November 24 — A Wise Reign

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. Let us faithfully follow Christ so that all people may receive from God’s overflowing cup and discover the fullness of joy Christ brings. A Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

WELCOME

PRELUDE —Sarabande — Young

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Pat Winship
One: In the midst of difficulty, God sets a table of rejoicing for us.
All: Though the world seems focused on turmoil, yet we will praise God!
One: We are called to live as witnesses to God’s goodness and power.
All: Our hearts are created to offer compassion to all people.
One: May we live as God’s servants and witnesses in the world.
All: Let us be faithful and strong for God.

*HYMN — Let All Things Now Living — worship booklet, pp. 60-61

Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
To God the creator triumphantly raise.
Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who still guides us on to the end of our days.
God’ banners are o’er us, His light goes before us,
A pillar of fire shining forth in the night.
Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished
As forward we travel from light into light.

His law he enforces, the stars in their courses
And sun in its orbit obediently shine;
The hills and the mountains, the rivers and fountains,
The deeps of the ocean proclaim him divine.
We too should be voicing our love and rejoicing;
With glad adoration a song let us raise
Till all things now living unite in thanksgiving:
“To God in the highest, Hosanna and praise!”

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — Pat Winship
Holy God, your boundless grace humbles us. Your attentive, loving care takes our breath away. The winds blow, the waters flow, and the sun shines. All creation declares your majesty, Astonishing God! In you, we live and move and have our being. May your eternal love be made known through our words and our actions. In the countryside and on city streets, you reign supreme. From deepest valleys and from highest heights, forever will we proclaim your goodness.
This morning, Ever-Alive God, we come to you in thanksgiving for your gift of a phenomenal homeland—a land whose harvest feeds us and has the potential for feeding all the world. We come to you in thanksgiving for your gift of faith — a faith dearly experienced here in this sacred place. Above all, we come to you in thanksgiving for the gift of your abundant love, Christ Jesus. We rejoice that you are with us as we worship 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.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 93 — Pat Winship

SPECIAL MUSIC — O God Beyond All Praising — Tate

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

SERMON — Pastor Dan

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

*STATEMENT OF FAITH — UCC Statement of Faith — worship booklet, p. 4

*HYMN — Our God Reigns — #290

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
Who brings good news, good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness.
Our God reigns; our God reigns!

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — The Heavens Declare — Marcello

November 26 – Reign of Christ

As we give thanks to God, let this worship be a time to quiet our souls, watching intently for God. A Blessed Thanksgiving to all!

SILENT REFLECTION – Thanksgiving to God – #636

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Let All Things Now Living – Tune: Ash Grove

*CALL TO WORSHIP (based on Psalm 95) – John Weiland
One: Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
All: God cares for everyone.
One: Like a shepherd, searching for lost sheep, God calls to us.
All: God calls out to us by name.
One: God reaches out to rescue all who have strayed.
All: Scattered, weak and injured ones are cared for by God.
One: We are the sheep of God’s pasture.
All: O come, let us kneel before God our Maker.

*HYMN – Rejoice, the Lord Is King! #282

Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o’er earth and heav’n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv’n:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope!
Our Lord and judge shall come
And take His servants up
To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart,
Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – John Weiland
O Breath of Life; you are with us in our going out and our coming in. Wherever we are, you are steadily leading us, God. We are grateful.
Come, Holy Spirit; we need you now. Come in your strength and your power; come in your own gentle way. O Breath of Life; open every heart to your promise of steadfast love. You are a God of astounding faithfulness!
We come this morning, seeking guidance that you alone can provide, God of Life and Breath. Fill us with your holy love and lead us, we pray. 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 – Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 – John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 25:31-46 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Our God Reigns! – #290

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him
Who brings good news,good news
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness.
Our God reigns; our God reigns!

Chorus:
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!

He had no stately form; He had no majesty,
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised, and we took no account of Him,
Yet now He reigns with the Most High. [Chorus]

Out of the tomb He came with grace and majesty;
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so see here His hands, His feet, His side.
Yes, we know He is alive. [Chorus]

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Crown Him with Many Crowns

ImpactLife Blood Drive – November 15

Blood supplies at local blood banks are dangerously low–and the coming holidays typically mean a drop-off in donations. Please take some time on November 15 to give the gift of life.

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will host an ImpactLife Blood Drive from 2:30-6:30.

Click here to reserve your spot.

Questions? Drop us a line.

Special Message – A Time to Give Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, we would like to take this moment to pause, and to thank you for being with us over the past year. We are grateful for you support, and your help in advancing the ministry of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

This year’s traditional Thanksgiving message comes from Rev. Mary Nelson, the Transitional Conference Minister for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to share this inspirational message with us.

Thanksgiving Worship at St. Thomas UCC

Join us at 7:30 p.m. on November 23 at St. Thomas UCC in Chesterfield for a Community Thanksgiving Worship celebration.

Here is a map and directions to the church:

From Hwy. 109:
Turn east unto Wild Horse Creek Road. The church is about
2 miles east of Hwy. 109

From Hwy 40/64 Westbound:
Take the Long Road exit. Turn right on Wildhorse Creek Road.
Proceed 1.5 miles. St. Thomas is on the left hand side of the street.

From Hwy 40/64 Eastbound:
Exit on Chesterfield Airport Road. Turn right on Long Road.
Turn right on Wildhorse Creek Road. Proceed 1.5 miles. The church is
on the left hand side of the street.