June 17 Livestream – In God’s Presence

June 19 Livestream – In God’s Presence

We are blessed to have Lauren Verseman as our guest preacher today.Thank you, Lauren, for your leadership this morning as we worship God together!

You can join us for virtual worship on YouTube. We’ll post a direct link to the service once it begins on Sunday. As always, you are welcome to worship with us in-person at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield, MO.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Brethren, We Have Met to Worship – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP – (based on Psalms 22 and 23) – Lauren Verseman
One: When shall I behold the face of God?
All: O God, reveal to us your light and your truth.
One: My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
All: As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you.
One: Lead us to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
All: You are our refuge in the face of oppression.
One: Deep calls to deep at the thunder of your cataracts;
All: Your waves resonate within me.
One: Let us hope in our God.
All: We come again to praise our God, our hope.

*HYMN – When Morning Gilds the Skies – #66

When morning gilds the skies,
My heart awaking cries:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Alike at work or prayer
To Jesus I repair:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

The night becomes as day,
When from the heart we say:
May Jesus Christ be praised!
The pow’rs of darkness fear
When this sweet chant they hear:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Sing, suns and stars of space,
Sing, ye that see His face,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Let all the earth around
Ring joyous with the sound:
May Jesus Christ be praised!

Be this, while life is mine,
My canticle divine,
May Jesus Christ be praised!
Be this th’ eternal song
Through all the ages long,
May Jesus Christ be praised!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Lauren Verseman
Holy one, we sense you calling to the deep within us. You call through our lives’ fires and earthquakes, disasters and distractions; you askus to show up and to pay attention in the middle of our noisy lives.
Oh God, center us, orient us, move us. Sustain us in the face of all that is troubling and disquieting – maybe even demonic – in our lives and our world. Strengthen us that we may withstand the powers of death and work instead for your justice. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Holy Ground – #83

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around;
Let us praise Jesus now
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

GOD’S WORD – 1 Kings 19:1-15a – Lauren Verseman

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 65:1-9 – Lauren Verseman

SPECIAL MUSIC – Sing to the Lord – Sterliing/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 8:26-39 – Lauren Verseman

SERMON – “The Quiet Before” – Lauren Verseman

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Lauren Verseman

*HYMN – O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee – #542

O Master, let me walk with thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me thy patience; still with thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only thou canst give,
With thee, O Master, let me live.

*BENEDICTION – Lauren Verseman

*POSTLUDE – Toccata – D. Wagner

June 12 Livestream – Trinity Sunday

Thank you for joining us on this Trinity Sunday. Today, we celebrate the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Christian tradition, Trinity Sunday calls us to acknowledge both the breadth of our experience with God, and the limitations of our knowledge. We can’t possibly understand the scale of His creation, and we are forever in awe of His glory.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Zachow

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God delights in life!
All: Let us rejoice before the majesty of our Creator!
One: Through Christ, we are inspired to hope.
All: We gladly enter this house of worship.
One: God’s mercy is ever-flowing.
All: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of life and of hope and of all things good!
One: Let us listen closely for God, so that we may hear and do what is faithful.
All: Let us open our hearts now to the astonishing Word of God.

*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!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God our Potter, God who becomes clay, God who shapes us in the fire; we are made new in your presence. We come seeking your wisdom, crying out our concerns, needing your steadfast love. May this worship time serve as a time that continues shaping us into a faith community who loves you above all, Dear God. Let our character reflect your goodness and grace. May we live in awe of your glory and humbled by your nearness. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – How Majestic Is Your Name – #9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 8 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Romans 5:1-5 –Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Road Home – Martin

GOD’S WORD – John 16:12-15 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – O Jesus, I Have Promised – #466

O Jesus, I have promised
To serve Thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me,
My Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle
If Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway
If Thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel thee near me!
The world is ever near:
I see the sights that dazzle,
The tempting sounds I hear.
My foes are ever near me,
Around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw Thou nearer,
And shield my soul from sin.

O Jesus,Thou hast promised
To all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory
There shall Thy servant be.
And, Jesus, I have promised
To serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow,
My Master and my Friend.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Trumpet Tune – D. Wagner

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

May 14 Livestream – Imagine

Imagine the promises of each new day and the springtime before us… all made possible by God’s love.

Join us in person or on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Cantilena – Wolford

*CALL TO WORSHIP
The world reflects the grandeur of God!
Praise God!
The universe is a communion of subjects, not a collection of objects.
Praise God from the heavens!
All creation is a song of praise to God.
Praise God from the earth!
Planet Earth is a sparkling blue and white jewel; a pearl in a vast, lovely sea.
Praise God from the deepest sea!
Great Spirit, lead us to walk gently upon the earth, displaying care for all life.
Praise God from the highest mountain!
In the beauty of the earth are reserves of invaluable blessing!
Praise God!

*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33

All creatures worship God most high,
lift up your voice in earth and sky,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,
thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,
ye clouds that sail in heav’n along,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou rising morn in praise rejoice,
ye lights of evening, find a voice,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Thou flowing water, pure and clear,
make music for thy God to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou fire so masterful and bright,
that givest all both warmth and light,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day,
unfoldest blessings on our way,
alleluia, alleluia!

The flow’rs and fruits that in thee grow,
let them God’s glory also show,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And ev’ryone, with tender heart,
forgiving others, take your part,
alleluia, alleluia!

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear,
sing praise and cast on God your care,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

And thou, most kind and gentle death,
waiting to hush our final breath,
alleluia, alleluia!

Thou leadest home the child of God,
as Christ before that way hath trod,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,
and worship God in humbleness,
alleluia, alleluia!

To God all thanks and praise belong!
Join in the everlasting song:
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Gracious God, yours is the gift of creation, the rebirth of spring.
Yours is the grace that makes all things new.
Yours is the Word that speaks a spring of water to quench our thirst.
Yours is the urgency that challenges us to care for all the earth.
Open our minds to the mind of Christ.
Open our mouths to sing, “Alleluia!” with sun and moon,
with mountain and valley,
with all creatures of land and sea!
Together, we sing praises to you, O God! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Every Eye Shall See – worship booklet, p. 38

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 148 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – O Waly, Waly – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 21:1-6 – 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 has shown us our Savior and scattered our night. [Refrain]

We praise thee, O God, for the joy thou hast giv’n
to thy saints in communion, these foretastes of heav’n. [Refrain]

Revive us again, fill each heart with thy love.
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above. [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – All Creatures of Our God and King – Hustad

May 1 Livestream – The Way Forward

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. With astonishment, we discover that we are walking with Christ our Risen Savior! Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall after worship for the Plant Sale and refreshments.

Join us in person in our open and welcoming church at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield at 10 a.m. Sundays. Our services are also streamed live each week on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fughetta – J. K. F.

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice in earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities for life with God!
One: We are blessed.
All: Christ is alive!
One: God enables us to follow Christ.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Faithful Raise the Strain – #273
Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness,
loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke
Jacob’s sons and daughters,
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.
See the spring of souls today;
Christ has burst his prison,
and from three days’ sleep in death
as a sun hath risen;
all the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from his light, to whom we give
laud and praise undying.
Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendor,
with the royal feast of feasts,
comes its joy to render;
comes to gladden faithful hearts
which with true affection
welcome in unwearied strains
Jesus’ resurrection!
For today among his own
Christ appeared, bestowing
blessed peace, which evermore
passes human knowing.
Neither could the gates of death
nor the tomb’s dark portal
nor the watchers nor the seal
hold him as a mortal.
“Alleluia!” Now we cry
to our King immortal,
who, triumphant, burst the bars
of the tomb’s dark portal.
Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness!

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Loving God, you graciously spread a Sacred Table for all people to enjoy! We offer you our praises today! Risen Savior, you fill us with life! Especially when no one else can, you raise our spirits. In your uplifting, renewing way, you fill souls with lasting joy!
As we now walk into the future, we hope you will join us on the road. Come near; and walk along with us. Open the scriptures to us; nourish us with the sweet honey of your Word. Open our eyes, that we may recognize the depth and the richness of your grace in everyday moments, such as
the meeting of eyes;
the sharing of a meal;
the crossing of paths;
and walking side by side.
Come alive among us now, Christ Jesus. It means so much to us that you are with your people in commonplace events and situations where we are ourselves. Thank you, Risen Savior, for loving us and for staying with us. Bless us with eyes and ears, hearts and souls to recognize you, Jesus! Be made known to us and through us, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE 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. (Repeat)
And now let the weak say, “We are strong!”
Let the poor say, “We are rich
because of what the Lord has done for us!” (Repeat)
Give thanks.
Give thanks.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 30 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Church’s One Foundation – Wesley/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-35 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We rejoice to celebrate “Open Communion.”
All who desire are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at Christ’s Table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Refrain
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Refrain

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude, G Minor – J. S. Bach

April 24 Livestream – Peace Be With You

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
You are welcome here. God loves all people. God is still speaking… Christ is risen!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – J. K. F.

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Children of God, come and worship.
All: We come to worship Jesus Christ, risen forever!
One: Come to receive forgiveness for your sins.
All: We come to discover hope in the face of fear.
One: Jesus Christ appears and declares, “My peace I give to you.”
All: Our Savior is here!
One: Our Savior is alive!
All: We come to rejoice in life born out of death. Alleluia!

*HYMN – My Hope Is in the Lord – #279

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all our beginnings; may this day begin with praises for you! Let every breath become a witness to your Spirit, living within us and among us. Open our hearts to receive your saving gifts. Use our voices to proclaim your unsurpassed greatness. May the sound of our celebration help people to sense your powerful presence and to claim the joy of serving you, in Christ’s name. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Jesus Paid It All (Verses 1 and 2) – #255
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone. [Refrain]

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:8 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Excerpts from Jesus Christ Superstar – arr. Waller

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 150 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross –#253

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

GOD’S WORD – John 20:19-3 –Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – My Redeemer – #324

I will sing of my Redeemer
and his wondrous love to me;
on the cruel cross he suffered,
from the curse to set me free.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer!
With his blood he purchased me;
on the cross he sealed my pardon,
paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
how my lost estate to save,
in his boundless love and mercy,
he the ransom freely gave.
I will praise my dear Redeemer,
his triumphant power I’ll tell:
how the victory he gives me
over sin and death and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer
and his heavenly love for me;
he from death to life has brought me,
Son of God, with him to be.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer!
With his blood he purchased me;
on the cross he sealed my pardon,
paid the debt, and made me free.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – Hustad

April 15 Livestream – Good Friday – The Last Words from the Cross

Our Savior Jesus Christ is crucified on a cross. We remember this holy sacrifice, this loving act of God.

PRELUDE – Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen – Walcha

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ Jesus empties himself,
All: Taking the form of a servant.
One: Christ Jesus humbles himself,
All: And becomes obedient unto death – even death on a cross.
One: There is no greater love than this – to lay down one’s very life.
All: Christ Jesus died for you and me.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Merciful God, our souls ache with grief and guilt over your Crucifixion. You are aware of all our burdens. Come, Holy Spirit, we need you now. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. Amen.

*HYMN – Beneath the Cross of Jesus – #239
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me:
And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of redeeming love And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place:
I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss;
My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Blessed Savior, each Good Friday invites the whole world to the foot of your cross. This is a forlorn and difficult place to be. Here we are shown our mockeries, our betrayals and our denials of you. Yes, like Simon Peter, sometimes we also draw swords in anger. We lash out at one another. We criticize; we envy; we injure one another. Worst of all, we continue pretending to serve you without making true sacrifices.
Beneath your cross, Jesus, we see our own guilt. At the foot of your cross, sorrow and love mingle. Forgive us for crucifying you. Amen.

SILENCE

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON – Pastor Dan

*RESPONSE – Were You There? (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #266
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12 – Pastor Dan

THE LORD’S PRAYER

SPECIAL MUSIC – Lamb of God – Hamilton

The Last Words from the Cross

Forgive – Luke 23:34

Behold – John 19:26-27

Today,… Paradise! – Luke 23:43

I Thirst – John 19:28

My God, My God – Mark 15:34

Into Your Hands – Luke 23:46

It Is Finished – John 19:30

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Finished – Hartman
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

DEPART IN SILENCE

April 10 Livestream – Palm Sunday – Hosanna!

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Please join us for a special service on Good Friday at 7:30 p.m., and then for our Easter Celebration Worship at 10 a.m. next Sunday.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Beneath the Cross – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP – (inspired by lyrics of Jennette Threlfall, 1873)
One: Hosanna, loud Hosanna!
All: Blessed is the One who is coming!
One: Hosanna, loud Hosanna!
All: May the rivers of justice run!
One: Children singing, families dancing,
All: Elders give a shout!
One: Glory in the highest!
All: Even stones cry out!
One: Hosanna, loud hosanna!
All: May this refrain never cease.
One: Hosanna in the highest!
All: Here comes the One who brings peace.

*OPENING HYMN – All Glory, Laud and Honor – #234
All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!

The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.

To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (liturgy by Michael Anthony Howard, adapted)
Dear God; Creator of Life; Giver of all that is Good; we confess that we have disregarded your calling and abandoned your love.
We have paid lip service to life while serving the powers of death.
Violence vulgarly scars the streets of Bucha, Ukraine and many other places throughout your world, God. We witness horrible acts of brutality, cruelty and evil-displaying no regard for human life.
We even accept violence at our own nation’s borders and in the Metro East. It seems that we have become accustomed to violence in the schools, the sanctuaries, the Sacramentos of our day.
In our politics; in our pockets; in our religion; in our relationships;
violence has invaded the imagination of our hearts. How can this be?
The time for transformation has come, but has found us unresponsive.
Creation groans. The very stones cry out!
Yet the Church has remained silent. Forgive us, O God. Cleanse our hearts and souls! Move us to action. Rejuvenate our communities. Restore our humanity. Revive our fervor for justice. Resurrect us as
your people, so that we may join with all creation in proclaiming,
“Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!” Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

*RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord! – worship booklet, pp. 80-81
My Jesus, my Saviour
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love

My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Near the Cross – Curry

GOD’S WORD – Luke 19:28-40 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN – Hosanna, Loud, Hosanna! – #233
Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – A Song of Comfort – Brahms

March 27 Livestream – 4th Sunday of Lent – Lost and Found

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our 40-day soul-searching journey continues. Thank you, Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician today.

Please feel free to join us in person, or live at 10 a.m. on the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Brethren, We Have Met to Worship – arr. Penny Rodriguez                      

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

       One: By God’s mercy,        

       All:   We are delivered from distress.

       One:  By God’s mercy,

       All:  We are extravagantly welcomed home! 

       One:  By God’s mercy,

       All:  We are cleansed, healed, made whole.

       One:  We are amazed by God’s unconditional, steadfast love!

       All:  As God’s people, let us rejoice and praise God together!

*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387

*OPENING PRAYER                                                          

        Welcoming God, we need you. Apart from you, life lacks meaning. We come seeking what money cannot buy. We come seeking what you alone provide – nourishment for our souls.  

        Welcoming God, your love for your children endures forever. Even if we squander all that you have given, still your eyes light up as soon as you see us approaching.  Immediately, you rejoice! You embrace us, celebrating nothing more than that we are alive. Crying tears of joy, you throw your arms around us; joyfully giving thanks, “O my child, you’re home! Welcome home!”

         Welcoming God, we are astonished by your boundless love. Come now; teach us to love as you love – spontaneously and extravagantly! May we throw our arms open wide, joyously offering your love.  Amen.

*RESPONSE – Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – #142

 MISSION MOMENT – One Great Hour of Sharing – “Love Remains”

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 32:1-7, 11 – Pastor Dan          

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Wonderful Words of Life – arr. William Ringham  

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan 

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

*HYMN – The Master Has Come – #502

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan 

*POSTLUDE – God Be with You till We Meet Again – improvised  

March 2 Livestream – Ash Wednesday

Welcome

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer – Pastor Dan
One: Turn away from evil; and return to your God.
All: God is gracious and merciful;
One: God is slow to anger,
All: And abounding in steadfast love.
One: “Now,” says the Holy One, “return to me with all your heart.”
All: Be still; and know that I am God.
One: Let us pray.
All: God of ever-flowing springs; you are the eternal reservoir from whom all creation
receives life. We enter this sanctuary seeking to return to you, O God.
Bless this time of worship; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hymn – Lord, I Lift Your Name on High– worship booklet, p. 68
Sing through Two Times
Lord, I lift your name on high:
Lord, I love to sing Your praises.
I’m so glad You’re in my life;
I’m so glad You came to save us.
You came from heaven to earth to show the way,
From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay.
From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky;
Lord, I lift Your name on high!

Responsive Call to Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Holy God, Maker of all;
All: Jesus Christ, Savior of all;
One: Holy Spirit, breath of life;
All: Have mercy on us. Let us confess our sins.

Prayer of Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are acquainted with all our ways.
As we take this first step on a crucial Lenten spiritual journey, we turn to you in prayer. Come, O Holy Spirit; in your cleansing power, breathe on us and fill us with life anew.
God of forgiveness, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We confess that we have failed to live by your Gospel of goodness and grace. Forgive us, we pray. From now on, as sinners pardoned and cleansed by you, Jesus; may we faithfully follow in your footsteps of love and compassion. This we pray in your holy name. Amen.

Silence

Assurance of Pardon – Pastor Dan

Hymn – Sanctuary – worship booklet, p. 76
Lord, prepare me to be a Sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for You.

Lord, prepare me to be a testimony,
Pure and holy, tried and true:
With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living
Testimony for You.

The Imposition of Ashes – Pastor Dan

God’s Word – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-12 – Pastor Dan

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Prayer of Thanksgiving concluding with The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – 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 feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
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 choose 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

Benediction – Pastor Dan

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