Nov 9- Hold on to Faith

God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
May our love for God always continue growing and may we come alive as Christ’s disciples!
All music for this Sunday can be found through this link or the links on individual songs below.

WELCOME

PRELUDE:  Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 145) — Linda Lowry                               
One: Lift praises to the name of our God; bless God’s name forever!
All: How great is our God!
One: From generation to generation we will sing your praises and speak of your goodness!
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you are just and kind in all your doings.
All: Great is our God and worthy of praise!
One: God, you watch over us in love and hear the desperate cries of those who call to you!
All: How great is our God! How great is our God! Bless God’s name forever!

*HYMN: Sing Praise to God  #45

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Eternal God, we praise you for your gift of this magnificent new day!  God of the living, your promise is to remain with all humankind, and you faithfully fulfill this promise.  Long ago, O Holy Spirit, you blessed this Earth with the breath of life.  Now and forever you are guiding your sacred creation toward a future overflowing with promise.  This morning, we come seeking your truth, your justice and your astonishing joy!
God, we humbly thank you for loving us as we are and for welcoming us into Your sanctuary.  Bless us with true awareness that you are alive here.  Help us to sense your presence in this place and every place.  Bring your vision for the world to life through us, we pray.  In Jesus name, Amen.

PASSING OF THE PEACE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
“May the peace of Christ be with you.”   (Response) “And also with you.”

*RESPONSE: Thou Art Worthy #11

GOD’S WORD: Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21  —  Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC:     Great is the Lord           Michael W Smith

GOSPEL READING: Luke 20:27-38 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN: Through the Love of God, Our Savior — Ivy worship bklt. p. 89

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

Nov 2- Transforming Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
Join us after worship for a time of refreshments and fellowship in Fellowship Hall.

All music for worship can be found through this link or on each individual song.

WELCOME

PRELUDE   Swing Low, Sweet Chariot    arr., Jack Butler

*CALL TO WORSHIP —Julie McAllister
One: Come, a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us as we gather.
All: May the lingering echo of saints resound in our songs.
One: May their stories open a space for the Spirit to enter us anew.
All: In remembering them, may we find ourselves re-membered.
One: May the God of every generation form us anew for this generation.
All: And may a new joy rise in our lives and in the life of the world.

*HYMN   For All the Saints  #548
verses 1,4,5,6

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION –Julie McAllister
God of every age and time, inspire us today with memories of saints whose energy still lingers, hovering around and within as encouragement and strength. Wrap us anew with a felt sense of your persistent presence, granting a new energy to offer You everything of our hearts, minds and souls. Yes, Lord of Life, root us and ground us in this. And let it be more than enough for today, as we gather in the name of Jesus. Amen.

TOTENFEST    A Time For Remembrance Of Loved Ones

*RESPONSE  Soon and Very Soon, We are Going to See the King   #559

GOD’S WORD — Ephesians 1:11-23 — Julie McAllister

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN  — Tara Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC    Deep River, My Home is over Jordan arr. James Michael Stevens       

GOSPEL READING   Luke 6:20-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON– Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*COMMUNION HYMN  —Shall We Gather at the River –#575
verses 1,3,4

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A]   Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice.  The other cups contain wine.

*HYMN —  I Sing Song of the Saints of God- Ivy worship booklet p. 52

*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION “We Remember Them”  –  Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
(See Insert)

*POSTLUDE    When the Saints Go Marching In     arr. Jonathon Robbins
Earl Kreder, saxophone

Oct 26-Consecration Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Let us rejoice and praise God! All are invited to join us In Fellowship Hall following worship for a Consecration Luncheon when we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day.

All of our music is linked below or you can get a pdf of all music together by clicking here.

WELCOME  — Valerie Waterman

PRELUDE — O God, Our Help in Ages Past

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French

One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a long time. We remember many eras before this one. Some of them we miss.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: Some of us have been in this congregation for a short time. We are searching for a place to call home.
All: God brings us together in one community.
One: All of us are seeking the restoration that only God can provide.
All: God brings us together in one community. Let us worship the God of restoration and transformation.

*HYMN — God of Our Life #614    

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French    
Gracious God, thank you for the ways you have sustained our church through many different challenges. We thank you for your gifts of faith and hope for the future. Be with us as we join together to share our gifts to bring healing and renewal. God, you are transforming Your church into a new future. Show us how we can be a part of that future. Help us to put our faith in Your dream for us.  Let us make those dreams real with the gifts we bring today. Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE                                               
“May the peace of Christ be with you.”   (Response) “And also with you.”

*RESPONSE — Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart — Ivy worship booklet p.42

GOD’S WORD —  Romans 12:1-3,9-13 — Jim French

STEWARDSHIP SONG   Dream God’s Dream — Insert (verses 1-3)

STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE   Dreaming God’s Dream – Connection–  JoAnn Moody

*HYMN —  Something for Jesus  #441                      

SCRIPTURE  — Luke 10:25-37— Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Surrender All    arr., Joel Raney

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE   (Responsive-see Insert) —  Valerie Waterman
The Congregation responds with “Hear our prayer” following “God in your mercy……”
Ending with Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

THE ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC during the singing of the final hymn by placing your 2026 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket.
Dream God’s Dream!

*HYMN — We Give Thee but Thine Own #622

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — John Weiland

One:  Please join me in prayer as we ask God to consecrate these pledges.

All: Creator God, we give you thanks for supplying all our needs.  In gratitude, we offer back to you our tithes and offerings.  Today we pledge to you our intentions to support the ongoing ministries of Ivy Chapel.  May you bless our gifts and our pledges.  May we utilize them with your guidance to meet the needs of our community and our world.  Amen.

*POSTLUDE — Trumpet Tune on “Simple Gifts”  Phil Lehenbauer                 

Oct 19- Dreaming God’s Dream-Education

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  Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet     M. W. Smith/A. Grant

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                         

One: God brings us together in the word.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s story.
One: God brings us together in stewardship.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s community.
One: God brings us together in a vision for the future.
All: We are grateful to be part of God’s dream. Amen.

*HYMN   Be Thou My Vision       #400               
         
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                          
Ever Present God, we thank you for your love that never lets us go. Thank you for the privilege of gathering in this space to worship you. We do not come merely to open the doors of the church,
but we come that our hearts might be opened to you and to one another. As we worship you today, may we be transformed from individuals to members of your one body.  Energize us to utilize our gifts for the strength of all humanity. Empower us to share our time, talents, and treasures as we seek to envision your dream for us and your world.  Be with us as we continue to search for your dreams and fulfill your visions as we create your Realm here on earth. Amen.

*RESPONSE   SeekYe First the Kingdom of God    #61       
                   (Sing twice)
GOD’S WORD   Psalm 119:97 – 105                  

STEWARDSHIP SONG    Dream God’s Dream  Insert
                                              (verses 1 & 2)

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT     Dreaming God’s Dream– Education

SPECIAL MUSIC   Hymn of Promise     setting by John Carter  

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN JoAnn Moody

SCRIPTURE READING   2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5                

SERMON   Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissel
  Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN    Open My Eyes   #174

*BENEDICTION    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE    Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing     arr. Diane Bish

October 5- World Communion Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC

God loves all people, and God rejoices that you are here.
 On this World Communion Sunday, we are blessed to be joining with Christians everywhere in the worship of God!  Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior.

For a link to all of the music for today please click here.  
Each song is also linked to their specific sheet music.

WELCOME

PRELUDE –  For Those Tears I Died –  Marsha J. Stevens

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                     

One: We gather as God’s people to celebrate the beauty of our diversity.
All: Let us love each other as God loves us, beautifully and wonderfully made in God’s image.
One: We give thanks for who we are, Beloved of God.
All: Let us open our hearts to God’s spirit of love and unity.
One: We celebrate the gifts of all gathered here today.
All: Let us worship God with all we are and celebrate the beauty of all God’s creation.

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

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                        

 Majestic God, your realm encompasses the universe, the earth, and our community. All creation declares your glory. May we unite with our kin around the world in celebrating you and the connections we share. As we gather in your name, may we remember those we join in faith, hope, and worship on every continent representing every tradition. May we declare in spirit and in truth…one bread, one body…the church striving to be one as you, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Spirit are one. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Bind Us Together  #130    

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 12:12-27                             

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE   JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC –  In The Garden – C. Austin Miles

GOD’S WORD   John 17:21-23                           

SERMON –   Many Parts, One Body –  Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                                                       

*COMMUNION HYMN    One Bread, One Body – Ivy worship booklet p. 72

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [B] –  Ivy worship booklet, pp. 12-13
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN  – They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love #119

*BENEDICTION –  Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE                                     

Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream

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

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

November 10th-Risk and Retribution

 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!’

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

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    

Next Page »