Oct 8-Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!

Please join us here on Youtube.

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ 

We welcome a dear friend and sibling in Christ, Rev. Mary Albert, as our guest faith witness this morning!  Thank you, Mary, for offering your personal words of testimony in worship among us today.
Christ is leading this journey toward higher ground:  Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!

WELCOME 


PRELUDE -- Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP -- Jo Ann Moody 
One:  Look, do you see that?
All:  Jesus is in the midst of the people!
One:  Listen, do you hear that?
All:  Jesus is calling our names!
One:  Come, all who are lost and searching.
        Come, all who are sick and tired.              
        Come, all who are afraid and alone.
        Come, all who are ready for a change.
All:  The Holy One is here to heal and set us free!
One:  Let us worship God who gives us new life!

*HYMN -- Standing on the Promises -- #181 

Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]


*PRAYER OF INVOCATION -- Jo Ann Moody  
 O God, we come to worship today hoping for a sign, a glimpse of your presence, or a nudge in the right direction.  Meet us today where we are.     In our places of pain, meet us with comfort and healing.  In our apathy and resignation, meet us with hope and conviction.  And where we are stuck, open our eyes to see the path to new life.  This we pray, trusting in your presence and your power.  Amen.  


*PRAISE 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 8  -- Jo Ann Moody                                    


PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER-- Pastor Dan                    


SPECIAL MUSIC -He Leadeth Me                      


GOD’S WORD -- Luke 19:1-10 --  Rev. Mary Albert   


SERMON --  “My Journey to ‘Yes’!”    --  Rev. Mary Albert   


*HYMN -- Higher Ground -- #448

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev'ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]

 I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]


*BENEDICTION --  Rev. Mary Albert  


*POSTLUDE -- Every Time I Feel the Spirit    

CCLI License #456361  


                    

November 2 – Blood Drive at Ivy Chapel

Ivy Chapel is again hosting a Blood Drive with Impact Life on Thursday November 2, 2023 from 2- 6 pm.

Our organizer, Sue Wilson, said, “I was speaking with a friend the other day about the blood drive  Ivy Chapel UCC hosts twice a year. She works in a local hospital and said that last week 1 patient required 20 units of blood and another had used 18 units of blood and would probably require more. The hospital she works at was scrambling to obtain emergency blood supplies to meet the needs of these 2 patients.”

Blood supplies are again dangerously low and we need YOUR HELP!

Schedule your appointment here , or contact event coordinator, Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 for help setting up your appointment.

Thank you for choosing to give the gift of life!

July 30 — Weaving the Future

View today’s Worship Here

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. 
Can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person? 
You can join us online every week on our YouTube channel.”
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!

 WELCOME                                                

 PRELUDE --  Just As I Am            

*CALL TO WORSHIP    
One:  Christ is near.
All:  Will we welcome him?
One:  When God shows up, surprising things happen!
All:  Let’s open wide our hearts.
One:  Let’s put down our burdens.
All:  Let’s set aside our distractions.
One:  Let’s simply delight in Christ’s presence!
All:  Nothing is too wonderful for God!

*HYMN-- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10 
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters  thee under His wings, yea,  so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth? 

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here  daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.

 Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we  adore Him.
                                 
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
     O Spirit, who accompanies us and who helps us in all of our struggles; we call on you in prayer.  You truly are our health and salvation!  In this experience of being together, during this time set apart for gathering side by side in community; we are reminded of how closely connected we are.  For this blessing, we praise you, O God!  You know us completely.  Teach us and guide us to keep growing in our relationship with you, God.  Lead us to rely on your astonishing promises.  Fill us with your grace.  May our dreams and visions be your dreams and visions, Faithful God.  Amen.

*RESPONSE -- I Have Decided to Follow Jesus  #427
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

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.

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.

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

 GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 119:129-136

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE-- Diann Sheahan

 GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:26-39                              

 SPECIAL MUSIC  -- Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart   

 GOD’S WORD -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52                              

 SERMON   Pastor Dan               

 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN-- Here I Am, Lord  
I, the Lord of sea and sky I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I have made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Refrain:
Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,  If You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.  Whom shall I send?  Refrain

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?  Refrain                     

*BENEDICTION AND TABLE GRACE                                                    

*POSTLUDE --He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands  

July 23- Wheat and Weeds Together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! What a great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!

View today’s worship.

Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!

 WELCOME   
                                             
 PRELUDE   
          
*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                   
 One:  Come, sisters and brothers, everyone is welcome here!
 All:  God's people are many   –    of every land and every race; 
          of every age and every condition.
 One:  We gather to celebrate God's unbounded love.
 All:  God joins all people together into one community.  
                All people are God’s people!  Let us worship God together!

*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                                                          
        Living God, Maker and Caretaker of all life; the whole universe shouts with joy, praising you!  You have made us and we are yours.  We are blessed each time we are able to serve as your instruments.
        You fill the world with stunning beauty.  We are blown away by your artistry and your power, God.  The most exquisite works on earth shout your praises. 
        What a Kind and Gracious Savior you are!  Thank you, God, for gathering us today.  We are ready for action.  Teach us your ways, and lead us in living them!  Amen. 
  

*PRAISE RESPONSE  -- El Shaddai   -- #18 
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
  
 GOD’S WORD                               Psalm 86:11-17      
                            
 SPECIAL MUSIC                                                                                                        
 GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

 SERMON -- Pastor Dan        
       
 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN -- Hymn of Promise   -- #277 
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

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

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                              

March 6 Livestream – 1st Sunday of Lent – Wilderness

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We’d like to thank Sarah Bereza for serving as our worship musician today. A reminder that we will be celebrating communion today, so be sure to gather the elements before worship begins so you can share in the experience with us.

A reminder to contribute to this year’s Lenten offering to benefit area children in need. https://www.ivychapel.org/2022/02/28/help-area-children-lenten-offering/

WELCOME

PRELUDE – My Faith Looks Up to Thee– arr. Mark C. Jones

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: We have come to worship God.
All: Living God blesses people with limits and boundaries, with free will and choices.
One: This week, we have entered a new season.
All: As God’s Church, we have set out on a fresh, Lenten journey.
One: Today, we remember some of the temptations Jesus faced.
All: May the way Jesus conquered all temptations be our guide for
responding faithfully in our own personal wildernesses.
One: May this time of worship serve as an oasis in our desert wilderness.
All: Let us rely on God’s strength in all situations.

*HYMN – My Faith Looks Up to Thee – #462
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love to Thee Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

*OPENING PRAYER
Life-Saving God; above all, you are our heart’s desire. You alone make our spirits soar. You have enabled us to break free from an exacting and exhausting world to come into your sanctuary.
Breathe new life into us, Faithful and Loving God. Bless us, we pray, with eyes to see earthly demands for what they truly are. Teach us. Change us. Lead us to love all people with your steadfast love, Jesus. By your grace and peace, empower our witness, Life-Saving God; for we long to serve you. Amen.

*RESPONSE – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you’re still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – arr. Michael Burkhardt

GOD’S WORD – Luke 4:1-13 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – I Need Thee Every Hour – #169
I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford

Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh

I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain

I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed son

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.

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

*HYMN – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480
I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE Toccata in B Minor – Eugène Gigout

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

June 28, 2020 Virtual Worship

This week’s hymns:

Psalm 89: I Will Sing of the Mercies

1. 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 I will 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.
2. All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise forever for the things he has done.
   All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise 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.

Help Us Accept Each Other

1. Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
   Teach us as sister, brother each person to embrace.
   Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe.
   We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.
2. Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life.
   We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
   Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some;
   To love them as we find them, or as they may become.
3. Let Your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved
   In living situations to do the truth in love;
   To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
   The table of forgiveness and Laughter’s healing art.
4. Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
   Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,
   We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on;
   Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!

CCLI License #456361

Eastertide Service from the Conference of Ministers

Thank you to the United Church of Christ Conference of Ministers for sharing this special worship.

If you would like to follow along, you click here to download the bulletin.

If you are unable to view the video, or would like to read along, click here to download the full transcript.

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

April 26 Virtual Worship

Of course we wish we could worship in person. However, we are blessed to be able to share this virtual experience with you.

Today’s scripture reading is Luke 24:13-35

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 h’eternal grace,

       And all my weariness upon Thee Lean.

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.

Shine, Jesus, Shine

Lord, the light of your love is shining

In the midst of the darkness, shining

Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us

Set us free by the truth you now bring us

Shine on me, shine on me

Shine, Jesus, shine

Fill this land with the Father’s glory

Blaze, Spirit, blaze

Set our hearts on fire

Flow, river, flow

Flood the nations with grace and mercy

Send forth your word

Lord, and let there be light

Lord, I come to your awesome presence

From the shadows into your radiance

By the blood I may enter your brightness

Search me, try me, consume all my darkness

Shine on me, shine on me

As we gaze on your kingly brightness

So our faces display your likeness

Ever changing from glory to glory

Mirrored here may our lives tell your story

Shine on me, shine on me

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