Sept. 19 Livestream – First In Caring

We’re thrilled you have joined this Sunday.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

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

*HYMN – Softly and Tenderly – #389

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

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

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

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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC – Julie McAllister

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

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

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

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

Blessing of the Animals Sept. 18

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sept. 12 Livestream – Who are you, Jesus?

Here is today’s order for worship.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: God is good.
All: God is loving.
One: God is present here.
All: God is alive in creation!
One: God’s mercies are new every morning.
All: Let us praise God together!

*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387

Just as I am, without one plea 
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, 
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, and waiting not 
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict many a doubt
Fightings and fears within, without, 
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee I find,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, 
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Ever-faithful, all-powerful God; you are above everything in this world. You are supreme. O Holy One, renew our sense of awe and delight as we gather in your presence now. Draw us away from all earthly distractions, so that we may clearly witness your wonders unfolding all around us.

Guide us, we pray. Challenge us if we become lost or get off track. We want to follow you, Jesus. You are God’s Anointed One – the Christ. May we perceive what you are revealing. Open our hearts, and awaken our souls. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see your miracles, O Risen Savior. Teach us what we can do to live in harmony with you moment by moment. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Will Call Upon the Lord – #101

I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.

The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
 And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.

The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
 And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Me Jesus (arr. Fleming) – Julie McAllister and Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Mark 8:27-38 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

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

“Take up they cross and Follow Me,” I heard my Master say,
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.”

REFRAIN
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever he leads I’ll go.

He drew me closer to HIs side, I sought HIs will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I’ll go.

REFRAIN

It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leaders me.

REFRAIN

My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.

REFRAIN

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

September 5 Livestream – Be Opened

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

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

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

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

*HYMN – To God Be the Glory – #79

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.

REFRAIN
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear HIs voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro’ Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

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

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

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

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

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

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

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

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

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

REFRAIN

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

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

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

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

Now Hiring: Minister of Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

August 29 Livestream – Be Love

We hope you are joining us in person on August 29. After worship, we’ll celebrate the start of school outdoors. This will be the first time many of our youth have been together with their church friends. It will be a joyous occasion, and we look forward to seeing everyone and hearing the laughter of children on Ivy’s beautiful grounds.

August 29 Livestream – Be Love

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, people of God.
All: This is the Sabbath Day, and we are drawn to God.
One: Come, and receive all that God longs to teach us.
All: Learning from God is a blessing.
One: God’s grace overflows!
All: The image of God is within each one of us.

HYMN – Be Thou My Vision – #400

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art-
Thou myy best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only be first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of love, we turn to you. We gather now in your blessed presence. In you, there is true life. God, you call us to be your Church. You long for all people to become your people: exalting you by serving together as the Body of Christ. Your grace is uplifting! Your grace takes hold of people, causing all who receive to spill over with joy!
God, you yourself are so marvelous that you make others want to become better. This is how we feel. Our hope is to become who you want us to become, God. We want our lives to be un-defiled; faithful to you. Help us to begin right now. In prayer, we give you our word: We promise to do all that we can to live in harmony. We promise to work at loving all people the same — long-time friends, new acquaintances, big, small, young, not-so-young, like us, unlike us. We promise to learn from you. We promise to love. We promise to devote ourselves to serving you with all we’ve got. Be with us as we apply ourselves to fulfilling these huge promises. We will need your help, Loving God. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – With My Whole Heart – worship booklet, p. 98

With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole Heart;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole heart.
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole heart;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole heart.

With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole mind.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole mind.

With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole life.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole life.

GOD’S WORD – James 1:17-25 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – The Gift of Love – #126

Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love; my words are vain;
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.

Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be giv’n by love within
The profit soon turns strangely thin.

Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.

SPECIAL MUSIC – Alleluia with The Majesty and Glory of Your Name – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-6 & Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – For the Beauty of the Earth – #64

For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the Skies,
For the love which from our birth,Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree, and flow’r, Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mind”s delight,
For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thought and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

For each perfect gift of Thine To our race so freely giv’n,
Graces human and divine, Flow’rs of earth and buds of head’n,
Lord of all to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

Thank you for donating to Isaiah 58

We’d like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Ivy Chapel who donated to the Isaiah 58 back-to-school drive.

We were able to help brighten the start of the school year for so many children right here in St. Louis.

Our little congregation donated:

• 251 rulers
• 21 t-shirts
• 223 pairs of underwear
• 231 pairs of socks

Thank you to everyone who donated!

August 22 Livestream – At Home with God

Today we celebrate that all can find a home with God, even the sparrow! We invite you to join us in-person or online.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come, let us raise our hands to the Creator of the heavens!
All: God’s promises are wonderful, and God’s love is forever!
One: God’s works delight our hearts and lead us to dream!
All: Let us worship God, who loves all people,
who hears every prayer,
and who rejoices in life everywhere!

*HYMN – Day by Day – #486

Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best –
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.

Every day the Lord Himself is near me with a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As your days, your strength shall be measure,” This the pledge to me He made.

Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises.
O Lord, That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.

*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER – Pastor Dan
Gentle and Kind God; Giver of all life; hear our prayers of praise for summertime beauty, for graceful birds, for fragrant flowers, for vacation rest, for the fruit of the earth, for sunrise, for moonlight, and for much, much more. Send the cooling breath of your Spirit to surround us and inspire our faith journeys. May we be nourished by your life-giving words and ways, Christ Jesus; and may we live as your faithful disciples, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – You Are My Hiding Place – #53

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

I will trust in You; Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.”

You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Liz Schurwan

*HYMN – In the Garden – #267

I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
Refrain: And He walks with me, and he talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
(Refrain)

I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
(Refrain)

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 84 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 6:35, 58-69 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Through It All – #304

I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been time I didn’t know right from wrong,
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.

Refrain: Through it all, Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.

I’ve been to lots of places, And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
But in my lonely hours, Yes those precious lonely hours,
Jesus let me know that I was His own.
(Refrain)

I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storm He brought me through;
For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.
(Refrain)

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

August 15 Livestream – Seek Peace

Whatever brings you here today, we hope you find the peace you seek within our four walls, real or virtual.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises!
All: God in Christ Jesus has set us all free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!

*HYMN – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #437

1. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
   E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
   Still all my song shall be,
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
2. Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
   Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
   Yet in my dreams I’d be
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
3. There let the way appear steps unto heav’n;
   All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n;
   Angels to beckon me
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
4. Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
   Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
   So by my woes to be
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.
5. Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,
   Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,
   Still all my song shall be
   Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
   Nearer to Thee.

*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 – 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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

HYMN – Here I Am, Lord – worship booklet, pp. 46-47

1. I, the Lord of sea and sky,
   I have heard my people cry.
   All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save.
   I who made the stars of night,
   I will make their darkness bright.
   Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

2. I, the Lord of snow and rain,
   I have borne my people’s pain.
   I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
   I will break their hearts of stone,
   Give them hearts for love alone.
   I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

3. I, the Lord of wind and flame,
   I will tend the poor and lame.
   I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
   Finest bread I will provide
   Til their hearts be satisfied.
   I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart, in my heart.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:9-15, 17-18, 22

SPECIAL MUSIC – Let There Be Peace on Earth – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 6:41-44, 47-58 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Every Time I Feel the Spirit – worship booklet, p. 39

Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

1. Upon the mountain my God spoke,
   Out of God’s mouth came fire and smoke,
   Looked all around me; looked so fine;
   I asked my God if all were mine.

Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

Oh, Jordan river, chilly and cold,
It chills the body, not the soul.
There’s only one train on this track;
It runs to heaven, then right back.

Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

Now Hiring: Youth Ministry Coordinator

As we continue to work toward the “next normal,” we’re hiring for a Youth Ministry Coordinator to lead programs for our young people. Please send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to ymcsearch@ivychapel.org.

Job Title: Youth Ministry Coordinator
Reports to: Board of Christian Education and Pastor
Hours: Part-time (20 hours per week, including some evenings)
Effective Start Date: Immediately

Job Description: The Youth Ministry Coordinator at Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will create opportunities for all ages of youth to develop their faith and build connections within the church. The successful candidate will develop and lead a growing youth program. This person also will work with the worship team to plan a cohesive Sunday worship experience.

Essential Responsibilities Include:
Youth Groups
Coordinate local church and wider church youth activities.
Work with families of youth to develop an activities calendar each year.
Make arrangements for summer mission trips.
Co-lead Confirmation with the Pastor.
Worship Services
Present and/or schedule children’s messages during Sunday morning worship.
Lead children’s worship activities on the first Sunday of each month.
Coordinate children’s Christmas Program and Youth Sunday.
Facilitate youth participation in worship, such as serving as acolytes, lay liturgists, musicians, etc.
Communication and Reporting Duties
Provide communication between the youth groups and the congregation through notices in the Sunday bulletin and the monthly Ivy Vine newsletter.
Keep accurate records of all youth program funds.
Provide a monthly written report to the church council.
Christian Education Board Involvement
Participate in all Christian Education Board Meetings.
Work with the board to provide Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other congregational education programs.

Qualifications:
Experience working with children, youth ministry, or within other related fields.
Displays strong administrative, planning, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and cooperatively.
Possesses creativity to develop innovative programming.
Familiarity with the United Church of Christ theology.
Affirming of all people, including support of LGBTQ+ community.

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

Application: Please send your resume, cover letter, and a list of three references to ymcsearch@ivychapel.org.

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