Dec. 5 Livestream – Make Ready

This is the second Sunday of Advent, our second step toward the Promise of Christmas. The second step toward finding the quiet, calm and peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We are glad you are with us today.

 WELCOME

 PRELUDE – In Bethlehem’s Low Stable – Walcha 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     One:  The days are surely coming, says our God, when justice and righteousness will appear.

     All:  God’s promises will be made known to us.

     One:  We will declare God’s goodness and salvation.

     All:  From now on, we will seek to walk in God’s ways. 

*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #186 

O, come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

REFRAIN
Rejoice! rejoice! Emanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From Depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.

REFRAIN

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!

REFRAIN

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

          God Emmanuel; we long for your peace, and we trust in your promises. We hear your call to turn toward you, to change our lives, and to receive you as our Savior.

          Eternal God, you are our righteousness.  Come now; meet us here.  Fill our minds with your wisdom and our hearts with your peace.  May this time of worship move us to take action working toward your dream of wholeness for all creation.  We pray in your name, Christ Jesus.  Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of God’s Peace

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world filled with unrest and strife. We ask that you quiet our restless hearts and instill in each of us the calm assurance that tells us you are in control so we need not worry. Give us the tools we need to serve as you would have us serve, and make us willing instruments of your peace.  Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 2) – worship booklet, p. 95

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving us promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there’s join in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.

 GOD’S WORD – Micah 5:2-5a – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Hayes 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 3:1-6 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Jesus, Lord to Me – #330

Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.

 CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

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

*HYMN – Like a River Glorious – #451

Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it growth Deeper all the way.

REFRAIN
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there.

REFRAIN

Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the Son of Love.
We may trust Him fully All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.

REFRAIN

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Angels We Have Heard on High – Turner

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Nov. 28 Livestream – Sign of Things to Come

Welcome to Advent, the season of waiting, the season of watching, the season of hope for what is coming next.

Remember you are invited to be with us both here online, and in person.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Song of Mary – Howell

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     One:  In the wilderness, blaze a trail for God.

     All:  Every valley shall be raised up.

     One:  Every mountain shall be made low. 

     All:  And the glory of God shall be revealed!  

*HYMN – We Gather Together – #597

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens HIs will to make down;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sin praises to His name: He forgets not His own.

Beside s to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning:
Thou, Lord, was at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation:
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

*OPENING PRAYER                                                     

      Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us moment by moment.  At this time of year, as the days grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we treasure daylight.  

       God of Light, help us to turn toward you this day.  As we begin this Advent Season, we pray that you will fill us with fresh expectation. Teach us once again that this season is a time to watch, not for things which have already happened, but for exciting, new things which have not yet taken place.  Come, Christ Jesus. This world needs you now. May we watch closely for what you are about to do next.  Amen.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster and Linda Lowry

 ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Hope

 ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

Gracious God, as we begin our Advent journey, we thank you for the gift of your Son, and for sending hope into a world filled with worry. Help us remember that we are your people, and because of your promises we have every reason to be hopeful. Take away our doubt and fear, and remind us that Christ is our Light, and the true source of hope.  Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 1) – worship booklet, p. 95

Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.

GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 33:14-16 – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Cotter 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 21:25-36 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Now Thank We All Our God – #592

Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns WIth them in highest heaven.
The one eternal God Whom earth and heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.

*God sends us into the world to love and bless.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata on “Regent Square” – Smith 

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Special Message – A Time to Give Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, we would like to take this moment to pause, and to thank you for being with us over the past year. We are grateful for you support, and your help in advancing the ministry of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

This year’s traditional Thanksgiving message comes from Rev. Mary Nelson, the Transitional Conference Minister for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to share this inspirational message with us.

Nov. 21 Livestream – The Reign of Christ

We celebrate with joy and thanksgiving that you are sharing in the worship experience with us today! Please watch our website or our YouTube channel for special Thanksgiving messages this week, and for an update on Advent here at Ivy Chapel.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Prelude in G – Couperin

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

       One:  In the midst of difficulty, God sets a table of rejoicing for us. 
       All:  Though the world seems focused on turmoil, yet will we praise God! 
       One:  Our lives are called to be witnesses to God’s goodness and power. 
       All:  Our hearts are created to display compassion toward all of God’s people. 
       One:  May we live as God’s servants and witnesses in today’s world.
All:  Filled with joy and thanksgiving, let us worship God!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come – #588

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide,
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

*OPENING PRAYER 

        We come to you, O God of Abundant Grace, in thanksgiving for your gift of our cherished homeland – a bountiful land whose harvest is capable of feeding all the world.  

        We come to you now, O God, in thanksgiving for the gift of faith- the faith revealed to us and instilled within us through your steadfast love. Most of all, we come to you in thanksgiving for the astonishing gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. O Holy One, you fill us to overflowing with grace and mercy!  For your countless blessings, we praise and worship you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – We Bow Down – worship booklet, p. 93

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea;
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,
and Lord of all lords You will be.
We bow down and we worship You, Lord,
We bow down and we worship You, Lord;
we bow down and we worship You, Lord,
Lord of all lords You will be.

You are King of creation and King of my life,
King of the land and the sea;
You were King of the heavens before there was time,
and King of all kings You will be.
We bow down and we crown You the King,
we bow down and we crown You the King;
we bow down and we crown You the King,
King of all kings You will be.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAG – Linda Lowry   

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 93 – Pastor Dan           

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Oh, I Want to Know You More – Hamilton  

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:4b-8 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan                      

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

*HYMN – We Will Glorify – #35

We will glorify the King of kings, We will glorify the Lamb;
We will glorify the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM.

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty, we will bow before His throne;
We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.

He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live;
He is Lord above the universe, all praise to Him we give.

Hallelujah to the King of kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb;
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, who is the great I Am.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Marche – Young 

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Nov. 14 (No stream) – Praise the Holy One

Today we gather in our beautiful, windowed sanctuary to praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn and all the gifts He lovingly shares with us.

Worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday. Due to a technical glitch, there is no livestream for this week. We hope to be back up and running next week. Thank you for your patience and understand, and have a good week.

Here are this week’s order for worship and scripture readings:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Children of the Heavenly Father – Hustad

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

      One:  Works of God are all around us!   

      All:  Praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn!  

      One:  May we strive to live as giving servants in the manner of our Savior. 

      All:  Jesus Christ is our Master and our Savior.   

      One:  At the name of Jesus, let every knee bow.    

      All:  Let every tongue proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord! 

      One:  Have faith.  God provides.  

      All:  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  

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

*OPENING PRAYER                                                     

       Living God, you rose from the dead on Resurrection day. Nothing compares to the promise we have in you! You are the Giver of everlasting life. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the wonders of your mighty love.

       Long ago, you made yourself known through commonplace acts of kindness as well as spectacular miracles. You are among us this morning, O Tower of Refuge and Strength. The deepest human hungers are satisfied by you and you alone. We praise you for being with us, day by day, Faithful God; gently teaching us that Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is your church. May we exalt you and honor you, Jesus, by joyfully giving away your love. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry                                                                               

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 16                                     

SPECIAL MUSIC – Since Jesus Came Into My Heart – Hamilton  

 GOD’S WORD – 1 Samuel 1:1-20 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan 

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

*RESPONSE – UCC Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 5

*HYMN – The Greatest Thing – #106  

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in G Major – Pachelbel 

Nov. 7 Livestream – Totenfest

Thank you for being with us today as we mark Totenfest, the annual celebration of life remembering those we have lost in the past year. If you are joining us online, please gather your bread and wine or grape juice so we can have communion together.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude on “Bread of Life” – Young

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Come, all who are anxious or angry.
All: Come, all who are discouraged or exhausted.
One: Enter into the joy of your Master. This is the sanctuary of God.
All: This is holy ground.
One: God is here to receive you and to love you.
All: From the past will come the future. What it holds is a mystery!
One: Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
All: In our death, a resurrection. At the last, a victory!

*HYMN – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – #1

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us for;
His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving wold be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbath His name, From age to age the same, A
nd He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should treated to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The prince of Darkess grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth;
Let good and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of abundant blessing; out of pure love, you set people free.
God of everlasting life; we worship you!
We praise you as a Giving, Loving God. All people are in your care, and you are stirring among us. It is thanks to you, O God, that relationships are healthy; that compassion flows abundantly; that brokenness is mended; that souls love one another!
We come this day, seeking your guidance, God. Reveal to us, we pray, ways that we may faithfully offer people support and blessing. In your life, Christ Jesus, we see unselfishness and kindness that we want to emulate. Merciful and Mighty One, guide us to follow you by offering tender, loving care to all. Lead us toward becoming your joyful children of grace. 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 healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.

GOD’S WORD – Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – For All the Saints (Verses 1-4) – #548

For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
They name, O Jesus, be forever blest:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might,
Thou Lord, their captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine;
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

TOTENFEST – Thanksgiving for Loved Ones

SPECIAL MUSIC – Marcia Funebre sulla morte d’un Eroe, Op 26 (Beethoven) – Mike Waller

GOD’S WORD – Mark 12:38-44 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “open communion,” for we believe Christ’s Table is open to all people. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – 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 – To God Be the Glory – Hustad

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Food photo created by mdjaff – www.freepik.com

Oct. 31 Livestream – Wherever You Go

Thank you for being with us on this Halloween. Today scripture reminds us that wherever we go, God is with us – and wherever we go, we have the opportunity to share God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – I Will Arise and Go to Jesus – Hustad

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Come; behold the goodness of God!
All: God gathers us together on holy ground.
One: Come; accept your invitation.
All: At this sacred altar, God offers everyone Christ’s love.
One: Come; be set free and receive God’s gifts!
All: Together, let us learn to walk as Christ walks.

*HYMN – Just As I Am, Without One Plea – #387

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
O lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind,
Sight, riches, healing of the mind.
Yea, all I need, in Thee I find,
O lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O lamb of God, I come! I come!

*OPENING PRAYER
God of grace, you were alive before earthly life began, and forever you will be. Our lives seem to pass by at alarming speeds. Teach us, we pray, to slow down and savor the fullness life which you so graciously offer. Help us to marvel fully at your creation; for then we will be deeply moved with amazement! Lead us faithfully to perceive and respond to genuine human needs; for then we will be living out your commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
God of grace eternal, may we love you more than anything else. May our love for you serve as the center of who we are and of all that we do. Guide us in your way everlasting. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bless the Lord, O My Soul – #85

Bless the Lord, O my Soul,
Bless the Lord, O my Soul,
And all that is within me bless His Holy name.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Ruth 1:1-18 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Simple Gifts – arr. Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Mark 12:28-34 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – We Are a New Creation – Worship Booklet, p. 91

We are a new creation Of Christ, the living Word.
Our songs of jubilation Shall everywhere be heard.
New life blooms fresh and glorious For those who heed the call,=
Of Christ, who reigns victorious O’er sin and death and all.

We are a new creation Of God for this new day.
As partners let us follow The life, the truth, the way.
Christ bids us work together As colleagues, old and young,
As women, men and nations, God’s folk of every tongue.

We are a new creation For service here on earth.
We live our faith in action To tell our Savior’s worth.
Let love and justice blending Now show for all to see
God’s grace is never-ending. It reaches you and me.

We are a new creation By God’s own gracious hand,
Old burdens cast behind us, A daring future planned.
In ministry and mission, United let us live,
In Christ a shining vision To God’s wide world to give.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to give away God’s love – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue – Pachelbel

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Oct. 27 Livestream – Take Heart!

Take Heart! No matter what happens, Jesus is here for us. Let us gather and hear God’s calling.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Perfect Love – Hustad

*CALLNG ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Let us sing God’s praises!
All: God is gathering us together this moment!
One: From many different places, we come.
All: All who are struggling, God will help.
One: All who are grieving, God will console.
All: All who are lost, God will guide.
One: Let us worship God who brings us together.
All: Sing for joy, all the earth!

*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.
T You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring;
So fill our hearts, that all my view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of perpetual renewal; we give you thanks today for gathering us together as your Church and for gracing us with your faithful presence.
Loving God, we come to pray and praise, to meditate and be mindful. Open our minds to new understandings, and our hearts to new people. Call us out of comfort, out of our fear of change, and into a sense of amazement at this world which you are constantly creating and renewing with life abundant. Guide our feet to follow your path in the world, so that we may faithfully love everyone with your extravagant love.
God of newness; we rejoice that you are shaping all that is alive into your emerging masterpiece. Continue guiding your whole creation toward your vision of fullness of life for all! 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.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 126

SPECIAL MUSIC – O God, Beyond All Praising – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Mark 10:46-52 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but no 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, I have already come;
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And Grace will lead me home.

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

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to give away God’s love. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in A Minor – Sweelinck

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Consecration Sunday Livestream – Rooted in God’s Love

Today is Consecration Sunday, when we embrace God’s desire for us to give and reaffirm our financial commitments to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. You may leave you commitment card in the collection plate in the sanctuary, or mail it to the Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Mo, 63017, Attn: Frieda.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – Hustad

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Receive these words of guidance from God’s prophets:
All: Live a life that is full – envision, plant, harvest, share, give.
One: Pray to God.
All: Keep God at the center of all that is.
One: We enter this sanctuary full of hope;
All: because here in worship grace comes to life.
One: God’s gifts of grace teach us to trust God completely.
All: God is faithful.
One: We can live fully rooted in God’s love!
All: Let us praise God together!

*HYMN – ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus ¬– #358

1. “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at HIs word;
   Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood;
   Just in simple faith to plunge me “Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

REFRAIN

3. Ye, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease;
   Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.

REFRAIN

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend’
   And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

REFRAIN

*OPENING PRAYER
We are in awe of you, Gracious God. You love people no matter what. You want us to live compassionate, giving lives – with you at the center. Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. We long to become your disciples, who live firmly rooted in your love.
Breathe on us, O Lamb of God. Continue giving us growth, we pray. Bring us fully alive. Lead us to search for and to act on ways that we can offer your extravagant love to everyone. May your love root within, grow, and guide all humankind as we journey forward into your future, Jesus. Challenge us, and change us, and set us free! Amen.

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

Jesus, name above all names; beautiful Savior, glorious Lord,
Emmanuel, God is with us, blessed Redeemer, Living Word.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. M. Lawrence) – Sue Wilson, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 3:16-17 & Matthew 13:3-9 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

INVITING GOD TO BLESS AND MAKE HOLY WHAT WE OFFER
We offer God our expressions of intended 2022 giving, asking God to consecrate them.

*CONSECRATION HYMN – Take My Life and Let It Be – #436

Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and lettuce move At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold, to a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my love, my God, I pour AtThy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

*SENDING OUT – God’s people are sent into the world. –Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude in A Minor – Marcello

Oct. 10 Livestream – Rooted in Love, Stewardship Week 3

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We celebrate that Missouri Mid-South Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Damien Lake, is with us today, leading worship and preaching in connection with our “Rooted in Love” faith journey! Welcome, Damien, and thank you for your ministry among us. May the Love of God root within, grow, and guide all humankind as we journey forward into God’s future.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Chorale Prelude Nun Bitten Wir – Buxtehude

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Together, we come rejoicing!
All: God’s grace abounds!
One: Together, we come proclaiming good news!
All: We are the salt of the earth.
One: Together, we come celebrating God’s vision!
All: We are the light of the world.
One: Together, we come bearing new life in God.
All: What does this mean?
One: Siblings in Christ, what must we do?
All: Joyously praise God! Rooted and grounded in love; come alive!

*HYMN – Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord – #424

Teach me Thy way, O Lord, Teach me Thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford – Teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright, More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light, Teach me Thy way!

When I am sad at heart, Teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, Teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, In times of dire distress,
In failure or success, Teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way!
When storms o’er-spread the skies, Teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, Thro’ sorrow, toil and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, Until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of abounding grace; we worship you with joy! You offer love and life eternal to all people. What amazing news this is! We celebrate your faithfulness to your promises, Dear God. Move among us now, we pray. Inviting Savior, we perceive you calling us to follow in your footsteps. Shape our giving as we journey ahead seeking to live Rooted in your Love. May your Spirit be upon us, Christ Jesus, as we gather this morning to lift our praises to you! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Seek Ye First – #615

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, And His righteousness.
And all these thing shall be added unto you! Allelu, alleluia!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 121 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Blessed Assurance – Curry

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:14-20 – Rev. Damien Lake

SERMON – The Dangers of Fishing – Rev. Damien Lake

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER– Rev. Damien Lake

*HYMN – There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy – #379

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Savior; There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader Than the measure of Man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple We should take Him at His word,
And our lives would be all sunshine In the sweetness of our Lord.

*BENEDICTION – Rev. Damien Lake

*POSTLUDE – Trumpet in Dialogue – Clerambault

CCLI License #456361

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