January 29 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We are glad to have you worshipping with us today. Visit our YouTube page to view past services. This page will be updated with today’s service once worship begins.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Toccata – Krieger

*CALL TO WORSHIP

One: What a joy it is giving thanks to God!
All: Drawn together by the Spirit, we offer Christ our praises!
One: Christ teaches us that we are blessed.
All: Again and again, God renews people!
One: God’s tender mercies are new every morning.
All: May we keep learning to be givers of God’s extravagant grace.

*HYMN – I Would Be True – #432

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

I would be learning day by day the lessons
My heav’n-ly Father gives me in His Word;
I would be quick to hear His lightest whisper,
And prompt and glad to do the things I’ve heard;
And prompt and glad to do the things I’ve heard.

I would be prayerful through each busy moment;
I would be constantly in touch with God;
I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper,
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod;
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of grace and majesty, we gather to worship you. We see you in the morning sunlight streaming down from above.

Creator of all living things, you are with us today, shining like the sun and promising tomorrows overflowing with blessings.

God of justice and kindness; you frequently turn the world upside down, calling us to follow you toward new horizons, new actions, new challenges! When we grow tired or feel disappointed, remind us that you can bring change and hope out of even the most difficult situations. Lead us, we pray, to live faithfully as your children of compassion – doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – This Is the Day – #84

This is the day, this is the day.
That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice, we will rejoice,
And be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN – Thy Word (Verses 1 and 2) – #178

Chorus:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.

Chorus

I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love You to the end.

Chorus

GOD’S WORD – Micah 6:1-8

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 5:1-12

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – O Jesus, I Have Promised – #466

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near:
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

O Jesus,Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be.
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ – Walcha