March 30 — Embracing Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our 40-day soul-searching journey continues. Thanks to Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell for leading our worship services during our Lenten journey.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Selections from Une Barque Sur L’Ocean — Ravel

*CALL TO WORSHIP — JoAnn Moody
One: By God’s mercy,
All: We are delivered from distress.
One: By God’s mercy,
All: We are extravagantly welcomed home!
One: By God’s mercy,
All: We are cleansed, healed, made whole.
One: We are amazed by God’s unconditional, steadfast love.
All: As God’s people, let us rejoice and praise God together!

*HYMN — Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling — #389

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

Refrain:
Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me? Refrain.

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me. Refrain.

Oh, for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me. Refrain.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — JoAnn Moody
Welcoming God, we need you. Apart from you, life lacks meaning. We come seeking what money cannot buy. We come seeking what you alone provide – nourishment for our souls.
Welcoming God, your love for your children endures forever. Even if we squander all that you have given, still your eyes light up as soon as you see us approaching. Immediately, you rejoice! You embrace us, celebrating nothing more than that we are alive. Crying tears of joy, you throw your arms around us; joyfully giving thanks, “O my child, you’re home! Welcome home!”
Welcoming God, we are astonished by your boundless love. Come now; teach us to love as you love – spontaneously and extravagantly. May we throw our arms open wide, joyously offering your love. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Lamb of God — Ivy worship booklet, p. 59

Your only Son, no sin to hide,
But you have sent him from your side,
To walk upon this guilty sod,
And to become the lamb of God

Refrain:
O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God,
I love the holy Lamb of God!
O wash me in his precious blood
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Your gift of love, the crucified,
They laughed and scorned him as He died,
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God. Refrain

I was so lost, I should have died,
But You have brought me to your side,
To be led by your staff and rod,
And to be called a Lamb of God. Refrain

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 32 — JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD — Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN — Grace Greater Than Our Sin — #383

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Selections from Une Barque Sur L’Ocean — Ravel

March 23 — Open Invitation

We are blessed by this opportunity to gather here together. May today’s worship offer you
an opportunity to quiet your soul in the loving presence of God.

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell for leading worship this morning.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Ann Molyneaux
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Brokenness can be healed and wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation.
All: Praise God!

*HYMN — More Love to Thee — #428

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
Moe love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Ann Molyneaux
Gentle Healer; Mighty Savior; the power to make new is yours.
This day, we come to you, Holy God, seeking relief from earthly demands. We praise you for blessing us with holy rest and healing. God of steadfast love and mercy; we come, asking for your help. At times, instead of devoting ourselves to serving you, we become absorbed with the many distractions and complexities of daily life. Forgive us, we pray. God of patience; thank you for receiving us as we are. Renew our trust in you. We seek to turn away from sin and turn toward you. When we fail, we will call on you for grace, Christ Jesus. When, by your grace, we do follow you faithfully, we will exalt your sacred name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — He is Our Peace — #454

He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 27 — Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD — Luke 13:31-35 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN — 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.

RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

One: Go in the name of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
All: God is our home; our life; our joy.
One: Take heart!
All: Jesus Christ is our light; our hope; our all in all.
One: Be strong.
All: Blessed be God, now and forever. Amen.

*POSTLUDE

March 16 — Strong and Tender

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. By grace alone, we live. God brings us together this day. May today’s worship offer you an opportunity to quiet your soul in the loving presence of God. Thanks be to our Savior Jesus Christ, all are blessed.

NOTE:
Due to a power outage following severe storms on Friday, the worship service for Sunday, March 16 was canceled.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Be Thou My Vision — Kathryn Kuntzman, cello

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Everyone is a welcome guest in God’s house.
All: God welcomes you and me today.
One: God’s design for the universe includes all people.
All: God shapes all creation into one lovely, grand mosaic!
One: Here in this sacred place all is calm and beautiful.
All: God is our light and our salvation.
One: Come into God’s presence now.
ALL: Let us worship God together.

*HYMN — My Faith Looks Up — #462

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, we understand that human life can bring doubts and fears, pain and uncertainty. Humankind has always experienced struggles and challenges. We remember that even Abraham was troubled by questions, and the Early Church was surrounded by threats. Jesus himself was opposed by fearful powerful figures of his day.
Out of this awareness, we turn to you. Remember your people, Eternal God. We are fragile and we seek safety from the dangers of this world. You are our Everlasting Refuge. Come, Holy One. Come, Spirit of Life. Come to us, in this place, at this holy hour. Reassure us of your grace. We pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — In the Name of the Lord — #19

There is strength in the name of the Lord;
There is pow’r in the name of the Lord:
There is hope in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 27 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SPECIAL MUSIC — Tune from Londonderry, an Irish tune — Kathryn Kuntzman, cello

GOD’S WORD — Luke 13:31-35 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — Live Into Hope — Ivy worship book, p. 65

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.

*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
One: Go in the name of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.
All: God is our home; our life; our joy.
One: Take heart!
All: Jesus Christ is our light; our hope; our all in all.
One: Be strong.
All: Blessed be God, now and forever. Amen.

*POSTLUDE

Spring Blood Drive

Mark your calendars for Thursday May 9th to join with Ivy Chapel and ImpactLife as they again partner together to SAVE LIVES! You can save a life by donating your blood. Check back in April for the sign up link to schedule your donation time.

March 9 — Wilderness Companions

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the first Sunday of Lent.
God loves all people. You are welcome here. All people are welcome and affirmed here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Julie McAllister
One: We have come to worship God.
All: Living God blesses people with limits and boundaries, with freewill and choices.
One: This week, we have entered a new season.
All: As God’s Church, we have set out on a fresh, Lenten journey.
One: Today, we remember some of the temptations Jesus faced.
All: May the way Jesus conquered all temptations be our guide for responding faithfully in our own personal wildernesses.
One: May this time of worship serve as an oasis in our desert wilderness.
ALL: Let us rely on God’s strength in all situations.

*HYMN — I Need Thee Every Hour — # 169

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford

Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh

I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain

I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Julie McAllister
Life-Saving God; above all, you are our heart’s desire. You alone make our spirits soar. You have enabled us to break free from an exacting and exhausting world to come to your sanctuary. Breathe new life into us, Faithful and Loving God. Bless us, we pray with eyes to see earthly demands for what they truly are. Teach us. Change us. Lead us to love all people with your steadfast love, Jesus. By your grace and peace, empower our witness, God; for we long to serve you. Amen.

*RESPONSE — You Are My Hiding Place — # 53

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You. I will trust in You;
Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord”

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — JoAnn Moody

*HYMN — People Need the Lord — # 527

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 — Julie McAllister

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD — Luke 4:1-13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN — Higher Ground — # 448

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE

March 5 — Ash Wednesday (1 p.m.)

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent, which is a 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day.

SILENT REFLECTION — Christ, My Every Need — #425

Lord, Jesus Christ
You are for me medicine when I am sick;
You are my strength when I need help;
You are life itself when I fear death;
You are the way when I long for heaven;
You are the light when all is dark;
You are my food when I need nourishment.

PRELUDE — Pastorale (first movement) — J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
One: “Now” says the Holy One, “return to me with all your heart.”
All: Be still; and know that I am God.
One: Turn away from evil; and return to your God.
All: God is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in
steadfast love. Let us worship God.

*HYMN — Draw Me Nearer — #412

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine. [Refrain]

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend! [Refrain]

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell
Holy One, have mercy upon us, according to your faithful love. Create within us a new heart; a heart for love, justice and righteousness. Replace any guilt with your promise of new life abounding in mercy and grace!
Come, Holy Spirit, be our companion in the choices we make and in the ways that we interact with one another. Let honesty, humility and kindness characterize our being. Holy One, you transform earthly dust into something marvelous! Let us honor you by living our days in community with you and with all creation. Renew us, O God. Amen.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 51:1-17 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

CALL TO CONFESSION and PRAYER OF CONFESSION
One: Holy God, Maker of all
All: Jesus Christ, Savior of all.
One: Holy Spirit, breath of life.
All: Have mercy on us. Let us confess our sins.
One: Let us prayer together.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are acquainted with all our ways. As we take this first step on a crucial Lenten spiritual journey, we turn to you in prayer. Come, O Holy Spirit; in your cleansing power, breathe on us and fill us with life anew. God of forgiveness, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We confess that we have failed to live by your Gospel of goodness and grace. Forgive us, we pray. From now on, as sinners pardoned and cleansed by you, Jesus; may we faithfully follow in your footsteps of love and compassion. This we pray in your holy name. Amen.

SILENCE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*RESPONSE — Change My Heart, O God — Ivy Worship Booklet p. 33

Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.

You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.

Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.

GOD’S WORD — Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

HOMILY — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN — Let Us Break Bread Together — #265

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.

Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]

Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors)

*HYMN — I Want Jesus to Walk with Me — #480

I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE — Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross — arr. Raluca Bojor

March 2 — Astounding Glory

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

As is our custom on the first Sunday of every month, today we celebrate Holy Communion. Please collect the elements before worship begins so we may gather at the table as one.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: Bless one another; love one another; serve one another;
All: For by doing so, we bless, love and serve Christ.
One: Forgive one another; seek peace, do justice;
All: For by doing so, we follow the way of Christ.
One: Live into hope; walk by faith; seek the eternal;
All: For by doing so, we honor Christ.
One: Enter this time of worship with joy, coming to Christ our Savior.
ALL: Who is, and who was, and who is to come – the Almighty.

*HYMN — Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken — #116

Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God;
He whose word cannot be broken
Formed thee for his own abode;
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou mayst smile at all thy foes.

See the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove;
Who can faint, while such a river
Ever will their thirst assuage?
Grace which, like the Lord, the Giver,
Never fails from age to age.

Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear
For a glory and a covering,
Showing that the Lord is near!
Thus deriving from their banner
Light by night and shade by day,
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray.

Saviour, if of Zion’s city
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name;
Fading is the world’s best pleasure,
All its boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Zion’s children know.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
Holy God, may every aspect of our character praise you. May we lift your name on high! Live-giving, life-changing God; wash over us this day. Shatter every narrow view of who you are. By your wisdom and strength empower us to be living witnesses to your Gospel. Savior of overpowering light, you reveal what mightiness is. Fill us with your Spirit of grace. We ask this in your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Surely the Presence of the Lord — #146

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place,
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.
I can hear the brush of angel’s wings
I see glory on each face;
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

In the midst of His children, the Lord said He would be.
It doesn’t take very many, it can be just two or three.
And I feel the same sweet Spirit that I’ve felt oft times before.
Oh, surely I can say I have been with the Lord.

There’s a holy hush around us as God’s glory fills this place.
I’ve touched the hem of his garment and I can almost see His face.
And my heart is overflowing with the fullness of His joy.
I know without a doubt that I have been with the Lord.

GOD’S WORD — Exodus 34:29-35 — Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD — Luke 9:28-43a — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*HYMN — Lamb of God — Ivy Worship booklet p. 59

Your only Son, no sin to hide,
But you have sent him from your side,
To walk upon this guilty sod,
And to become the lamb of God

Refrain:
O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God,
I love the holy Lamb of God!
O wash me in his precious blood
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Your gift of love, the crucified,
They laughed and scorned him as He died,
The humble King they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God (Refrain)

I was so lost, I should have died,
But You have brought me to your side,
To be led by your staff and rod,
And to be called a Lamb of God (Refrain)

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 — Shine, Jesus, Shine — Ivy worship booklet pp.78-79

Lord the light of your love is shining.
In the midst of the darkness shining.
Jesus light of the world, shine upon us.
Set us free by the truth you now bring us.
Shine on me. Shine on me.

Refrain:
Shine Jesus shine,
Fill this land with the Fathers Glory
Blaze Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow river flow
Flood the nation with grace and mercy.
Send forth your word.
Lord and let there be light.

Lord I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance,
By your blood I may enter your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me. Shine on me.

As we gaze on Your Kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness,
Ever changing from Glory to Glory,
Nearer here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me. Shine on me.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE