Nov. 28 Livestream – Sign of Things to Come
November 27, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Advent, the season of waiting, the season of watching, the season of hope for what is coming next.
Remember you are invited to be with us both here online, and in person.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Song of Mary – Howell
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: In the wilderness, blaze a trail for God.
All: Every valley shall be raised up.
One: Every mountain shall be made low.
All: And the glory of God shall be revealed!
*HYMN – We Gather Together – #597
We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens HIs will to make down;
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing,
Sin praises to His name: He forgets not His own.
Beside s to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning:
Thou, Lord, was at our side, all glory be Thine!
We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender wilt be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation:
Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!
*OPENING PRAYER
Ever-present God, your promises are being fulfilled among us moment by moment. At this time of year, as the days grow shorter and the shadows lengthen, we treasure daylight.
God of Light, help us to turn toward you this day. As we begin this Advent Season, we pray that you will fill us with fresh expectation. Teach us once again that this season is a time to watch, not for things which have already happened, but for exciting, new things which have not yet taken place. Come, Christ Jesus. This world needs you now. May we watch closely for what you are about to do next. Amen.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster and Linda Lowry
ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Hope
ADVENT WREATH PRAYER
Gracious God, as we begin our Advent journey, we thank you for the gift of your Son, and for sending hope into a world filled with worry. Help us remember that we are your people, and because of your promises we have every reason to be hopeful. Take away our doubt and fear, and remind us that Christ is our Light, and the true source of hope. Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 1) – worship booklet, p. 95
Hope is a star that shines in the night,
leading us on till the morning is bright.
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
and none shall be afraid.
GOD’S WORD – Jeremiah 33:14-16 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Cotter
GOD’S WORD – Luke 21:25-36 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Now Thank We All Our God – #592
Now thank we all our God With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done, In whom His world rejoices;
Who, from our mother’s arms, Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love, And still is ours today.
O may this bounteous God Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills In this world and the next.
All praise and thanks to God The Father now be given,
The Son, and Him who reigns WIth them in highest heaven.
The one eternal God Whom earth and heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now, And shall be evermore.
*God sends us into the world to love and bless. – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Toccata on “Regent Square†– Smith
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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.
Nov. 21 Livestream – The Reign of Christ
November 20, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We celebrate with joy and thanksgiving that you are sharing in the worship experience with us today! Please watch our website or our YouTube channel for special Thanksgiving messages this week, and for an update on Advent here at Ivy Chapel.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude in G – Couperin
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: In the midst of difficulty, God sets a table of rejoicing for us.
All: Though the world seems focused on turmoil, yet will we praise God!
One: Our lives are called to be witnesses to God’s goodness and power.
All: Our hearts are created to display compassion toward all of God’s people.
One: May we live as God’s servants and witnesses in today’s world.
All: Filled with joy and thanksgiving, let us worship God!
*HYMN – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come – #588
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide,
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.
All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.
For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.
Even so, Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.
*OPENING PRAYER
We come to you, O God of Abundant Grace, in thanksgiving for your gift of our cherished homeland – a bountiful land whose harvest is capable of feeding all the world.
We come to you now, O God, in thanksgiving for the gift of faith- the faith revealed to us and instilled within us through your steadfast love. Most of all, we come to you in thanksgiving for the astonishing gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. O Holy One, you fill us to overflowing with grace and mercy! For your countless blessings, we praise and worship you. 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.
CHILDREN’S MESSAG – Linda Lowry
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 93 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Oh, I Want to Know You More – Hamilton
GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:4b-8 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*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.
*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve. – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDEÂ –Â Marche – YoungÂ
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Nov. 14 (No stream) – Praise the Holy One
November 13, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we gather in our beautiful, windowed sanctuary to praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn and all the gifts He lovingly shares with us.
Worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday. Due to a technical glitch, there is no livestream for this week. We hope to be back up and running next week. Thank you for your patience and understand, and have a good week.
Here are this week’s order for worship and scripture readings:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Children of the Heavenly Father – Hustad
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Works of God are all around us!
All: Praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn!
One: May we strive to live as giving servants in the manner of our Savior.
All: Jesus Christ is our Master and our Savior.
One: At the name of Jesus, let every knee bow.
All: Let every tongue proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord!
One: Have faith. God provides.
All: Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
*HYMN – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – #10
*OPENING PRAYER
Living God, you rose from the dead on Resurrection day. Nothing compares to the promise we have in you! You are the Giver of everlasting life. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the wonders of your mighty love.
Long ago, you made yourself known through commonplace acts of kindness as well as spectacular miracles. You are among us this morning, O Tower of Refuge and Strength. The deepest human hungers are satisfied by you and you alone. We praise you for being with us, day by day, Faithful God; gently teaching us that Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is your church. May we exalt you and honor you, Jesus, by joyfully giving away your love. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 16
SPECIAL MUSIC – Since Jesus Came Into My Heart – Hamilton
GOD’S WORD – 1 Samuel 1:1-20 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*RESPONSE – UCC Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 5
*HYMN – The Greatest Thing – #106
*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve. – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Toccata in G Major – Pachelbel
URGENT: Blood Drive Nov. 16
November 9, 2021 by Rich
Filed under What's happening
There is an urgent need for blood in the St. Louis region. The need is especially critical this year as we enter the holiday season. With one donation, you can save lives, right here in our community.
Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is hosting an IMPACTLife Blood Drive from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16. The drive will be held in the Ivy Chapel Fellowship Hall, at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield.
If you have any question or would like to schedule a donation, please contact Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 or send her an email.
You may also schedule your donation at https://www.bloodcenter.org.
Nov. 7 Livestream – Totenfest
November 6, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for being with us today as we mark Totenfest, the annual celebration of life remembering those we have lost in the past year. If you are joining us online, please gather your bread and wine or grape juice so we can have communion together.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude on “Bread of Life†– Young
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Come, all who are anxious or angry.
All: Come, all who are discouraged or exhausted.
One: Enter into the joy of your Master. This is the sanctuary of God.
All: This is holy ground.
One: God is here to receive you and to love you.
All: From the past will come the future. What it holds is a mystery!
One: Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
All: In our death, a resurrection. At the last, a victory!
*HYMN – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – #1
A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us for;
His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving wold be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbath His name, From age to age the same, A
nd He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled, Should treated to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The prince of Darkess grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth;
Let good and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.
*OPENING PRAYER
God of abundant blessing; out of pure love, you set people free.
God of everlasting life; we worship you!
We praise you as a Giving, Loving God. All people are in your care, and you are stirring among us. It is thanks to you, O God, that relationships are healthy; that compassion flows abundantly; that brokenness is mended; that souls love one another!
We come this day, seeking your guidance, God. Reveal to us, we pray, ways that we may faithfully offer people support and blessing. In your life, Christ Jesus, we see unselfishness and kindness that we want to emulate. Merciful and Mighty One, guide us to follow you by offering tender, loving care to all. Lead us toward becoming your joyful children of grace. 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 healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
GOD’S WORD – Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – For All the Saints (Verses 1-4) – #548
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
They name, O Jesus, be forever blest:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might,
Thou Lord, their captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!
O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine;
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!
TOTENFEST – Thanksgiving for Loved Ones
SPECIAL MUSIC – Marcia Funebre sulla morte d’un Eroe, Op 26 (Beethoven) – Mike Waller
GOD’S WORD – Mark 12:38-44 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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 – 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.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – To God Be the Glory – Hustad
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