June 7 — Pentecost

A Blessed Pentecost Day to everyone! All glory to God for the blessing of life! We give thanks to God for the invitation to be alive in a world full of possibility with open minds and open hearts to live with great joy until we meet again.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Brethren, We Have Met to Worship

*CALL TO WORSHIP (Inspired by Acts 2:1 and Psalm 104) — JoAnn Moody
One: When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one
place.
Many: We join for worship online and onsite, in real time and sometimes days later, and yet,
One: The Holy One sends forth the Spirit.
Many: Who unites us, connects us, and forms us as a community.
One: We were created in spirit and in truth, wonderfully and fearfully, in the image of Holy Love.
Many: God renews the face of the earth and the cosmos, this faith community and the church.
One: May the glory of God the Fire endure forever!
Many: Bless the Holy One, oh my soul. Praise God!

*HYMN — Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart — #154

Spirit of God, who dwells within my heart,
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as ,Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou not bid us love , Thee God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross— there teach my heart to cling.
O let me seek Thee and O let me find!

Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.

Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame:
The baptism of the heaven-descended Dove;
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — JoAnn Moody
Spirit of Unity, you knit us together with all of our connections and distinctions. You make us one and yet unique. We gather to hear your voice and to attune ourselves to the language of the other, to celebrate the diversity of your creation and to immerse ourselves in compassionate care, to give you glory and to recognize the gift of community. May our hearts be opened and our lips declare your praise. Inhabit our worship with your abiding presence and inflame us with your love. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place — #146

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place;
I can feel His mighty power and His grace.

I can hear the brush of angel’s wings,
I see glory on each face;

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Linda Lowry

*HYMN — Sweet, Sweet Spirit — #153

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Refrain:
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.

There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”
Refrain

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 104:24-34, 35b — JoAnn Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC — Spirit Medley
Where the Spirit of the Lord Is; Breathe on Me, Breath of God;
Spirit of the Living God

GOD’S WORD — John 14:8-17, 25-27 — Rev. Susan Shumway

SERMON — Truth, Trouble, and Fear — Rev. Susan Shumway

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Rev. Susan Shumway

*HYMN — Spirit — Ivy worship booklet pp. 82-83

Refrain:
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling and free,
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,
then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;
and over the eons you called to each thing:
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.” Refrain

You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you goaded your people with a law and a land;
and when they were blinded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes. Refrain

You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;
and down in the city you called once again,
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind. Refrain

You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes.
From the bondage of sorrow all the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Rev. Susan Shumway

*POSTLUDE — Every Time I Feel the Spirit

July 21 – Wherever you are

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. Always. This belief is at the very heart of the UCC, and of everything we do here at Ivy Chapel. (Featured Image by freepik)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — The Master Has Come — (Ash Grove)

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us call on God.
All: God is near to all who call.
One: Come into the presence of God and be nourished.
All: We are here to renew our covenant with God! Let every heart rejoice!

*HYMN — All Things Bright and Beautiful — #65

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings. [Refrain]

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky; [Refrain]

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]

He gave us eyes to them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, you are a Magnificent God! You are eternal; and you are our “contemporary”. We gather to worship you with thanksgiving for all that you have done, for all that you are doing, and for all that you promise to do in the world. We are amazed and overjoyed that you so thoroughly love the whole world. We cannot earn your love. It’s a pure gift! What we can do is receive and treasure and share it. Astonishing God, you revealed your love for all people when you came to earth in person as Jesus Christ.
God, fill us with your love. We pray that this worship will lead us to grow in your image. Throughout our lives, may we discover more fully who you are and who you would like us to become. May our faith in you and our devotion to you always continue growing. Amen.

*RESPONSE — I Will Sing of the Mercies — worship booklet, p. 56

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.

Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 89:1-4, 20-29

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN — Pass It On — #503

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
You spread His love to everyone; You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding,
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, You want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve found,
You can depend on Him, it matters not where you’re bound.
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – I want my world to know;
The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.

GOD’S WORD — 2 Samuel 7:1-13

SPECIAL MUSIC — Make Me a Blessing

GOD’S WORD — Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Great Is Thy Faithfulness — #17

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Three Pieces for the Flutes

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

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

HarvestFest Fundraiser, Nov. 4

You are invited to a vintage (but that does not mean old and stuffy) evening of wine, cheese, appetizers, desserts, music and more. And oh yeah, did we mention the auction? Silent and oral auctions, secret bubbly bags and other surprises are in store all evening long.

Here are the details on HarvestFest 2017:

November 4, 2017
6:30 p.m. – ?
Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ
620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield

$15 per person in advance, $20 at the door

Proceeds will benefit Ivy Chapel programs.

Looking for a ticket? Have an auction item to donate? Drop us a line or call 314-434-4991 and we’ll set you up.

Thank you… and see you there.

Want to help promote HarvestFest? Use these flyers and invitations to spread the word.

Spaghetti Dinner, Feb. 26

What are you doing Feb. 26, from 4 to 7:30 p.m.?

You could be enjoying delicious pasta and great company at Ivy Chapel! We’re located at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield.

Proceeds will support Ivy Chapel community outreach programs.

With your contribution of $8.00 for adult ($4.00 for children) you’ll get a heaping plate of Spaghetti, bowl of salad, dessert, and a beverage.

Babysitting is provided.

Help spread the word! Download this flyer and send it to your friends!

Need more details? Drop us a line, and we’ll fill you in.

Thanks for a great VBS!

It was another great year for Ivy Chapel’s Vacation Bible School… Thanks to the volunteers (and the students!) who made it possible. Watch this space for pictures, and check with us throughout the year for more on our youth and family-oriented activities. Want to know more? Just contact us.