July 21 – Wherever you are

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey; you are welcome here. Always. This belief is at the very heart of the UCC, and of everything we do here at Ivy Chapel. (Featured Image by freepik)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — The Master Has Come — (Ash Grove)

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us call on God.
All: God is near to all who call.
One: Come into the presence of God and be nourished.
All: We are here to renew our covenant with God! Let every heart rejoice!

*HYMN — All Things Bright and Beautiful — #65

Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings. [Refrain]

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky; [Refrain]

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]

He gave us eyes to them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, you are a Magnificent God! You are eternal; and you are our “contemporary”. We gather to worship you with thanksgiving for all that you have done, for all that you are doing, and for all that you promise to do in the world. We are amazed and overjoyed that you so thoroughly love the whole world. We cannot earn your love. It’s a pure gift! What we can do is receive and treasure and share it. Astonishing God, you revealed your love for all people when you came to earth in person as Jesus Christ.
God, fill us with your love. We pray that this worship will lead us to grow in your image. Throughout our lives, may we discover more fully who you are and who you would like us to become. May our faith in you and our devotion to you always continue growing. Amen.

*RESPONSE — I Will Sing of the Mercies — worship booklet, p. 56

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise.

Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 89:1-4, 20-29

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

*HYMN — Pass It On — #503

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
You spread His love to everyone; You want to pass it on.

What a wondrous time is spring when all the trees are budding,
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming.
That’s how it is with God’s love once you’ve experienced it;
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring, You want to pass it on.

I wish for you, my friend, this happiness that I’ve found,
You can depend on Him, it matters not where you’re bound.
I’ll shout it from the mountain top – I want my world to know;
The Lord of love has come to me, I want to pass it on.

GOD’S WORD — 2 Samuel 7:1-13

SPECIAL MUSIC — Make Me a Blessing

GOD’S WORD — Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*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.

Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Three Pieces for the Flutes

August 20 – Bold Moves

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! We glad to have you worshipping with us today. We hope you are able to stay cool this week. You can join us in person on 10 a.m. every Sunday, or on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Classic Trio – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 67)
One: How beautiful it is when people live together in harmony!
All: It is like a summer rain which restores the parched earth.
One: This day is a Sabbath dedicated to God.
All: Let this gathering place be a home to all people.
One: God is gracious.
All: The earth yields blessings in abundance!
One: Together, let us give thanks!
All: Let all the ends of the earth praise God!

*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.
Refrain:
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 flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light,
Refrain

For the joy of ear and eye,
For the heart and mind’s delight,
For the mystic harmony
Linking sense to sound and sight,
Refrain

For the joy of human love,
Brother, sister, parent child,
Friends on earth and and friends above,
For all gentle, thoughts and mild,
Refrain

For each perfect gift of Thine
To our race so freely giv’n,
Graces human and divine,
Flow’rs of earth and buds of heav’n,
Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God, on this precious morning, we lift our hearts to you in praise! For always offering the world your love, we are grateful to you beyond words. During even the most difficult moments, you provide people with grace and strength. You never stop loving.
God our Savior, you call us to become your disciples, and you send us on missions of mercy. All that we are and have is a gift which we have received from you. We are blessed to be your servants.
God, you are our starting place and our ultimate destination. As each faith journey unfolds, we encounter you, Christ Jesus. From your life, we learn the way which you envision every human being will live. Following you changes us! It means losing our lives; denying ourselves; looking out for others; feeding; praying; caring; foot-washing; serving. In all that we do, may you be seen in us, Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – People Need the Lord – #527

People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN – Be Still, My Soul – #457

Be still, my soul! the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul! thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul! the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul! when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 67:1-2 & Isaiah 56:1, 3-7

SPECIAL MUSIC – Discipleship Medley – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 15:21-28

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – O God, Our Help in Ages Past – #67

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal Home!

Under the shadow of Thy throne Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.

A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun.

O God, our Help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal home!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Cathedral Fanfare – Young

Sept. 11 Livestream – Growing in God’s Love

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

*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

May 29 Livestream – Breaking

On this Memorial Day weekend, we invite you to pause with us and remember those who have sacrificed their lives fighting for our freedoms. We are forever in their debt.

We are honored that you are spending part of this weekend with us. Our sanctuary is open. You may also join us on our Youtube channel, live at 10 a.m. Sunday.

https://youtu.be/dRqkAgwhCEc

SILENT REFLECTION – Christ’s Peace – #452

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude on ‘Rhosymedre’ – Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God welcomes us to God’s house of prayer. Please come in.
All: We joyfully enter this “sacred place of the Most High.”
One: We come, seeking to encounter God,
All: And to offer God our praises!
One: May our every breath become a prayer,
All: And may our every heartbeat become an open door through
which the Living One may enter.

*HYMN – It Is Well with My Soul – #453
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Refrain:
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul
Refrain

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

Refrain

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Growing God, you are both constant and ever-changing! Your world is an ever-new setting, and you seek disciples who will adapt to the fluid complexion of this life. May we serve you, God. May you behold us growing and responding to all you that ask of us.
With joy, we now worship you, God. You are the Creator of all life! You are the One who makes and loves all people.
Merciful and Gracious God, come alive among us day by day. Come now; and fill our hearts with your unselfish, exceptional love. We pray in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454
He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Bow Down – Paris/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Acts 16:16-40 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Blessed Quietness (Verses 1, 4 and 5) – #147
Joys are flowing like a river
Since the Comforter has come,
He abides with us forever,
Makes the trusting heart His home.

Refrain
Blessed quietness, holy quietness
What assurance in my soul!
On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me,
How the billows cease to roll!

See, a fruitful field is growing,
Blessed fruit of righteousness,
And the streams of life are flowing
In the lonely wilderness. [Refrain]

What a wonderful salvation,
Where we always see His’s face!
What a perfect habitation,
What a quiet resting place! [Refrain]

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

*HYMN – Hymn of Promise – #277
In the bulb, there is a flower
In the seed, an apple tree
In cocoons, a hidden promise
Butterflies will soon be free

In the cold and snow of winter
There’s a spring that waits to be
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

There’s a song in every silence
Seeking word and melody
There’s a dawn in every darkness
Bringing hope to you and me

From the past will come the future
What it holds, a mystery
Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

In our end is our beginning
In our time, infinity
In our doubt, there is believing
In our life, eternity
In our death, a resurrection
At the last, a victory

Unrevealed until its season
Something God alone can see

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Festival Piece – Wolford