Blessing of the Animals Sept. 18

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?

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.”

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

August 29 Livestream – Be Love

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 mind”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

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.”

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

Now Hiring: Youth Ministry Coordinator

As we continue to work toward the “next normal,” we’re hiring for a Youth Ministry Coordinator to lead programs for our young people. Please send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to ymcsearch@ivychapel.org.

Job Title: Youth Ministry Coordinator
Reports to: Board of Christian Education and Pastor
Hours: Part-time (20 hours per week, including some evenings)
Effective Start Date: Immediately

Job Description: The Youth Ministry Coordinator at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will create opportunities for all ages of youth to develop their faith and build connections within the church. The successful candidate will develop and lead a growing youth program. This person also will work with the worship team to plan a cohesive Sunday worship experience.

Essential Responsibilities Include:
Youth Groups
Coordinate local church and wider church youth activities.
Work with families of youth to develop an activities calendar each year.
Make arrangements for summer mission trips.
Co-lead Confirmation with the Pastor.
Worship Services
Present and/or schedule children’s messages during Sunday morning worship.
Lead children’s worship activities on the first Sunday of each month.
Coordinate children’s Christmas Program and Youth Sunday.
Facilitate youth participation in worship, such as serving as acolytes, lay liturgists, musicians, etc.
Communication and Reporting Duties
Provide communication between the youth groups and the congregation through notices in the Sunday bulletin and the monthly Ivy Vine newsletter.
Keep accurate records of all youth program funds.
Provide a monthly written report to the church council.
Christian Education Board Involvement
Participate in all Christian Education Board Meetings.
Work with the board to provide Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other congregational education programs.

Qualifications:
Experience working with children, youth ministry, or within other related fields.
Displays strong administrative, planning, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
Possesses creativity to develop innovative programming.
Familiarity with the United Church of Christ theology.
Affirming of all people, including support of LGBTQ+ community.

Requirements:
21 years of age or older.
Must pass a personal background check.

Application: Please send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to ymcsearch@ivychapel.org.

August 8 Livestream – Community

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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 – The Bread of Life

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

1. 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!

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.”
   All: As we eat this bread, we are reminded that God remembers us.
   One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; drink; and remember me.”
   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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

July 25 Livestream – God’s Abundant Presence!

With God, anything is possible! Join us and hear how God’s abundant presence can have meaning in your life.

This week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
All: O sing a new song; for God has done marvelous things!
One: Sing God’s praises!
All: We rejoice! Christ is our Guide and our Savior!
One: Let’s praise God with our words, our actions, our whole lives.
All: Let’s start by singing together!

*HYMN – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – #17

1. Great is Thy faith-ful-ness, O God my Fa-ther,
   There is no shad-ow of turn-ing with Thee;
   Thou chang-est not, Thy com-pas-sions they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou for-ev-er wilt be.

Refrain
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness!
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness!
Morn-ing by morn-ing new mer-cies I see;
All I have need-ed Thy hand hath pro-vid-ed
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness, Lord, un-to me!

2. Sum-mer and win-ter, and springtime and har-vest,
   Sun, moon and stars in their cours-es a-bove
   Join with all na-ture in man-i-fold wit-ness
   To Thy great faith-ful-ness, mer-cy and love.

Refrain

3. Par-don for sin and a peace that en-dur-eth,
   Thy own dear pres-ence to cheer and to guide;
   Strength for to-day and bright hope for to-mor-row,
   Bless-ings all mine, with ten thou-sand be-side!

Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God, you are the Creator of the whole universe. In astonishing fashion, you carefully watch over everything that you make. We value all that we learn from you. May we continue growing to trust you more. Through your life, Christ Jesus; we see that you share your love with everyone. Each person is precious to you. May we respond by following your path – the way of self-giving love. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Give Thanks – worship booklet, p.42

Give thanks with a grate-ful heart,
Give thanks to the Ho-ly One,
Give thanks be-cause He’s giv-en Je-sus Christ His Son
Give thanks with a grate-ful heart,
Give thanks to the Ho-ly One,
Give thanks be-cause He’s giv-en Jesus Christ His Son
And now let the weak say “I am strong,”
Let the poor say “I am rich,”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
And now let the weak say “I am strong,”
Let the poor say “I am rich,”
Be-cause of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks, give thanks.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

HYMN – Be Not Afraid – worship booklet, pp. 30-31

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 145:10-18 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Everlasting – Colton Burton, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – John 6:1-21 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ – worship booklet, p. 64

1. Let us tal-ents and tongues em-ploy,
   Reach-ing out with a shout of joy:
   Bread is bro-ken, the win is poured,
   Christ is spo-ken and seen and heard.

Refrain:
Je-sus lives a-gain, earth can breathe a-gain,
Pass the Word a-round: loaves a-bound!
Je-sus lives a-gain, earth can breathe a-gain,
Pass the Word a-round: loaves a-bound!

2. Christ is a-ble to make us one,
   At his ta-ble he set the tone,
   Teach-ing peo-ple to live to bless,
   Love in word and in deed ex-press.

Refrain

3. Je-sus calls us in, sends us out
   Bear-ing fruit in a world of doubt,
   Gives us love to tell, bread to share:
   God (Im-man-u-el) ev-ery-where!

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

July 18 Livestream – Wherever You Are

Do not be afraid! Wherever you are, no matter how stormy the seas, God is with you.

You are welcome to join us in person at 10 a.m., or during our virtual worship beginning around 10 a.m. on Sunday.

You can watch this week’s worship or previous week’s services on our YouTube channel. A link to this week’s livestream will be added once worship begins.

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Where do you belong? Think about a place where you belong.
All: Love is patient. Love is kind.
One: What do you love about that place?
All: Love is not envious, or boastful, or arrogant, or rude.
One: How do you feel when you go there and you are welcomed?
All: Love is not irritable. Love does not seek its own advantage.
One: Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
All: We are each a part of God’s creation.
One: All people are treasured parts of God’s creation.
All: With God, all belong and all are welcomed as we are!

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

Light of the World, You stepped down in-to dark-ness
O-pened my eyes, let me see.
Beau-ty that made this heart a-dore You,
Hope of a life spent with You.

So, here I am to wor-ship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
And You’re al-to-geth-er love-ly, al-to-geth-er wor-thy,
Al-to-geth-er won-der-ful to me.

King of all days, oh so high-ly ex-al-ted,
Glo-rious in heav-en a-bove.
Hum-bly You came to the Earth You cre-a-ted,
All for love’s sake be-came poor.

So, here I am to wor-ship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
And You’re al-to-geth-er love-ly, al-to-geth-er wor-thy,
Al-to-geth-er won-der-ful to me.

And I’ll nev-er know how much it cost
To see my sin up-on that cross
And I’ll nev-er know how much it cost
To see my sin up-on that cross.

So here I am to wor-ship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
And You’re al-to-geth-er love-ly, al-to-geth-er wor-thy,
Al-to-geth-er wonderful to me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Living God, we come to you now. We are here to worship you. We need your grace and guidance. There are times when we stray from you. Too often, we fail to embrace the rhythms of life which you provide, God. We allow ourselves to be thrown off stride from the pace that you would have us walk, and we race on ahead at full speed. Being in a hurry has led us and others to become lost on paths that do not follow your way.
God of steadfast love, may we use all of our senses to learn from you. Help us take the risks that go along with letting you lead, Eternal God. Guide us to live in rhythm with you, Christ Jesus; so that we may love extravagantly and give joyfully as you do. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – God Will Make A Way – worship booklet, p.44
God will make a way where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we can not see, He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me close-ly to His side,
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way
He will make a way

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Anna DiVesta

*HYMN – I Sing the Almighty Power of God – #6

I sing th’al-might-y pow’r of God That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flow-ing seas a-broad And built the loft-y skies
I sing the wis-dom that or-dained The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His com-mand And all the stars o-bey.

I sing the good-ness of the Lord That filled the earth with food;
He formed the crea-tures with His word And then pro-nounced them good.
Lord, how Thy won-ders are dis-played Where-e’er I turn my eye,
If I sur-vey the ground I tread Or gaze up-on the sky!

There’s not a plant or flow’r be-low But makes Thy glo-ries known;
And clouds a-rise and tem-pests blow By or-der from Thy throne;
While all that bor-rows life from Thee Is ev-er in Thy care,
And ev-ery-where that man can be, Thou, God, art pres-ent there.

GOD’S WORD – 2 Samuel 7:1-13, 16-17 & Psalm 89:1-2, 19-29 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Forever – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Mark 6:45, 53-56 Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Hymn of Promise – #277
In the bulb there is a flow-er; In the seed, an ap-ple tree;
In co-coons, a hid-den prom-ise; But-ter-flies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of win-ter There’s a spring that waits to be,
Un-re-vealed un-til its sea-son, Some-thing God a-lone can see

There’s a song in ev-ery si-lence, Seek-ing word and mel-o-dy;
There’s a dawn in ev-ery dark-ness, Bring-ing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the fu-ture; What it holds, a mys-ter-y.
Un-re-vealed un-til its sea-son, Some-thing God a-lone can see.

In our end is our be-gin-ning; In our time, in-fin-i-ty.
In our doubt there is be-liev-ing; In our life, e-ter-ni-ty.
In our death a res-ur-rec-tion; At the last, a vic-to-ry.
Un-re-vealed un-til its sea-son, Some-thing God a-lone can see.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

July 11 Livestream – Joy!

Today is the seventh Sunday after Pentecost.

Gather with us on this day with Joy as we thank God. Worship with us today on YouTube, and remember you are invited to be here in person next week.

July 11 Livestream – JOY!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Welcome to this house of prayer.
All: We are on holy ground.
One: The Church is God’s sanctuary where everyone is welcome.
All: All people are God’s guests here.
One: It is a blessing to join together in worship.
All: Let us praise God!

*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33

1. All crea-tures of our God and King,
   Lift up your voice and with us sing
   Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Thou burn-ing sun with gold-en beam,
   Thou silv-er moon with soft-er gleam,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
2. Thou rush-ing wind that art so strong,
   Ye clouds that sail in heav’n a-long,
   O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Thou ris-ing morn in praise re-joice,
   Ye lights of eve-ning, find a voice,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
3. Thou flow-ing wa-ter, pure and clear,
   Make mu-sic for thy Lord to hear,
   Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Thou fire so mas-ter-ful and bright,
   That giv-est man both warmth and light,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
4. And all ye men of ten-der heart,
   For-giv-ing others, take your part,
   O sing ye, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Ye who long pain and sor-row bear,
   Praise God and on Him cast your care,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
5. Let all things their Cre-a-tor bless,
   And wor-ship Him in hum-ble-ness,
   O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Praise, praise the Fa-ther, praise the Son,
   And praise the Spir-it, three in one,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
We gather to thank you, Gracious God. Hear our praises! Even in our darkest moments you surround us with a love which is stronger than all of our difficulties, doubts or fears. In worship together, we express our joys and our sorrows. Dear God, you share in all of our emotions, and we are deeply grateful for your genuine caring.
Living God, you are the One who makes us whole. Come to us now, that we may receive glimpses of your Realm Eternal, which is far larger and grander than the conventional focus of our narrow, daily concerns. In the blessed name of Jesus; we await your Word. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Seek Ye First – #615

Seek ye first the King-doom of God,
And his right-eous-ness.
And all these things should be add-ed un-to you!
Al-le-lu, al-le-lu ia!

*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – #13

1. Joy-ful, joy-ful, we a-dore Thee,
   God of glory, Lord of love;
   Hearts un-fold like flow’rs be-fore Thee,
   Open-in to the sun a-bove.
   Melt the clouds of sin and sad-ness;
   Drive the dark of doubt a-way;
   Giv-er of im-mor-tal glad-ness,
   Fill us with the light of day
2. All Thy works with joy sur-round Thee,
   Earth and heav’n re-flect Thy rays,
   Stars and an-gels sing a-round Thee,
   Cen-ter of un-bro-ken praise.
   Field and for-est, vale and mount-ain,
   Flow-dry mead-ow, flash-ing sea,
   Chant-ing bird and flow-ing fountain
   Call us to rejoice in Thee.
3. Thou art giv-ing and for-giv-ing,
   Ev-er bless-ing, ev-er blest,
   Well-spring of the joy of liv-ing,
   Oc-ean-depth of hap-py rest!
   Thou our Fa-ther, Christ our Bro-ther—
   All who live in love are Thine;
   Teach us how to love each oth-er,
   Lift us to the joy di-vine.
4. Mor-tals join the might-y cho-rus
   Which the morn-ing stars be-gan;
   Fa-ther love is reign-ing o’er us,
   Bro-ther love binds man to man.
   Ev-er sing-ing, march we on-ward,
   Vic-tors in the midst of strife;
   Joy-ful mu-sic leads us sun-ward
   In the tri-umph song of life.
   
   CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
   
   GOD’S WORD – Psalm 48 – Pastor Dan
   
   SPECIAL MUSIC – God of Wonders (Hindalong) – Sarah Wilson, Trumpet
   
   GOD’S WORD – Mark 6:1-13 – Pastor Dan
   
   SERMON – Pastor Dan PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Lord of the Dance – worship booklet, pp. 66-67

1. I danced in the morn-ing when the world was be-gun,
   And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
   And I came down from heav-en and I danced on the earth.
   At Beth-le-hem I had my birth.

Refrain:
Dance, then, wher-ev-er you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wher-ev-er you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

2. I danced for the scribe and the Phar-i-see,
   But they would not dance and they would not foll-ow me;
   I danced for the fish-er-men, for James and John;
   They came to me and the dance went on.

Refrain

3. I danced on the sab-bath when I cured the lame,
   The ho-ly peo-ple said it was a shame;
   They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
   And they left me there on a cross to die.

Refrain

4. I danced on a Fri-day and the sky turned black;
   It’s hard to dance with the de-vil on your back;
   They bur-ied my bo-dy and they thought I’d gone
   But I am the dance and I still go on.

Refrain

5. They cut me down and I leapt up high,
   I am the life that’ll ne-ver, ne-ver die;
   I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
   I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.

Refrain
`
*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

CCLI License #456361

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