August 15 Livestream – Seek Peace

Whatever brings you here today, we hope you find the peace you seek within our four walls, real or virtual.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises!
All: God in Christ Jesus has set us all free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

*HYMN – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #437

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
   E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
   Still all my song shall be,
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
2. Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
   Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
   Yet in my dreams I’d be
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
3. There let the way appear steps unto heav’n;
   All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n;
   Angels to beckon me
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
4. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
   Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
   So by my woes to be
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
5. Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,
   Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,
   Still all my song shall be
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ invests us with strength the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt. God of all nations and all people; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and peace, empower our witness. Dear God, you reveal what true mightiness is! Fill the lives of all your children with joy and love today. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bless the Lord, O My Soul – #85

Bless the Lord, o my soul;
Bless the Lord, o my soul;
And all that is within me,
Bless His holy name

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

HYMN – Here I Am, Lord – worship booklet, pp. 46-47

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

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

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

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

3. I, the Lord of wind and flame,
   I will tend the poor and lame.
   I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
   Finest bread I will provide
   Til their hearts be satisfied.
   I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

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

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:9-15, 17-18, 22

SPECIAL MUSIC – Let There Be Peace on Earth – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 6:41-44, 47-58 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Every Time I Feel the Spirit – worship booklet, p. 39

Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

1. Upon the mountain my God spoke,
   Out of God’s mouth came fire and smoke,
   Looked all around me; looked so fine;
   I asked my God if all were mine.

Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

Oh, Jordan river, chilly and cold,
It chills the body, not the soul.
There’s only one train on this track;
It runs to heaven, then right back.

Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

August 8 Livestream – Community

Today we are happy to welcome Darlene Sowell, President and CEO of Unleashing Potential, to our community. Unleashing Potential is one of the oldest nonprofits working on early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment programs to bring out the best in St. Louis’ children.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, worship our God who moves us to serve.
All: We owe everything we have to God.
One: Come, worship Christ Jesus who is our all in all.
All: We worship our Savior with all that we are.

*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289

1. We come, O Christ, to You,
   True Son of God and man,
   By Whom all things con-sist, In Whom all life be-gan:
   In You a-lone
   We live and move, and have our be-ing in Your love.
2. You are the Way to God,
   Your blood our ran-som paid;
   In You we face our Judge And Mak-er un-a-fraid.
   Be-fore the throne
   Ab-solved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s de-mand.
3. You are the liv-ing Truth!
   All wis-dom dwells in You,
   The Source of ev-ery skill, The One E-ter-nal True!
   O great I AM!
   In You we rest, Sure an-swer to our ev-ery quest.
4. You on-ly are true Life,
   To know You is to live
   The more a-bun-dant life That earth can nev-er give:
   O ris-en Lord!
   We live in You, in us each day Your life re-new!
5. We wor-ship You, Lord Christ,
   Our Sav-ior and our King,
   To You our youth and strength A-dor-ing-ly we bring:
   So fill our hearts,
   That all may view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of amazing power and almighty love, breathe on us. Long ago, on the evening of your Resurrection, you came to your followers and you breathed on them, Jesus. This day, may we realize that you are among us – risen, alive, and offering us your blessing. Each one of your disciples is a human being striving to love, to serve and to give as fully as you do. Christ Jesus, your wounds reveal there is no limit to your love. Help us to perceive that you are here and that you are God. Before any of us entered this sanctuary, Jesus, you already were here! Astonishing! Breathe new life into us and renew our spirits this morning, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bind Us Together – #130
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.
There is on-ly one God;
There is on-ly one King.
There is on-ly one bod-y,
That is why we sing:
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:1-8

HYMN – I Sing a Song of the Saints of God – worship booklet, pp. 52-53

1. I sing a song of the saints of God,
   Pa-tient and brave and true,
   Who toiled and fought and lived and died
   For the Lord they loved and knew.
   And one was a doc-tor, and one was a queen,
   And one was a shep-herd-ess on the green;
   They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
   God help-ing, to be one too
2. They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
   And his love made them strong;
   And they fol-lowed the right for Je-sus sake,
   The whole of their good lives longs.
   And one was a sol-dier, and one was a priest,
   And one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
   And there’s not an-y rea-son, no, not the least,
   Why I shouldn’t be one too
3. They lived not on-ly in a-ges past;
   There are hun-dreds of thou-sands still.
   The world is bright with the joy-ous saints
   Who love to do Je-sus’ will.
   You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
   In church, by the sea, in the house next door;
   They are saints of God, wheth’er rich or poor,
   And I mean to be one too.

MISSION MOMENT – Unleashing Potential – Darlene Sowell, President and CEO

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. Lawrence) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 4:14-16, 25-5:2 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – To Be God’s People – #121

Al-might-y Fa-ther give us a vis-ion
Of a dy-ing world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearn-ing for a Sav-ior,
In Je-sus’ name, grant this our prayer

Refrain:
To be God’s peo-ple in this place,
Live His good-ness, share His grace,
Pro-claim God’s mer-cy thru His Son,
Be His love to ev-ery-one.

And when we fal-ter be Thou our com-fort;
Guide us as Your chil-dren that our lives may be
A bea-con in this dark-ness that sur-rounds us,
A light that oth-ers then may see.

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

July 25 Livestream – God’s Abundant Presence!

With God, anything is possible! Join us and hear how God’s abundant presence can have meaning in your life.

This week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
All: O sing a new song; for God has done marvelous things!
One: Sing God’s praises!
All: We rejoice! Christ is our Guide and our Savior!
One: Let’s praise God with our words, our actions, our whole lives.
All: Let’s start by singing together!

*HYMN – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – #17

1. Great is Thy faith-ful-ness, O God my Fa-ther,
   There is no shad-ow of turn-ing with Thee;
   Thou chang-est not, Thy com-pas-sions they fail not;
   As Thou hast been Thou for-ev-er wilt be.

Refrain
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness!
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness!
Morn-ing by morn-ing new mer-cies I see;
All I have need-ed Thy hand hath pro-vid-ed
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness, Lord, un-to me!

2. Sum-mer and win-ter, and springtime and har-vest,
   Sun, moon and stars in their cours-es a-bove
   Join with all na-ture in man-i-fold wit-ness
   To Thy great faith-ful-ness, mer-cy and love.

Refrain

3. Par-don for sin and a peace that en-dur-eth,
   Thy own dear pres-ence to cheer and to guide;
   Strength for to-day and bright hope for to-mor-row,
   Bless-ings all mine, with ten thou-sand be-side!

Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God, you are the Creator of the whole universe. In astonishing fashion, you carefully watch over everything that you make. We value all that we learn from you. May we continue growing to trust you more. Through your life, Christ Jesus; we see that you share your love with everyone. Each person is precious to you. May we respond by following your path – the way of self-giving love. Amen.

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

Give thanks with a grate-ful heart,
Give thanks to the Ho-ly One,
Give thanks be-cause He’s giv-en Je-sus Christ His Son
Give thanks with a grate-ful heart,
Give thanks to the Ho-ly One,
Give thanks be-cause He’s giv-en 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,”
Be-cause of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks, give thanks.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

HYMN – Be Not Afraid – worship booklet, pp. 30-31

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 145:10-18 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Everlasting – Colton Burton, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – John 6:1-21 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ – worship booklet, p. 64

1. Let us tal-ents and tongues em-ploy,
   Reach-ing out with a shout of joy:
   Bread is bro-ken, the win is poured,
   Christ is spo-ken and seen and heard.

Refrain:
Je-sus lives a-gain, earth can breathe a-gain,
Pass the Word a-round: loaves a-bound!
Je-sus lives a-gain, earth can breathe a-gain,
Pass the Word a-round: loaves a-bound!

2. Christ is a-ble to make us one,
   At his ta-ble he set the tone,
   Teach-ing peo-ple to live to bless,
   Love in word and in deed ex-press.

Refrain

3. Je-sus calls us in, sends us out
   Bear-ing fruit in a world of doubt,
   Gives us love to tell, bread to share:
   God (Im-man-u-el) ev-ery-where!

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

July 11 Livestream – Joy!

Today is the seventh Sunday after Pentecost.

Gather with us on this day with Joy as we thank God. Worship with us today on YouTube, and remember you are invited to be here in person next week.

July 11 Livestream – JOY!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Welcome to this house of prayer.
All: We are on holy ground.
One: The Church is God’s sanctuary where everyone is welcome.
All: All people are God’s guests here.
One: It is a blessing to join together in worship.
All: Let us praise God!

*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33

1. All crea-tures of our God and King,
   Lift up your voice and with us sing
   Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Thou burn-ing sun with gold-en beam,
   Thou silv-er moon with soft-er gleam,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
2. Thou rush-ing wind that art so strong,
   Ye clouds that sail in heav’n a-long,
   O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Thou ris-ing morn in praise re-joice,
   Ye lights of eve-ning, find a voice,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
3. Thou flow-ing wa-ter, pure and clear,
   Make mu-sic for thy Lord to hear,
   Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Thou fire so mas-ter-ful and bright,
   That giv-est man both warmth and light,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
4. And all ye men of ten-der heart,
   For-giv-ing others, take your part,
   O sing ye, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Ye who long pain and sor-row bear,
   Praise God and on Him cast your care,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
5. Let all things their Cre-a-tor bless,
   And wor-ship Him in hum-ble-ness,
   O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
   Praise, praise the Fa-ther, praise the Son,
   And praise the Spir-it, three in one,
   O praise Him, O praise Him
   Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
We gather to thank you, Gracious God. Hear our praises! Even in our darkest moments you surround us with a love which is stronger than all of our difficulties, doubts or fears. In worship together, we express our joys and our sorrows. Dear God, you share in all of our emotions, and we are deeply grateful for your genuine caring.
Living God, you are the One who makes us whole. Come to us now, that we may receive glimpses of your Realm Eternal, which is far larger and grander than the conventional focus of our narrow, daily concerns. In the blessed name of Jesus; we await your Word. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Seek Ye First – #615

Seek ye first the King-doom of God,
And his right-eous-ness.
And all these things should be add-ed un-to you!
Al-le-lu, al-le-lu ia!

*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – #13

1. Joy-ful, joy-ful, we a-dore Thee,
   God of glory, Lord of love;
   Hearts un-fold like flow’rs be-fore Thee,
   Open-in to the sun a-bove.
   Melt the clouds of sin and sad-ness;
   Drive the dark of doubt a-way;
   Giv-er of im-mor-tal glad-ness,
   Fill us with the light of day
2. All Thy works with joy sur-round Thee,
   Earth and heav’n re-flect Thy rays,
   Stars and an-gels sing a-round Thee,
   Cen-ter of un-bro-ken praise.
   Field and for-est, vale and mount-ain,
   Flow-dry mead-ow, flash-ing sea,
   Chant-ing bird and flow-ing fountain
   Call us to rejoice in Thee.
3. Thou art giv-ing and for-giv-ing,
   Ev-er bless-ing, ev-er blest,
   Well-spring of the joy of liv-ing,
   Oc-ean-depth of hap-py rest!
   Thou our Fa-ther, Christ our Bro-ther—
   All who live in love are Thine;
   Teach us how to love each oth-er,
   Lift us to the joy di-vine.
4. Mor-tals join the might-y cho-rus
   Which the morn-ing stars be-gan;
   Fa-ther love is reign-ing o’er us,
   Bro-ther love binds man to man.
   Ev-er sing-ing, march we on-ward,
   Vic-tors in the midst of strife;
   Joy-ful mu-sic leads us sun-ward
   In the tri-umph song of life.
   
   CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
   
   GOD’S WORD – Psalm 48 – Pastor Dan
   
   SPECIAL MUSIC – God of Wonders (Hindalong) – Sarah Wilson, Trumpet
   
   GOD’S WORD – Mark 6:1-13 – Pastor Dan
   
   SERMON – Pastor Dan PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Lord of the Dance – worship booklet, pp. 66-67

1. I danced in the morn-ing when the world was be-gun,
   And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
   And I came down from heav-en and I danced on the earth.
   At Beth-le-hem I had my birth.

Refrain:
Dance, then, wher-ev-er you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wher-ev-er you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

2. I danced for the scribe and the Phar-i-see,
   But they would not dance and they would not foll-ow me;
   I danced for the fish-er-men, for James and John;
   They came to me and the dance went on.

Refrain

3. I danced on the sab-bath when I cured the lame,
   The ho-ly peo-ple said it was a shame;
   They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
   And they left me there on a cross to die.

Refrain

4. I danced on a Fri-day and the sky turned black;
   It’s hard to dance with the de-vil on your back;
   They bur-ied my bo-dy and they thought I’d gone
   But I am the dance and I still go on.

Refrain

5. They cut me down and I leapt up high,
   I am the life that’ll ne-ver, ne-ver die;
   I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
   I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.

Refrain
`
*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE

CCLI License #456361

June 6 Virtual Worship – The Will of God

Are you ready and willing to fulfill the will of God? Join us as we hear Jesus’ words as we look for guidance and direction from our Creator.

June 6 Virtual Worship – T h e W i l l o f G o d

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Praise God, who fills hearts with joy!
All: Glory be to God!
One: Praise God, who fills the future with promise.
All: O give thanks to God; for God’s steadfast love endures forever!

*HYMN – All Things Bright and Beautiful – #65

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

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of steadfast love, we long for a clear understanding of your will. Our hearts seek you. Our ears listen closely for your voice. Guide us. May this time of worship draw us to you, Christ Jesus – blessing us with a sense of direction for our lives as vital parts of your whole Church. Renew us from within, we pray; so that nothing we face will frighten or discourage us. With amazement, we marvel at the splendor of your works, Creator God! Fill us with an ever-growing love for you. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; Open the eyes of my heart.
I want to see You, I want to see You, I want to see You.
Open the eyes of my heart, Lord; Open the eyes of my heart.
I want to see You, I want to see You.

To see you high and lifted up, Shining in the light of Your glory.
Pour out Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy.

REPEAT

Holy, Holy, Holy,
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Holy, Holy, Holy,
I want to see You.

REPEAT

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 130 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster

SPECIAL MUSIC – By His Grace (Tornquist) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Mark 3:20-35 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*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.

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
One: Jesus Christ invites, “As you eat this bread, remember me.”
All: Through the broken bread, we remember the sacrifice of Christ.
One: Jesus Christ invites, “As you drink this cup, remember me.”
All: Through the communion cup, we remember the love of Christ.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God. Our Savior welcomes everyone to this table!

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133

1. 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.
2. 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 dare to see another’s point of view.
   And when relationships demand commitment,
   Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.
3. Your kingdom come around and thru and in me,
   Your pow’r and glory, let them shine thru 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 thru me.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

May 30 Virtual Worship – Trinity Sunday

A Blessed Memorial Day Weekend to you.

Click here to join us for virtual worship, starting around 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Here’s today’s order for worship:

Mysterious Encounter
Trinity Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. A blessed Memorial Day Weekend to all.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Abby Foehrkolb

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Be joyful! God is within us and among us.
All: God is watching over all creation.
One: God listens, and God responds.
All: God raises us up on eagles’ wings! Praise God!

*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Faithful and Loving God, you are beyond all that we can imagine. There simply are no human words that can fully describe you. We know you best as Jesus of Nazareth who offered genuine love to everyone. As Jesus, you call for our rebirth as your children, cleansed by water and the Spirit. This morning, we worship you in fulfillment of the vows made at our baptism. We want to be faithful as you are faithful. Strengthen us to live in ways that honor and please you, Holy God. May we serve you by living out the ministries which you give us to do. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Gloria Patri– #620

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 29:1-4 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – America – arr. C. E. Walz – Abby Foehrkolb, Piano

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 6:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – To God Be the Glory – #79

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.

REFRAIN

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro’ Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
   To every believer the promise of God;
   The vilest offender who truly believes,
   That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

REFRAIN

3. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
   And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus the Son;
   But purser, and higher, and greater will be
   Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

REFRAIN

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Abby Foehrkolb

May 9 Livestream – “I have called you friends”

“I have called you friends,” Jesus says in today’s reading. Continue to hear Jesus’ words as He shares his love with us.

Special blessings this day to all of the mothers in this world.

“I have called you friends,” says Jesus.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Let us gather in the Spirit of Christ.
All: We come in response to the One who calls us ‘friends’
One: Remember God’s love and faithfulness.
All: Let our hands reflect the life of our serving Savior.
One: Let our voices echo God’s praises!
All: Together, let us sing of God who is doing marvelous things!

HYMN – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

My Jesus, My Savior, Lord, there is none like You;
All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love.
My comfort, my Shelter, Tower of refuge and strength;
Let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
at the sound Your name.

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands,
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand;
Nothing compares to the promos I have in You.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Faithful God, we worship you with joy! Even in the toughest times, your love holds us up. You bless all people. God of grace, you are the One who empowers us to care for one another with kindness. You watch over each one of your children throughout our lives. You have watched over us in the past. You are with each one of us now in the particular situations that we are facing.

Amazing God, we are grateful for your gifts. Come, Holy One, lift us. Raise us above taking so much for granted. Stir our voices to praise you out of sheer delight! Open our hearts to trust that you are leading us, especially in moments of difficulty or discouragement. In our doubts and in our fears, grant us your peace. Calm us. Reassure us that you are near. Christ Jesus, we rejoice that you are continuing to shape us into people who offer your grace and love to all. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me – #254

1. O how He loves you and Me, O how He loves you and me;
   He gave HIs life – what more could He give?
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!
2. Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for making to show;
   What He did there bro’t hope from despair;
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 98 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC – 10,000 Reasons – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 15:9-17 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – #162

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in Prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows ur every weakness, Take it to the Lord in Prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge – Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee! Take it to the Lord in prayer,
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

 CCLI License #456361

May 1 Virtual Worship – The True Vine

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Today we are reminded that Jesus is the “true vine.” His love and his spirit nourish our world, even to this day. And even though we can’t see Him, we are still all connected to Him.

Our service will be live around 10 a.m. (which, if you know Ivy Chapel, that could mean 10:05). Join us on YouTube.

If you are worshipping from home, please take a moment to gather the elements of communion so you can celebrate at Christ’s table with us.

WELCOME – Rev. Dan Wilson, Pastor

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come; let us worship God.
All: Let all people turn to God.
One: Come; let us re-claim our baptism.
All: Let our lives bear fruit that is pleasing to God.
One: Christ is the Vine.
All: We are the branches!

HYMN – Holy, Holy – #50

1. Holy, holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, Lord God almighty;
   And we lift our hears before You as a token of our love,
   Holy, holy, holy, holy.
2. Gracious Father, gracious Father, We’re so blest to be your children gracious Father;
   And we lift our heads before You as a token of our love,
   Gracious Father, gracious Father.
3. Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus, We’re so glad that you’ve redeemed us, precious Jesus.
   And we lift our hands before You as a token of our love,
   Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus.
4. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Come and fill our hearts anew, Holy Spirit;
   And we lift ur voice before You as a token of our love,
   Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.
5. Holy, holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, Lord God almighty;
   And we lift our hearts before ou as a token of our love,
   Holy, holy, holy, holy. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Wondrous God, we praise you as the Creator of all life! You are the One who creates and loves all people. May we seek to love everyone the way you do. You are the Vine. We are the branches.
   Faithful and Gracious God, come alive among us day by day. Come now; and fill our very souls with your unselfish, abundant love. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen. PRAISE RESPONSE – Holy Ground – #83

We are standing on holy ground, And I know that there are angels all around.
Let us praise Jesus now – We are standing in His presence on Holy ground.

GOD’S WORD – 1 John 4:7-21 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – Living Water of Life (Lantz) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 15:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265

1. 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,
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

2. Let us drink wine together on our knees.
   Let us drink wine together on our knees.

REFRAIN

3. Let us praise God together on our knees.
   Let us praise God together on our knees.

REFRAIN

THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you eat this bread, remember me.”
All: Through the broken bread, we participate in the Body of Christ.
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you drink this cup, remember me.”
All: Through the communion cup, we participate in the Blood of Christ.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God. Our Savior welcomes everyone to this table!

HYMN – We Will Glorify – #35

1. We will glorify the King of kings, We will glorify the Lamb;
   We will glorify the Lord of lords, who is the great I Am,
2. Lord Jehovah reign in majesty, we will bow before His Throne;
   We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.
3. He is For of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live;
   He is Lord above the universe, all praise to Him we give.
4. Hallelujah to the King of kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb;
   Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM.

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

April 25 Livestream – Enfolded By Love

Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

If you’re having trouble hearing the service, please double check both the volume on your device and on YouTube. These settings are independent. If you’re still having trouble, please let us know.

Enfolded By Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: The Good Shepherd invites us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given all that we possess.
All: God provides everything that we need. And more!
One: In every valley that we encounter – God is with us.
All: We are comforted and reassured.
One: God leads us on the path of life.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We receive from God in abundance.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

HYMN – Here, O My Lord, I See Thee – #259

1. Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
   Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
   Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
   And all my weariness upon Thee lean.
2. Here would I feed upon the bread of God;
   Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
   Here would I lay aside each earthly load,
   Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.
3. I have no help but Thine’ nor do I need
   Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
   It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
   My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.
4. Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
   Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
   Here is my Robe, my refuge, and my peace;
   Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.
   
   UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Good Shepherd, you have enabled us to gather this day for worship. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We praise you, O God, for your sacred gift of life! This morning, we pray that you will bless us with guidance for living as your people.
   Gentle Shepherd, you tirelessly watch over all your sheep. In turn, you ask us to care for one another in life-giving ways. Help us to grow in love that displays genuine caring and self-sacrifice. May we humbly accept the roles that you give us to fulfill, Dear God. Equip us for your service everywhere you lead us. Amen.
   
   PRAISE RESPONSE – Gentle Shepherd – #450

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us, For we need Your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to Who can help us face another day;
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – “Held” – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 10:11-18 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

1. O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
   let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
   O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
   will descend upon your life and make you whole.

REFRAIN
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.

2. O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
   lift your hands in sweet surrender to his name.
   O give him all your tears and sadness, give him all your years of pain
   and you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE Anna DiVesta

April 18 Livestream – Christ Among Us

C H R I S T A M O N G U S

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
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. God blesses us with life eternal.
All: Imagine all the possibilities for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked the earth.
All: Love was when God became human.
One: Jesus died on the Cross to bless all people with forgiveness and hope.
All: Jesus rose to walk with his disciples.
One: Christ is alive!
All: This very moment, God is walking with us!

HYMN – Morning Has Broken – #274

1. Morning has broken Like the first morning,
   Blackbird has spoken Like the first bird.
   Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
   Praise for them, springing Fresh from the Word!
2. Sweet the rain’s new fall Sunlit from heaven,
   Like the first dewfall On the first grass.
   Praise for the sweetness Of the wet garden,
   Sprung in completeness Where His feet pass.
3. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
   Born of the one light Eden saw Play!
   Praise with elation, Praise every morning,
   God’s recreation Of the new Day! UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Loving God, you graciously spread an Easter 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 – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like You.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God, Make it ever True;
Change my heart, O God, May I be like You.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 4 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – This Is Amazing Grace – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-44 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

1. 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.

2. 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

3. And then one day I’ll cross the river;
   I’ll fight ilifes’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 – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

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