December 18 – God with us

We are closer than ever to the Birth of Christ. Today, we celebrate with special music and light the fourth candle on the Advent Wreath, the Candle of Love.

Please join us in-person or online for our 5 p.m. Christmas Eve service, and at 10 a.m. Christmas Day for the celebration worship marking the Birth of Jesus.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – I Wonder As I Wander (John Jacob Niles) – Marsha Fix, Vocalist

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We come seeking a sign from God, the Creator of all life.
All: God heals those who are injured.
One: We come to worship God, the One who loves and takes cares of us.
All: God mends those who are broken.
One: We come to share in final preparations for the approaching celebration
of the birth of Christ.
All: Soon God’s Church will gather on the night our Dear Savior’s Birth.

*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1,2,3 and 4) – #186

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
Refrain:

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
Refrain:

O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heav’nly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain:

O come, Messiah, come again,
And rid the world of death and sin.
Return, thou risen Saviour and King,
That heav’n and earth at last may sing.
Rejoice, rejoice; Emanuel
Has come to thee, O Israel!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Inspired by Psalm 80
God of love – holy love, self-giving love, unconditional love, total love; we gather here now with gratitude for the ways your love lifts us up from the bleakest circumstances and into your marvelous light! We know of your goodness, and we are in awe of your acts of healing and mercy.
Emmanuel, you stir up this world through your unmatched strength and compassion. You help us recline and relax in green pastures. You lead us to refreshing shores beside still waters. You restore our souls.
Eternal Shepherd and Savior, we offer you our profound gratitude for your abundant blessings. Forever we will praise you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Emmanuel – #185

Emmanuel, Emmanuel
His name is called Emmanuel;

God with us, revealed in us;
His name is called Emmanuel.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 7:10-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – Rose of Sharon (Larson) – Ivy Chapel Vocal Ensemble

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 1:18-25

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – #191

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King:
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With th’angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain:
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King”

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel. [Refrain]

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Good Christian Friends, Rejoice – L. Smith

October 22 – JUST Worship

We rejoice at this opportunity to gather in God’s house. All people are welcome here!
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abounding grace.

Wherever we gather today, we are in God’s house! Our doors are open and you can join us in person at Ivy Chapel, or on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude on Abide with Me – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Morning has broken.
All: Let the heavens be glad!
One: Let the earth rejoice!
All: We are mysteriously drawn to worship by the unseen.
One: God’s wonders are alive everywhere.
All: Here on holy ground, we sense God’s closeness.
One: The Creator of all living things gives us life!
All: Together, let us sing God’s praises!

*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.

*OPENING PRAYER
Almighty God, you are our health and salvation. We give you thanks, Gracious God, for the multitude of ways that you bless our lives:
the beauty of your creation;
the love offered by other people;
the hope given by your promises;
the ‘free gift’ of new life;
the deliverance provided by your grace!
Come now, O Holy Spirit. Breathe on us anew, so that we may dream your dreams and embrace your vision for all that this world can be. Through this time of worship, draw us into a deeper relationship with you, Dear God. Bring us closer to you. Lead us to live with an ever-growing love for you and for your magnificent universe! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Grace Alone – Insert

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 84:1-7

SPECIAL MUSIC – 10,000 Reasons – Redman

GOD’S WORD – Luke 18:9-14

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above – #26

Praise the Lord who reigns above And keeps His courts below;
Praise the holy God of love, and all His greatness show.
Praise Him for His noble deeds, praise Him for His matchless pow’r;
Him from whom all good proceeds let earth and heaven adore.

Celebrate th’eternal God with harp and psaltery;
Timbrels soft and cymbals loud in His high praise agree.
Praise Him, ev’ry tuneful string; all the reach of heav’nly art,
All the pow’rs of music bring, the music of the heart.

Him, in whom they move and live, let ev’ry creature sing,
Glory to their Maker give, and homage to their King.
Hallowed be His name beneath, as in heav’n, on earth adored;
praise the Lord in ev’ry breath, let all things praise the Lord!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fughetta – Muffat

October 16 – Consecration Sunday

October 16 – Consecration Sunday

Let us rejoice and praise God! Following worship, we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day by enjoying refreshments and time together in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to join us.

The past 2 Sundays, we have been blessed by God through inspiring, soulful, personal messages from Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss and Jo Ann Moody. Praise God! Now, we venture further on this shared faith journey! By the grace of God, we voyage ahead together “From Bread and Cup Toward Faith and Giving.”

Join us at 10 a.m. in our beautiful sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, or on our YouTube Channel. This post will be updated with a link to the live worship once it begins.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Voluntary – Stanley

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: May we worship as our faithful ancestors worshiped
All: In awe of the spectacular signs and wonders
One: Done in the name of Jesus.
All: May our hearts and lives be patterned after the worthy example of Early Christian believers.
One: Having all things in common
All: Gathering in God’s holy temple
One: Receiving God’s gifts with complete joy!
All: Everyone together at one table. Sharing Bread and Cup. Growing in Faith and Giving. Praising God in all we do!

*HYMN – Give to the Winds Your Fears – #458

Give to the winds thy fears,
hope and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears;
God shall lift up thy head.

Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way;
wait thou His time, so shall this night
soon end in joyous day.

Still heavy is thy heart,
still sink thy spirits down?
Cast off the weight, let fear depart,
and ev’ry care be gone.

What though thou rulest not,
yet heav’n, and earth, and hell
proclaim, God sitteth on the throne,
and ruleth all things well.

Leave to His sov’reign sway
to choose and to command,
so shalt thou wond’ring own His way,
how wise, how strong His hand!

Far, far above thy thought
His counsel shall appear,
when fully He the work hath wrought,
that caused thy needless fear.

Thou seest our weakness, Lord,
our hearts are known to Thee;
O lift Thou up the sinking heart,
confirm the feeble knee.

Let us in life, in death,
Thy steadfast truth declare,
and publish with our latest breath
Thy love and guardian care.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Abundant God, we meet you in our wilderness places. Places of chaos, places ripe for transformation. This sacred space is where we receive your provision. We bring so little, a few songs, a bit of prayer, a simple meal, but they are made into an overflowing feast of worship. May we have faith that even a little, when given in your name and blessed by you, becomes more than enough. 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 – Tara Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 55:1-2

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

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Will Glorify – Paris/Hayes

GOD’S WORD
Luke 6:37-38
Luke 11:36-39, 41
Luke 12:48
Mark 12:17
Matthew 10:8

MESSAGE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – We Give Thee but Thine Own – #622

We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be;
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.

May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive
and gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee our first fruits give.

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
‘Always-Giving-Extra’ God, you extend to each of us a sacred invitation to become one of your disciples. What an amazing offer! ‘The Way that leads to Life’ can be narrow and difficult. Yet all things are possible with you.

We receive so much from you, Christ Jesus. You are the One who anoints us with ‘living water!’ Your very life is an example of climbing higher; going farther; giving extra; loving beyond limit! May we receive the breath of life that you give, and may we respond by giving with ‘joy beyond measure!’ Amen.

THE ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC during singing of the final hymn by placing your 2023 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket. Hallelujah! Praise God! (You may also mail your 2023 estimates to the church at 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. Please send us an email if you have questions.

*HYMN – Take My Life and Let It Be – #436

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue – Kerckhoven

October 9 – From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving

As we continue on our autumn stewardship voyage, may God lead us toward growing faith and giving! Special thanks to Jo Ann Moody for offering her personal faith testimony with us during today’s worship.

You can watch this week’s worship live at 10 a.m. on Sunday and past services on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Lied – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: A word of encouragement came from a prophet to God’s people:
All: “Live a life that is full – build, plant, eat, love, multiply –
One: Pray to God for the welfare of your whole community.
All: Keep God at the center of all that is.”
One: We enter into this sacred space filled with hope,
All: For something happens here
which reminds us that we can live as God desires.
One: We encounter God in this sanctuary.
All: Here we sense that God is close by and God is blessing us!

*HYMN – Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart – #111

Rejoice, O pure in heart,
rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
your festal banner wave on high,
the cross of Christ your King.

Refrain:
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
2 Bright youth and snow-crowned age,
both men and women, raise
on high your free, exulting song,
declare God’s wondrous praise. [Refrain]

3 Still lift your standard high,
still chanting as you go,
from youth to age, by night and day,
in gladness and in woe. [Refrain]

4 At last the march shall end;
the wearied ones shall rest,
the pilgrims reach their home at last,
Jerusalem the blest. [Refrain]

5 Praise God, who reigns on high,
the Lord whom we adore:
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
one God forevermore. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Still-Sculpting God, you are a Magnificent Artist! You are creating ever-new masterpieces, God! This morning, we gather to worship you, because you thrill us by inviting us to be your people.
O God, we marvel at your endless faithfulness. You send the world your Son; and you send your Spirit; and forever you will be sending blessings. You uplift and care for each of your children, Everlasting God.
May your extravagant generosity be displayed in our faith and giving. Lead us to keep climbing higher and to continue growing in your image – joyfully responding to all that you ask of us! Amen.

*RESPONSE – Lord, I Lift Your Name on High – worship booklet, p. 68

Lord, I lift your name on high:
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life;
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift Your name on high!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 90:1-2

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

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 4:1 & Philippians 2:4-11

SPECIAL MUSIC – Jesus, Name Above All Names with Oh, How I Love Jesus
– Hayes

RESPONSIVE READING – Psalm 139 – #631

MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN – In This Very Room – #125

In this very room, there’s quite enough love for all of us
And in this very room, there’s quite enough joy for all of us
And there’s quite enough hope
And quite enough power
To chase away any gloom
For Jesus, Lord Jesus
Is in this very room

In this very room, there’s quite enough love for all of us
And in this very room, there’s quite enough joy for all of us
And there’s quite enough hope
And quite enough power
To chase away any gloom
For Jesus, Lord Jesus
Is in this very room
Yes there’s quite enough hope
And quite enough power
To chase away any gloom
For Jesus, Lord Jesus
Is in this very room
In this very room
In this very room
In this very room

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue on the Kyrie – Couperin

Register Now: Blood Drive May 12

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, May 12 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Appointments are available for either whole blood donation or double red cell donation.  To schedule your appointment, please go to bloodcenterimpact.org  or contact Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 or swilsonsr9@gmail.com   There is great need at this time for blood donations.  Thank you for giving the gift of life!

Feb. 20 Livestream – What shall I do with my enemies?

Thank you, Bob Meinz, for serving as our worship musician today!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Amazing Grace – arr. Gordon Young

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: In Christ, God offers the whole world a marvelous invitation!
All: We are invited to walk in Christ’s footsteps.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God is our Refuge.
One: God hears our prayers, and God responds.
All: Let all the earth exalt God together!

*HYMN – In Christ There Is No East or West – #137
In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West;
In Him meet South and North.
All Christly souls are one in Him
throughout the whole wide earth.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of world-wide love, we gather to offer you our praises. You are fully alive in the world this day. Open our hearts to receive you. Free us to trust your call and to follow you, Blessed Savior. Fill us so completely with your grace that we bless even people who persecute us and love even people who seem to be our enemies. You are our Refuge, O God. May your Spirit stir within our souls, Christ Jesus, leading us to join you in ‘making all things new.’ Amen.

*HYMN – Be Still and Know – #24
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.
I am the Lord that heal-eth thee.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 37:1-4, 39-40 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart – arr. John Carter

GOD’S WORD – Luke 6:27-38 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133
I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to lavish Christ’s love on everyone!

*POSTLUDE – The Rejoicing – Charles Callahan

CCLI License #456361

January 16 Livestream – Extravagant Sign

We are thrilled to have you with us today. We invite you to watch the world with us, as hard is it may be, so we call all discover signs of God’s strength. Find joy today!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Night Communion – Hebble

CALLING ONE ANOTHER 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 sets all people free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides.
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

HYMN – Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart – #154

Spirit of God, descend upon 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 o-p’ning skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Hast Thou no 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 Thous 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 heav’n descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.

OPENING PRAYER
God of grace, we give thanks for your presence among us this morning. As we gather together this day to praise you, may your Spirit bring our worship alive! Come now, O Holy One. Speak to us through your Living Word. We pray in your blessed name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – #142

Where the Spirit of the lord is, There is peace;
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is love.
There is comfort in life’s darkest hour,
there is light and life; There is help and power
in the Spirit, in the Spirit of the Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 62:1-5 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – He Hideth My Soul – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – John 2:1-11 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – worship booklet,pp. 54-55

I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

I as there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell.

When you heard the wonder of the word I was there to cheer you on;
you were raised to praise the living God, ,to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun.

In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.

When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise.

I was there to hear your morning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
God sends us into the world to lavish Christ’s grace and love on everyone!

POSTLUDE – Frohlich soll mein Herze springe – Walacha

CCLI License #456361

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

March 7 YouTube Livestream – Turning the Tables

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

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

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

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

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

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

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

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

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

RESPONSE – Let the Words of My Mouth – #417

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

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

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP: GOD IS INVITING – Sue Wilson

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful

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

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – We Are the Reason – #245

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

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

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

July 19 Virtual Worship

Summertime greetings from Ivy Chapel! We continue to pray for healing and health. As you strive in your own way to make sense of the world, we hope you are able to find joy when you need it most.

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