December 29 — God’s Long-Awaited Gift

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Christ is born!

Our apologies, we are still having problems with our streaming computer and will be unable to share worship online until further notice.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Little Jesus, Sweetly Sleep — Ritter

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: Sing of God’s glory!
All: Shout praises to God, all the earth!
One: Celebrate!
All: We rejoice; for God is our light and our salvation! Christ is born!

*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 field 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.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Ann Molyneaux
God Emmanuel, we gather in your holy name to worship you. Your works declare your greatness!
Wise and Eternal God, you are sovereign over all the earth. You are the One True God who has wisdom beyond all human ability to comprehend. Yet, through your birth as Christ Jesus, you reveal yourself to us.
Wondrous God, you are with us! We have heard the promises of your prophets and the songs of your angels. We have seen your star in the sky, and we have followed this miraculous spotlight to your humble birthplace. We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us.
Today, we echo your angels, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God’s people on earth.” Amen.

*RESPONSE — Good Christian Men, Rejoice — #214

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice!
Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ was born today;
Ox and ass before Him bow, And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice!
Now ye hear of endless bliss: Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath oped the heav’nly door, And man is blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!

Good Christian men, rejoice With heart and soul and voice!
Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all To gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 148 — Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC — Away in a Manger — Cotter

RESPONSIVE READING — The Savior’s Advent (Luke 2:8-20) — #639

SERMON — Pastor Dan

CHRISTMAS CAROL SING
We will sing the first TWO verses of each selected carol.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Prayer of Jesus (debts… debtors)

*HYMN — Joy to the World! — #194

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let ev’ry 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.

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.

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.

*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION
One: In a lowly stable, the Son of God is born.
All: God Most High comes down to earth.
One: No one except God would have imagined doing this!
All: Go, tell it on the mountain! Jesus Christ is born!

*POSTLUDE — Joy to the World — Young

December 24 — Christmas Eve

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Tonight’s offering gifts will be given to the U.C.C. Christmas Fund. Peace on earth. Goodwill to all. Christ the Savior is born!

Our apologies, due to technical difficulties, we do not have a livestream of our Christmas Eve 2024 worship.

PRELUDE — Still, Still, Still — Paxton

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Rejoice this night!
All: God above has come to earth!
One: Jesus has come to bring light and life to all people.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

*HYMN — It Came Upon the Midnight Clear — #199

It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth
To touch their harps of gold:
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever o’er its Babel sounds
The blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
Whose forms are bending low,
Who toil along the climbing way
With painful steps and slow,
Look now! for glad and golden hours
Come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
And hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on,
By prophet seen of old,
When with the ever-circling years
Shall come the time foretold
When the new heav’n and earth shall own
The Prince of Peace their King.
And the whole world send back the song
Which now the angels sing.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
God Emmanuel, you are our Creator and the One who brings all creation into being! Your light overcomes darkness. As a candle provides light, you offer light to all people. You are the Savior of all the world!
O Holy One, wash over us during this time of worship. We believe in your power for transformation, and we ask you to guide us along the way toward new life in you. Renew us as we lift our voices and our souls in praise and in remembrance of you, Jesus.
Cleanse us that we may faithfully reflect your image as you draw us nearer and nearer to you. Be born in us today, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — 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 thy holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth

How silently, how silently, The wondrous gift is giv’n!
So God imparts to human hearts 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 our sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels Teh great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER
O God, so tender and mild; two thousand years ago, you displayed the full extent of your love for all people by coming to life as a human being – Jesus, our brother, kind and good. This night, O God, we ask that you revive within us your image – your holiness.
Our Lord Emmanuel, you are full of surprises! While the world tempts us to focus on flashiness, you are constantly appearing in out-of-the-way places among ordinary people.Earthly life can be loud and hectic. Yet, above this world’s noise, the songs of your angels still resound. Above this world’s frenzy, the night sky remains tranquil. Your stars serenely shine.
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. Tonight, may all your children live without fear and receive your great joy: Christ is born! Amen.

A vision of God

Keeping watch

Sight unseen

Eyestrain

A thrill of hope

Forevermore

SPECIAL MUSIC — O Holy Night (Valerie Waterman, Soloist) — arr. Strickling

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at Christ’s Table. Cups in the outer ring on the communion tray contain grape juice. Other cups contain wine.

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 to connect with us, and we marvel at your creativity!
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 renewed hope.
Christ Jesus, may we devote ourselves to you by freely and joyously sharing with all people the extravagant 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.

Merry Christmas from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

December 22 — Moving with Mary’s Song

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Faith’s journey to Bethlehem continues. Today, we light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of love.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Lo, How a Rose In the Bleak Midwinter — Kathryn Kuntzman, Cello

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Julie McAllister
One: Love deeply, creating foundations for relationships.
All: For in the Body of Christ, all belong.
One: Love joyfully, like carefree songs of the wind.
All: For in the Body of Christ, all share connections.
One: Love boldly, like vibrant colors of a rainbow,
All: For in the Body of Christ, all discover harmony.
One: We come to share in final preparations for the approaching
celebration of Christ’s holy birth.
All: Soon the Church will gather on the night our Dear Savior’s Birth.

*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,
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!

God from true God, and
Light of Light begotten,
Lo , He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created

Refrain

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]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION (based on Psalm 80) — Julie McAllister
God of love – holy love, self-giving love, unconditional love, total love; we gather here with gratitude for the ways your love lifts people up from the bleakest circumstances and guides people into your marvelous light! We know of your goodness, and we are in awe of your acts of healing and mercy.
Emmanuel, you shape this world through your unmatched strength and compassion. You help us recline and relax in green pastures. You lead us to refreshing shores beside still waters. You restore our souls.
Eternal Shepherd and Savior, we offer you our heartfelt gratitude for your abundant blessings. Forever we will praise you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH —The Candle of Love

*RESPONSE — Emmanuel — #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 146:1-10 — Julie McAllister

SPECIAL MUSIC — Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus — Kathryn Kuntzman, Cello

GOD’S WORD — Luke 1:39-55 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRAYER OF JESUS — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — The Voice of God Is Calling — worship book, p. 90

The voice of God is calling to women and to men;
The voice once heard in Zion, resounds on earth again:
Whom shall I send to succor my people in their need?
Whom shall I send to loosen the bonds of shame and greed?

I hear my people crying in slum and mine and mill;
No field or mart is silent, no city street is still.
I see my people falling in darkness and despair.
Whom shall I send to shatter the fetters which they bear?

We heed, O God, your summons, and answer: Here are we!
Send us upon your errand; let us your servants be.
Our strength is dust and ashes, our years a passing hour,
But you can use our weakness to magnify your power.

From ease and plenty save us; from pride of place absolve;
Purge us of low desire; lift us to high resolve;
Take us, and make us hoy; teach us your will and way.
Speak, and, be hold! We answer; command, and we obey!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Toccata on Regent Square — Smith

December 15 — Look Forward

We’re glad to have you with as we continue the journey toward the glorious birth of Christ. Today, we light the Advent candle of Joy.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Song of Mary — Howell

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us rejoice together!
All: With joyful expectation, we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth!
One: This little child of holy birth will be the Joy of all the earth!
All: Jesus Christ is God’s Coming Messiah!
One: Together, we eagerly watch for the advent of the Promised One.
All: How great is our joy!

*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
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Compassionate God, you have vowed to be with your people forever; and, down through time, you have continued faithfully fulfilling this promise. In the fullness of time, you came to life as a human being here on earth, guiding all creation toward a hope-filled future.
God of Advent, we are grateful to you for accompanying us as we move ahead during this season. We give you thanks for blessing us with patience as we continue waiting and preparing for this year’s celebration of your birth. We rejoice that you are coming, O God Emmanuel. Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH — The Candle of Joy

*RESPONSE — Emmanuel — #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — Antiphonal for Advent — Raney

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 12:2-6

*HYMN — Love Was When God Became a Man — #249

Love was when God became a man
Locked in time and space without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin,
Just a carpenter with some fishermen.

Love was when Jesus walked in history
Lovingly He brought a new life that’s free;
Love was God nailed to bleed and die
To reach and love one such as I.

Love was when God became a man
Down where I could see love that reached to me;
Love was God dying for my sin
And so trapped was I, my whole world caved in.

Love was when Jesus rose to walk with me
Lovingly He brought an new life that’s free;
Love was God only He would try
To reach and love one such as I.

GOD’S WORD — Luke 3:7-18

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee — #13

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs 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!

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, Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee!

Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living, Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou art Father, Christ our Brother, All who live in love are Thine
Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.

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.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers — Manz

December 8 — Make Ready

Advent—the season of waiting for Christ—continues, with the second Sunday’s lighting of the candle of peace. May the world accept God’s gift of “new life in Christ.”

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Go, Tell It on the Mountain — Hayes

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
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: Forevermore, we will seek to walk in God’s ways.

*HYMN — Holy God, We Praise Thy Name — #28

Holy God, we praise Thy name;
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy scepter claim!
All in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite, Thy vast domain;
Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heav’ns with sweet accord:
“Holy, holy, holy Lord!”

Lo! the apostolic train
Join Thy sacred name to hallow;
Prophets swell the glad refrain,
And the white-robed martyrs follow;
And from morn to set of sun,
Through the Church the song goes on.

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee,
While in essence only One;
Undivided God, we claim Thee,
And, adoring, bend the knee
While we sing our praise to Thee.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
Holy God, 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 welcome 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, so that this time of worship may move us to act courageously toward bringing about your vision of wholeness for all. We pray in your name, God Emmanuel. Amen.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH — The Candle of Peace

*RESPONSE — Emmanuel — #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 11:1-10 —Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC — Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine — L. Smith

GOD’S WORD — Luke 3:1-6 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — O Come, O Come, Emmanuel — #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! Emmanuel
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:

O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain:

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

“A Vision for the Future of Unity and Justice” An Open Pastoral Letter to the United Church of Christ

Today, Leaders of the United Church of Christ have offered a courageous, inspiring Pastoral Letter to the whole UCC Community.  

The letter opens with powerful words of Christ from the Gospel (John 14:27), and the letter concludes with this beautiful prayer:

God of hope and love, you are ever-present with us. We wait patiently for you, knowing that you hear our prayers. The call to do justice is on-going. As governments come and go, we are called to bring healing and care to those in need. This is such a moment. A time when there will be the hungry to feed, the homeless to house, and the widows and orphans who will need our care. This is a time when we will continue to honor the inherent dignity and worth of each of your children. This is a time when the church will be prophetic, calling for truth and for change. Provide your church and all who lead and minister within it hope and healing for the living of these days. Amen.

We encourage you to follow this link and read the letter in its entirety here –
A Pastoral Letter to the United Church of Christ on Unity and Justice

Christmas Choral Offering

Rejoice! 

Here’s exciting news of an upcoming Advent gift! 
An intergenerational vocal ensemble has been rehearsing lovely music which will be part of Sunday, December 15 Worship at Ivy Chapel UCC.  We give thanks to Mike Waller and Valerie Waterman for leading Ivy’s diverse choral group. 
The seasonal piece composed by Joel Raney is entitled “Antiphonal for Advent.” 

Join us December 15 when this Choral Offering will be shared in worship! 
O come, Emmanuel, come!