September 5 Livestream – Be Opened

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!”

*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 15 Livestream – Seek Peace

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

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

1. 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

Feb. 28 Virtual Worship – Always Close

Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.

Here is the order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!

Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35

1. Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
   Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.

RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.

2. Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
   Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,

REFRAIN

3. Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
   O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.

REFRAIN

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.

Response – El Shaddai – #18

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.

Children’s Message – Sue Wilson

God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee

God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
   E’en though it be a cross That raises me;
   Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee,
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
2. 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.
3. 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. use,
4. 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.
5. Or if on joyful wing, Clearing 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.

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

August 2, 2020 Virtual Worship

This week’s hymns:

It Took a Miracle

1. My Father is omnipotent, And that you can’t deny;
   A God of might and miracles – ’Tis written in the sky.

REFRAIN
It took a miracle to put the stars in place,
It took a miracle to hang the world in space;
But when He saved my soul, Cleansed and made me whole,
It took a miracle of love and Grace.

2. Tho’ here His glory has been shown, We still can’t fully see
   The wonders of His might, His throne, ’Twill take eternity.

REFRAIN

3. The Bible tells us of His pow’r And wisdom all way thro’:
   And every little bird and flow’r Are testimonies, too.

REFRAIN

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee

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,
   Ty blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.
   
   
   CCLI License #456361

July 26 Virtual Worship

Thank you for joining us again this week for worship. We pray that, even when it may be hard to find, you can see hope in this world.

The Peace of Mind That Christ Can Bring

1. The peace of mind that Christ can bring Is peace in knowing how to sing
   In spite of doubts of why or how, In spite of fears of here and now.
2. The peace that strengthens faithful souls Cannot be built on self-made goals,
   But rather comes to those wo heed A call for help in time of need.
3. So one finds peace within the heart when each with others bears a part.
   When peace for me is peace for you, Then Christ is present, peace is true.
4. So Christ, invade our life and will Until we see your justice still
   Defining best all human worth, Reshaping dreams of peace on earth.

You Are My All In All

1. You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek.
   You are my all in all.
   Seeking you as a precious jewel; Lord, to give up, I’d be a fool,
   Your are my all in all.

REFRAIN
Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.
Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your name.

2. Taking my sin, my cross, my shame; Rising again, I bless Your name,
   You are my all in all.
   When I fall down You pick me up; When I am dry you fill my cup,
   You are my all in all.

REFRAIN

CCLI License #456361

May 3 Virtual Worship

We are glad you could join us again for this week’s virtual worship, the fourth Sunday of Easter.

More Love to Thee

1. More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to thee!
   Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
   This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
   More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
2. Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest;
   Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best;
   This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
   More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
3. Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain;
   Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain;
   When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
   More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
4. Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise;
   This be the parting cry My heart shall raise;
   This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
   More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Spirit Song

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

2. O come and sing t his song with gladness as you r 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

Ivy reaches out during Lent

Giving is Christian outreach “Ivy-style”! Our congregation is responding to multiple offering invitations this Lenten Season. We give God glory for the many, additional ways in which people of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ are reaching out beyond our church.

Rejoice over this extensive array of things our congregation has done and is doing this Lent: supporting World Vision in connection with Ivy Youth 30-Hour Famine; Lenten canned food drive which will go to three local food pantries; supporting Shannondale, a mission project with the Missouri Mid-south Conference of the UCC with its craft center, lodge for retreats and outdoor programs; supporting Baby Blue Pantry (operating through Wee Care Learning Center of Festus, providing money for baby diapers and formula for families in need); and supporting ecumenical, global ministries by offering gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing (all donations accepted through Easter).
Praise God for Ivy’s faithful responses to these invitations to give!

Please send us an email to learn more about the organizations we support, or if you would like to learn how you can help.

Ivy Reaches Out During Lent

Giving is Christian outreach “Ivy-style”!  Amen!   Our congregation is responding to multiple offering invitations this Lenten Season.  We give God glory for the many, additional ways in which people of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ are reaching out beyond our church.

Rejoice over this extensive array of things our congregation has done and is doing this Lent:  offering new underwear and new socks; supporting World Vision in connection with Ivy Youth 30-Hour Famine; supporting Creve Coeur Meals on Wheels; supporting Baby Blue Pantry (operating through Wee Care Learning Center of Festus); intentional Lenten canned Food Drive; supporting ecumenical, global ministries by offering gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing.

Praise God for Ivy’s faithful responses to these invitations to give!

Want to get involved? Need more information on how Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is working in the community? Drop us a line and we’ll fill you in on our work.

Help warm up our Chili Supper!

Can you help with the Ivy Chapel Chili Supper?

We will need lots of volunteers to help on February 19 and 20 to set up, cook, serve and clean up. Sign-up sheets for those jobs will be in Fellowship Hall.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Checks may be made out to Ivy Chapel UCC. Please note “Chili Dinner on the memo line.”

More Ways to Help with the Dinner:

Donate Raffle Items

This year there is going to be a raffle at the Chili Dinner. The committee would like to have about 10 or more items, donated by the congregation. A few examples might be Dierbergs gift cards, restaurant gift cards, homemade gift baskets, gift certificates for yard work, etc.

It’s Not Dinner without Dessert…

We are also planning to serve homemade brownies and pies as dessert at the dinner on February 20th We need 10 batches of brownies, 9 by 13 pans. The brownies and pies need to be brought to church on Friday, February 19th.  We are asking that the brownies be uncut, so they will stay fresher and can be cut uniformly. No icing please! Look for the sign-up sheets in fellowship hall. Sign up and share your favorite recipe.

Chili Dinner Decorations

The Chili Dinner committee is asking for donations of cans of chili and beans and boxes or bags of crackers to place in the middle of the tables for decorations. After the February 1st dinner, these will be donated to the food pantries at Joint Neighborhood Ministries and Circle of Concern. Please bring them to church in the coming weeks and place them in the box in the Narthex.

And finally…

If you know of any way to help us offset any of the costs of food or supplies, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

Rental space available

Is your group looking for a clean, convenient space to meet? For the first time in many years, Ivy Chapel has space available.

Our church is located at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield, MO. We have a large, fully lit parking lot and rooms of various sizes to accommodate your group.

Want to know more? Call the Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ office at 314-434-4991 or send us an email.

« Previous Page — Next Page »