Sept. 28 – Dreaming God’s Dream

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!

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… Dreaming God’s Dream

WELCOME

PRELUDE     Immortal, Invisible, God only Wise                       

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Psalm 146)                                

One: Praise God! Praise the Holy One, O my soul!
All: We will sing praises to God our whole lives long!
One: Praise God in whom we may trust. Praise God in whom we may hope.
All: Happy are we whose hope is in the Maker of heaven and earth.
One: The Holy One lifts the bowed down. The Righteous One loves justice.
All: The Holy One brings the way of the wicked to ruin. Praise God who reigns forever!

*HYMN     We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer  #27**               

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                   

Steadfast God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, teach us your way, so that we may live filled with your Spirit – richly offering compassion and grace.  Fill us to overflowing as we journey toward your ever-new horizons, dreaming Your dream.   Lead us to treasure and to continue reaching for Your dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant.  Amen.

*PASSING OF THE PEACE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*RESPONSE Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord  #424**                           

GOD’S WORD   1 Timothy 6:6-19                  

SPECIAL MUSIC     Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart                                                                                  

GOD’S WORD    Luke 16:19-31

SERMON   Dreaming God’s Dream Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE     Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN    The Voice of God is Calling   Ivy Worship Booklet, page 90 **                             

*BENEDICTION       Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE            Sweet, Sweet Spirit        

* indicates a time to stand if able
** words can be found in separate link- please click on songs or here                              

September 21 – Prayerful Living

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ!
What great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!

WELCOME

PRELUDE  — How Long Has It Been – Lister

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Psalm 113)       
One: Praise the Holy One! From the rising of the sun until its setting, the name of God deserves our praise!
Many: Who is like our God…seated on high?
One: Praise the Most High, who observes all things and remembers the poor and those in need.
Many: God our Righteousness raises the lowly and levels the exalted.
One: Praise the Righteous One, who is just and mighty, who repairs and redeems.
Many: The Redeemer pours out love and justice, compassion and conviction, hope and salvation. Praise the Holy One!

*HYMN — Praise to the Lord, the Almighty — #10

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters  thee under His wings, yea,  so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth? 

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here  daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.

 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we  adore Him.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                  
Great God, who gathers us together in spirit and in truth, sanctify our time together. Grant us wisdom and discernment. Open our hearts to receive and to give. Be glorified in our worship and the transformation that moves us forward as your people. In your glorious and precious   name, we pray. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Sweet Hour of Prayer — #166

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known:
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By they return, sweet hour of prayer.

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear,
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His words and trust His grace,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer,

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
May I thy consolation bear,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
Fare-well, fare-well, sweet hour of prayer,

GOD’S WORD — 1 Timothy 2:1-7    

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE                                                                                 

SPECIAL MUSIC –Spirit — Akers        

GOD’S WORD — Luke 16:1-13 — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

SERMON — Prayerful Living — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*HYMN — What a Friend We Have in Jesus — #162

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee; Thou wilt find asolace there.

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Dr. Carol Trissell

*POSTLUDE  —  How Great Thou Art — Boberg

Starting in October-Youth Classes!  

Confirmation Class for youth currently in the 8^th grade or higher will begin in October.  Classes are planned for 1^st & 3^rd Sundays after worship and the sessions will be 1 hour in length with food provided. 

“Faith 101” for youth in 5th, 6^th & 7^th grades will begin in October. Classes are planned on the 3^rd Sunday of each month after worship.  Sessions will be less than 1 hour in length and food will be provided. 

For more information, contact Linda Lowry, Jo Ann Moody or Pastor Carol, pastorcarol@ivychapel.org or call the church office 314-434-4991.

Fall Blood Drive

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Ivy Chapel will be hosting a Blood Drive on Thursday Nov. 6th.  Look for more information regarding how to sign up for your spot in future KYPs, the October Vine and on the website.

Give Blood- Save a Life!

2025 World Communion Day

We will share with Christians from all over the globe to celebrate World Communion Sunday, a day to remember that we are united as one body in Christ, no matter where we are. On October 5 join us at 10 am during our in-person worship service or online as we gather around the Lord’s table, we will break bread and share the cup, reflecting on the unity, love, and grace we have through Christ.

Observed on the first Sunday in October, this day calls the Church to be the universal, inclusive Church. The day was first observed by Presbyterians in 1936, adopted by the Federal Council of Churches in 1940, and shortly thereafter observed in churches worldwide.  

Almighty God, from the ends of the earth you have gathered us around Christ’s holy table.
Let us come together to celebrate this sacred meal as a reminder of our shared faith and fellowship with believers worldwide.

“A Vision for the Future of Unity and Justice” An Open Pastoral Letter to the United Church of Christ

Today, Leaders of the United Church of Christ have offered a courageous, inspiring Pastoral Letter to the whole UCC Community.  

The letter opens with powerful words of Christ from the Gospel (John 14:27), and the letter concludes with this beautiful prayer:

God of hope and love, you are ever-present with us. We wait patiently for you, knowing that you hear our prayers. The call to do justice is on-going. As governments come and go, we are called to bring healing and care to those in need. This is such a moment. A time when there will be the hungry to feed, the homeless to house, and the widows and orphans who will need our care. This is a time when we will continue to honor the inherent dignity and worth of each of your children. This is a time when the church will be prophetic, calling for truth and for change. Provide your church and all who lead and minister within it hope and healing for the living of these days. Amen.

We encourage you to follow this link and read the letter in its entirety here –
A Pastoral Letter to the United Church of Christ on Unity and Justice

November 10th-Risk and Retribution

 PRELUDE   Chorale Prelude Nun Bitten Wir  – Buxtehude

*CALL TO WORSHIP  — Sue Wilson
 One:  Come, all who are anxious or exhausted. 
All:  Come, all who are encouraged or discouraged
One:  God welcomes you.
All:  This is the house of God
One:  God is here to greet you and to love you.
All:  This is holy ground.
One:  The Spirit of Christ brings people together.
All:  The Spirit of Christ gathers us.

*HYMN     Be Thou My Vision  #400
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought by or by night,
Waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee  and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION   —   Sue Wilson    
Christ our Savior; out of pure love you set people free.  We worship you because of who you are.
God, you give fully.  To all the world, you give of yourself   –   Living Word,   Living Bread,   Living Water,   Living Spirit.   We long to give of ourselves as completely as you do, Christ Jesus.  We are here now to learn of you, so that we may grow in faithfulness.  Today, with humility and gratitude, we come to give you all that we have.
  Living Savior, breathe on us, we pray.  Take our lives and continue shaping us into the human beings you would like us to be.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE     Jesus, Jesus, Lord to Me #330
Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.

GOD’S WORD    Psalm 146 — Sue Wilson  

SPECIAL MUSIC   Deep River – Wolaver 

GOD’S WORD   Ruth 3:1-5 and 4:13-17  — Pastor Dan  

SERMON      Pastor Dan    

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE      Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Prayer of Jesus (debts… debtors)

*HYMN       I Surrender All  #408
All to Jesus I surrender, 
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him, 
In His presence daily live.

Refrain:
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender, 
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now. Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
May Thy Holy Spirit fill me,
May I now Thy pow’r divine. Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me. Refrain

*BENEDICTION    Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE   Prelude in A Minor – Marcello

October 13 -‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Alongside of each other, we continue going ahead on this amazing expedition “Imagine Together!”

WELCOME

PRELUDE    Prelude on “Rhosymedre”   – Wolford  

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                    
One:  Incline your ear to God! 
All:  We hope to hear good news. 
One:  Listen, so that you may live!
All:  We hope to have enough to share. 
One:  Imagine together!
All:  We imagine enough at every table. 

HYMN — We Come, O Christ, to You #289

We come, O Christ, to You, true Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, in Whom all life began.
In You alone we live and move, 
And have our being in Your love.

You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge and Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand;
Your love has met Your law’s demand.

You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill, The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! in You we rest,
Sure answer to our every quest.

You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant life That earth can never give.
O risen Lord! We live in You:
In us each day Your life renew!

We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King;
To You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring:
So fill our hearts,  that all may view
Your life in us and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION    
God of inspiration and grace; sometimes we feel like we are spinning our wheels. Sometimes we feel like we are caught in short-term ups and downs.   At moments, we lose sight of your bigger picture, Dear God.  Remind us that you have always known us and that you know where we are right now.
Holy One, you bring healing to our lives where injuries have hardened our hearts.  You welcome us into community just when we are in danger of feeling isolated and alone. You provide patience and persistence, especially when change takes longer than we have imagined.
Faithful God, comfort us with rest and bless us with renewal this day, while you are giving us sacred glimpses of your amazing Realm to come.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — The Gift of Love  #126
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

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.

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.

GOD’S WORD –  Isaiah 58:6-14 & Philippians 2:1-5

SPECIAL MUSIC    Thy Word  – Hayes

GOD’S WORD — Matthew 25:31-40 

MESSAGE     Jo Ann Moody                                                                 

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH    Pastor Dan 
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN   Give of Your Best to the Master   #422
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.

Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.

Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.

Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.

BENEDICTION    Pastor Dan      

POSTLUDE    Carillon    – Wolford

September 29 – ‘Imagine Together!’

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

A heart-felt welcome to our guest witnessing steward, the Rev. Doni Driemeier-Showers. We are blessed that Doni is offering a personal faith message during worship today as our congregation sets out together on our autumn stewardship pilgrimage.

Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall following worship for a special reception in celebration of and in thanksgiving for the ministry of our worship musician Bob Meinz.
Thank you so much, Bob, for your good-natured, extended service providing worship leadership among us!

WELCOME

PRELUDE –  Lord, I Want to Be a Christian   — arr. John Carter                  

*CALL TO WORSHIP  (Psalm 146, UCC Worship Ways adapted)    –  John Weiland 
One-Blessed are those whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!
One-God executes justice for the oppressed and gives food for the hungry.
 ALL-God sets the prisoners free and opens the eyes of the blind!
One-God lifts up those who are bowed down.
ALL-God watches over the strangers and upholds the orphan and the widow.  
One-People of God, sing praises to the One who is your help –
 ALL-for God keeps faith forever!

*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 – John Weiland  

 God Eternal, you have gathered us together. We are here to praise you! As recipients of your blessings, we are inspired by you to become givers!  May we lavish your grace and your compassion on all people.  
 Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on us. During this time of worship, teach us your ways, Christ Jesus. Lead us to continue learning and growing in faithfulness to you. We pray in your holy name, Jesus.  Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – To Be God’s People #121

Almighty Father give us a vision
of a dying world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior,
In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer.

Refrain:
To be God’s people in this place,
live His goodness, share His grace,
Proclaim God’s mercy through His Son
be His love, to every one.  

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort. 
Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us,
A light that others then may see.

Refrain:

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 13 – John Weiland

PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND TRANSFORMATION    Pastor Dan

We confess, O God, that the burdens which weigh us down also narrow our vision.  Fear of scarcity makes us focus on our own survival.  We regard strangers with suspicion, and we find it difficult to share.  We speak words that we regret, and we keep silent when we need to speak. Weariness and discouragement sap our energy and our faith.
We wonder how there could be good news that is not of our own making.   We, whom you call to be an Easter people, are in need of resurrection.  Amen.

 WORDS OF GOD’S LOVE AND ASSURANCE    Pastor Dan
In the person of Jesus,
God invites us to discover the freedom and new life that God offers:
God’s forgiveness heals us.
God’s grace dispels our weariness and discouragement.
God’s love clears our vision.
God’s compassion lifts our burdens. 
Thanks be to God!  Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC – As the Deer  

GOD’S WORD  – John 11

SERMON – Rev. Driemeier-Showers                   

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH –  Rev. Driemeier-Showers            
Pastoral Prayer concluding with the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN – Live Into Hope – worship booklet, p. 65

Live into hope of captives freed,
Of sight regained, the end of greed.
Th’ oppressed shall be the first to see
The year of God’s own jubilee!

Live into hope! The blind shall see
With insight and with clarity,
Removing shades of pride and fear,
A vision of our God brought near.

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.

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. Driemeier-Showers

*POSTLUDE – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee  — arr. Matt Limbaugh

Edgy

“When you reap the harvest of your land, don’t reap the corners of your field or gather the gleanings. Leave them for the poor and alien. I am God, your God.” – Leviticus 23:22 (MSG)

At the small scrappy city church I used to serve, nobody wanted to mow the lawn, and we couldn’t afford a landscaping company. We made a creative decision: we’d tear it up and plant a garden instead.

At the front, near the sidewalk, we planted a peach tree. In Boston. Probably at the wrong time of year. We didn’t spray it; we didn’t prune it. We added a wonky bench next to it, and a sign that invited people to snack from our garden.

Against all odds, the peach tree thrived. It produced a dozen, then several dozen, then hundreds of peaches with each passing season.

Commuting pedestrians who would never dare enter a Christian church would soften their stance and step gingerly onto this sacred ground. Snag a peach and put it in their pocket. Eat a few cherry tomatoes in season, or snip some herbs. Sit on the bench, sometimes just look around at the world going by instead of at their phones, an endless stream of bad news.

Ecologists teach that edge habitat—where human ecosystems bump wild ones—is especially fertile, attracting and nourishing all kinds of wildlife.

What would it mean to cultivate edge habitat in our hearts? To keep soft boundaries, to leave our outer edge fruitful, and let the poor in spirit and those alienated from community rest there and be nourished? God can take a scanty harvest and make it an ample Eden, with our willingness.

PRAYER
Holy One, the world leaves us all on edge. Make us edgy in other ways, as we welcome more people into the sacred ground of our hearts.

Rev. Molly Baskette
Find this post and others at the UCC Daily Devotional, (which can be delivered right to your inbox! ).

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