October 6 — World Communion Sunday — Imagine Together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our shared journey “Imagining Together” continues. Let us exalt God above all. Today we join with Christians throughout God’s world celebrating World Communion Sunday.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The Holy Mysteries: The Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The broken bread and the outpoured cup are Christ’s blessings for the community of faith. Take and eat. Take and drink.
“The Savior of the world is here!”

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude on “Bread of Life” — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: May the grace of God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: And with all of God’s children.
All: Forever and ever, God reigns!

*HYMN — Christ for the World We Sing — #545

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With loving zeal;
The poor, and them that mourn,the faint and overborne,
Sinsick and sorrow-worn, For Christ to heal.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost, From dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With one accord,
With us the work to share, with us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear, For Christ our Lord.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With joyful song;
The newborn souls, whose days, reclaimed from error’s ways,
Inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Gracious and Forgiving God; be with us, and in us, and beside us, and over us. Fashion us to change, so that we may more perfectly love and forgive. Shape us and transform us, so that we may more fully share and give. Gracious and Forgiving God, you are here, as we gather to worship you. We praise you for being alive within us and among us! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Holy Ground — #83

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 89:1-2, 5-9, 11, 14-17 & John 3:16-17

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus Paid It All — Hamilton

GOD’S WORD — Mark 10:17-27

SERMON

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

*HYMN — Bread of the World, in Mercy Broken — worship booklet, p. 29

INVITATION

All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
Cups in the outside ring on the communion tray contain grape juice. All other cups contain wine.
Please come forward down the center aisle.

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Merciful and Loving God, we are grateful. You welcome us into your Church. You welcome all people as guests at your table on World Communion Sunday and always. We thank you, Christ Jesus, for your gift of this Holy Sacrament. The bread and the cup are simple yet marvelous reminders of your steadfast love. O God, our Creator and our Savior; we pray for all people throughout your world. May each and every person joyously experience being fed, nourished, strengthened, and loved by you. Amen.

*HYMN — In Christ There Is No East or West — #137

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West;
In Him meet South and North.
All Christly souls are one in Him
throughout the whole wide earth.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Postludium — Young

September 29 – ‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

A heart-felt welcome to our guest witnessing steward, the Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers. We are blessed that Doni is offering a personal faith message during worship today as our congregation sets out together on our autumn stewardship pilgrimage.

Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall following worship for a special reception in celebration of and in thanksgiving for the ministry of our worship musician Bob Meinz.
Thank you so much, Bob, for your good-natured, extended service providing worship leadership among us!

WELCOME

PRELUDE –  Lord, I Want to Be a Christian   — arr. John Carter                  

*CALL TO WORSHIP  (Psalm 146, UCC Worship Ways adapted)    –  John Weiland 
One-Blessed are those whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!
One-God executes justice for the oppressed and gives food for the hungry.
 ALL-God sets the prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind!
One-God lifts up those who are bowed down.
ALL-God watches over the strangers and upholds the orphan and the widow.  
One-People of God, sing praises to the One who is your help –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!

*HYMN- Come, Christians, Join to Sing  #70

Come, Christians, join to sing Alleluia! Amen!
Loud praise to Christ our King; Alleluia! Amen!
Let all, with heart and voice, Before his throne rejoice;
Praise is His gracious choice: Alleluia! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high, Alleluia! Amen!
Let praises fill the sky; Alleluia! Amen!
He is our Guide and Friend, To us He’ll condescend;
His love shall never end: Alleluia! Amen!

Praise yet our Christ again; Alleluia! Amen!
Life shall not end the strain; Alleluia! Amen!
On heaven’s blissful shore, His goodness we’ll adore,
Singing forevermore, “Alleluia! Amen!”

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – John Weiland  

 God Eternal, you have gathered us together. We are here to praise you! As recipients of your blessings, we are inspired by you to become givers!  May we lavish your grace and your compassion on all people.  
 Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us. During this time of worship, teach us your ways, Christ Jesus. Lead us to continue learning and growing in faithfulness to you. We pray in your holy name, Jesus.  Amen.

*PRAISE 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:

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 13 – John Weiland

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND TRANSFORMATION    Pastor Dan

We confess, O God, that the burdens which weigh us down also narrow our vision.  Fear of scarcity makes us focus on our own survival.  We regard strangers with suspicion, and we find it difficult to share.  We speak words that we regret, and we keep silent when we need to speak. Weariness and discouragement sap our energy and our faith.
We wonder how there could be good news that is not of our own making.   We, whom you call to be an Easter people, are in need of resurrection.  Amen.

 WORDS OF GOD’S LOVE AND ASSURANCE    Pastor Dan
In the person of Jesus,
God invites us to discover the freedom and new life that God offers:
God’s forgiveness heals us.
God’s grace dispels our weariness and discouragement.
God’s love clears our vision.
God’s compassion lifts our burdens. 
Thanks be to God!  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC – As the Deer  

GOD’S WORD  – John 11

SERMON – Rev. Driemeier-Showers                   

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers            
Pastoral Prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN – Live Into Hope – worship booklet, p. 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.

*BENEDICTION –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers

*POSTLUDE – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee  — arr. Matt Limbaugh

September 22 — Last of All and Servant of All

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Consolation — Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
Come, one and all.
Come, all who are discouraged or overwhelmed. Meet God here.
Come, all who are energetic or upbeat! Meet God here.
Come, all who are worn out or hurting. Meet God here.
As John the Baptist proclaims, ‘The Savior of the world is here!’
We come now to worship God.

*HYMN — Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing — #82

Come Thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer,
Here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope by Thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God.
He, to rescue me from danger,
Bought me with His precious blood

O to grace how great a debtor,
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it;
Seal it for Thy courts above.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jim French
God, you are without equal. You are a God of unmatched power and of great mercy. You alone are the One who makes worship a sacred time. You give life! You have given us life. You have given life to your Church. Although it is quite forward on our part, we call on you to come here now. God, visit our community of faith this very day with your blessing. Lift us beyond preoccupations with earthly concerns. Make your Church out of us. As Jesus Christ, you have shown us that focusing on you brings life. Yes, with you, there is fullness of life.
Holy One, lead us, we pray. Lead us as we continue learning to give away the amazing gifts which you so abundantly give to us in the first place. You are beyond all that we can ask or imagine. We pray for your blessing upon all people everywhere. May our living be faithful and pleasing to you. We ask all this in the holy name of Christ Jesus. Amen

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Make Me a Servant — #415

Make me a servant humble and meek;
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant, make me a servant,
Make me a servant today

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Sarah Wilson

*HYMN — The Greatest Thing — #106

The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;
I want to know You more, I want to know you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;

The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;
I want to love You more, I want to love you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;

The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;
I want to serve You more, I want to serve you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 54:1-4, 6 — Jim French

SPECIAL MUSIC — Be Thou My Vision — Hamilton

GOD’S WORD — Mark 9:30-37 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Here I Am, Lord — worship booklet, pp. 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 — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Trumpet Tune — Wolford

September 15 – Who Do You Say That I Am?

Patience
Dear God, I need to be patient. Slow me down when I am in a hurry. Hold me back when I want to leap ahead. Quiet me when I am much too anxious. Amen.
Inviting God In — Joyce Rupp

WELCOME

PRELUDE — I Love You, Lord/I Lift Your Name on High

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Listen closely; for Living God is summoning us to come together
in worship and praise.
All: We trust the ways of God, and we respond to the Spirit
moving among us.
One: God, who is the Maker of all creation, calls rich and poor,
young and old, joyful and sorrowful, to gather as one people.
All: All are worthy in God’s sight, and God’s grace is given for
all to share.

*HYMN — How Great Thou Art — #16

O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow’r thro’out the universe displayed.

Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountains grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing.
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, go great Thou art. Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all mercy, fill us with awe and wonder as we gather in your presence now. Make your Word known to us, and extend your Spirit to bless us. Draw us away from our own individual plans, so that we may faithfully listen to the witness of all creation proclaiming your magnificent wonders! Bless us with eyes and ears to behold the beauty of your making that is all around us. Quiet our restless souls, and enhance our trust in you. Guide us as we seek to live in ways which deepen our relationship with you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — I Love You, Lord — #228

I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You;
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy, my King, in what You hear;
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 116:1-9

SPECIAL MUSIC — In the Garden

GOD’S WORD — Mark 8:27-38

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Wherever He Leads I’ll Go — #543

“Take up thy cross and follow Me, ”I heard my Master say;
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today”

Refrain:
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads, I’ll go.

He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know,
And in that will, I now abide, Wherever He leads, I’ll go Refrain

It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leadeth me. Refrain

My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — What a Friend

September 8 — Ephphatha! Be Opened!

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. May our souls be moved by the compassion and power of Christ.

‘ E p h p h a t h a ! ‘

Aramaic is the language which was the vernacular spoken in Palestine during the 1st Century.

Aramaic was the “mother tongue” of Jesus of Nazareth.

The New Testament records a very limited number of times when Jesus is quoted as saying something in Aramaic. Today’s Gospel reading is one of these rare incidents.

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 7, when a deaf man with a speech impediment is brought to him, Jesus takes the man aside apart from the crowd. Next, Jesus places his fingers in the man’s ears and he touches the man’s tongue. Jesus looks up; Jesus sighs; and then Jesus says, “Ephphatha!”

This is an Aramaic word which is an imperative. That is, the word is a command, meaning, “Be opened!”

The Gospel of Mark declares that, when Jesus commands this, “Immediately, [the man’s] ears were opened, [the man’s] tongue was released, and [the man] spoke plainly.”
(Mark 7:35)

People were exceedingly astounded, saying, “He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
(Mark 7:37)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Cantilena — Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: A fruitful field is growing!
All: Good fruit of the Spirit is being displayed all the time!
One: As our offering gifts are placed on God’s altar, we routinely sing,
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”
All: How true! God’s joys are flowing like a river.
One: Our cup overflows!
All: In every wilderness, on stormy seas, within each living soul;
God brings peace and blessing.

*HYMN — O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing — #93

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood availed for me.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come;
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro’ all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
God of all truth, your reality is far beyond any human religion. We call on you now, and we welcome your transforming Spirit.
God, you are acquainted with all our ways. You know everything from our shallow motives to our deepest thoughts. You are aware of our flaws and our sins. You are aware of our prejudices and our favoritisms. Yet you welcome us, not as failures, but as messengers of your reign, Eternal God. We seek to worship you and to represent you faithfully at all times.
Living God, we are grateful to be in your house. This is holy ground. We rejoice; for you are alive among us, Christ Jesus! Amen.

*RESPONSE — Open My Eyes, That I May See — #174

Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear,
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my mouth, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 146 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — Servant Medley — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Mark 7:24-37 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Blessed Assurance — #295

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Refrain

Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Savior am happy and bless’d;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Recessional — Wolford

September 1 — Be Love!

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! A blessed Labor Day weekend to all.

As is our custom on the first Sunday of every month, today we gather around God’s table for communion. If you are worshipping with us from home, please collect the elements so we may celebrate together. All are welcome.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Amazing Grace

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: Come, people of God.
All: This is the Sabbath Day, and we are drawn to God.
One: Come, and receive all that God longs to teach us.
All: It is a blessing to learn from God.
One: God’s grace is pouring into our lives.
All: The image of God is within each one of us.
One: We are here to touch the hem of Christ’s grace;
All: To let go of our worries and to be cleansed of our sins;
One: To savor hope and to linger in mystery.
All: We are here to touch God, and to be touched by God.

*HYMN — Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love — worship booklet, p. 57

Refrain:
Jesu, Jesu fill us with your love,
Show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.

Knelt at the feet of his friends, silently washing their feet,
Jesu you acted as servant to them. Refrain

Neighbors are rich and poor, varied in color and race,
Neighbors are near and far away. Refrain

These are the ones we should serve, these are the ones we should love;
All these are neighbors to us and to you. Refrain

Loving puts us on your knees, showing our faith by our deeds,
Serving the neighbors we have from you. Refrain

Kneeling at the feet of our friends, silently washing their feet,
This is the way we should live with you. Refrain

*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER — Pat Winship
Loving God, we rejoice to be with you and with one another today. You are the God who redeems and who makes all things new! In this life, we experience fullness of life in a wide range of circumstances. This range of experiences extends from ‘blessing’ to ‘tragedy;’ from ‘joy beyond measure’ to ‘despair seemingly deeper that we can endure.’
Faithful God, you are the One who sustains us through all of the plateaus, the peaks, the depths, and everything in between! Through your grace and power, you bless people with bold, life-giving trust in you.
Compassionate and Ever-Present God, you are our refuge and strength; a very present help in all situations. Come, now, O Holy One; come to life within us and among us as we worship you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Reach Out and Touch — #505

Reach out and touch a soul that is hungry;
Reach out and torch a spirit in despair;
Reach out and touch a life torn and dirty,
A man who is lonely If you care!

Reach out and touch that neighbor who hates you;
Reach out and touch that stranger who meets you;
Reach out and touch the brother who needs you;
Reach out and let the smile of God touch thru you.

Reach out and touch a friend who is weary;
Reach out and touch a seeker unaware;
Reach out and touch, tho’ touching means losing
A part of your own self If you dare!

Reach out and give your love to the loveless;
Reach out and make a home for the homeless;
Reach out and shed God’s light in the darkness;
Reach out and let the smile of God touch thro’ you.

GOD’S WORD — James 1:19-25 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — His Eye Is on the Sparrow

GOD’S WORD — Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9 and Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — We Come As Guests Invited — #258

We come as guests invited When Jesus bids us dine,
HIs friends on earth united To share the bread and wine;
The bread of life is broken, The wine is freely poured
For us, in solemn token Of Christ our dying Lord.

We eat and drink, receiving From Christ the grace we need,
An in our hearts believing On Him by faith we feed;
With wonder and thanksgiving For love that knows no end,
We find in Jesus living OUr ever-present friend.

One bread is ours for sharing, One single, fruited vine,
Our fellowship declaring Renewed in bread and wine-
Renewed, sustained and given By token, sing and word,
The pledge and seal of heaven, The love of Christ our Lord.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome. Cups in the outer circle on the communion tray contain grape juice. Other cups contain wine.

*HYMN — They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love — #119

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
We will work with each other, we will work side by side.
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

All praise to the Father from whom all things come,
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son,
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one:
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

*BENEDICTION — God Sends Us — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — It Is Well with My Soul

August 25 — At Home With God

We are glad to welcome you to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, and we hope you will feel right at home with us here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude and Fugue — Zachow

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Sue Wilson
One: Come, let us lift our praises to the Creator of the heavens!
All: God’s promises deliver fullness of joy!
One: God’s works delight us and lead us to dream!
All: Let us worship God, who loves all people
and who rejoices in life everywhere!

*HYMN — Trusting Jesus — #498

Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Refrain:
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Brightly doth His Spirit shine Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all. Refrain

Singing if my way is clear, Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call; Trusting Jesus, that is all. Refrain

Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall, Trusting Jesus, that is all. Refrain

*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER — Sue Wilson
Gentle and Kind God; Giver of all life; hear our prayers of praise for summertime beauty, for graceful birds, for fragrant flowers, for the fruit of the earth, for rain, for sunshine, for moonlight, and for much, much more. Send the cooling breath of your Spirit to surround us and inspire our faith journeys. May we be nourished by your life-giving words and ways, Christ Jesus; and may we live as your faithful disciples, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

*PRAISE 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 84 — Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC — On Eagle’s Wings — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Joshua 24:1-5, 13-15 & John 6:56-69 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — The Solid Rock — #315

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Refrain:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on HIs unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil. Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my sould gives way He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in HIm be found;
Dressed in HIs righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Laudes Domini — Young

August 18 – Seek Peace

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Today, as all days, we pray that we can bring the peace that the world so desperately needs.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Praise Medley
How Majestic Is Your Name – We Have Come into His House – Thou Art Worthy

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God is the source of all that is alive!
All: God gives birth to every living thing!
One: In certain ways, we are all thirsty.
All: At times, we seek things that do not satisfy.
One: We crave earthly things.
All: But the things of this world do not take care of our thirst.
One: Jesus Christ is the Living Water.
All: Whoever drinks this water will never thirst.

*HYMN — Here I Am to Worship — worship booklet, pp. 48-49

Light of the World, You stepped down in the darkness,
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You.

Refrain:
So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God
And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days, oh so highly exalted,
Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly You came to the Earth You created,
all for love’s sake became poor. Refrain

Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of amazing power and almighty love, breathe upon us. We treasure the image of you coming to your disciples on the evening of the first day of the week. That was the evening of your Resurrection. You came to your followers and you breathed upon them. Today, may e realize that you stand among us – risen, alive, and bearing your blessing, ‘Peace be with you.’ Christ Jesus, already you have entered this room. Show us your hands and your side. Jesus, your wounds take away every reason people may come up with not to believe. Help us to see that you are God! Your disciples are believers who live striving to love, to serve and to give as you do. Breathe upon us now. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Great Is the Lord — #7

Great is the Lord, He is holy and just;
By His power we trust In His love.
Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true;
By His mercy He proves He is love.

Great is the Lord And worthy of glory!
Great is the Lord And worthy of praise.
Great is the Lord;
Now lift up your voice, Now lift up your voice:
Great is the Lord! Great is the Lord!

Great is the Lord, He is holy and just;
By His power we trust In His love.
Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true;
By His mercy He proves He is love.

Great are you Lord And worthy of glory!
Great are you Lord, And worthy of praise.
Great are you Lord:
I lift up my voice, I lift up my voice:
Great are you Lord! Great are you Lord!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN — 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 — Psalm 34:9-14

SPECIAL MUSIC — I’d Rather Have Jesus

GOD’S WORD — Ephesians 5:15-20 & John 6:51-58

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Fill My Cup, Lord — #367

For things that could not satisfy.
And then I heard my Savior speaking—
“Draw from My well that never shall run dry.”

Refrain:
Fill my cup, Lord;
I lift it up Lord;
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.
Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

There are millions in this world who are seeking
For pleasures earthly goods afford.
But none can match the wondrous treasure
That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.
Refrain

So my brother if the things that this world gives you
Leave hungers that won’t pass away,
My blessed Lord will come and save you
If you kneel to Him and humbly pray—
Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Sweet, Sweet Spirit

August 11 — Shaping Community

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. We’re honored to have you part of our community.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Lied — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP Jan Wirtz
One: Give praise to the Holy One at all times and bless God’s name.
All: Hope in the Holy One! For with God, there is steadfast love
and sacred power.
One: Let God’s radiance wash over you and lead you to shine brightly
through the presence of the Most High.
All: Hope in the Holy One! For with God, there is steadfast love
and sacred power.

*HYMN — Love Divine, All Loves Excelling — #71

Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast.
Let us all in Thee inherit,
Let us find the promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be.
End of faith, as its beginning,
Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty, to deliver,
Let us all Thy life receive.
Suddenly return, and never,
Nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,
Pray, and praise Thee without ceasing,
Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish, then, Thy new creation;
Pure and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
Till in heav’n we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love and praise.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jan Wirtz
God of love, we come to you now. We come to praise you and to learn from you. We approach you with a mixture of emotions. We bring our concerns and our burdens, as well as our thanksgivings and our hopes, which are founded upon your promises. All people are your people, God. Sometimes we are people in need, and sometimes people with abundance. Sometimes we are people overcome by despair, and sometimes people overwhelmed with joy! We are grateful for your dynamic, lively Spirit!
God of love, you promise that wherever we are on life’s journey, you are present to guide and to bless. We gather in your name, Jesus; so that we may continue learning to follow in your way of love and grace. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — The Bond of Love — #123

We are one in the bond of love;
We are one in the bond of love.
We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God;
We are one in the bond of love.

Let us sing now, everyone;
Let us feel His love begun.
Let us join our hands that the world will know
We are one in the bond of love.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 34:1-8 — Jan Wirtz

SPECIAL MUSIC —Softly and Tenderly — arr. Goss

GOD’S WORD —John 6:35, 41-51 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN —Help Us Accept Each Other — #127

Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe:
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.

Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,
To love them as we find them, or as they may become.

Let Your acceptance change us so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and laughter’s healing art.

Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and for bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Fughetta — Muffat

August 4 – Bread of Life

Thank you for joining us on this day. It’s the first Sunday of August, so we will be celebrating open communion. If you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements so we may come together at God’s table as one.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Blessed Assurance

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jo Ann Moody
One: We gather in God’s presence.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all are welcome.
One: Come; stay a while.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all find rest.
One: Relax; and be renewed.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all receive strength.
One: Pray; and be filled.
All: We rejoice, overflowing with God’s forgiving love!

*HYMN — Morning Has Broken — #274

Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jo Ann Moody
Gracious God, we give thanks for your presence among us. In the chaos of everyday life, you provide calm, healing, and sanctuary. Open us to new possibilities for being transformed by you as you bless us with your everlasting love and relentless presence. Your Spirit fills us and our surroundings as we gather in your name from pew to park and from sanctuary to sofa. May we be receptive to your Word as we worship you. Stir our imaginations! Enliven our hearts with fullness of joy! Guide us toward ever-growing participation in your Realm of eternal love and grace. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Holy Ground — #83

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 78:23-29 — Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — I’d Rather Have Jesus

GOD’S WORD — John 6:24-35 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Break Thou the Bread of Life — #175

Break Thou the Bread of Life, Dear Lord, to me,
As Thou didst break the loaves Beside the sea;
Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord;
My spirit pants for Thee, O Living Word.

Bless Thou the truth, dear Lord, To me, to me,
As Thou didst bless the bread By Galilee;
Then shall all bondage cease, All fetters fall,
And I shall find my peace My All in all.

Thou art the Bread of Life, O Lord, to me,
Thy holy Word the truth That saveth me;
Give me to eat and live With Thee above;
Teach me to love Thy truth, For Thou art Love.

Oh, send Thy Spirit, Lord, Now unto me,
That He may touch my eyes, And make me see;
Show me the truth concealed Within Thy Word,
And in Thy Book revealed I see the Lord.

THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
As the United Church of Christ, we celebrate Open Communion. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.

RESPONSIVE COMMUNION LITANY
John 6:24-35, “Bread of Life”
A communion litany based onJohn 6:24-35.
One Voice: In the beginning the Holy Three danced in the chaos just before creation. Out of their dance was formed All That-Is, and they looked at it and blessed it, calling it very, very good.

Many voices: One of the parts of that creation was humanity. That’s all of us! Created in God’s image, we sometimes believed that we, alone, were All-That-Is, and our arrogance drove us from the beauty and peace that The Holy Three wished for us.

One Voice: Many voices called throughout time, for humanity to return to our place in All-That-Is. But we did not always listen. When the time was right, one part of The Holy Three, that part called Christ Jesus, came to speak so that we could hear.

Many voices: Jesus said, I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. And the people replied, Teacher, give us this bread always.

One voice: And so, on the night before Jesus was killed by those who were threatened by his message of love and care for All-That-Is, he gathered with his closest friends and chosen family and he gave them g=bread saying, “This is my body, the living bread that gives life to the world.” After they ate, he passed them a cup and said “This is the cup of new life, that you might believe in the one whom the Holy Three has sent.” whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.

Many voices: And so they ate and drank. And so we eat and drink and remember and rejoice.

One voice: Let us pray. Brother Jesus, we thank you that you have given us the bread that is your body, the cup that is the source of life. We eat and drink today in the strong name of the Holy Three- Creator, the Christ and the Redeemer. Amen.

*HYMN — O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing — #93

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease,
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘Tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean;
His blood availed for me.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Saviour come;
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread thro’ all the earth abroad
The honors of your name.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Sweet, Sweet Spirit

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