August 21 Livestream – The ABCs of Kindness

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Today we mark the beginning of the new school year with children in worship and a special children’s message. Whoever you are, you are welcome here! Today we come to worship together the God of kindness.

All are welcome to join us in Fellowship Hall to enjoy ice cream sundaes following worship.

You may also join us on YouTube or watch past weeks’ online worship services. Click here if you are having trouble accessing our online worship.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Suscepit Israel – Titelouze

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We may be parched with thirst, like an unwatered garden; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: God Most High refreshes us as a spring of living water.

One: We may be weary from worry or from work; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Holy One offers us Sabbath rest.

One: We may be lost or confused; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Eternal One offers us kindness.

One: We may be bent over with struggle or pain; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Healing One makes us well.

*HYMN – Draw Me Nearer – #412

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
(Refrain)

O, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!
(Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Kind-hearted God, we lift our praises to your sacred name. You truly care for every living being. Your goodness and mercy are remarkable! You never lose track of a single one of us. We are blessed that you are our God! Give us ears to hear the fresh word of power and grace that you speak this day. Soften our stubborn hearts and remove any barriers that keep us from serving you. Help us to continue becoming faithful imitators of you, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – This Is the Day – #84

This is the day, this is the day
that the Lord has made,
that the Lord has made;
we will rejoice,
we will rejoice and be glad in it,
and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day,
this is the day that the Lord has made.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster

*HYMN – There Is a Balm in Gilead – #141

Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work’s in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again.
Refrain

If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus
and say, “He died for all.”
Refrain

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 103:1-8 & Isaiah 58:1, 6-14

SPECIAL MUSIC – Wonderful Words of Life – Hamilton

GOD’S WORD – Luke 13:10-17

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy – #379

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea.
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner,
And more graces for the good.
There is mercy with the Savior,
There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader
Than the measures of the mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word,
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Ricercare on “St. Anne” – Young

July 31 – Soul

All are welcome to find peace in our sanctuary. If you are unable to join us in person, we will be livestreaming worship. You can view past worship services on our YouTube channel. We will post the direct link to the service on Sunday morning.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Gigue – D. Wagner

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God alone is our strength and shield.
All: God does not always come as earthquake, wind or fire.
One: Sometimes, God is revealed in moments of silence.
All: In quiet expectation, we have entered this sanctuary.
One: This is a place of healing and joy.
All: As our souls thirst for Living Water, we long to worship God.

*HYMN – As the Deer Pants for the Water – worship booklet, p. 26

As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You

Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You!

I want you more than gold or silver,
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
Chorus

You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything!
Chorus

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Eternal God, you are Companion of all who seek you, and Seeker of all who turn away from you. With complete trust in you, we come to you. Draw near to us now. Renew us during this time of worship. May we live as you live within us–faithfully, joyfully, and abundantly!
Ever-present God, your Word teaches us to cast our cares on you, since we realize that you care for us. Guide each of us as we continue serving you by joyously offering your love and compassion to all people. We pray in your holy name, Jesus. 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.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 107:1-9

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Hosea 11:1-11

SPECIAL MUSIC – Count Your Blessings – Torrans

GOD’S WORD – Luke 12:13-21

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace, my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought us safe thus far,
And Grace will lead us home.

When we’ve been there then thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Deposuit Potentes – Titelouze

Join us for in-person worship July 24

This coming Sunday, July 24, we will not be live streaming worship at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. You are welcome to join us for worship in our spacious sanctuary located at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield. Worship begins at 10 a.m.

We hope to be back online next Sunday, July 31.

If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with our worship team.

July 17 Livestream – Word and Work

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Today, God brings us together to find strength, hope and joy in His love. We are glad you could join us on this journey.

Join us for online worship on our YouTube page or in person in our sun-fulled sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, MO.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Reflection – D. Wagner

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us gather in spirit and truth to worship the Holy One.
All: We come as green olive trees, fragrant with life and vibrancy.
One: Let us praise God who reveals, who questions, and who listens.
All: We come as green olive trees, ripe with possibilities.
One: Let us give thanks for God’s abiding and faithful love.
All: We come as green olive trees, proclaiming the goodness of God!

*HYMN – For the Beauty of the Earth – #64
For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies.
Refrain:
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour ,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Refrain

For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight,
Refrain

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent child,
Friends on earth and and friends above,
For all gentle, thoughts and mild,
Refrain

For each perfect gift of Thine
To our race so freely giv’n,
Graces human and divine,
Flow’rs of earth and buds of heav’n,
Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Rejuvenating God, you bring us hope when we are discouraged. You bring us peace when we are anxious. You bring us joy when we are least expecting it. We gather now to receive your gift of sabbath rest.
O Divine Gardener, we need your care and nurture. Fertilize our souls. Plant seeds of wisdom, sensitivity and vision! Prune us today for abundance tomorrow. Liberally water us with your steadfast love, so that we will bear good fruit.
Giver of Life and Growth, prepare us to answer your call to ministries of grace. Increase our compassion. Help us bear each other’s burdens. Bring new power and strength for action as partners in Christ’s service. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE– Thy Word – #178
Chorus:
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way,
Still You’re there right beside me.
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.
Please be near me to the end.

Chorus

I will not forget Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus be my guide and hold me to your side;
And I will love You to the end.

Chorus

GOD’S WORD – Genesis 18:1-10

SPECIAL MUSIC – People Need the Lord – Nelson/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 10:38-42

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Called as Partners in Christ’s Service – worship booklet, p. 32
Called as partners in Christ’s service
Called to ministries of grace
We respond with deep commitment
Fresh new lines of faith to trace
May we learn the art of sharing
Side by side and friend with friend
Equal partners in our caring
To fulfil God’s chosen end

Christ’s example Christ’s inspiring
Christ’s clear call to work and worth
Let us follow never faltering
Reconciling folk on earth
Men and women richer poorer
All God’s people young and old
Blending human skills together
Gracious gifts from God unfold

Thus new patterns for Christ’s mission
In a small or global sense
Help us bear each other’s burdens
Breaking down each wall or fence
Words of comfort words of vision
Words of challenge said with care
Bring new power and strength for action
Make us colleagues free and fair

So God grant us for tomorrow
Ways to order human life
That surround each person’s sorrow
With a calm that conquers strife
Make us partners in our living
Our compassion to increase
Messengers of faith thus giving
Hope and confidence and peace

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – The Heavens Declare – Marcello

Reach out to us anytime with questions or comments.

July 10 Livestream – Caring Neighbors

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC! God loves all people. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. We are all neighbors on this journey together.

We are thrilled to have you with us. You may join us any Sunday at 10 a.m. as we gather in our sanctuary, or for virtual worship on YouTube.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude – J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: This is the day the Lord has made!
All: We rejoice, for God is awesome!
One: God made the very foundations of the earth!
All: God’s power is beyond human understanding!
One: We do know this – God’s love and mercy are eternal gifts.
All: Praise God for all of life’s blessings!

*HYMN – All Things Bright and Beautiful – #65

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
And 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. 

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

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky. 

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

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden:
He made them, every one. 

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

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

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

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all; you are among us as we celebrate this morning! We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to worship you.
We praise you, God, as the One who gathers people and who shapes us into communities of faith. Thanks to you, human hearts are filled with hope and joy. Here, in your sanctuary, we are at home. As we worship, you reassure us that wherever we are, you are with us.
Life leads us in many directions and to many different places. We are blessed that you are with us in all situations. We can always be ourselves with you; for you are a Genuine and Loving God.
During this worship, God, we ask that you draw us away from all earthly concerns and free us to exalt you. No one can compare with you. There is no God other than you. Your Living Water cleanses, and your Living Word heals. Come, Christ Jesus; wash over us. Speak to us, and bless us with ears to hear your voice. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – The Bond of Love (Verses 1 and 2) – #123We are one in the bond of love
We are one in the bond of love
We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God
We are one in the bond of love

Let us sing now, ev’ry one,
Let us feel His love begun;
Let us join our hand that the world will know
We are one in the bond of love

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 25:1-10

*HYMN – Lonely Voices – #526

Lonely voices crying in the city,
Lonely voices sounding like a child.
Lonely voices come from busy people,
Too disturbed to stop a little while.
Lonely voices fill my dreams,
Lonely voices haunt my memory.

Lonely faces looking for the sunrise,
Just to find another busy day.
Lonely faces all around the city,
Though afraid, they’re too ashamed to pray.
Lonely faces do I see,
Lonely faces haunt my memory.

Lonely eyes, I see them in the subway,
Burdened by the worries of the day;
Lives of leisure, yet they’re so unhappy,
Tired of foolish roles they try to play.
Lonely people do I see,
Lonely people haunt my memory.

Abundant life Christ came to truly give man,
But so few His gift of grace receive.
Lonely people live in every city,
Those who face a dark and lonely grave.
Lonely faces do I see,
Lonely voices calling out to me.

GOD’S WORD – Colossians 1:1-14

SPECIAL MUSIC – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – arr. Tornquist

GOD’S WORD – Luke 10:25-37

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – To Be God’s People – #121

Almighty Father give us a vision of a dying world that needs Your love and care
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior,
In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer

Refrain:
To be God’s people in this place, live His goodness, share His grace
Proclaim God’s mercy through His Son
be His love, to every one

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort. Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us
A light that others may see.

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Oh, Be Joyful in the Lord – Wolford

June 26 Livestream – Picking Up

God loves all people. No one is a stranger to God. Today, God is blessing the whole world with a sacred day of life! Let us worship God together!

Join us in person or on our YouTube channel. We’ll share a direct link to the service once worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Chorale Prelude – D. Wagner

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Shall those in need take refuge in God?
All: Yes! God answers all who call on God. Hope in God.
One: Where is God? Will those who seek find God?
All: Yes! All people live in God’s presence. Watch for God.
One: Is God alive among us?
All: Yes! God’s voice speaks – many times in unexpected ways. Listen closely, for God is still speaking,…

*HYMN – Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above – #45

Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation;
with healing balm my soul he fills,
and every faithless murmur stills:
o God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made,
his gracious mercy keepeth;
by morning glow or evening shade
his watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of his might,
lo! all is just and all is right:
to God all praise and glory

The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing
An ever present help and stay
Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His one, HIs chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Then all my gladsome way along
I sing aloud thy praises,
that men may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises:
be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part!
To God all praise and glory.

*CALLING TO GOD IN PRAYER
We call to you, Everlasting God. You are the One who calls disciples; and this day we call to you: Come now, O Holy One; Living God.
Come alive, Creator God. Breathe life within us and within all creation! O God, you are the Potter, and we are the clay. Shape and fashion us into vessels of true grace. Smooth our rough edges into your beautiful design, and then fire us into pottery blessed for serving in your name. May you be our strength, God Most High. Shape our lives for offering care and healing to others. Receive our prayers, the spoken and the unspoken; and bring your Word to life through our lives. All this we pray, in your sacred name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Give Thanks – worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks, give thanks.

GOD’S WORD – 2 Kings 2:1-2, 4, 6-15 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – 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.

GOD’S WORD – Galatians 5:1, 13-25 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 9:51-62 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Help Us Accept Each Other – #127

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.

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.

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.

Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and for bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!

*GOD SENDS US INTO THE WORLD – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Exultation – Cassler

Things to do: June 25 BBQ Fundraiser

Do you have big plans this weekend? Meet your friends and family at Ivy Chapel for our big BBQ Fundraiser, held right here at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield between 4 and 7 p.m.

We are planning to offer meals carry-out style, which can be eaten on-site at the church pavilion (limited seating) or outside in the parking lot (bring your own lawn chair), or taken to go.  

Menu options include a choice of hamburger or bratwurst with two sides and a dessert for $10 or hot dog with one side a dessert for $5.  

We hope we’ll see you–and your friends–there!

June 12 Livestream – Trinity Sunday

Thank you for joining us on this Trinity Sunday. Today, we celebrate the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Christian tradition, Trinity Sunday calls us to acknowledge both the breadth of our experience with God, and the limitations of our knowledge. We can’t possibly understand the scale of His creation, and we are forever in awe of His glory.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Zachow

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God delights in life!
All: Let us rejoice before the majesty of our Creator!
One: Through Christ, we are inspired to hope.
All: We gladly enter this house of worship.
One: God’s mercy is ever-flowing.
All: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of life and of hope and of all things good!
One: Let us listen closely for God, so that we may hear and do what is faithful.
All: Let us open our hearts now to the astonishing Word of God.

*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God our Potter, God who becomes clay, God who shapes us in the fire; we are made new in your presence. We come seeking your wisdom, crying out our concerns, needing your steadfast love. May this worship time serve as a time that continues shaping us into a faith community who loves you above all, Dear God. Let our character reflect your goodness and grace. May we live in awe of your glory and humbled by your nearness. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – How Majestic Is Your Name – #9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 8 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Romans 5:1-5 –Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Road Home – Martin

GOD’S WORD – John 16:12-15 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*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 – Trumpet Tune – D. Wagner

June 5 Livestream – Pentecost

Today is Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers who were celebrating the Festival of Weeks in Jerusalem. It is often celebrated as the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world.

You may join us at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, or online via YouTube.

PRELUDE – Rock of Ages – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Receive with joy God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.
All: The winds of God are blowing among us.
One: How amazing is the power of God!
All: The breath of God fills people with life and hope!
One: God calls us to be dreamers and prophets.
All: Christ offers us a vision of a world overflowing with God’s grace.

*HYMN – Sweet, Sweet Spirit – #153

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

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

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

If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you’re weak, you’re bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You’ll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of wind and fire; we are grateful to you for this day, and we are thrilled to be here for worship. We are filled with joy by what we are about to celebrate.
God, you are “Mystery” with a capital “M.” You are the Creator, who gives life to all living things. You are the Christ, who loves us so deeply that you give your life for us. You are the Spirit, who ages ago moved over the waters of creation; and who forever stirs in each human heart and soul.
You are the Author and the Master of all holy mysteries. Lead us to respond faithfully as you call us into ever-new beginnings. Guide us on this life-long journey toward hope, wonder and amazement. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Spirit of the Living God – #150

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 104:24-34, 35b – Pastor Dan

MISSION MOMENT – Our Church’s Wider Mission – Bill Biedenstein, Missouri Mid-South Conference, UCC

GOD’S WORD – Romans 8:14-17 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – I’m Bound for the Kingdom – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – Acts 2:1-21 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265

Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.

Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord have mercy on me.

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

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

*HYMN – Breathe on Me, Breath of God – #139

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Recessional – Wolford

May 1 Livestream – The Way Forward

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. With astonishment, we discover that we are walking with Christ our Risen Savior! Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall after worship for the Plant Sale and refreshments.

Join us in person in our open and welcoming church at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield at 10 a.m. Sundays. Our services are also streamed live each week on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fughetta – J. K. F.

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice in earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities for life with God!
One: We are blessed.
All: Christ is alive!
One: God enables us to follow Christ.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Faithful Raise the Strain – #273
Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness,
loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke
Jacob’s sons and daughters,
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.
See the spring of souls today;
Christ has burst his prison,
and from three days’ sleep in death
as a sun hath risen;
all the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from his light, to whom we give
laud and praise undying.
Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendor,
with the royal feast of feasts,
comes its joy to render;
comes to gladden faithful hearts
which with true affection
welcome in unwearied strains
Jesus’ resurrection!
For today among his own
Christ appeared, bestowing
blessed peace, which evermore
passes human knowing.
Neither could the gates of death
nor the tomb’s dark portal
nor the watchers nor the seal
hold him as a mortal.
“Alleluia!” Now we cry
to our King immortal,
who, triumphant, burst the bars
of the tomb’s dark portal.
Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness!

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Loving God, you graciously spread a Sacred Table for all people to enjoy! We offer you our praises today! Risen Savior, you fill us with life! Especially when no one else can, you raise our spirits. In your uplifting, renewing way, you fill souls with lasting joy!
As we now walk into the future, we hope you will join us on the road. Come near; and walk along with us. Open the scriptures to us; nourish us with the sweet honey of your Word. Open our eyes, that we may recognize the depth and the richness of your grace in everyday moments, such as
the meeting of eyes;
the sharing of a meal;
the crossing of paths;
and walking side by side.
Come alive among us now, Christ Jesus. It means so much to us that you are with your people in commonplace events and situations where we are ourselves. Thank you, Risen Savior, for loving us and for staying with us. Bless us with eyes and ears, hearts and souls to recognize you, Jesus! Be made known to us and through us, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart – worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his
Son. (Repeat)
And now let the weak say, “We are strong!”
Let the poor say, “We are rich
because of what the Lord has done for us!” (Repeat)
Give thanks.
Give thanks.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 30 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Church’s One Foundation – Wesley/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-35 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We rejoice to celebrate “Open Communion.”
All who desire are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at Christ’s Table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Refrain
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Refrain

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude, G Minor – J. S. Bach

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