June 30 — Healing Powers

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Today is UCC Open and Affirming Sunday. We are honored to be an Open and Affirming congregation.

Read our Open and Affirming Covenant.

Read more about Healing Powers in this week’s blog post.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude in G — Couperin

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Diann Sheahan
One: For rebirth and resilience,
All: Blessed be God;
One: For the spiritually humble,
All: Glory to God, hallelujah;
One: For all who are hungry and thirsty for justice,
All: Praise God and magnify God forever;
One: For all who are banned because of speaking the truth,
All: Blessed be God;
One: For all who triumph over their bitter circumstance,
All: Glory to God, hallelujah;
One: For all who risk reputation, livelihood, and life itself
for Christ’s sake and the Gospel;
All: All praise and all glory; this is God’s Realm;
praise God and love God forever!

*HYMN — Revive Us Again — #95

We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died, and is now gone above.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.

Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God! for Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior, and scattered our night.
Refrain

All glory and praise To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and hath cleansed every stain.
Refrain

Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.
Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Diann Sheahan
O Faithful God, you yearn to be close to us
so that we can know you
in every breath, in every hope, in every relationship.
O Faithful God, you long for us to trust in your power
to bring to life new possibilities
where there has been no hope.
Meet us here today, Christ Jesus,
and teach us to recognize the ways of life and hope
in which you are leading us.
May our desires become your desires;
may our work become your work;
may this community become your faith community
where you above all are loved and served. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Shout to the Lord — worship booklet, pp. 80-81

My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You
All 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 that 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
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You

Shout to the Lord
My Jesus, my Saviour, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise the wonder of Your mighty love.

My comfort, my Shelter, Tower of refuge and strength;
Let ev’ry breath, all that 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,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand;
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 30:2-5, 11-12 — Diann Sheahan

SPECIAL MUSIC — Give Thanks — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Mark 5:21-43 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

OPEN AND AFFIRMING COVENANT — Unison Reading

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ celebrates God’s boundless and unconditional love by intentionally welcoming and celebrating all of God’s people.  We commit ourselves to:

• addressing issues of faith openly and honestly
• nourishing the Spirit of God within all people
• creating a caring community that celebrates human diversity
• respecting the faithfulness and the wisdom of other faith traditions
• working with all others to create a just world for all

Called by God to love one another, Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ commits to being an Open and Affirming community of faith.  We invite everyone into full participation in the life and leadership of this congregation, celebrating that each unique human being is a child of God. We love and affirm every person of any age, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, faith tradition, physical ability, mental ability, sexual orientation,  gender identity, and gender expression. We joyfully invite everyone to join in this ministry of ongoing commitment to live as an actively Open and Affirming community of God. 

We celebrate our diversity as we journey in faith together.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus — #358

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood! [Refrain]

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace. [Refrain]

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE Fugue – Dandrieu

Our Open and Affirming Covenant

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ celebrates God’s boundless and unconditional love by intentionally welcoming and celebrating all of God’s people.  We commit ourselves to:

• addressing issues of faith openly and honestly
• nourishing the Spirit of God within all people
• creating a caring community that celebrates human diversity
• respecting the faithfulness and the wisdom of other faith traditions
• working with all others to create a just world for all

Called by God to love one another, Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ commits to being an Open and Affirming community of faith.  We invite everyone into full participation in the life and leadership of this congregation, celebrating that each unique human being is a child of God. We love and affirm every person of any age, race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, faith tradition, physical ability, mental ability, sexual orientation,  gender identity, and gender expression.  We joyfully invite everyone to join in this ministry of ongoing commitment to live as an actively Open and Affirming community of God.  

We celebrate our diversity as we journey in faith together.

Pushing the Boat Out

The United Church of Christ celebrates our 67th anniversary this weekend. These opening paragraphs of our history describe the ways in which very different faith communities prepared to live into the slogan “inessentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” How does your congregation still live out that slogan today?

On Tuesday, June 25,1957, at Cleveland, Ohio, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, 23 years old, passionate in its impulse to unity, committed to “liberty of conscience inherent in the Gospel,” and the Congregational Christian Churches, 26 years old, a fellowship of biblical people under a mutual covenant for responsible freedom in Christ, joined together as the united Church of Christ. The new church, embodied the essence of both parents, a complement of freedom with order, of the English and European Reformations with the American Awakenings, of separatism with 20th-century ecumenism, of presbyterian with congregational polities, of neoorthodox with liberal theologies. Two million members joined hands…

a message was sent to the churches from the Uniting General Synod, signed by its moderators, Louis W. Goebel and George B. Hastings, its co-presidents, and co-secretaries Sheldon E. Mackey and Fred S. Buschmeyer. after Acknowledging the separate ancestries of the parties to the union and citing ecumenical “relatives” of both denominations, the message stated, “Differences in ecclesiastical procedure, which in sundry places and times have occasioned tensions and disorders, are appointed their secondary place and are divested of evil effect.” The union, the message continued, was possible the “two companies of Christians hold the same basic belief: that Christ and Christ alone is the head of the Church… From him [we] derive the understanding of God, … participation in the same spirit, the doctrines of faith, the influence towards holiness, the duties of divine worship, the apprehension of the significance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the observance of church order, the mutual love of Christians and their dedication to the betterment of the world” (“Report on the Uniting General Synod:” Advance, July 12, 1957, p22).

You can read more of the story of the birth and early decade of our denomination by clicking on the link here-#UnitedChurch-who we are.

June 23 — In the boat together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! God loves all the people. Whoever you are, you’re welcome here. Let’s rejoice and worship God together!

Read this week’s blog post about the UCC’s 60th anniversary.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — It Is Well with My Soul

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather in amazement! We are here to worship the God of life.
All: Let’s open our hearts to the steadfast love God offers.
One: The fullness of God is beyond us.
All: Yet we do catch glimpses of God’s greatness.
One: God does not leave us alone when we are dismayed or scared.
All: God is a stronghold for all people at all times.

*HYMN — I Sing the Almighty Power of God — #6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that we can be,
Thou, God, art present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
We sing your praises, O God; for you are gracious to us in the course of so many storms. When enemies threaten, you give us the strength to take them on. God, you are the One who enables us to give to the winds our fears. Because of you, we can trust and be unafraid. You are a fantastic God who makes good on each one of your promises.
O Holy One, we have come to worship you this morning. May we listen closely for your voice, which we sometimes have difficulty to hearing. Like the wild and restless sea—may we be still; know that you are God. Calm our fears, Christ Jesus, as you did for the disciples on that stormy, rough sea. Fill us with courage, and bless us with faith to follow you by offering your peace to everyone. We pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Be Still and Know — #24

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 107:1-6, 23-32

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

GOD’S WORD — Mark 4:35-41

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Peace Like a River — #360

I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — He’s Got the Whole World (… the wind and the rain!) In His Hands

June 16 – Flourishing

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Happy Father’s Day! Please come to Fellowship Hall for refreshments after worship.
Welcome back, Mike Waller! With thanksgiving, we rejoice that we share this opportunity to praise God.

Read our blog post on the seeds of Juneteenth.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude in C — J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP
We marvel at God’s miracles!
The Realm of God is like a mustard seed – both great and small.
Each enormous mustard shrub grows from a small mustard seed.
Faith is similar. Even a tiny amount of faith in God can do big things.
Let us worship God with all the faith we have!
Then God will bless us with growth – helping us to extend our branches; so that the world may be shaded with God’s love.

*HYMN — God of Our Fathers — #599

God of our fathers, whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies,
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

Thy love divine hath led us in the past;
In this free land with thee our lot is cast;
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide, and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.

From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase;
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way;
Lead us from night to never-ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever thine.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, we do not know how faith grows any more than we know how seeds grow. We have been planted in this place in hopes that you would grow faith in us; first little blades of awakening; then ears of obedience; and finally the full grain of maturity into the likeness of Christ.
Creator God, you are our Maker who grants us life. May seeds of wisdom from this day’s sacred texts grow within us, so that we will bear good fruit that nourishes a hungry world.
God, we have come here to worship you. This is holy ground. Cultivate us as your fertile soil. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart — worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks, give thanks.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12

SPECIAL MUSIC — His Eye Is on the Sparrow — Wolaver

GOD’S WORD — Mark 4:26-34

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — This Is My Father’s World — #40

This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world: The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world: O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Fugue — Pachelbel

Flourishing

Jesus spoke to his followers in a parable about planting seeds.  In cold climates, seeds can take many months to grow into plants and bear fruit.  The job of gardeners and farmers is not only patience.  The job is also to tend; to fertilize and water and weed until at last the fragile plants break forth, and then leaves, then flowers and finally produce.  It takes a long time for seeds planted to bear fruit.

This week many congregations will be celebrating Juneteenth.  Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations in African American communities, although for some communities this will be the first year that this celebration is acknowledged.  It takes a long time for seeds planted to bear fruit.

The seeds of Juneteenth were planted on June 19^th, 1865, when troops rode into Galveston, Texas announcing the end of the civil war and the freedom of all enslaved Americans.  This was good news, yes.  But this good news came more than two and a half years after the signing of the emancipation proclamation. It takes a long time for seeds planted to bear fruit.

Juneteenth was heartily celebrated in the early part of the 20^th century with rodeos, speakers, preachers, music, worship and heaping tables of food, but those celebrations were largely shut down during the Jim Crow era.  Recognition of Juneteenth began to be revived in black communities by activists in the 1960s and 1970s.  The first legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday was introduced in 1996.  The legislation was finally signed into law in 2021.  It takes a long time for seeds planted to bear fruit.

Whether your Juneteenth celebration this year is generations old, or is new this year, remember that it is the fruit of a seed planted decades before you were born.  And the cycle does not end with this generation.  As is the nature of growing things, the fruit you enjoy this season will produce seeds that will also, in their time, bear fruit. It takes a long time for seeds planted to bear fruit.  May the seeds you plant this Juneteenth, however small or mighty, grow beautiful in its season.

June 9 — The Will of God

This is the third Sunday after Pentecost. Let us praise God together!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Praise Medley
He Is Exalted ~ Holy Ground ~ Majesty

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: God reigns! Let the earth be glad!
All: We come in awe before the Holy One whose love is everlasting.
One: God’s Word is truth; let all people rejoice!
All: We come to be renewed and empowered by God’s love.

*HYMN — All Creatures of Our God and King — #33

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on HIm cast your care,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O Praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father and the Son,
And praise the spirit, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*GATHERING PRAYER — John Weiland
Let the light of your Word shine into the darkness of this world, O God; illuminating our decisions, enlightening our thoughts, and empowering our actions. Living God, we are grateful that you are with us as we gather here this morning. Fill us with your wisdom and compassion as we sing praises to your holy name. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — I Will Call Upon the Lord — #101

I will call upon the Lord
Who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
I will call upon the Lord (Repeat)

The lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted. (Repeat)

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 130 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sweet Hour of Prayer

GOD’S WORD — Mark 3:20-35 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — I Love to Tell the Story — #322

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and his glory, Of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story Because I know it’s true;
It satisfies my longings As nothing else can do.

Refrain:
I love to tell the story; ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love.

I love to tell the story, More wonderful it seems
Than all the golden fancies Of all our golden dreams.
I love to tell the story, It did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee. {Refrain}

I love to tell the story, ‘Tis pleasant to repeat
What seems each time I tell it, More wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story For some have never heard
The message of salvation From God’s own Holy Word {Refrain}

I love to tell the story, For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
‘Twill be the old, old story That I have loved so long {Refrain}

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Psalm 19, “The Heavens are Telling the Glory of God” — Benedetto Marcello

June 2 — Stretch Out Your Hand

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. May God bless all people with love and joy! We celebrate open communion on the first Sunday of every month. If you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements before worship begins so you may gather at the table with us. All are welcome here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: O come now into this time of worship and praise to God!
All: We enter joyfully into “the sacred place of the Most High.”
One: We long to encounter God as Spirit,
All: And to worship God in spirit and in truth.
One: Let every breath become a prayer,
All: And every heartbeat become an open door through whic the Living One may enter.

*HYMN — Sing Praise to God — #45

Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation;
with healing balm my soul he fills,
and every faithless murmur stills:
to God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made,
his gracious mercy keepeth;
by morning glow or evening shade
his watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of his might,
lo! all is just and all is right:
to God all praise and glory

The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing
An ever present help and stay
Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His one, HIs chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Then all my gladsome way along
I sing aloud thy praises,
that men may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises:
be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part!
To God all praise and glory.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Holy Spirit Fire; Wind of God; you are beyond all that we can imagine. There are no words that can fully describe your majesty and power. Dear God, we know you best through your life among us as the Messiah. As Jesus of Nazareth, you showered your love on everyone you met. Still today, Jesus, you call for our re-birth as your children, through the cleansing waters of baptism. We long to be like you, Christ Jesus. May we be faithful and fruitful in the ministries which you give us to do.
Wind of God, blowing among crowds, sweeping across generations to claim us; may we be born anew to your sacred lifestyle of giving. Hear us, Holy God, as we pray together, asking you to shape us into the human beings you intend us to be. Come, help us to live as you have created us to live. Amen.

*RESPONSE — There’s a Quiet Understanding — #144

There’s a quiet understanding
when we’re gathered in the Spirit,
It’s a promise that He gives us,
When we gather in His name.
There’s a love we feel in Jesus,
There’s a manna that He feeds us,
It’s a promise that He gives us
When we gather in His name.

And we know when we’re together,
sharing love and understanding,
That our brothers and our sisters
feel the oneness that He brings.
Thank You, thank You, thank You, Jesus,
for the way You love and feed us,
For the many ways You lead us,
Thank You, thank You, Lord.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 81:1-10 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — Here I Am to Worship

GOD’S WORD — Mark 2:23-3:6 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — One Bread, One Body — worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

1 Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

2 Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

3 Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE JOYFUL FEAST
The Sacrament of Holy Communion [A] worship book, pp. 10-11

As the United Church of Christ, we celebrate ‘Open’ Communion.
All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.

*HYMN — We Are a New Creation — worship booklet, p. 91

We are a new creation Of Christ the Living Word.
Our songs of jubilation Shall everywhere be heard.
New life blooms fresh and glorious For those who heed the call
Of Christ Who reigns victorious O’er sin and death and all.

We are a new creation of God For this new day.
As partners let us follow The life, the truth, the way.
Christ bids us work together As colleagues old and young.
As women, men, and nations, God’s folk of every tongue.

We are a new creation For service here on earth.
We live our faith in action To tell our Savior’s worth,
Let love and justice blending Now show for all to see
God’s grace is never ending. It reaches you and me

We are a new creation By God’s own gracious hand,
Old burdens cast behind us, A daring future planned
In ministry and mission, United let us live,
In Christ a shining vision To God’s wide world to give.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — “Little” Prelude and Fugue in F — J. S. Bach