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

June 22 — In God’s Presence

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and celebrate this gift together! May today’s worship fill your soul with joy and strength.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Be Thou My Vision — arr. Paul Manz

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalms 42 & 43) — Kathryn Kuntzman
One: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so we long for you, O God. As the plants turn toward the sun, so we turn to you, O God. As the tide ebbs and flows, so we move with you, O God.
Many: Hope in God! Again, we worship the Holy One, our help and our God.
One: When tears are our constant companion, when our souls become weary, when we feel forgotten or alone, we may ask the question, “Where is God?”
Many: Trust in God! Again, we honor the Present One, our strength and our God.
One: Deep calls to deep. The steadfast love of God surrounds us. The Spirit of Truth leads us to everlasting joy.
Many: Rejoice in God. Again, we praise the Living One, our source and our God.

*HYMN — As the Deer Pants for Water — Ivy worship booklet p. 26

As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You

Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You!

I want you more than gold or silver,
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
Chorus

You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything!
Chorus

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Kathryn Kuntzman
God in whom we take refuge, we seek you as the calm in the storm, the path in the wilderness, and the order in the chaos. Renew our strength with a vision of your kingdom made real and expanding before us. Encourage us with a word of possibility and an encounter with your presence. Enliven us as we pray, sing, laugh, cry, witness, listen, ponder, and imagine in your midst and in our own way. We come to you with our full selves knowing you offer us the fullness of your being. May we find hope and challenge, joy and rest, peace and power as we immerse ourselves in you and glorify your name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Will Glorify the King of Kings — 35

We will glorify the King of kings
We will glorify the Lamb
We will glorify the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone

He is Lord of heaven Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give

Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

STIRRING WORSHIP — Children’s Time — Rev. Susan Shumway

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 43 — Kathryn Kuntzman

SPECIAL MUSIC — Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — arr. Paul Manz

GOD’S WORD — Luke 8:26-39 — Rev. Susan Shumway

SERMON — “From the Tombs” — Rev. Susan Shumway

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

*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. Susan Shumway

*POSTLUDE — The Rejoicing (from Suite in D) — Charles Callahan

April 20 — Easter Sunday — He is Risen!

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Today is Resurrection Day! God’s Church joyously celebrates, Christ is risen! Alleluia!

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — JoAnn Moody
One: We gather to worship Living God!
All: Today, we celebrate amazing news! Our Savior is alive!
One: Rejoice! It’s Resurrection Day!
All: The massive tombstone has been rolled out of the way!
The tomb is empty!
One: Jesus Christ is risen today!
All: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

*HYMN — Christ the Lord Is Risen Today — #268

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — JoAnn Moody
Life-giving God, you are the One who sends the dawn, who relieves our fears and who fills people with hope. On that first resurrection morning, your angels appeared to women who were your followers, bringing them news more wonderful than they had dared to imagine – “Christ is risen!” In equally astonishing ways you are blessing human lives today. Your power amazes us! Christ Jesus, you so thoroughly love humankind that you sacrifice your life on our behalf. nd then you display your supreme power by rising from the dead! Christ Jesus, you have blessed the world forever through the miracle of your resurrection. Your empty tomb proclaims that you are alive! Alleluia! Amen!

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Our God Reigns! — #290

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
Who brings good news,good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness.
Our God reigns; our God reigns!

Chorus:
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!

He had no stately form; He had no majesty,
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised, and we took no account of Him,
Yet now He reigns with the Most High. [Chorus]

Out of the tomb He came with grace and majesty;
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so see here His hands, His feet, His side.
Yes, we know He is alive. [Chorus]

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

*HYMN — He is Lord — #103

He is Lord, He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and he is Lord!
Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 65:17-2 — JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — Rise Again

GOD’S WORD — Luke 24:1-12 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — Thine is the Glory, Risen Conquering Son — #281

Thine is the glory, Risen conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou or death has won!
Angels in bright raiment Rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes Where Thy body lay.

Refrain:
Thine is the glory, Risen Conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou o’er death hast won!

Lo! Jesus meets us. Risen from the tomb,
Lovingly He greets us, Scatters fear and gloom.
Let His church with gladness Hymns of triumph sing,
For the Lord now liveth; Death has lost its sting. [Refrain]

No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of Life!
Life is naught without Thee; Aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conqu’rors, Through thy deathless love;
Bring us safe through Jordan To Thy home above. (Refrain)

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE

April 18 — Good Friday

Our Savior Jesus Christ is crucified on a cross. We remember this holy sacrifice on Good Friday; this loving act of God.

PRELUDE — What Wondrous Love is This

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Linda Lowry
One: Christ Jesus empties himself,
All: Taking the form of a servant.
One: Christ Jesus humbles himself,
All: And becomes obedient unto death—even death on a cross.
One: There is no greater love than this—to lay down one’s very life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Merciful God, our souls ache with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Holy Spirit, we need you now. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.

*HYMN — Beneath the Cross of Jesus — #239

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me:
And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION — Linda Lowry
Blessed Savior, each Good Friday invites the whole world to the foot of your cross. This is a forlorn and difficult place to be. Here we are shown our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Yes, like Simon Peter, sometimes we also draw swords in anger. We lash out at one another. We criticize; we envy; we injure one another. Worst of all, we continue pretending to serve you without making true sacrifices. Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. At the foot of your cross, sorrow and love mingle. Forgive us for crucifying you. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*RESPONSE — Were You There? — #266

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

RESPONSIVE READING — Crucifixion of Christ — #645

*HYMN — Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone — #512

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross

Forgiveness
Luke 23:32-34

Acceptance
Luke 23:39-43

Love
John 19:25a-27

Anguish
Mark 15:33-34

Suffering
John 19:28-29

Fulfillment
John 19:30

Surrender
Luke 23:44-46

SPECIAL MUSIC — It Is Finished — Hartman
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

DEPART IN SILENCE

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

What if… God’s Abundant Presence was EVERYWHERE?

Ecumenical means promoting or relating to unity among the world’s Christian Churches.  The United Church of Christ, which was founded just under seventy years ago out of an ecumenical impulse following the second world war, is founded on the principle that working together, people of many faith traditions can achieve more justice than any one organization working alone.

Inspired by the story in John 6:1-21, in which one gift multiplies to feed an entire crowd, many UCC churches have gathered ecumenically with other organizations to create feeding programs inspired by the story of the loaves and fishes.

One of those is Pilgrim Church in Fond du Lac, WI.  Founded in 1982, Loaves and Fishes in Fond du Lac provides meals to approximately 150-200 local people twice a week.  Pilgrim church provides volunteers for quarterly meal preparation that includes donating and preparing food, set-up, serve, clean-up and distributing leftovers.  The numbers of families served continues to grow and the program’s website emphasizes its open and welcoming nature.  “Sometimes they may not be hungry for food but for companionship.  The lonely people are hungry too; we never judge.  This is everyone’s program.  It is ecumenical and covers all faiths.”

Another is St. Luke’s UCC in Jeffersonville, IN.  Loaves and Fishes in Jeffersonville is a weekly community meal in partnership with other local congregations and housed at St. Luke’s.  Every Saturday, groups volunteer to plan, prepare, serve and clean up a meal for individuals who might not otherwise have a hot meal that day.  Much more than a soup kitchen, Loaves and Fishes provides a sense of community and welcome to those who might not find welcome elsewhere.
Another Loaves and Fishes (this one called Fish and Loaves) program in Taylor, MI, counts St. Paul UCC in Taylor among its charter members.  Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a cooperative, non-sectarian, non-profit, faith based initiative seeking to insure adequate food and nutrition for all residents within several local communities: “client choice” pantry that allows individuals and families to “shop” on a monthly or bi-monthly basis for items they need, providing not only food but dignity to all they serve.

How will the story of the loaves and fishes inspire YOU?

UCC Sunday Bulletin Service

Getting the Good News

What if summer and year round reading could be at the touch of your fingers…?

What if you could get all kinds of good news, helpful information, stories of growth and announcements throughout the year in your inbox?!?!?!?

YOU CAN!!!!

The UCC has several daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly blogs, columns and newsletters that can be delivered right to your inbox! They cover a variety of topics and can be individually signed up for.

Blogs and newsletters covering a variety of news and information.
–The General UCC News blog provides the latest updates and stories from the UCC national setting.
—Witness for Justice is the blog for advocacy opportunities, updates and ideas.
—UCC Roots tells stories from the UCC National Setting about our history and heritage.
—The Pollinator is a blog for environmental justice and advocacy issues.

Columns and blogs for connection, discussion and reflection.
—Getting to the Root of It is a column for analysis and discussion of critical social justice issues.
—Encounters at the Well shares stories about spiritual growth and connection.
—Reflexiones shares reflections on faith, life and spirituality by guest writers.

General Subscriptions includes more newsletters, webinars, blogs and other unique opportunities from the UCC.

—COMma -Committees on Ministry- the Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization team (MESA) provides a monthly newsletter sharing case studies, reflections and resources for Committees on Ministry.
—Creation Justice Webinars -each month the UCC hosts a webinar featuring environmental justice leaders who educate and provide direction for action for communities of faith.
— Daily Devotional is a spiritually deep and refreshing well published daily and delivered right to your inbox.
— Join the Movement is where we share stories and grow as we answer the call to be an anti-racist church, learning together how to build a just world for all.
— JPANet– the Justice and Peace Action Network shares information on the grassroots efforts for advocacy across the country sending out weekly alerts allowing you to take timely action.
— Mind Body Spirit -the E-Newsletter published every other month supporting and promoting wellness ministries, news, events, and learning opportunities.
— Nurture the Soul – a webinar series- Tuesdays for Nurture, Thursdays for the Soul.
— Our Whole Lives (OWL) – a quarterly newsletter providing information to all interested in the OWL programs offered by the UCC and UUA.
— Weekly Seeds – a Bible study resource based on the Lectionary. Providing an in depth way to look at the text, reflect, study and share that experience with millions around the world.

Find these links and so much more at the United Church of Christ website.

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