July 30 — Weaving the Future
July 30, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person?
You can join us online every week on our YouTube channel.”
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -- Just As I Am
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ is near.
All: Will we welcome him?
One: When God shows up, surprising things happen!
All: Let’s open wide our hearts.
One: Let’s put down our burdens.
All: Let’s set aside our distractions.
One: Let’s simply delight in Christ’s presence!
All: Nothing is too wonderful for God!
*HYMN-- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
O Spirit, who accompanies us and who helps us in all of our struggles; we call on you in prayer. You truly are our health and salvation! In this experience of being together, during this time set apart for gathering side by side in community; we are reminded of how closely connected we are. For this blessing, we praise you, O God! You know us completely. Teach us and guide us to keep growing in our relationship with you, God. Lead us to rely on your astonishing promises. Fill us with your grace. May our dreams and visions be your dreams and visions, Faithful God. Amen.
*RESPONSE -- I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back
GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 119:129-136
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE-- Diann Sheahan
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:26-39
SPECIAL MUSIC -- Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart
GOD’S WORD -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
SERMON Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN-- Here I Am, Lord
I, the Lord of sea and sky I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I have made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain:
Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, If You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain
I, the Lord of wind and flame I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide 'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain
*BENEDICTION AND TABLE GRACE
*POSTLUDE --He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
July 23- Wheat and Weeds Together
July 23, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! What a great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, sisters and brothers, everyone is welcome here!
All: God's people are many – of every land and every race;
of every age and every condition.
One: We gather to celebrate God's unbounded love.
All: God joins all people together into one community.
All people are God’s people! Let us worship God together!
*HYMN -- All Things Bright and Beautiful -- #65
Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings. [Refrain]
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky; [Refrain]
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]
He gave us eyes to them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well. [Refrain]
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Living God, Maker and Caretaker of all life; the whole universe shouts with joy, praising you! You have made us and we are yours. We are blessed each time we are able to serve as your instruments.
You fill the world with stunning beauty. We are blown away by your artistry and your power, God. The most exquisite works on earth shout your praises.
What a Kind and Gracious Savior you are! Thank you, God, for gathering us today. We are ready for action. Teach us your ways, and lead us in living them! Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE -- El Shaddai -- #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD Psalm 86:11-17
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
SERMON -- Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN -- Hymn of Promise -- #277
In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free
In the cold and snow of winter
There's a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
There's a song in every silence
Seeking word and melody
There's a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me
From the past will come the future
What it holds, a mystery
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
In our end is our beginning
In our time, infinity
In our doubt, there is believing
In our life, eternity
In our death, a resurrection
At the last, a victory
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see
*BENEDICTION -- Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE
July 16 – Good Soil
July 15, 2023 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
What great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
WELCOME – Duo – Clerambault
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 65:9-13)
One: God visits the earth and waters it
All: Greatly enriching the earth.
One: God waters the earth, softening it with showers,
All: And blessing the earth.
One: Along with the hills, the meadows, and the valleys,
All: Let us shout and sing together for joy!
*HYMN – The Church’s One Foundation – #115
The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is his new creation by water and the Word.
From heav’n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
Elect from ev’ry nation, yet one o’er all the earth;
Her charter of salvation: one Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses, with ev’ry grace endued.
Tho’ with a scornful wonder men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, “How long?”
And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
Mid toil and tribulation and tumult of her war
She waits the consummation of peace forevermore
Till with the vision glorious her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth hath union with God, the Three in One
And mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won;
O happy ones and holy! Lord, give us grace that we,
Like them, the meek and lowly, On high may dwell with Thee.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Loving God, you create life in us and all around us. Open us to receive the manifold gifts of your Holy Word — that we may be not just hearers of the word, but doers also. We have come to your sanctuary this morning. Here on holy ground we feel especially close to you, God. Fill us with your Spirit, we pray. Amen.
*RESPONSE – Thy Word – #178
Chorus:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.
Chorus:
I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love You to the end.
Chorus:
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 119:105-112 & Romans 8:1-11
SPECIAL MUSIC – Interlude No. 9 – Tate
GOD’S WORD – Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Spirit – worship booklet, pp. 82-83
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.
You moved 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
You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain
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
You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow all the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. Refrain
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Eternal Life Suite – Tate
July 9 – Chosen Journeys
July 8, 2023 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
July 9 – Chosen Journeys
Welcome to Ivy Chapel on the sixth Sunday after Pentecost. God desires every sanctuary to be a house of prayer where everyone is welcomed and valued and loved.
Click here to view today’s worship service.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude – Walther
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Ann Molyneaux
One: Come to the refreshing waters God provides!
All: We come with gladness!
One: Come, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens.
All: As Christ invites us, we come to find rest for our souls.
*HYMN – When Morning Gilds the Skies – #66
When morning gilds the skies, My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work or prayer To Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The night becomes as day, When from the heart we say:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The pow’rs of darkness fear When this sweet chant they hear:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Sing, suns and stars of space, Sing, ye that see His face,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let all the earth around Ring joyous with the sound:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this, while life is mine, My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th’ eternal song Through all the ages long,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Ann Molyneaux
God of our ancestors, we come to you this morning. We are thankful for this occasion to receive your Word and your Communion, Christ Jesus. As we worship you here, may we grow and learn to serve you in all places.
God of Clear Vision and True Wisdom, we turn to you today. Lead us. Through every twist and turn, lead us as you have always led your people.
God of every nation, pondering your grandeur fills us with awe. Who are we to approach you? Can we live up to all that you ask of us? Will we genuinely accept all that you offer? What if we do?
God, stir within us now. Reveal the paths that you want us to follow. Open our hearts to you, God. To know you is to live. Bring us alive! Amen.
*RESPONSE – Lord, I Lift Your Name on High – worship booklet, p. 68
Lord, I lift your name on high:
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life;
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift Your name on high!
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 145:8-18 – Ann Molyneaux
SPECIAL MUSIC – The Journey with He Leadeth Me – Sorenson
GOD’S WORD – Matthew 11:7-11, 16-19, 25-30 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – The Peace of Mind That Christ Can Bring – worship booklet, p.74
The peace of mind that Christ can bring Is peace in knowing how to sing
In spite of doubts of why or how, In spite of fears of the here and now.
The peace that strengthens faithful souls Can not be built on self made goals,
But rather comes to those who heed A call for help in time of need.
So one finds peace within the heart When each with others bears a part.
When peace for me is peace for you, Then Christ is present, peace is true.
So Christ, invade our life and will Until we see your justice still
Defining best all human worth, Reshaping dreams of peace on earth.
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE – The Majestic Trumpet – Hebble
July 2 – Holy Welcome
July 1, 2023 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Praise God for Christ’s gifts of astonishing grace and love! Thank you for joining us on this joyful holiday weekend.
Today we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. All are welcome at God’s table. Please gather the elements as worship begins so you may partake with us.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude on an American Folk Medley – Hebble
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Rod Hertenstein
One: God is gracious and merciful.
All: God is abounding in steadfast love.
One: Come to the refreshing waters God provides.
All: Come, all who are weary and carrying heavy burdens.
One: The gentle Spirit of Christ invites us.
All: We have come to find rest for our souls.
*HYMN – Patriotic Hymn Sing (verses 1 and 4 of each hymn)
America – #602
My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty,
Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
From ev’ry mountainside Let freedom ring!
Our fathers’ God to Thee, Author of liberty,
To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright, With freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King.
America the Beautiful – #600
O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years,
Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea! Oh beautiful for halcyon skies
The Battle Hymn of the Republic – #604
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword:
His truth is marching on.
Refrain:
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free!
While God is marching on. [Refrain]
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Rod Hertenstein
God of our ancestors, we worship you. We thank you for our precious homeland. Help us, Dear God, to continue moving toward a time when freedom truly will ring for all people. You are the One who clothes us with joy and fills us with hope. Yours is a love mightier than any danger or fear.
We praise you for our nation. We praise you for this church. Fill us with life in this place so that we may learn to serve you in all places.
You are God of the past and of the future. Lead us as you always have led your people, O God of Wisdom and Promise. Amen.
*RESPONSE – You Are My All in All – worship booklet, p. 99
You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
GOD’S WORD – Matthew 10:39-42 – Rod Hertenstein
SPECIAL MUSIC – America the Beautiful
Earl Kreder, Saxophone & Mike Waller, Piano
GOD’S WORD – Genesis 22:1-14 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Break Thou the Bread of Life – #175
Break Thou the Bread of Life, Dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O Living Word.
Bless Thou the truth, dear Lord, To me, to me,
As Thou didst bless the bread By Galilee;
Then shall all bondage cease, All fetters fall,
And I shall find my peace My All in all.
Thou art the Bread of Life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live With Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy truth, For Thou art Love.
Oh, send Thy Spirit, Lord, Now unto me,
That He may touch my eyes, And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed Within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed I see the Lord.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive them here.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN – Help Us Accept Each Other – #127
Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe:
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.
Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,
To love them as we find them, or as they may become.
Let Your acceptance change us so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and laughter’s healing art.
Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and for bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Hymn of Gladness – Wolford
