What if…we embraced the gift of the Earth?
May 6, 2024 by Kara White
Filed under What If? blog
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his Love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. –John 15:9-17
As we enter May and all of the wonderful spring opportunities that gives us, we are taking this time to look ahead to the busy month as we prepare for Pentecost.
We will also be celebrating Rural Life Sunday on May the 19th and offer this special prayer of thanks to the Lord for all he has given us.
Great Thanksgiving Communion Prayer for Rural Life Sunday:
Dear God, Creator of all things,
Long ago in the very beginning, you knelt down and scooped a handful of dirt and you knew it could live. And so you formed us, not crawling upon the face of the Earth, but intimately connected with Her.
In all times and places, your people have looked at the soil and, having first given thanks for what that soil can bring forth, have planted seeds, tended and sown.
The result of that gratitude and hard work is laid before us now on this table. Wheat and water, ground and risen, become bread. Grapes painstakingly crushed became juice/wine. Like Jesus who gathered with his friends on that holy night long ago, today people give thanks for the elements before us, and for the lands and people that produced it. We sing with gratitude as your people have sung across the lands and the generations.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in eth highest!
Blessed in the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!
April 14 – Christ Among Us
April 13, 2024 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! A warm welcome and a special thank you to Judy Lindquist for serving as worship musician today.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Lamb of God – Paris
*CALL TO WORSHIP — Sue Wilson
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice over the earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities there are for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked upon the earth.
All: God became a human being.
One: Jesus died on the Cross to bless all people with forgiveness and hope.
All: Jesus rose to walk with his disciples.
One: Christ is living among us.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us.
*HYMN – The Day of Resurrection – #276
The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, From earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, With hymns of victory.
Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, May raise the victor strain.
Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth her song begin!
The world resound in triumph, And all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen Their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, Our joy that hath no end.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Sue Wilson
Risen Savior, you fill us with life! When no one else can, you raise our spirits. Especially during times when it feels that our lives are dominated by disappointment or despair; O God, you transform us. In your miraculous, uplifting way, you provide resurrection. You fill empty souls with life!
Christ Jesus, you are the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. You invite us to live and to love boldly as your followers. This is challenging! Still we are empowered to give your invitation a try, for we know that you do not expect perfection out of us. When we fail, you are the One who helps us, who picks us up, and who encourages us to try again. This is a wondrous blessing of Christian discipleship! With you, it is never too late to make a new start. Thank you, Jesus. You give us hope. Amen.
*RESPONSE – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480
I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 81:1-3, 6-10, 16 — Sue Wilson
SPECIAL MUSIC — I Will Rise — Tomlin
GOD’S WORD — Luke 24:13-48 — Pastor Dan
SERMON — Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan
*HYMN — Because He Lives — #275
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy He gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Refrain
Refrain:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.
Refrain
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE — Be Thou My Vision — Irish tune
March 10 – Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 9, 2024 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
SILENT REFLECTION — Testimony — Page opposite Hymn #294 (Psalm 107)
WELCOME
PRELUDE — The Solid Rock/’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: God’s love is for all of creation.
All: The vastness of God is for human, animal, soil, and sun, all together composing God’s beloved creation.
One: God has not come into the world in Jesus to condemn us.
All: Jesus has come to live God’s love in the flesh.
One: The world may be teeming with injustice and loneliness.
All: In Jesus, the light of God’s love illumines our path.
One: Come. Let us gather together and offer God our praises.
All: Let us worship God.
*HYMN — Wondrous Love — #250
What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I Am,”
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity, I’ll sing on!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
O God, the vastness of your love flows through all of creation, and this is cause for rejoicing. For all of the harshness and condemnation that we see in the world, you have come to us out of love and compassion to save us. We believe that you have come to redeem, to heal, to restore, and forgive, not just some of the world, but all of the world. May our worship embody the love and the light that you bring, Jesus. We pray in your holy name. Amen.
*RESPONSE — Love Was When God Became a Man — #249
Love was when God became a man
Locked in time and space without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin,
Just a carpenter with some fishermen.
Love was when Jesus walked in history
Lovingly He brought a new life that’s free;
Love was God nailed to bleed and die
To reach and love one such as I.
Love was when God became a man
Down where I could see love that reached to me;
Love was God dying for my sin
And so trapped was I, my whole world caved in.
Love was when Jesus rose to walk with me
Lovingly He brought an new life that’s free;
Love was God only He would try
To reach and love one such as I.
CELEBRATING GOD’S ASTONISHING LOVE WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING
One Great Hour of Sharing — “It’s Time to Share the Light!”
GOD’S WORD — Psalm 107:1-9 — John Weiland
SPECIAL MUSIC — In the Garden
GOD’S WORD — John 3:14-21 — Pastor Dan
SERMON — Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan
*HYMN — O Jesus, I Have Promised — #466
O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.
O Jesus,Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be.
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.
O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near:
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.
*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE — Day by Day
Feb 18 – God’s Loving Paths
February 16, 2024 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
WELCOME
PRELUDE– Spirit of the Living God
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God has blessed us with the gift of this precious morning.
All: This blessing raises our spirits!
One: Today, we praise our Ever-Faithful God.
All: This week, we have entered into a new season.
One: Our 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day has begun.
All: As we navigate this wilderness, Eternal God is our compass.
One: Let us return to God our Savior.
All: God will put a new and right spirit within us.
*HYMN–My Faith Looks Up to Thee –#462
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love toThee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Quiet Strength, we cannot resist evil completely by ourselves. Earthly temptations are around us everywhere. How can we deal with these temptations? We rely on you for help, Great God. You are always present; living among us; living within us. We are deeply grateful to be in your care.
God of Quiet Strength, help us to be still before you – – putting aside our cares and our distresses. In the stillness and in the beauty of this morning, may we be reminded that you are God. You repeatedly invite us to follow you. So then, Christ Jesus; come now, and fill us with the faith to receive your remarkable gift of life eternal. Amen.
*RESPONSE –Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord — #424
Teach me Thy way, O Lord; teach me thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light; teach me Thy way!
When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy way!
When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way!
When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, thro’ sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy way!
Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!
GOD’S WORD— Psalm 25:1-10
SPECIAL MUSIC –Great Is Thy Faithfulness
GOD’S WORD — Mark 1:9-15
SERMON -Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE— Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN –Grace Greater Than Our Sin– #383
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]
*BENEDICTION–Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE — O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
Oct 8-Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!
October 8, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Please join us here on Youtube.
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ
We welcome a dear friend and sibling in Christ, Rev. Mary Albert, as our guest faith witness this morning! Thank you, Mary, for offering your personal words of testimony in worship among us today.
Christ is leading this journey toward higher ground: Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -- Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
*CALL TO WORSHIP -- Jo Ann Moody
One: Look, do you see that?
All: Jesus is in the midst of the people!
One: Listen, do you hear that?
All: Jesus is calling our names!
One: Come, all who are lost and searching.
Come, all who are sick and tired.
Come, all who are afraid and alone.
Come, all who are ready for a change.
All: The Holy One is here to heal and set us free!
One: Let us worship God who gives us new life!
*HYMN -- Standing on the Promises -- #181
Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION -- Jo Ann Moody
O God, we come to worship today hoping for a sign, a glimpse of your presence, or a nudge in the right direction. Meet us today where we are. In our places of pain, meet us with comfort and healing. In our apathy and resignation, meet us with hope and conviction. And where we are stuck, open our eyes to see the path to new life. This we pray, trusting in your presence and your power. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE --I Will Sing of the Mercies -- worship booklet, p. 56
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord
GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 8 -- Jo Ann Moody
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER-- Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC -He Leadeth Me
GOD’S WORD -- Luke 19:1-10 -- Rev. Mary Albert
SERMON -- “My Journey to ‘Yes’!” -- Rev. Mary Albert
*HYMN -- Higher Ground -- #448
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev'ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]
I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]
*BENEDICTION -- Rev. Mary Albert
*POSTLUDE -- Every Time I Feel the Spirit
CCLI License #456361
July 30 — Weaving the Future
July 30, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person?
You can join us online every week on our YouTube channel.”
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -- Just As I Am
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ is near.
All: Will we welcome him?
One: When God shows up, surprising things happen!
All: Let’s open wide our hearts.
One: Let’s put down our burdens.
All: Let’s set aside our distractions.
One: Let’s simply delight in Christ’s presence!
All: Nothing is too wonderful for God!
*HYMN-- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
O Spirit, who accompanies us and who helps us in all of our struggles; we call on you in prayer. You truly are our health and salvation! In this experience of being together, during this time set apart for gathering side by side in community; we are reminded of how closely connected we are. For this blessing, we praise you, O God! You know us completely. Teach us and guide us to keep growing in our relationship with you, God. Lead us to rely on your astonishing promises. Fill us with your grace. May our dreams and visions be your dreams and visions, Faithful God. Amen.
*RESPONSE -- I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back
GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 119:129-136
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE-- Diann Sheahan
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:26-39
SPECIAL MUSIC -- Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart
GOD’S WORD -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
SERMON Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN-- Here I Am, Lord
I, the Lord of sea and sky I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I have made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain:
Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, If You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain
I, the Lord of wind and flame I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide 'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain
*BENEDICTION AND TABLE GRACE
*POSTLUDE --He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
July 23- Wheat and Weeds Together
July 23, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! What a great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, sisters and brothers, everyone is welcome here!
All: God's people are many – of every land and every race;
of every age and every condition.
One: We gather to celebrate God's unbounded love.
All: God joins all people together into one community.
All people are God’s people! Let us worship God together!
*HYMN -- All Things Bright and Beautiful -- #65
Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings. [Refrain]
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky; [Refrain]
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]
He gave us eyes to them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well. [Refrain]
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Living God, Maker and Caretaker of all life; the whole universe shouts with joy, praising you! You have made us and we are yours. We are blessed each time we are able to serve as your instruments.
You fill the world with stunning beauty. We are blown away by your artistry and your power, God. The most exquisite works on earth shout your praises.
What a Kind and Gracious Savior you are! Thank you, God, for gathering us today. We are ready for action. Teach us your ways, and lead us in living them! Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE -- El Shaddai -- #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD Psalm 86:11-17
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
SERMON -- Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN -- Hymn of Promise -- #277
In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free
In the cold and snow of winter
There's a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
There's a song in every silence
Seeking word and melody
There's a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me
From the past will come the future
What it holds, a mystery
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
In our end is our beginning
In our time, infinity
In our doubt, there is believing
In our life, eternity
In our death, a resurrection
At the last, a victory
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
*BENEDICTION -- Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE
March 6 Livestream – 1st Sunday of Lent – Wilderness
March 5, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We’d like to thank Sarah Bereza for serving as our worship musician today. A reminder that we will be celebrating communion today, so be sure to gather the elements before worship begins so you can share in the experience with us.
A reminder to contribute to this year’s Lenten offering to benefit area children in need. https://www.ivychapel.org/2022/02/28/help-area-children-lenten-offering/
WELCOME
PRELUDE – My Faith Looks Up to Thee– arr. Mark C. Jones
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: We have come to worship God.
All: Living God blesses people with limits and boundaries, with free will and choices.
One: This week, we have entered a new season.
All: As God’s Church, we have set out on a fresh, Lenten journey.
One: Today, we remember some of the temptations Jesus faced.
All: May the way Jesus conquered all temptations be our guide for
responding faithfully in our own personal wildernesses.
One: May this time of worship serve as an oasis in our desert wilderness.
All: Let us rely on God’s strength in all situations.
*HYMN – My Faith Looks Up to Thee – #462
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!
*OPENING PRAYER
Life-Saving God; above all, you are our heart’s desire. You alone make our spirits soar. You have enabled us to break free from an exacting and exhausting world to come into your sanctuary.
Breathe new life into us, Faithful and Loving God. Bless us, we pray, with eyes to see earthly demands for what they truly are. Teach us. Change us. Lead us to love all people with your steadfast love, Jesus. By your grace and peace, empower our witness, Life-Saving God; for we long to serve you. Amen.
*RESPONSE – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you’re still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – arr. Michael Burkhardt
GOD’S WORD – Luke 4:1-13 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – I Need Thee Every Hour – #169
I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford
Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh
I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain
I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed son
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480
I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE Toccata in B Minor – Eugène Gigout
Feb. 28 Virtual Worship –Â Always Close
February 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.
Here is the order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!
Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35
- Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.
RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.
- Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,
REFRAIN
- Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.
REFRAIN
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.
Response – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.
Children’s Message – Sue Wilson
God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee
God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436
- Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross That raises me;
Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - There let the way appear Steps unto heav’n’
All that Thou sendest me In mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. use, - Then, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise
Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - Or if on joyful wing, Clearing the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
June 28, 2020 Virtual Worship
June 28, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
This week’s hymns:
Psalm 89: I Will Sing of the Mercies
- I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing, I will sing.
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.
With my mouth I will make known your faithfulness, your faithfulness;
with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations.
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord. - All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise forever for the things he has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise forever,
all the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.
Help Us Accept Each Other
- Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe.
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live. - Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life.
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some;
To love them as we find them, or as they may become. - Let Your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and Laughter’s healing art. - Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on;
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!
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