Oct. 3 Livestream – World Communion Sunday
October 1, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
As we continue our stewardship journey Rooted in Love, this Sunday we also join with churches around the world to celebrate World Communion Sunday.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Amazing Grace – Hobby
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, celebrate the One
All: who nourishes seeds with sunlight and a fresh embrace.
One: Come, praise the One
All: whose harvest of wheat and grapes all may share.
One: God brings us together as one faith communitypeople of all ages, tongues and races.
All: We are the clay, and God is the Potter.
One: God unites our varied lives in the Body of Christ
All: Let us worship Living God, who strengthens and
renews life everywhere!
*HYMN – In This Very Room – #125
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Inexhaustible God; fill this place today. But don’t stop here. Far beyond this sanctuary, Spirit of True Life; fill the hearts and souls of your children in every place this World Communion Sunday. You graciously invite us to your Table. We are your guests. You give; we receive. Then, in turn, you call on us to become givers ourselves.
This is the beauty of your Holy Communion with the world, God. You yourself become ‘the Christ’ – the Anointed One. You are born as a human being yourself, and you are flesh and blood just as we are! As Jesus of Nazareth, you fully experience earthly life with us.
God of Compassion; in you, we find a love deeper than any love we can imagine. We are grateful for your tender mercies. Morning by morning, may we seek you, Christ Jesus. Let your beauty be seen in us, we pray. Lead us as we continue on this life-long faith journey toward living as disciples whose lives are rooted in your love. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – How Majestic Is Your Name – #9
GOD’S WORD – Hosea 5:14-6:4, 6:6 & Romans 11:16-18 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – The Church’s One Foundation – Hustad
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 80:1-2, 7-11 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & 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 – It Took a Miracle – #303
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – The Light of the World Is Jesus – Bliss/Hayes
September 26 Livestream – Rooted in Love
September 24, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us this Sunday for worship.
If you are worshipping with us online, please click here to join us on YouTube.
Here is the order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Russ Washburn
One: God calls us to venture beyond places that are familiar and safe.
All: God summons us to attempt new things – daring acts of faith!
One: We are called to ground our whole lives in one great fellowship of love.
All: God calls all people to live rooted in love.
*HYMN – In Christ There Is No East or West – #137
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Russ Washburn
Seemingly Silent God, many times it is especially hard to hear you; for there are so many competing voices vying for our attention. It can be difficult to believe your promises when we already have been misled many times by others. We are hesitant to hope for healing and fulfillment given the painful ordeals which many people are living through this day. Yet, as we gather here to worship you, O Unseen God; we find ourselves moved to rejoice! How wonderful you are! How marvelous are your works!
We stand in awe of you, God. We can put our faith completely in you, and you will never disappoint us. Lead us to live by faith as you teach us to live. Each moment, we can sense your loving presence, O Unseen God. You will never ignore, injure or abandon us. We praise you for this, in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE –Tara Lowry
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-10 – Russ Washburn
SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Earl Kreder, Saxophone
GOD’S WORD – Romans 11:1, 7-8, 11-20 & Ephesians 3:16-19 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH & THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE
Blessing of the Animals Sept. 18
September 13, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, What's happening
We’re proud to announce the Ivy Chapel Blessing of the Animals is back for 2021.
Over the past 21 years in mid-September, we’ve welcomed dogs, cats, snakes, ferrets and creatures of all kinds to our beautiful pavilion. Following in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, we take this moment to bless the animals with whom we share our homes and our planet.
Join us on Saturday, September 18 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.
We’ll share a short prayer and you will receive a personal blessing.
This year we’re supporting the Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment. Care STL is the official no-kill shelter of the City of St. Louis. You can support Care STL with a cash donation, or by purchasing items on their Amazon wish list.
We can’t wait to meet you – and your animals. See you then. Questions? Drop us a line.
Sept. 12 Livestream – Who are you, Jesus?
September 11, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Here is today’s order for worship.
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: God is good.
All: God is loving.
One: God is present here.
All: God is alive in creation!
One: God’s mercies are new every morning.
All: Let us praise God together!
*HYMN – Just As I Am – #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!*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Ever-faithful, all-powerful God; you are above everything in this world. You are supreme. O Holy One, renew our sense of awe and delight as we gather in your presence now. Draw us away from all earthly distractions, so that we may clearly witness your wonders unfolding all around us.
Guide us, we pray. Challenge us if we become lost or get off track. We want to follow you, Jesus. You are God’s Anointed One – the Christ. May we perceive what you are revealing. Open our hearts, and awaken our souls. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see your miracles, O Risen Savior. Teach us what we can do to live in harmony with you moment by moment. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Will Call Upon the Lord – #101
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Me Jesus (arr. Fleming) – Julie McAllister and Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Mark 8:27-38 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Wherever He Leads I’ll Go – #543
“Take up they cross and Follow Me,†I heard my Master say,
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.â€
REFRAIN
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever he leads I’ll go.
He drew me closer to HIs side, I sought HIs will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
REFRAIN
It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leaders me.
REFRAIN
My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
REFRAIN*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE
September 5 Livestream – Be Opened
September 4, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
From all of us at Ivy Chapel, we thank you for visiting our website. You are invited to join us in our sanctuary at 10 on Sunday, or anytime on our YouTube Channel.
Praise God for blessing the world with openness as our Savior Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited to an outdoor “Thanksgiving for Anna DiVesta!†Celebration 3-5 pm today in gratitude for the marvelous Ministry of Music given to our congregation by Anna DiVesta. We offer God thanks and praise for this exceptional blessing as we wish Anna, Aaron, Miller and Charlie fullness of joy forevermore!
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Every good gift comes from above.
All: God welcomes us to this sacred place.
One: This is God’s sanctuary – a safe refuge where everyone is loved.
All: Christ our Savior brings us together here on holy ground.
One: The God of all mercy creates every human being to be merciful.
All: Christ teaches us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies.
One: Listen closely.
All: We’re all ears.
One: Do you hear what our Savior is saying?
All: “Be opened!â€
*HYMN – To God Be the Glory – #79
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.
REFRAIN
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear HIs voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro’ Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
REFRAIN
Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
REFRAIN
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Eternal God, we are astonished by your greatness. You are beyond the reaches of human thought or religion. We approach you now in prayer; and we welcome your Transforming Spirit.
God, you are acquainted with all our ways. You know everything from our shallow motives to our deepest thoughts. You are aware of strengths and our abilities; and aware of our weaknesses and our failures. Yet you invite us to serve as your ambassadors; messengers of your good news! What a thrill! Oh, how we long to bring you joy, Merciful God. We rejoice; for you are alive among us this moment, Christ Jesus. 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.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 78:1-7a, 12-16 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Steal Away (arr. Quigley) – Vocal Ensemble with Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – Mark 7:24-37 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – How Beautiful – worship booklet, p. 50
How beautiful the hands that served the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the tender eyes that chose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the heart that bled, that took all my sin and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes that chose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.
How beautiful the feet that bring the sound of good news and the love of the King!
How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.
PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
*HYMN – He Keeps Me Singing As I Go – #359
There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low,
“Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,†In all of life’s ebb and flow.
REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus— Sweetest name I know.
Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.
All my life was wrecked by sin and strife, Discord fills my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings, Stirred the slumbering chords again.
REFRAIN
Feasting on the riches, of HIs grace, Resting ‘neath HIs sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face, That is why I shout and sing.
REFRAIN
Tho’ sometimes He leads thro’ waters deep, Trials fall across my way,
Tho’ sometimes the path seems rough and steep, See His footprints all the way.
REFRAIN
Soon He’s coming back to welcome me Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown, I shall reign with Him on high.
REFRAIN
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*BENEDICTION RESPONSE – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85
O let the Son of God en-fold you
with His Spir-it and His love;
let Him fill your life, and sat-is-fy your soul.
O let Him have the things that hold you
and His Spir-it, like a dove,
will de-scend up-on your life and make you whole.
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta
August 29 Livestream – Be Love
August 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We hope you are joining us in person on August 29. After worship, we’ll celebrate the start of school outdoors. This will be the first time many of our youth have been together with their church friends. It will be a joyous occasion, and we look forward to seeing everyone and hearing the laughter of children on Ivy’s beautiful grounds.
August 29 Livestream – Be Love
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, people of God.
All: This is the Sabbath Day, and we are drawn to God.
One: Come, and receive all that God longs to teach us.
All: Learning from God is a blessing.
One: God’s grace overflows!
All: The image of God is within each one of 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 myy best thought by day or by night,
Waking or 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 need not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only be 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
God of love, we turn to you. We gather now in your blessed presence. In you, there is true life. God, you call us to be your Church. You long for all people to become your people: exalting you by serving together as the Body of Christ. Your grace is uplifting! Your grace takes hold of people, causing all who receive to spill over with joy!
God, you yourself are so marvelous that you make others want to become better. This is how we feel. Our hope is to become who you want us to become, God. We want our lives to be un-defiled; faithful to you. Help us to begin right now. In prayer, we give you our word: We promise to do all that we can to live in harmony. We promise to work at loving all people the same — long-time friends, new acquaintances, big, small, young, not-so-young, like us, unlike us. We promise to learn from you. We promise to love. We promise to devote ourselves to serving you with all we’ve got. Be with us as we apply ourselves to fulfilling these huge promises. We will need your help, Loving God. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – With My Whole Heart – worship booklet, p. 98
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole Heart;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole heart.
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole heart;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole heart.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole mind.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole mind.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole life.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole life.
GOD’S WORD – James 1:17-25 – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – 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 giv’n 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.
SPECIAL MUSIC – Alleluia with The Majesty and Glory of Your Name – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-6 & Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – For the Beauty of the Earth – #64
For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the Skies,
For the love which from our birth,Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree, and flow’r, Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mindâ€s delight,
For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thought and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For each perfect gift of Thine To our race so freely giv’n,
Graces human and divine, Flow’rs of earth and buds of head’n,
Lord of all to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
August 22 Livestream – At Home with God
August 21, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we celebrate that all can find a home with God, even the sparrow! We invite you to join us in-person or online.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come, let us raise our hands to the Creator of the heavens!
All: God’s promises are wonderful, and God’s love is forever!
One: God’s works delight our hearts and lead us to dream!
All: Let us worship God, who loves all people,
who hears every prayer,
and who rejoices in life everywhere!
*HYMN – Day by Day – #486
Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best –
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me with a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As your days, your strength shall be measure,†This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises.
O Lord, That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.
*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER – Pastor Dan
Gentle and Kind God; Giver of all life; hear our prayers of praise for summertime beauty, for graceful birds, for fragrant flowers, for vacation rest, for the fruit of the earth, for sunrise, for moonlight, and for much, much more. Send the cooling breath of your Spirit to surround us and inspire our faith journeys. May we be nourished by your life-giving words and ways, Christ Jesus; and may we live as your faithful disciples, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – You Are My Hiding Place – #53
You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You; Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.â€
You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Liz Schurwan
*HYMN – In the Garden – #267
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
Refrain: And He walks with me, and he talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
(Refrain)
I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
(Refrain)
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 84 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:35, 58-69 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Through It All – #304
I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been time I didn’t know right from wrong,
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.
Refrain: Through it all, Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places, And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
But in my lonely hours, Yes those precious lonely hours,
Jesus let me know that I was His own.
(Refrain)
I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storm He brought me through;
For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.
(Refrain)
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
August 15 Livestream – Seek Peace
August 14, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Whatever brings you here today, we hope you find the peace you seek within our four walls, real or virtual.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises!
All: God in Christ Jesus has set us all free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!
*HYMN – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #437
- Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - There let the way appear steps unto heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ invests us with strength the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt. God of all nations and all people; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and peace, empower our witness. Dear God, you reveal what true mightiness is! Fill the lives of all your children with joy and love today. 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
HYMN – Here I Am, Lord – worship booklet, pp. 46-47
- I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
- I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
- I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart, in my heart.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:9-15, 17-18, 22
SPECIAL MUSIC – Let There Be Peace on Earth – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:41-44, 47-58 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Every Time I Feel the Spirit – worship booklet, p. 39
Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.
- Upon the mountain my God spoke,
Out of God’s mouth came fire and smoke,
Looked all around me; looked so fine;
I asked my God if all were mine.
Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.
Oh, Jordan river, chilly and cold,
It chills the body, not the soul.
There’s only one train on this track;
It runs to heaven, then right back.
Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
August 8 Livestream – Community
August 7, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we are happy to welcome Darlene Sowell, President and CEO of Unleashing Potential, to our community. Unleashing Potential is one of the oldest nonprofits working on early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment programs to bring out the best in St. Louis’ children.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, worship our God who moves us to serve.
All: We owe everything we have to God.
One: Come, worship Christ Jesus who is our all in all.
All: We worship our Savior with all that we are.
*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289
- We come, O Christ, to You,
True Son of God and man,
By Whom all things con-sist, In Whom all life be-gan:
In You a-lone
We live and move, and have our be-ing in Your love. - You are the Way to God,
Your blood our ran-som paid;
In You we face our Judge And Mak-er un-a-fraid.
Be-fore the throne
Ab-solved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s de-mand. - You are the liv-ing Truth!
All wis-dom dwells in You,
The Source of ev-ery skill, The One E-ter-nal True!
O great I AM!
In You we rest, Sure an-swer to our ev-ery quest. - You on-ly are true Life,
To know You is to live
The more a-bun-dant life That earth can nev-er give:
O ris-en Lord!
We live in You, in us each day Your life re-new! - We wor-ship You, Lord Christ,
Our Sav-ior and our King,
To You our youth and strength A-dor-ing-ly we bring:
So fill our hearts,
That all may view Your life in us, and turn to You!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of amazing power and almighty love, breathe on us. Long ago, on the evening of your Resurrection, you came to your followers and you breathed on them, Jesus. This day, may we realize that you are among us – risen, alive, and offering us your blessing. Each one of your disciples is a human being striving to love, to serve and to give as fully as you do. Christ Jesus, your wounds reveal there is no limit to your love. Help us to perceive that you are here and that you are God. Before any of us entered this sanctuary, Jesus, you already were here! Astonishing! Breathe new life into us and renew our spirits this morning, we pray. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bind Us Together – #130
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.
There is on-ly one God;
There is on-ly one King.
There is on-ly one bod-y,
That is why we sing:
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:1-8
HYMN – I Sing a Song of the Saints of God – worship booklet, pp. 52-53
- I sing a song of the saints of God,
Pa-tient and brave and true,
Who toiled and fought and lived and died
For the Lord they loved and knew.
And one was a doc-tor, and one was a queen,
And one was a shep-herd-ess on the green;
They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
God help-ing, to be one too - They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
And his love made them strong;
And they fol-lowed the right for Je-sus sake,
The whole of their good lives longs.
And one was a sol-dier, and one was a priest,
And one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
And there’s not an-y rea-son, no, not the least,
Why I shouldn’t be one too - They lived not on-ly in a-ges past;
There are hun-dreds of thou-sands still.
The world is bright with the joy-ous saints
Who love to do Je-sus’ will.
You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
In church, by the sea, in the house next door;
They are saints of God, wheth’er rich or poor,
And I mean to be one too.
MISSION MOMENT – Unleashing Potential – Darlene Sowell, President and CEO
SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. Lawrence) – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 4:14-16, 25-5:2 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – To Be God’s People – #121
Al-might-y Fa-ther give us a vis-ion
Of a dy-ing world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearn-ing for a Sav-ior,
In Je-sus’ name, grant this our prayer
Refrain:
To be God’s peo-ple in this place,
Live His good-ness, share His grace,
Pro-claim God’s mer-cy thru His Son,
Be His love to ev-ery-one.
And when we fal-ter be Thou our com-fort;
Guide us as Your chil-dren that our lives may be
A bea-con in this dark-ness that sur-rounds us,
A light that oth-ers then may see.
Refrain
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
August 1 Livestream –Â The Bread of Life
July 31, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we gather to celebrate the sacrament of communion. If you are joining us online, we invite you to gather your own elements of communion and to share with us in the joyful experience at the Lord’s table.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: We gather in God’s presence.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all are welcome.
One: Come; stay a while.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all find rest.
One: Relax; and be renewed.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all receive strength.
One: Pray; and be filled.
All: We rejoice, overflowing with God’s forgiving love!
HYMN – How Great Thou Art – #16
- O Lord my God, when I in awe-some won-der
Con-sid-er all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the roll-ing thun-der,
Thy pow’r thro’-out the u-ni-verse dis-played.
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
- When thro’ the woods and for-est glades I wan-der
And hear the birds sing sweet-ly in the trees,
When I look down from loft-y moun-tain gran-deur,
And hear the brook and feel the gen-tle breeze.
Refrain
- And when I think that God, His Son not spar-ing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my bur-den glad-ly bear-ing,
He bled and died to take a-way my sin.
Refrain
- When Christ shall come with shout of ac-cla-ma-tion
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in hum-ble ad-o-ra-tion,
And there pro-claim, my God, how great Thou art.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of Compassion; in you, we find a love deeper than any love we can imagine. From you, we receive Living Water that wells up to life eternal. You watch over and love all people. As we come to you this day, help us to let go of our fears. Bless every soul who is thirsting for you, Christ Jesus. You are the Living Water. You are a precious wellspring of grace. Blessed Savior of all the world; come alive within us today. Cleanse us. Make us whole. 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!
Bless-ed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 78:23-29 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Rain Down – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:24-35 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
– Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260
- We gath-er here in Je-sus’ name,
His love is burn-ing in our hearts like liv-ing flame,
For thru the lov-ing Son the Fa-ther makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord. - No one is a stran-ger here,
Ev-ery-one be-longs.
Find-ing our for-give-ness here,
We in turn for-give all wrongs. - He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup is ris-en from the dead.
The One we love the most is now our gra-cious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord. - We are now a fam-i-ly
Of which the Lord is head.
Though un-seen, He meets us here,
In the break-ing of the bread. - We’ll gath-er soon where an-gels sing,
We’ll see the glo-ry of our Lord and com-ing King.
Now we an-tic-i-pate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord.
THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Receive the Bread of Life
One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; eat; and remember me.â€
All: As we eat this bread, we are reminded that God remembers us.
One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; drink; and remember me.â€
All: As we drink this cup, we are reminded that God remembers us.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Praise God for the bread of life!
*HYMN – I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
- I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me;
The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me,
The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
