retribution
November 8, 2024 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
PRELUDE Chorale Prelude Nun Bitten Wir – Buxtehude
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Sue Wilson
One: Come, all who are anxious or exhausted.
All: Come, all who are encouraged or discouraged
One: God welcomes you.
All: This is the house of God
One: God is here to greet you and to love you.
All: This is holy ground.
One: The Spirit of Christ brings people together.
All: The Spirit of Christ gathers us.
*HYMN Be Thou My Vision #400
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by or by night,
Waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Sue Wilson
Christ our Savior; out of pure love you set people free. We worship you because of who you are.
God, you give fully. To all the world, you give of yourself – Living Word, Living Bread, Living Water, Living Spirit. We long to give of ourselves as completely as you do, Christ Jesus. We are here now to learn of you, so that we may grow in faithfulness. Today, with humility and gratitude, we come to give you all that we have.
Living Savior, breathe on us, we pray. Take our lives and continue shaping us into the human beings you would like us to be. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE Jesus, Jesus, Lord to Me #330
Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.
GOD’S WORD Psalm 146 — Sue Wilson
SPECIAL MUSIC Deep River – Wolaver
GOD’S WORD Ruth 3:1-5 and 4:13-17 — Pastor Dan
SERMON Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Prayer of Jesus (debts… debtors)
*HYMN I Surrender All #408
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now. Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
May Thy Holy Spirit fill me,
May I now Thy pow’r divine. Refrain
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me. Refrain
*BENEDICTION Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE Prelude in A Minor – Marcello
October 13 -‘Imagine Together!’
October 11, 2024 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Alongside of each other, we continue going ahead on this amazing expedition “Imagine Together!”
WELCOME
PRELUDE Prelude on “Rhosymedre” – Wolford
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Incline your ear to God!
All: We hope to hear good news.
One: Listen, so that you may live!
All: We hope to have enough to share.
One: Imagine together!
All: We imagine enough at every table.
HYMN — We Come, O Christ, to You #289
We come, O Christ, to You, true Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, in Whom all life began.
In You alone we live and move,
And have our being in Your love.
You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge and Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand;
Your love has met Your law’s demand.
You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill, The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! in You we rest,
Sure answer to our every quest.
You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant life That earth can never give.
O risen Lord! We live in You:
In us each day Your life renew!
We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King;
To You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring:
So fill our hearts, that all may view
Your life in us and turn to You!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of inspiration and grace; sometimes we feel like we are spinning our wheels. Sometimes we feel like we are caught in short-term ups and downs. At moments, we lose sight of your bigger picture, Dear God. Remind us that you have always known us and that you know where we are right now.
Holy One, you bring healing to our lives where injuries have hardened our hearts. You welcome us into community just when we are in danger of feeling isolated and alone. You provide patience and persistence, especially when change takes longer than we have imagined.
Faithful God, comfort us with rest and bless us with renewal this day, while you are giving us sacred glimpses of your amazing Realm to come. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE — The Gift of Love #126
Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain
Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within,
The profit soon turns strangely thin.
Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 58:6-14 & Philippians 2:1-5
SPECIAL MUSIC Thy Word – Hayes
GOD’S WORD — Matthew 25:31-40
MESSAGE Jo Ann Moody
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
HYMN Give of Your Best to the Master #422
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.
BENEDICTION Pastor Dan
POSTLUDE Carillon – Wolford
Mother’s Day-Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 12, 2024 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
A Happy Mother’s Day to one and all!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -Themes from “The Four Seasons”
*CALL TO WORSHIP
Let us gather in the Spirit of Christ.
We come in response to the One who calls us ‘friends’
Remember God’s love and faithfulness.
Let our hands reflect the life of our serving Savior.
Let our voices echo God’s praises!
Together, let us sing of God who is doing marvelous things!
*HYMN– Take Time to Be Holy- #171
Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, With Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive Beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Creator of ‘friendships,’ your love lifts us from mindless serving to meaningful caring. We learn so much from you, God. Your example inspires us to risk giving of ourselves. Come, Holy Spirit; lift us from empty routines to the fullness of joy experienced by offering your love. Stir our voices to praise you out of sheer delight! Open our hearts to trust that you are leading us, especially in times of difficulty or discouragement. Calm our doubts. Guide us through our fears. Reveal your ways to us, so that we may bear good fruit. Help us grow in your likeness – readily giving all people your love. We are baptized in your name, Jesus. May we faithfully follow where you lead. Amen.
*RESPONSE-Spirit Song- worship book, pp. 84-85
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love;
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul
Oh, let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit, like a dove,
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.
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.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
GOD’S WORD- Psalm 1
SPECIAL MUSIC Bist Du Bei Mir (Be Thou with Me) – J. S. Bach
GOD’S WORD –John 17:6-19 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN – I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – worship book, pp. 54-55
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.
When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk ‘till rising sun.
In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE –Four short pieces for the Flutes – J. Hayden
Feb 18 – God’s Loving Paths
February 16, 2024 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
WELCOME
PRELUDE– Spirit of the Living God
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God has blessed us with the gift of this precious morning.
All: This blessing raises our spirits!
One: Today, we praise our Ever-Faithful God.
All: This week, we have entered into a new season.
One: Our 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day has begun.
All: As we navigate this wilderness, Eternal God is our compass.
One: Let us return to God our Savior.
All: God will put a new and right spirit within us.
*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 toThee
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
God of Quiet Strength, we cannot resist evil completely by ourselves. Earthly temptations are around us everywhere. How can we deal with these temptations? We rely on you for help, Great God. You are always present; living among us; living within us. We are deeply grateful to be in your care.
God of Quiet Strength, help us to be still before you – – putting aside our cares and our distresses. In the stillness and in the beauty of this morning, may we be reminded that you are God. You repeatedly invite us to follow you. So then, Christ Jesus; come now, and fill us with the faith to receive your remarkable gift of life eternal. Amen.
*RESPONSE –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 heav’nly 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’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud 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!
GOD’S WORD— Psalm 25:1-10
SPECIAL MUSIC –Great Is Thy Faithfulness
GOD’S WORD — Mark 1:9-15
SERMON -Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE— Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN –Grace Greater Than Our Sin– #383
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]
*BENEDICTION–Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE — O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
Oct 8-Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!
October 8, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Please join us here on Youtube.
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ
We welcome a dear friend and sibling in Christ, Rev. Mary Albert, as our guest faith witness this morning! Thank you, Mary, for offering your personal words of testimony in worship among us today.
Christ is leading this journey toward higher ground: Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -- Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
*CALL TO WORSHIP -- Jo Ann Moody
One: Look, do you see that?
All: Jesus is in the midst of the people!
One: Listen, do you hear that?
All: Jesus is calling our names!
One: Come, all who are lost and searching.
Come, all who are sick and tired.
Come, all who are afraid and alone.
Come, all who are ready for a change.
All: The Holy One is here to heal and set us free!
One: Let us worship God who gives us new life!
*HYMN -- Standing on the Promises -- #181
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION -- Jo Ann Moody
O God, we come to worship today hoping for a sign, a glimpse of your presence, or a nudge in the right direction. Meet us today where we are. In our places of pain, meet us with comfort and healing. In our apathy and resignation, meet us with hope and conviction. And where we are stuck, open our eyes to see the path to new life. This we pray, trusting in your presence and your power. Amen.
*PRAISE 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 8 -- Jo Ann Moody
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER-- Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC -He Leadeth Me
GOD’S WORD -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Rev. Mary Albert
SERMON -- “My Journey to ‘Yes’!” -- Rev. Mary Albert
*HYMN -- Higher Ground -- #448
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev'ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]
I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]
*BENEDICTION -- Rev. Mary Albert
*POSTLUDE -- Every Time I Feel the Spirit
CCLI License #456361
July 30 — Weaving the Future
July 30, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person?
You can join us online every week on our YouTube channel.”
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -- Just As I Am
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ is near.
All: Will we welcome him?
One: When God shows up, surprising things happen!
All: Let’s open wide our hearts.
One: Let’s put down our burdens.
All: Let’s set aside our distractions.
One: Let’s simply delight in Christ’s presence!
All: Nothing is too wonderful for God!
*HYMN-- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
O Spirit, who accompanies us and who helps us in all of our struggles; we call on you in prayer. You truly are our health and salvation! In this experience of being together, during this time set apart for gathering side by side in community; we are reminded of how closely connected we are. For this blessing, we praise you, O God! You know us completely. Teach us and guide us to keep growing in our relationship with you, God. Lead us to rely on your astonishing promises. Fill us with your grace. May our dreams and visions be your dreams and visions, Faithful God. Amen.
*RESPONSE -- I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back
GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 119:129-136
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE-- Diann Sheahan
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:26-39
SPECIAL MUSIC -- Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart
GOD’S WORD -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
SERMON Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN-- Here I Am, Lord
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 AND TABLE GRACE
*POSTLUDE --He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
July 23- Wheat and Weeds Together
July 23, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! What a great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, sisters and brothers, everyone is welcome here!
All: God's people are many – of every land and every race;
of every age and every condition.
One: We gather to celebrate God's unbounded love.
All: God joins all people together into one community.
All people are God’s people! Let us worship God together!
*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
Living God, Maker and Caretaker of all life; the whole universe shouts with joy, praising you! You have made us and we are yours. We are blessed each time we are able to serve as your instruments.
You fill the world with stunning beauty. We are blown away by your artistry and your power, God. The most exquisite works on earth shout your praises.
What a Kind and Gracious Savior you are! Thank you, God, for gathering us today. We are ready for action. Teach us your ways, and lead us in living them! Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE -- El Shaddai -- #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD Psalm 86:11-17
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
SERMON -- Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
*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
