November 27 – Hope, the first Sunday of Advent

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! For all of those near and far, we wish you the brightest of wishes on this long, peaceful holiday weekend. Today, with an abundance of Hope, the Advent Season begins. This is a time of preparation for the coming birth of God’s Messiah. All are welcome to join us on the journey to the Birth of Christ.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – The Rose – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
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 shall be revealed among us.

*HYMNS
O Come, All Ye Faithful (verses 1 and 3) – #188

O come, all ye faithful,
joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him,
born 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!

Sing, choirs of angels,
sing in exultation,
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest.

[Refrain]

What Child Is This? (verses 1 and 2) – #202

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Refrain:
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe, the son of Mary

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear; for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

Refrain

Angels from the Realms of Glory (verses 1 and 2) – #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 field abiding,
Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant Light: [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
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 away from unhealthy influences and 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.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Hope

*RESPONSE – Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming (verse 1) – #196

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming
From tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright,
Amid the cold of winter
When half-spent was the night.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 2:1-5

CONFERENCE ANNUAL GATHERING, Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ –Rod Hertenstein

SPECIAL MUSIC – There’s a Star in the East – arr. Hassell

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 11:2-10

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Live Into Hope – worship booklet, p. 65

Live into hope of captives freed,
Of sight regained, the end of greed.
Th’ oppressed shall be the first to see
The year of God’s own jubilee!

Live into hope! The blind shall see
With insight and with clarity,
Removing shades of pride and fear,
A vision of our God brought near.

Live into hope of liberty,
The right to speak, the right to be,
The right to have one’s daily bread,
To hear God’s word and thus be fed.

Live into hope of captives freed,
From chains of fear or want or greed.
God now proclaims our full release
To faith and hope and joy and peace.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Noel, Grand Jeu et duo – Daquin

November 20 – Together in Christ

We gather on the final Sunday of the Christian Church Year. Praise God for the Eternal Reign of Christ!

Thanksgiving blessings to all of you, from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We invite you to worship with us in person during the upcoming Advent and Christmas season. You can experience our worship services any time on our YouTube page.

We are currently experiencing difficulty with our in-sanctuary technology, but will be livestreaming worship on Facebook.

SILENT REFLECTION – Eternal Life – #610

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Antiphon – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come into God’s presence with thanksgiving!
All: Make a joyful noise to God!
One: This morning, let’s really praise God!
All: Yes! Let’s rejoice big-time over God’s salvation!
One: Give thanks! Bless God’s holy name!
All: Praise God for wonders all around the world!

*HYMN – All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name – #68

All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all!

Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race,
Ye ransomed from the fall,
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown him Lord of all;
Hail Him who saves you by His grace,
And crown him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all;
We’ll join the everlasting song,
and crown Him Lord of all!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of this fresh, new day; we are here to worship you! We are grateful that you are God of all the earth! Bless us with the tenacity to pay attention, so that we may become aware that 24/7 we are on holy ground.
Now, in this sacred place, take hold of us, O Potter God. Soften us. Sculpt us. Knead our souls. Shape us and re-shape us in your image. May you be seen in us.
God of life abundant; get us excited about all that we can do and be with what you offer! Amen!

*PRAISE RESPONSE – King of Kings – #291

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah
Jesus, the Prince of Peace, glory
Hallelujah

King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, glory
Hallelujah

GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 23:1-6

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Love of the Lord – Cotter

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 46 & Colossians 1:11-20

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Let All Things Now Living – worship booklet, pp. 60-61

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the creator triumphantly raise.
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who still guides us on to the end of our days.
God’ banners are o’er us, His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.
Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished
As forward we travel from light into light.

His law he enforces, the stars in their courses
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim him divine.
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;
With glad adoration a song let us raise
Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:
“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Sortie – Young

November 13 – Possibilities

All are welcome here. Jesus Christ is a Savior of infinite possibilities. We invite you to explore them with us, today and every day.

Join us in person on Sundays at 10 a.m., and anytime on our YouTube channel.

SILENT REFLECTION – God Above All – #348

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Carillon – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Sing to God!
All: Round up all the people possible, and fill the air with God’s praises!
One: Each new morning, God shows the world what can be done.
All: Our God is a God of infinite possibilities!
One: With eternal faithfulness, God works wonders!
All: Sing to God!
One: Sing a brand-new song!
All: Everybody, belt it out!
One: Glaciers and geysers; sound off!
All: Forests and mountains; blend together in harmony.
One: Swirling wind and waving wheat; whistle a sweet tune.
All: Everyone join in! Sing to God, all the earth!

*HYMN – Saved, Saved! – #345

I’ve found a friend who is all to me,
His love is ever true;
I love to tell how He lifted me,
And what His grace can do for you.

Refrain:
Saved by His pow’r divine,
Saved to new life sublime!
Life now is sweet and my joy is complete,
For I’m saved, saved, saved.

He saves me from ev’ry sin and harm,
Secures my soul each day;
I’m leaning strong on His mighty arm–
I know He’ll guide me all the way. [Refrain]

When poor and needy and all alone,
In love He said to me,
“Come unto Me and I’ll lead you home
To live with Me eternally.” [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Thank you, God, for gathering us today. We are ready for action. Teach us your ways, and then lead us to live by them. Amen.

*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.

GOD’S WORD – 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – In Memory – Cotter

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 65:17-25

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*RESPONSE – UCC Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 4

We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:
He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.
Amen.

*HYMN – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – #1

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Finale and Fughetta – J. K. F. Fischer

November 6 – Totenfest – Hold on to Faith 

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. All are welcome here.
As our love for God grows, we become more and more fully alive as Christ’s disciples!

Today we observe Totenfest (the “Festival of the Dead”) in connection with All Saints’ Day. Worship will include our congregation’s ritual honoring loved ones who have passed on to life eternal during the past year. We also will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion as our life-long journey “From Bread and Cup Toward Faith and Giving” continues. Please gather the elements before worship so you can celebrate communion with us.

Join us in person every Sunday at 10 a.m., or you can watch our services anytime on our YouTube page.

We are still having trouble with our main sanctuary camera, but were able to capture this week’s special service on Facebook Live. You do not need to be a member of Facebook to watch this video–click on the link and you should be able to watch. If you have trouble, let us know.

Click here to watch on Facebook.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley – Lachenauer

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God’s energy fills this place.
All: In this sanctuary, we feel God’s presence.
One: God brings people together.
All: God is bringing us together here.
One: Have you looked closely at God’s invitation?
All: God invites all people to come together with one another
around Christ’s Table.

*HYMN – For All the Saints – #548

For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness dread, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Oh, blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

But, lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on his way.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Still-Speaking God, throughout history you have gathered people around your Word to instruct and to inspire. We give thanks for people who have embraced your Vision and who have given of themselves supporting communities that follow your Way. Reveal your Vision in this house today, Amazing God, so that we may be transformed by your renewing grace. Lead us to continue growing in our love for you and for one another.
Watchful and Caring God, nourish within us pure hearts and souls. Every breath that we breathe is a gift from you. Encourage us and guide us as we continue striving to be channels of your astonishing compassion, Christ Jesus. May our lives serve you and praise you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Gloria Patri – #620

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son
And to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
World without end. Amen, Amen

GOD’S WORD – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

TOTENFEST – Thanksgiving for Loved Ones

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Pie Jesu, Andrew Lloyd Webber – Marsha Fix and Valerie Waterman, Vocalists

Merciful Jesus, who takest away the sins of the world, grant them rest.
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, grant them eternal rest.

GOD’S WORD – Luke 20:20, 27-38

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face – #259

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
Here would I touch and handle things unseen;
Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee lean.

Here would I feed upon the Bread of God;
Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
Here would I lay aside each earthly load;
Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.

I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;
They blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All people are invited to Christ’s Table. All who desire are welcome to receive the bread and the cup.

*HYMN – I Sing a Song of the Saints of God – worship booklet, pp. 52-53

I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died
for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green:
they were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.

They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
and God’s love made them strong;
and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake,
the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest,
and one was slain by a fierce wild beast:
and there’s not any reason, no, not the least,
why I shouldn’t be one too.

They lived not only in ages past;
there are hundreds of thousands still;
the world is bright with the joyous saints
who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea,
in church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea;
for the saints of God are just folk like me,
and I mean to be one too.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata – Speth