May 1 Virtual Worship – The True Vine

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Today we are reminded that Jesus is the “true vine.” His love and his spirit nourish our world, even to this day. And even though we can’t see Him, we are still all connected to Him.

Our service will be live around 10 a.m. (which, if you know Ivy Chapel, that could mean 10:05). Join us on YouTube.

If you are worshipping from home, please take a moment to gather the elements of communion so you can celebrate at Christ’s table with us.

WELCOME – Rev. Dan Wilson, Pastor

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come; let us worship God.
All: Let all people turn to God.
One: Come; let us re-claim our baptism.
All: Let our lives bear fruit that is pleasing to God.
One: Christ is the Vine.
All: We are the branches!

HYMN – Holy, Holy – #50

1. Holy, holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, Lord God almighty;
   And we lift our hears before You as a token of our love,
   Holy, holy, holy, holy.
2. Gracious Father, gracious Father, We’re so blest to be your children gracious Father;
   And we lift our heads before You as a token of our love,
   Gracious Father, gracious Father.
3. Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus, We’re so glad that you’ve redeemed us, precious Jesus.
   And we lift our hands before You as a token of our love,
   Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus.
4. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Come and fill our hearts anew, Holy Spirit;
   And we lift ur voice before You as a token of our love,
   Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.
5. Holy, holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, Lord God almighty;
   And we lift our hearts before ou as a token of our love,
   Holy, holy, holy, holy. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Wondrous God, we praise you as the Creator of all life! You are the One who creates and loves all people. May we seek to love everyone the way you do. You are the Vine. We are the branches.
   Faithful and Gracious God, come alive among us day by day. Come now; and fill our very souls with your unselfish, abundant love. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen. PRAISE RESPONSE – Holy Ground – #83

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

GOD’S WORD – 1 John 4:7-21 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – Living Water of Life (Lantz) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 15:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265

1. Let us break bread together on our knees.
   Let us break bread together on our knees.

REFRAIN
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

2. Let us drink wine together on our knees.
   Let us drink wine together on our knees.

REFRAIN

3. Let us praise God together on our knees.
   Let us praise God together on our knees.

REFRAIN

THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you eat this bread, remember me.”
All: Through the broken bread, we participate in the Body of Christ.
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you drink this cup, remember me.”
All: Through the communion cup, we participate in the Blood of Christ.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God. Our Savior welcomes everyone to this table!

HYMN – We Will Glorify – #35

1. 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,
2. Lord Jehovah reign in majesty, we will bow before His Throne;
   We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.
3. He is For of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live;
   He is Lord above the universe, all praise to Him we give.
4. Hallelujah to the King of kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb;
   Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM.

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

April 25 Livestream – Enfolded By Love

Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

If you’re having trouble hearing the service, please double check both the volume on your device and on YouTube. These settings are independent. If you’re still having trouble, please let us know.

Enfolded By Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: The Good Shepherd invites us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given all that we possess.
All: God provides everything that we need. And more!
One: In every valley that we encounter – God is with us.
All: We are comforted and reassured.
One: God leads us on the path of life.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We receive from God in abundance.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

HYMN – Here, O My Lord, I See Thee – #259

1. Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
   Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
   Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
   And all my weariness upon Thee lean.
2. Here would I feed upon the bread of God;
   Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
   Here would I lay aside each earthly load,
   Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.
3. I have no help but Thine’ nor do I need
   Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
   It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
   My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.
4. Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
   Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
   Here is my Robe, my refuge, and my peace;
   Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.
   
   UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Good Shepherd, you have enabled us to gather this day for worship. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We praise you, O God, for your sacred gift of life! This morning, we pray that you will bless us with guidance for living as your people.
   Gentle Shepherd, you tirelessly watch over all your sheep. In turn, you ask us to care for one another in life-giving ways. Help us to grow in love that displays genuine caring and self-sacrifice. May we humbly accept the roles that you give us to fulfill, Dear God. Equip us for your service everywhere you lead us. Amen.
   
   PRAISE RESPONSE – Gentle Shepherd – #450

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us, For we need Your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to Who can help us face another day;
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – “Held” – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 10:11-18 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
   let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
   O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
   will descend upon your life and make you whole.

REFRAIN
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

2. O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
   lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name.
   O give him all your tears and sadness, give him all your years of pain
   and you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE Anna DiVesta

April 18 Livestream – Christ Among Us

C H R I S T A M O N G U S

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

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

HYMN – Morning Has Broken – #274

1. Morning has broken Like the first morning,
   Blackbird has spoken Like the first bird.
   Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
   Praise for them, springing Fresh from the Word!
2. Sweet the rain’s new fall Sunlit from heaven,
   Like the first dewfall On the first grass.
   Praise for the sweetness Of the wet garden,
   Sprung in completeness Where His feet pass.
3. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
   Born of the one light Eden saw Play!
   Praise with elation, Praise every morning,
   God’s recreation Of the new Day! UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Loving God, you graciously spread an Easter Table for all people to enjoy! We offer you our praises today! Risen Savior, you fill us with life! Especially when no one else can, you raise our spirits. In your uplifting, renewing way, you fill souls with lasting joy!
   As we now walk into the future, we hope you will join us on the road. Come near; and walk along with us. Open the scriptures to us; nourish us with the sweet honey of your Word. Open our eyes, that we may recognize the depth and the richness of your grace in everyday moments, such as
   the meeting of eyes;
   the sharing of a meal;
   the crossing of paths;
   and walking side by side.

Come alive among us now, Christ Jesus. It means so much to us that you are with your people in commonplace events and situations where we are ourselves. Thank you, Risen Savior, for loving us and for staying with us. Bless us with eyes and ears, hearts and souls to recognize you, Jesus! Be made known to us and through us, we pray. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like You.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God, Make it ever True;
Change my heart, O God, May I be like You.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 4 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – This Is Amazing Grace – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-44 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

1. God sent HIs Son, they called Him Jesus;
   He came to love, heal, and forgive;
   He lived and died to buy my pardon,
   An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

REFRAIN
Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

2. How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
   And feel the pride and joy He gives;
   But greater still the calm assurance,
   This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

April 11 Livestream – Together with Joy!

Whether you are here with in in the sanctuary or you are worshipping with us online, we rejoice that we can be together to celebrate the Risen Savior!

WELCOME

PRELUDE– Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Jesus, we hear you say, Peace be with you.
All: People rage with contempt; the land is consumed by violence; the air of the atmosphere is polluted. How can we claim peace in a time like this?
One: Peace be with you.

One: Jesus, we hear you say, Receive the Holy Spirit
All: We are afraid of this Spirit, too disturbed by it, too overwhelmed by it. Isn’t your Spirit a gift too powerful to be entrusted to humankind?
One: Receive the Holy Spirit.

One: Jesus, we hear you say, See my hands.
All: We do not want to see the wounds of the world. There are too many to recall, too many places scarred by injury. Why won’t you let us look away?
One: See my hands.

One: Jesus, we hear you say, Reach out your hand.
All: We are so bound up in your love, Jesus, that your peace, your Spirit, even your pain will not let us go. Therefore, we remember, we marvel, and we move forward in faith.
One: Reach out your hand.

One: Jesus, we hear you say, Do not doubt but believe.
All: Our Lord and our God, you are alive!

HYMN – Crown Him with Many Crowns – #3

1. Crown Him with many crowns The Lamb upon His Thrown;
   Hark! how the heav’nly anthem drowns All music but its own!
   Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
   And hail Him as thy matchless King Thro’ all eternity.
2. Crown Him the Son of God Before the world’s began,
   And ye, who tread where He hath trod, Crown Him the Son of Man;
   Who every grief hath known That wrings the human breast,
   And take and bears them for His own, that all in Him may rest.
3. Crown Him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o’er the grave,
   And rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save;
   His glories now we sing, Who died and rose on high,
   Who died eternal life to bring, And lives that death my die.
4. Crown Him the Lord of love! Behold His hands and side,
   Those wounds, yet visible above, In beauty glorifies:
   All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou hast died for me:
   Thy praise and glory shall not fail Thro’out eternity.

PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of Easter Joy; you can do anything! You are so flat-out Supreme that you frighten us, Amazing God. As we continue sharing time with you, we eventually grow somewhat more at ease in your presence, God.

Through your patient love, we learn that anyone and everyone can safely come to you – with our joys; our sorrows; our fears; our complaints; our doubts.
God of Easter Joy; we are grateful to you for teaching us your Way of life! Draw us away from the ways of this world. We praise you for the wholeness which you provide, God. Bring together the broken pieces of fragmented human lives. Help all people to accept who you are and to receive the love that you offer. Come now, and guide this time of worship, we pray. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – Open Our Eyes, Lord – #132

Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,
To reach out and touch Him, and say that we love Him.
Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen:
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.

GOD’S WORD – Acts 2:43-47 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC – Make My Life An Alleluia! – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 20:19-31 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Hymn of Promise – #277

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

Easter Livestream – He is Risen!

A tremendous discovery awaits on this Easter. Christ is not in the tomb. He is Risen!

Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Rejoice! Today is Resurrection Day!
All: It’s a miracle!
One: Our Savior Jesus died on the cross.
All: He was dead. Now, he lives!
One: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

*HYMN – Here I Am to Worship – worship booklet, pp. 48-49

1. Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see.
   Beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You.
   So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God,
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.
2. King of all days, O so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above,
   Humbly You came to the Earth You created,
   All for love’s sake became poor.
   So, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God.
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
   And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. So, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God.
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. So, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God.
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION Pastor Dan
   God of Resurrection, we come gather to worship you, rejoicing over the miracle of Christ’s empty tomb! We come celebrating your Gospel that announces you are with us always as the Risen Christ. Thanks to your Resurrection, we realize that you truly have the power to give all people life eternal, God. As the Risen Christ, you bless us with faith and strength – even in times of despair, sorrow, fear, or overwhelming difficulty.
   The tomb may be empty, but it is not silent. This morning, Jesus, your empty tomb joyously proclaims that you have risen from the dead! Christ Jesus, you are alive forevermore! Hallelujah! Amen! PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Exalted! – worship booklet, p. 45

He is exalted, the King is exalted on high. I will praise Him.
He is exalted, forever exalted and I will praise His name!
He is the Lord. Forever His truth shall reign.
Heaven and earth rejoice in His holy name.
He is exalted, the King is exalted on high.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Romans 8:11, 31, 35-39 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Agnus Dei

GOD’S WORD – Mark 16:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

THE GIFTS OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
The Sacrament of Holy Communion

UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN – Our God Reigns – #290

1. How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, good news
   Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness, Our God reigns, Our God reigns!

REFRAIN
Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Our God reigns!

2. He had no stately form, He had no majesty, The we should be drawn to Him.
   He was despised and we took no account of Him,
   Yet now he reigns with the Most High.

REFRAIN

3. Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty, He is alive, He is alive.
   God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side.
   Yes, we know, He is alive.

REFRAIN

RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
One: Praise God!
All: Christ is risen!
One: Our Savior Jesus is alive!
All: Hallelujah!

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

Good Friday Virtual Worship

We glorify God our Savior for this extraordinary act of love; this holy sacrifice.

SILENT REFLECTION IN PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ betrayed.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ arrested.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ denied.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ abused, and beaten, and sentenced to die.
One: This night, we remember
All: Christ crucified.

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Everlasting God, we need you. You respond to the cries of your children from all walks of life. From the cross, Christ Jesus, you are the One crying out. Help us to hear your cries. Fill us with compassion for your pain and suffering. We are saved by your sacrifice. On this unforgettable night, may we be moved by the sorrows of betrayal, denial, cruelty, and condemnation that you endure for us. Your death is agony. This night, we remember you. Although we cannot fully imagine your excruciating pain, our souls ache as we recall you dying on the cross, Jesus.

You know our need for your grace. We worship and love you. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.

HYMN – Beneath the Cross of Jesus – #239

1. Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand
   The shadow of a mighty Rock Within a weary land;
   A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
   From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.
2. Upon that cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
   The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
   And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess-
   The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.
3. I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place;
   I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
   Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss,
   My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross. CALL TO CONFESSION – Pastor Dan
   One: God longs for us to come to God; to be truthful; and to confess our sin.
   God wants to free us from all guilt and fear. Let us pray together.
   All: O Holy One, God Eternal; we frequently keep ourselves busy with things that do not satisfy. We try to fill our emptiness with activities and possessions that drain our energies rather than give life meaning. We get things all mixed up. We excuse our own sin at the same time that we condemn wrongdoing we see in others. Help us to own up to our sin and to repent. Have mercy on us, Dear God. We are sorry for failing you. Forgive us, we pray. Into your hands, we commend our souls. Amen. SILENCE ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS – Pastor Dan THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
   Our Father, who art in heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 52:13-53:12 HYMN – Were You There? – #266 – Verses 1, 2 and 3 only
4. Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
   Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
   O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
   Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
5. Were your there when they nailed Him to the tree?
   Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
   O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
   Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
6. Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
   Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
   O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!
   Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

Christ on the Cross

The third hour
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

The fourth hour
John 19:26-27
“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.”

The fifth hour
Luke 23:43
“Truly, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The sixth hour
John 19:28
“I thirst.”

The seventh hour
Matthew 27:46
“My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?”

The eighth hour
Luke 23:46
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

The ninth hour
John 19:30
“It is finished.”

SPECIAL – ‘Tis Finished – Hartman –Marsha Fix, Vocalist

• Depart in silence +

March 28 Virtual Worship – Palm Sunday

Join us to hear to hear the good word! Jesus is near! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest! Raise and wave your palms!

Here is today’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted Isaiah 50:4-9) – Pastor Dan
One: Come to worship! Come; join in this chorus of Hosannas!
All: Come to let your tongue shout God’s praises!
One: Come to find your voice.
All: Come to hear the response.
One: Come to open your ears.
All: Come to listen.
One: Come to be healed by the silence.
All: Come to stand together.
One: Come to experience what words cannot express!
All: Come to find God.

HYMN – Make Way – worship booklet, p. 69

1. Make way, make way, for Christ the King in splendor arrives.
   Fling wide the gates and welcome him into your lives.

CHORUS
Make way, make way for the King of kings.
Make way, make way and let his kingdom in.

2. He comes the broken hearts to heal the prisoners to free.
   The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance, the blind shall see.

CHORUS

3. And those who mourn with heavy hearts, who weep and sigh;
   with laughter, joy and royal crown he’ll beautify.

CHORUS

4. We call you now to worship him as Lord of all,
   to have no gods before him – their thrones must fall.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of exceptional moments; this morning, we recall the electric celebration of people enthusiastically welcoming Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. What a moment! We can imagine ourselves swept up in the party atmosphere of that lively parade! We can feel your great power! We want to cut loose ourselves in ways that faithfully offer you praise! Your holy love reaches out and blesses everyone. Come close now. Ride down Kingshighway here in our fair city, Jesus. Enter Metro St. Louis this day. Hosanna! Come on, Jesus! We choose you to be the grand marshal of our next big parade. Save us, we beg you. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.

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

1. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To set the sinner free!
   To sin cursed souls salvation bring And peace eternally!
   Ride on to dark Gethsemane, To untold agony,
   And on the cross of Calvary Procure our victory!
2. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To claim the hearts of men!
   Now death has lost its dreadful sting And hope is born again.
   O come, in human hearts to reign Suppress the pow’r of sin!
   Our own endeavor is in vain; Lord, You must help us win!
3. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King! Ride on o’er land and sea,
   For You alone to man can bring Eternal liberty.
   Ride on to sinbound nations, Lord, Until each heart shall own
   Your saving, sanctifying word and bow before Your throne!

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 lLord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1, 21-29 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Holy City – Marsha Fix, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Mark 11:1-11 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Ride On, Ride On, O Savior King – #236

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361​​

March 21 Livestream – Deep in our Hearts

Thank you for joining Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the fifth Sunday of Lent. We continue to adjust to our new sound system and having people here in the sanctuary with us. We appreciate your patience as we try to find our way through this “new normal.”

As always, your comments are welcome. Please feel free to leave a comment and interact before, during and after worship. And if you’re not already subscribed, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Our brokenness can be healed and our wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new and right spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation!
All: Praise God!

HYMN – Open My Eyes, That I May See – #174

1. Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
   Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free.
   Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
   Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
2. Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
   And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.
   Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
   Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth, and let me bear Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
   Open my heart, and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share.
   Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
   Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of mercy; we call on you this day. Come, now, O Holy One. Shape us and lead us, we pray. May we be truly merciful, in the manner of our Savior, Christ Jesus. May we love as you love ~ without limit! God, we treasure that you know each of us by name. You call us to follow you by serving others. With faith in you, O God; may our lives display your tender mercies. Amen.

RESPONSE – Make Me a Servant – #415

Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be;
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 51:1-2 – Pastor Dan
Jeremiah 31:31-34

SPECIAL MUSIC – Steal Away, arr. Lloyd Larson
Piano Duet, Julie McAllister and Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 12:20-25, 35-36, 46-47 – Pastor Dan

SERMON Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – I Have Decided to Follow Jesus – #427

1. I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus,
   I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back.
2. The world behind me, the cross before me; The world behind me, the cross before me;
   The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back.
3. Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow, Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
   Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow, No turning back, no turning back.
4. Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus,
   Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back.

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI#45361

March 14 Virtual Worship – No Matter What

Thank you for joining us at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ as we make the journey toward Easter together.

We ran into a few technical challenges with our stream this morning. It’s now in two parts:

Here is this week’s order for worship:

March 14 – No Matter What

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: God’s goodness has entered the world!
All: What joy to know this!
One: Rejoice, people of God! Christ died and rose on high!
All: By God’s Word, we are delivered from destruction.
One: By God’s mercy, we are made whole.
All: Let all that breathes sing God’s praises!

HYMN – O Love That Will Not Let Me Go – #439

1. O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;
   I give Thee back the life I owe,
   That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
2. O Light that foll’west all my way, I yield my flick’ring torch to Thee;
   My heart restores its borrowed ray,
   That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
3. O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee;
   I trace the rainbow through the rain,
   And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of unending patience, we call on you now. Often, we are impatient and troubled. We dream of being like you, Christ Jesus. Our calling is to follow you. Discipleship is your beautiful dream for all people. Yet we hesitate, for we are afraid of embracing changes that may come with the new life you offer. We are preoccupied with all sorts of other voices instead of being focused on responding to your Voice. Distracted by complexities, pressures and demands of our day; we neglect to set aside time to be still before you, God. Even now, we have gathered without much preparation, as if meeting you requires little of us. Yet we come here in search of the healing and the wholeness which you give. Merciful God, we call on you this moment, asking you to meet us as we are. Amen.

RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me – #254

1. O how He loves you and me, O how He loves you and me;
   He gave His life – what more could He give?
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!
2. Jesus to Calv’ry did go, His love for mankind to show;
   What He did there bro’t hope from despair;
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Liz Schurwan

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC Here I Am, Lord, Send Me

GOD’S WORD – John 3:14-21 – Pastor

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Lamb of God – worship booklet, p. 59

1. Your only Son, no sin to hide, but you have sent him from your side,
   to walk upon this guilty sod, and to become the Lamb of God

REFRAIN
O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God!
O wash me in his precious blood – my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God!

2. Your gift of love, they crucified, they laughed and scorned him as He died,
   the humble King they named a fraud and sacrificed the Lamb of God.

REFRAIN

3. I was so lost, I should have died, but You have brought me to your side,
   to be led by your staff and rod, and to be called a lamb of God.

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE

CCLI License #456361​​

March 7 YouTube Livestream – Turning the Tables

This week we are taking the first steps toward in-person worship during this, the third Sunday of Lent. You’ll notice a big change to our livestream worship as well. We’ll be streaming live on YouTube instead of Facebook Live.

Please subscribe to our channel to receive notifications whenever we go live.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: We have gathered in the presence of God our Creator, who
sets before us the ways of life and death.
All: We have gathered in the presence of Jesus the Christ, who
calls us to accept the cost of discipleship that we may
know its joy.
One: We have gathered in the presence of the Spirit, who
sustains us in trial and rejoicing.
All: In our living and in our dying, we belong to God, who
knows us, loves us, and cares for us exactly as we are.
Let us worship God.

*HYMN – Come Just As You Are – worship booklet, p. 36

1. Come just as you are; Hear the Spirit call.
   Come just as you are; Come and see, come, receive; Come and live forever.

Life everlasting, and strength for today;
Taste the Living Water, and never thirst again.

2. Come just as you are; Hear the Spirit call.
   Come just as you are; Come, receive, Christ the King Come and live forever more.

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Wise and Compassionate God, we are drawn to this holy place, in part, because we realize that our knowledge alone is not enough to give life meaning. The pieces of our lives need a center.
As people who are seeking to live as your faithful disciples, we are in the process of growing to recognize your Cross as the center, Jesus. On the Cross, you displayed total unselfishness. At Calvary, you went the distance for us. You always place serving others above everything else. The truth is, Jesus, this example of yours scares us, because we are intimidated by what you may ask of us. Yet we long for the wholeness which only you provide. This longing is so deep that we continue seeking to follow you regardless of the risks.
We come to you this moment, Christ Jesus. Make yourself known to us, we pray. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.

RESPONSE – Let the Words of My Mouth – #417

Let the words of my mouth, and my heart’s meditation Be acceptable to Thee, O Lord
Let the words of my mouth, and my heart’s meditation Be acceptable to Thee, O Lord.
In Thy sight, In Thy sight, May my heart’s meditation be right.
Let the words of my mouth, an my heart’s meditation Be acceptable to thee, O Lord.

GOD’S WORD – 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 – Pastor Dan

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP: GOD IS INVITING – Sue Wilson

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful

GOD’S WORD – John 2:13-22 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – We Are the Reason – #245

We are the reason that He gave His life,
We are the reason that He suffered and died.
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give,
to show us the reason to live.

We are the reason that He gave His life,
We are the reason that He suffered and died.
To a world that was lost He gave all He could give,
to show us the reason to live.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

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