March 9 — Wilderness Companions

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the first Sunday of Lent.
God loves all people. You are welcome here. All people are welcome and affirmed here.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Julie McAllister
One: We have come to worship God.
All: Living God blesses people with limits and boundaries, with freewill and choices.
One: This week, we have entered a new season.
All: As God’s Church, we have set out on a fresh, Lenten journey.
One: Today, we remember some of the temptations Jesus faced.
All: May the way Jesus conquered all temptations be our guide for responding faithfully in our own personal wildernesses.
One: May this time of worship serve as an oasis in our desert wilderness.
ALL: Let us rely on God’s strength in all situations.

*HYMN — I Need Thee Every Hour — # 169

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford

Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh

I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain

I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Julie McAllister
Life-Saving God; above all, you are our heart’s desire. You alone make our spirits soar. You have enabled us to break free from an exacting and exhausting world to come to your sanctuary. Breathe new life into us, Faithful and Loving God. Bless us, we pray with eyes to see earthly demands for what they truly are. Teach us. Change us. Lead us to love all people with your steadfast love, Jesus. By your grace and peace, empower our witness, God; for we long to serve you. Amen.

*RESPONSE — You Are My Hiding Place — # 53

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart
with songs of deliverance whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You. I will trust in You;
Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord”

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — JoAnn Moody

*HYMN — People Need the Lord — # 527

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16 — Julie McAllister

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD — Luke 4:1-13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

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

*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 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE

Sept. 24 – Tensions in the Wilderness

A Warm Ivy Welcome and Thank You to Rev. Al Schon! We are grateful to you for leading us in worship this morning.

You can view today’s worship on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – (Inspired by Psalm 145:1-8) – Rod Hertenstein
One: Bless the name of the Holy and Sovereign One forever and ever!
Many: Great is our God and greatly to be praised.
One: Bless the name of the Holy and Sovereign One forever and ever!
Many: This generation will tell the next generation so they may tell the
next generation of the Holy One’s magnificent and mighty acts.
One: Bless the name of the Holy and Sovereign One forever and ever!
Many: We declare the abundant goodness, gracious righteousness, and
holy love of our God. Praise the Holy One!

*HYMN – Blessed Quietness – #147

Joys are flowing like a river
Since the Comforter has come,
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Refrain
Blessed quietness, holy quietness
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me,
How the billows cease to roll!

Bringing life and health and gladness,
All around this heav’nly Guest,
Banished unbelief and sadness,
Changed our weariness to rest.

Like the rain that falls from heaven,
Like the sunlight from the sky,
So the Holy Ghost is given,
Coming on us from on high. [Refrain]

See, a fruitful field is growing,
Blessed fruit of righteousness,
And the streams of life are flowing
In the lonely wilderness. [Refrain]

What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His’s face!
What a perfect habitation,
What a quiet resting place! [Refrain]

*RESPONSIVE PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Rod Hertenstein
One: Mighty God, we enter your presence with thanksgiving and hope.
Many: You have formed us as your people.
One: You join us on the journey of life through valleys, upon mountains, and
on the plains.
Many: We set our attention and we seek your wisdom, encouragement,
and grace.
One: Reveal your will and display your glory among your people as we
worship your holy name.
Many: Amen.

*RESPONSE – Be Still and Know – #24

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.

GOD’S WORD – Exodus 16:2-15 – Rod Hertenstein

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 20:1-16 – Pastor Al Schon

SERMON – Pastor Al Schon

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Al Schon

*HYMN – Give to the Winds Your Fears – #458

Give to the winds your fears, Hope and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears; God shall lift up thy head.
Through waves and clouds and storms,He gently clears the way;
Wait for His time, so shall this night Soon end in joyous day.

Still heavy is your heart? Still sink your spirits down?
Cast off the weight, let fear depart, And every care be gone.
He everywhere has sway And all things serve His mind;
His every act pure blessing is, His path unsullied light.

Far, far above your thought His counsel shall appear,
When fully He the work hath wrought, That caused thy needless fear.
Leave to His sovereign will To choose and to command;
With wonder filled, you then shall own How wise, how strong His hand.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Al Schon

*POSTLUDE