Dec. 12 Livestream – Look forward
December 11, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
On this, the third Sunday of Advent, we don’t need to be reminded to look forward. We’re already doing it, looking ahead to Christmas and the miraculous birth. Let us take this moment and pause, and remember the joy God’s love brings to the world.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Offertory – Purvis
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Be glad, children of God!
All: Our Savior Jesus Christ offers love to all the world!
One: Sing praises to God, the Holy One, who brings light and life!
All: God lights our way!
One: God lifts our spirits!
All: Glory to God for the biggest gift of all – Jesus Christ!
*HYMN – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – #187
*OPENING PRAYER
God Emmanuel; open our hearts to receive you Life in the fast lane does have its rewards But earthly rewards alone do not offer fulfillment The frenzy of the outside world leaves us exhausted So we gather this day seeking you, God of ‘perpetually-arriving’ light! We praise and adore you May we celebrate your overflowing gifts by living as joyful witnesses to your love We pray in your name, Christ Jesus Amen.
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we ask that you open our eyes to the beauty and goodness around us, and fill our hearts with grateful joyRemind us that Christ is our light and the source of all joy, and that we are here to serve you and to spread this joy to others Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 3) – worship booklet, p95
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 12:2-6 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:26-38 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee –#13
*SENDING OUT – God sends us to freely offer Christ’s grace and joy to all! – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – A Joyous Carol – Roques
Dec. 5 Livestream – Make Ready
December 4, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
This is the second Sunday of Advent, our second step toward the Promise of Christmas. The second step toward finding the quiet, calm and peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We are glad you are with us today.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – In Bethlehem’s Low Stable – Walcha
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: The days are surely coming, says our God, when justice and righteousness will appear.
All: God’s promises will be made known to us.
One: We will declare God’s goodness and salvation.
All: From now on, we will seek to walk in God’s ways.
*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #186
O, come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
REFRAIN
Rejoice! rejoice! Emanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From Depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.
REFRAIN
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!
REFRAIN
*OPENING PRAYER
God Emmanuel; we long for your peace, and we trust in your promises. We hear your call to turn toward you, to change our lives, and to receive you as our Savior.
Eternal God, you are our righteousness. Come now; meet us here. Fill our minds with your wisdom and our hearts with your peace. May this time of worship move us to take action working toward your dream of wholeness for all creation. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of God’s Peace
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world filled with unrest and strife. We ask that you quiet our restless hearts and instill in each of us the calm assurance that tells us you are in control so we need not worry. Give us the tools we need to serve as you would have us serve, and make us willing instruments of your peace. Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 2) – worship booklet, p. 95
Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving us promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there’s join in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.
GOD’S WORD – Micah 5:2-5a – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Hayes
GOD’S WORD – Luke 3:1-6 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Jesus, Lord to Me – #330
Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.
CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYERS – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Like a River Glorious – #451
Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it growth Deeper all the way.
REFRAIN
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.
Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there.
REFRAIN
Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the Son of Love.
We may trust Him fully All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.
REFRAIN
*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Angels We Have Heard on High – Turner
CCLI License #456361
Special Message – A Time to Give Thanks
November 24, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
As we approach Thanksgiving, we would like to take this moment to pause, and to thank you for being with us over the past year. We are grateful for you support, and your help in advancing the ministry of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
This year’s traditional Thanksgiving message comes from Rev. Mary Nelson, the Transitional Conference Minister for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to share this inspirational message with us.
Consecration Sunday Livestream – Rooted in God’s Love
October 16, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today is Consecration Sunday, when we embrace God’s desire for us to give and reaffirm our financial commitments to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. You may leave you commitment card in the collection plate in the sanctuary, or mail it to the Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Mo, 63017, Attn: Frieda.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – Hustad
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Receive these words of guidance from God’s prophets:
All: Live a life that is full – envision, plant, harvest, share, give.
One: Pray to God.
All: Keep God at the center of all that is.
One: We enter this sanctuary full of hope;
All: because here in worship grace comes to life.
One: God’s gifts of grace teach us to trust God completely.
All: God is faithful.
One: We can live fully rooted in God’s love!
All: Let us praise God together!
*HYMN – ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus ¬– #358
- “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at HIs word;
Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.â€
REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
- O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me “Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
REFRAIN
- Ye, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.
REFRAIN
- I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend’
And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.
REFRAIN
*OPENING PRAYER
We are in awe of you, Gracious God. You love people no matter what. You want us to live compassionate, giving lives – with you at the center. Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. We long to become your disciples, who live firmly rooted in your love.
Breathe on us, O Lamb of God. Continue giving us growth, we pray. Bring us fully alive. Lead us to search for and to act on ways that we can offer your extravagant love to everyone. May your love root within, grow, and guide all humankind as we journey forward into your future, Jesus. Challenge us, and change us, and set us free! Amen.
*RESPONSE – Jesus, Name Above All Names – #57
Jesus, name above all names; beautiful Savior, glorious Lord,
Emmanuel, God is with us, blessed Redeemer, Living Word.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. M. Lawrence) – Sue Wilson, Vocalist
GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 3:16-17 & Matthew 13:3-9 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
INVITING GOD TO BLESS AND MAKE HOLY WHAT WE OFFER
We offer God our expressions of intended 2022 giving, asking God to consecrate them.
*CONSECRATION HYMN – Take My Life and Let It Be – #436
Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and lettuce move At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold, to a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my love, my God, I pour AtThy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
*SENDING OUT – God’s people are sent into the world. –Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Prelude in A Minor – Marcello
Oct. 3 Livestream – World Communion Sunday
October 1, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
As we continue our stewardship journey Rooted in Love, this Sunday we also join with churches around the world to celebrate World Communion Sunday.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Amazing Grace – Hobby
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, celebrate the One
All: who nourishes seeds with sunlight and a fresh embrace.
One: Come, praise the One
All: whose harvest of wheat and grapes all may share.
One: God brings us together as one faith communitypeople of all ages, tongues and races.
All: We are the clay, and God is the Potter.
One: God unites our varied lives in the Body of Christ
All: Let us worship Living God, who strengthens and
renews life everywhere!
*HYMN – In This Very Room – #125
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Inexhaustible God; fill this place today. But don’t stop here. Far beyond this sanctuary, Spirit of True Life; fill the hearts and souls of your children in every place this World Communion Sunday. You graciously invite us to your Table. We are your guests. You give; we receive. Then, in turn, you call on us to become givers ourselves.
This is the beauty of your Holy Communion with the world, God. You yourself become ‘the Christ’ – the Anointed One. You are born as a human being yourself, and you are flesh and blood just as we are! As Jesus of Nazareth, you fully experience earthly life with us.
God of Compassion; in you, we find a love deeper than any love we can imagine. We are grateful for your tender mercies. Morning by morning, may we seek you, Christ Jesus. Let your beauty be seen in us, we pray. Lead us as we continue on this life-long faith journey toward living as disciples whose lives are rooted in your love. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – How Majestic Is Your Name – #9
GOD’S WORD – Hosea 5:14-6:4, 6:6 & Romans 11:16-18 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – The Church’s One Foundation – Hustad
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 80:1-2, 7-11 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “open communion,†for we believe Christ’s Table is open to all people. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – It Took a Miracle – #303
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – The Light of the World Is Jesus – Bliss/Hayes
Sept. 12 Livestream – Who are you, Jesus?
September 11, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Here is today’s order for worship.
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: God is good.
All: God is loving.
One: God is present here.
All: God is alive in creation!
One: God’s mercies are new every morning.
All: Let us praise God together!
*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict many a doubt
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee I find,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Ever-faithful, all-powerful God; you are above everything in this world. You are supreme. O Holy One, renew our sense of awe and delight as we gather in your presence now. Draw us away from all earthly distractions, so that we may clearly witness your wonders unfolding all around us.
Guide us, we pray. Challenge us if we become lost or get off track. We want to follow you, Jesus. You are God’s Anointed One – the Christ. May we perceive what you are revealing. Open our hearts, and awaken our souls. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see your miracles, O Risen Savior. Teach us what we can do to live in harmony with you moment by moment. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Will Call Upon the Lord – #101
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Me Jesus (arr. Fleming) – Julie McAllister and Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Mark 8:27-38 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Wherever He Leads I’ll Go – #543
“Take up they cross and Follow Me,†I heard my Master say,
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.â€
REFRAIN
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever he leads I’ll go.
He drew me closer to HIs side, I sought HIs will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
REFRAIN
It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leaders me.
REFRAIN
My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
REFRAIN*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE
August 29 Livestream – Be Love
August 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We hope you are joining us in person on August 29. After worship, we’ll celebrate the start of school outdoors. This will be the first time many of our youth have been together with their church friends. It will be a joyous occasion, and we look forward to seeing everyone and hearing the laughter of children on Ivy’s beautiful grounds.
August 29 Livestream – Be Love
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, people of God.
All: This is the Sabbath Day, and we are drawn to God.
One: Come, and receive all that God longs to teach us.
All: Learning from God is a blessing.
One: God’s grace overflows!
All: The image of God is within each one of us.
HYMN – Be Thou My Vision – #400
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art-
Thou myy best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only be first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of love, we turn to you. We gather now in your blessed presence. In you, there is true life. God, you call us to be your Church. You long for all people to become your people: exalting you by serving together as the Body of Christ. Your grace is uplifting! Your grace takes hold of people, causing all who receive to spill over with joy!
God, you yourself are so marvelous that you make others want to become better. This is how we feel. Our hope is to become who you want us to become, God. We want our lives to be un-defiled; faithful to you. Help us to begin right now. In prayer, we give you our word: We promise to do all that we can to live in harmony. We promise to work at loving all people the same — long-time friends, new acquaintances, big, small, young, not-so-young, like us, unlike us. We promise to learn from you. We promise to love. We promise to devote ourselves to serving you with all we’ve got. Be with us as we apply ourselves to fulfilling these huge promises. We will need your help, Loving God. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – With My Whole Heart – worship booklet, p. 98
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole Heart;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole heart.
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole heart;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole heart.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole mind.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole mind.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole life.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole life.
GOD’S WORD – James 1:17-25 – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – The Gift of Love – #126
Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love; my words are vain;
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.
Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be giv’n by love within
The profit soon turns strangely thin.
Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.
SPECIAL MUSIC – Alleluia with The Majesty and Glory of Your Name – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-6 & Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*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,
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 flow’r, Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mindâ€s delight,
For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thought and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For each perfect gift of Thine To our race so freely giv’n,
Graces human and divine, Flow’rs of earth and buds of head’n,
Lord of all to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
August 22 Livestream – At Home with God
August 21, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we celebrate that all can find a home with God, even the sparrow! We invite you to join us in-person or online.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come, let us raise our hands to the Creator of the heavens!
All: God’s promises are wonderful, and God’s love is forever!
One: God’s works delight our hearts and lead us to dream!
All: Let us worship God, who loves all people,
who hears every prayer,
and who rejoices in life everywhere!
*HYMN – Day by Day – #486
Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best –
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me with a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As your days, your strength shall be measure,†This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises.
O Lord, That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.
*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER – Pastor Dan
Gentle and Kind God; Giver of all life; hear our prayers of praise for summertime beauty, for graceful birds, for fragrant flowers, for vacation rest, for the fruit of the earth, for sunrise, for moonlight, and for much, much more. Send the cooling breath of your Spirit to surround us and inspire our faith journeys. May we be nourished by your life-giving words and ways, Christ Jesus; and may we live as your faithful disciples, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – You Are My Hiding Place – #53
You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You; Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.â€
You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Liz Schurwan
*HYMN – In the Garden – #267
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
Refrain: And He walks with me, and he talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
(Refrain)
I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
(Refrain)
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 84 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:35, 58-69 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Through It All – #304
I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been time I didn’t know right from wrong,
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.
Refrain: Through it all, Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places, And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
But in my lonely hours, Yes those precious lonely hours,
Jesus let me know that I was His own.
(Refrain)
I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storm He brought me through;
For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.
(Refrain)
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
August 15 Livestream – Seek Peace
August 14, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 1 Livestream –Â The Bread of Life
July 31, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we gather to celebrate the sacrament of communion. If you are joining us online, we invite you to gather your own elements of communion and to share with us in the joyful experience at the Lord’s table.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: We gather in God’s presence.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all are welcome.
One: Come; stay a while.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all find rest.
One: Relax; and be renewed.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all receive strength.
One: Pray; and be filled.
All: We rejoice, overflowing with God’s forgiving love!
HYMN – How Great Thou Art – #16
- O Lord my God, when I in awe-some won-der
Con-sid-er all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the roll-ing thun-der,
Thy pow’r thro’-out the u-ni-verse dis-played.
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
- When thro’ the woods and for-est glades I wan-der
And hear the birds sing sweet-ly in the trees,
When I look down from loft-y moun-tain gran-deur,
And hear the brook and feel the gen-tle breeze.
Refrain
- And when I think that God, His Son not spar-ing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my bur-den glad-ly bear-ing,
He bled and died to take a-way my sin.
Refrain
- When Christ shall come with shout of ac-cla-ma-tion
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in hum-ble ad-o-ra-tion,
And there pro-claim, my God, how great Thou art.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of Compassion; in you, we find a love deeper than any love we can imagine. From you, we receive Living Water that wells up to life eternal. You watch over and love all people. As we come to you this day, help us to let go of our fears. Bless every soul who is thirsting for you, Christ Jesus. You are the Living Water. You are a precious wellspring of grace. Blessed Savior of all the world; come alive within us today. Cleanse us. Make us whole. Amen.
*RESPONSE – In The Name of the Lord #19
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 Lord!
Bless-ed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 78:23-29 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Rain Down – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:24-35 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
– Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260
- We gath-er here in Je-sus’ name,
His love is burn-ing in our hearts like liv-ing flame,
For thru the lov-ing Son the Fa-ther makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord. - No one is a stran-ger here,
Ev-ery-one be-longs.
Find-ing our for-give-ness here,
We in turn for-give all wrongs. - He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup is ris-en from the dead.
The One we love the most is now our gra-cious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord. - We are now a fam-i-ly
Of which the Lord is head.
Though un-seen, He meets us here,
In the break-ing of the bread. - We’ll gath-er soon where an-gels sing,
We’ll see the glo-ry of our Lord and com-ing King.
Now we an-tic-i-pate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord.
THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Receive the Bread of Life
One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; eat; and remember me.â€
All: As we eat this bread, we are reminded that God remembers us.
One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; drink; and remember me.â€
All: As we drink this cup, we are reminded that God remembers us.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Praise God for the bread of life!
*HYMN – I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
- I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me;
The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me,
The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
