April 23 – Breaking Bread

Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. God loves all people, and God requires us to do the same.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Adagio Cantabile – Mendelssohn

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice in earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth. God blesses us with life eternal.
All: Imagine all the possibilities for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked the earth.
All: Love was when God became human.
One: Jesus died on the Cross to bless all people with forgiveness and hope.
All: Jesus rose to walk with his disciples.
One: Christ is alive!
All: This very moment, God is walking with us.

*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
Risen Savior, you fill us with life! Especially when no one else can, you raise our spirits. Even when our lives seem to be colored by only dullness and despair, you transform us! In your uplifting, renewing way, God, you clothe people with lasting joy. You fill empty souls with life!
Christ Jesus, you are the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. You invite us to live boldly as your people. This may be our greatest challenge! Still we are empowered to give your ‘Way’ a try, for we know that you do not expect perfection out of us. When we fail, you are the One who helps us, who picks us up, and who encourages us to try again. This is the beauty of Christian discipleship. With you, it is never too late to make a new start. Thank you, Jesus. You give us hope. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #480

I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 & 1 Peter 1:3, 13-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – Coming Home – Martin

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-35

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee – #542

O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
With thee, O Master, let me live.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata – Seger

April 7 – Good Friday

Good Friday Worship is a sacred remembrance of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

A link to this service will be added once worship begins on Friday at 1 p.m. You can view all of our worship services on our YouTube channel.

PRELUDE – Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir – Zachau

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ Jesus empties himself,
All: Taking the form of a servant.
One: Christ Jesus humbles himself,
All: And becomes obedient unto death – even death on a cross.
One: There is no greater love than this – to lay down one’s own life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Merciful Savior, our souls are weighed down with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Christ Jesus, we need you now. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.

*HYMN – Beneath the Cross of Jesus – #239

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me:
And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Blessed Savior, each Good Friday invites the whole world to the foot of your cross. This is a forlorn and difficult place to be. Here, we discover ourselves pretending to follow you while not making true sacrifices. Here, we observe our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. Forgive us for crucifying you.
We cannot rewrite the story, but we can add new chapters. We can learn from this day. We must accept Good Friday as part of what we have done, if we are going to move on to new life. Jesus, lead us to become people who would plead with the authorities for your release and who value your teachings as the guide for living with compassion. In your time of trial, no one spoke up for you, Jesus. Now, in our time, we must listen to and speak on behalf of everyone who is being oppressed or crucified. Christ Jesus, your holy love is revealed on the cross as the amazing power to forgive all people. In your mercy, Dear Savior; hear our prayer. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me (Verses 1 and 2) – #254

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv’ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there, brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors)

SPECIAL MUSIC – Were You There? – Kathryn Kuntzman, Cello

C h r i s t J e s u s S p e a k s f r o m t h e C r o s s

The third hour
Luke 23:34

The fourth hour
John 19:26-27

The fifth hour
Luke 23:43

The sixth hour
John 19:28

The seventh hour
Mark 15:34

The eighth hour
Luke 23:46

The ninth hour
John 19:30

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Finished (Hartman) – Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

DEPART IN SILENCE

April 2 – Palm Sunday – Hosanna!

Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

We will be celebrating communion today, so if you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements before the service begins. All are welcome at God’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Sacred Head – Hustad

INTROIT – Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord – Schwartz

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Hosanna! Jesus of Nazareth is coming down the road!
All: Hosanna!
One: He’s headed this way!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
One: He’s coming closer and closer.
All: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

*HYMN – Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – #233

Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of love and majesty; you carry us through tiring days and through anguishing nights. Your faithfulness to us is why we want to shout our own words of welcome to you. We have witnessed the amazing power of your compassion, Jesus. You are the Messiah! You are God’s Blessed One! This is a day to shout and sing! There is joy in the air! Hosanna in the highest! No wonder people of every generation sing your praises! Today, people gather along roadsides throughout the world to worship you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*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!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

ANTHEM – Hosanna! (Raney) – The Children of Ivy Chapel UCC and the Chancel Choir

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 21:1-11

SERMON – 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 Christ’s Extravagant Welcome through “open” Communion.
All who desire to receive the gifts of God are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at this table.

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

*HYMN – All Glory, Laud and Honor – #234

All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!

The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.

To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – O Welt, ich muss dich lassen – Walther

March 26 – Fifth Sunday of Lent – Breathe

As our individual journeys through the 40 days of the Lenten Season continue,
let us praise God together this morning.

Remember, you can always view past Ivy Chapel worship services on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Meditation on “Ah, Holy Jesus” – Fedak

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The prophet asks: ‘Can soul-weary bones live again?’
All: We ask: ‘Can our soul-weary bones live again?’
One: ‘Can we dance again after sorrow and mourning?’
All: God promises that we can.
One: God gives weary souls new life.
All: Even now, winds of the Spirit are stirring up new life.

*HYMN – Breathe on Me, Breath of God – #139

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love the way you love,
And do what you would do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until my will is one with yours,
To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Astonishing God; O Divine Spirit; you are the energy and the beauty growing within everything that is alive! You are constantly providing all creation with new life. You are the life within us. You come to us, and so we come now boldly seeking you, God. Let us meet in this time and place. As you breathe on us, our souls awaken in fullness of joy!
Astonishing God; O Divine Spirit; in you, we find life and blessing, compassion and care, redemption and reconciliation. Your gifts move us to rejoice! As you breathe life into us, our souls awaken in fullness of joy!
We praise you, God, for you are the One who eternally breathes life into dry bones. Life-giving God, fill us with your holy breath that we may walk in your ways of goodness and love. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Lord, Be Glorified (Verses 1 and 2) – #528

In my life, Lord be glorified, be glorified.
In my life, Lord be glorified today.

In your church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.
In your church, Lord, be glorified today.

GOD’S WORD – Ezekiel 37:1-14

SPECIAL MUSIC – This Is My Father’s World / He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands – Adams
Earl Kreder, Saxophone
Mike Waller, Piano

GOD’S WORD – John 11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Spirit Song (Verses 1 and 2) – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love;
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul
Oh, let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit, like a dove,
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.
O give Him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain
And you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Tierce en Taille – Corrette

March 12 – Third Sunday of Lent – Thirsty Voices

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. In this world, we are all thirsting for the peace that can only come through God’s love. May you find relief here among us on this Lenten journey, either on our YouTube channel or in-person.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Lamento – Bonnet

*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, all of us are thirsty.
All: At times, we seek things that do not satisfy.
One: At times, we crave earthly things.
All: But the human soul is not thirsty for things of this world.
One: Jesus Christ is the Living Water.
All: Whoever drinks this water will never thirst.

*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
Everlasting God, we come to this sanctuary to worship you. Whatever may be fragile or fearful or hurting within us we now entrust to your transforming power and gentle, loving care. Thank you for the countless ways that you break into this troubled world to calm and to reassure.
Pure and Holy God, you are like a cold, refreshing drink of water. We find in you a love even greater than we can imagine. You watch over and care for all people. From you, we receive water that wells up to life eternal.
Bless each soul who is thirsting for you, Christ Jesus. You are the Savior of the world. Turn us into gushing springs of living water that serve all who are thirsty. May all everyone be refreshed by drinking from your wellspring of grace. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.

Shout to the Lord!
My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love

My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – JoAnn Moody

*HYMN – There is a Balm in Gilead – #141

Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work’s in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again. Refrain

If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus
and say, “He died for all.” Refrain

CHRISTIAN ACTION – Caring for Kids, Inc. – Cynthia Harcourt, Executive Director

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 95

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Battle Belongs to the Lord – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – John 4:5-42

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – More Love to Thee – 428

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
Moe love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to be living instruments of God’s peace. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude, A Minor – J. S. Bach

March 5 – Second Sunday of Lent – Blessing

Every day is a blessing! And we are blessed to have you with us today here at Ivy Chapel. You are welcome to join us every Sunday at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary, or anytime on our YouTube page.

Please let us know if you have any questions about being a part of the Ivy Chapel community.

This page will with a link to the live worship when it begins on Sunday.

All are welcome to join us at Christ’s table this morning. If you are worshipping from home, please take a moment to gather the elements of communion so you may celebrate with us.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Near the Cross – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather to worship Jesus Christ.
All: Baptized in Jesus’ name; we are born anew!
One: Christ died and rose on high.
All: Christ died for us.
One: This is the astonishing beauty of God’s love.
All: With all the joy that is in us, let us praise God!

*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
Let the winds of your Spirit blow in our lives today, Eternal God. Let us hear the sound and feel the power of your Enlivening Spirit. Open our hearts in new ways to your promises of healing grace.
Holy One, we gather to worship you. We seek reassurance that you are with us in our going out and our coming in. We ask for your help overcoming any temptation that might lead us away from you. Faithful God, you are the One we rejoice to serve! We praise you for relentlessly breathing new life into your world. May our love for you continue growing throughout this Lenten Season and beyond. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship book, pp. 80-81

My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love

My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 121

SPECIAL MUSIC – Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – arr. Wyrtzen

GOD’S WORD – John 3:1-17

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.

Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.

Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees. [Refrain]

Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees. [Refrain]

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at Christ’s Table.

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

*HYMN – Grace Greater Than Our Sin – #383

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Nun last uns Gott, dem Herren – Pachelbel

February 26 – First Sunday of Lent – Abundant Grace

Together with God’s whole Church, we are on a 40-day trek in the wilderness. By His grace alone, we live.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Choral Prelude Durch Adams Fall – Homilius

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, people of God, return to the One who gives you life.
All: We approach the One who knows us as we are and loves us fully.
One: This past week, we entered into the season of Lent.
All: God’s Church is going through a ‘wilderness.’
One: Yet this day of worship is an oasis in the desert.
All: Today, we remember temptations which Jesus faced.
One: We also remember the tremendous joys of a disciple’s life!
All: We remember that Jesus is the bread of heaven.
One: We remember that Jesus is the overflowing cup of blessing.
All: We come now, longing to walk more closely with our Savior.

*HYMN – Cleanse Me – #398

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.

I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender; Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, Start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lor, I humbly plead.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of mercy, we are listening for your voice in the clamor of a world that scarcely notices this season of self-examination and spiritual devotion. We mistakenly give attention to serpents who are seeking to lure us away from faithfulness to you, Holy God. We delight in forbidden fruits, but then we complain when they turn sour. Patient and Forgiving Savior, lead us through every wilderness of our own creation, so that we may find our way back to you.Teach us, day by day, Christ Jesus. Guide us in your Way of amazing grace and steadfast love. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

GOD’S WORD – Romans 5:12-19

SPECIAL MUSIC – Behold the Lamb Medley – arr. Wyrtzen

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 4:1-11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace, my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought us safe thus far,
And Grace will lead us home.

When we’ve been there then thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Was mein Gott will, gescheh alizeit – Kindermann

February 12 – From the Heart

Good morning! Thank you for joining us on this Sunday morning. Let’s discover together how the love of God is moving among us today.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about worshipping with Ivy Chapel. This page will be updated with the live service once worship begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude – J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God places before us the ways of life and death.
All: We are called to choose life.
One: Jesus Christ teaches us to live in communion with God and with
one another!
All: We are called to follow in Christ’s footsteps and to let his teaching
change us.
One: The Spirit is moving among us, drawing us together to become united in
Christ.
All: Let us sing, pray, and praise God; seeking always to rejoice that
Living God is present among us!

*HYMN – Day by Day – #486

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what he deems best–
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Ev’ry day the Lord himself is near me,
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid:
“As your days, your strength shall be in measure”–
This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in ev’ry tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when, toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
O Holy One, we come to this time of worship troubled by many earthly demands and concerns. We are upset by inner conflicts. We sometimes find ourselves painfully at odds with those we love. We live in a country that is extremely divided and in a world that is on edge with terrible fears.
And yet, we come this day to praise you, Gracious Spirit. We come faithful in our belief that you can mend our brokenness and our divisions. Open our eyes to perceive your presence among us; and may we fully open our souls to the healing with which you can bless all creation! Amen.

*RESPONSE – O for a Heart to Praise My God (Verses 1 and 4) – #396

O for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free;
A heart that always feels Thy blood
So freely shed for me:

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
Come quickly from above;
Write Thy new name upon my heart,
Thy new best name of Love.

GOD’S WORD – Deuteronomy 30:15-20

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Majestic Is Your Name – Sorrenson

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 & Matthew 5:21-37

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Gracious Spirit, Dwell With Me – #149

Gracious Spirit, dwell with me:
I myself would gracious be;
And with words that help and heal
Would thy life in mine reveal;
And with actions bold and meek
Would for Christ my Savior speak.

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me:
I myself would truthful be;
And with wisdom kind and clear
Let Thy life in mine appear;
And with actions brotherly
Speak my Lord’s sincerity.

Mighty Spirit, dwell with me:
I myself would mighty be;
Mighty so as to prevail
Where unaided man must fail;
Ever by a mighty hope
Pressing on and bearing up.

Holy Spirit, dwell with me:
I myself would holy be;
Separate from sin, I would
Choose and cherish all things good,
And whatever I can be,
Give to Him who gave me thee!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue – Pachelbel

February 5 – Restoring Beauty

We’re glad to have you with us today to hear about the restorative power of God’s love! As is our custom on the first Sunday of the month, we will be celebrating communion today. If you are worshipping from home, please gather the elements before worship so you may partake with us. All are welcome at Christ’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Romanza – Hebble

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let your light shine, people of God!
All: Let us give glory to God!
One: You and I are blessed!
All: We are called to be God’s lights in the world!
One: We can be the salt of the earth.
All: God is within each one of us, inviting us to live with flair and flavor!
One: No eye has seen,
All: No ear has heard,
One: No human heart has imagined
All: What God has prepared for those who love God!

*HYMN – ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus – #358

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood! [Refrain]

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace. [Refrain]

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Wonderful God, we gather today to celebrate your presence in the lives of people everywhere. We are full of joy this morning, God! We praise you for leading us through all of the challenges of our yesterdays and our tomorrows.
Come close now, Eternal God. Guide us toward becoming faithful beacons of your holy Light.
God of Breath-taking Beauty; may we see you in the brightness of the sunlight as it streams down upon your world. May we recognize you in blossoms-to-be that, for now, remain beneath the ground. Each moment, your miracles and your promises of new life are coming alive! Amen.

*RESPONSE – You Are the Light (verses 1 and 2) – worship booklet, p. 100

You are the LIght we see. You are the Truth we know.
You are the Life we live.
You are the Hope, You are the Joy,
You are the Song we sing.

Within our hearts Your light. Within our minds Your truth.
Within our lives Your love.
Living Your hope, Spreading Your Joy,
Singing Your beautiful song.

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 5:13-20

SPECIAL MUSIC – All Things Bright and Beautiful – arr. Hassell

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 112:1, 4-7 & Isaiah 58:1-11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Here, O My Lord, I See Thee – #259

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
Here would I touch and handle things unseen;
Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee lean.

Here would I feed upon the Bread of God;
Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
Here would I lay aside each earthly load;
Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.

I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;
They blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at Christ’s Table.

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

*HYMN – We’ve a Story to Tell the Nations – #524

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.

Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright,
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil,
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword. [Refrain]

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigneth above
Hath sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love. [Refrain]

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
May come to the truth of God,
May come to the truth of God! [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata – Speth

December 11 – Heartbeat of Justice

The Advent season continues. Today, as anticipation grows for the Birth, we light the third candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of Joy.

Check this space at 10 a.m. on Sunday for our livestream worship, or view anytime on the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel. If you have any questions about Ivy Chapel UCC, please feel free to reach out to us.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Shepherd’s Pipe – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God gathers us for this time of worship.
All: God promises life eternal.
One: God renews people with steadfast love.
All: Trust in God who is our refuge and strength.
One: Together, let us worship God, the Giver of Salvation.
All: Sing praises and exalt God’s holy name!

*HYMN – How Great Our Joy – #192

While by the sheep we watched at night,
Glad tidings brought an angel bright.

Refrain:
How great our joy!
Great our joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Joy, joy, joy!
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!
Praise we the Lord in heav’n on high!

There shall be born, so he did say,
In Bethlehem a Child today. [Refrain]

There shall the Child lie in a stall,
This Child who shall redeem us all. [Refrain]

This gift of God we’ll cherish well,
That ever joy our hearts shall fill. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Wondrous God, we look forward with joyful expectation to future ways that you will reveal yourself in this world! May your living presence be felt this day by all who gather to worship you.
O Holy One, we give you thanks for calling us to serve you through our participation in this faith community. Fill us with your love, Christ Jesus. We praise you for revealing that each one of us can offer your unconditional love to everyone! With your help, Faithful Savior, may we fulfill the ministries which you would like us to offer. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy

*RESPONSE – Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming (Verse 3) – #196

This Flower, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 146:5-10

SPECIAL MUSIC – Thy Holy Wings and O Little Town of Bethlehem – arr. Hassell

GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:46-55

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

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

Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth thou art;
Dear desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Noel Suisse, Grand jeu et Duo – Daquin

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