April 30 – Powerful Witness

April 30 – Powerful Witness

This is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. God loves all people, and God requires us to do the same.

Here’s this week’s service. You can view past services on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Legend – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Grace and peace to you.
We rejoice that God promises, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Christ says, “I am the good shepherd.
The good shepherd sacrifices his own life for the sheep.”

There is no love greater than this.
Christ has come that all may have life!

*HYMN – Lift High the Cross – #523

(Refrain)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred name.

Come, brethren, follow where our Saviour trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God. (Refrain)

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. (Refrain)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious Tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw men unto Thee. (Refrain)

Set up Thy throne, that earth’s despair may cease
Beneath the shadow of its healing peace. (Refrain)

For Thy blest Cross which doth for all atone,
Creation’s praises rise before Thy Throne. (Refrain)

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, beyond our knowing, yet revealed so clearly in Jesus Christ; help us to accept the abundant life you offer. Let us hear your voice today, Gentle Shepherd. Claim us as your own; lead us beside still waters; restore our souls. Come alive among us and within us, God. Break down every barrier that keeps us from recognizing and sharing your love. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Jesus, Name Above All Names – #57

Jesus, name above all names:
Beautiful Savior, glorious Lord,
Emanuel, God is with us,
Blessed Redeemer, Living Word.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23

SPECIAL MUSIC – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – John 10:1-11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – I Will Sing of My Redeemer – #237

I will sing of my Redeemer And his wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered, From the curse to set me free.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story, How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He giveth Over sin and death and hell.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will sing of my Redeemer And his heavenly love for me;
He from death to life has brought me, Son of God, with Him to be.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer! With His blood he purchased me;
On the cross he sealed my pardon, Paid the debt, and made me free.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude, C Major – J. S. Bach

May 11 – Blood Drive at Ivy Chapel

Are you among the less-than-10%? That’s how many people donate blood. But at some point, anyone could need blood due to an accident, surgery or severe illness. Blood supplies are dangerously low, so we need your help. Ivy Chapel is hosting an ImpactLife Blood Drive on Thursday, May 11 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Schedule your appointment time here, or contact event coordinator Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765.  Thank you for giving the gift of life!  

April 23 – Breaking Bread

Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. God loves all people, and God requires us to do the same.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Adagio Cantabile – Mendelssohn

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice in earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth. God blesses us with life eternal.
All: Imagine all the possibilities for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked the earth.
All: Love was when God became human.
One: Jesus died on the Cross to bless all people with forgiveness and hope.
All: Jesus rose to walk with his disciples.
One: Christ is alive!
All: This very moment, God is walking with us.

*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
Risen Savior, you fill us with life! Especially when no one else can, you raise our spirits. Even when our lives seem to be colored by only dullness and despair, you transform us! In your uplifting, renewing way, God, you clothe people with lasting joy. You fill empty souls with life!
Christ Jesus, you are the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. You invite us to live boldly as your people. This may be our greatest challenge! Still we are empowered to give your ‘Way’ a try, for we know that you do not expect perfection out of us. When we fail, you are the One who helps us, who picks us up, and who encourages us to try again. This is the beauty of Christian discipleship. With you, it is never too late to make a new start. Thank you, Jesus. You give us hope. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #480

I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 & 1 Peter 1:3, 13-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – Coming Home – Martin

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-35

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee – #542

O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
With thee, O Master, let me live.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata – Seger

April 16 – Second Sunday of Easter

God’s Church is celebrating the Blessed Season of Easter.
With joy, we worship Christ Jesus this morning!

Here’s today’s service. You can view past worship services on our YouTube channel.

SILENT REFLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP – Christ’s Peace – #452

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ – Pachelbel

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Our God brings us together this morning.
All: We are thankful!
One: The joy of the Risen Christ fills all creation with life!
All: We are here to worship God.
One: We gather in the name of Jesus Christ.
All: We are filled with joy, because Christ is alive!

*HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives
Refrain:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy He gives;
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Refrain:

And then one day I’ll cross the river;
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.
Refrain:

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Easter Joy; you can do anything. You are so flat-out Supreme that it can frightens us, God. Eventually, though, you lead us to be at ease around you. In time, we no longer feel intimidated. You reveal that anyone can safely come to you – with our joys; our sorrows; our aggravations; our fears; our doubts.
God of astonishing love; we are grateful to you for teaching us your Way. Draw us away from all unfaithful ways of this world. Empty us of all that would injure or harm. Mend our brokenness. Bring humankind together, we pray. Lead all people to accept the peace and wholeness which you offer. In your mercy, give us faith to place complete trust in you, Jesus. 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.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – JoAnn Moody

*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 an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

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

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 16

SPECIAL MUSIC – Excerpts from ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ – arr. Waller

GOD’S WORD – John 20:19-31

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – 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]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott – Walcha

April 9 – Easter Sunday – He is Risen!

Christ is risen! Alleluia!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus – Bedford

*RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP
We gather to worship Living God!
The tomb is empty!
Rejoice!
Our Savior is alive!
Jesus Christ is risen today!
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
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. To top it all off, 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 – 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.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN – 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?

Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Oh, sometimes I feel like shouting, glory, glory, glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

SPECIAL MUSIC – Was It a Morning Like This? – Croegaert
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – John 20:1-18

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Thine Is the Glory – #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)

*RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION
Do not look for Christ Jesus only in a church building.
We will seek God in all places.

Do not hold tightly to fixed, static views of life, God, or Christian faith.
We will be open to new horizons God provides.

Do not limit yourself only to what’s familiar.
We will dare to explore the unfamiliar.

God’s gift to the world today is “great news!” Receive it, and give it away.
This is “news” that has to be shared: Christ is risen! Alleluia!

*POSTLUDE – At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing – Bedford

April 7 – Good Friday

Good Friday Worship is a sacred remembrance of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

A link to this service will be added once worship begins on Friday at 1 p.m. You can view all of our worship services on our YouTube channel.

PRELUDE – Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir – Zachau

*CALL TO WORSHIP
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 own life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Merciful Savior, our souls are weighed down with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Christ Jesus, 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
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 discover ourselves pretending to follow you while not making true sacrifices. Here, we observe our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. Forgive us for crucifying you.
We cannot rewrite the story, but we can add new chapters. We can learn from this day. We must accept Good Friday as part of what we have done, if we are going to move on to new life. Jesus, lead us to become people who would plead with the authorities for your release and who value your teachings as the guide for living with compassion. In your time of trial, no one spoke up for you, Jesus. Now, in our time, we must listen to and speak on behalf of everyone who is being oppressed or crucified. Christ Jesus, your holy love is revealed on the cross as the amazing power to forgive all people. In your mercy, Dear Savior; hear our prayer. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me (Verses 1 and 2) – #254

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv’ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there, brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12

THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors)

SPECIAL MUSIC – Were You There? – Kathryn Kuntzman, Cello

C h r i s t J e s u s S p e a k s f r o m t h e C r o s s

The third hour
Luke 23:34

The fourth hour
John 19:26-27

The fifth hour
Luke 23:43

The sixth hour
John 19:28

The seventh hour
Mark 15:34

The eighth hour
Luke 23:46

The ninth hour
John 19:30

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Finished (Hartman) – Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

DEPART IN SILENCE

April 2 – Palm Sunday – Hosanna!

Hosanna! Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

We will be celebrating communion today, so if you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements before the service begins. All are welcome at God’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Sacred Head – Hustad

INTROIT – Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord – Schwartz

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Hosanna! Jesus of Nazareth is coming down the road!
All: Hosanna!
One: He’s headed this way!
All: Hosanna in the highest!
One: He’s coming closer and closer.
All: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!

*HYMN – Hosanna, Loud Hosanna – #233

Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of love and majesty; you carry us through tiring days and through anguishing nights. Your faithfulness to us is why we want to shout our own words of welcome to you. We have witnessed the amazing power of your compassion, Jesus. You are the Messiah! You are God’s Blessed One! This is a day to shout and sing! There is joy in the air! Hosanna in the highest! No wonder people of every generation sing your praises! Today, people gather along roadsides throughout the world to worship you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – In the Name of the Lord – #19

There is strength in the name of the Lord;
There is pow’r in the name of the Lord:
There is hope in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

ANTHEM – Hosanna! (Raney) – The Children of Ivy Chapel UCC and the Chancel Choir

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 21:1-11

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – One Bread, One Body – worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

1 Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

2 Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

3 Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate Christ’s Extravagant Welcome through “open” Communion.
All who desire to receive the gifts of God are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at this table.

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

*HYMN – All Glory, Laud and Honor – #234

All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!

The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.

To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – O Welt, ich muss dich lassen – Walther