March 31 – Easter Sunday

A blessed Easter to all!

SILENT REFLECTION — The Risen Lord #646

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Thine Is the Glory

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Jim French
One: The tomb is empty!
All: Our Savior lives!
One: Christ himself told us, “On the third day, the Son will rise.”
All: Christ is risen!
One: Christ is risen indeed!
All: Alleluia!

*HYMN – Christ the Lord Is Risen Today – #268

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Dying once, He all doth save, Alleluia!
Where’s thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise, Alleluia!
Christ has opened Paradise, Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Jim French
O God, the things you do! For generations, you have been doing “new things.” And now, Holy Week! Jesus is alive?! He is! This is the awesome joy that fills our hearts and raises our spirits. God, you rule! Christ Jesus, you are alive! You raise us beyond our fears, our doubts and our sins. You can conquer anything, including death. O God of Resurrection, the things you do! Amen!

*RESPONSE – Were You There? – #266

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?
Oh, sometimes I feel like shouting, glory, glory, glory!
Were you there when He rose up from the dead?

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Pat Winship

*HYMN – He Is Lord – #103

He is Lord, He is Lord!
He is risen from the dead and he is Lord!
Ev’ry knee shall bow, ev’ry tongue confess
That Jesus Christ is Lord.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 – im French

SPECIAL MUSIC – Was It a Morning Like This? – Croegaert
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Mark 16:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Thine Is the Glory – #281

Thine is the glory, Risen conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou or death has won!
Angels in bright raiment Rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes Where Thy body lay.

Refrain:
Thine is the glory, Risen Conquering Son!
Endless is the victr’y Thou o’er death hast won!

Lo! Jesus meets us. Risen from the tomb,
Lovingly He greets us, Scatters fear and gloom.
Let His church with gladness Hymns of triumph sing,
For the Lord now liveth; Death has lost its sting. [Refrain]

No more we doubt Thee, Glorious Prince of Life!
Life is naught without Thee; Aid us in our strife;
Make us more than conqu’rors, Through thy deathless love;
Bring us safe through Jordan To Thy home above. (Refrain)

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Hallelujah! (from Messiah) – G. F. Handel

March 29 — Good Friday

Our worship is in memory of the sacrificial, self-giving love offered to all on the cross by Jesus Christ.

SILENT REFLECTION — Crucifixion of Christ — #645

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We come now to the hill at Calvary.
All: The love of God leads to the Cross.
One: The Servant Messiah summons us.
All: Despised and rejected; Jesus is a man of sorrows, acquainted with all our griefs.
One: The Anointed One of God, whom we have grown to love dearly, is being crucified.
All: We are in disbelief.
One: How can Jesus be dying?
All: Truly, Jesus is the Son of God.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Everlasting God, we need you. You respond to the cries of your children from all walks of life. This day, though; Christ Jesus, you are the One crying out. Help us to hear your cries; to see what you see; to feel what you feel. We are saved by your sacrifice. On this unforgettable Friday, may we be moved by the sorrows of betrayal, denial, cruelty, and condemnation that you endure for us. Your suffering and death are agony. On this day, we remember your excruciating pain, dying on the cross for all people. Our souls ache with grief and guilt over your crucifixion, Jesus.
You are aware of our need for your grace. We worship you. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.

*HYMN — I Need Thee Every Hour — #169

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford

Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee

I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh

I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain

I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed son

CALL TO CONFESSION
One: God longs for us to come to God; to be truthful; and to confess our sin. God desires to free us from guilt and fear. Let us pray together.
All: God of steadfast love, we keep ourselves busy with pursuits that do not satisfy. We exhaust ourselves trying to fill our emptiness with activities and possessions that drain our energies rather than give life. Before you now, O God, we confess that we do not know how to live; and we are afraid to die. We readily excuse our own sin, but, at the same time, we are quick to condemn wrongdoing we see in others. Help us to own up to our sin and to repent. Forgive us when we do not do what you ask of us. Eternal God, we are sorry for failing you. Forgive us, Christ Jesus; we pray in your name. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

*HYMN — Beneath the Cross of Jesus — #239

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me:
And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.

GOD’S WORD — Isaiah 52:13-53:12

*HYMN — Were You There? — #266

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Christ on the Cross

The third hour
Luke 23:34
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they are doing.”

The fourth hour
John 19:26-27
“Woman, behold your son… Behold your mother.”

The fifth hour
Luke 23:43
“Truly, truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

The sixth hour
John 19:28
“I thirst.”

The seventh hour
Matthew 27:46
“My God! My God! Why have you forsaken me?”

The eighth hour
Luke 23:46
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

The ninth hour
John 19:30
“It is finished.”

SOLO — Tis Finished — Valerie Waterman, Soloist

+ Depart in silence +

Blood Drive

Please join us for our Spring Blood Drive. We are once again partnering with Impact Life.

Where: Ivy Chapel UCC, Fellowship Hall

When: Thursday May 9, 2024 from 4:00-7:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME HAS CHANGED!!!!

You can schedule your appointment by following the link below or contacting Sue Wilson at 314.324.3756. Schedule your blood donation at Ivy Chapel HERE

THANK YOU for signing up and give the gift of life!

March 24 — Palm Sunday

Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest!

WELCOME

PRELUDE — He Is Exalted

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Hosanna to the King of kings!
All: Let all who follow Christ sing God’s praises!
One: John the Baptist says, “One is coming who is greater than me.”
All: Blessed is the One who comes in the name of God!
One: Look, he’s riding on a donkey. Here comes the Savior!
All: Let every knee bow before Jesus.
One: Let every tongue welcome him,
All: “Hosanna in the highest!”

*HYMN — Hosanna, Loud Hosanna — #233

Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of joyful moments; this morning, we recall the excitement felt by people welcoming Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. What a moment! Today, we find ourselves swept up in the party atmosphere of that wonderful parade. Even now, we can feel your mighty grace and love. We want to cut loose in ways that honor and praise you, Jesus. Your amazing love reaches out and includes everyone.
Your goodness challenges all people to rise up and walk in your ways. Hosanna! Reign over us, Holy Jesus. Come; and live among us. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE — Lord, Be Glorified — #528

In my life, Lord be glorified, be glorified.
In my life, Lord be glorified today.

In your church, Lord, be glorified, be glorified.
In your church, Lord, be glorified today.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

*HYMN — Amazing Grace — #299

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see

‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear,
And Grace, my fears relieved;
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
We have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought us safe thus far,
And Grace will lead us home.

When we’ve been there then thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun.

GOD’S WORD — Philippians 2:5-11

SPECIAL MUSIC — Lord, I Lift Your Name on High

GOD’S WORD — Mark 11:1-11

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LOR’DS PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — All Glory, Laud and Honor — #234

All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!

The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.

To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Majesty, Worship His Majesty

March 17 –Fifth Sunday of Lent – Deep in our Hearts

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Let us worship and praise Living God with all our being!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Be Thou My Vision – Kathryn Kuntzman, cello

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Our brokenness can be healed.
One: And our wholeness can be restored.
All: God offers humankind salvation.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation.
All: Praise God!

*HYMN – O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee – #542

O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
With thee, O Master, let me live.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
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 — Jesus Paid It All — #255

I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone. [Refrain]

For nothing good have I Where-by Thy grace to claim;
I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb. [Refrain]

And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,” My lips shall still repeat. [Refrain]

MISSION MOMENT — Caring for Kids, Inc. — Bet Stapleton, Program Director

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 119:9-16

SPECIAL MUSIC — Traditional Irish Melody — Kathryn Kuntzman, cello

GOD’S WORD — Jeremiah 31:31-34 — John 12

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — God of Grace and God of Glory — #514

God of grace and God of glory, On Thy people pour Thy pow’r;
Crown Thine ancient Church’s story, Bring her bud to glorious flow’r.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
For the facing of this hour,
For the facing of this hour.

Lo, the hosts of evil round us Scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways.
From the fears that long have bound us Free our hearts to faith and praise.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
For the living of these days,
For the living of these days.

Cure Thy children’s warring madness; Bend our pride to Thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, Rich in things and poor in soul.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage
Lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal,
Lest we miss Thy dom’s goal.

Set our feet on lofty places, Gird our lives that they may be
Armored with all Christlike graces In the fight to set ment free.
Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage,
That we fail not man nor Thee,
That we fail not man nor Thee.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Londonderry Air

March 10 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

SILENT REFLECTION — Testimony — Page opposite Hymn #294 (Psalm 107)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — The Solid Rock/’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: God’s love is for all of creation.
All: The vastness of God is for human, animal, soil, and sun, all together composing God’s beloved creation.
One: God has not come into the world in Jesus to condemn us.
All: Jesus has come to live God’s love in the flesh.
One: The world may be teeming with injustice and loneliness.
All: In Jesus, the light of God’s love illumines our path.
One: Come. Let us gather together and offer God our praises.
All: Let us worship God.

*HYMN — Wondrous Love — #250

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I Am,”
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity, I’ll sing on!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
O God, the vastness of your love flows through all of creation, and this is cause for rejoicing. For all of the harshness and condemnation that we see in the world, you have come to us out of love and compassion to save us. We believe that you have come to redeem, to heal, to restore, and forgive, not just some of the world, but all of the world. May our worship embody the love and the light that you bring, Jesus. We pray in your holy name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Love Was When God Became a Man — #249

Love was when God became a man
Locked in time and space without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin,
Just a carpenter with some fishermen.

Love was when Jesus walked in history
Lovingly He brought a new life that’s free;
Love was God nailed to bleed and die
To reach and love one such as I.

Love was when God became a man
Down where I could see love that reached to me;
Love was God dying for my sin
And so trapped was I, my whole world caved in.

Love was when Jesus rose to walk with me
Lovingly He brought an new life that’s free;
Love was God only He would try
To reach and love one such as I.

CELEBRATING GOD’S ASTONISHING LOVE WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING
One Great Hour of Sharing — “It’s Time to Share the Light!”

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 107:1-9 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — In the Garden

GOD’S WORD — John 3:14-21 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN — O Jesus, I Have Promised — #466

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

O Jesus,Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be.
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near:
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Day by Day

March 3 – Third Sunday in Lent – Turning the Tables

The grace and love of Jesus Christ are God’s immeasurable gifts to all people. On the third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate this love and remember God’s gift to us with communion. All are welcome at God’s table.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: The heavens are telling of the glory of God!
All: Day and night, earth’s creatures announce God’s works!
One: All life proclaims God’s handiwork.
All: The law of God is perfect.
One: The decrees of God are sure.
All: The precepts of God are right.
One: The commandments of God are clear.
All: God is faithful. Let us praise God together!

*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 woe;
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 would 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 Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same;
And He must win the battle.
82ils filled, Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The Prince of Darkness 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 goods and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Wise and Powerful 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 your aspiring disciples, we are in the process of growing to recognize your Cross as the center. On the Cross, you displayed total unselfishness. You placed service to others above everything else. At Calvary, you went the distance for us. The truth is that your example scares us, Jesus. We are intimidated by what you soon may ask of us.Yet we long for wholeness which only you provide. Our longing for this is so deep that we continue seeking to follow you regardless of the risks.
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable to you, O God, our Rock and our Redeemer. We come to you, Christ Jesus. Make yourself known to us, we pray. Amen.

*RESPONSE — We Have Come Into His House — #36

We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him,
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
We have come into His house
and gathered in His name to worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him,
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
Let’s forget about ourselves,
and magnify His name and worship Him;
O, worship HIm, Jesus Christ, the Lord.

GOD’S WORD — 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — Sun of My Soul

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

SERMON — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — One Bread, One Body — worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more. Refrain

Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all. Refrain

Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all. Refrain

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
Believing the Table of Jesus Christ is open to all, we celebrate Open Communion.
All who desire to share in the Sacrament are welcome to receive the bread and the cup.

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER — Pastor Dan

*HYMN — How Great Thou Art — #16
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy pow’r thro’out the universe displayed.

Refrain
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

When thro’ the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountains grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze. Refrain

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing.
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin. Refrain

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And there proclaim, my God, go great Thou art. Refrain

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Thou Art Worthy