April 28 – Abiding in Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! May this worship renew us body, mind and soul. Praise God for abiding with all people in steadfast love.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Abide with Me — Piano setting

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jo Ann Moody
One: Come; let us worship God.
All: Let all the ends of the earth turn to God.
One: Come; let us remember and re-claim our baptism.
All: Let the love of God be seen in our lives.
One: Christ is the Vine.
All: We are the branches.

*HYMN — Abide with Me — #577

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who like Thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord abide with me.

I fear no foe with Thee at hand to bless,
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jo Ann Moody
Wondrous God, we praise you as the Creator of all life! You are the One who creates and loves all people. Shape us into your living witnesses who bless others as you always do.
Foot-washing Savior, guide us to follow your humble example. Come now; and fill us with your unselfish, exceptional love. You are the Vine. We are the branches. Through Christ’s love, we are all connected. Amen.

*RESPONSE — To Be God’s People — #121

Almighty Father give us a vision
of a dying world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior,
In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer.

Refrain:
To be God’s people in this place,
live His goodness, share His grace,
Proclaim God’s mercy through His Son
be His love, to every one.

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort.
Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us,
A light that others then may see.
Refrain

MISSION MOMENT — Every Child’s Hope — Kathryn Kuntzman

GOD’S WORD — 1 John 4:7-21 — Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD — John 15:1-9 — Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC — Abide with Me — Organ setting

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Love Lifted Me — #317

Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me–
Now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me;
Love lifted me, Love lifted me,
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs. [Refrain]

Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be–
Be saved today. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Abide with Me — Gospel setting