Feb. 27 Livestream – Loud Cloud

Thank you, Kevin Uppercue, for serving as our guest musician in worship today.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Depth of Mercy – Kevin Uppercue

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Bless one another; love one another; serve one another;
All: For by doing so, we bless, love, and serve Christ.
One: Forgive one another; seek peace; do justice;
All: For by doing so, we follow the way of Christ.
One: Live into hope; walk by faith; seek the eternal;
All: For by doing so, we honor Christ.
One: Enter this time of worship with joy, coming to Christ our Savior,
All: Who is, and who was, and who is to come – the Almighty.

*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise thy name in earth, and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

*OPENING PRAYER
Holy God, may every aspect of our character praise you. May we lift your name on high!
Life-giving, life-changing God; wash over us this day. Shatter every narrow view of who you are. By your wisdom and strength, empower us to be living witnesses to your Gospel.
Savior of overpowering light, you reveal what mightiness is. Fill us with your Spirit of grace. We ask this in your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Open Our Eyes, Lord – #132
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus
To reach out and touch Him
And say that we love Him
Open our ears Lord
And Help us to listen
Open our eyes Lord
We want to see Jesus

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 99 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Earl Kreder, Saxophone

GOD’S WORD – Luke 9:28-36 – Pastor Dan

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.

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fanfare and Trumpet Voluntary – David Lasky

Dec. 26 Livestream – Christ Emmanuel

God offers every person “new life in Christ.” May we accept God’s gift and let Christ be born in us.
We welcome Rev. Mary Albert as our guest pastor this morning. Thank you, Mary, for leading us in worship today!
A Blessed Christmas to God’s whole world.

Service will begin both in-person and online around 10 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 26. Please join us in our sanctuary or on our YouTube page.

WELCOME

PRELUDE Born Is He, the Divine Christ Child – Harris

CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace and brings Good News.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Listen! Your sentinels lift their voices and sing for joy. In plain sight, they see the return of the Lord.
All: Let Christ be born in us.
One: Break forth into singing, for the Lord has comforted the people and redeemed Jerusalem.
All: Let Christ be born in us.

HYMN Angels from the Realms of Glory #207

Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o’er all the earth;
Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth:

REFRAIN
Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King.

Shepherds in the fields abiding, Watching o’er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing, Yonder shines the infant Light:

REFRAIN

Sages, leave your contemplations, brighter visions beam afar;
Seek the great Desire of nations, Ye have seen His natal star:

REFRAIN

Saints before the altar bending, Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending, In His temple shall appear:

REFRAIN

PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Emmanuel, you are with us! In recent days, once again we have received your Sacred Word foretelling the Birth of Christ. We have listened to the promises of your prophets. We have rejoiced at the melody of angels’ songs. We have celebrated your exceptionally bright star in the heavens. We have followed this star to a humble birthplace. We have come to be with you, because you have come to be with us.
God, we rejoice that your amazing love is ever-new and ever-lasting! Today, may your goodness and love fill our souls, as we echo your angels, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace to all on earth.” Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE Joy to the World! #194

Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the Nations prove
The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of HIs love
And wonders of HIs love, And wonders, wonders of His love.

GOD’S WORD Colossians 3:12-17 Pastor Mary

SPECIAL MUSIC ‘He Is Lord’ with ‘O Come, Let Us Adore Him’ – Hayes

GOD’S WORD John 1:1-18 Pastor Mary

SERMON Pastor Mary

HYMN The Star Carol #201

Long years ago on a deep winter night, High in the heavens a star shone bright,
While in a manger a wee Baby lay, Sweetly asleep on a bed of hay.

Jesus, the Lord, was that Baby so small, Laid down to sleep in a humble stall;
Then came the star and it stood overhead, Shedding its light ‘round His little bed.

Dear Baby Jesus, How tiny Thou art, I’ll make a place for Thee in my heart,
And when the stars in the heavens I see, Ever and always I’ll think of Thee.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Pastor Mary
Pastoral Prayer, Silent Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN O Little Town of Bethlehem #200

O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary, And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep Their watch of wondering love,
O morning stars, together Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is give’n!
So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of HIs heav’n.
No ear my hear His coming, But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive Him still, The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem! descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin, and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel.

SENDING OUT Let Christ be born in us. Pastor Mary

POSTLUDE Joy to the World   – Young

Nov. 21 Livestream – The Reign of Christ

We celebrate with joy and thanksgiving that you are sharing in the worship experience with us today! Please watch our website or our YouTube channel for special Thanksgiving messages this week, and for an update on Advent here at Ivy Chapel.

Here’s this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Prelude in G – Couperin

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

       One:  In the midst of difficulty, God sets a table of rejoicing for us. 
       All:  Though the world seems focused on turmoil, yet will we praise God! 
       One:  Our lives are called to be witnesses to God’s goodness and power. 
       All:  Our hearts are created to display compassion toward all of God’s people. 
       One:  May we live as God’s servants and witnesses in today’s world.
All:  Filled with joy and thanksgiving, let us worship God!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Thankful People, Come – #588

Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin;
God, our Maker, doth provide,
For our wants to be supplied:
Come to God’s own temple, come,
Raise the song of harvest home.

All the world is God’s own field,
Fruit unto His praise to yield;
Wheat and tares together sown,
Unto joy or sorrow grown;
First the blade, and then the ear,
Then the full corn shall appear:
Lord of harvest, grant that we
Wholesome grain and pure may be.

For the Lord our God shall come,
And shall take His harvest home;
From His field shall in that day
All offenses purge away;
Give His angels charge at last
In the fire the tares to cast;
But the fruitful ears to store
In His garner evermore.

Even so, Lord, quickly come
To Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in,
Free from sorrow, free from sin;
There, forever purified,In Thy presence to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels, come,
Raise the glorious harvest home.

*OPENING PRAYER 

        We come to you, O God of Abundant Grace, in thanksgiving for your gift of our cherished homeland – a bountiful land whose harvest is capable of feeding all the world.  

        We come to you now, O God, in thanksgiving for the gift of faith- the faith revealed to us and instilled within us through your steadfast love. Most of all, we come to you in thanksgiving for the astonishing gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. O Holy One, you fill us to overflowing with grace and mercy!  For your countless blessings, we praise and worship you. 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.

 CHILDREN’S MESSAG – Linda Lowry   

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 93 – Pastor Dan           

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Oh, I Want to Know You More – Hamilton  

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:4b-8 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan                      

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

*HYMN – We Will Glorify – #35

We will glorify the King of kings, We will glorify the Lamb;
We will glorify the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM.

Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty, we will bow before His throne;
We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.

He is Lord of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live;
He is Lord above the universe, all praise to Him we give.

Hallelujah to the King of kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb;
Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, who is the great I Am.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve.  – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Marche – Young 

CCLI License #456361

Nov. 14 (No stream) – Praise the Holy One

Today we gather in our beautiful, windowed sanctuary to praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn and all the gifts He lovingly shares with us.

Worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday. Due to a technical glitch, there is no livestream for this week. We hope to be back up and running next week. Thank you for your patience and understand, and have a good week.

Here are this week’s order for worship and scripture readings:

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Children of the Heavenly Father – Hustad

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

      One:  Works of God are all around us!   

      All:  Praise God for the spectacular beauty of autumn!  

      One:  May we strive to live as giving servants in the manner of our Savior. 

      All:  Jesus Christ is our Master and our Savior.   

      One:  At the name of Jesus, let every knee bow.    

      All:  Let every tongue proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord! 

      One:  Have faith.  God provides.  

      All:  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  

*HYMN – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – #10   

*OPENING PRAYER                                                     

       Living God, you rose from the dead on Resurrection day. Nothing compares to the promise we have in you! You are the Giver of everlasting life. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for the wonders of your mighty love.

       Long ago, you made yourself known through commonplace acts of kindness as well as spectacular miracles. You are among us this morning, O Tower of Refuge and Strength. The deepest human hungers are satisfied by you and you alone. We praise you for being with us, day by day, Faithful God; gently teaching us that Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is your church. May we exalt you and honor you, Jesus, by joyfully giving away your love. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

 CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry                                                                               

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 16                                     

SPECIAL MUSIC – Since Jesus Came Into My Heart – Hamilton  

 GOD’S WORD – 1 Samuel 1:1-20 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan 

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

*RESPONSE – UCC Statement of Faith – worship booklet, p. 5

*HYMN – The Greatest Thing – #106  

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to love and serve. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in G Major – Pachelbel 

Nov. 7 Livestream – Totenfest

Thank you for being with us today as we mark Totenfest, the annual celebration of life remembering those we have lost in the past year. If you are joining us online, please gather your bread and wine or grape juice so we can have communion together.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude on “Bread of Life” – Young

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Come, all who are anxious or angry.
All: Come, all who are discouraged or exhausted.
One: Enter into the joy of your Master. This is the sanctuary of God.
All: This is holy ground.
One: God is here to receive you and to love you.
All: From the past will come the future. What it holds is a mystery!
One: Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
All: In our death, a resurrection. At the last, a victory!

*HYMN – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God – #1

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us for;
His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving wold be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabbath His name, From age to age the same, A
nd He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, Should treated to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us;
The prince of Darkess grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through him who with us sideth;
Let good and kindred go, This mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still;
His kingdom is forever.

*OPENING PRAYER
God of abundant blessing; out of pure love, you set people free.
God of everlasting life; we worship you!
We praise you as a Giving, Loving God. All people are in your care, and you are stirring among us. It is thanks to you, O God, that relationships are healthy; that compassion flows abundantly; that brokenness is mended; that souls love one another!
We come this day, seeking your guidance, God. Reveal to us, we pray, ways that we may faithfully offer people support and blessing. In your life, Christ Jesus, we see unselfishness and kindness that we want to emulate. Merciful and Mighty One, guide us to follow you by offering tender, loving care to all. Lead us toward becoming your joyful children of grace. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Be Still and Know – #24

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.

I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.
I am the Lord that healeth thee.

GOD’S WORD – Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – For All the Saints (Verses 1-4) – #548

For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
They name, O Jesus, be forever blest:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might,
Thou Lord, their captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true light:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold:
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine;
Al-le-lu-ia! Al-le-lu-ia!

TOTENFEST – Thanksgiving for Loved Ones

SPECIAL MUSIC – Marcia Funebre sulla morte d’un Eroe, Op 26 (Beethoven) – Mike Waller

GOD’S WORD – Mark 12:38-44 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “open communion,” for we believe Christ’s Table is open to all people. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – 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 – To God Be the Glory – Hustad

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Food photo created by mdjaff – www.freepik.com

Oct. 27 Livestream – Take Heart!

Take Heart! No matter what happens, Jesus is here for us. Let us gather and hear God’s calling.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Perfect Love – Hustad

*CALLNG ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Let us sing God’s praises!
All: God is gathering us together this moment!
One: From many different places, we come.
All: All who are struggling, God will help.
One: All who are grieving, God will console.
All: All who are lost, God will guide.
One: Let us worship God who brings us together.
All: Sing for joy, all the earth!

*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289

We come, O Christ, to You, True Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, In Whom all life began;
In You alone we live and move, And have our being in Your love.

You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge And Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s demand.

You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill, The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! In You we rest, Sure answer to our every quest.

You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant life That earth can never give;
O risen Lord! We live in You, in us each day Your life renew!

We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King.
T You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring;
So fill our hearts, that all my view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of perpetual renewal; we give you thanks today for gathering us together as your Church and for gracing us with your faithful presence.
Loving God, we come to pray and praise, to meditate and be mindful. Open our minds to new understandings, and our hearts to new people. Call us out of comfort, out of our fear of change, and into a sense of amazement at this world which you are constantly creating and renewing with life abundant. Guide our feet to follow your path in the world, so that we may faithfully love everyone with your extravagant love.
God of newness; we rejoice that you are shaping all that is alive into your emerging masterpiece. Continue guiding your whole creation toward your vision of fullness of life for all! 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.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 126

SPECIAL MUSIC – O God, Beyond All Praising – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Mark 10:46-52 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but no 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, I have already come;
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And Grace will lead me home.

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

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to give away God’s love. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in A Minor – Sweelinck

CCLI License #456361

September 26 Livestream – Rooted in Love

Thank you for joining us this Sunday for worship.

If you are worshipping with us online, please click here to join us on YouTube.

Here is the order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Russ Washburn
One: God calls us to venture beyond places that are familiar and safe.
All: God summons us to attempt new things – daring acts of faith!
One: We are called to ground our whole lives in one great fellowship of love.
All: God calls all people to live rooted in love.

*HYMN – In Christ There Is No East or West – #137

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Russ Washburn
Seemingly Silent God, many times it is especially hard to hear you; for there are so many competing voices vying for our attention. It can be difficult to believe your promises when we already have been misled many times by others. We are hesitant to hope for healing and fulfillment given the painful ordeals which many people are living through this day. Yet, as we gather here to worship you, O Unseen God; we find ourselves moved to rejoice! How wonderful you are! How marvelous are your works!
We stand in awe of you, God. We can put our faith completely in you, and you will never disappoint us. Lead us to live by faith as you teach us to live. Each moment, we can sense your loving presence, O Unseen God. You will never ignore, injure or abandon us. We praise you for this, in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE –Tara Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 11:1-2, 6-10 – Russ Washburn

SPECIAL MUSIC – Just a Closer Walk with Thee – Earl Kreder, Saxophone

GOD’S WORD – Romans 11:1, 7-8, 11-20 & Ephesians 3:16-19 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – I Then Shall Live – #133

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

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

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

August 8 Livestream – Community

Today we are happy to welcome Darlene Sowell, President and CEO of Unleashing Potential, to our community. Unleashing Potential is one of the oldest nonprofits working on early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment programs to bring out the best in St. Louis’ children.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, worship our God who moves us to serve.
All: We owe everything we have to God.
One: Come, worship Christ Jesus who is our all in all.
All: We worship our Savior with all that we are.

*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289

1. We come, O Christ, to You,
   True Son of God and man,
   By Whom all things con-sist, In Whom all life be-gan:
   In You a-lone
   We live and move, and have our be-ing in Your love.
2. You are the Way to God,
   Your blood our ran-som paid;
   In You we face our Judge And Mak-er un-a-fraid.
   Be-fore the throne
   Ab-solved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s de-mand.
3. You are the liv-ing Truth!
   All wis-dom dwells in You,
   The Source of ev-ery skill, The One E-ter-nal True!
   O great I AM!
   In You we rest, Sure an-swer to our ev-ery quest.
4. You on-ly are true Life,
   To know You is to live
   The more a-bun-dant life That earth can nev-er give:
   O ris-en Lord!
   We live in You, in us each day Your life re-new!
5. We wor-ship You, Lord Christ,
   Our Sav-ior and our King,
   To You our youth and strength A-dor-ing-ly we bring:
   So fill our hearts,
   That all may view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of amazing power and almighty love, breathe on us. Long ago, on the evening of your Resurrection, you came to your followers and you breathed on them, Jesus. This day, may we realize that you are among us – risen, alive, and offering us your blessing. Each one of your disciples is a human being striving to love, to serve and to give as fully as you do. Christ Jesus, your wounds reveal there is no limit to your love. Help us to perceive that you are here and that you are God. Before any of us entered this sanctuary, Jesus, you already were here! Astonishing! Breathe new life into us and renew our spirits this morning, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bind Us Together – #130
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.
There is on-ly one God;
There is on-ly one King.
There is on-ly one bod-y,
That is why we sing:
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:1-8

HYMN – I Sing a Song of the Saints of God – worship booklet, pp. 52-53

1. I sing a song of the saints of God,
   Pa-tient and brave and true,
   Who toiled and fought and lived and died
   For the Lord they loved and knew.
   And one was a doc-tor, and one was a queen,
   And one was a shep-herd-ess on the green;
   They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
   God help-ing, to be one too
2. They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
   And his love made them strong;
   And they fol-lowed the right for Je-sus sake,
   The whole of their good lives longs.
   And one was a sol-dier, and one was a priest,
   And one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
   And there’s not an-y rea-son, no, not the least,
   Why I shouldn’t be one too
3. They lived not on-ly in a-ges past;
   There are hun-dreds of thou-sands still.
   The world is bright with the joy-ous saints
   Who love to do Je-sus’ will.
   You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
   In church, by the sea, in the house next door;
   They are saints of God, wheth’er rich or poor,
   And I mean to be one too.

MISSION MOMENT – Unleashing Potential – Darlene Sowell, President and CEO

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. Lawrence) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 4:14-16, 25-5:2 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – To Be God’s People – #121

Al-might-y Fa-ther give us a vis-ion
Of a dy-ing world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearn-ing for a Sav-ior,
In Je-sus’ name, grant this our prayer

Refrain:
To be God’s peo-ple in this place,
Live His good-ness, share His grace,
Pro-claim God’s mer-cy thru His Son,
Be His love to ev-ery-one.

And when we fal-ter be Thou our com-fort;
Guide us as Your chil-dren that our lives may be
A bea-con in this dark-ness that sur-rounds us,
A light that oth-ers then may see.

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

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