UPDATED: How to join us for worship

The world continues to change around us – but we want you to know you are always welcome at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. This is the core of who we are – and even as it seems like things are pushing us apart, we want it to be easy to bring everyone together.

We gather for worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. If you know Ivy Chapel, that sometimes means 10:02 a.m. or even 10:05. Check our Facebook page for updates – we’ll post there if there is a delay.

Here’s how to join us:

In person
You can join us in the sanctuary for worship each Sunday as long as the COVID-19 numbers do not spike again in St. Louis County. Masks are required while you are in the building and you will be seated in a socially distanced manner. Reservations are no longer required. You may join us anytime you want.

Online
We have recently started using a new AV system which changed how we stream worship. Worship will stream live on the Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ YouTube channel. You will find links at the top of this site and on our Facebook page.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re ready to help you find a way to worship with us that works for you.

May 9 Livestream – “I have called you friends”

“I have called you friends,” Jesus says in today’s reading. Continue to hear Jesus’ words as He shares his love with us.

Special blessings this day to all of the mothers in this world.

“I have called you friends,” says Jesus.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Let us gather in the Spirit of Christ.
All: We come in response to the One who calls us ‘friends’
One: Remember God’s love and faithfulness.
All: Let our hands reflect the life of our serving Savior.
One: Let our voices echo God’s praises!
All: Together, let us sing of God who is doing marvelous things!

HYMN – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

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 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 promos I have in You.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Faithful God, we worship you with joy! Even in the toughest times, your love holds us up. You bless all people. God of grace, you are the One who empowers us to care for one another with kindness. You watch over each one of your children throughout our lives. You have watched over us in the past. You are with each one of us now in the particular situations that we are facing.

Amazing God, we are grateful for your gifts. Come, Holy One, lift us. Raise us above taking so much for granted. Stir our voices to praise you out of sheer delight! Open our hearts to trust that you are leading us, especially in moments of difficulty or discouragement. In our doubts and in our fears, grant us your peace. Calm us. Reassure us that you are near. Christ Jesus, we rejoice that you are continuing to shape us into people who offer your grace and love to all. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me – #254

1. O how He loves you and Me, O how He loves you and me;
   He gave HIs life – what more could He give?
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!
2. Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for making to show;
   What He did there bro’t hope from despair;
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 98 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC – 10,000 Reasons – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 15:9-17 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – #162

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in Prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows ur every weakness, Take it to the Lord in Prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge – Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee! Take it to the Lord in prayer,
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

 CCLI License #456361

April 25 Livestream – Enfolded By Love

Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

If you’re having trouble hearing the service, please double check both the volume on your device and on YouTube. These settings are independent. If you’re still having trouble, please let us know.

Enfolded By Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: The Good Shepherd invites us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given all that we possess.
All: God provides everything that we need. And more!
One: In every valley that we encounter – God is with us.
All: We are comforted and reassured.
One: God leads us on the path of life.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We receive from God in abundance.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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;
   Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.
   
   UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Good Shepherd, you have enabled us to gather this day for worship. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We praise you, O God, for your sacred gift of life! This morning, we pray that you will bless us with guidance for living as your people.
   Gentle Shepherd, you tirelessly watch over all your sheep. In turn, you ask us to care for one another in life-giving ways. Help us to grow in love that displays genuine caring and self-sacrifice. May we humbly accept the roles that you give us to fulfill, Dear God. Equip us for your service everywhere you lead us. Amen.
   
   PRAISE RESPONSE – Gentle Shepherd – #450

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us, For we need Your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to Who can help us face another day;
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – “Held” – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 10:11-18 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
   let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
   O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
   will descend upon your life and make you whole.

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

2. 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.

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE Anna DiVesta

Easter Livestream – He is Risen!

A tremendous discovery awaits on this Easter. Christ is not in the tomb. He is Risen!

Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Rejoice! Today is Resurrection Day!
All: It’s a miracle!
One: Our Savior Jesus died on the cross.
All: He was dead. Now, he lives!
One: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

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

1. Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see.
   Beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You.
   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.
2. King of all days, O so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above,
   Humbly You came to the Earth You created,
   All for love’s sake became poor.
   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. And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
   And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. 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. 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. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION Pastor Dan
   God of Resurrection, we come gather to worship you, rejoicing over the miracle of Christ’s empty tomb! We come celebrating your Gospel that announces you are with us always as the Risen Christ. Thanks to your Resurrection, we realize that you truly have the power to give all people life eternal, God. As the Risen Christ, you bless us with faith and strength – even in times of despair, sorrow, fear, or overwhelming difficulty.
   The tomb may be empty, but it is not silent. This morning, Jesus, your empty tomb joyously proclaims that you have risen from the dead! Christ Jesus, you are alive forevermore! Hallelujah! Amen! PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Exalted! – worship booklet, p. 45

He is exalted, the King is exalted on high. I will praise Him.
He is exalted, forever exalted and I will praise His name!
He is the Lord. Forever His truth shall reign.
Heaven and earth rejoice in His holy name.
He is exalted, the King is exalted on high.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Romans 8:11, 31, 35-39 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Agnus Dei

GOD’S WORD – Mark 16:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

THE GIFTS OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
The Sacrament of Holy Communion

UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN – Our God Reigns – #290

1. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, good news
   Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness, Our God reigns, Our God reigns!

REFRAIN
Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Our God reigns!

2. He had no stately form, He had no majesty, The we should be drawn to Him.
   He was despised and we took no account of Him,
   Yet now he reigns with the Most High.

REFRAIN

3. Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty, He is alive, He is alive.
   God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side.
   Yes, we know, He is alive.

REFRAIN

RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
One: Praise God!
All: Christ is risen!
One: Our Savior Jesus is alive!
All: Hallelujah!

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

March 28 Virtual Worship – Palm Sunday

Join us to hear to hear the good word! Jesus is near! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest! Raise and wave your palms!

Here is today’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted Isaiah 50:4-9) – Pastor Dan
One: Come to worship! Come; join in this chorus of Hosannas!
All: Come to let your tongue shout God’s praises!
One: Come to find your voice.
All: Come to hear the response.
One: Come to open your ears.
All: Come to listen.
One: Come to be healed by the silence.
All: Come to stand together.
One: Come to experience what words cannot express!
All: Come to find God.

HYMN – Make Way – worship booklet, p. 69

1. Make way, make way, for Christ the King in splendor arrives.
   Fling wide the gates and welcome him into your lives.

CHORUS
Make way, make way for the King of kings.
Make way, make way and let his kingdom in.

2. He comes the broken hearts to heal the prisoners to free.
   The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance, the blind shall see.

CHORUS

3. And those who mourn with heavy hearts, who weep and sigh;
   with laughter, joy and royal crown he’ll beautify.

CHORUS

4. We call you now to worship him as Lord of all,
   to have no gods before him – their thrones must fall.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of exceptional moments; this morning, we recall the electric celebration of people enthusiastically welcoming Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. What a moment! We can imagine ourselves swept up in the party atmosphere of that lively parade! We can feel your great power! We want to cut loose ourselves in ways that faithfully offer you praise! Your holy love reaches out and blesses everyone. Come close now. Ride down Kingshighway here in our fair city, Jesus. Enter Metro St. Louis this day. Hosanna! Come on, Jesus! We choose you to be the grand marshal of our next big parade. Save us, we beg you. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – In the Name of the Lord – #19

1. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To set the sinner free!
   To sin cursed souls salvation bring And peace eternally!
   Ride on to dark Gethsemane, To untold agony,
   And on the cross of Calvary Procure our victory!
2. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To claim the hearts of men!
   Now death has lost its dreadful sting And hope is born again.
   O come, in human hearts to reign Suppress the pow’r of sin!
   Our own endeavor is in vain; Lord, You must help us win!
3. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King! Ride on o’er land and sea,
   For You alone to man can bring Eternal liberty.
   Ride on to sinbound nations, Lord, Until each heart shall own
   Your saving, sanctifying word and bow before Your throne!

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 lLord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1, 21-29 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Holy City – Marsha Fix, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Mark 11:1-11 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Ride On, Ride On, O Savior King – #236

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361​​

Feb. 17 Livestream – Ash Wednesday

Join us as we begin the Lenten journey together.

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Turn away from evil; and return to your God.
All: God is gracious and merciful;
One: God is slow to anger,
All: And abounding in steadfast love.
One: “Now,” says the Holy One, “return to me with all your heart.”
All: Be still; and know that I am God.
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are the reservoir from whom all people receive life.
We come this night seeking to return to you, O God.
Bless this Ash Wednesday worship; we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn – Jesus, I Come – #369

Responsive Call to Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Holy God, Maker of all;
All: Jesus Christ, Savior of all;
One: Holy Spirit, breath of life;
All: Have mercy on us. Let us confess our sins.

Prayer of Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are acquainted with all our ways.
As we take this first step on a crucial Lenten spiritual journey, we turn to you in prayer. Come, O Holy Spirit; in your cleansing power, breathe on us and fill us with life anew. God of forgiveness and grace, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We admit that we have failed to live by your Gospel of joy and lovingkindness. Forgive us, we pray.
Lead us to honor you, Jesus, by walking in your way of goodness and compassion. We call on you now, Dear Savior, asking for these blessings:
mend us, fill us,
send us, use us.
This we pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Silence

Assurance of Pardon – Pastor Dan
We are tempted often to hold on to the past.
But God calls us to leave it behind.

By the grace of our Risen Savior, the past is dead and gone.
The future is open! Let us live in the freedom which God offers.

Through our Savior Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen!

Response – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33

Scripture Reading – Joel 2:1-5, 10, 12-13 – Pastor Dan

The Imposition of Ashes – Pastor Dan

Special Music– The Old Rugged Cross – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

Scripture Reading – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-12 – Pastor Dan

The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan

Hymn – More Love to Thee – #428

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 31 Livestream – Power

As we pray for the health and safety of our world, we reflect on the peace we can find through God, and how His leadership will show us the way forward.

The Ivy Chapel Board of Deacons, working with the virtual worship team, is continuing to watch case numbers, hospitalizations and vaccination rates across our area to create a strategy for returning to in-person worship. We hope to make an announcement soon with more details.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come to Christ, the Living One,
All: Rejected by the world, but in God’s sight chosen and precious.
One: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: New life is rising among us!
All: We rejoice at the miraculous ways God brings creation alive!
One: Come! And hear God’s Word for our day.
All: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Power and Might; your wisdom is beyond ours. Your patience surpasses ours. Your compassion exceeds ours. We continue finding ourselves amazed by you, Living God. This morning, we join together to praise you.
Christ Jesus, your life, death and resurrection are our model for faithful discipleship. Strengthen us, we pray, as we seek to walk in your ways: living wisely, patiently, and compassionately. Fill us, we pray, with your Spirit of unselfishness and love. Amen.

Hymn – “Holy, Holy, Holy” – #2

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and might!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Children’s Message – Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Psalm – Pastor Dan

Special Music – “All Hail King Jesus with Majesty”

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:21-28 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “How Majestic Is Your Name” – #9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth.

O Lord, we praise Your name. O Lord, we magnify Your name,
Prince of peace, Mighty God’ O Lord God Almighty.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Jan. 10 Livestream – The Baptism of Christ

Thank you for joining us today, January 10, 2021.

As we reflect on the events at the U.S. Capitol this past week, we are thinking about defining moments. This coincides with the remembrance of the baptism of Jesus. Will this week be a turning point for our world, our country – and even for you? Worship with us, and be the change the world so desperately needs.

If you have questions or problems about Ivy Chapel or our virtual worship, please contact us.

Here’s the order for worship for today:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: God is the Creator of all life.
All: God sends light to shine in the darkness.
One: God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.
All: God takes care of humankind – calming fears and giving faith.
One: God’s love is real.
All: God’s grace is eternal.
One: Our cup overflows!
All: Together, let us praise God!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Living God, we worship you this day. You are the One who offers life and breath to all creation. From the very beginning, you have been moving over the face of the waters. Faithful and Loving God, we turn to you in prayer this day for reassurance. Holy Spirit, you are the One with the power to calm a stormy sea or to “trouble” a pool of still water. From water, life springs up! By water, life is nourished. Through water, new life begins. Christ Jesus, as we remember your baptism in the Jordan River, may we celebrate anew our holy baptism. Amen.

Hymn – “Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart” – #154

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as You art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

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

Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross – there teach my heart to cling;
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find.

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

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

Scripture Reading – Psalm 29:1-4, 9-11 – Pastor Dan

Children’s Message – Ashton Wilson

Special Music

Scripture Reading – Mark 1:4-11 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – “Spirit Song” – pp. 84-85, worship booklet

1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
   let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
   O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
   will descend upon your life and make you whole.

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

2. 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.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Dec. 27 Livestream

On the First Sunday after Christmas, we have traditionally invited members to request their favorite carols to sing in church.

Watch the service and the requested hymns here:

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

Prelude – Abby Foehrkolb

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Sing of God’s glory!
All: Shout to God, all the earth!
One: Rejoice!
All: Christ is born!

Hymn – “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” – #191

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of steadfast love, you are with us! We have heard the promise
of the prophets. We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have seen
your star in the heavens. We have followed your star to a humble birthplace.
Christ Jesus, we have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us. This morning, may hope and joy fill our lives, as we echo your angels, proclaiming,
“Glory to God in the highest! Peace to God’s people on earth.” Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan
– The Advent Candles and the Christ Candle

Response – “Angels We Have Heard on High” – #206
Verse 1 ONLY

Children’s Message – Ashton Wilson

Scripture Readings – Psalm 148, Isaiah 61:10-62:3 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – O Holy Night (arr. Dan Coates) – Abby Foehrkolb

Responsive Reading – “The Savior’s Advent” Luke 2:8-20 – #639

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you goodness of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign toy: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with he angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another,

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened which the lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.

And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherd said to them.

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for al the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Virtual Hymn Sing

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Abby Foehrkolb

Shouts of Joy! Dec. 13 Cantata Livestream

2020 has been quite a year. Let’s pause for a moment during this Season of Advent and find the joy! Our 2020 Christmas Cantata features treasured memories from our congregation.

Prelude: “He Is Lord” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful” – Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta 

Responsive Call to Worship & Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan                                                                                                                   

     One:  The Savior of the world is Jesus Christ! 

     All:  Make a joyful noise to God!

     One:  Our God is a God of great joy!

     All:  Rely on God, who is our refuge and strength.

     One:  Give thanks to God, who is our salvation.   

     All:  We will sing praises to God’s name!

     One:  Let us pray.

     All:  God of great joy, we rejoice with anticipation as we look forward to future ways that you will reveal yourself among us.  May all people perceive your Spirit living within us, and may all people celebrate this blessing!  Strengthen us for your loving service.  We give thanks that you are calling us to be your followers and to live in ways that make life-giving differences in your world.  Lead us to carry out the caring ministries that you are inviting us to offer, Christ Jesus.  Amen.

 HYMN:  â€œJoyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”– #13

1.         Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory Lord of love;

            Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, Opening to the sun above.

            Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; Drive the dark of doubt away;

            Giver of immortal gladness, Fill us with the light of day.

2.         All Thy works with joy surround Thee, Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays

            Stars and angels sing around Thee, Center of unbroken praise.

            Field and forest, vale and mountain, Flowery meadow, flashing sea,

            Chanting bird and flowing fountain Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3.         Thou art giving and forgiving, Ever Blessing, ever blest,

            Wellspring of the joy of living, Ocean depth of happy rest!

            Thou our Father, Christ our Brother – All who live in love are Thine,

            Teach us how to love each other, Lift us to the joy divine.

4.         Mortals join the mighty chorus Which the morning stars began;

            Father love is reigning o’er us, Brother love binds man to man.

            Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife,

            Joyful music leads us sunward In the triumph song of life.

Children’s Message – Liz Schurwan 

Prayers of the People concluding with the Lord’s Prayer (debts/debtors) –  Pastor Dan

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan: The Candle of Joy

 Praise Response – â€œWhen God Is a Child”  p. 95, worship booklet

 Verse 3 ONLY

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

            When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first 

            and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

“Shouts of Joy:  A Christmas Concert for 2020”

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Psalm 98:1, 4

        HYMN – “Joy to the World” #194 

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

            Let every heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing, 

            and heav’n and nature sing. And heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

2.         Joy to the earth! the Savior reigns; Let men their songs employ;

            While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains repeat the sounding joy,

            repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

3.         No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; 

            He comes to make HIs blessings flow Far as the curse is found,

            far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found.

4.         He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove

            The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love,

            And wonders of HIs love, and wonders, and wonders, of His love.

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture –  John 3:16-17 – Galatians 4:4-5

       â€œHe Is Born” – Julie McAllister and Anna DiVesta, Piano and Organ  

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Psalm 125:1-2 – Isaiah 40:9 – Isaiah 52:7      

       â€œGo, Tell It on the Mountain” –  Anna DiVesta, Piano       

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Isaiah 7:13-14 – Luke 2:16-19      

       â€œBreath of Heaven” –  Sue Wilson, Vocalist   

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Isaiah 9:6                               

       â€œMary, Did You Know?” – Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta, Saxophone and Piano

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Isaiah 60:4-6 – Matthew 2:1, 9-11 

        HYMN –  â€œWe Three Kings” #220   

1.         We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we travers afar

            Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star.

REFRAIN

            O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,

            Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.

2.         Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again,

            King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

REFRAIN

3.         Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh;

            Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

REFRAIN

4.         Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom

            Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

REFRAIN

5.         Glorious now behold Him arise, King and God and Sacrifice;

            Alleluia, Alleluia, Peals through the earth and skies.

REFRAIN

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-7, 9

       â€œCarol of the Drum” (The Little Drummer Boy) – Anna DiVesta, Piano         

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – Amos 5:24 – Revelation 19:5-7a, 11, 16

       â€œO Holy Night” – Marsha Fix, Vocalist 

        A Treasured Memory

        Holy Scripture – John 1:3-5 – Luke 2:9-11

       â€œSilent Night”                                                                                    

 Benediction – Anna DiVesta

 Postlude – Anna DiVesta

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