Jan. 17 Livestream – Known and Loved

This week, we pray for all God’s children to remember they are known and loved. We pray that the momentous week ahead is peaceful, and that we can all pause to find the unity we so desperately need.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

Prelude — Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship — Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises.
All: God in Christ Jesus sets all people free!
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

Hymn — “Shout to the Lord” — p. 80, worship booklet

My Jesus, My Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
Al 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 the 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,
For ever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand;
Nothing compares to the promise I have in you.

REPEAT

Prayer of Invocation — Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Loving God, you care for us so faithfully and so thoroughly. Seeing that you delight in us brings out our best. When you rejoice in us, we come to realize and to believe in our capacity for goodness. When your light dawns in our lives, we want to share the joy! We want to spread the good word… your Gospel! We are amazed by the marvelous gifts which you give. Loving God, we dream of living as you do. Help us to recall the power of our own baptism and our personal commitment to you. God of cleansing, living water; you renew our souls. You name us as your children: precious, gifted, good.Every chance that we get may we delight you by serving others in the gentle and caring manner of Christ our Savior. Amen.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 139:1-6, 12-20 — Pastor Dan

Children’s Message — Jo Ann Moody

Special Music — “He Lifted Me”

Scripture Reading — John 1:43-51 — Pastor Dan

Sermon — Pastor Dan

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

Hymn — “The Potter’s Hand”

Beautiful Lord, wonderful savior I know for sure, all of my days are held in Your hands
Crafted into Your perfect plan
You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, and mold me
Use me, fill me
I give my life to the Potter’s hands
Call me guide me Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to the Potter’s hand
You gently call me, into Your presence Guiding me by, Your Holy Spirit
Teach me dear Lord To live all of my life through Your eyes
I’m captured by, Your Holy calling
Set me apart I know You’re drawing me to Yourself
Lead me Lord I pray
Take me, and mold me Use me, fill me
I give my life to my Potter’s hands
Call me, guide me Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to my Potter’s hand
Take me, and mold me Use me, fill me
I give my life to my Potter’s hands
Call me, guide me
Lead me, walk beside me
I give my life to my Potter’s hand

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

Jan. 3 Livestream – Gifts of the Magi

At 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3, we retrace the steps of the kings who came from afar to shower the newborn King of Kings with gifts.

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: Come; hear God’s Word for our day.
All: God’s Word is truth.
One: God’s Word is a blessing to all people!
All: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
One: Come and behold him.
All: Let us worship Christ with our treasures!

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of new things and God of all things; you are the Giver of grace. The way that you come alive in the commonplace puts us at ease. You came to earth through human childbirth. You did not send someone else. You came yourself! You were born as a little baby who became a small town carpenter. We are grateful that you often come to us in quietly reassuring ways that do not call attention to yourself.
We are grateful for your astonishing love, Jesus. Fill us with your Spirit this morning as we worship you. Amen.

Hymn – “I Wonder as I Wander” – #210

1. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky,
   How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
   For poor ordinary people like you and like I;
   I wonder as I wander, out under the sky.
2. When Mary birthed Jesus, ’twas in a cow’s stall,
   With wisemen and farmers and shepherds and all
   But high from God’s heaven a star’s light did fall,
   The promise of ages it then did recall.
3. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,
   A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,
   For all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing,
   He surely could have it ‘cause He was the King.
4. I wonder as I wander, out under the sky,
   How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
   For poor ordinary people like you and like I;
   I wonder as I wander, out under the sky. Scripture Reading – Psalm 147:12-20 – Pastor Dan Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan Special Music – Aaron DiVesta and Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Matthew 2:1-12 – Pastor Dan Sermon – Pastor Dan Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion – Pastor Dan Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
   One: God be with you.
   All: And also with you.
   One: From God’s fullness, we have all received
   All: Grace upon grace.
   One: Together, let us receive God’s gifts of the bread and the cup.
   All: Christ our Savior makes all things new!
   
   Hymn – “We Three Kings” – #220
   
   We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse 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;
   Al le lu ia, Al le lu ia! Peals through the earth and skies.

REFRAIN

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

Christmas Eve Livestream

Merry Christmas from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

In almost every way, Christmas 2020 looks and feels very different. We may be separated from family and friends and the traditions that make this time of year so special. While we are not together in this building, however, we are still united by God’s love, a love so strong He sent His Son to save us. A Son who arrived on this day.

We hope you find comfort in this familiar story.

A special Christmas prelude, by our Minister of Music, Anna DiVesta:

https://fb.watch/2APF_1s39Y/

Here’s today’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’s rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

Hymn – “O Little Town of Bethlehem” – #200

1. O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie!
   Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.
   Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light;
   The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.
2. For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
   While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love.
   O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth!
   And praises sing to God the King, and peace to men on earth.
3. How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given!
   So God imparts to human hearst The blessings of His heav’n.
   No ear may hear His coming, But in this world of sin,
   Where meek souls will receive Him still The dear Christ enters in.
4. O holy Child of Bethlehem! descend to us, we pray,
   Cast out or sin, and enter in; Be born in us today.
   We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
   O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Tonight, we marvel over you, God Emmanuel. Life has been especially uncertain and frightening the past several months. Yet, above this world’s fears, the songs of your angels still resound. Above this world’s frenzy, the night sky remains tranquil. Your stars serenely shine. Your gifts continue to astonish the world. This time it’s a newborn child. While we tend to focus on flashiness, you appear in out-of-the-way places among ordinary people. Just as you calmed the stormy Sea of Galilee, you are the One who calms any and all turmoil in our lives. God Emmanuel, help us not to be afraid.
O God, so tender and mild; two thousand years ago, you gave yourself to the world by coming to life as a human being – Jesus, our brother, kind and good. What a touching act of holy love! O Lord Emmanuel, you are True Light. We pray in response to your call, seeking to follow you and to walk in your love, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath – Pastor Dan
The Christ Candle

Christmas Prayer of Thanksgiving – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God Emmanuel, candlelight is an ideal symbol of your love. You are as reliable as a steadily burning candle flame. Your light overcomes darkness, God. As a candle gives light in the darkness, you offer light to all people. You are the Savior of the whole world! You do this by becoming a human being, Jesus of Nazareth. People all over the world rejoice this night, celebrating your birth as the Christ Child. For generations, people have marveled at this miracle, and your birth always will continue to amaze people. We give you thanks, Christ Jesus, for coming to life and for bringing joy to all on earth. Amen.

Praise Response – “When God Is a Child” – p. 95, worship booklet

1. Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s join in our Song. The last shall be first
and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

2. Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

4. Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

REFRAIN

Prophecies

Enhanced Expectations

Gabriel’s Visits

Holy Childbirth

Gifts of God Eternal

Special Music – “O Holy Night” – Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive these gifts of God.

The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup

The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

Prayer of Thanksgiving for Holy Communion
God Emmanuel, you are the One whom our souls adore. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the gift of this worship to celebrate your birth. You became a human being in order to get through to us, and we are astounded by your ingenuity. Jesus, we are grateful to you for inviting us to be guests at your table. Receiving the bread and the cup from you fills us with hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to everyone the grace which we receive from you. Amen.

SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

HYMN – “Silent Night” – #189

1. Silent night! holy night! Al is calm all is bright.
   ‘Round yon virgin mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild,
   Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
   Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing Alleluia,
   Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
3. Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light,
   Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
   Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Peace on Earth

Dec. 6 Livestream – Second Sunday of Advent

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of hope. As we also celebrate communion together, may you find the hope and peace you need in this season of anticipation.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: God Most High is alive today!
All: Jesus Christ loves all people.
One: God is great!
All: And greatly to be praised!
One: Over and over, we are amazed by God!
All: God is alive this moment.
One: The God of all life; the Holy One – is closer than our next breath.
All: Let us worship God together.

Hymn/ “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #186

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of the living; you promise to be with your people, and you faithfully fulfill this promise! Long ago, you sent your Spirit to live among us, guiding your creation toward a hope-filled future. We join together in worship seeking your truth and your promise for our day.
O God of hope eternal, you are with us now. Help us to sense your presence and to cherish your companionship. May we receive you and serve you. Come; fulfill within us your holy purposes. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath / Pastor Dan
The Candle of Hope

Response “When God Is a Child” p. 95, worship booklet
Verse 1 ONLY

Children’s Message / Liz Schurwan

Special Music / “Bring Us Hope”

Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Mark 1:1-8 and Isaiah 40:1-11

Sermon / Pastor Dan

Prayers of the People/ The Lord’s Prayer/ Holy Communion/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “You Are the Light” p. 100, worship booklet

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna DiVesta

Nov. 22 Livestream – Give Thanks!

Thank you for joining us during this very different Thanksgiving week. We hope you are able to find some joy, even as gatherings with friends and family may be limited. Please be safe and healthy, and enjoy this week’s program.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
All: God cares for everyone.
One: Like a shepherd, searching for lost sheep, God calls to us.
All: God calls out to us by name.
One: God reaches out to rescue all who have strayed.
All: Scattered, weak and injured ones are cared for by God.
One: We are the sheep of God’s pasture.
All: O come, let us kneel before God our Maker.

Hymn/ “The Gift of Love” #126

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Life and Breath, we come this morning, seeking guidance that you alone can provide. You are a God of astounding faithfulness! Fill us with your holy love and lead us, we pray. O Breath of Life; you are with us in our going out and our coming in. Wherever we are, you are steadily leading us.
God of love, we praise you for the abundance of blessings which you provide. We give thanks with grateful hearts. We want to share our faith in you with the world! May we always live joyfully in the spirit of our Living Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Praise Response/ “Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” p. 42, worship booklet

Children’s Message/ Linda Lowry

Special Music/ “On Eagle’s Wings”
Marsha Fix, Vocalist
Anna DiVesta, Pianist

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Psalm 95:1-2 and Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

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

Hymn/ “For the Fruit of All Creation” #591

1. For the fruit of all creation, Thanks be to God.
   For His gifts to every nation, Thanks be to God.
   For the plowing, sowing, reaping, Silent Growth while we are sleeping,
   Future needs in earth’s safekeeping, Thanks be to God.
2. In the just reward of labor, God’s will is done.
   In the help we give our neighbor, God’s will is done.
   In our worldwide task of caring For the hungry and despairing,
   In the harvests we are sharing, God’s will is done.
3. For the harvests of the Spirit, Thanks be to God.
   For the good we all inherit, Thanks be to God.
   For the wonders that astound us, For then truths that still confound us,
   ost of all, that love has found us, Thanks be to God.

Benediction/ Pastor Dan

Postlude/ Anna DiVesta

Nov. 15 Livestream

Good Sunday morning once again to everyone. Even while we cannot be together in our sanctuary here at Ivy Chapel, we hope you can find some comfort in this shared experience.

Here’s today’s order for worship:

Prelude/ Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come, one! Come, all! All: God is worthy of our highest praise!
One: There are certain things which God alone can do. All: God’s wonders never cease!
One: We come together in amazement to praise God our Savior! All: Come, one and all!
Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Merciful and Gracious God, remind us this morning that you delight in all creation. It is a joy to be with you on this day of life that you have given! Each one of us is a uniquely valuable part of your Church. By bringing all of us together, you form us into your spectacular masterpiece. You are the Potter, and we are the clay. Refresh us through your Living Word, and teach us your way, O God. May human hearts everywhere learn to delight in you. Focusing on you brings life! Lead us as we continue learning to give away the gifts which you so abundantly are giving us. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God! Age to age, you’re still the same; by the power of your name. El Shaddai, God Almighty; we will praise and lift you high! Amen.

Hymn/ “El Shaddai” #18

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyonna Adonai,
Age to age You’re still the same by the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Er-kahm-ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lift You high, El Shaddai.

Children’s Message/ Sarah Wilson

Special Instrumental Music/ Anna DiVesta and Sarah Wilson

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Psalm 90:1-8, 12-16 and Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

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

Hymn/ “Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord” #424

1. Teach me Thy way, O Lord, Teach me Thy Way!
   Thy guiding grace afford – Teach me Thy way!
   Help me to walk aright, More by faith, less by sight;
   Lead me with heavenly light, Teach me Thy way!
2. When I am sad at heart, Teach me Thy way!
   When earthly joys depart, Teach me Thy way!
   In hours of loneliness, In times of dire distress,
   In failure or success, Teach me Thy way!
3. When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way!
   When storms o’respread the skies, Teach me Thy way!
   Shine thro’ the clouds and rain, Thro’ sorrow, toil and pain;
   Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way!
4. Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way!
   Where’er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way!
   Until the race is run, Until the journey’s done,
   Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way!

Benediction/ Pastor Dan

Postlude/ Anna

Nov. 8 Livestream

We had originally hoped to take the first steps toward in-person worship today. However, with the increase in COVID-19 cases, it’s best to put these plans on hold for the health of our members and the community. Please continue to stay safe as we all work together to find the healthiest way forward.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: We come to worship, because we want to know God,
All: who helps us to leave behind the past, and to walk ahead on a path to new life.
One: We pause on this Sabbath day, because we want to know Jesus,
All: who offer us grace, and who inspires us to be givers.
One: We share in joyful acts of praise, because we want to know the Spirit,
All: who guides us to serve God with gladness!

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray together.
All: God of this new day; we rejoice that you are God of all the earth! We worship you, Christ Jesus. Singing your praises fills us with joy, and blesses us beyond words. In you, Jesus, we find a treasure. In you, we experience a pure goodness that cares for and affirms everyone. In you, we receive a comfort that delivers us from all our fears.
In you, we come in contact with an exceptional love that surrounds and encourages, reassures and calms.
You are a true refuge, O God, in time of trouble. Your faithful support strengthens us in our weakness, fills us in our hunger, and finds us when we are lost. During every sacred time of worship, you bless us anew. Here and now, we are found.
Thank you, Gentle Shepherd, for watching over us and for leading us. Amen.

Hymn/ “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” #389

1. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me;
   See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me.

REFRAIN
Come home, come home, Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly tenderly, Jesus is calling. Calling, O sinner, come home!

2. Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, Pleading for you and for me?
   Why should we linger and heed not His mercies, Mercies for you and for me?

REFRAIN

3. Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, Passing from you and from me;
   Shadows are gathering, death’s night is coming, Coming for you and for me.

REFRAIN

4. O for the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me!
   Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me.

REFRAIN

Children’s Message/ Ashton

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

Special Music/ “Keep Your Lamps” Anna and Aaron DiVesta

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

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

Hymn/ “Hymn of Promise” #277

1. In the bulb there is a flower; In the seed, an apple tree;
   In cocoons, a hidden promise: Butterflies will soon be free!
   In the cold and snow of winter There’s a spring that waits to be,
   Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.
2. There’s a song in every silence, Seeking word and melody;
   There’s a dawn in every darkness, Bringing hope to you and me.
   From the past will come the future; What it holds, a mystery,
   Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.
3. In our end is our beginning; In our time, infinity.
   In our doubt there is believing; In our life, eternity.
   In our death a resurrection; At the last, a victory.
   Unrevealed until its season, Something God alone can see.

Benediction/ Pastor Dan

Postlude/ Anna

Nov. 1 Livestream – Totenfest

Today, on All Saint’s Day, we pause to remember those we have lost in the last year. Join us for prayers and a celebration of life.

As is our custom here at Ivy Chapel, we start each worship with announcements. Here’s what’s going on this week.

Prelude / Anna diVesta

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan Wilson
One: What a joy! What a comfort to know Loving God hears our borning cry
and Loving God sees our lives unfold.
All: We marvel at the unending grace of God!
One: We praise the One who is with us every moment of our lives!
All: Let us worship Christ our Savior!

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: I invite you to bow with me, and let us pray together.
All: God of wonder, God of grace; let your Spirit fill our souls. Remind us this day that you are the Creator of all life. Through terrors of night, among arrows flying by day; we need to sense your power,… your guidance,… your higher purpose.
Living God, we gather to praise you. We are grateful for any earthly glimpse of eternity which you give us. All that we already have received whets our appetite for more. And so it is that we come now seeking still more glimpses of you, O Holy One. Who knows? Maybe your closeness to us will be revealed through the breaking of bread or the filling of a cup.
On this Sabbath day, lead us away from this world’s distractions, we pray. Draw us toward a clearer vision of who you are, Faithful God. This will help us to see more clearly who you would like us to be.
Eternal Savior; in every age, you call people to follow you and to love you. It is you, Living God, who we were raised to praise! To you, we now belong! Amen!

Hymn / “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry“ worship booklet, pp. 54-55

Children’s Message / Sarah Heend

Totenfest All Saints’ Day Thanksgiving for Loved Ones / Pastor Dan

Prayers of the Church concluding with the Lord’s Praye r/ Pastor Dan

Special Music / “Come to Jesus” Anna

Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Matthew 23:1-12

Sermon / Pastor Dan

Celebrating Communion / Pastor Dan

Hymn / “We Are a New Creation” worship booklet, p. 91

We Are a New Creation

1. We are a new creation Of Christ, the living Word,
   Our songs of jubilation Shall everywhere be heard.
   New life blooms fresh and glorious For those who heed the call
   Of Christ, who reigns victorious O’er sin and death and all.
2. We are a new creation Of God for this new day.
   As partners let us follow The life, the truth, the way.
   Christ bids us work to gather As colleagues, old and young,
   As women, men, and nations, God’s folk of every tongue.
3. We are a new creation For service here on earth.
   We live our faith in action To tell our Savior’s worth.
   Let love and justice blending Now show for all to see
   God’s grace is never ending It reaches you and me.
4. We are a new creation By God’s own gracious hand,
   Old burdens cast behind us, A daring future planned.
   In ministry and mission, United let us live,
   In Christ a shining vision To God’s wide world to give.

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna

Oct. 11 Livestream – Guest Steward, Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo

Thank you for joining us this week. We are please to welcome Donna Smith-Pupillo, the Executive Director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry Network, as our guest steward.

We were unable to welcome Donna into our live worship, however she was kind enough to prerecord her inspiring message so we could share it with you.

Here is the Order for Sunday, October 11 Worship:

Prelude / Anna DiVesta

Invocation / Pastor Dan Wilson

Children’s Message/ Liz Schurwan

Special Music/ “A Welcome Place”

Scripture Readings/ Romans 16:1-2 / Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo
Luke 5:17-26

Sermon / Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo

Hymn: “Live Into Hope” worship booklet, p. 65 #317

Live into Hope

1. Live into hope of captives freed, O sight regained, the end of greed.
   The’oppressed shall be the first to see The year of god’s own jubilee!
2. Live into hope the blind shall see With insight and with clarity,
   Removing shades of pride and fear – A vision of our Got brought near.
3. 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.
4. 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. Donna Smith-Pupillo

Postlude/ Anna

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