April 30 – Powerful Witness

April 30 – Powerful Witness

This is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. 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.

Here’s this week’s service. You can view past services on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Legend – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Grace and peace to you.
We rejoice that God promises, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Christ says, “I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd sacrifices his own life for the sheep.”

There is no love greater than this.
Christ has come that all may have life!

*HYMN – Lift High the Cross – #523

(Refrain)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred name.

Come, brethren, follow where our Saviour trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God. (Refrain)

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. (Refrain)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious Tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw men unto Thee. (Refrain)

Set up Thy throne, that earth’s despair may cease
Beneath the shadow of its healing peace. (Refrain)

For Thy blest Cross which doth for all atone,
Creation’s praises rise before Thy Throne. (Refrain)

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, beyond our knowing, yet revealed so clearly in Jesus Christ; help us to accept the abundant life you offer. Let us hear your voice today, Gentle Shepherd. Claim us as your own; lead us beside still waters; restore our souls. Come alive among us and within us, God. Break down every barrier that keeps us from recognizing and sharing your love. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Jesus, Name Above All Names – #57

Jesus, name above all names:
Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord,
Emanuel, God is with us,
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23

SPECIAL MUSIC – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – John 10:1-11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – I Will Sing of My Redeemer – #237

I will sing of my Redeemer And his wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered, From the curse to set me free.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story, How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth Over sin and death and hell.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will sing of my Redeemer And his heavenly love for me;
He from death to life has brought me, Son of God, with Him to be.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude, C Major – J. S. Bach

March 19 – Fourth Sunday of Lent – Restored

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Our sacred Lenten journey continues as we praise God with our ‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ gifts.

You can watch our worship services anytime on our YouTube channel. We will post a link on this page with today’s service once worship begins.

SILENT REFLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP – Psalm 23 – #445

WELCOME

PRELUDE – What Wondrous Love Is This – Page

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, all who seek to live in the shelter of the Most High.
All: Through Christ, we embrace new possibilities.
One: Come, people of God, return to the One who gives you life.
All: We are here in response to God’s welcoming love.
One: God lifts us up!
All: We can count on God’s faithfulness!

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

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Eternal, your Spirit fills this place. May we draw strength from your presence.

God, your blessings provide all creation with life abundant. Your goodness endures. Words cannot express the joy you bring. All we can do is marvel; for you are holy. Your miracles are always unfolding. God, we praise you for this sacred morning. We are watching closely for signs of you. Come to us. Touch us. Help us to “see” our blindness. Make us whole. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Whiter Than Snow (Verses 1 and 4) – #368

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want You forever to live in my soul,
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.

Refrain:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow,
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Lord Jesus, You see that I patiently wait,
Come now, and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought You, You never said “No,”
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. [Refrain]

GOD’S WORD – 1 Samuel 16:1-13

SPECIAL MUSIC – I Love to Tell the Story – arr. Hassell

GOD’S WORD – John 9:1-41

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Open My Eyes That I May See – #174

Open my eyes that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear,
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my mouth and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth ev’rywhere.
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see.
Open my mouth, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Allein Gott in der Hoh sei Ehr – Walther