September 25 Livestream – From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving

All are invited to find shelter in our sanctuary, here among the trees that surround Ivy Chapel. Our services begin at 10 a.m. every Sunday. You may also join us on our YouTube channel.

Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Handel

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Many are gathered here, hungry for so much: Souls who hunger for rest and nourishment; for inspiration and faith.
All: We will give you something to satisfy your hunger. We have stories of faith and songs of praise.
One: All who are hungry in body, whose stomachs have known the pain of emptiness.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have resources to share and a Table big enough for all!
One: All who are hungry for a relationship with the God of abundance an
generosity.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have stories old and new of God’s amazing presence and love.
One: We share, because we know there is more than enough for all people everywhere – a surplus; like overflowing baskets of bread and fish!
All: All will eat together nourished by that which Jesus himself blesses and shares.

*HYMN – I Sing the Almighty Power of God – #6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how wonThyders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, are present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Bedrock God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, you have created this scenic sanctuary to nourish souls. In this sacred space, your people receive glimpses of our oneness with each other and with you. At times, we have asked you for exceptional abilities, so that we might achieve glorious, impressive things and be admired. Instead, we pray, help us to value Your Glory, so that we may become your humble followers.
We have asked you, God, for riches, so that we might feel comfortable and secure. Deliver us from this temptation and teach us Your Way, so that we may live overflowing with your Spirit – offering to others Your ‘wealth of compassion and grace.’
We have asked you, God, to bless our dreams, so that we might find happiness. Instead, we pray, lead us to exalt you and to continue seeking Your Dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus – Hamilton

GOD’S WORD – Luke 16:19-31

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Living for Jesus – #413

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in E Minor – Pachelbel

CCLI License #456361

September 18 Livestream – Prayerful Living

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. All are welcome to join us on our prayerful journey through life. Join us in person every Sunday at 10, or for virtual worship on our YouTube page.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude – J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come one! Come all!
All: God is great and greatly to be praised!
One: Some things God alone can see.
All: God is great and greatly to be praised!
One: Enter into the joy of your Master.
All: Come, one and all!

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

All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on HIm cast your care,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O Praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father and the Son,
And praise the spirit, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, you genuinely delight in creation. We are grateful for this morning. It is a joy to be with you on this day of life that you have given! Our prayer is an invitation for you to visit this faith community today, God. Make your Church out of us. Fill our hearts with desire to become your servants. As Jesus Christ, you have shown us that focusing on you brings life. Lead us as we continue learning to give away the gifts which you so abundantly are giving us.
Grand and Gracious God, you are beyond all that we can ask or imagine. May the hearts of people everywhere delight in you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Holy Ground – #83

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 113

SPECIAL MUSIC – Come Build a Church (Vocal Ensemble) – Medema

GOD’S WORD – Luke 16:1-13

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Something for Jesus – #441

Savior, Thy dying love Thou gavest me,
Nor should I aught withhold, Dear Lord, from Thee:
In love my soul would bow, My heart fulfill its vow,
Some off’ring bring Thee now, Something for Thee.

At the blest mercy seat, Pleading for me,
My feeble faith looks up, Jesus, to Thee:
Help me the cross to bear, Thy wondrous love declare,
Some song to raise, or pray’r, Something for Thee.

Give me a faithful heart, Likeness to Thee,
That each departing day Henceforth may see
Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done,
Some wand’rer sought and won, Something for Thee.

All that I am and have, Thy gifts so free,
In joy, in grief, thro’ life, Dear Lord, for Thee!
And when Thy face I see, My ransom’d soul shall be,
Thro’ all eternity, Something for Thee.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata on How Firm a Foundation – Young

All Pets Welcome – Blessing of the Animals Sept. 17

Over the past 22 years, pets of all shapes and sizes have descended upon Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ for the mid-September celebration of the Blessing of the Animals. Following in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, we take this moment to bless the creatures with whom we share our homes and our planet.

Join us on Saturday, September 17 from 1-3 p.m., bring your animal friends (on a leash our in a carrier) with you to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, MO.

Blessings, fellowship–and the inevitable tight leash or two, so make sure your pets are appropriately restrained–will take at the Eric Moody Pavilion near the main parking lot at Ivy Chapel.

Each year, we’re proud to partner with a St. Louis organization that serves animals and pets. This year, we’re partnering with the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry. They’ll be accepting donations of cat or dog treats, canned pet food and cat toys. Please join us in supporting this incredible organization.

Sept. 11 Livestream – Growing in God’s Love

No matter who you are or where you are in life, we invite you to be found by God here at Ivy Chapel. All are welcome in our windowed sanctuary here in Chesterfield, MO. Sunday’s worship, and past services, are available on our YouTube Channel.

As always, we invite and encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude in Classic Style – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The steadfast love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
All: God’s love is vast, and lavish, and joyous!
One: The winds of God are blowing among us!
All: The eternal voice of God is still speaking.
One: Grace and peace to you, children of God.
All: A new day has dawned, and we are alive to enjoy this gift!

*HYMN – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – #17

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – (Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, Heartland Conference, UCC)
Holy One, we come to this sacred space filled with all kinds of memories, feelings and perspectives about this ominous date. We are grateful to be here in your sanctuary now, God Eternal. May we sense your nearness, and may we be moved to give thanks for your everlasting love.
O Holy Wind of God, sweep through our lives. Help us to pause. Refine within us a renewed devotion to bearing your gracious goodness in this world. Let our emotions this day call forth an alternative to the easy response of violence for violence. Instead, moment by moment, place within us an enduring commitment to display love in the face of fear, hope in the midst of despair, and mercy in reaction to injury. In this manner, O God, may you continue bringing alive the heart and mind of Christ in us. Amen.

*PRAISE 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 – Psalm 51:1-12

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

SPECIAL MUSIC – His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – Luke 15:1-10

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*UNISON RESPONSE – U.C.C. Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 4

*HYMN – I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me – worship booklet, p. 51

I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.

Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.

When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue – Dandrieu

CCLI Licence #456361

September 4 Livestream – A New Identity

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! As is our custom on this, the first Sunday of the month, we will be celebrating communion today. All are welcome at the table. If you are worshipping with us at home, please be sure to gather the elements before worship begins so we may experience communion together.

Join us in person at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, or, as always, on our YouTube channel. If you worship with us online, please drop a note in the chat to let us know you’re there.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude in C – J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God brings lives together.
All: Every time we are brought together is a blessing!
One: God is the Giver of life.
All: God gives earthly life.
One: And God gives eternal life.
All: With God, there is always life!

*HYMN – Cleanse Me – #398

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.

I praise thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender; Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, Start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lor, I humbly plead.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Creator God, Maker of everything good; you have gathered us together this morning here on holy ground.

Creator God, Sculptor of masterpieces; we are in your hands. You are the Potter; we are the clay. You imaginatively shape us into earthen vessels of your design. You give life to us, Artistic God; and so we freely offer you our lives in joyful, loving service! Be with us, as we seek your wisdom and as we strive to become the people you would have us be. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

RESPONSIVE READING – Psalm 139:1-12, 14, 23-24 – #631

SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Thanks – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 14:25-33

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260

We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame,
For thru the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord.

No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.

He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen, He meets us here,
In the breaking of the bread.

We’ll gather soon where angels sing,
We’ll see the glory of our lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament here.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace, my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought us safe thus far,
And Grace will lead us home.

When we’ve been there then thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Carillon – Wolford