February 25 – Always Close

Today, we ask for God’s guidance as we come together on this second Sunday of Lent, moving ever closer to Resurrection Day.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — He Leadeth Me

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jan Wirtz
One: In Christ, God has given us 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!

*HYMN — Have Thine Own Way, Lord — #414

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!

Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Jan Wirtz
God, we turn to you in prayer this morning. Come, Holy Spirit, be with us in worship today. You alone are our Creator and our Savior, Dear God. We are hungry to know you more fully and to serve you more completely. We treasure the astounding promises which you fulfilled in the lives of our ancestors and which you are fulfilling in our lives.
God, we praise you for gathering us together here. We come, seeking your guidance and your blessing. Fill us with your Spirit. Make us instruments of your love and grace.
God, full of compassion; lead us and be our peace on the journey. Amen.

*RESPONSE — O How He Loves You and Me — #254

Oh, how He loves you and me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.
He gave His life, what more could He give;
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

Jesus to Calv’ry did go,
His love for mankind to show.
What He did there, brought hope from despair.
Oh, how He loves you,
Oh, how He loves me,
Oh, how He loves you and me.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 22:23-31 — Jan Wirtz

SPECIAL MUSIC — The Old Rugged Cross

GOD’S WORD — Mark 8:31-35 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — Wherever He Leads I’ll Go — #543

“Take up thy 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 leadeth 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 — Jesus, Keep Me Near 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

 

February 14 – Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday begins the Season of Lent, which is a 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day.

SILENT REFLECTION – Christ, My Every Need – #425

PRELUDE – Be Still, My Soul

*CALL TO WORSHIP
Gather the people. Prepare a holy meeting.
Today, we acknowledge the fragility and preciousness of life.
Gather the people. Return to God with our whole mind, body, and spirit.
We rend our hearts not our clothes. We open ourselves to the pain of
the world with compassion and grace in the way of Jesus.
Gather the people. Seek the Holy One, who is alive within us.
We offer to God our sacrifice of praise. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,
dust to dust; we are here to worship.

*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387

Just as I am, without one plea,
But that thy blood was shed for me,
And that thou biddest 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
Holy One, have mercy upon us, according to your faithful love. Create within us a new heart; a heart for love, justice and righteousness. Replace any guilt with your promise of new life abounding in mercy and grace!
Come, Holy Spirit, be our companion in the choices we make and in the ways that we interact with one another. Let honesty, humility and kindness characterize our being. Holy One, you transform earthly dust into something marvelous! Let us honor you by living our days in community with you and with all creation. Renew us, O God. Amen.

GOD’S WORD – Joel 2:1-6, 10-13

CALL TO CONFESSION and PRAYER OF CONFESSION
One: God is merciful to all who confess their sins.
All: God is summoning us this day, “Return to me with all your heart.”
One: The Spirit of God is calling, “Turn away from evil. Turn toward me.”
All: So then, let us turn to God and confess our sins.
One: Let us prayer together.
All: Mighty and Merciful God, we come to you in prayer. We confess our need for your help. Our failures confront us, and our disconnections from you and from our neighbors diminish us. Cleanse us of all guilt and shame. Forgive us for our sin. Draw us near to you, God of grace; so that we may accept your forgiveness and be renewed. This we pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

SILENCE – Pastor Dan

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Pastor Dan

*RESPONSE – Cleanse Me – #410

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray.
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within.
Fill me with fire where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender; Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Spirit, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival – start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Though will supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-10 – Pastor Dan

THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

*HYMN – Here, O My Lord, I See Thee – #259

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
Here would I touch and handle things unseen;
Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee lean.

Here would I feed upon the Bread of God;
Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
Here would I lay aside each earthly load;
Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.

I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;
They blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors)

*HYMN – Take My Life and Let It Be – #436

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

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,
Not a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my love, my God I pour At Thy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Near to the Heart of God

Feb. 11 – The Transfiguration of Christ

SILENT PRAYER OF PREPARATION – #541

WELCOME

PRELUDE – He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob;
whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth!
All: The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: The Lord upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
All: The Lord sets prisoners free!
One: The Lord gives sight to the blind.
All: The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: The Lord loves the righteous.
All: The Lord remains faithful forever. Praise the Lord!

*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – 289

We come, O Christ, to You, true Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, in Whom all life began.
In You alone we live and move,
And have our being in Your love.

You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge and Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand;
Your love has met Your law’s demand.

You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill, The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! in You we rest,
Sure answer to our every quest.

You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant life That earth can never give.
O risen Lord! We live in You:
In us each day Your life renew!

We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King;
To You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring:
So fill our hearts, that all may view
Your life in us and turn to You!

*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 – Holy Ground – #83

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN – The Light of the World Is Jesus – #373

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 50:1-8, 14-15, 23

SPECIAL MUSIC – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me

GOD’S WORD – Mark 9:2-9 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Higher Ground – #448

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – French Dances – Ludwig von Beethoven

Chili Supper

Our Annual Chili Supper is BACK!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 2nd from 4:30-7 pm and join us as we come together for fellowship, food and fun!
Adults meals are $15 and kids are $8 (10 and under)
Tickets are on sale after worship on Sundays.
For more information please contact the church office at 314-434-4991 or ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org.

February 4 – Source of Strength

Today we break bread together, celebrating open communion as is the tradition of the United Church of Christ. Take a moment to gather the elements so we may gather at Christ’s table as one. All are welcome.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Amazing Grace

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Sue Wilson
One: Let your light shine, people of God!
All: Let us give glory to God!
One: You and I are blessed!
All: We are called to be God’s light in the world!
One: We can be the salt of the earth.
All: God is within each one of us, inviting us to live with flair and flavor!
One: No eye has seen,
All: No ear has heard,
One: No human imagination has envisioned,
All: What God has prepared for those who love God.

*HYMN – We Praise Thee, O God, Our Redeemer – #27

We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;
In grateful devotion our tribute we bring;
We lay it before Thee, We kneel and adore Thee,
We bless Thy holy name: glad praises we sing.

We worship Thee, God of our fathers, we bless Thee,
Thru life’s storm and tempest our Guide hast Thou been;
When perils o’er take us, escape Thou wilt make us,
And with Thy help, O Lord, our battles we win.

With voices united our praises we offer,
To Thee, great Jehovah, glad anthems we raise;
Thy strong arm will guide us, our God is beside us,
To Thee, our great Redeemer, forever be praise!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Sue Wilson
Living God, you are our joy and our salvation. Through your supreme power, you bring all creation to life. God of astonishing love; we are grateful to you for teaching us your truth. Draw us away from the ways of the world. Empty us of all that would injure or harm. Help us to realize that you are alive within all creation. Lead us to treasure your closeness.
We depend on you, God. You are our Savior; no one else besides you. Your Living Water cleanses; and your Living Word gives life. Come, Holy Spirit; wash over us. Come as light in our darkness. Come as new life to the weary. Come as strength to our weakness. Take us – soul, body and mind. Come, Holy Spirit; we need you now. Guide us to live with grace and compassion. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, into my heart,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay,
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 40:21-31 – Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Well with My Soul

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:29-39

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Take Time to Be Holy – #171

Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, With Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive Beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Believing the Table of Jesus Christ is open to all, the United Church of Christ celebrates Open Communion. All who desire to share in the Sacrament are welcome to receive the bread and the cup. The cups in the outer circle on the communion tray contain grape juice. The other cups contain wine.

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

*HYMN – The Solid Rock – #315

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

Refrain:
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on HIs unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my sould gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in HIm be found;
Dressed in HIs righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit