April 20 — Easter Sunday — He is Risen!

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Today is Resurrection Day! God’s Church joyously celebrates, Christ is risen! Alleluia!

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — JoAnn Moody
One: We gather to worship Living God!
All: Today, we celebrate amazing news! Our Savior is alive!
One: Rejoice! It’s Resurrection Day!
All: The massive tombstone has been rolled out of the way!
The tomb is empty!
One: Jesus Christ is risen today!
All: Christ is risen! 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 — JoAnn Moody
Life-giving God, you are the One who sends the dawn, who relieves our fears and who fills people with hope. On that first resurrection morning, your angels appeared to women who were your followers, bringing them news more wonderful than they had dared to imagine – “Christ is risen!” In equally astonishing ways you are blessing human lives today. Your power amazes us! Christ Jesus, you so thoroughly love humankind that you sacrifice your life on our behalf. nd then you display your supreme power by rising from the dead! Christ Jesus, you have blessed the world forever through the miracle of your resurrection. Your empty tomb proclaims that you are alive! Alleluia! Amen!

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Our God Reigns! — #290

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!

Chorus:
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!

He had no stately form; He had no majesty,
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised, and we took no account of Him,
Yet now He reigns with the Most High. [Chorus]

Out of 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. [Chorus]

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

*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 — Isaiah 65:17-2 — JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — Rise Again

GOD’S WORD — Luke 24:1-12 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — Thine is the Glory, Risen Conquering Son — #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 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE

April 18 — Good Friday

Our Savior Jesus Christ is crucified on a cross. We remember this holy sacrifice on Good Friday; this loving act of God.

PRELUDE — What Wondrous Love is This

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Linda Lowry
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 very life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Linda Lowry
Merciful God, our souls ache with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Holy Spirit, 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 — Linda Lowry
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 are shown our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Yes, like Simon Peter, sometimes we also draw swords in anger. We lash out at one another. We criticize; we envy; we injure one another. Worst of all, we continue pretending to serve you without making true sacrifices. Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. At the foot of your cross, sorrow and love mingle. Forgive us for crucifying you. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*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?

RESPONSIVE READING — Crucifixion of Christ — #645

*HYMN — Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone — #512

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross

The Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross

Forgiveness
Luke 23:32-34

Acceptance
Luke 23:39-43

Love
John 19:25a-27

Anguish
Mark 15:33-34

Suffering
John 19:28-29

Fulfillment
John 19:30

Surrender
Luke 23:44-46

SPECIAL MUSIC — It Is Finished — Hartman
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

DEPART IN SILENCE

October 13 -‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Alongside of each other, we continue going ahead on this amazing expedition “Imagine Together!”

WELCOME

PRELUDE    Prelude on “Rhosymedre”   – Wolford  

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                    
One:  Incline your ear to God! 
All:  We hope to hear good news. 
One:  Listen, so that you may live!
All:  We hope to have enough to share. 
One:  Imagine together!
All:  We imagine enough at every table. 

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    
God of inspiration and grace; sometimes we feel like we are spinning our wheels. Sometimes we feel like we are caught in short-term ups and downs.   At moments, we lose sight of your bigger picture, Dear God.  Remind us that you have always known us and that you know where we are right now.
Holy One, you bring healing to our lives where injuries have hardened our hearts.  You welcome us into community just when we are in danger of feeling isolated and alone. You provide patience and persistence, especially when change takes longer than we have imagined.
Faithful God, comfort us with rest and bless us with renewal this day, while you are giving us sacred glimpses of your amazing Realm to come.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — The Gift of Love  #126
Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain

Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be given by love within,
The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.

GOD’S WORD –  Isaiah 58:6-14 & Philippians 2:1-5

SPECIAL MUSIC    Thy Word  – Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Matthew 25:31-40 

MESSAGE     Jo Ann Moody                                                                 

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

HYMN   Give of Your Best to the Master   #422
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.

BENEDICTION    Pastor Dan      

POSTLUDE    Carillon    – Wolford

September 29 – ‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

A heart-felt welcome to our guest witnessing steward, the Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers. We are blessed that Doni is offering a personal faith message during worship today as our congregation sets out together on our autumn stewardship pilgrimage.

Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall following worship for a special reception in celebration of and in thanksgiving for the ministry of our worship musician Bob Meinz.
Thank you so much, Bob, for your good-natured, extended service providing worship leadership among us!

WELCOME

PRELUDE –  Lord, I Want to Be a Christian   — arr. John Carter                  

*CALL TO WORSHIP  (Psalm 146, UCC Worship Ways adapted)    –  John Weiland 
One-Blessed are those whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!
One-God executes justice for the oppressed and gives food for the hungry.
 ALL-God sets the prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind!
One-God lifts up those who are bowed down.
ALL-God watches over the strangers and upholds the orphan and the widow.  
One-People of God, sing praises to the One who is your help –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!

*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 – John Weiland  

 God Eternal, you have gathered us together. We are here to praise you! As recipients of your blessings, we are inspired by you to become givers!  May we lavish your grace and your compassion on all people.  
 Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us. During this time of worship, teach us your ways, Christ Jesus. Lead us to continue learning and growing in faithfulness to you. We pray in your holy name, Jesus.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – To Be God’s People #121

Almighty Father give us a vision
of a dying world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior,
In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer.

Refrain:
To be God’s people in this place,
live His goodness, share His grace,
Proclaim God’s mercy through His Son
be His love, to every one.  

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort. 
Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us,
A light that others then may see.

Refrain:

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 13 – John Weiland

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND TRANSFORMATION    Pastor Dan

We confess, O God, that the burdens which weigh us down also narrow our vision.  Fear of scarcity makes us focus on our own survival.  We regard strangers with suspicion, and we find it difficult to share.  We speak words that we regret, and we keep silent when we need to speak. Weariness and discouragement sap our energy and our faith.
We wonder how there could be good news that is not of our own making.   We, whom you call to be an Easter people, are in need of resurrection.  Amen.

 WORDS OF GOD’S LOVE AND ASSURANCE    Pastor Dan
In the person of Jesus,
God invites us to discover the freedom and new life that God offers:
God’s forgiveness heals us.
God’s grace dispels our weariness and discouragement.
God’s love clears our vision.
God’s compassion lifts our burdens. 
Thanks be to God!  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC – As the Deer  

GOD’S WORD  – John 11

SERMON – Rev. Driemeier-Showers                   

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers            
Pastoral Prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN – Live Into Hope – worship booklet, p. 65

Live into hope of captives freed,
Of sight regained, the end of greed.
Th’ oppressed shall be the first to see
The year of God’s own jubilee!

Live into hope! The blind shall see
With insight and with clarity,
Removing shades of pride and fear,
A vision of our God brought near.

Live into hope of liberty,
The right to speak, the right to be,
The right to have one’s daily bread,
To hear God’s word and thus be fed.

Live into hope of captives freed,
From chains of fear or want or greed.
God now proclaims our full release
To faith and hope and joy and peace.

*BENEDICTION –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers

*POSTLUDE – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee  — arr. Matt Limbaugh

What if… God’s Abundant Presence was EVERYWHERE?

Ecumenical means promoting or relating to unity among the world’s Christian Churches.  The United Church of Christ, which was founded just under seventy years ago out of an ecumenical impulse following the second world war, is founded on the principle that working together, people of many faith traditions can achieve more justice than any one organization working alone.

Inspired by the story in John 6:1-21, in which one gift multiplies to feed an entire crowd, many UCC churches have gathered ecumenically with other organizations to create feeding programs inspired by the story of the loaves and fishes.

One of those is Pilgrim Church in Fond du Lac, WI.  Founded in 1982, Loaves and Fishes in Fond du Lac provides meals to approximately 150-200 local people twice a week.  Pilgrim church provides volunteers for quarterly meal preparation that includes donating and preparing food, set-up, serve, clean-up and distributing leftovers.  The numbers of families served continues to grow and the program’s website emphasizes its open and welcoming nature.  “Sometimes they may not be hungry for food but for companionship.  The lonely people are hungry too; we never judge.  This is everyone’s program.  It is ecumenical and covers all faiths.”

Another is St. Luke’s UCC in Jeffersonville, IN.  Loaves and Fishes in Jeffersonville is a weekly community meal in partnership with other local congregations and housed at St. Luke’s.  Every Saturday, groups volunteer to plan, prepare, serve and clean up a meal for individuals who might not otherwise have a hot meal that day.  Much more than a soup kitchen, Loaves and Fishes provides a sense of community and welcome to those who might not find welcome elsewhere.
Another Loaves and Fishes (this one called Fish and Loaves) program in Taylor, MI, counts St. Paul UCC in Taylor among its charter members.  Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a cooperative, non-sectarian, non-profit, faith based initiative seeking to insure adequate food and nutrition for all residents within several local communities: “client choice” pantry that allows individuals and families to “shop” on a monthly or bi-monthly basis for items they need, providing not only food but dignity to all they serve.

How will the story of the loaves and fishes inspire YOU?

UCC Sunday Bulletin Service

Special Events at Ivy Chapel UCC

September 21st– Blessing of the Animals will take place on Saturday, Sept 21st from 1-3 pm in the outdoor pavilion-all of God’s creatures are welcome as long as they are safely secured by their human

September 28th– Ivy’s Annual BBQ fundraiser on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28th 4:30-7pm. Stop by to get a full meal without having to cook yourself-what a deal! Find out about the meal details here.
Click here to purchase tickets.

Getting the Good News

What if summer and year round reading could be at the touch of your fingers…?

What if you could get all kinds of good news, helpful information, stories of growth and announcements throughout the year in your inbox?!?!?!?

YOU CAN!!!!

The UCC has several daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly blogs, columns and newsletters that can be delivered right to your inbox! They cover a variety of topics and can be individually signed up for.

Blogs and newsletters covering a variety of news and information.
–The General UCC News blog provides the latest updates and stories from the UCC national setting.
—Witness for Justice is the blog for advocacy opportunities, updates and ideas.
—UCC Roots tells stories from the UCC National Setting about our history and heritage.
—The Pollinator is a blog for environmental justice and advocacy issues.

Columns and blogs for connection, discussion and reflection.
—Getting to the Root of It is a column for analysis and discussion of critical social justice issues.
—Encounters at the Well shares stories about spiritual growth and connection.
—Reflexiones shares reflections on faith, life and spirituality by guest writers.

General Subscriptions includes more newsletters, webinars, blogs and other unique opportunities from the UCC.

—COMma -Committees on Ministry- the Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization team (MESA) provides a monthly newsletter sharing case studies, reflections and resources for Committees on Ministry.
—Creation Justice Webinars -each month the UCC hosts a webinar featuring environmental justice leaders who educate and provide direction for action for communities of faith.
— Daily Devotional is a spiritually deep and refreshing well published daily and delivered right to your inbox.
— Join the Movement is where we share stories and grow as we answer the call to be an anti-racist church, learning together how to build a just world for all.
— JPANet– the Justice and Peace Action Network shares information on the grassroots efforts for advocacy across the country sending out weekly alerts allowing you to take timely action.
— Mind Body Spirit -the E-Newsletter published every other month supporting and promoting wellness ministries, news, events, and learning opportunities.
— Nurture the Soul – a webinar series- Tuesdays for Nurture, Thursdays for the Soul.
— Our Whole Lives (OWL) – a quarterly newsletter providing information to all interested in the OWL programs offered by the UCC and UUA.
— Weekly Seeds – a Bible study resource based on the Lectionary. Providing an in depth way to look at the text, reflect, study and share that experience with millions around the world.

Find these links and so much more at the United Church of Christ website.

Healing Powers

In June we celebrated the United Church of Christ’s commitment to growing into a fully Open and Affirming (ONA) fellowship, as we read a story of Jesus healing those who have been marginalized and outcast.  Following Christ, the UCC has been a beacon for healing and hope for those pushed to the edges because of sexual or gender identity.

“Beginning in 1969, the United Church of Christ has advocated for the LGBT community.  From the campaign to decriminalize same-sex relationships to support for marriage equality, the UCC has made a difference in the lives of LGBT citizens and their families.  The issues have changed over the decades, but the basic commitment to full inclusion and human rights remains the same…

The ONA National Gathering this coming September is the family reunion of the Open and Affirming movement in the United Church of Christ!  Members of any church—ONA or not-yet ONA—are welcome to attend.  Expect a celebration with exuberant music, inspiring preaching, and workshops that will feed your mind and soul.

While the Religious Right and their allies in federal and state governments are renewing their attack on the basic civil liberties of LGTBQ Americans, and our international queer siblings are experiencing attacks and unconscionable laws, our growing community of churches needs to respond with confidence, commitment and faith.

This September’s National Gathering will focus on how ONA churches can act faithfully in our current social and political climate.  We’ll learn best practices from vital and growing ONA churches.  And, as is always true at our Gatherings, we’ll explore the intersections of our movement with other movements for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.”

Find out more about how to register at openandaffirming.org .

Sent with Power

Mark 6:7-9 tells us that (Jesus) called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.  He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. (from the NRSV)

Some folks in the United Church of Christ jokingly refer to evangelism as “the e-word.”  Evangelist simply means “messenger of good news.”  And yet, the word ha=s become associated with the most damaging aspects of Christian experience.  Even the idea of evangelism can call to mind uncomfortable or even traumatizing past experiences.  And yet, as Jesus called those early disciples to a life of evangelism, he calls followers today.

Take some time today to consider the word evangelist.

Do you think the idea of United Church of Christ evangelism can be refreshed and renewed for a new generation?  How might that be accomplished?

How do you feel when your body hears the word evangelism?  Pay attention to where the word settles in your body.  Do you feel quite comfortable? Very uncomfortable?  Why do you think you have that response?

What do you think the role of an evangelist is?  How does the role in modern times echo the call that Jesus made to his original disciples?

What are some ways that your faith community engages in evangelism now?  What are some ways that your community could evangelize that it does not yet?

UCC Sunday Bulletin Service

Pushing the Boat Out

The United Church of Christ celebrates our 67th anniversary this weekend. These opening paragraphs of our history describe the ways in which very different faith communities prepared to live into the slogan “inessentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” How does your congregation still live out that slogan today?

On Tuesday, June 25,1957, at Cleveland, Ohio, the Evangelical and Reformed Church, 23 years old, passionate in its impulse to unity, committed to “liberty of conscience inherent in the Gospel,” and the Congregational Christian Churches, 26 years old, a fellowship of biblical people under a mutual covenant for responsible freedom in Christ, joined together as the united Church of Christ. The new church, embodied the essence of both parents, a complement of freedom with order, of the English and European Reformations with the American Awakenings, of separatism with 20th-century ecumenism, of presbyterian with congregational polities, of neoorthodox with liberal theologies. Two million members joined hands…

a message was sent to the churches from the Uniting General Synod, signed by its moderators, Louis W. Goebel and George B. Hastings, its co-presidents, and co-secretaries Sheldon E. Mackey and Fred S. Buschmeyer. after Acknowledging the separate ancestries of the parties to the union and citing ecumenical “relatives” of both denominations, the message stated, “Differences in ecclesiastical procedure, which in sundry places and times have occasioned tensions and disorders, are appointed their secondary place and are divested of evil effect.” The union, the message continued, was possible the “two companies of Christians hold the same basic belief: that Christ and Christ alone is the head of the Church… From him [we] derive the understanding of God, … participation in the same spirit, the doctrines of faith, the influence towards holiness, the duties of divine worship, the apprehension of the significance of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, the observance of church order, the mutual love of Christians and their dedication to the betterment of the world” (“Report on the Uniting General Synod:” Advance, July 12, 1957, p22).

You can read more of the story of the birth and early decade of our denomination by clicking on the link here-#UnitedChurch-who we are.

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