Dec 7-Come to Us, Abide with Us

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
On this second Sunday of Advent, may God prepare us for a deeply meaningful celebration of Christ’s birth. Please join us for refreshments in Fellowship Hall following worship.

All of the music for today can be found on each individual song.

WELCOME

PRELUDE   What Child is This   arr. David Lanz   

*CALL TO WORSHIP    John Weiland
One:  Prepare the way!
All:  Let all the earth rejoice!
One:  The glory of God approaches
All:  During Advent, we are traveling together as God’s people.
One:  Christ the Lord is coming.
All:  Prepare the way!

*HYMN    As with Gladness Men of Old   #219

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION    John Weiland
Almighty God, we seek relief from the unrest of our daily lives. You, who offer peace and justice in a single hand, are our redeemer. Allow us, God, to unfold in your palm. With each breath, allow us to inhale the power of your sacred word, and exhale the turmoil within. Amen.   

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH – The Candle of Peace
First Reader: Advent reminds us that we are people who share a story, the story of Jesus, who enacts peace by judging in favor of the poor and deciding with equity for the meek of the earth. We long for the day when “the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion will feed together, and a little child shall lead them” (Isaiah 11:6).
All: Today, we choose to live the story of peace, believing that true peace comes when we seek the flourishing of all God’s creation.
Second Reader: We light this candle of peace as a sign of our commitment to bring Light to the places the world seeks to hide until that day when all creation lives together in harmony and abundance.

*RESPONSE    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel #186   
(verse 2 only)

AN OLD TESTAMENT READING    Isaiah 11:1-10    John Weiland

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE      Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC     A Cradle for a Lamb    Penny Rodriguez

A READING FROM THE GOSPEL  Matthew 3:1-12     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON    “Empower Our Peace”     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*COMMUNION HYMN    Infant Holy, Infant Low  #211 

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A]  Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN   Let There Be Peace on Earth  Ivy worship booklet p. 62-63

*BENEDICTION    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
One:  Within and beyond these walls, be people of peace.
All: May the peace of Christ live in our hearts.
One: Share the peace of Christ with all you meet.
All: May we share peace by acting with compassion and not fear.
One: Share peace by listening with an open heart. 
All: May we share peace through all we say and do. Amen.

*POSTLUDE     God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen     arr., Penny Rodriguez               

Nov 30- Come to Us, Abide with Us

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

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

WELCOME

PRELUDE  O Come, O Come Emmanuel  Ethan Edwards- cello

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

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

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

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

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

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 2:1-5    Linda Lowry

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE    Dottie Foster

HYMN   O Christmas Tree   #221

SPECIAL MUSIC     Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

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

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

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

*HYMN   Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus    #187

*BENEDICTION     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE     Heavenly Sunlight

Nov 16-Infinite Possibilities

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

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

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

WELCOME

PRELUDE   How Firm a Foundation    arr. Gilbert Martin            

*CALL TO WORSHIP —   Kathryn Kuntzman

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

*HYMN    Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10

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

*RESPONSE   Stand Up and Bless the Lord! #100

GOD’S WORD    Isaiah 12     Kathryn Kuntzman

BIBLE PRESENTATION      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Tara Lowry

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

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

SERMON      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN   How Firm a Foundation   #179

*BENEDICTION      Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE   Standing on the Promises      arr. James Koerts     

Nov 9- Hold on to Faith

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

WELCOME

PRELUDE:  Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven

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

*HYMN: Sing Praise to God  #45

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

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

*RESPONSE: Thou Art Worthy #11

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

SPECIAL MUSIC:     Great is the Lord           Michael W Smith

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

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

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

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

Nov 2- Transforming Love

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

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

WELCOME

PRELUDE   Swing Low, Sweet Chariot    arr., Jack Butler

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

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

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

TOTENFEST    A Time For Remembrance Of Loved Ones

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

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

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN  — Tara Lowry

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

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

SERMON– Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 26-Consecration Sunday

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

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

WELCOME  — Valerie Waterman

PRELUDE — O God, Our Help in Ages Past

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French

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

*HYMN — God of Our Life #614    

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

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

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

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

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

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

*HYMN —  Something for Jesus  #441                      

SCRIPTURE  — Luke 10:25-37— Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Surrender All    arr., Joel Raney

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

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

*HYMN — We Give Thee but Thine Own #622

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — John Weiland

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

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

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

Oct 19- Dreaming God’s Dream-Education

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons…
Dreaming God’s Dream

WELCOME

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

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                         

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

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

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

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

STEWARDSHIP MOMENT     Dreaming God’s Dream– Education

SPECIAL MUSIC   Hymn of Promise     setting by John Carter  

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN JoAnn Moody

SCRIPTURE READING   2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5                

SERMON   Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN    Open My Eyes   #174

*BENEDICTION    Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

October 5- World Communion Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC

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

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

WELCOME

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

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                     

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

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

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                        

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

*RESPONSE – Bind Us Together  #130    

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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE   JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC –  In The Garden – C. Austin Miles

GOD’S WORD   John 17:21-23                           

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

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE                                                       

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

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

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

*BENEDICTION –  Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE                                     

Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts! May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons… Dreaming God’s Dream

WELCOME

PRELUDE     Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise                       

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 146)                                

One: Praise God! Praise the Holy One, O my soul!
All: We will sing praises to God our whole lives long!
One: Praise God in whom we may trust. Praise God in whom we may hope.
All: Happy are we whose hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: The Holy One lifts the bowed down. The Righteous One loves justice.
All: The Holy One brings the way of the wicked to ruin. Praise God who reigns forever!

*HYMN     We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer  #27**               

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                   

Steadfast God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, teach us your way, so that we may live filled with your Spirit – richly offering compassion and grace.  Fill us to overflowing as we journey toward your ever-new horizons, dreaming Your dream.   Lead us to treasure and to continue reaching for Your dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant.  Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*RESPONSE Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord  #424**                           

GOD’S WORD   1 Timothy 6:6-19                  

SPECIAL MUSIC     Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart                                                                                  

GOD’S WORD    Luke 16:19-31

SERMON   Dreaming God’s Dream Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN    The Voice of God is Calling   Ivy Worship Booklet, page 90 **                             

*BENEDICTION       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE            Sweet, Sweet Spirit        

* indicates a time to stand if able
** words can be found in separate link- please click on songs or here                              

December 1 — Sign of Things to Come

Advent begins! May the world accept God’s gift of “new life in Christ.”

Today, as we light the candle of hope, we are also celebrating open communion. If you are worshipping with us from home, please ready the elements before worship so we may gather together at God’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — O Little Town of Bethlehem — Livingston

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

*HYMNS — Hark! The Herald Angels Sing — #191

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. [Refrain]

Angels We Have Heard on High — #206

Angels we have heard on high,
Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply
Echo back their joyous strains:

Refrain:
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!
Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid,
Jesus, Lord of heav’n and earth!
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
With us sing our Savior’s birth. [Refrain]

Go, Tell It on the Mountain — #216

Go, tell it on the mountain, Over the hills and everywhere;
Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching O’r silent flocs by night,
Behold, throughout the heavens There shone a holy light. Refrain

The shepherds feared and trembled When, Lo! Above the earth
Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior’s birth. Refrain

Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born,
And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Sue Wilson
Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us, moment by moment. At this time of year, as the hours of daylight grow shorter and as the dark nights lengthen, we value light more than ever!

God of Light, help us to turn away from evil and toward you as we begin this Advent Season. We pray that you will fill us with fresh expectation. Teach us again that this season is a time to watch, not for things that already have happened, but to watch for astonishing, new things that have not yet taken place. Come, Christ Jesus. This world needs you now. Guide us. May we watch closely for what you are about to do next. Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH — The Candle of Hope

*RESPONSE — Emmanuel — #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Dottie Foster

*HYMN — O Christmas Tree — #221

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your branches are uplifted.
You seem to say that on this day our world’s supremely gifted
The shining of your candles bright, reminds us Light has come tonight.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you lift our eyes to heaven.

Oh Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you shine like stars above us;
And with your beauty silent say, “How greatly God must love us!”
You show us Him who with God’s face, brought to our hearts the gift of grace.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you lift our eyes to heaven.

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, in plainness you were growing
Until we came and brought you here and set your branches glowing.
Your living beauty helps us see how clothed with Christ our lives can be.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, you lift our eyes to heaven.

GOD’S WORD — Jeremiah 33:14-16 — Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC —Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming — Cotter

GOD’S WORD — Luke 21:5-9, 25-36 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — How Beautiful —worship booklet, p. 50

How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the heart that bled
That took all my sin and bore it instead
How beautiful the tender eyes
That choose to forgive and never despise
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King
How beautiful the hands that serve
The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
Cups in the outside ring on the communion tray contain grape juice. All other cups contain wine.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING —Pastor Dan

*HYMN — We Will Glorify — #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

*BENEDICTION —Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates — Held

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