Feb. 23 — Love your Enemies 

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. God loves all people. You are welcome here. All people are welcome and affirmed here.

Thank you to Rev. Karen Pepmeier for leading worship today.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Amazing Grace — arr. Labenske

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: In Christ, God offers the whole world a marvelous invitation!
All: We are invited to walk in Christ’s footsteps.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God is our Refuge.
One: God hears our prayers, and God responds.
All: Let all the earth exalt God together.

*HYMN — Called as Partners in Christ’s Service — Ivy booklet p. 32

Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end

Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair

So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
God of world-wide love, we gather to offer you our praises. You are fully alive in the world this day. Open our hearts to receive you. Free us to trust your call and to follow you, Blessed Savior. Fill us so completely with your grace that we bless even people who persecute us and love even people who seem to be our enemies. You are our Refuge, O God. May your Spirit stir within our souls, Christ Jesus, leading us to join you in “making all things new.” 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 — Genesis 45:3-11

SPECIAL MUSIC — What a Friend We Have in Jesus — arr. Labenske

GOD’S WORD — Luke 6:27-38 — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

SERMON — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

*HYMN — I Then Shall Live — #133

I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

*POSTLUDE — Joyful, Joyful — arr. Labenske

February 16 — Surprising Teaching

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. God loves all people. You are welcome here. All people are welcome and affirmed here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — How Long Has It Been — Lister

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: Rejoice, people of God!
All: We have been given this opportunity to worship God today!
One: God has gathered us here.
All: We are God’s people.
One: God joins us together as many parts of one body.
All: God shapes us into the one Body of Christ.
One: God is calling on us to bring good news to all people.
All: Let us tell everyone about the wonderful love of our Savior!

*HYMN — Live Into Hope — Ivy Worship booklet 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.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
God of universal love, we gather to offer you our praises. You are fully alive throughout the world! Open our hearts to receive you, we pray. Free us to trust your call and to follow you, Blessed Savior. Fill us to overflowing with your grace, so that we offer blessing and love to all people. This means everyone everywhere! You are our refuge and our strength. Christ Jesus, your Spirit is alive within us, guiding us to join you in your ministries of mercy and compassion. Amen.

*RESPONSE — God is So Good — #616

God is so good, God is so good,
God is so good, He’s so good to me.

He cares for me, He cares for me,
He cares for me, He’s so good to me.

I’ll do His will, I’ll do His will,
I’ll do His will, He’s so good to me.

He loves me so, He loves me so,
He loves me so, He’s so good to me.

GOD’S WORD — Jeremiah 17:5-10

SPECIAL MUSIC — On Eagle’s Wings — Joncas

GOD’S WORD — Luke 6:17-26 — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

SERMON — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

*HYMN — Be Not Afraid — Ivy Worship booklet pp. 30-31

You shall cross the barren desert but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.

Refrain
Be not afraid. I go before you always.
Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.

If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown
If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow’r of hell and death is at your side,
know that I am with you through it all.
Refrain

Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me,
Blessed, blessed are you!
Refrain

BENEDICTION — Rev. Karen Pepmeier

*POSTLUDE

February 9 — Into the Deep

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. God loves all people. You are welcome here. All people are welcome and affirmed here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Voluntary — D. Wagner

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It is a joy to give thanks to the One who loves us into being!
All: We gather this morning to worship God our Creator.
One: Through the lives of all who truly accept this amazing gift,
God’s mercy flows.
All: Thanks be to God for unconditional love!
One: May our hearts be open to receiving God’s mercy.
All: With our being, let us sing praise to God.

*HYMN — Guide Me, O Though Great Jehovah — #442

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven
Feed me now and evermore;
Feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing waters flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, Strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, Songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Living God, make yourself known to us this hour. If we have doubts, help us to experience your presence right along with our uncertainties. If we have questions, relieve us of the compulsion to come up with all of the answers ourselves. Show us that at times it is through the very blurriness of life that we vividly receive your mercy. When we are in pain, enable us to sense that you feel it too. Every chance we get, lead us to share joy!

Surprising God, all your ways are gracious and merciful, abounding in steadfast love! As Jesus of Nazareth, you freely offer all people mercy. Just when we feel that our strength is exhausted or our vision is clouded or our hope is gone, this may wind up being a moment when we discover you reaching out to us! Christ Jesus, we have come here to grow in our love for you; so that we may faithfully walk in your ways. 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.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN — I Am Bound for the Promised Land — #574

On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,
And cast a wishful eye
To Canaan’s fair and happy land,
Where my possessions lie.

Refrain:
I am bound for the promised land,
I am bound for the promised land;
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I am bound for the promised land.

All o’er those wide extended
Plains Shines one eternal day;
There God the Son forever reigns
And scatters night away.
Refrain

No chilling winds nor pois’nous breath
Can reach that healthful shore
There God the Son for ever reigns
And scatters night away
Refrain

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 6:1-8

SPECIAL MUSIC — Alleluia — Sinclair/Bock

GOD’S WORD — Luke 5:1-11 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — Here I Am, Lord — Ivy worship booklet, p. 46 & 47

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 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Musette — Young

February 2 — Prophet on the Edge

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. God loves all people. You are welcome here. All people are welcome and affirmed here. Thank you to Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell for leading worship today.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Cantilena — Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: Praise God, who delivers and rescues.
All: God cares.
One: Hope in God, who creates life.
All: God brings dreams into being!
One: Open yourself to the One who knows you completely.
All: Living God offers everyone ministries that we can do!

*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.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Caring God, we are grateful for the ways that you watch over all people. We praise you for your loving kindness, Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit as we recall the mixed blessing of your encounter with people in Nazareth. You are a Savior who boldly lives on the edge. You continue turning the world upside down, challenging us to take on new ventures and to offer new expressions of your grace. When we feel tired or disappointed, remind us that you are able to bring change even out of disappointing situations. Christ Jesus, we celebrate that you are an Eternal Savior who continues surprising the world with pure compassion and strength. May our love for you impel us to follow where you lead. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Precious Lord, Take My Hand — #494

Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone;
Hear my cry, Hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall –

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

GOD’S WORD — Jeremiah 1:4 – 10 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — Interlude No. 9 — Tate

GOD’S WORD — 1 Corinthians 13:1 – 13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE PRAYER OF JESUS — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ — Ivy worship booklet, p. 64

Let us talents and tongues employ,
reaching out with a shout of joy:
bread is broken, the wine is poured,
Christ is spoken and seen and heard.
Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again.
Pass the Word around: loaves abound

Christ is able to make us one,
at his table he set the tone,
teaching people to live to bless,
love in word and in deed express.
Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again.
Pass the Word around: loaves abound!

Jesus calls us in, sends us out
bearing fruit in a world of doubt,
gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God (Immanuel) everywhere!
Jesus lives again; earth can breathe again.
Pass the Word around: loaves abound!

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION [A] — Ivy worship booklet, pp. 10-11
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.

*HYMN — Rock of Ages — #490

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure,
Cleans me from it’s guilt and pow’r.

Not the labors of my hands,
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy Cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless look to The for Grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Saviour, or I die!

While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Bachiana on an Ancient Chorale — Young