March 3 – Third Sunday in Lent – Turning the Tables

The grace and love of Jesus Christ are God’s immeasurable gifts to all people. On the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate this love and remember God’s gift to us with communion. All are welcome at God’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: The heavens are telling of the glory of God!
All: Day and night, earth’s creatures announce God’s works!
One: All life proclaims God’s handiwork.
All: The law of God is perfect.
One: The decrees of God are sure.
All: The precepts of God are right.
One: The commandments of God are clear.
All: God is faithful. Let us praise God together!

*HYMN — A Mighty Fortress Is Our God — #1

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
And He must win the battle.
82ils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers no thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Wise and Powerful 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 your aspiring disciples, we are in the process of growing to recognize your Cross as the center. On the Cross, you displayed total unselfishness. You placed service to others above everything else. At Calvary, you went the distance for us. The truth is that your example scares us, Jesus. We are intimidated by what you soon may ask of us.Yet we long for wholeness which only you provide. Our longing for this is so deep that we continue seeking to follow you regardless of the risks.
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. We come to you, Christ Jesus. Make yourself known to us, we pray. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Have Come Into His House — #36

We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him,
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him,
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

GOD’S WORD — 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sun of My Soul

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

SERMON — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — One Bread, One Body — worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Believing the Table of Jesus Christ is open to all, we celebrate Open Communion.
All who desire to share in the Sacrament are welcome to receive the bread and the cup.

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

*HYMN — How Great Thou Art — #16
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow’r thro’out the universe displayed.

Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountains grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing.
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, go great Thou art. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Thou Art Worthy

November 5 – Partners in Christ’s Service

Our Totenfest observance in worship this morning is an expression of thanks to God for loved ones who have passed on to life eternal during the past year.

Today, we will also celebrate communion. If you are worshipping with us from home, please gather the elements before you begin so you may partake with us. All are welcome at Christ’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Shall We Gather at the River?

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Jn Wirtz
One: Come; marvel at the splendor of God.
All: This morning, God’s altar serves as a banquet table.
One: Come; accept your invitation.
All: Look, here’s a place card with your name on it!
One: Come; be a guest of the One who sets all people free.
All: All are welcome at the table of this Amazing Savior!

*HYMN – For All the Saints (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #548

For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness dread, their one true light.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Oh, may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jan Wirtz
God of grace, we struggle to trust you in all aspects of our lives. Mistakenly, we seek validation from impermanent, inadequate sources. We confess that we base our identity on human structures, plans, and schemes. We fail to be satisfied with the gifts and purposes which you are giving us.

Deliver us from our inability to depend on you, Faithful God. Lead us to appreciate the ways in which we are uniquely and wonderfully made. Help us to be in community with one another rather than in competition with one another. Guide us, so that we will perceive situations where we may offer your love and care. Move us to respond faithfully where there is real need; for then we truly will be living out your commandment to love our neighbors. Lead us to love you more than anyone or anything else. Renew a spirit of humility and peace within us, we pray. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim (Verse 1) – #74

Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim,
And publish abroad His wonderful name;
The name all-victorious of Jesus extol;
His kingdom is glorious, He rules over all.

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 23:1-12 – Jan Wirtz

TOTENFEST – Thanksgiving for Loved Ones

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

SPECIAL MUSIC – Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

GOD’S WORD – Joshua 3:1, 7-17 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Speak, Lord, in the Stillness – #157

Speak, Lord, in the stillness, While I wait on Thee;
Hushed my heart to listen In expectancy.

Speak, O blessèd Master, In this quiet hour;
Let me see Thy face, Lord, Feel Thy touch of power.

For the words Thou speakest, They are life indeed;
Living bread from heaven, Now my spirit freed!

All to Thee is yielded, I am not my own;
Blissful, glad surrender, I am Thine alone.

Fill me with the knowledge Of Thy glorious will’
All Thine own good pleasure In Thy child fulfill.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All people are invited to Christ’s Table. All who desire are welcome to receive the bread and the cup. The cups in the outer ring on the communion tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

*HYMN – O Jesus, I Have Promised – #466

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near:
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

O Jesus,Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be.
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Today’s featured Image by jcomp on Freepik

September 3 – Spirit-Led Living

Blessings to all people on this Labor Day weekend.

Today, as is our custom on the first Sunday of every month, we will celebrate open communion. All are welcome to join us at Christ’s table. If you are worshipping with us at home, please gather the elements before worship so you may partake with us.

Click here to view today’s worship on YouTube.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Jim French
One: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
All: God is alive in all creation!
One: Everything which is made by God reflects God’s goodness.
All: We gather to praise our Marvelous Creator!
One: This very day is a masterpiece being created by God!
All: Let us rejoice and worship God!

*HYMN – The Light of the World Is Jesus – #373

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Refrain:
Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

No need of the sunlight in Heaven we’re told;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
The Lamb is the Light in the city of gold,
The Light of the world is Jesus! Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jim French
God of love and mercy, you lavish life abundant on the world! We are grateful for all that you provide. May our gratitude come across as we joyously share your blessings with others.
God, you are always near. Your closeness is a blessing. Sensing that each moment you are close by fills us with joy! Each breath of life is a gift from you. Our every step, every word, every action can serve as an expression of your praise!
Jesus, you are our Risen Savior. Refine and soften our hearts to serve you fully. All this we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – We Have Come into His House – #36

We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him,
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him,
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Exodus 3:1-14 – Jim French

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

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD – Romans 12:9-18 & Matthew 16:21-28

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*COMMUNION HYMN – In the Garden – #267

I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known

He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing;
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing. [Refrain]

I’d stay in the garden with Him
Tho’ the night around me be falling;
But He bids me go; thro’ the voice of woe,
His voice to me is calling. [Refrain]

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table. The cups in the outer ring on each tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

*HYMN – We Are God’s People – #117

We are God’s people, the chosen of the Lord,
Born of His Spirit, established by His Word;
Our cornerstone is Christ alone, And strong in Him we stand:
O let us live transparently
And walk heart to heart and hand in hand.

We are God’s loved ones, the Bride of Christ our Lord,
For we have known it, the love of God outpoured;
Now let us learn how to return The gift of love once given:
O let us share each joy and care,
And live with a zeal that pleases Heaven.

We are the Body of which the Lord is Head,
Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead;
He wills us be a family, Diverse yet truly one:
O let us give our gifts to God,
And so shall His work on earth be done.

We are a Temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place,
Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace;
We die alone, for on its own Each ember loses fire:
Yet joined in one the flame burns on
To give warmth and light, and to inspire.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

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

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