November 10th-Risk and Retribution

 PRELUDE   Chorale Prelude Nun Bitten Wir  – Buxtehude

*CALL TO WORSHIP  — Sue Wilson
 One:  Come, all who are anxious or exhausted. 
All:  Come, all who are encouraged or discouraged
One:  God welcomes you.
All:  This is the house of God
One:  God is here to greet you and to love you.
All:  This is holy ground.
One:  The Spirit of Christ brings people together.
All:  The Spirit of Christ gathers us.

*HYMN     Be Thou My Vision  #400
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by or by night,
Waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee  and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION   —   Sue Wilson    
Christ our Savior; out of pure love you set people free.  We worship you because of who you are.
God, you give fully.  To all the world, you give of yourself   –   Living Word,   Living Bread,   Living Water,   Living Spirit.   We long to give of ourselves as completely as you do, Christ Jesus.  We are here now to learn of you, so that we may grow in faithfulness.  Today, with humility and gratitude, we come to give you all that we have.
  Living Savior, breathe on us, we pray.  Take our lives and continue shaping us into the human beings you would like us to be.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE     Jesus, Jesus, Lord to Me #330
Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.

GOD’S WORD    Psalm 146 — Sue Wilson  

SPECIAL MUSIC   Deep River – Wolaver 

GOD’S WORD   Ruth 3:1-5 and 4:13-17  — Pastor Dan  

SERMON      Pastor Dan    

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE      Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Prayer of Jesus (debts… debtors)

*HYMN       I Surrender All  #408
All to Jesus I surrender, 
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, 
In His presence daily live.

Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender, 
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now. Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
May Thy Holy Spirit fill me,
May I now Thy pow’r divine. Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me. Refrain

*BENEDICTION    Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE   Prelude in A Minor – Marcello

November 3 — Wherever You Go — Totenfest

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We are commemorating All Saints’ Day in worship this morning, offering God thanks and praise for our loved ones who have passed on to life eternal during the past year.

May Living God be with all of God’s people throughout the world and throughout the United States of America during this highly significant national election.

As our United Church of Christ denomination has been encouraging us for many months, let us VOTE with LOVE.

(Note that thanks to a YouTube glitch, this video has the wrong title. But it’s from Nov. 3)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Lied — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jan Wirtz
One: Come; behold the goodness of God!
All: God is gathering us together here on holy ground.
One: Come; accept God’s invitation.
All: At this sacred altar, God offers everyone Christ’s grace.
One: Come; open up all of your senses.
All: As we worship, may we learn to love as Christ loves.

*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.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jan Wirtz
God of everlasting life; we worship you! God of abundant blessing; out of pure love, you set people free! We praise you as an Uplifting and Faithful God. All people are in your care, and you are alive among us! As our nation’s election day draws near; we bring to you, Loving God, our anxieties and our fears concerning the way that these voting results may enormously impact large numbers of human lives. Breathe upon us and fill us with your peace which will endure whatever the outcome of this election. Dear God, hold us together as your Beloved Community supported by Christ’s love.
We come now seeking your guidance, God. Reveal to us ways that we may faithfully offer people support and blessing. In your life, Christ Jesus, we see unselfishness and kindness that we want to emulate. Guide us to follow you by offering genuine love and care to all. 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 — Ruth 1:1-18 — Jan Wirtz

TOTENTEST — Thanksgiving for Loved Ones

SPECIAL MUSIC — The Old Rugged Cross — Wolaver

GOD’S WORD — Mark 12:38-44 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — One Bread, One Body — worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

1 Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

2 Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

3 Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate open communion, for we believe Christ’s Table is open to all people. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — I Sing a Song of the Saints of God worship booklet, pp. 52-53

I sing a song of the saints of God,
patient and brave and true,
who toiled and fought and lived and died
for the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doctor, and one was a queen,
and one was a shepherdess on the green:
they were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God helping, to be one too.

They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
and God’s love made them strong;
and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake,
the whole of their good lives long.
And one was a soldier, and one was a priest,
and one was slain by a fierce wild beast:
and there’s not any reason, no, not the least,
why I shouldn’t be one too.

They lived not only in ages past;
there are hundreds of thousands still;
the world is bright with the joyous saints
who love to do Jesus’ will.
You can meet them in school, or in lanes, or at sea,
in church, or in trains, or in shops, or at tea;
for the saints of God are just folk like me,
and I mean to be one too.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Trumpet in Dialogue — Clerambault

October 27 — Take Heart

We invite all God’s people to gather with us today, and to find the guidance we need in the world.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Legend — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jo Ann Moody
One: Sing out together! Sing for joy!
All: God is gathering God’s people.
One: From the farthest parts of the earth, we come.
All: All who are struggling, God will help.
One: All who are grieving, God will console.
All: All who are lost, God will guide.
One: Let us worship the God who gathers us!

*HYMN — I Will Sing of the Mercies — worship booklet, p. 56

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.

Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jo Ann Moody
God of perpetual renewal; we give you thanks today for gathering us here as your Church and for gracing us with your faithful presence. This morning, we celebrate our history – ancient and still developing; and we marvel at the rich, diverse dimensions of your Church.
God of steadfast love and mercy; grant us the faith to be part of a living, ever-new ‘reformation’ within your Church, serving as a breath of fresh air in the world.
God of newness; we rejoice that you are shaping all that is alive into your masterpiece! Continue guiding your whole creation toward your vision that all may be one in you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Change My Heart, O God — 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 — Psalm 34:1-8 — Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — El Shaddai — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Mark 10:46-52 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — He Keeps Me Singing As I Go — #359

There’s within my heart a melody;
Jesus whispers sweet and low,
“Fear not, I am with you, peace, be still,”
In all of life’s ebb and flow.

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,
Sweetest name I know,
Fills my every longing,
Keeps me singing as I go.

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife,
Discord filled my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings,
Stirred the slumbering chords again. [Refrain]

Feasting on the riches of His grace,
Resting ‘neath His sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face,
That is why I shout and sing. [Refrain]

Though sometimes He leads through waters deep,
Trials fall across the way;
Though sometimes the path seems rough and steep,
See His footprints all the way. [Refrain]

Soon He’s coming back to welcome me
Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown,
I shall reign with Him on high.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Ricercare on “St. Anne” — Young

October 20 — Consecration Sunday — Imagine Together!

God’s gift of new life in Christ moves us to live joyously offering grace and love to all. Following worship on this Consecration Sunday, we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day by enjoying lunch together in Fellowship Hall.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Divertissement — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We, who are thirsty, long for water.
All: God causes pure drinking water to spring forth.
One: We, who are weak, long for strength.
All: God strengthens exhausted bodies and souls.
One: We, who are broken, long for restoration.
All: God brings fragmented pieces of this world together.
One: Each new day, let us “Imagine Together”
All: God’s world made whole!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Adapted UCC Stewardship “Imagine Together”)
Lively God, you invite us to put aside this world’s unhealthy distractions and to draw near to you. Here on holy ground, we perceive clearly that nothing is of more value than a relationship with you. We are merely beginning to learn who you are, God. We look forward to discovering more!
Inexhaustible God, you do not tire out. You never let us down. You teach by example. From you, we learn to love extravagantly and to live generously.
We imagine becoming faithful servants of your life-giving grace, Christ Jesus. We are grateful to you for being with us now. Guide us as we continue seeking to grow as your disciples. Now and always, may we follow your lead, Jesus. Encourage us as we Imagine Together! Amen.

*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 — Sue 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;

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

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 147:1, 5 & Ephesians 3:16-21

SPECIAL MUSIC — Simple Gifts — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 11-20, 27 & Matthew 10:7-8

SERMON — Pastor Dan

UNISON PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — Pastor Dan
God, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

‘Imagine Together!’
We offer God our intended giving commitments for the coming year, asking God to consecrate them. All who are able please come forward during the closing hymn and place your 2025 Estimate of Giving Card in the basket on the round table. Thank you for your gifts.

*CONSECRATION HYMN — Take My Life and Let It Be — #436

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my love, my God I pour At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

*BENEDICTION AND TABLE GRACE — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Carillon — Young

October 13 -‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Alongside of each other, we continue going ahead on this amazing expedition “Imagine Together!”

WELCOME

PRELUDE    Prelude on “Rhosymedre”   – Wolford  

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                    
One:  Incline your ear to God! 
All:  We hope to hear good news. 
One:  Listen, so that you may live!
All:  We hope to have enough to share. 
One:  Imagine together!
All:  We imagine enough at every table. 

HYMN — We Come, O Christ, to You #289

We come, O Christ, to You, true Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, in Whom all life began.
In You alone we live and move, 
And have our being in Your love.

You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge and Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand;
Your love has met Your law’s demand.

You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill, The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! in You we rest,
Sure answer to our every quest.

You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant life That earth can never give.
O risen Lord! We live in You:
In us each day Your life renew!

We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King;
To You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring:
So fill our hearts,  that all may view
Your life in us and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION    
God of inspiration and grace; sometimes we feel like we are spinning our wheels. Sometimes we feel like we are caught in short-term ups and downs.   At moments, we lose sight of your bigger picture, Dear God.  Remind us that you have always known us and that you know where we are right now.
Holy One, you bring healing to our lives where injuries have hardened our hearts.  You welcome us into community just when we are in danger of feeling isolated and alone. You provide patience and persistence, especially when change takes longer than we have imagined.
Faithful God, comfort us with rest and bless us with renewal this day, while you are giving us sacred glimpses of your amazing Realm to come.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — The Gift of Love  #126
Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain

Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within,
The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.

GOD’S WORD –  Isaiah 58:6-14 & Philippians 2:1-5

SPECIAL MUSIC    Thy Word  – Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Matthew 25:31-40 

MESSAGE     Jo Ann Moody                                                                 

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH    Pastor Dan 
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN   Give of Your Best to the Master   #422
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.

BENEDICTION    Pastor Dan      

POSTLUDE    Carillon    – Wolford

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

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