October 20 — Consecration Sunday — Imagine Together!

God’s gift of new life in Christ moves us to live joyously offering grace and love to all. Following worship on this Consecration Sunday, we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day by enjoying lunch together in Fellowship Hall.

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Divertissement — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: We, who are thirsty, long for water.
All: God causes pure drinking water to spring forth.
One: We, who are weak, long for strength.
All: God strengthens exhausted bodies and souls.
One: We, who are broken, long for restoration.
All: God brings fragmented pieces of this world together.
One: Each new day, let us “Imagine Together”
All: God’s world made whole!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION (Adapted UCC Stewardship “Imagine Together”)
Lively God, you invite us to put aside this world’s unhealthy distractions and to draw near to you. Here on holy ground, we perceive clearly that nothing is of more value than a relationship with you. We are merely beginning to learn who you are, God. We look forward to discovering more!
Inexhaustible God, you do not tire out. You never let us down. You teach by example. From you, we learn to love extravagantly and to live generously.
We imagine becoming faithful servants of your life-giving grace, Christ Jesus. We are grateful to you for being with us now. Guide us as we continue seeking to grow as your disciples. Now and always, may we follow your lead, Jesus. Encourage us as we Imagine Together! Amen.

*RESPONSE — Make Me a Servant — #415

Make me a servant humble and meek;
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be:
Make me a servant, make me a servant,
Make me a servant today

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE — Sue Wilson

*HYMN — The Greatest Thing — #106

The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;
I want to know You more, I want to know you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is knowing You;

The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;
I want to love You more, I want to love you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is loving You;

The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;
I want to serve You more, I want to serve you more.
The greatest thing in all my life is serving You;

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

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 147:1, 5 & Ephesians 3:16-21

SPECIAL MUSIC — Simple Gifts — Hayes

GOD’S WORD — 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 11-20, 27 & Matthew 10:7-8

SERMON — Pastor Dan

UNISON PRAYER OF CONSECRATION — Pastor Dan
God, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

‘Imagine Together!’
We offer God our intended giving commitments for the coming year, asking God to consecrate them. All who are able please come forward during the closing hymn and place your 2025 Estimate of Giving Card in the basket on the round table. Thank you for your gifts.

*CONSECRATION HYMN — Take My Life and Let It Be — #436

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

Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

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

*BENEDICTION AND TABLE GRACE — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Carillon — Young

October 15 – Consecration Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
God is guiding us and God will continue guiding us on our life-long journey as growing givers. May today’s worship inspire each one here to become a living channel of God’s abundant love. You are a vital part of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!

Everyone is invited to a Consecration Celebration in Fellowship Hall following worship.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – How Firm a Foundation

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God’s blessings are plentiful!
All: Rejoice! God knows what God is doing.
One: You and I are being invited to follow ‘The Way of Jesus.’
All: Each moment, Christ is calling us to ministry.
One: Christ teaches, “Give my people something to eat.”
All: “Why don’t you feed them, Jesus?”
One: Christ commands, “Give them something yourselves.”
All: “But we don’t have enough!”
One: Christ assures, “Yes, you do.”
All: “How far can a few measly loaves and fish go?”
One: “Give it a try. With God, there is always more than enough.”
All: God’s blessings are plentiful!

*HYMN – Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above – #45

Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation;
with healing balm my soul he fills,
and every faithless murmur stills:
o God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made,
his gracious mercy keepeth;
by morning glow or evening shade
his watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of his might,
lo! all is just and all is right:
to God all praise and glory

The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing
An ever present help and stay
Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His one, HIs chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Then all my gladsome way along
I sing aloud thy praises,
that men may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises:
be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part!
To God all praise and glory.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of abundant grace; we worship you with joy. You offer love and life eternal to all people. What amazing gifts these are!
Master, you are Living Water who restores our souls. We are humbled that you have chosen us and called us friends. You are with each one of us in every personal situation that we are facing.
Risen Savior, we are grateful; and we are here this day to lift our praises to you! Amen.

*RESPONSE – Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart – worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks, give thanks.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Pat Winship

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

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 57:1-3, 9-11

SPECIAL MUSIC – I Surrender All

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:21, 29, 32-42 & Mark 5:24-30, 32-34

SERMON – Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives! – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – We Give Thee but Thine Own (Verses 1 &2) – #622
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be:
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.
May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive,
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our first-fruits give.

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
‘Always-Giving-Extra’ God, you extend to each of us a sacred invitation to become one of your disciples. What an amazing offer! ‘The Way that leads to Life’ can be narrow and difficult. Yet all things are possible with you.
We receive so much from you, Jesus. You are the One who generously blesses with ‘living water!’ Your life is our model for climbing higher; going farther; giving joyfully; loving beyond limit! May we receive the Spirit of love which you offer, and may we respond by giving with ‘joy beyond measure!’ Amen.

*INVITING GOD’S ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC by placing your 2024 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket during singing of the final hymn. Be exalted, O God! Let your glory be over all the earth!

*CONSECRATION 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.

*TABLE GRACE AND BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – The Pipers – Dandrieu

October 16 – Consecration Sunday

October 16 – Consecration Sunday

Let us rejoice and praise God! Following worship, we will celebrate all of the gifts offered to God this day by enjoying refreshments and time together in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to join us.

The past 2 Sundays, we have been blessed by God through inspiring, soulful, personal messages from Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss and Jo Ann Moody. Praise God! Now, we venture further on this shared faith journey! By the grace of God, we voyage ahead together “From Bread and Cup Toward Faith and Giving.”

Join us at 10 a.m. in our beautiful sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, or on our YouTube Channel. This post will be updated with a link to the live worship once it begins.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Voluntary – Stanley

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: May we worship as our faithful ancestors worshiped
All: In awe of the spectacular signs and wonders
One: Done in the name of Jesus.
All: May our hearts and lives be patterned after the worthy example of Early Christian believers.
One: Having all things in common
All: Gathering in God’s holy temple
One: Receiving God’s gifts with complete joy!
All: Everyone together at one table. Sharing Bread and Cup. Growing in Faith and Giving. Praising God in all we do!

*HYMN – Give to the Winds Your Fears – #458

Give to the winds thy fears,
hope and be undismayed;
God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears;
God shall lift up thy head.

Through waves and clouds and storms,
He gently clears the way;
wait thou His time, so shall this night
soon end in joyous day.

Still heavy is thy heart,
still sink thy spirits down?
Cast off the weight, let fear depart,
and ev’ry care be gone.

What though thou rulest not,
yet heav’n, and earth, and hell
proclaim, God sitteth on the throne,
and ruleth all things well.

Leave to His sov’reign sway
to choose and to command,
so shalt thou wond’ring own His way,
how wise, how strong His hand!

Far, far above thy thought
His counsel shall appear,
when fully He the work hath wrought,
that caused thy needless fear.

Thou seest our weakness, Lord,
our hearts are known to Thee;
O lift Thou up the sinking heart,
confirm the feeble knee.

Let us in life, in death,
Thy steadfast truth declare,
and publish with our latest breath
Thy love and guardian care.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Abundant God, we meet you in our wilderness places. Places of chaos, places ripe for transformation. This sacred space is where we receive your provision. We bring so little, a few songs, a bit of prayer, a simple meal, but they are made into an overflowing feast of worship. May we have faith that even a little, when given in your name and blessed by you, becomes more than enough. 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 – Tara Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 55:1-2

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

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Will Glorify – Paris/Hayes

GOD’S WORD
Luke 6:37-38
Luke 11:36-39, 41
Luke 12:48
Mark 12:17
Matthew 10:8

MESSAGE – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – We Give Thee but Thine Own – #622

We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be;
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.

May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive
and gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee our first fruits give.

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
‘Always-Giving-Extra’ God, you extend to each of us a sacred invitation to become one of your disciples. What an amazing offer! ‘The Way that leads to Life’ can be narrow and difficult. Yet all things are possible with you.

We receive so much from you, Christ Jesus. You are the One who anoints us with ‘living water!’ Your very life is an example of climbing higher; going farther; giving extra; loving beyond limit! May we receive the breath of life that you give, and may we respond by giving with ‘joy beyond measure!’ Amen.

THE ACT OF CONSECRATION
We offer God our expressions of intended giving, asking God to consecrate them. All are invited to offer God your commitment supporting Christ’s ministries at Ivy Chapel UCC during singing of the final hymn by placing your 2023 Estimate of Giving Card in the designated offering basket. Hallelujah! Praise God! (You may also mail your 2023 estimates to the church at 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. Please send us an email if you have questions.

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

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

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue – Kerckhoven

Consecration Sunday Livestream – Rooted in God’s Love

Today is Consecration Sunday, when we embrace God’s desire for us to give and reaffirm our financial commitments to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. You may leave you commitment card in the collection plate in the sanctuary, or mail it to the Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Mo, 63017, Attn: Frieda.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – Hustad

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Receive these words of guidance from God’s prophets:
All: Live a life that is full – envision, plant, harvest, share, give.
One: Pray to God.
All: Keep God at the center of all that is.
One: We enter this sanctuary full of hope;
All: because here in worship grace comes to life.
One: God’s gifts of grace teach us to trust God completely.
All: God is faithful.
One: We can live fully rooted in God’s love!
All: Let us praise God together!

*HYMN – ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus ¬– #358

1. “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at HIs word;
   Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood;
   Just in simple faith to plunge me “Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

REFRAIN

3. Ye, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease;
   Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.

REFRAIN

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend’
   And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.

REFRAIN

*OPENING PRAYER
We are in awe of you, Gracious God. You love people no matter what. You want us to live compassionate, giving lives – with you at the center. Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. We long to become your disciples, who live firmly rooted in your love.
Breathe on us, O Lamb of God. Continue giving us growth, we pray. Bring us fully alive. Lead us to search for and to act on ways that we can offer your extravagant love to everyone. May your love root within, grow, and guide all humankind as we journey forward into your future, Jesus. Challenge us, and change us, and set us free! Amen.

*RESPONSE – Jesus, Name Above All Names – #57

Jesus, name above all names; beautiful Savior, glorious Lord,
Emmanuel, God is with us, blessed Redeemer, Living Word.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. M. Lawrence) – Sue Wilson, Vocalist

GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 3:16-17 & Matthew 13:3-9 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

INVITING GOD TO BLESS AND MAKE HOLY WHAT WE OFFER
We offer God our expressions of intended 2022 giving, asking God to consecrate them.

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

Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and lettuce move At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.

Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold, to a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

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

*SENDING OUT – God’s people are sent into the world. –Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude in A Minor – Marcello

Oct. 18 Virtual Worship – Consecration Sunday

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=836114787133714

Prelude / Anna diVesta

Call to Worship & Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan Wilson

Responsive Call to Worship
One: The earth is alive with the splendor of God!
All: We thank God for love!
One: Our God generously shares love.
All: Together, let us rejoice and worship God!

Responsive Prayer of Invocation
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Generous Love, you are the very breath of life within every human being. We praise you for your abundant blessings! This opportunity to offer you our gifts and to receive nourishment from you fills us with joy.
You are a Gracious and Loving God! Open our hearts to receive you. Jesus, you are our Risen Savior. We long to follow you by walking in your footsteps. O Spirit of Christ, breathe among us and breathe within us now as we worship you. Amen.

Hymn/ “More Love to Thee” (#428)

Children’s Message/ Ashton

Special Music / “Sanctuary” / Vocalist and Anna

Scripture Readings/ Pastor Dan 1 Cor 13:4-13 and Romans 5:5-8

Sermon/Prayer / Pastor Dan

The Act of Consecration: Offering God Our 2021 Giving Commitments / Pastor Dan

Inviting God to Consecrate Our Gifts

Responsive Prayer
One: Let us pray. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
All: We offer you our praises, Dear God.
One: You are the Creator of all life!
All: It is by your mercies alone, O God, that we live.
One: You share love generously.
All: It is in response to your generosity, O God, that we give.
One: You provide the world with life abundant!
All: We are grateful for your blessings, O God.
One: Our giving to the ministries of your Church is an expression of our gratitude.
All: We ask you, O God, to receive and bless our Commitments of Giving for the year ahead.
This we pray, in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hymn /   “To Be God’s People”  (#121) 
Almighty Father give us a vision of a dying world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearning for a Savior, In Jesus’ name, grant this our prayer.

REFRAIN
To be God’s people in this place, live His goodness, share His grace,
Proclaim God’s mercy thru His Son be His love to everyone.

And when we falter be Thou our comfort; Guide us as our children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us, A light that others then may see.

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna

Consecration Sunday, October 10

We are sharing in an all-church celebration on October 10. It’s much more than the culmination of our stewardship campaign and the day we offer Estimates of Giving for 2011. It’s a prime occasion to rededicate ourselves — individually and as a congregation — to live as God’s people.