Dec. 27 Livestream
December 26, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
On the First Sunday after Christmas, we have traditionally invited members to request their favorite carols to sing in church.
Watch the service and the requested hymns here:
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Abby Foehrkolb
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Sing of God’s glory!
All: Shout to God, all the earth!
One: Rejoice!
All: Christ is born!
Hymn – “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing†– #191
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of steadfast love, you are with us! We have heard the promise
of the prophets. We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have seen
your star in the heavens. We have followed your star to a humble birthplace.
Christ Jesus, we have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us. This morning, may hope and joy fill our lives, as we echo your angels, proclaiming,
“Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God’s people on earth.†Amen.
Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan
– The Advent Candles and the Christ Candle
Response – “Angels We Have Heard on High†– #206
Verse 1 ONLY
Children’s Message – Ashton Wilson
Scripture Readings – Psalm 148, Isaiah 61:10-62:3 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – O Holy Night (arr. Dan Coates) – Abby Foehrkolb
Responsive Reading – “The Savior’s Advent†Luke 2:8-20 – #639
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you goodness of great joy that will be for all the people.
Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign toy: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.â€
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with he angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.â€
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the lord has told us about.â€
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.
And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherd said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for al the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Virtual Hymn Sing
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Abby Foehrkolb
Christmas Eve Livestream
December 24, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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:
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
- Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.
REFRAIN
- Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born
REFRAIN
- 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
- 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. - 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. - 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
All-Church Virtual Christmas Pageant
December 19, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Sunday, December 20 is the date of the annual Ivy Chapel Christmas Pageant. Of course, like everything else this year, things are going to look just a little different. A little? Nah. A lot.
Join us a 10 a.m. on Facebook Live as Pastor Dan Wilson leads us in prayer and reflection, and the lighting of the Advent wreath, the candle of love.
And… may we present… the Ivy Chapel Virtual Christmas Pageant, The Attic Christmas:
Thanks to Tara Lowry for spending so much time adapting the story, assigning the parts, editing the videos and coordinating the entire production.Merry Christmas from the youth, and all the families of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation/ Pastor Dan
One: Listen up, everybody! God gives the world such a marvelous gift.
All: Christ is born!
One: Glory to God in the highest!
All: And peace to all people on earth.
One: Let us pray.
All: O Wondrous God, send your Messenger to us this day with a word of grace.
If we are fearful, guide us to become Calm.
If we are tired, offer us Rest.
If we are empty, fill us with Grace.
God Emmanuel, we have been searching high and low for you.
We have presumed that you are far away.
How miraculous then it is
that we discover
you are close by,
changing hearts and minds.
Let us respond faithfully as you continue inviting us to follow you and
to join you in your work of Love.
We pray in your holy name, Coming Savior –
Son of God; Love’s pure Light. Amen.
Hymn – “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus‖ #187
- Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. - Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a king.
Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit Ryle in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan – The Candle of Love
Praise Response – “When God Is a Childâ€
p. 95, worship booklet Verse 4 ONLY
- Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
Prayers of the People concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Special Music – “Welcome to Our Worldâ€
Tara Lowry, Vocalist
Anna DiVesta, Piano
Ivy Chapel presents
The Attic Christmas Pageant
Based on the book “The Attic Christmas” by B.G. Hennessy
Illustrated by Dan Andreason
Adapted by Tara Lowry
O CHRISTMAS TREE #221 (Verse 1)
O 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.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH #206 (Verses 1 and 2)
Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains
And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
Say what may the tidings be, Which inspire your heav’nly song?
Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo
WE THREE KINGS OF ORIENT ARE #220 (Verses 1 and 5)
We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice
Alleluia, Alleluia! Peals through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM #200 (Verses 1 and 4)
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.
O holy Child of Bethlehem! Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our 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.
JOY TO THE WORLD #194 (Verses 1, 2, and 4)
Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing,
And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders of His love.
Shouts of Joy! Dec. 13 Cantata Livestream
December 13, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
2020 has been quite a year. Let’s pause for a moment during this Season of Advent and find the joy! Our 2020 Christmas Cantata features treasured memories from our congregation.
Prelude: “He Is Lord†and “O Come, All Ye Faithful†– Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship & Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: The Savior of the world is Jesus Christ!
All: Make a joyful noise to God!
One: Our God is a God of great joy!
All: Rely on God, who is our refuge and strength.
One: Give thanks to God, who is our salvation.
All: We will sing praises to God’s name!
One: Let us pray.
All: God of great joy, we rejoice with anticipation as we look forward to future ways that you will reveal yourself among us. May all people perceive your Spirit living within us, and may all people celebrate this blessing! Strengthen us for your loving service. We give thanks that you are calling us to be your followers and to live in ways that make life-giving differences in your world. Lead us to carry out the caring ministries that you are inviting us to offer, Christ Jesus. Amen.
HYMN: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee‖ #13
1. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Opening to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.
2. All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays
Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flowery meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee.
3. Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever Blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother – All who live in love are Thine,
Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.
4. Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us, Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life.
Children’s Message – Liz Schurwan
Prayers of the People concluding with the Lord’s Prayer (debts/debtors) – Pastor Dan
Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan: The Candle of Joy
Praise Response – “When God Is a Child†p. 95, worship booklet
Verse 3 ONLY
3. Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, Telling the world that the Savior is born
When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.
“Shouts of Joy: A Christmas Concert for 2020â€
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Psalm 98:1, 4
HYMN – “Joy to the World†#194
- Joy to the world the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing. And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
2. Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make HIs blessings flow Far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love,
And wonders of HIs love, and wonders, and wonders, of His love.
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – John 3:16-17 – Galatians 4:4-5
“He Is Born†– Julie McAllister and Anna DiVesta, Piano and Organ
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Psalm 125:1-2 – Isaiah 40:9 – Isaiah 52:7
“Go, Tell It on the Mountain†– Anna DiVesta, Piano
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Isaiah 7:13-14 – Luke 2:16-19
“Breath of Heaven†– Sue Wilson, Vocalist
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Isaiah 9:6
“Mary, Did You Know?†– Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta, Saxophone and Piano
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Isaiah 60:4-6 – Matthew 2:1, 9-11
HYMN – “We Three Kings†#220
1. We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we travers 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;
Alleluia, Alleluia, Peals through the earth and skies.
REFRAIN
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-7, 9
“Carol of the Drum†(The Little Drummer Boy) – Anna DiVesta, Piano
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – Amos 5:24 – Revelation 19:5-7a, 11, 16
“O Holy Night†– Marsha Fix, Vocalist
A Treasured Memory
Holy Scripture – John 1:3-5 – Luke 2:9-11
“Silent Nightâ€
Benediction – Anna DiVesta
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
A different Advent for 2020
December 6, 2020 by Rich
Filed under What's happening
Everything looks different this year – and Advent is certainly no exception at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Of course we wish we could celebrate the love, hope and joy of the season together, but at this time health and safety are most important.
We’re doing our best to continue the traditions that are such an important part of this season.
Our annual Christmas Cantata was held on Dec. 13. Shouts of Joy: A Christmas Concert for 2020 featured beautiful memories of past Christmas and Cantata celebrations. Thank you to Anna and Aaron DiVesta who worked overtime to bring together this special musical experience.
Our annual Christmas Pageant had several twists this year. Of course, it was all virtual – but it was also an all-church event. Thanks to Tara Lowry for adapting The Attic Christmas, a book that was near and dear to her family, and for her work editing the video.
The joy of Christ’s Birth, celebrated on Christmas Eve, starting with a special musical prelude.
https://www.facebook.com/IvyChapel/videos/727219154900032/
A Merry Christmas to everyone out there. Stay safe and healthy as we all navigate this familiar yet unusual season. We sincerely hope our virtual services are helping you find your way toward peace and love this year, and we look forward to when we can worship together again.
As always, please reach out to us if you have any questions or comments.
Dec. 6 Livestream – Second Sunday of Advent
December 6, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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 Hopeâ€
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
