September 26 Livestream – Rooted in Love

Thank you for joining us this Sunday for worship.

If you are worshipping with us online, please click here to join us on YouTube.

Here is the order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Russ Washburn
One: God calls us to venture beyond places that are familiar and safe.
All: God summons us to attempt new things – daring acts of faith!
One: We are called to ground our whole lives in one great fellowship of love.
All: God calls all people to live rooted in love.

*HYMN – In Christ There Is No East or West – #137

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Russ Washburn
Seemingly Silent God, many times it is especially hard to hear you; for there are so many competing voices vying for our attention. It can be difficult to believe your promises when we already have been misled many times by others. We are hesitant to hope for healing and fulfillment given the painful ordeals which many people are living through this day. Yet, as we gather here to worship you, O Unseen God; we find ourselves moved to rejoice! How wonderful you are! How marvelous are your works!
We stand in awe of you, God. We can put our faith completely in you, and you will never disappoint us. Lead us to live by faith as you teach us to live. Each moment, we can sense your loving presence, O Unseen God. You will never ignore, injure or abandon us. We praise you for this, in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE –Tara Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-10 – Russ Washburn

SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Earl Kreder, Saxophone

GOD’S WORD – Romans 11:1, 7-8, 11-20 & Ephesians 3:16-19 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

Sept. 19 Livestream – First In Caring

We’re thrilled you have joined this Sunday.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Linda Lowry
One: Open our hearts wider.
All: Let Spirit in deeper.
One: May we love with a love on fire
All: And become fully alive.

*HYMN – Softly and Tenderly – #389

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Linda Lowry
God, you are without equal. You are a God of unmatched power and of great mercy. You alone are the One who makes worship a sacred time. You give life! You have given us life. You have given life to your Church. Although it is quite forward on our part, we call on you to come here now. God, visit our community of faith this very day with your blessing. Lift us beyond preoccupations with earthly concerns. Make your Church out of us. As Jesus Christ, you have shown us that focusing on you brings life. Yes, with you, there is fullness of life.

Holy One, lead us, we pray. Lead us as we continue learning to give away the amazing gifts which you so abundantly give to us in the first place. You are beyond all that we can ask or imagine. We pray for your blessing upon all people everywhere. May our living be faithful and pleasing to you. We ask all this in the holy name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise – worship booklet, p. 94

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 54:1-4, 6 – Linda Lowry

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC – Julie McAllister

GOD’S WORD – Mark 9:30-37 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Love Was When God Became a Man – #249

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

Blessing of the Animals Sept. 18

We’re proud to announce the Ivy Chapel Blessing of the Animals is back for 2021.

Over the past 21 years in mid-September, we’ve welcomed dogs, cats, snakes, ferrets and creatures of all kinds to our beautiful pavilion. Following in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, we take this moment to bless the animals with whom we share our homes and our planet.

Join us on Saturday, September 18 from 1-3 p.m., bring your animal friends (on a leash our in a carrier) with you to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, MO.

We’ll share a short prayer and you will receive a personal blessing.

This year we’re supporting the Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment. Care STL is the official no-kill shelter of the City of St. Louis. You can support Care STL with a cash donation, or by purchasing items on their Amazon wish list.

We can’t wait to meet you – and your animals. See you then. Questions? Drop us a line.

Sept. 12 Livestream – Who are you, Jesus?

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.”

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

September 5 Livestream – Be Opened

From all of us at Ivy Chapel, we thank you for visiting our website. You are invited to join us in our sanctuary at 10 on Sunday, or anytime on our YouTube Channel.

Praise God for blessing the world with openness as our Savior Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited to an outdoor “Thanksgiving for Anna DiVesta!” Celebration 3-5 pm today in gratitude for the marvelous Ministry of Music given to our congregation by Anna DiVesta. We offer God thanks and praise for this exceptional blessing as we wish Anna, Aaron, Miller and Charlie fullness of joy forevermore!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Every good gift comes from above.
All: God welcomes us to this sacred place.
One: This is God’s sanctuary – a safe refuge where everyone is loved.
All: Christ our Savior brings us together here on holy ground.
One: The God of all mercy creates every human being to be merciful.
All: Christ teaches us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies.
One: Listen closely.
All: We’re all ears.
One: Do you hear what our Savior is saying?
All: “Be opened!”

*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!

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

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

REFRAIN

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Eternal God, we are astonished by your greatness. You are beyond the reaches of human thought or religion. We approach you now in prayer; and we welcome your Transforming Spirit.
God, you are acquainted with all our ways. You know everything from our shallow motives to our deepest thoughts. You are aware of strengths and our abilities; and aware of our weaknesses and our failures. Yet you invite us to serve as your ambassadors; messengers of your good news! What a thrill! Oh, how we long to bring you joy, Merciful God. We rejoice; for you are alive among us this moment, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – We Bow Down – worship booklet, p. 93

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea;
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,
and Lord of all lords You will be.
We bow down and we worship You, Lord,
we bow down and we worship You, Lord,
we bow down and we worship you Lord
Lord of all lords You will be.

You are King of creation and King of my life,
King of the land and the sea;
You were King of the heavens before there was time,
and King of all kings You will be.
We bow down and we crown You the King,
we bow down and we crown You the king;
we bow down and we crown You the King,
King of all kings You will be.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 78:1-7a, 12-16 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Steal Away (arr. Quigley) – Vocal Ensemble with Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Mark 7:24-37 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – How Beautiful – worship booklet, p. 50

How beautiful the hands that served the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the tender eyes that chose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the heart that bled, that took all my sin and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes that chose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring the sound of good news and the love of the King!
How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN – He Keeps Me Singing As I Go – #359

There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low,
“Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,” In all of life’s ebb and flow.

REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus— Sweetest name I know.
Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife, Discord fills my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings, Stirred the slumbering chords again.

REFRAIN

Feasting on the riches, of HIs grace, Resting ‘neath HIs sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face, That is why I shout and sing.

REFRAIN

Tho’ sometimes He leads thro’ waters deep, Trials fall across my way,
Tho’ sometimes the path seems rough and steep, See His footprints all the way.

REFRAIN

Soon He’s coming back to welcome me Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown, I shall reign with Him on high.

REFRAIN

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

O let the Son of God en-fold you
with His Spir-it and His love;
let Him fill your life, and sat-is-fy your soul.
O let Him have the things that hold you
and His Spir-it, like a dove,
will de-scend up-on your life and make you whole.

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

Now Hiring: Minister of Music

Music is a huge part of worship here at Ivy Chapel. We’re looking for an experienced leader to lead our music program.

Reports to: Board of Deacons
Hours: 20 hours per week, including some evenings

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Provide music for all regular Sunday morning services of worship (prelude, hymns, special music, postlude, etc.)
• Provide music for additional services of worship (i.e. Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, and Thanksgiving)
• Work with the Pastor in the planning of all worship services to assure theological integrity and coordinate with the liturgy and worship themes
• Direct the Chancel Choir, including programming music as well as rehearsing, accompanying, and directing the choir (the Chancel Choir typically sings September through June, but is not singing at the moment due to COVID)
•Participate in the Youth Music Ministry and direct the Youth Choir (currently not active)
• Secure a substitute organist for agreed upon vacation periods and for any times of sickness or pre-arranged leaves of absence
• Arrange regular maintenance of and have authority over all church owned musical instruments and equipment
Obtain copyright licenses yearly

Qualifications:
• Piano and organ skills
• BA in Music or experience in comparable positions
• Choir directing experience preferred

Requirements:
• 21 years of age or older
• Must pass a personal background check

Benefits:
• Two weeks of vacation annually, to be increased to three weeks after three years of service and four weeks after six years of service (such vacations shall not coincide with the Pastor’s vacation if at all possible)
• Continuing education opportunities as outlined by and negotiated with the Board of Deacons
• The opportunity to play for weddings and funerals at Ivy Chapel at additional compensation
• May use church facilities for private lessons and studio recitals

Send a cover letter and resume to: momsearch@ivychapel.org.