September 25 Livestream – From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving
September 24, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
All are invited to find shelter in our sanctuary, here among the trees that surround Ivy Chapel. Our services begin at 10 a.m. every Sunday. You may also join us on our YouTube channel.
Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons!
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Handel
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Many are gathered here, hungry for so much: Souls who hunger for rest and nourishment; for inspiration and faith.
All: We will give you something to satisfy your hunger. We have stories of faith and songs of praise.
One: All who are hungry in body, whose stomachs have known the pain of emptiness.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have resources to share and a Table big enough for all!
One: All who are hungry for a relationship with the God of abundance an
generosity.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have stories old and new of God’s amazing presence and love.
One: We share, because we know there is more than enough for all people everywhere – a surplus; like overflowing baskets of bread and fish!
All: All will eat together nourished by that which Jesus himself blesses and shares.
*HYMN – I Sing the Almighty Power of God – #6
I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how wonThyders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.
There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, are present there.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Bedrock God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, you have created this scenic sanctuary to nourish souls. In this sacred space, your people receive glimpses of our oneness with each other and with you. At times, we have asked you for exceptional abilities, so that we might achieve glorious, impressive things and be admired. Instead, we pray, help us to value Your Glory, so that we may become your humble followers.
We have asked you, God, for riches, so that we might feel comfortable and secure. Deliver us from this temptation and teach us Your Way, so that we may live overflowing with your Spirit – offering to others Your ‘wealth of compassion and grace.’
We have asked you, God, to bless our dreams, so that we might find happiness. Instead, we pray, lead us to exalt you and to continue seeking Your Dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76
Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
SPECIAL MUSIC – No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus – Hamilton
GOD’S WORD – Luke 16:19-31
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Living for Jesus – #413
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Toccata in E Minor – Pachelbel
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September 18 Livestream – Prayerful Living
September 17, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. All are welcome to join us on our prayerful journey through life. Join us in person every Sunday at 10, or for virtual worship on our YouTube page.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude – J. S. Bach
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come one! Come all!
All: God is great and greatly to be praised!
One: Some things God alone can see.
All: God is great and greatly to be praised!
One: Enter into the joy of your Master.
All: Come, one and all!
*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33
All creatures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam,
Thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
O praise Him, Alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
Ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
Make music for thy Lord to hear,
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright,
That givest man both warmth and light,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
And all ye men of tender heart,
Forgiving others, take your part,
O sing ye, Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
Praise God and on HIm cast your care,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O Praise Him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father and the Son,
And praise the spirit, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him, Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, you genuinely delight in creation. We are grateful for this morning. It is a joy to be with you on this day of life that you have given! Our prayer is an invitation for you to visit this faith community today, God. Make your Church out of us. Fill our hearts with desire to become your servants. As Jesus Christ, you have shown us that focusing on you brings life. Lead us as we continue learning to give away the gifts which you so abundantly are giving us.
Grand and Gracious God, you are beyond all that we can ask or imagine. May the hearts of people everywhere delight in you. 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.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 113
SPECIAL MUSIC – Come Build a Church (Vocal Ensemble) – Medema
GOD’S WORD – Luke 16:1-13
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Something for Jesus – #441
Savior, Thy dying love Thou gavest me,
Nor should I aught withhold, Dear Lord, from Thee:
In love my soul would bow, My heart fulfill its vow,
Some off’ring bring Thee now, Something for Thee.
At the blest mercy seat, Pleading for me,
My feeble faith looks up, Jesus, to Thee:
Help me the cross to bear, Thy wondrous love declare,
Some song to raise, or pray’r, Something for Thee.
Give me a faithful heart, Likeness to Thee,
That each departing day Henceforth may see
Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done,
Some wand’rer sought and won, Something for Thee.
All that I am and have, Thy gifts so free,
In joy, in grief, thro’ life, Dear Lord, for Thee!
And when Thy face I see, My ransom’d soul shall be,
Thro’ all eternity, Something for Thee.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Toccata on How Firm a Foundation – Young
All Pets Welcome – Blessing of the Animals Sept. 17
September 10, 2022 by Rich
Filed under What's happening
Over the past 22 years, pets of all shapes and sizes have descended upon Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ for the mid-September celebration of the Blessing of the Animals. Following in the tradition of St. Francis of Assisi, we take this moment to bless the creatures with whom we share our homes and our planet.
Join us on Saturday, September 17 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.
Blessings, fellowship–and the inevitable tight leash or two, so make sure your pets are appropriately restrained–will take at the Eric Moody Pavilion near the main parking lot at Ivy Chapel.
Each year, we’re proud to partner with a St. Louis organization that serves animals and pets. This year, we’re partnering with the Bi-State Pet Food Pantry. They’ll be accepting donations of cat or dog treats, canned pet food and cat toys. Please join us in supporting this incredible organization.
Sept. 11 Livestream – Growing in God’s Love
September 10, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
No matter who you are or where you are in life, we invite you to be found by God here at Ivy Chapel. All are welcome in our windowed sanctuary here in Chesterfield, MO. Sunday’s worship, and past services, are available on our YouTube Channel.
As always, we invite and encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude in Classic Style – Young
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: The steadfast love of God is from everlasting to everlasting.
All: God’s love is vast, and lavish, and joyous!
One: The winds of God are blowing among us!
All: The eternal voice of God is still speaking.
One: Grace and peace to you, children of God.
All: A new day has dawned, and we are alive to enjoy this gift!
*HYMN – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – #17
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – (Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, Heartland Conference, UCC)
Holy One, we come to this sacred space filled with all kinds of memories, feelings and perspectives about this ominous date. We are grateful to be here in your sanctuary now, God Eternal. May we sense your nearness, and may we be moved to give thanks for your everlasting love.
O Holy Wind of God, sweep through our lives. Help us to pause. Refine within us a renewed devotion to bearing your gracious goodness in this world. Let our emotions this day call forth an alternative to the easy response of violence for violence. Instead, moment by moment, place within us an enduring commitment to display love in the face of fear, hope in the midst of despair, and mercy in reaction to injury. In this manner, O God, may you continue bringing alive the heart and mind of Christ in us. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Whiter Than Snow, Verses 1 and 4 – #368
Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;
I want You forever to live in my soul,
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain:
Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Lord Jesus, You see that I patiently wait,
Come now, and within me a new heart create;
To those who have sought You, You never said “No,”
Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Refrain
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 51:1-12
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Wolaver
GOD’S WORD – Luke 15:1-10
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*UNISON RESPONSE – U.C.C. Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 4
We believe in God, the Eternal Spirit, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, and to his deeds we testify:
He calls the worlds into being, creates man in his own image and sets before him the ways of life and death.
He seeks in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.
He judges men and nations by his righteous will declared through prophets and apostles.
In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Lord, he has come to us and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to himself.
He bestows upon us his Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ, binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.
He calls us into his church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be his servants in the service of men, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his passion and victory.
He promises to all who trust him forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in the struggle for justice and peace, his presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal life in his kingdom which has no end.
Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto him.
Amen.
*HYMN – I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me – worship booklet, p. 51
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
I’m so glad, Jesus lifted me,
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Satan had me bound, Jesus lifted me,
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me,
When I was in trouble, Jesus lifted me
Singing glory, hallelujah, Jesus lifted me.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Fugue – Dandrieu
CCLI Licence #456361
September 4 Livestream – A New Identity
September 3, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! As is our custom on this, the first Sunday of the month, we will be celebrating communion today. All are welcome at the table. If you are worshipping with us at home, please be sure to gather the elements before worship begins so we may experience communion together.
Join us in person at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, or, as always, on our YouTube channel. If you worship with us online, please drop a note in the chat to let us know you’re there.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Prelude in C – J. S. Bach
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God brings lives together.
All: Every time we are brought together is a blessing!
One: God is the Giver of life.
All: God gives earthly life.
One: And God gives eternal life.
All: With God, there is always life!
*HYMN – Cleanse Me – #398
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 Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, Start the work in me.
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessings now, O Lor, I humbly plead.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Creator God, Maker of everything good; you have gathered us together this morning here on holy ground.
Creator God, Sculptor of masterpieces; we are in your hands. You are the Potter; we are the clay. You imaginatively shape us into earthen vessels of your design. You give life to us, Artistic God; and so we freely offer you our lives in joyful, loving service! Be with us, as we seek your wisdom and as we strive to become the people you would have us be. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
*PRAISE 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.
RESPONSIVE READING – Psalm 139:1-12, 14, 23-24 – #631
SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Thanks – Hayes
GOD’S WORD – Luke 14:25-33
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260
We gather here in Jesus’ name,
His love is burning in our hearts like living flame,
For thru the loving Son the Father makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord.
No one is a stranger here, everyone belongs.
Finding our forgiveness here,
we in turn forgive all wrongs.
He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup risen from the dead.
The one we love the most is now our gracious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord
We are now a family of which the Lord is head.
Though unseen, He meets us here,
In the breaking of the bread.
We’ll gather soon where angels sing,
We’ll see the glory of our lord and coming King.
Now we anticipate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine,
Come share the Lord
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament here.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*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.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Carillon – Wolford
August 28 Livestream – Open Table
August 26, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel! We rejoice that you are with us today, and welcome you to celebrate at our open church, at our open table. All are welcome here! That is the way of Ivy Chapel and the United Church of Christ.
Service begins at 10 a.m. on Sunday. All are welcome to join us in our sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield or on our YouTube channel.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Pastel – Young
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Welcome to the banquet of hope, to the “open bar of prayer,”
to the anonymous circle of acceptance.
All: We rejoice that we are invited!
One: Welcome to the fiesta of joy, to the “mercy meal of
tenderness,” where every place is a seat of honor.
All: We rejoice that we have been invited by God!
One: Welcome to a party for God’s “love-reveal,”
where all gather in one circle,
and where everyone is free to sing their genuine stories!
All: We have an invitation from God – not a written invitation;
but a spoken one. God simply calls us by name.
We rejoice, for God invites all people to God’s table!
*HYMN – Help Us Accept Each Other – #127
Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother, each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe:
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live.
Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some,
To love them as we find them, or as they may become.
Let Your acceptance change us so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and laughter’s healing art.
Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and for bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!
*OPENING PRAYER
God of openness and grace; we come to this gathering of your community where there are no barriers, and where everyone’s abilities are celebrated as gifts. We come to receive your extravagant hospitality and your gentle care. We come to learn how we may offer your treasured sensitivity to a stranger, to a friend, to a family member, to those whose faces are unfamiliar to us, and to the face who meets us in the mirror. Be with us now during this sacred time of worship. We ask this in your blessed name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
You are the potter, I am the clay,
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart Oh God, make it ever true.
Change my heart Oh God, may I be like You.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 112:1-6 – Hebrews 13:1-8
SPECIAL MUSIC – Lord, Be Glorified – Hayes
GOD’S WORD – Luke 14:1-14
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Give of Your Best to the Master – #422
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Throw your soul’s fresh, glowing ardor
Into the battle for truth.
Jesus has set the example,
Dauntless was He, young and brave;
Give Him your loyal devotion;
Give Him the best that you have.
Refrain:
Give of your best to the Master;
Give of the strength of your youth;
Clad in salvation’s full armor,
Join in the battle for truth.
Give of your best to the Master;
Give Him first place in your heart;
Give Him first place in your service;
Consecrate every part.
Give, and to you will be given;
God His beloved Son gave;
Gratefully seeking to serve Him,
Give Him the best that you have.
Give of your best to the Master;
Naught else is worthy His love;
He gave Himself for your ransom,
Gave up His glory above.
Laid down His life without murmur,
You from sin’s ruin to save;
Give Him your heart’s adoration,
Give Him the best that you have.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Postludium – Young
August 21 Livestream – The ABCs of Kindness
August 20, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! Today we mark the beginning of the new school year with children in worship and a special children’s message. Whoever you are, you are welcome here! Today we come to worship together the God of kindness.
All are welcome to join us in Fellowship Hall to enjoy ice cream sundaes following worship.
You may also join us on YouTube or watch past weeks’ online worship services. Click here if you are having trouble accessing our online worship.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Suscepit Israel – Titelouze
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We may be parched with thirst, like an unwatered garden; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: God Most High refreshes us as a spring of living water.
One: We may be weary from worry or from work; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Holy One offers us Sabbath rest.
One: We may be lost or confused; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Eternal One offers us kindness.
One: We may be bent over with struggle or pain; yet as we come into God’s presence:
All: The Healing One makes us well.
*HYMN – Draw Me Nearer – #412
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.
Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
(Refrain)
O, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God,
I commune as friend with friend!
(Refrain
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Kind-hearted God, we lift our praises to your sacred name. You truly care for every living being. Your goodness and mercy are remarkable! You never lose track of a single one of us. We are blessed that you are our God! Give us ears to hear the fresh word of power and grace that you speak this day. Soften our stubborn hearts and remove any barriers that keep us from serving you. Help us to continue becoming faithful imitators of you, Christ Jesus. Amen.
*RESPONSE – This Is the Day – #84
This is the day, this is the day
that the Lord has made,
that the Lord has made;
we will rejoice,
we will rejoice and be glad in it,
and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day,
this is the day that the Lord has made.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Dottie Foster
*HYMN – There Is a Balm in Gilead – #141
Refrain:
There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.
Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work’s in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again.
Refrain
If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
You can tell the love of Jesus
and say, “He died for all.”
Refrain
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 103:1-8 & Isaiah 58:1, 6-14
SPECIAL MUSIC – Wonderful Words of Life – Hamilton
GOD’S WORD – Luke 13:10-17
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy – #379
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy,
Like the wideness of the sea.
There’s a kindness in His justice,
Which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner,
And more graces for the good.
There is mercy with the Savior,
There is healing in His blood.
For the love of God is broader
Than the measures of the mind,
And the heart of the Eternal
Is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word,
And our lives would be all sunshine
In the sweetness of our Lord.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Ricercare on “St. Anne” – Young
Aug. 14 Livestream – Restore Us
August 13, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for being with us today. Let’s rejoice and worship God together!
Feel free to join us in person at 10 a.m. on Sunday, or visit our YouTube page for virtual worship. We will post a link directly to this week’s worship once the service begins.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Et Misericordia Ejus – Titelouze
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, worship God who moves us to rejoice!
All: We have God to thank for every blessing that we enjoy.
One: Come, worship Christ Jesus.
All: Jesus is our all in all!
One: Come, worship God who teaches us to give and to serve.
All: Let us follow Christ’s way of life.
One: This world is God’s world.
All: This world is a place of abundance and possibility!
*HYMN – Rejoice, the Lord Is King – #282
Rejoice, the Lord is King: Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing, And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Jesus, the Savior, reigns, The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains, He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord and Judge shall come
And take His servants up To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of promise and possibility; you greet us here once again. We have come to this sacred place to be reminded of your holy love for all people and of your persistent invitation to follow you. We are like vines which you plant, water and protect. We know in our hearts that we need and desire your presence in our lives, Christ Jesus.
O God Eternal and Ever-new; we are listening for your Voice. Speak to us. Breathe new life into us. Fill us with your Spirit. Lead us to put into action daring ‘possibilities’ that you envision for us as your church! Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Love You, Lord – #228
I love You, Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You;
O my soul, rejoice!
Take joy, my King, in what You hear;
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear.
GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 5:1-7
SPECIAL MUSIC – Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen – arr. Hayes
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Revive Us Again – #95
We praise Thee, O God! for the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died, and is now gone above.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.
We praise Thee, O God! for Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior, and scattered our night.
All glory and praise To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and hath cleansed every stain.
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Toccata – Young
CCLI License #456361
Question about Ivy Chapel? Do not hesitate to reach out to us anytime.
August 7 Livestream – Living the Promise
August 6, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
This morning is a sacred gift from God. Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior. Let us live the promise as one! All are welcome at Christ’s table. If you are worshipping with us at home, be sure to gather the element of communion before worship begins.
Join us for in-person worship Sunday morning at 10 a.m. or on our YouTube channel. We will place a direct link to the service once worship begins.
Click here if you have any questions about Ivy Chapel.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Heartily I Yearn – Strungk
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us sing to Everlasting God
All: who nourishes life within every human being!
One: How amazing is our God
All: who creates all that is alive and beautiful in this world!
One: Let us rejoice this day!
All: Together, let us lift our voices in praise to God!
*HYMN – Morning Has Broken – #274
Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!
Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Eternal, Spirit of grace; you are the One who brings us here, making us ready for something we cannot fully comprehend. You offer each of us a uniquely personal place at your table. Your Communion is an expression of the sacred love that you display toward all people as the Savior of the world!
God of salvation, all the earth cries out for the beauty that is within us to rise to the surface. This beauty comes from you, O God. You are our Shepherd, Christ Jesus; and we are treasured flock of young and old, female and male, rich and poor, strong and weak. May we follow your lead. We thank you for each blessing which you provide. Let us serve you by offering your love and grace to everyone. Breathe new life into your people this day, O Holy One, as we gather to worship you; to listen for your voice; and to respond with our lives. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81
My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You
Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 33:12-13, 20-22
SPECIAL MUSIC – A Place at the Table – Tate
GOD’S WORD – Luke 12:32-40 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – We Come As Guests Invited – #258
We come as guests invited When Jesus bids us dine,
HIs friends on earth united To share the bread and wine;
The bread of life is broken, The wine is freely poured
For us, in solemn token Of Christ our dying Lord.
We eat and drink, receiving From Christ the grace we need,
An in our hearts believing On Him by faith we feed;
With wonder and thanksgiving For love that knows no end,
We find in Jesus living Our ever present friend.
One bread is ours for sharing, One single, fruited vine,
Our fellowship declaring Renewed in bread and wine-
Renewed, sustained and given By token, sing and word,
The pledge and seal of heaven, The love of Christ our Lord.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament here.
*HYMN – I Would Be True – #432
I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would be learning day by day the lessons
My heav’n-ly Father gives me in His Word;
I would be quick to hear His lightest whisper,
And prompt and glad to do the things I’ve heard;
And prompt and glad to do the things I’ve heard.
I would be prayerful through each busy moment;
I would be constantly in touch with God;
I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper,
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod;
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Agincourt Hymn – Dunstable
July 31 – Soul
July 29, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
All are welcome to find peace in our sanctuary. If you are unable to join us in person, we will be livestreaming worship. You can view past worship services on our YouTube channel. We will post the direct link to the service on Sunday morning.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Gigue – D. Wagner
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God alone is our strength and shield.
All: God does not always come as earthquake, wind or fire.
One: Sometimes, God is revealed in moments of silence.
All: In quiet expectation, we have entered this sanctuary.
One: This is a place of healing and joy.
All: As our souls thirst for Living Water, we long to worship God.
*HYMN – As the Deer Pants for the Water – worship booklet, p. 26
As the deer pants for the water
So my soul longs after You
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You
Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield,
To You alone may my spirit yield;
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship You!
I want you more than gold or silver,
Only you can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
Chorus
You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything!
Chorus
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Eternal God, you are Companion of all who seek you, and Seeker of all who turn away from you. With complete trust in you, we come to you. Draw near to us now. Renew us during this time of worship. May we live as you live within us–faithfully, joyfully, and abundantly!
Ever-present God, your Word teaches us to cast our cares on you, since we realize that you care for us. Guide each of us as we continue serving you by joyously offering your love and compassion to all people. We pray in your holy name, Jesus. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bless the Lord, O My Soul – #85
Bless the Lord, O My Soul;
Bless the Lord, O My Soul;
And all that is within me,
Bless His holy name.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 107:1-9
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody
GOD’S WORD – Hosea 11:1-11
SPECIAL MUSIC – Count Your Blessings – Torrans
GOD’S WORD – Luke 12:13-21
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*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.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Deposuit Potentes – Titelouze