May 29 Livestream – Breaking

On this Memorial Day weekend, we invite you to pause with us and remember those who have sacrificed their lives fighting for our freedoms. We are forever in their debt.

We are honored that you are spending part of this weekend with us. Our sanctuary is open. You may also join us on our Youtube channel, live at 10 a.m. Sunday.

https://youtu.be/dRqkAgwhCEc

SILENT REFLECTION – Christ’s Peace – #452

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude on ‘Rhosymedre’ – Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God welcomes us to God’s house of prayer. Please come in.
All: We joyfully enter this “sacred place of the Most High.”
One: We come, seeking to encounter God,
All: And to offer God our praises!
One: May our every breath become a prayer,
All: And may our every heartbeat become an open door through
which the Living One may enter.

*HYMN – It Is Well with My Soul – #453
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Refrain:
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul
Refrain

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Growing God, you are both constant and ever-changing! Your world is an ever-new setting, and you seek disciples who will adapt to the fluid complexion of this life. May we serve you, God. May you behold us growing and responding to all you that ask of us.
With joy, we now worship you, God. You are the Creator of all life! You are the One who makes and loves all people.
Merciful and Gracious God, come alive among us day by day. Come now; and fill our hearts with your unselfish, exceptional love. We pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454
He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Bow Down – Paris/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Acts 16:16-40 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Blessed Quietness (Verses 1, 4 and 5) – #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!

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]

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

*HYMN – Hymn of Promise – #277
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

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

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 – Festival Piece – Wolford

May 22 Livestream – God’s Goodness

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. We are thrilled you have you with us today, whether you plan to worship with us in our sanctuary or virtually on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Consolation – Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come to praise your Creator.
All: God lives!
One: Call on God for guidance.
All: God saves.
One: Hope in God, who created you.
All: God provides.
One: Live out your faith in God.
All: God gives us tasks to do and the strength to do them.

*HYMN – All Things Bright and Beautiful – #65

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.

Each little flow’r that opens,
each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors,
God made their tiny wings. [Refrain]

The purple-headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning
that brightens up the sky; [Refrain]

The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
God made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]

God gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Creator God, you are mighty in love and in power. We come, seeking your presence that shakes foundations and helps build new ones. We come, with our wounds, asking for healing. We come, remembering our baptism and the freeing grace that your cleansing love offers all people. We come, seeking to perceive your life-giving closeness, God. Your intimate contact with us is non-stop.
Still-Creating God, may all that we say, hear, and do in worship today praise you for the wonders that you are doing in Jesus Christ and in us. God of Peace, fill us with your pure love for life. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Change My Heart, O God Ivy worship booklet, p. 33

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 68:1-10 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – I Love You, Lord – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – John 14:1, 18-21, 25-29 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Peace Like a River – #360

I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got love like a river,
I’ve got love like a river,
I’ve got love like a river in my soul.
I’ve got love like a river,
I’ve got love like a river,
I’ve got love like a river in my soul

I’ve got joy like a river,
I’ve got joy like a river,
I’ve got joy like a river in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a river,
I’ve got joy like a river,
I’ve got joy like a river in my soul.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
From this worship, may we go into the world to live as Christ’s servant disciples.

*POSTLUDE – Come, Christians, Join to Sing – Hustad

Now Hiring – Office Administrator [UPDATE: Welcome, Kara White!]

UPDATE 7/25: We are happy to announce we are welcoming our new office administrator, Kara White, to the team.

[ORIGINAL POST]

Ivy Chapel is currently hiring a part-time office administrator.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The position is a permanent part-time (24 hours/week) office administrative position. This position reports to the Board of Trustees administrative coordinator with day-to-day supervision assigned to the Pastor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Perform the general duties and tasks associated with office administration supporting the Pastor, Music Director, Youth Ministry Coordinator, Council Officers, Board/Committee Chairpersons, and Congregation.

DUTIES (include but not limited to the following):

• Maintain church master calendar. 
• Edit, produce, and print monthly newsletter.
• Produce weekly church bulletin, KYP, and other documents for worship services. 
• Edit, produce, and print bi-annual church directory. 
• Edit, produce, and print annual report.
• Coordinate outside requests for use of facilities and obtain information for Trustees’ approval.
• Produce special mailings (electronic and/or postal) for church staff, Officers, Boards/Committees.
• Maintain master church minutes and board/committee reports.
• Update church website content.
• Provide assistance for Treasurer (church member) accounting and spread sheet information.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Perform standard office procedures; use computer and standard office equipment.
• Familiarity with MicroSoft Office applications including but not limited to: Publisher, Word, Excel, graphics, e-mail, and other programs.
• Must pass a personal background check.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds.

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-2 years’ experience in an office administration position preferred. Will consider other experience if applicant meets skill requirements.

For additional information, email officeadmin@ivychapel.org  or call 314-603-4166.  To apply for this position, please send resumé and a 1-page cover letter to  officeadmin@ivychapel.org 

May 14 Livestream – Imagine

Imagine the promises of each new day and the springtime before us… all made possible by God’s love.

Join us in person or on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Cantilena – Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP
The world reflects the grandeur of God!
Praise God!
The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.
Praise God from the heavens!
All creation is a song of praise to God.
Praise God from the earth!
Planet Earth is a sparkling blue and white jewel; a pearl in a vast, lovely sea.
Praise God from the deepest sea!
Great Spirit, lead us to walk gently upon the earth, displaying care for all life.
Praise God from the highest mountain!
In the beauty of the earth are reserves of invaluable blessing!
Praise God!

*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33

All creatures worship God most high,
lift up your voice in earth and sky,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for thy God to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou fire so masterful and bright,
that givest all both warmth and light,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day,
unfoldest blessings on our way,
alleluia, alleluia!

The flow’rs and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God’s glory also show,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And ev’ryone, with tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
alleluia, alleluia!

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
sing praise and cast on God your care,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And thou, most kind and gentle death,
waiting to hush our final breath,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou leadest home the child of God,
as Christ before that way hath trod,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship God in humbleness,
alleluia, alleluia!

To God all thanks and praise belong!
Join in the everlasting song:
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Gracious God, yours is the gift of creation, the rebirth of spring.
Yours is the grace that makes all things new.
Yours is the Word that speaks a spring of water to quench our thirst.
Yours is the urgency that challenges us to care for all the earth.
Open our minds to the mind of Christ.
Open our mouths to sing, “Alleluia!” with sun and moon,
with mountain and valley,
with all creatures of land and sea!
Together, we sing praises to you, O God! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Every Eye Shall See – worship booklet, p. 38

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 148 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – O Waly, Waly – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 21:1-6 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Revive Us Again – #95

We praise thee, O God, for the Son of thy love,
for Jesus who died, and is now gone above.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, hallelujah! Amen!
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, revive us again.

We praise thee, O God, for thy Spirit of light
who has shown us our Savior and scattered our night. [Refrain]

We praise thee, O God, for the joy thou hast giv’n
to thy saints in communion, these foretastes of heav’n. [Refrain]

Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love.
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – All Creatures of Our God and King – Hustad

Register Now: Blood Drive May 12

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, May 12 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Appointments are available for either whole blood donation or double red cell donation.  To schedule your appointment, please go to bloodcenterimpact.org  or contact Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 or swilsonsr9@gmail.com   There is great need at this time for blood donations.  Thank you for giving the gift of life!

May 8 Livestream – Mother’s Day – Life-Giving Acts

Happy Mother’s Day from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We are proud to honor the mothers around us who have both given us life and enriched our lives.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Melodie – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The Good Shepherd invites us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given everything we have.
All: God offers us everything we need.
One: Every valley that we walk through – God is with us.
All: We are comforted and reassured.
One: God leads us down the right path.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We have received from God in abundance.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

*HYMN – Fairest Lord Jesus – #104

Fairest Lord Jesus,
ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish,
Thee will I honor,
thou, my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows,
fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer
who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine,
fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter,
Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior!
Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be thine.

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Good Shepherd, you have enabled us to gather this day in your sanctuary. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We marvel at the wholeness which you offer everyone. In worship, we receive guidance for living as your people.
Gentle Shepherd, you tirelessly watch over all your sheep. In turn, you ask us to care for one another in life-giving ways. Help us to grow in love that displays genuine caring and self-sacrifice. May we dare to accept the roles that you give us to fulfill, God. Equip us for your service everywhere you lead us. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Gentle Shepherd – #450

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,
For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us,
For we need Your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to
Who can help us face another day;
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us,
For we need You to help us find our way.

UNISON READING – Psalm 23 – #445

The Lord’s my shepherd; I’ll not want.
He makes me down to lie
in pastures green; he leadeth me
the quiet waters by.
He leadeth me, he leadeth me
the quiet waters by.

My soul he doth restore again
and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness,
e’en for his own name’s sake;
within the paths of righteousness,
e’en for his own name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
yet will I fear no ill;
for thou art with me, and thy rod
and staff me comfort still;
for thou art with me, and thy rod
and staff me comfort still.

My table thou hast furnished
in presence of my foes;
my head thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.
My head thou dost with oil anoint,
and my cup overflows.

Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me,
and in God’s house forevermore
my dwelling place shall be;
and in God’s house forevermore
my dwelling place shall be.

SPECIAL MUSIC – Be Thou My Vision – Tate

GOD’S WORD – John 10:1-5, 11-18, 27-28 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Why Do I Sing About Jesus? – #321

Deep in my heart there’s a gladness;
Jesus has saved me from sin!
Praise to His name, what a Savior!
Cleansing without and within!

Refrain:
Why do I sing about Jesus?
Why is He precious to me?
He is my Lord and my Savior;
dying, He set me free!

Only a glimpse of His goodness;
that was sufficient for me.
Only one look at the Savior;
then was my spirit set free. [Refrain]

He is the fairest of fair ones;
He is the Lily, the Rose.
Rivers of mercy surround Him;
grace, love and pity He shows. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Rejoice in the Lord! – Wolford