October 6 — World Communion Sunday — Imagine Together

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our shared journey “Imagining Together” continues. Let us exalt God above all. Today we join with Christians throughout God’s world celebrating World Communion Sunday.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion.
The Holy Mysteries: The Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ.
The gifts of God for the people of God.
The broken bread and the outpoured cup are Christ’s blessings for the community of faith. Take and eat. Take and drink.
“The Savior of the world is here!”

WELCOME

PRELUDE — Prelude on “Bread of Life” — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: May the grace of God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: And with all of God’s children.
All: Forever and ever, God reigns!

*HYMN — Christ for the World We Sing — #545

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With loving zeal;
The poor, and them that mourn,the faint and overborne,
Sinsick and sorrow-worn, For Christ to heal.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost, From dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With one accord,
With us the work to share, with us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear, For Christ our Lord.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With joyful song;
The newborn souls, whose days, reclaimed from error’s ways,
Inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Gracious and Forgiving God; be with us, and in us, and beside us, and over us. Fashion us to change, so that we may more perfectly love and forgive. Shape us and transform us, so that we may more fully share and give. Gracious and Forgiving God, you are here, as we gather to worship you. We praise you for being alive within us and among us! Amen.

*PRAISE 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 — Psalm 89:1-2, 5-9, 11, 14-17 & John 3:16-17

SPECIAL MUSIC — Jesus Paid It All — Hamilton

GOD’S WORD — Mark 10:17-27

SERMON

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

*HYMN — Bread of the World, in Mercy Broken — worship booklet, p. 29

INVITATION

All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament at Christ’s Table.
Cups in the outside ring on the communion tray contain grape juice. All other cups contain wine.
Please come forward down the center aisle.

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Merciful and Loving God, we are grateful. You welcome us into your Church. You welcome all people as guests at your table on World Communion Sunday and always. We thank you, Christ Jesus, for your gift of this Holy Sacrament. The bread and the cup are simple yet marvelous reminders of your steadfast love. O God, our Creator and our Savior; we pray for all people throughout your world. May each and every person joyously experience being fed, nourished, strengthened, and loved by you. Amen.

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

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West;
In Him meet South and North.
All Christly souls are one in Him
throughout the whole wide earth.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Postludium — Young

September 17 – Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!

You are a vital part of this ministry. God’s Church changes lives, thanks to you. We are honored to have you with us today.

You can watch this week’s service on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Call on God with praise and thanksgiving.
All: All who seek God wind up rejoicing!
One: Celebrate God’s gifts!
All: Sing of God’s goodness!

*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.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Living God, you are the One who calls us together to live as one faith community. You are the Creator who makes us uniquely individual and who also designs us for companionship. Let us journey with one another this day in your presence.
Holy God, we need your strength in our weakness. Sometimes we struggle to forgive ourselves. This can lead us to be critical of others to deflect attention away from our own failures. We withhold forgiveness, mercy, and grace from others at the same time that we need forgiveness, mercy and grace for our mistakes. But you show us a more faithful way. As Christ Jesus, you are the Way. Lead us, we pray, to display your goodness in our lives – extending forgiveness to a world deeply in need of your grace for transformation. We ask this in your name, Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – The Gift of Love – #126

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

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

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

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN – I Will Call Upon the Lord – #101

I will call upon the Lord
Who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies.
I will call upon the Lord (Repeat)

The lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted. (Repeat)

GOD’S WORD – Galatians 5:22-23 & 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 11-14, 27, 31 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC

GOD’S WORD – Micah 6:6-8 – Pastor Dan

MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

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

*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 through His Son
be His love, to everyone.

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

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE

October 9 – From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving

As we continue on our autumn stewardship voyage, may God lead us toward growing faith and giving! Special thanks to Jo Ann Moody for offering her personal faith testimony with us during today’s worship.

You can watch this week’s worship live at 10 a.m. on Sunday and past services on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Lied – Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: A word of encouragement came from a prophet to God’s people:
All: “Live a life that is full – build, plant, eat, love, multiply –
One: Pray to God for the welfare of your whole community.
All: Keep God at the center of all that is.”
One: We enter into this sacred space filled with hope,
All: For something happens here
which reminds us that we can live as God desires.
One: We encounter God in this sanctuary.
All: Here we sense that God is close by and God is blessing us!

*HYMN – Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart – #111

Rejoice, O pure in heart,
rejoice, give thanks, and sing;
your festal banner wave on high,
the cross of Christ your King.

Refrain:
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, give thanks, and sing!
2 Bright youth and snow-crowned age,
both men and women, raise
on high your free, exulting song,
declare God’s wondrous praise. [Refrain]

3 Still lift your standard high,
still chanting as you go,
from youth to age, by night and day,
in gladness and in woe. [Refrain]

4 At last the march shall end;
the wearied ones shall rest,
the pilgrims reach their home at last,
Jerusalem the blest. [Refrain]

5 Praise God, who reigns on high,
the Lord whom we adore:
the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
one God forevermore. [Refrain]

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Still-Sculpting God, you are a Magnificent Artist! You are creating ever-new masterpieces, God! This morning, we gather to worship you, because you thrill us by inviting us to be your people.
O God, we marvel at your endless faithfulness. You send the world your Son; and you send your Spirit; and forever you will be sending blessings. You uplift and care for each of your children, Everlasting God.
May your extravagant generosity be displayed in our faith and giving. Lead us to keep climbing higher and to continue growing in your image – joyfully responding to all that you ask of us! Amen.

*RESPONSE – Lord, I Lift Your Name on High – worship booklet, p. 68

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!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 90:1-2

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

GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 4:1 & Philippians 2:4-11

SPECIAL MUSIC – Jesus, Name Above All Names with Oh, How I Love Jesus
– Hayes

RESPONSIVE READING – Psalm 139 – #631

MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

*HYMN – In This Very Room – #125

In this very room, there’s quite enough love for all of us
And in this very room, there’s quite enough joy for all of us
And there’s quite enough hope
And quite enough power
To chase away any gloom
For Jesus, Lord Jesus
Is in this very room

In this very room, there’s quite enough love for all of us
And in this very room, there’s quite enough joy for all of us
And there’s quite enough hope
And quite enough power
To chase away any gloom
For Jesus, Lord Jesus
Is in this very room
Yes there’s quite enough hope
And quite enough power
To chase away any gloom
For Jesus, Lord Jesus
Is in this very room
In this very room
In this very room
In this very room

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Fugue on the Kyrie – Couperin

September 25 Livestream – From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving

All are invited to find shelter in our sanctuary, here among the trees that surround Ivy Chapel. Our services begin at 10 a.m. every Sunday. You may also join us on our YouTube channel.

Giving joyfully and extravagantly is our faithful response to God’s abundant gifts!
May the Love of Christ fill us to overflowing as we journey toward God’s ever-new horizons!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Handel

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Many are gathered here, hungry for so much: Souls who hunger for rest and nourishment; for inspiration and faith.
All: We will give you something to satisfy your hunger. We have stories of faith and songs of praise.
One: All who are hungry in body, whose stomachs have known the pain of emptiness.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have resources to share and a Table big enough for all!
One: All who are hungry for a relationship with the God of abundance an
generosity.
All: We will give you something to eat! We have stories old and new of God’s amazing presence and love.
One: We share, because we know there is more than enough for all people everywhere – a surplus; like overflowing baskets of bread and fish!
All: All will eat together nourished by that which Jesus himself blesses and shares.

*HYMN – I Sing the Almighty Power of God – #6

I sing th’almighty pow’r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at his command,
And all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how wonThyders are displayed,
where’er I turn my eyes,
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flower below
But makes your glories known,
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, are present there.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Bedrock God, all that is good rests on you; for you are the foundation of life. God of Almighty Power, you have created this scenic sanctuary to nourish souls. In this sacred space, your people receive glimpses of our oneness with each other and with you. At times, we have asked you for exceptional abilities, so that we might achieve glorious, impressive things and be admired. Instead, we pray, help us to value Your Glory, so that we may become your humble followers.
We have asked you, God, for riches, so that we might feel comfortable and secure. Deliver us from this temptation and teach us Your Way, so that we may live overflowing with your Spirit – offering to others Your ‘wealth of compassion and grace.’
We have asked you, God, to bless our dreams, so that we might find happiness. Instead, we pray, lead us to exalt you and to continue seeking Your Dream, so that all people may enjoy your gift of life abundant. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – 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.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

SPECIAL MUSIC – No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus – Hamilton

GOD’S WORD – Luke 16:19-31

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Living for Jesus – #413

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.

Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.

Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.

Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in E Minor – Pachelbel

CCLI License #456361

Oct. 10 Livestream – Rooted in Love, Stewardship Week 3

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We celebrate that Missouri Mid-South Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Damien Lake, is with us today, leading worship and preaching in connection with our “Rooted in Love” faith journey! Welcome, Damien, and thank you for your ministry among us. May the Love of God root within, grow, and guide all humankind as we journey forward into God’s future.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Chorale Prelude Nun Bitten Wir – Buxtehude

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Together, we come rejoicing!
All: God’s grace abounds!
One: Together, we come proclaiming good news!
All: We are the salt of the earth.
One: Together, we come celebrating God’s vision!
All: We are the light of the world.
One: Together, we come bearing new life in God.
All: What does this mean?
One: Siblings in Christ, what must we do?
All: Joyously praise God! Rooted and grounded in love; come alive!

*HYMN – Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord – #424

Teach me Thy way, O Lord, Teach me Thy way!
Thy guiding grace afford – Teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright, More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav’nly light, Teach me Thy way!

When I am sad at heart, Teach me Thy way!
When earthly joys depart, Teach me Thy way!
In hours of loneliness, In times of dire distress,
In failure or success, Teach me Thy way!

When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way!
When storms o’er-spread the skies, Teach me Thy way!
Shine thro’ the cloud and rain, Thro’ sorrow, toil and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way!

Long as my life shall last, Teach me Thy way!
Where’er my lot be cast, Teach me Thy way!
Until the race is run, Until the journey’s done,
Until the crown is won, Teach me Thy way!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of abounding grace; we worship you with joy! You offer love and life eternal to all people. What amazing news this is! We celebrate your faithfulness to your promises, Dear God. Move among us now, we pray. Inviting Savior, we perceive you calling us to follow in your footsteps. Shape our giving as we journey ahead seeking to live Rooted in your Love. May your Spirit be upon us, Christ Jesus, as we gather this morning to lift our praises to you! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Seek Ye First – #615

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, And His righteousness.
And all these thing shall be added unto you! Allelu, alleluia!

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 121 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Blessed Assurance – Curry

GOD’S WORD – Mark 1:14-20 – Rev. Damien Lake

SERMON – The Dangers of Fishing – Rev. Damien Lake

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER– Rev. Damien Lake

*HYMN – There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy – #379

There’s a wideness in God’s mercy Like the wideness of the sea;
There’s a kindness in His justice Which is more than liberty.

There is welcome for the sinner And more graces for the good;
There is mercy with the Savior; There is healing in His blood.

For the love of God is broader Than the measure of Man’s mind;
And the heart of the Eternal Is most wonderfully kind.

If our love were but more simple We should take Him at His word,
And our lives would be all sunshine In the sweetness of our Lord.

*BENEDICTION – Rev. Damien Lake

*POSTLUDE – Trumpet in Dialogue – Clerambault

CCLI License #456361

Oct. 11 Livestream – Guest Steward, Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo

Thank you for joining us this week. We are please to welcome Donna Smith-Pupillo, the Executive Director of Deaconess Nurse Ministry Network, as our guest steward.

We were unable to welcome Donna into our live worship, however she was kind enough to prerecord her inspiring message so we could share it with you.

Here is the Order for Sunday, October 11 Worship:

Prelude / Anna DiVesta

Invocation / Pastor Dan Wilson

Children’s Message/ Liz Schurwan

Special Music/ “A Welcome Place”

Scripture Readings/ Romans 16:1-2 / Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo
Luke 5:17-26

Sermon / Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo

Hymn: “Live Into Hope” worship booklet, p. 65 #317

Live into Hope

1. Live into hope of captives freed, O sight regained, the end of greed.
   The’oppressed shall be the first to see The year of god’s own jubilee!
2. Live into hope the blind shall see With insight and with clarity,
   Removing shades of pride and fear – A vision of our Got brought near.
3. Live into hope of liberty, The right to speak, the right to be,
   The right to have one’s daily bread, To hear God’s word and thus be fed.
4. Live into hope of captives freed From chains of fear or want or greed.
   God now proclaims our full release To faith and hope and joy and peace.

Benediction / Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo

Postlude/ Anna

Stewardship concert Oct. 12: “Being a Blessing”

Join us for a spiritual journey of faith and reflection featuring the music of Susan Drake and Julie Jennings. This special concert – held at Ivy Chapel at 7 p.m. on October 12 – is part of our annual stewardship program.

Susan and Julie have been making music together since 1999. They write and sing original songs that speak of life in our times. Susan and Julie bring crisp social critique, bold honesty, emotional integrity and passion for life to every song. Both ordained minsters in the United Church of Christ, Susan works as a hospice chaplain and Julie is a chaplain to youth in residential treatment at Every Child’s Hope.

The concert is free, but donations are encouraged.

For more information, send us an email or call 314-434-4991.

Please help us promote the concert by sharing this flyer.