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.

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

CHORUS

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

CHORUS

4. 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

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

March 14 Virtual Worship – No Matter What

Thank you for joining us at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ as we make the journey toward Easter together.

We ran into a few technical challenges with our stream this morning. It’s now in two parts:

Here is this week’s order for worship:

March 14 – No Matter What

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: God’s goodness has entered the world!
All: What joy to know this!
One: Rejoice, people of God! Christ died and rose on high!
All: By God’s Word, we are delivered from destruction.
One: By God’s mercy, we are made whole.
All: Let all that breathes sing God’s praises!

HYMN – O Love That Will Not Let Me Go – #439

1. O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;
   I give Thee back the life I owe,
   That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
2. O Light that foll’west all my way, I yield my flick’ring torch to Thee;
   My heart restores its borrowed ray,
   That in Thy sunshine’s blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.
3. O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee;
   I trace the rainbow through the rain,
   And feel the promise is not vain That morn shall tearless be.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of unending patience, we call on you now. Often, we are impatient and troubled. We dream of being like you, Christ Jesus. Our calling is to follow you. Discipleship is your beautiful dream for all people. Yet we hesitate, for we are afraid of embracing changes that may come with the new life you offer. We are preoccupied with all sorts of other voices instead of being focused on responding to your Voice. Distracted by complexities, pressures and demands of our day; we neglect to set aside time to be still before you, God. Even now, we have gathered without much preparation, as if meeting you requires little of us. Yet we come here in search of the healing and the wholeness which you give. Merciful God, we call on you this moment, asking you to meet us as we are. Amen.

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 Calv’ry did go, His love for mankind 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!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Liz Schurwan

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC Here I Am, Lord, Send Me

GOD’S WORD – John 3:14-21 – Pastor

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Lamb of God – worship booklet, p. 59

1. Your only Son, no sin to hide, but you have sent him from your side,
   to walk upon this guilty sod, and to become the Lamb of God

REFRAIN
O Lamb of God, sweet Lamb of God, I love the holy Lamb of God!
O wash me in his precious blood – my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God!

2. Your gift of love, they crucified, they laughed and scorned him as He died,
   the humble King they named a fraud and sacrificed the Lamb of God.

REFRAIN

3. I was so lost, I should have died, but You have brought me to your side,
   to be led by your staff and rod, and to be called a lamb of God.

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE

CCLI License #456361​​

March 7 YouTube Livestream – Turning the Tables

This week we are taking the first steps toward in-person worship during this, the third Sunday of Lent. You’ll notice a big change to our livestream worship as well. We’ll be streaming live on YouTube instead of Facebook Live.

Please subscribe to our channel to receive notifications whenever we go live.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: We have gathered in the presence of God our Creator, who
sets before us the ways of life and death.
All: We have gathered in the presence of Jesus the Christ, who
calls us to accept the cost of discipleship that we may
know its joy.
One: We have gathered in the presence of the Spirit, who
sustains us in trial and rejoicing.
All: In our living and in our dying, we belong to God, who
knows us, loves us, and cares for us exactly as we are.
Let us worship God.

*HYMN – Come Just As You Are – worship booklet, p. 36

1. Come just as you are; Hear the Spirit call.
   Come just as you are; Come and see, come, receive; Come and live forever.

Life everlasting, and strength for today;
Taste the Living Water, and never thirst again.

2. Come just as you are; Hear the Spirit call.
   Come just as you are; Come, receive, Christ the King Come and live forever more.

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Wise and Compassionate God, we are drawn to this holy place, in part, because we realize that our knowledge alone is not enough to give life meaning. The pieces of our lives need a center.
As people who are seeking to live as your faithful disciples, we are in the process of growing to recognize your Cross as the center, Jesus. On the Cross, you displayed total unselfishness. At Calvary, you went the distance for us. You always place serving others above everything else. The truth is, Jesus, this example of yours scares us, because we are intimidated by what you may ask of us. Yet we long for the wholeness which only you provide. This longing is so deep that we continue seeking to follow you regardless of the risks.
We come to you this moment, Christ Jesus. Make yourself known to us, we pray. Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. Amen.

RESPONSE – Let the Words of My Mouth – #417

Let the words of my mouth, and my heart’s meditation Be acceptable to Thee, O Lord
Let the words of my mouth, and my heart’s meditation Be acceptable to Thee, O Lord.
In Thy sight, In Thy sight, May my heart’s meditation be right.
Let the words of my mouth, an my heart’s meditation Be acceptable to thee, O Lord.

GOD’S WORD – 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 – Pastor Dan

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP: GOD IS INVITING – Sue Wilson

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful

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

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – 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 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.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

Subscribe to the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel

We’re making a big move on March 6, bringing our livestreams to YouTube for better quality and accessibility. We’re debuting a new camera and new audio system, too.

Please help us out by subscribing to our YouTube channel:

In return, you’ll receive notifications anytime we go live.

No matter how you join us tomorrow, in person or on the livestream, things will be a little different.

This will be the first time in almost a year we’ve had people in the sanctuary for worship! It is an exciting time. The experience will still be very different from “normal,” but we hope it is an enriching experience for all who are here.For those of you joining us on the livestream, you will notice improved video and sound.

We’re making the transition to the new system tomorrow.While it will be better, we can’t guarantee there won’t be hiccups. Please be patient with us as there’s quite a learning curve to get this all running smoothly, and you never know how it’s going to go until you’re “Live.

Please comment on this post or reach out to Rich Heend if you have any questions.