January 16 Livestream – Extravagant Sign

We are thrilled to have you with us today. We invite you to watch the world with us, as hard is it may be, so we call all discover signs of God’s strength. Find joy today!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Night Communion – Hebble

CALLING ONE ANOTHER 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, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no o-p’ning skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou no bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.

Teach me to feel that Thous art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The baptism of the heav’n descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

OPENING PRAYER
God of grace, we give thanks for your presence among us this morning. As we gather together this day to praise you, may your Spirit bring our worship alive! Come now, O Holy One. Speak to us through your Living Word. We pray in your blessed name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – #142

Where the Spirit of the lord is, There is peace;
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is love.
There is comfort in life’s darkest hour,
there is light and life; There is help and power
in the Spirit, in the Spirit of the Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 62:1-5 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – He Hideth My Soul – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – John 2:1-11 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – worship booklet,pp. 54-55

I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

I as there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the word I was there to cheer you on;
you were raised to praise the living God, ,to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your morning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to lavish Christ’s grace and love on everyone!

POSTLUDE – Frohlich soll mein Herze springe – Walacha

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Jan. 9 Livestream – A Star Appeared

Today, we reflect on the story of the wise men who followed the star to see the newborn King.

Jan. 9 Livestream – A Star Appeared

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Choral: Vom Himmel hoch – Pachelbel 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP   

     One:  Let us bow down in awe before the One who created us!

     All:  God is the Mighty Creator of all life.

     One:  God speaks out and reaches out to strengthen us.

     All:  God sends light to shine in darkness.

     One:  God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.

     All:  God takes care of us  –  calming our fears and giving us faith.

     One:  Praise God for offering us so much!

     All:  God our Maker blesses us with life. Let us sing!

*HYMN – We Three Kings – #220    

We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, for 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 of 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 I’m arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia! Peals through the earth and skies.

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

       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. Your 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. Try to count them. They are more than the sand!” Bless us as we gather here. This is holy ground, and with you, Christ Jesus, each day is a new day to be born. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Angels We Have Heard on High (Verses 1 and 3) – #206

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains.

REFRAIN

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem, and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

INSTALLATION OF 2022 IVY CHAPEL UCC OFFICERS                                                         

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 60:1-6 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Gésu Bambino (Marsha Fix and Valerie Waterman, Vocalists) – Pietro Yon    

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 2:1-12 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – What Child Is This? – #202 

What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherd watch are keeping?

REFRAIN

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
This, this is Christ the King, The babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding??
Good Cristian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

REFRAIN

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

REFRAIN

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

*HYMN – As with Gladness Men of Old – #219

As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heav’n and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet Ever seek the mercy seat.
As the offered gifts most rare At the manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee our heav’nly King.
Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world joyously to offer Christ’s grace and love! – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Allegretto – Schmid 

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Dec. 26 Livestream – Christ Emmanuel

God offers every person “new life in Christ.” May we accept God’s gift and let Christ be born in us.
We welcome Rev. Mary Albert as our guest pastor this morning. Thank you, Mary, for leading us in worship today!
A Blessed Christmas to God’s whole world.

Service will begin both in-person and online around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. Please join us in our sanctuary or on our YouTube page.

WELCOME

PRELUDE Born Is He, the Divine Christ Child – Harris

CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings Good News.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Listen! Your sentinels lift their voices and sing for joy. In plain sight, they see the return of the Lord.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Break forth into singing, for the Lord has comforted the people and redeemed Jerusalem.
All: Let Christ be born in us.

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 fields 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:

REFRAIN

PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Emmanuel, you are with us! In recent days, once again we have received your Sacred Word foretelling the Birth of Christ. We have listened to the promises of your prophets. We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have celebrated your exceptionally bright star in the heavens. We have followed this star to a humble birthplace. We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us.
God, we rejoice that your amazing love is ever-new and ever-lasting! Today, may your goodness and love fill our souls, as we echo your angels, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace to all on earth.” Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE Joy to the World! #194

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;
Let every 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.

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.

GOD’S WORD Colossians 3:12-17 Pastor Mary

SPECIAL MUSIC ‘He Is Lord’ with ‘O Come, Let Us Adore Him’ – Hayes

GOD’S WORD John 1:1-18 Pastor Mary

SERMON Pastor Mary

HYMN The Star Carol #201

Long years ago on a deep winter night, High in the heavens a star shone bright,
While in a manger a wee Baby lay, Sweetly asleep on a bed of hay.

Jesus, the Lord, was that Baby so small, Laid down to sleep in a humble stall;
Then came the star and it stood overhead, Shedding its light ‘round His little bed.

Dear Baby Jesus, How tiny Thou art, I’ll make a place for Thee in my heart,
And when the stars in the heavens I see, Ever and always I’ll think of Thee.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Mary
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN 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 the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is give’n!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of HIs heav’n.
No ear my 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 The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

SENDING OUT Let Christ be born in us. Pastor Mary

POSTLUDE Joy to the World   – Young

Christmas Eve Livestream – Lighting the Christ Candle

On this holy night, Christians throughout God’s world are celebrating Christ’s birth. Tonight’s offering gifts will be given to the U.C.C. Christmas Fund.

Our Christmas worship begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24th. You can find the service on our YouTube page.

PRELUDE O Little Town of Bethlehem – Livingston

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’ss rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

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

REFRAIN

Sing, choirs of angels, sin in exultation!
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

REFRAIN

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

REFRAIN

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE

RESPONSE When God Is a Child worship booklet, p. 95

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

REFRAIN

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born.

REFRAIN

Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Gracious God, tonight as we gather together to conclude this Advent journey, we celebrate that a new light has dawned! A Child is born, and this Child is our light and the source of our joy. The child brings hope into the world, and the promise of peace on earth. The child is love incarnate, love divine; and we thank you, O God, for this – the most perfect gift imaginable. Joy to the world! Christ is born! Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – Cotter

A Glimpse of God John 1:1-4

Census Luke 2:1, 3-5

No Vacancy Luke 2:6-7

Sensing the Spectacular Luke 2:8-12

The Messiah: World Première Luke 2:13-18

Eternal Mystery

SPECIAL MUSIC Who Would Imagine a King?
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “Open Communion” as the United Church of Christ
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to partake of this Communion.

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 in order to get through to us, and we are astounded by your ingenuity. 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 hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to all the world the 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.

Christ is born.

Dec. 19 Livestream – The Christmas Pageant

Welcome to Ivy Chapel’s all-church Christmas pageant! This year, we’re thrilled to have adults and children telling the story of the birth of Christ. The script was adapted by Tara Lowry from The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Silent Night – Mansfield

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                         

      One:  Listen up, everybody!  God gives the world the greatest gift!

      All:  The birth of Christ is God’s Christmas miracle. 

      One:  Praise God for coming alive as the Christ Child.

    All:  Glory to God in the highest!

*HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High – #206

*OPENING PRAYER                                                    

God of miracles, we are doing our best to believe that you are our Savior. But we wonder how a newborn baby can be our Savior.  Show us, we pray. God of love, reveal to us that you yourself are “newborn” each and every day. There are times when we forget this big promise of yours. But it clearly is true. Everything alive is a holy work of your creation. If we ever lose sight of this, guide us back to your truth.  When we run into difficulties, show us which way to go.  Jesus, you teach us that the most faithful way of living is following you. With your help, we can.  Help us to do what you ask us to do. Lead us to live as your followers. We love you, and we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER                                                           

Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we are reminded that “Love came down at Christmas  –  love amazing, love divine.” You loved the world enough to send your Son, and now it’s up to usto love others as you love us. Remind us that Christ is our Light,                and the true source of infinite, everlasting, pure love. Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 4) – worship booklet, p. 95

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Written by Susan Wojciechowski

Adapted by Tara Lowry as a Christmas Pageant for Ivy Chapel UCC

The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:

O Come, All Ye Faithful  (Verses 1 and 3) – #188

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing  (Verses 1 and 3) – #191

We Three Kings  (Verses 1 and 5) – #220

What Child Is This?  (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #202

*RECESSIONAL HYMN – Joy to the World! – #194

Children sing Verse 1 – Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 and 4

*BENEDICTION                                                                

     One:  God loves the world so much that God Most High comes down to earth.   

     All:  Christ the Savior is born.   

     One:  Everyone is welcome at the manger. 

     All:  Peace to all on earth.  Amen.

*POSTLUDE – Variations on an Ancient Noel – Roques 

Dec. 12 Livestream – Look forward

On this, the third Sunday of Advent, we don’t need to be reminded to look forward. We’re already doing it, looking ahead to Christmas and the miraculous birth. Let us take this moment and pause, and remember the joy God’s love brings to the world.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Offertory – Purvis 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

    One:  Be glad, children of God!

    All:   Our Savior Jesus Christ offers love to all the world!

    One:  Sing praises to God, the Holy One, who brings light and life! 

    All:   God lights our way!   

    One:  God lifts our spirits!

    All:   Glory to God for the biggest gift of all –  Jesus Christ!

*HYMN – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – #187    

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

    God Emmanuel; open our hearts to receive you Life in the fast lane does have its rewards But earthly rewards alone do not offer fulfillment The frenzy of the outside world leaves us exhausted So we gather this day seeking you, God of â€˜perpetually-arriving’ light!  We praise and adore you May we celebrate your overflowing gifts by living as joyful witnesses to your love We pray in your name, Christ Jesus Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy                                                          

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we ask that you open our eyes to the beauty and goodness around us, and fill our hearts with grateful joyRemind us that Christ is our light and the source of all joy, and that we are here to serve you and to spread this joy to others Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 3) – worship booklet, p95

 GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 12:2-6 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC                  

GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:26-38 – Pastor Dan    

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

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

*SENDING OUT – God sends us to freely offer Christ’s grace and joy to all! – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – A Joyous Carol – Roques

Dec. 5 Livestream – Make Ready

This is the second Sunday of Advent, our second step toward the Promise of Christmas. The second step toward finding the quiet, calm and peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We are glad you are with us today.

 WELCOME

 PRELUDE – In Bethlehem’s Low Stable – Walcha 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     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:  From now on, we will seek to walk in God’s ways. 

*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #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! Emanuel
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

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

          God Emmanuel; 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 receive 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.  May this time of worship move us to take action working toward your dream of wholeness for all creation.  We pray in your name, Christ Jesus.  Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of God’s Peace

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world filled with unrest and strife. We ask that you quiet our restless hearts and instill in each of us the calm assurance that tells us you are in control so we need not worry. Give us the tools we need to serve as you would have us serve, and make us willing instruments of your peace.  Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 2) – worship booklet, p. 95

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving us promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there’s join in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.

 GOD’S WORD – Micah 5:2-5a – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Hayes 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 3:1-6 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Jesus, Lord to Me – #330

Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.

 CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYERS – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Like a River Glorious – #451

Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it growth Deeper all the way.

REFRAIN
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there.

REFRAIN

Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the Son of Love.
We may trust Him fully All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.

REFRAIN

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Angels We Have Heard on High – Turner

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Nov. 28 Livestream – Sign of Things to Come

Welcome to Advent, the season of waiting, the season of watching, the season of hope for what is coming next.

Remember you are invited to be with us both here online, and in person.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Song of Mary – Howell

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     One:  In the wilderness, blaze a trail for God.

     All:  Every valley shall be raised up.

     One:  Every mountain shall be made low. 

     All:  And the glory of God shall be revealed!  

*HYMN – We Gather Together – #597

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens HIs will to make down;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sin praises to His name: He forgets not His own.

Beside s to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning:
Thou, Lord, was at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation:
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

*OPENING PRAYER                                                     

      Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us moment by moment.  At this time of year, as the days grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we treasure daylight.  

       God of Light, help us to turn toward you this day.  As we begin this Advent Season, we pray that you will fill us with fresh expectation. Teach us once again that this season is a time to watch, not for things which have already happened, but for exciting, new things which have not yet taken place.  Come, Christ Jesus. This world needs you now. May we watch closely for what you are about to do next.  Amen.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster and Linda Lowry

 ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Hope

 ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

Gracious God, as we begin our Advent journey, we thank you for the gift of your Son, and for sending hope into a world filled with worry. Help us remember that we are your people, and because of your promises we have every reason to be hopeful. Take away our doubt and fear, and remind us that Christ is our Light, and the true source of hope.  Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 1) – worship booklet, p. 95

Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 33:14-16 – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Cotter 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 21:25-36 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Now Thank We All Our God – #592

Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns WIth them in highest heaven.
The one eternal God Whom earth and heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.

*God sends us into the world to love and bless.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata on “Regent Square” – Smith 

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Special Message – A Time to Give Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, we would like to take this moment to pause, and to thank you for being with us over the past year. We are grateful for you support, and your help in advancing the ministry of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

This year’s traditional Thanksgiving message comes from Rev. Mary Nelson, the Transitional Conference Minister for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to share this inspirational message with us.

Nov. 21 Livestream – The Reign of Christ

We celebrate with joy and thanksgiving that you are sharing in the worship experience with us today! Please watch our website or our YouTube channel for special Thanksgiving messages this week, and for an update on Advent here at Ivy Chapel.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Prelude in G – Couperin

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

       One:  In the midst of difficulty, God sets a table of rejoicing for us. 
       All:  Though the world seems focused on turmoil, yet will we praise God! 
       One:  Our lives are called to be witnesses to God’s goodness and power. 
       All:  Our hearts are created to display compassion toward all of God’s people. 
       One:  May we live as God’s servants and witnesses in today’s world.
All:  Filled with joy and thanksgiving, let us worship God!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come – #588

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide,
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

*OPENING PRAYER 

        We come to you, O God of Abundant Grace, in thanksgiving for your gift of our cherished homeland – a bountiful land whose harvest is capable of feeding all the world.  

        We come to you now, O God, in thanksgiving for the gift of faith- the faith revealed to us and instilled within us through your steadfast love. Most of all, we come to you in thanksgiving for the astonishing gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. O Holy One, you fill us to overflowing with grace and mercy!  For your countless blessings, we praise and worship you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – We Bow Down – worship booklet, p. 93

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea;
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,
and Lord of all lords You will be.
We bow down and we worship You, Lord,
We bow down and we worship You, Lord;
we bow down and we worship You, Lord,
Lord of all lords You will be.

You are King of creation and King of my life,
King of the land and the sea;
You were King of the heavens before there was time,
and King of all kings You will be.
We bow down and we crown You the King,
we bow down and we crown You the King;
we bow down and we crown You the King,
King of all kings You will be.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAG – Linda Lowry   

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 93 – Pastor Dan           

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Oh, I Want to Know You More – Hamilton  

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:4b-8 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan                      

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

*HYMN – We Will Glorify – #35

We will glorify the King of kings, We will glorify the Lamb;
We will glorify the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM.

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty, we will bow before His throne;
We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.

He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live;
He is Lord above the universe, all praise to Him we give.

Hallelujah to the King of kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb;
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, who is the great I Am.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Marche – Young 

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