March 31 – Easter Sunday

A blessed Easter to all!

SILENT REFLECTION — The Risen Lord #646

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Thine Is the Glory

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: The tomb is empty!
All: Our Savior lives!
One: Christ himself told us, “On the third day, the Son will rise.”
All: Christ is risen!
One: Christ is risen indeed!
All: Alleluia!

*HYMN – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – #268

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jim French
O God, the things you do! For generations, you have been doing “new things.” And now, Holy Week! Jesus is alive?! He is! This is the awesome joy that fills our hearts and raises our spirits. God, you rule! Christ Jesus, you are alive! You raise us beyond our fears, our doubts and our sins. You can conquer anything, including death. O God of Resurrection, the things you do! Amen!

*RESPONSE – Were You There? – #266

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Oh, sometimes I feel like shouting, glory, glory, glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Pat Winship

*HYMN – He Is Lord – #103

He is Lord, He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and he is Lord!
Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – im French

SPECIAL MUSIC – Was It a Morning Like This? – Croegaert
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Mark 16:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Thine Is the Glory – #281

Thine is the glory, Risen conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou or death has won!
Angels in bright raiment Rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes Where Thy body lay.

Refrain:
Thine is the glory, Risen Conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou o’er death hast won!

Lo! Jesus meets us. Risen from the tomb,
Lovingly He greets us, Scatters fear and gloom.
Let His church with gladness Hymns of triumph sing,
For the Lord now liveth; Death has lost its sting. [Refrain]

No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of Life!
Life is naught without Thee; Aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conqu’rors, Through thy deathless love;
Bring us safe through Jordan To Thy home above. (Refrain)

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Hallelujah! (from Messiah) – G. F. Handel

February 25 – Always Close

Today, we ask for God’s guidance as we come together on this second Sunday of Lent, moving ever closer to Resurrection Day.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — He Leadeth Me

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jan Wirtz
One: In Christ, God has given us a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises!

*HYMN — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — #414

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jan Wirtz
God, we turn to you in prayer this morning. Come, Holy Spirit, be with us in worship today. You alone are our Creator and our Savior, Dear God. We are hungry to know you more fully and to serve you more completely. We treasure the astounding promises which you fulfilled in the lives of our ancestors and which you are fulfilling in our lives.
God, we praise you for gathering us together here. We come, seeking your guidance and your blessing. Fill us with your Spirit. Make us instruments of your love and grace.
God, full of compassion; lead us and be our peace on the journey. Amen.

*RESPONSE — O How He Loves You and Me — #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 — Psalm 22:23-31 — Jan Wirtz

SPECIAL MUSIC — The Old Rugged Cross

GOD’S WORD — Mark 8:31-35 — Pastor Dan

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 — Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

February 14 – Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent, which is a 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day.

SILENT REFLECTION – Christ, My Every Need – #425

PRELUDE – Be Still, My Soul

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Gather the people. Prepare a holy meeting.
Today, we acknowledge the fragility and preciousness of life.
Gather the people. Return to God with our whole mind, body, and spirit.
We rend our hearts not our clothes. We open ourselves to the pain of
the world with compassion and grace in the way of Jesus.
Gather the people. Seek the Holy One, who is alive within us.
We offer to God our sacrifice of praise. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,
dust to dust; we are here to worship.

*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou biddest me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot.
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need in Thee I find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Holy One, have mercy upon us, according to your faithful love. Create within us a new heart; a heart for love, justice and righteousness. Replace any guilt with your promise of new life abounding in mercy and grace!
Come, Holy Spirit, be our companion in the choices we make and in the ways that we interact with one another. Let honesty, humility and kindness characterize our being. Holy One, you transform earthly dust into something marvelous! Let us honor you by living our days in community with you and with all creation. Renew us, O God. Amen.

GOD’S WORD – Joel 2:1-6, 10-13

CALL TO CONFESSION and PRAYER OF CONFESSION
One: God is merciful to all who confess their sins.
All: God is summoning us this day, “Return to me with all your heart.”
One: The Spirit of God is calling, “Turn away from evil. Turn toward me.”
All: So then, let us turn to God and confess our sins.
One: Let us prayer together.
All: Mighty and Merciful God, we come to you in prayer. We confess our need for your help. Our failures confront us, and our disconnections from you and from our neighbors diminish us. Cleanse us of all guilt and shame. Forgive us for our sin. Draw us near to you, God of grace; so that we may accept your forgiveness and be renewed. This we pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

SILENCE – Pastor Dan

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Pastor Dan

*RESPONSE – Cleanse Me – #410

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 Spirit, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival – start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Though will supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-10 – Pastor Dan

THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*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

THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors)

*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 – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Near to the Heart of God

Feb. 11 – The Transfiguration of Christ

SILENT PRAYER OF PREPARATION – #541

WELCOME

PRELUDE – He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob;
whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth!
All: The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: The Lord upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
All: The Lord sets prisoners free!
One: The Lord gives sight to the blind.
All: The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: The Lord loves the righteous.
All: The Lord remains faithful forever. Praise the Lord!

*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
Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ invests us with strength the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt. God of all nations and all people; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and peace, empower our witness. Dear God, you reveal what true mightiness is! Fill the lives of all your children with joy and love today. 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.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN – The Light of the World Is Jesus – #373

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 50:1-8, 14-15, 23

SPECIAL MUSIC – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

GOD’S WORD – Mark 9:2-9 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Higher Ground – #448

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – French Dances – Ludwig von Beethoven

January 21 – Follow Me

January 21 – Follow Me

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

Following worship today, we will gather in Fellowship Hall for “Open and Affirming Reflection,” hosted by Ivy Chapel UCC Council. This will be an opportunity for everyone to share together in dialogue, spiritual reflection and spiritual discernment regarding the Proposed Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ Open and Affirming Covenant which will be considered and voted on at our Annual Meeting next Sunday, January 28.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Pastorale (First Movement) – J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 62)
One: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.
All: God only is my rock and my salvation. I will not be shaken.
One: Pour out your hearts before God. Trust in God at all times.
All: Our trust is in God, Maker of heaven and earth!

*HYMN – O Worship the King, All Glorious Above – #90

O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing His power and His love:
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

Wose robe is the light, whose canopy space.
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.

Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.

Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail.
Thy mercies, how tender, how firm to the end!
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all times and places, may we receive your message this day. As your Word is proclaimed, sometimes we do not like what we hear. Yet we are aware that you call on us to listen. Although we may try to make distinctions which favor us; your message is true and universal. You call us out of our comfort zones to try new things and to live courageously! Rejoice; welcome; forgive; heal; love. These are acts of faith that you teach everyone to put into practice. Faithful God, you command us to reach out to all people, especially people with whom it may seem that we have little in common.
Still-Speaking God, you call us to accompany you on the sacred path of ‘living grace.’ Lead us to learn from you, Jesus, and to respond by living as you teach us to live. Then we will follow you by carrying what we have received from you to the places you send us and to the people you summon us to love. Amen.

*RESPONSE – We Have Come Into His House – #36

We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him,
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him,
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 62:5-12

SPECIAL MUSIC — Bist Du Bei Mir (When You Are Near) — J. S. Bach

GOD’S WORD — Mark 1:14-20

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – 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 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

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

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Little Prelude and Fugue in F – J. S. Bach

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