Feb. 14 Livestream – Transfiguration

Join us for our Transfiguration Sunday worship.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob;
whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth!
All: God lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: God upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
All: God opens the ears of the deaf and gives sight to the blind.
One: God watches over foreigners.
All: God sets prisoners free!
One: God remains faithful forever!
All: Let us praise the Maker of heaven and earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ provides us with strength which the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt.
God of all; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and power, fill us with courage to serve as your witnesses, we pray. Shape us into your messengers of hope and good news.
God of valleys and of mountaintops; you reveal what true mightiness is!
Fill the lives of all your children with joy and promise. Amen.

Hymn – Day By Day – #486

1. Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
   Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no causer for worry or for fear.
   He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Give unto each day what He deems best-
   Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.
2. Every day the Lord Himself is near me With a special mercy for each hour;
   All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
   He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
   The protection of HIs child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
   “As your days, your strength shall be in measure,” This the pledge to me He made.
3. Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
   That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
   Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
   One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land. Children’s Message – Sarah Heend Scripture Reading – Micah 4 – Pastor Dan Special Music – Nothing Left to Say Scripture Reading – Mark 9:2-9 – Pastor Dan

Sermon –Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – God of the Ages – #51

1. 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.
2. God of this morning, Gladly Your children Worship before You,
   Trustingly bow; Teach us to know You Always among us,
   Quietly sov’reign Lord of our now.
3. God of tomorrow, Strong Overcomer, Princes of darkness Own Your command;
   What then can harm us? We are Your people,
   Now and forever Kept by Your hand.
4. 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, Benediction – Pastor Dan Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Feb. 7 Livestream – Source of Strength

As we all look for strength and peace in this world, today pause with us and remember the light in the darkness, the one true source of strength, God.

As we settle down this afternoon to watch the “big game” keep in mind that this year has been a struggle for many. Donate to the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, and help people right here in our area get the food they need. You can send donations to Ivy’s financial secretary, Peter LaSalle, or use the Souper Bowl’s Tackle Hunger Map to find a food pantry near you.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Let your light shine, children of God!
All: God is alive within each one of us!
One: No eye has seen,
All: No ear has heard,
One: No human imagination has envisioned,
All: What God has prepared for those who love God.

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Amazing God, you are the Creator of all that is! We give you thanks for your sacred gift of life. During this time of worship, help us to accept more fully your gifts of peace and rest which you long for each soul to receive. By your mercy, lead us to continue growing in our relationship with you, God. You are our Source of Strength.
Come, Holy Spirit; wash over us. Come as Light in our darkness. Come as Strength to our weakness. We pray in your blessed name, Christ Jesus.
Fill us with your Spirit now as we worship you. Amen.

Hymn – “Great Is the Lord” – #7

REFRAIN
Great is the Lord, He is holy and just; By His power we trust in His love.
Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true; By His mercy He proves He is love.

1. Great is the Lord and worthy of glory! Great is the Lord and worthy of praise.
   Great is the Lord; now lift up your voice, now lift up your voice.
   Great is the Lord! Great is the Lord!

REFRAIN

Great are You, Lord, and worthy of glory! Great are You, Lord, and worthy of praise.
Great are You, Lord; I lift up my voice, I lift umps voice;
Great are You Lord! Great are You Lord!

Children’s Message – Jo Ann Moody

Scripture Reading – Psalm 147 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – “Total Praise”

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:29-39 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion – Pastor Dan
Responsive Invitation
One: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts!
All: We life them up to God!
One: Let us give thanks to God Most High.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise! Sharing the Bread and the Cup Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “Through It All” – #304

I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong;
But in every situations God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.

REFRAIN
Through it all, Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

2. I’ve been to lots of places, And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
   There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
   But in my lonely hours, Yes, those precious lonely hours,
   Jesus let me know that I was His own.

REFRAIN

3. I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys,
   I thank Him for the storms He brought me through;
   For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
   I’d never know what faith in God could do.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 31 Livestream – Power

As we pray for the health and safety of our world, we reflect on the peace we can find through God, and how His leadership will show us the way forward.

The Ivy Chapel Board of Deacons, working with the virtual worship team, is continuing to watch case numbers, hospitalizations and vaccination rates across our area to create a strategy for returning to in-person worship. We hope to make an announcement soon with more details.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come to Christ, the Living One,
All: Rejected by the world, but in God’s sight chosen and precious.
One: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: New life is rising among us!
All: We rejoice at the miraculous ways God brings creation alive!
One: Come! And hear God’s Word for our day.
All: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Power and Might; your wisdom is beyond ours. Your patience surpasses ours. Your compassion exceeds ours. We continue finding ourselves amazed by you, Living God. This morning, we join together to praise you.
Christ Jesus, your life, death and resurrection are our model for faithful discipleship. Strengthen us, we pray, as we seek to walk in your ways: living wisely, patiently, and compassionately. Fill us, we pray, with your Spirit of unselfishness and love. Amen.

Hymn – “Holy, Holy, Holy” – #2

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and might!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Children’s Message – Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Psalm – Pastor Dan

Special Music – “All Hail King Jesus with Majesty”

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:21-28 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “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.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 24 Livestream – Follow Me

The warmest of greetings from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Thank you for worshipping with us. We continue to pray for the health and safety of our world, and for brighter days ahead for all.

Do you want to know more about Ivy Chapel or do you have a question about our stream services? Get in touch with us.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

Third Sunday after Epiphany
“Follow Me”

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.
All: God only is my rock and my salvation. I shall not be shaken.
One: Pour out your hearts before God. Trust in God at all times.
All: Our trust is in God, Maker of heaven and earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of all times and places, may we receive your message now. Sometimes we do not like what we hear, but we know we need to listen. Your message is true and universal, although we would like to make distinctions that favor us and our friends. You call us out of our comfort zones to live courageously and to try new things. Rejoice; welcome; forgive; heal; love. These are acts of faith that you want to see us put into practice. You command us to reach out to people with whom we seem to have little in common.
Still-Speaking God, you call us to accompany you on a pathway – your sacred path of living grace. You inspire us, Jesus! Help us to absorb what you are saying and to respond to what you are asking. Then we will follow you by carrying what we have received from you to the places you want us to go, to the people you desire to reach. Amen.

Hymn      â€œYou Have Come Down to the Lakeshore” worship booklet, p. 101

1. You have come down to the lakeshore seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,
   But only asking for me to follow.

REFRAIN
O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; now with you I will seek other seas.

2. You know full well my possessions. neither treasure nor weapons for conquest,
   Just these my fishnets and will for working.

REFRAIN

3. You need hands, my exhaustion, working love for the rest of the weary
   A love that’s willing to go on loving.

REFRAIN

4. You who have fished other waters; you, the longing of souls that are yearning;
   As loving Friend, you have come to call me.

REFRAIN

Children’s Message – Sue Wilson

Scripture Reading – Psalm 62:5-12 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – “Come, Follow Me”

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:14-20 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “Spirit” – pp. 82-83, worship booklet

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.

1. You move 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

2. You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
   and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
   When they were confounded with idols and lies,
   then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.

REFRAIN

3. 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

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

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 17 Livestream – Known and Loved

This week, we pray for all God’s children to remember they are known and loved. We pray that the momentous week ahead is peaceful, and that we can all pause to find the unity we so desperately need.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

Prelude — Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship — Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises.
All: God in Christ Jesus sets all people free!
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

Hymn — “Shout to the Lord” — p. 80, worship booklet

My Jesus, My Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
Al of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my shelter, Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all the I am, never cease to worship You.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing,
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
For ever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand;
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.

REPEAT

Prayer of Invocation — Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Loving God, you care for us so faithfully and so thoroughly. Seeing that you delight in us brings out our best. When you rejoice in us, we come to realize and to believe in our capacity for goodness. When your light dawns in our lives, we want to share the joy! We want to spread the good word… your Gospel! We are amazed by the marvelous gifts which you give. Loving God, we dream of living as you do. Help us to recall the power of our own baptism and our personal commitment to you. God of cleansing, living water; you renew our souls. You name us as your children: precious, gifted, good.Every chance that we get may we delight you by serving others in the gentle and caring manner of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 139:1-6, 12-20 — Pastor Dan

Children’s Message — Jo Ann Moody

Special Music — “He Lifted Me”

Scripture Reading — John 1:43-51 — Pastor Dan

Sermon — Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer — Pastor Dan

Hymn — “The Potter’s Hand”

Beautiful Lord, wonderful savior I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, and mold me
Use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter’s hands
Call me guide me Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter’s hand
You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, and mold me Use me, fill me
I give my life to my Potter’s hands
Call me, guide me Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to my Potter’s hand
Take me, and mold me Use me, fill me
I give my life to my Potter’s hands
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to my Potter’s hand

Benediction — Pastor Dan

Postlude — Anna DiVesta

Jan. 10 Livestream – The Baptism of Christ

Thank you for joining us today, January 10, 2021.

As we reflect on the events at the U.S. Capitol this past week, we are thinking about defining moments. This coincides with the remembrance of the baptism of Jesus. Will this week be a turning point for our world, our country – and even for you? Worship with us, and be the change the world so desperately needs.

If you have questions or problems about Ivy Chapel or our virtual worship, please contact us.

Here’s the order for worship for today:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: God is the Creator of all life.
All: God sends light to shine in the darkness.
One: God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.
All: God takes care of humankind – calming fears and giving faith.
One: God’s love is real.
All: God’s grace is eternal.
One: Our cup overflows!
All: Together, let us praise God!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Living God, we worship you this day. You are the One who offers life and breath to all creation. From the very beginning, you have been moving over the face of the waters. Faithful and Loving God, we turn to you in prayer this day for reassurance. Holy Spirit, you are the One with the power to calm a stormy sea or to “trouble” a pool of still water. From water, life springs up! By water, life is nourished. Through water, new life begins. Christ Jesus, as we remember your baptism in the Jordan River, may we celebrate anew our holy baptism. Amen.

Hymn – “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” – #154

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as You 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 high;
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 too love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame,
The baptism of the heav’n descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

Scripture Reading – Psalm 29:1-4, 9-11 – Pastor Dan

Children’s Message – Ashton Wilson

Special Music

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:4-11 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “Spirit Song” – pp. 84-85, worship booklet

1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
   let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
   O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
   will descend upon your life and make you whole.

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

2. 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.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 3 Livestream – Gifts of the Magi

At 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, we retrace the steps of the kings who came from afar to shower the newborn King of Kings with gifts.

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: Come; hear God’s Word for our day.
All: God’s Word is truth.
One: God’s Word is a blessing to all people!
All: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
One: Come and behold him.
All: Let us worship Christ with our treasures!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of new things and God of all things; you are the Giver of grace. The way that you come alive in the commonplace puts us at ease. You came to earth through human childbirth. You did not send someone else. You came yourself! You were born as a little baby who became a small town carpenter. We are grateful that you often come to us in quietly reassuring ways that do not call attention to yourself.
We are grateful for your astonishing love, Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit this morning as we worship you. Amen.

Hymn – “I Wonder as I Wander” – #210

1. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky,
   How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
   For poor ordinary people like you and like I;
   I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.
2. When Mary birthed Jesus, ’twas in a cow’s stall,
   With wisemen and farmers and shepherds and all
   But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
   The promise of ages it then did recall.
3. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
   A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,
   For all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing,
   He surely could have it ‘cause He was the King.
4. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky,
   How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
   For poor ordinary people like you and like I;
   I wonder as I wander, out under the sky. Scripture Reading – Psalm 147:12-20 – Pastor Dan Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan Special Music – Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Matthew 2:1-12 – Pastor Dan Sermon – Pastor Dan Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion – Pastor Dan Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
   One: God be with you.
   All: And also with you.
   One: From God’s fullness, we have all received
   All: Grace upon grace.
   One: Together, let us receive God’s gifts of the bread and the cup.
   All: Christ our Savior makes all things new!
   
   Hymn – “We Three Kings” – #220
   
   We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar
   Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

REFRAIN
O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

2. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,
   King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

REFRAIN

3. Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh;
   Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

REFRAIN

4. Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
   Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding dying, Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

REFRAIN

5. Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
   Al le lu ia, Al le lu ia! Peals through the earth and skies.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Christmas Eve Livestream

Merry Christmas from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

In almost every way, Christmas 2020 looks and feels very different. We may be separated from family and friends and the traditions that make this time of year so special. While we are not together in this building, however, we are still united by God’s love, a love so strong He sent His Son to save us. A Son who arrived on this day.

We hope you find comfort in this familiar story.

A special Christmas prelude, by our Minister of Music, Anna DiVesta:

https://fb.watch/2APF_1s39Y/

Here’s today’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’s rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

Hymn – “O Little Town of Bethlehem” – #200

1. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
   Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.
   Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light;
   The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
   While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.
   O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth!
   And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
3. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!
   So God imparts to human hearst The blessings of His heav’n.
   No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin,
   Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem! descend to us, we pray,
   Cast out or sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
   We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
   O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Tonight, we marvel over you, God Emmanuel. Life has been especially uncertain and frightening the past several months. Yet, above this world’s fears, the songs of your angels still resound. Above this world’s frenzy, the night sky remains tranquil. Your stars serenely shine. Your gifts continue to astonish the world. This time it’s a newborn child. While we tend to focus on flashiness, you appear in out-of-the-way places among ordinary people. Just as you calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee, you are the One who calms any and all turmoil in our lives. God Emmanuel, help us not to be afraid.
O God, so tender and mild; two thousand years ago, you gave yourself to the world by coming to life as a human being – Jesus, our brother, kind and good. What a touching act of holy love! O Lord Emmanuel, you are True Light. We pray in response to your call, seeking to follow you and to walk in your love, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan
The Christ Candle

Christmas Prayer of Thanksgiving – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God Emmanuel, candlelight is an ideal symbol of your love. You are as reliable as a steadily burning candle flame. Your light overcomes darkness, God. As a candle gives light in the darkness, you offer light to all people. You are the Savior of the whole world! You do this by becoming a human being, Jesus of Nazareth. People all over the world rejoice this night, celebrating your birth as the Christ Child. For generations, people have marveled at this miracle, and your birth always will continue to amaze people. We give you thanks, Christ Jesus, for coming to life and for bringing joy to all on earth. Amen.

Praise Response – “When God Is a Child” – p. 95, worship booklet

1. Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s join in our Song. The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

2. Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

REFRAIN

3. Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born

REFRAIN

4. Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

REFRAIN

Prophecies

Enhanced Expectations

Gabriel’s Visits

Holy Childbirth

Gifts of God Eternal

Special Music – “O Holy Night” – Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive these gifts of God.

The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup

The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Holy Communion
God Emmanuel, you are the One whom our souls adore. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the gift of this worship to celebrate your birth. You became a human being in order to get through to us, and we are astounded by your ingenuity. Jesus, we are grateful to you for inviting us to be guests at your table. Receiving the bread and the cup from you fills us with hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to everyone the grace which we receive from you. Amen.

SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

HYMN – “Silent Night” – #189

1. Silent night! holy night! Al is calm all is bright.
   ‘Round yon virgin mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild,
   Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
   Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
   Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
3. Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light,
   Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
   Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Peace on Earth

Dec. 6 Livestream – Second Sunday of Advent

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of hope. As we also celebrate communion together, may you find the hope and peace you need in this season of anticipation.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: God Most High is alive today!
All: Jesus Christ loves all people.
One: God is great!
All: And greatly to be praised!
One: Over and over, we are amazed by God!
All: God is alive this moment.
One: The God of all life; the Holy One – is closer than our next breath.
All: Let us worship God together.

Hymn/ “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #186

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of the living; you promise to be with your people, and you faithfully fulfill this promise! Long ago, you sent your Spirit to live among us, guiding your creation toward a hope-filled future. We join together in worship seeking your truth and your promise for our day.
O God of hope eternal, you are with us now. Help us to sense your presence and to cherish your companionship. May we receive you and serve you. Come; fulfill within us your holy purposes. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath / Pastor Dan
The Candle of Hope

Response “When God Is a Child” p. 95, worship booklet
Verse 1 ONLY

Children’s Message / Liz Schurwan

Special Music / “Bring Us Hope”

Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Mark 1:1-8 and Isaiah 40:1-11

Sermon / Pastor Dan

Prayers of the People/ The Lord’s Prayer/ Holy Communion/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “You Are the Light” p. 100, worship booklet

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna DiVesta

Nov. 22 Livestream – Give Thanks!

Thank you for joining us during this very different Thanksgiving week. We hope you are able to find some joy, even as gatherings with friends and family may be limited. Please be safe and healthy, and enjoy this week’s program.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
All: God cares for everyone.
One: Like a shepherd, searching for lost sheep, God calls to us.
All: God calls out to us by name.
One: God reaches out to rescue all who have strayed.
All: Scattered, weak and injured ones are cared for by God.
One: We are the sheep of God’s pasture.
All: O come, let us kneel before God our Maker.

Hymn/ “The Gift of Love” #126

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Life and Breath, we come this morning, seeking guidance that you alone can provide. You are a God of astounding faithfulness! Fill us with your holy love and lead us, we pray. O Breath of Life; you are with us in our going out and our coming in. Wherever we are, you are steadily leading us.
God of love, we praise you for the abundance of blessings which you provide. We give thanks with grateful hearts. We want to share our faith in you with the world! May we always live joyfully in the spirit of our Living Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Praise Response/ “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” p. 42, worship booklet

Children’s Message/ Linda Lowry

Special Music/ “On Eagle’s Wings”
Marsha Fix, Vocalist
Anna DiVesta, Pianist

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Psalm 95:1-2 and Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “For the Fruit of All Creation” #591

1. For the fruit of all creation, Thanks be to God.
   For His gifts to every nation, Thanks be to God.
   For the plowing, sowing, reaping, Silent Growth while we are sleeping,
   Future needs in earth’s safekeeping, Thanks be to God.
2. In the just reward of labor, God’s will is done.
   In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will is done.
   In our worldwide task of caring For the hungry and despairing,
   In the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.
3. For the harvests of the Spirit, Thanks be to God.
   For the good we all inherit, Thanks be to God.
   For the wonders that astound us, For then truths that still confound us,
   ost of all, that love has found us, Thanks be to God.

Benediction/ Pastor Dan

Postlude/ Anna DiVesta

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