Nov 30- Come to Us, Abide with Us

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Today is the First Sunday in Advent, when we begin preparing for the coming of the Holy Child whom God will send.  May we all appreciate and receive God’s amazing gift to the world. Please join us for refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the Annual Meeting. 

All of the music is linked on the individual song titles below.

WELCOME

PRELUDE  O Come, O Come Emmanuel  Ethan Edwards- cello

*CALL TO WORSHIP     Linda Lowry
One: In the wilderness, blaze a trail for God.
All: Every valley shall be raised up.
One: Every mountain shall be made low.
All: And the glory of the Lord will be revealed among us.

*HYMNS  Hark the Herald Angels Sing     #191
                Go, Tell It on the Mountain        #216

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION    Linda Lowry   
    Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us moment by moment.  At this time of year, as the daytime hours grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we treasure daylight.
God of Light, help us to turn toward you as we begin this Advent Season.  Fill us with fresh expectation.  Teach us again that this season is a time to watch, not for things that have already happened, but for exciting new things that have not yet taken place.  Come, Christ Jesus.  This world greatly needs you.  Help us to watch closely and to remain ready for the next holy moment when you will be born.  Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Hope
Reader One: The prophet Isaiah calls to us from the past to imagine the future when God’s reign will be fully realized and recognized throughout creation. When that time comes, God “shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.
All:  Today, we choose to live in hope, believing that the time of God’s reign has come and is coming among us.
Reader Two:  We light this candle of hope as a sign of our promise to follow the Light as we answer God’s call to transform our hope into reality today and in the days to come.

*RESPONSE  O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  #186                      
(Verse 1 Only)

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 2:1-5    Linda Lowry

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE    Dottie Foster

HYMN   O Christmas Tree   #221

SPECIAL MUSIC     Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

GOSPEL READING   Matthew 24:36-44   Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON   “Transform Our Hope”    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN   Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus    #187

*BENEDICTION     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE     Heavenly Sunlight

Nov 16-Infinite Possibilities

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

We are glad that you could join us today, Bible Presentation Sunday, as we share God’s Word with our young people. Please join us following worship for refreshments and fellowship.

Please click here for a link to all of the music for today or below on individual songs.

WELCOME

PRELUDE   How Firm a Foundation    arr. Gilbert Martin            

*CALL TO WORSHIP —   Kathryn Kuntzman

One:  Sing praises to God on high, for glorious are God’s works!
All: We will sing praises to the ends of the earth!
One: Blessed is the One who comes to dwell among us.
All: We rejoice in the salvation that God has provided!
One: Let us worship the Lord with joy and thanksgiving!
All: For He is our strength and our song!

*HYMN    Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION —  Kathryn Kuntzman
Gracious and Mighty God, we gather before You with hearts ready to sing a new song. Your works are marvelous, Your love unshakable, and Your salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. Let every breath within us join the chorus of creation, lifting our voices in praise. Let us be comforted and strengthened in your presence. Let your Spirit awaken joy in every heart. And remind of us your vision that all might live in a world of peace, and justice and love.  Amen.

*RESPONSE   Stand Up and Bless the Lord! #100

GOD’S WORD    Isaiah 12     Kathryn Kuntzman

BIBLE PRESENTATION      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Tara Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC   Jesus Loves Me! This I know. For the Bible tells me so.

GOSPEL READING  Luke 21:5-19     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN   How Firm a Foundation   #179

*BENEDICTION      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE   Standing on the Promises      arr. James Koerts     

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 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                                     

June 7 — Pentecost

A Blessed Pentecost Day to everyone! All glory to God for the blessing of life! We give thanks to God for the invitation to be alive in a world full of possibility with open minds and open hearts to live with great joy until we meet again.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Acts 2:1 and Psalm 104) — JoAnn Moody
One: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one
place.
Many: We join for worship online and onsite, in real time and sometimes days later, and yet,
One: The Holy One sends forth the Spirit.
Many: Who unites us, connects us, and forms us as a community.
One: We were created in spirit and in truth, wonderfully and fearfully, in the image of Holy Love.
Many: God renews the face of the earth and the cosmos, this faith community and the church.
One: May the glory of God the Fire endure forever!
Many: Bless the Holy One, oh my soul. Praise God!

*HYMN — Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart — #154

Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as ,Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou not bid us love , Thee God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross— there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek Thee and O let me find!

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame:
The baptism of the heaven-descended Dove;
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — JoAnn Moody
Spirit of Unity, you knit us together with all of our connections and distinctions. You make us one and yet unique. We gather to hear your voice and to attune ourselves to the language of the other, to celebrate the diversity of your creation and to immerse ourselves in compassionate care, to give you glory and to recognize the gift of community. May our hearts be opened and our lips declare your praise. Inhabit our worship with your abiding presence and inflame us with your love. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place — #146

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.

I can hear the brush of angel’s wings,
I see glory on each face;

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

*HYMN — Sweet, Sweet Spirit — #153

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Refrain:
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.

There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Refrain

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 104:24-34, 35b — JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — Spirit Medley
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is; Breathe on Me, Breath of God;
Spirit of the Living God

GOD’S WORD — John 14:8-17, 25-27 — Rev. Susan Shumway

SERMON — Truth, Trouble, and Fear — Rev. Susan Shumway

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Susan Shumway

*HYMN — Spirit — Ivy worship booklet pp. 82-83

Refrain:
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free,
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” Refrain

You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain

You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Refrain

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

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Susan Shumway

*POSTLUDE — Every Time I Feel the Spirit

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

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

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