January 26 – One in Christ and a Farewell

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Praise God!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Supplication — Hebble

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: We gather to worship God.
All: We are God’s people.
One: God anoints us to bring good news to all people.
All: The Spirit of God is upon us.
One: God draws us together as many parts of one body.
All: Together, we become the Body of Christ.
One: This day is holy to our Resurrecting God!
All: The joy of God is our strength!

*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

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
O God, our Creator; you bring separate lives together. You gather us to hear your Word and to respond. You bless us by inviting us to carry out your ministries. We seek your guidance and your wisdom. Above all, God, we seek you. Help us to perceive who you reveal yourself to be. Guide us. With your help, we aspire to become your faithful disciples. Transform us from lone individuals into one community, the Body of Christ.
Merciful God, your Spirit is upon us. Your joy is our strength. Draw us together. We pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

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

Shout to the Lord!
My Jesus, my Savior
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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN — 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 — Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — Since Jesus Came Into My Heart — Hamilton

GOD’S WORD — Luke 4:1-2a,14-21 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

SERVICE OF FAREWELL

LITURGY FOR A TIME OF TRANSITION
Leader:
On Sunday, October 11, 1998, Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ called the Rev. Dan Wilson to serve as ordained pastor. That time has ended, and Pastor Dan now leaves knowing that the God who was with him in the past goes with him into the future wherever the future leads.

WORDS OF GRATITUDE AND FORGIVENESS
Pastor Dan Wilson:
I thank you all for the love, kindness, and support that you have shown me during our many years together. I ask your forgiveness for the mistakes that I have made. I am grateful for the ways my leadership has been accepted. As I leave, I carry with me all that I have learned here.

People (Ivy Chapel UCC Congregation):
We receive your thankfulness, offer forgiveness, and accept that you now leave to serve God in new ways. We express our gratitude for your time among us. We ask your forgiveness for our mistakes. Your influence on our faith and faithfulness will not leave us at your departure.

Pastor Dan Wilson:
I forgive you and accept your gratitude, trusting that our time together and our parting are pleasing to God.

VOWS OF RELEASE
Leader:
Do you, the members and friends of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, release Pastor Dan Wilson from his duties as your spiritual leader?

People (Ivy Chapel UCC Congregation):
We do, with the help of God.

Leader:
Do you offer your encouragement for his ministry as it unfolds in new ways?

People (Ivy Chapel UCC Congregation):
We do, with the help of God.

Leader:
Do you, Pastor Dan Wilson, release this community from turning to you and depending on you?
Pastor Dan Wilson:
I do, with the help of God.

Leader:
Do you offer your encouragement for the continued ministry here and for the congregation’s relationship with a new minister who will come to serve?

Pastor Dan Wilson:
I do, with the help of God.

PRAYER OF BLESSING
Leader:
Let us all pray together.
All:
Gracious God, whose everlasting love for all is trustworthy, help each of us to trust the future which rests in Your care. In the time we were together, You saw our laughter and tears, our hopes and disappointments. Guide us as we hold these cherished memories and move in new directions, trusting that You are with us on every path. We have experienced Your blessing on our ministry together, Faithful God. We ask that You continue to bless the ministries of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ and of Pastor Dan Wilson. We pray this in Your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*HYMN — Sing Praise and Hallelujah! — worship booklet, p. 77

Sing praise and hallelujah! To God who reigns supreme.
Creator of this planet And all we see or dream.
Today we raise our voices In thanks for days and years.
God’s love and truth have led us Through all our joys and tears.

Sing praise and Hallelujah! For present friends and past,
For children’s voices singing, For faith and hope that lasts,
For sacraments and sermons Through which we’ve known God’s Word,
For kindly thoughts and actions We, here, have seen and heard.

Sing praise and hallelujah! Long may our witness thrive,
For God still calls to service And keeps our faith alive.
The future lies before us With mission to increase.
All ages join the chorus Proclaiming joy and peace.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Baroque Trumpet — Young

January 19 — Baptism of Christ

Together, let us enter into the joy of Jesus Christ this morning!
God responds in love to all who call upon God’s holy name.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Psalm XXIII — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises.
All: God in Christ Jesus sets all people free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides.
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

*HYMN — Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart — #154

Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
wean it from sin, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are,
and make me love you as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
no angel visitant, no opening skies;
but take the dimness of my soul away.

Did you not bid us love you, God and King,
love you with all our heart and strength and mind?
I see the cross— there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek you and O let me find!

Teach me to feel that you are always nigh;
teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
to check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
teach me the patience of unceasing prayer.

Teach me to love you as your angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame:
the fullness of the heaven-descended Dove;
my heart an altar, and your love the flame.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Eternal God, Spirit of life; you moved over the face of the waters at the beginning of time itself. From generation to generation, you are God. our being is too vast for us to fathom. Your thoughts and your ways are higher than ours. We share the amazement of the psalmist who marvels, “Your thoughts, O God; how vast is the sum of them. Simply try to count them. They are more than the sand!” Bless us as we gather here, we pray. This is holy ground, and with you, Christ Jesus, each day is a new day to be born. God of grace, we give thanks for your presence among us this morning. As we gather this day to praise you, may your Spirit bring our worship alive!
Amen!

*RESPONSE — Sweet, Sweet Spirit — #153

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Refrain:
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.

There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Refrain

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

*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.

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 43:1-7

SPECIAL MUSIC — Softly and Tenderly — arr. Curry

GOD’S WORD — Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Rejoice, the Lord Is King — #282

Rejoice, the Lord is King: Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing, And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains, He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord and Judge shall come
And take His servants up To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Rigaudon — Young

California Wildfires 2025 Relief Appeal

On January 7, 2025, wildfire activity began in Los Angeles County, California. Immediate reports indicate that this fire has caused substantial damage throughout LA County, making this event the largest fire disaster in the county’s history. At the time of this writing, nearly 30,000 acres have been consumed by the blazes. One hundred eighty thousand people are currently displaced from their homes due to devastation or evacuation orders, and these fires continue to spread, causing additional destruction.
 
Since the onset of this disaster, the Global HOPE team has communicated with the Southern California and Nevada Conference Minister. The team will coordinate with ecumenical partners and a national network of voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD) as it shapes our long-term response.

We received confirmation that the fires destroyed the Altadena Community Church, United Church of Christ. They posted an update on their Facebook page.

The Global HOPE team is helping to connect Southern California and Nevada Conference staff, churches, and others affected by the wildfires with immediate resources while also preparing to support long-term recovery efforts. 

As we continue to pray for and support those who experienced unimaginable loss, we invite you to support the UCC’s recovery efforts in the following ways: 

Donate to the UCC’s California Wildfires 2025 Appeal below. Your gifts will support the community’s immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts as we work with local communities to ensure an equitable approach to their long-term recovery. You can also mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “California Wildfires 2025” in the memo section of your check.  Our EIN: 34-1927041 

Pray for those who have been impacted.

               “A Prayer for Those in the Path of Fire” by Rev. Shari Prestemon

“Steadfast God, we watch in horror as fires rage in Southern California, and we pause to raise these humble petitions to you.
For all those forced to evacuate, who leave so much that is precious behind and know not what the future holds, surround them with your gentle presence in these hours of tortured worry and waiting.
For each beloved one who has already realized the unfathomable loss of everything familiar, of homes and schools and places of worship and so much more that was their anchor and community, receive their shock and overwhelming grief and hold them close in love.
For those called out to fight the flames, to rescue and to help, for those tasked with leading through the crisis, for hospitals that receive the wounded, and for all those extending care even while they themselves have suffered loss, grant the capacity to withstand all that overwhelms and wearies.
And in the uncertain days to come, draw near to all who weep and rage as they begin to sift through the rubble and ash left behind. Stir bits of hope amid despair. Lend strength when exhaustion overtakes them. May they be wrapped in a blanket of grace and healing woven by each act of compassion and generosity we now extend.
O God, in your wide and tender mercy, hear our fervent prayers. Amen.”

You may also act by assembling Hygiene Kits and Cleanup Buckets.  After a disaster, one of the biggest requests is for cleanup buckets and hygiene kits. UCC congregations interested in assembling hygiene kits and cleanup buckets are eligible for a matching grant through the Global HOPE office.

Thank you for your assistance in helping families and communities who are in great need in the aftermath of these hurricanes. Your heartfelt support will make a difference.

January 12 — Epiphany

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

After last week’s cancellation, we will have a busy worship today. We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion, so please gather the elements before worship begins so we can gather around God’s table together.

We will also have the installation of 2025 Ivy Chapel UCC Officers today. Thank you to those who have dedicated their time and talent to serve our church. After worship, we will plan the ear ahead with the All Boards Meeting.

Behold! The Light of God has come!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Classic Trio — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jo Ann Moody
One: Arise! Shine; for your light has come!
All: The glory of God has risen among us!
One: Lift up your eyes!
All: We are awake! Praise God for deliverance and blessings!
One: Let your hearts rejoice, and be radiant with hope!
All: God’s wondrous ways are being revealed to us today!

*HYMN — We Three Kings of Orient Are — #220

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Refrain:
O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign. [Refrain]

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
Worship Him, God on high. [Refrain]

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. [Refrain]

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Peals through the earth and skies. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jo Ann Moody
God of Holy Light; we come to this time and place to be with you, to worship you, and to learn from you. May our time together resemble your creation of light in the darkness.
Eternal God, your purposes become clear to us in Jesus Christ. We come with boldness to claim our relationship with you. We are grateful for pioneers in faith whose discipleship has patterned for us a way of life rooted in your Gospel. The flames which you ignited within our forebears have not burned out. Your love and compassion are still proclaimed in the Church, where your people continue challenging centers of earthly power. Today, our search for meaning has led us to this place of worship. We gather to praise you and to discover more fully who you are calling us to become. Guide us. This we pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — The First Noel — #205

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee,
And offered there in His presence
Their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. [Refrain]

Refrain:
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord,
That hath made heaven and earth of naught,
And with His blood mankind hath bought. [Refrain]

INSTALLATION OF 2025 IVY CHAPEL UCC OFFICERS

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 60:1-6 — Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — What Wondrous Love Is This — Cotter

RESPONSIVE READING — Adoration of the Magi, Matthew 2:1-12 — #640

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Here, O My Lord, I See Thee — #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 — worship book, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN — Arise, Your Light Is Come! — worship book, p. 25

Arise, your light is come!
The Sprit’s call obey;
Show forth the glory of your God,
Which shines on you today.

Arise, your light is come!
Fling wide the prison door;
Proclaim the captives’ liberty,
Good tidings to the poor.

Arise, your light is come!
All you in sorrow born,
Build up the broken-hearted ones
And comfort those who mourn.

Arise, your light is come!
The mountains burst in song!
Rise up like eagles on the wing;
God’s power will make us strong.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Cathedral Fanfare — Young