Dec. 26 Livestream – Christ Emmanuel
December 25, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
God offers every person “new life in Christ.†May we accept God’s gift and let Christ be born in us.
We welcome Rev. Mary Albert as our guest pastor this morning. Thank you, Mary, for leading us in worship today!
A Blessed Christmas to God’s whole world.
Service will begin both in-person and online around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. Please join us in our sanctuary or on our YouTube page.
WELCOME
PRELUDE Born Is He, the Divine Christ Child – Harris
CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings Good News.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Listen! Your sentinels lift their voices and sing for joy. In plain sight, they see the return of the Lord.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Break forth into singing, for the Lord has comforted the people and redeemed Jerusalem.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
HYMN Angels from the Realms of Glory #207
Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth:
REFRAIN
Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.
Shepherds in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant Light:
REFRAIN
Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star:
REFRAIN
Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear:
REFRAIN
PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Emmanuel, you are with us! In recent days, once again we have received your Sacred Word foretelling the Birth of Christ. We have listened to the promises of your prophets. We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have celebrated your exceptionally bright star in the heavens. We have followed this star to a humble birthplace. We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us.
God, we rejoice that your amazing love is ever-new and ever-lasting! Today, may your goodness and love fill our souls, as we echo your angels, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace to all on earth.†Amen.
PRAISE RESPONSE 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.
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.
GOD’S WORD Colossians 3:12-17 Pastor Mary
SPECIAL MUSIC ‘He Is Lord’ with ‘O Come, Let Us Adore Him’ – Hayes
GOD’S WORD John 1:1-18 Pastor Mary
SERMON Pastor Mary
HYMN The Star Carol #201
Long years ago on a deep winter night, High in the heavens a star shone bright,
While in a manger a wee Baby lay, Sweetly asleep on a bed of hay.
Jesus, the Lord, was that Baby so small, Laid down to sleep in a humble stall;
Then came the star and it stood overhead, Shedding its light ‘round His little bed.
Dear Baby Jesus, How tiny Thou art, I’ll make a place for Thee in my heart,
And when the stars in the heavens I see, Ever and always I’ll think of Thee.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Mary
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
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 give’n!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of HIs heav’n.
No ear my 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 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.
SENDING OUT Let Christ be born in us. Pastor Mary
POSTLUDE Joy to the World  – Young
Christmas Eve Livestream – Lighting the Christ Candle
December 23, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
On this holy night, Christians throughout God’s world are celebrating Christ’s birth. Tonight’s offering gifts will be given to the U.C.C. Christmas Fund.
Our Christmas worship begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24th. You can find the service on our YouTube page.
PRELUDE O Little Town of Bethlehem – Livingston
CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’ss 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 Come, All Ye Faithful #188
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, both the King of angels;
REFRAIN
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
God of God, and Light of Light begotten,
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created;
REFRAIN
Sing, choirs of angels, sin in exultation!
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
REFRAIN
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
REFRAIN
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE
RESPONSE When God Is a Child worship booklet, p. 95
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 joy 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.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Gracious God, tonight as we gather together to conclude this Advent journey, we celebrate that a new light has dawned! A Child is born, and this Child is our light and the source of our joy. The child brings hope into the world, and the promise of peace on earth. The child is love incarnate, love divine; and we thank you, O God, for this – the most perfect gift imaginable. Joy to the world! Christ is born! Amen.
SPECIAL MUSIC Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – Cotter
A Glimpse of God John 1:1-4
Census Luke 2:1, 3-5
No Vacancy Luke 2:6-7
Sensing the Spectacular Luke 2:8-12
The Messiah: World Première Luke 2:13-18
Eternal Mystery
SPECIAL MUSIC Who Would Imagine a King?
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “Open Communion†as the United Church of Christ
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to partake of this Communion.
The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup
The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup
*The Prayer of Thanksgiving (in unison)
God Emmanuel, you are the One whom our very souls adore. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for bringing us together tonight 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 welcoming us as guests at your table. Each time we accept your invitation, we are blessed. Receiving the bread and the cup from you fills us with hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to all the world the grace which we receive from you. Amen.
SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
HYMN Silent Night #189
Silent night! Holy night! All 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, Heav’nly 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.
Christ is born.
Dec. 19 Livestream – The Christmas Pageant
December 18, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel’s all-church Christmas pageant! This year, we’re thrilled to have adults and children telling the story of the birth of Christ. The script was adapted by Tara Lowry from The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Silent Night – Mansfield
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Listen up, everybody! God gives the world the greatest gift!
All: The birth of Christ is God’s Christmas miracle.
One: Praise God for coming alive as the Christ Child.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
*HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High – #206
*OPENING PRAYER
God of miracles, we are doing our best to believe that you are our Savior. But we wonder how a newborn baby can be our Savior. Show us, we pray. God of love, reveal to us that you yourself are “newborn†each and every day. There are times when we forget this big promise of yours. But it clearly is true. Everything alive is a holy work of your creation. If we ever lose sight of this, guide us back to your truth. When we run into difficulties, show us which way to go. Jesus, you teach us that the most faithful way of living is following you. With your help, we can. Help us to do what you ask us to do. Lead us to live as your followers. We love you, and we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we are reminded that “Love came down at Christmas – love amazing, love divine.†You loved the world enough to send your Son, and now it’s up to usto love others as you love us. Remind us that Christ is our Light, and the true source of infinite, everlasting, pure love. Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 4) – worship booklet, p. 95
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Written by Susan Wojciechowski
Adapted by Tara Lowry as a Christmas Pageant for Ivy Chapel UCC
The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Verses 1 and 3) – #188
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Verses 1 and 3) – #191
We Three Kings (Verses 1 and 5) – #220
What Child Is This? (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #202
*RECESSIONAL HYMN – Joy to the World! – #194
Children sing Verse 1 – Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 and 4
*BENEDICTION
One: God loves the world so much that God Most High comes down to earth.
All: Christ the Savior is born.
One: Everyone is welcome at the manger.
All: Peace to all on earth. Amen.
*POSTLUDE – Variations on an Ancient Noel – Roques
Dec. 12 Livestream – Look forward
December 11, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
On this, the third Sunday of Advent, we don’t need to be reminded to look forward. We’re already doing it, looking ahead to Christmas and the miraculous birth. Let us take this moment and pause, and remember the joy God’s love brings to the world.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Offertory – Purvis
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Be glad, children of God!
All: Our Savior Jesus Christ offers love to all the world!
One: Sing praises to God, the Holy One, who brings light and life!
All: God lights our way!
One: God lifts our spirits!
All: Glory to God for the biggest gift of all – Jesus Christ!
*HYMN – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – #187
*OPENING PRAYER
God Emmanuel; open our hearts to receive you Life in the fast lane does have its rewards But earthly rewards alone do not offer fulfillment The frenzy of the outside world leaves us exhausted So we gather this day seeking you, God of ‘perpetually-arriving’ light! We praise and adore you May we celebrate your overflowing gifts by living as joyful witnesses to your love We pray in your name, Christ Jesus Amen.
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we ask that you open our eyes to the beauty and goodness around us, and fill our hearts with grateful joyRemind us that Christ is our light and the source of all joy, and that we are here to serve you and to spread this joy to others Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 3) – worship booklet, p95
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 12:2-6 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:26-38 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee –#13
*SENDING OUT – God sends us to freely offer Christ’s grace and joy to all! – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – A Joyous Carol – Roques
Dec. 5 Livestream – Make Ready
December 4, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
This is the second Sunday of Advent, our second step toward the Promise of Christmas. The second step toward finding the quiet, calm and peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We are glad you are with us today.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – In Bethlehem’s Low Stable – Walcha
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: The days are surely coming, says our God, when justice and righteousness will appear.
All: God’s promises will be made known to us.
One: We will declare God’s goodness and salvation.
All: From now on, we will seek to walk in God’s ways.
*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #186
O, come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
REFRAIN
Rejoice! rejoice! Emanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From Depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.
REFRAIN
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
REFRAIN
*OPENING PRAYER
God Emmanuel; we long for your peace, and we trust in your promises. We hear your call to turn toward you, to change our lives, and to receive you as our Savior.
Eternal God, you are our righteousness. Come now; meet us here. Fill our minds with your wisdom and our hearts with your peace. May this time of worship move us to take action working toward your dream of wholeness for all creation. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of God’s Peace
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world filled with unrest and strife. We ask that you quiet our restless hearts and instill in each of us the calm assurance that tells us you are in control so we need not worry. Give us the tools we need to serve as you would have us serve, and make us willing instruments of your peace. Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 2) – worship booklet, p. 95
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving us promise of safety and worth.
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.
GOD’S WORD – Micah 5:2-5a – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Hayes
GOD’S WORD – Luke 3:1-6 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Jesus, Lord to Me – #330
Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.
CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYERS – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Like a River Glorious – #451
Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it growth Deeper all the way.
REFRAIN
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there.
REFRAIN
Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the Son of Love.
We may trust Him fully All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.
REFRAIN
*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Angels We Have Heard on High – Turner
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