What if… God’s Abundant Presence was EVERYWHERE?

August 7, 2024 by  
Filed under What If? blog

Ecumenical means promoting or relating to unity among the world’s Christian Churches.  The United Church of Christ, which was founded just under seventy years ago out of an ecumenical impulse following the second world war, is founded on the principle that working together, people of many faith traditions can achieve more justice than any one organization working alone.

Inspired by the story in John 6:1-21, in which one gift multiplies to feed an entire crowd, many UCC churches have gathered ecumenically with other organizations to create feeding programs inspired by the story of the loaves and fishes.


One of those is Pilgrim Church in Fond du Lac, WI.  Founded in 1982, Loaves and Fishes in Fond du Lac provides meals to approximately 150-200 local people twice a week.  Pilgrim church provides volunteers for quarterly meal preparation that includes donating and preparing food, set-up, serve, clean-up and distributing leftovers.  The numbers of families served continues to grow and the program’s website emphasizes its open and welcoming nature.  “Sometimes they may not be hungry for food but for companionship.  The lonely people are hungry too; we never judge.  This is everyone’s program.  It is ecumenical and covers all faiths.”

Another is St. Luke’s UCC in Jeffersonville, IN.  Loaves and Fishes in Jeffersonville is a weekly community meal in partnership with other local congregations and housed at St. Luke’s.  Every Saturday, groups volunteer to plan, prepare, serve and clean up a meal for individuals who might not otherwise have a hot meal that day.  Much more than a soup kitchen, Loaves and Fishes provides a sense of community and welcome to those who might not find welcome elsewhere.
Another Loaves and Fishes (this one called Fish and Loaves) program in Taylor, MI, counts St. Paul UCC in Taylor among its charter members.  Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a cooperative, non-sectarian, non-profit, faith based initiative seeking to insure adequate food and nutrition for all residents within several local communities: “client choice” pantry that allows individuals and families to “shop” on a monthly or bi-monthly basis for items they need, providing not only food but dignity to all they serve.

How will the story of the loaves and fishes inspire YOU?

UCC Sunday Bulletin Service

June 23 — In the boat together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! God loves all the people. Whoever you are, you’re welcome here. Let’s rejoice and worship God together!

Read this week’s blog post about the UCC’s 60th anniversary.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — It Is Well with My Soul

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We gather in amazement! We are here to worship the God of life.
All: Let’s open our hearts to the steadfast love God offers.
One: The fullness of God is beyond us.
All: Yet we do catch glimpses of God’s greatness.
One: God does not leave us alone when we are dismayed or scared.
All: God is a stronghold for all people at all times.

*HYMN — I Sing the Almighty Power of God — #6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that we can be,
Thou, God, art present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
We sing your praises, O God; for you are gracious to us in the course of so many storms. When enemies threaten, you give us the strength to take them on. God, you are the One who enables us to give to the winds our fears. Because of you, we can trust and be unafraid. You are a fantastic God who makes good on each one of your promises.
O Holy One, we have come to worship you this morning. May we listen closely for your voice, which we sometimes have difficulty to hearing. Like the wild and restless sea—may we be still; know that you are God. Calm our fears, Christ Jesus, as you did for the disciples on that stormy, rough sea. Fill us with courage, and bless us with faith to follow you by offering your peace to everyone. We pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE — 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 107:1-6, 23-32

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

GOD’S WORD — Mark 4:35-41

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Peace Like a River — #360

I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — He’s Got the Whole World (… the wind and the rain!) In His Hands

April 21 – Enfolded by Love

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me.”
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We are blessed that God has given another day of life!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Jesus Shall Reign

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The Good Shepherd accompanies us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given all that we have.
All: God provides us with everything that we need.

One: Every valley that we walk through; God comforts us.
All: Step by step, God is with us.
One: God leads us along God’s path of goodness and righteousness.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We receive abundantly from God.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

*HYMN — We Will Glorify — #35

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

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty
We will bow before His throne
We will worship Him in righteousness
We will worship Him alone

He is Lord of heaven Lord of earth
He is Lord of all who live
He is Lord above the universe
All praise to Him we give

Hallelujah to the King of kings
Hallelujah to the Lamb
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords
Who is the great I Am

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God our Maker, and Creator of all the earth; you have enabled us to gather this day in your sanctuary. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We marvel at the wholeness which you offer everyone. In worship, we receive guidance for living as your people.
Good 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 dare to take on the roles that you give us to fulfill, O God. Help us to be your loving disciples everywhere you lead us. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Are the Reason — #245

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

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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN — Hymn of Promise — #277

In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free

In the cold and snow of winter
There’s a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

There’s a song in every silence
Seeking word and melody
There’s a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me

From the past will come the future
What it holds, a mystery
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

In our end is our beginning
In our time, infinity
In our doubt, there is believing
In our life, eternity
In our death, a resurrection
At the last, a victory

Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 23

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sheep May Safely Graze — J. S. Bach

GOD’S WORD — John 10:11-18

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Lift High the Cross — #523

(Refrain)
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred name
.

Come, brethren, follow where our Saviour trod,
Our King victorious, Christ the Son of God.
(Refrain)

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.
(Refrain)

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious Tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw men unto Thee.
(Refrain)

Set up Thy throne, that earth’s despair may cease
Beneath the shadow of its healing peace.
(Refrain)

For Thy blest Cross which doth for all atone,
Creation’s praises rise before Thy Throne.
(Refrain)

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Lift High the Cross

Feb 18 – God’s Loving Paths

WELCOME

PRELUDE– Spirit of the Living God

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God has blessed us with the gift of this precious morning.
All: This blessing raises our spirits!
One: Today, we praise our Ever-Faithful God.
All: This week, we have entered into a new season.
One: Our 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day has begun.
All: As we navigate this wilderness, Eternal God is our compass.
One: Let us return to God our Savior.
All: God will put a new and right spirit within us.

*HYMN–My Faith Looks Up to Thee –#462

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

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Quiet Strength, we cannot resist evil completely by ourselves. Earthly temptations are around us everywhere. How can we deal with these temptations? We rely on you for help, Great God. You are always present; living among us; living within us. We are deeply grateful to be in your care.
God of Quiet Strength, help us to be still before you – – putting aside our cares and our distresses. In the stillness and in the beauty of this morning, may we be reminded that you are God. You repeatedly invite us to follow you. So then, Christ Jesus; come now, and fill us with the faith to receive your remarkable gift of life eternal. Amen.

*RESPONSE –Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord — #424

Teach me Thy way, O Lord; teach me thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford; teach me thy way!
Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light; teach me Thy way!

When I am sad at heart, teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, in times of dire distress,
In failure or success, teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way!
When storms o’erspread the skies, teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, thro’ sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, teach me Thy way!

GOD’S WORD— Psalm 25:1-10

SPECIAL MUSIC –Great Is Thy Faithfulness

GOD’S WORD — Mark 1:9-15

SERMON -Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN –Grace Greater Than Our Sin– #383

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross.
[Refrain]

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today
. [Refrain]

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
[Refrain]

*BENEDICTION–Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee



 

January 28 – Power

WELCOME

PRELUDE – As the Deer

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come to Christ, the Living One,
All: Rejected by the world, but in God’s sight chosen and precious.
One: New life is rising among us!
All: We rejoice at the miraculous ways God brings creation alive!
One: Christ’s Tomb is empty!
All: God astonishes us with new life!

*HYMN – God of the Ages – #51

God of the ages, History’s Maker,
Planning our pathway, Holding us fast,
Shaping in mercy All that concerns us;
Father, we praise You, Lord of the past.

God of this morning, Gladly Your children
Worship before You, Trustingly bow;
Teach us to know You Always among us,
Now and forever Kept by Your hand.

Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning,
Lord of the future, Help us, we pray;
Teach us to trust You, Love and obey You,
Crown You each moment Lord of today.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Almighty God, your wisdom is beyond ours. Your patience surpasses ours. Your compassion exceeds ours. We continue finding ourselves amazed by you, Living God. This morning, we gather to praise you.
Christ Jesus, your life, death and resurrection are our model for faithful discipleship. Strengthen us, we pray, as we seek to walk in your ways: living wisely, patiently, and compassionately. Fill us, we pray, with your Spirit of unselfishness and love. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Peace Like a River – #360

I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.

I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean,
I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.

I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain,
I’ve got joy like a fountain in my soul.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

*HYMN – Lord, Speak to Me, That I May Speak – #535

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek Thy erring children lost and lone.

O teach me, Lord, that I may teach The precious things Thou dost Impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach The hidden depths of many a heart.

O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord, Until my very heart o’er flow;
In kindling thoughts and glowing word Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.

O use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt and when and where;
Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 111

SPECIAL MUSIC – Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:21-28

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – O For a Heart to Praise My God – #396

O for a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free;
A heart that always feels Thy blood
So freely shed for me:

A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
Believing, true, and clean,
Which neither life nor death can part
From Him that dwells within:

A heart in every thought renewed,
And full of love divine;
Perfect and right and pure and good —
A copy, Lord, of thine.

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
Come quickly from above;
Write Thy new name upon my heart,
Thy new best name of Love.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Rigaudon – Andre Campra

November 12 – Light

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. God loves all people! And we express our love for God by living in ways leading toward “A just world for all.”

Check this space once worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday for a link to the live worshp service.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Sanctuary

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Ann Molyneaux
One: We come to this place because we want to know God,
All: who helps us to set aside the past, to walk the path to new life.
One: We come in these moments because we want to know Jesus,
All: who anoints us with the resurrection, who shares our lives with us.
One: We come with these people because we want to know the Spirit,
All: who shapes us for life with God, so we may praise God forever!

*HYMN – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – #10

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

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

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

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Ann Molyneaux
You have done great things for us, God of great love. You make a way through our brokenness, so hope might be restored; you loosen our grip on fear, so we might take hold of the One who cradles us in the palms of grace. You are doing great things through us, Brother of the poor. You make a way through our doubt, so we may have the faith to follow, as well as to serve by your side; you gather up our tears, turning them into fountains of joy. You will do great things in us, Anointer of our hearts. You make a way through our hardened hearts, melting them into rivers of wonder for all; you touch our tongues, so they tingle with delights, and laughter tumbles out of our mouths. Continue to make a way through us, God in Community, Holy One, we pray. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Precious Lord, Take My Hand – #494

Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light:

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near
When my life is almost gone;
Hear my cry, Hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall –

Take my hand, precious Lord,
Lead me home.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 43:16-21 ¬– Ann Molyneaux

SPECIAL MUSIC – Revive Us Again

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 25:1-13 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Revive Us Again – #95

We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died, and is now gone above.

Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.

We praise Thee, O God! for Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior, and scattered our night.
All glory and praise To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and hath cleansed every stain.
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – The Heavens Are Telling – Psalm 19 (Marcello)

Go into the world, rejoicing and giving thanks!

March 28 Virtual Worship – Palm Sunday

Join us to hear to hear the good word! Jesus is near! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest! Raise and wave your palms!

Here is today’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted Isaiah 50:4-9) – Pastor Dan
One: Come to worship! Come; join in this chorus of Hosannas!
All: Come to let your tongue shout God’s praises!
One: Come to find your voice.
All: Come to hear the response.
One: Come to open your ears.
All: Come to listen.
One: Come to be healed by the silence.
All: Come to stand together.
One: Come to experience what words cannot express!
All: Come to find God.

HYMN – Make Way – worship booklet, p. 69

  1. Make way, make way, for Christ the King in splendor arrives.
    Fling wide the gates and welcome him into your lives.

CHORUS
Make way, make way for the King of kings.
Make way, make way and let his kingdom in.

  1. He comes the broken hearts to heal the prisoners to free.
    The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance, the blind shall see.

CHORUS

  1. And those who mourn with heavy hearts, who weep and sigh;
    with laughter, joy and royal crown he’ll beautify.

CHORUS

  1. We call you now to worship him as Lord of all,
    to have no gods before him – their thrones must fall.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of exceptional moments; this morning, we recall the electric celebration of people enthusiastically welcoming Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. What a moment! We can imagine ourselves swept up in the party atmosphere of that lively parade! We can feel your great power! We want to cut loose ourselves in ways that faithfully offer you praise! Your holy love reaches out and blesses everyone. Come close now. Ride down Kingshighway here in our fair city, Jesus. Enter Metro St. Louis this day. Hosanna! Come on, Jesus! We choose you to be the grand marshal of our next big parade. Save us, we beg you. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – In the Name of the Lord – #19

  1. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To set the sinner free!
    To sin cursed souls salvation bring And peace eternally!
    Ride on to dark Gethsemane, To untold agony,
    And on the cross of Calvary Procure our victory!
  2. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To claim the hearts of men!
    Now death has lost its dreadful sting And hope is born again.
    O come, in human hearts to reign Suppress the pow’r of sin!
    Our own endeavor is in vain; Lord, You must help us win!
  3. Ride on, ride on, O Savior King! Ride on o’er land and sea,
    For You alone to man can bring Eternal liberty.
    Ride on to sinbound nations, Lord, Until each heart shall own
    Your saving, sanctifying word and bow before Your throne!

There is strength in the name of the Lord;
There is pow’r in the name of the Lord;
There is hope in the name of the lLord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1, 21-29 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Holy City – Marsha Fix, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Mark 11:1-11 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Ride On, Ride On, O Savior King – #236

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361​​

Food and Personal Care Item Drive

March 20, 2021 by  
Filed under What's happening

1 in 7 Missouri families with children don’t have enough to eat every day, according to a December 2020 report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, an advocate for young people in America. As Christians, and good neighbors, we must respond to this need.

The Ivy Chapel Lenten Food and Personal Care Items Drive continues until Easter. There is STILL TIME to TAKE ACTION and support Circle of Concern and Isaiah 58 Ministries with a much needed gift of food and/or personal care items.
Circle Of Concern: Peanut Butter • Jelly • Graham Crackers • Cereal • Cereal Bars • Oatmeal • Tomato Sauce • Pasta • Mac & Cheese • Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper • Canned Tuna & Chicken • Canned Vegetables •
Canned Chili • Soup • Shampoo • Conditioner • Laundry Detergent
Isaiah 58: Sardines • Mac & Cheese • Spices • Cereal • Peanut Butter • Jelly • Razors • Shaving Cream • Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Toilet Bowl Cleaner • Dish Soap
Place items in the large soup can in the Narthex. (New, unopened food and personal care items only, please.)
If you are unable to donate, or would like to donate money for the purchase of items, please send us an email.

March 21 Livestream – Deep in our Hearts

Thank you for joining Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the fifth Sunday of Lent. We continue to adjust to our new sound system and having people here in the sanctuary with us. We appreciate your patience as we try to find our way through this “new normal.”

As always, your comments are welcome. Please feel free to leave a comment and interact before, during and after worship. And if you’re not already subscribed, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Our brokenness can be healed and our wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new and right spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation!
All: Praise God!

HYMN – Open My Eyes, That I May See – #174

  1. Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
    Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free.
    Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
    Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!
  2. Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
    And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.
    Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
    Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
  3. Open my mouth, and let me bear Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
    Open my heart, and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share.
    Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
    Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of mercy; we call on you this day. Come, now, O Holy One. Shape us and lead us, we pray. May we be truly merciful, in the manner of our Savior, Christ Jesus. May we love as you love ~ without limit! God, we treasure that you know each of us by name. You call us to follow you by serving others. With faith in you, O God; may our lives display your tender mercies. Amen.

RESPONSE – Make Me a Servant – #415

Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be;
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 51:1-2 – Pastor Dan
Jeremiah 31:31-34

SPECIAL MUSIC – Steal Away, arr. Lloyd Larson
Piano Duet, Julie McAllister and Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 12:20-25, 35-36, 46-47 – Pastor Dan

SERMON Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – I Have Decided to Follow Jesus – #427

  1. I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus,
    I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back.
  2. The world behind me, the cross before me; The world behind me, the cross before me;
    The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back.
  3. Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow, Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
    Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow, No turning back, no turning back.
  4. Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus,
    Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back.

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI#45361

Feb. 28 Virtual Worship – Always Close

Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.

Here is the order for worship:

Prelude – Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!

Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35

  1. Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
    Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.

RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.

  1. Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
    Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,

REFRAIN

  1. Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
    O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.

REFRAIN

Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.

Response – El Shaddai – #18

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.

Children’s Message – Sue Wilson

God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan

Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee

God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan

Sermon – Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436

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

Benediction – Pastor Dan

Postlude – Anna DiVesta

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