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

Starting in October-Youth Classes!  

Confirmation Class for youth currently in the 8^th grade or higher will begin in October.  Classes are planned for 1^st & 3^rd Sundays after worship and the sessions will be 1 hour in length with food provided. 

“Faith 101” for youth in 5th, 6^th & 7^th grades will begin in October. Classes are planned on the 3^rd Sunday of each month after worship.  Sessions will be less than 1 hour in length and food will be provided. 

For more information, contact Linda Lowry, Jo Ann Moody or Pastor Carol, pastorcarol@ivychapel.org or call the church office 314-434-4991.

August 24 — Healing Reign

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC! Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. Today, let us join with one another in worshipping the God of kindness.

WELCOME

ORGAN PRELUDE — Chime Prelude No. 5 in F Major — Raymond H. Herbek

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: We may be parched with thirst, like an unwatered garden; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: God Most High refreshes us as a spring of living water.
One: We may be weary from worry or from work; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Holy one offers us Sabbath rest.
One: We may be lost or confused; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Eternal One offers us kindness.
One: We may be bent over with struggle or pain; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Healing One makes us well.

*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 — John Weiland
Kind-hearted God, we lift our praises to your sacred name.You truly care for every living being. Your goodness and mercy are remarkable! You never lose track of a single one of us. We are blessed that you are our God! Give us ears to hear the fresh word of power and grace that you speak this day. Soften our stubborn hearts and remove any barriers that keep us from serving you. Help us to continue becoming faithful imitators of you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — #414

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master,  today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 71:1-6 — John Weiland

SPECIAL PIANO MUSIC — I Need Thee Every Hour — Arr. Gail Smith

GOD’S WORD — Luke 13:10-17 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Set Free — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

LITANY OF WELCOME — John Weiland

*HYMN — Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us — #449

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use Thy folds prepare:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.

We are Thine, do Thou befriend us,
Be the guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou hast promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful though we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse, and pow’r to free:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

Early let us seek Thy favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*ORGAN POSTLUDE — Come, Christians, Join to Sing — Don Schlosser

2025 World Communion Day

We will share with Christians from all over the globe to celebrate World Communion Sunday, a day to remember that we are united as one body in Christ, no matter where we are. On October 5 join us at 10 am during our in-person worship service or online as we gather around the Lord’s table, we will break bread and share the cup, reflecting on the unity, love, and grace we have through Christ.

Observed on the first Sunday in October, this day calls the Church to be the universal, inclusive Church. The day was first observed by Presbyterians in 1936, adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940, and shortly thereafter observed in churches worldwide.  

Almighty God, from the ends of the earth you have gathered us around Christ’s holy table.
Let us come together to celebrate this sacred meal as a reminder of our shared faith and fellowship with believers worldwide.

June 15 — Live into Hope

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC 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 — It is Well with My Soul — arr. Suzanne Arant

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Linda Lowry
One: God delights in life!
All: Let us rejoice before the majesty of our Creator!
One: Through Christ, we are inspired to hope.
All: We gladly enter this house of worship.
One: God’s mercy is ever flowing.
All: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of life and of hope and of all things good!
One: Let us listen closely for God, so that we may hear and do what is faithful.
All: Let us open our hearts now to the astonishing Word of God.

*HYMN — The Solid Rock — 315

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Refrain:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on HIs unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my sould gives way He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in HIm be found;
Dressed in HIs righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Holy, Present, Creator God. God who shapes us in the fire;
we are made new in your presence. We come seeking your wisdom, crying out our concerns, needing your steadfast love. May this worship time serve as a time that continues shaping us into a faith community who loves you above all, Dear God. Let our character reflect your goodness and grace. May we live in awe of your glory and humbled by your nearness. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — How Majestic is Your Name — 9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 8 — Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC — Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

GOD’S WORD — Romans 5:1-5 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN — God of The Ages — 51

God of the ages, History’s Maker,
Planning our pathway, Holding us fast,
Shaping in mercy All that concerns us;
Father, we praise You, Lord of the past.

God of this morning, Gladly Your children
Worship before You, Trustingly bow;
Teach us to know You Always among us,
Now and forever Kept by Your hand.

Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning,
Lord of the future, Help us, we pray;
Teach us to trust You, Love and obey You,
Crown You each moment Lord of today.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Faith of Our Fathers — arr. Dennis Alexander

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

May 25 — Abiding Presence

A Blessed Memorial Day Weekend to all. We offer God’s humble thanks for the sacrifice of every person who has given their life while serving in our nation’s military. From this worship, may we go into the world to live as Christ’s servant disciples.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Amazing Grace — arr. Gordon Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Julie McAllister
One: Let the Creator be home among us.
All: In our hearts, may God be welcome.
One: May God’s love shape our every thought.
All: May our actions lead to God’s justice.
One: May our words be words of life.
All: May God’s Spirit lead us and may God’s peace dwell within us.

*HYMN — Open My Eyes — 174

Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear,
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my mouth, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Julie McAllister
Creator God, you are mighty in love and in power. We come, seeking your presence that shakes foundations and helps build new ones. We come with our wounds, asking for healing. We come, remembering our baptism and the freeing grace that your cleansing love offers all people. We come, seeking to perceive your life-giving closeness. May all that we say, hear, and do in worship today praise you for the wonders that you are doing in Jesus Christ and in us. God of Peace, fill us with your pure love for life. Amen

*RESPONSE — Spirit Song — Ivy worship booklet pp. 84-85

Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love;
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul
Oh, let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit, like a dove,
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.
O give Him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain
And you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 67 — Julie McAllister

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sweet, Sweet Spirit — arr. Glenda Austin

GOD’S WORD — John 14:23-29 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — It is Well with My Soul — 453

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Refrain:
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul
Refrain

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul
Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — God Bless America — Irving Berlin

May 18 — Limitless Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We are blessed by the eternal love of God’s Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — arr. Bruce Greer

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 148) — Linda Lowry
One: Celebrate our God, from the plains to the mountains!
Many: Celebrate our God, from the waters and hills.
One: Sing to our God who designed creation.
Many: Fill the air with song to the One who painted the world with love.
One: Let us praise our God, the author of grace.
Many: Let us worship our God, the composer of joy.

*HYMN — When Morning Gilds the Skies — #66

When morning gilds the skies, My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work or prayer To Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

The night becomes as day, When from the heart we say:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The pow’rs of darkness fear When this sweet chant they hear:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Sing, suns and stars of space, Sing, ye that see His face,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let all the earth around Ring joyous with the sound:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this, while life is mine, My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th’ eternal song Through all the ages long,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
We praise you, O God, and celebrate your presence with us in this day and time. Your gifts surround us and dwell within us. Help us to embrace these realities. We are all your children, throughout this world. Come today to wipe away tears and comfort those in distress. Come to heal our divisions and overcome our prejudices. Come, Holy Spirit, that we might be loved into discipleship, to follow the Risen One, in whom we rejoice to pray and worship. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Spirit of the Living God — #150

Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me,
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the Living God,
Fall afresh on me.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — JoAnn Moody

*HYMN — Into My Heart — #391

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 148 — Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC — Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart — arr. James Koerts

GOD’S WORD — Acts 11:1-18 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

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

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

All praise to the Father from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God (Inspired by Psalm 19) — Benedetto Marcello

April 27 — Resurrection Witness

Peace be with you. Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. You are welcome here. God loves all people. God is still speaking…Christ is risen! Alleluia!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: Children of God, come and worship.
All: We come to worship Jesus Christ, risen forever!
One: Come to receive forgiveness for your sins.
All: We come to discover hope in the face of fear.
One: Jesus Christ appears and declares, “My peace I give to you.”
All: Our Savior is here!
One: Our Savior is alive!
All: We come to rejoice in life born out of death. Alleluia!

*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 of all our beginnings; may this day begin with praises for you! Let every breath become a witness to your Spirit, living within us and among us. Open our hearts to receive your saving gifts. Use our voices to proclaim your unsurpassed greatness. May the sound of our celebration help people to sense your powerful presence and to claim the joy of serving you, in Christ’s name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Be Still and Know — #24

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 118:14-29 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

GOD’S WORD — John 20:19-31 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*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
Refrain

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
Refrain

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

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 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

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