Ivy Chapel’s 60th Anniversary!

Join us Sunday, May 19th to help celebrate 60 years of Ivy chapel UCC!

We invite you to join us directly following worship in Fellowship Hall for a ‘Trip Down the Ivy Memory Lane’. There will be stations located around the room with memorabilia and a ‘docent’ for each area as well as refreshments!
There are still a few t-shirts available for purchase for $15 cash/check or $15.50 on a credit card.

We hope to see you Sunday as we celebrate this momentous occasion and the people through time who have helped build Ivy.

Mother’s Day-Seventh Sunday of Easter

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
A Happy Mother’s Day to one and all!

WELCOME

PRELUDE -Themes from “The Four Seasons”

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                  
 Let us gather in the Spirit of Christ. 
 We come in response to the One who calls us ‘friends’ 
 Remember God’s love and faithfulness.
 Let our hands reflect the life of our serving Savior.
 Let our voices echo God’s praises! 
 Together, let us sing of God who is doing marvelous things! 

*HYMN– Take Time to Be Holy- #171
Take time to be holy, Speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, The world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, With Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

Take time to be holy, let Him be thy guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, Still follow thy Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.

Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive Beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION                                                         

Creator of ‘friendships,’ your love lifts us from mindless serving to meaningful caring.  We learn so much from you, God.  Your example inspires us to risk giving of ourselves.  Come, Holy Spirit; lift us from empty routines to the fullness of joy experienced by offering your love.  Stir our voices to praise you out of sheer delight!  Open our hearts to trust that you are leading us, especially in times of difficulty or discouragement.  Calm our doubts.  Guide us through our fears.  Reveal your ways to us, so that we may bear good fruit.  Help us grow in your likeness  –  readily giving all people your love.  We are baptized in your name, Jesus.  May we faithfully follow where you lead.  Amen.

*RESPONSE-Spirit Song- worship book, pp. 84-85
Oh, let the Son of God enfold you with His Spirit and His love;
Let Him fill your heart and satisfy your soul
Oh, let Him have the things that hold you, and His Spirit, like a dove, 
Will descend upon your life and make you whole.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

O come and sing this song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy,
Lift your hands in sweet surrender to His name.
O give Him all your tears and sadness, give Him all your years of pain
And you’ll enter into life in Jesus’ name.

Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs

GOD’S WORD- Psalm 1                                    

SPECIAL MUSIC    Bist Du Bei Mir (Be Thou with Me)  – J. S. Bach

GOD’S WORD –John 17:6-19 – Pastor Dan                                                               

SERMON – Pastor Dan                                                                                                             

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan                                                                            
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

*HYMN – I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry – worship book, pp. 54-55  
I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.
I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well;
In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell. 

When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on;
You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong.
If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one,
I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk ‘till rising sun. 

In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young,
I’ll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I’ve begun.
When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes,
I’ll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise. 

I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old.
I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan                        

*POSTLUDE –Four short pieces for the Flutes – J. Hayden    

What if…we embraced the gift of the Earth?

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his Love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. –John 15:9-17

As we enter May and all of the wonderful spring opportunities that gives us, we are taking this time to look ahead to the busy month as we prepare for Pentecost.

We will also be celebrating Rural Life Sunday on May the 19th and offer this special prayer of thanks to the Lord for all he has given us.

Great Thanksgiving Communion Prayer for Rural Life Sunday:

Dear God, Creator of all things,
Long ago in the very beginning, you knelt down and scooped a handful of dirt and you knew it could live. And so you formed us, not crawling upon the face of the Earth, but intimately connected with Her.
In all times and places, your people have looked at the soil and, having first given thanks for what that soil can bring forth, have planted seeds, tended and sown.
The result of that gratitude and hard work is laid before us now on this table. Wheat and water, ground and risen, become bread. Grapes painstakingly crushed became juice/wine. Like Jesus who gathered with his friends on that holy night long ago, today people give thanks for the elements before us, and for the lands and people that produced it. We sing with gratitude as your people have sung across the lands and the generations.
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in eth highest!
Blessed in the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest!

April 14 – Christ Among Us

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! A warm welcome and a special thank you to Judy Lindquist for serving as worship musician today.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Lamb of God – Paris

*CALL TO WORSHIP — Sue Wilson
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice over the earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities there are for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked upon the earth.
All: God became a human being.
One: Jesus died on the Cross to bless all people with forgiveness and hope.
All: Jesus rose to walk with his disciples.
One: Christ is living among us.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us.

*HYMN – The Day of Resurrection – #276

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, The Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, From earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, With hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil, That we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal Of resurrection light;
And listening to His accents, May hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, May raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth her song begin!
The world resound in triumph, And all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen Their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, Our joy that hath no end.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Sue Wilson
Risen Savior, you fill us with life! When no one else can, you raise our spirits. Especially during times when it feels that our lives are dominated by disappointment or despair; O God, you transform us. In your miraculous, uplifting way, you provide resurrection. You fill empty souls with life!
Christ Jesus, you are the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. You invite us to live and to love boldly as your followers. This is challenging! Still we are empowered to give your invitation a try, for we know that you do not expect perfection out of us. When we fail, you are the One who helps us, who picks us up, and who encourages us to try again. This is a wondrous blessing of Christian discipleship! With you, it is never too late to make a new start. Thank you, Jesus. You give us hope. Amen.

*RESPONSE – I Want Jesus to Walk with Me – #480

I want Jesus to walk with me.
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me.
When my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me.
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 81:1-3, 6-10, 16 — Sue Wilson

SPECIAL MUSIC — I Will Rise — Tomlin

GOD’S WORD — Luke 24:13-48 — Pastor Dan

SERMON — Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 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

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

Refrain:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future

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 — Be Thou My Vision — Irish tune

Blood Drive

Please join us for our Spring Blood Drive. We are once again partnering with Impact Life.

Where: Ivy Chapel UCC, Fellowship Hall

When: Thursday May 9, 2024 from 4:00-7:30 PM

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME HAS CHANGED!!!!

You can schedule your appointment by following the link below or contacting Sue Wilson at 314.324.3756. Schedule your blood donation at Ivy Chapel HERE

THANK YOU for signing up and give the gift of life!

March 10 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

SILENT REFLECTION — Testimony — Page opposite Hymn #294 (Psalm 107)

WELCOME

PRELUDE — The Solid Rock/’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

*CALL TO WORSHIP — John Weiland
One: God’s love is for all of creation.
All: The vastness of God is for human, animal, soil, and sun, all together composing God’s beloved creation.
One: God has not come into the world in Jesus to condemn us.
All: Jesus has come to live God’s love in the flesh.
One: The world may be teeming with injustice and loneliness.
All: In Jesus, the light of God’s love illumines our path.
One: Come. Let us gather together and offer God our praises.
All: Let us worship God.

*HYMN — Wondrous Love — #250

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, who is the great “I Am,”
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing,
While millions join the theme, I will sing

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on,
And through eternity, I’ll sing on!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION — John Weiland
O God, the vastness of your love flows through all of creation, and this is cause for rejoicing. For all of the harshness and condemnation that we see in the world, you have come to us out of love and compassion to save us. We believe that you have come to redeem, to heal, to restore, and forgive, not just some of the world, but all of the world. May our worship embody the love and the light that you bring, Jesus. We pray in your holy name. Amen.

*RESPONSE — Love Was When God Became a Man — #249

Love was when God became a man
Locked in time and space without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin,
Just a carpenter with some fishermen.

Love was when Jesus walked in history
Lovingly He brought a new life that’s free;
Love was God nailed to bleed and die
To reach and love one such as I.

Love was when God became a man
Down where I could see love that reached to me;
Love was God dying for my sin
And so trapped was I, my whole world caved in.

Love was when Jesus rose to walk with me
Lovingly He brought an new life that’s free;
Love was God only He would try
To reach and love one such as I.

CELEBRATING GOD’S ASTONISHING LOVE WITH A SPECIAL OFFERING
One Great Hour of Sharing — “It’s Time to Share the Light!”

GOD’S WORD — Psalm 107:1-9 — John Weiland

SPECIAL MUSIC — In the Garden

GOD’S WORD — John 3:14-21 — 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 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.

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.

*BENEDICTION — Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — Day by Day

Feb 18 – God’s Loving Paths

WELCOME

PRELUDE– Spirit of the Living God

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God has blessed us with the gift of this precious morning.
All: This blessing raises our spirits!
One: Today, we praise our Ever-Faithful God.
All: This week, we have entered into a new season.
One: Our 40-day spiritual journey to Resurrection Day has begun.
All: As we navigate this wilderness, Eternal God is our compass.
One: Let us return to God our Savior.
All: God will put a new and right spirit within us.

*HYMN–My Faith Looks Up to Thee –#462

My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, Oh, may my love toThee
Pure, warm, and changeless be, A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of Quiet Strength, we cannot resist evil completely by ourselves. Earthly temptations are around us everywhere. How can we deal with these temptations? We rely on you for help, Great God. You are always present; living among us; living within us. We are deeply grateful to be in your care.
God of Quiet Strength, help us to be still before you – – putting aside our cares and our distresses. In the stillness and in the beauty of this morning, may we be reminded that you are God. You repeatedly invite us to follow you. So then, Christ Jesus; come now, and fill us with the faith to receive your remarkable gift of life eternal. Amen.

*RESPONSE –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’erspread 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!

GOD’S WORD— Psalm 25:1-10

SPECIAL MUSIC –Great Is Thy Faithfulness

GOD’S WORD — Mark 1:9-15

SERMON -Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN –Grace Greater Than Our Sin– #383

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]

*BENEDICTION–Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE — O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

 

Chili Supper

Our Annual Chili Supper is BACK!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 2nd from 4:30-7 pm and join us as we come together for fellowship, food and fun!
Adults meals are $15 and kids are $8 (10 and under)
Tickets are on sale after worship on Sundays.
For more information please contact the church office at 314-434-4991 or ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org.

Oct 8-Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!

Please join us here on Youtube.

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ 

We welcome a dear friend and sibling in Christ, Rev. Mary Albert, as our guest faith witness this morning!  Thank you, Mary, for offering your personal words of testimony in worship among us today.
Christ is leading this journey toward higher ground:  Because of You, God’s Church Changes Lives!

WELCOME 


PRELUDE -- Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
 
*CALL TO WORSHIP -- Jo Ann Moody 
One:  Look, do you see that?
All:  Jesus is in the midst of the people!
One:  Listen, do you hear that?
All:  Jesus is calling our names!
One:  Come, all who are lost and searching.
        Come, all who are sick and tired.              
        Come, all who are afraid and alone.
        Come, all who are ready for a change.
All:  The Holy One is here to heal and set us free!
One:  Let us worship God who gives us new life!

*HYMN -- Standing on the Promises -- #181 

Standing on the promises of Christ, my King,
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises of Christ, the Lord,
Bound to him eternally by love's strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
List'ning ev'ry moment to the Spirit's call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]


*PRAYER OF INVOCATION -- Jo Ann Moody  
 O God, we come to worship today hoping for a sign, a glimpse of your presence, or a nudge in the right direction.  Meet us today where we are.     In our places of pain, meet us with comfort and healing.  In our apathy and resignation, meet us with hope and conviction.  And where we are stuck, open our eyes to see the path to new life.  This we pray, trusting in your presence and your power.  Amen.  


*PRAISE RESPONSE --I Will Sing of the Mercies -- worship booklet, p. 56

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing I will sing
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness Your faithfulness
With my mouth will I make known
Your faithfulness to all generations

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises
Forever for the things He has done. 
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praises, forever
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise. 

Who can be compared to God in faithfulness, in faithfulness?
Who can be compared to God in faithfulness to all generations?

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord

GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 8  -- Jo Ann Moody                                    


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


SPECIAL MUSIC -He Leadeth Me                      


GOD’S WORD -- Luke 19:1-10 --  Rev. Mary Albert   


SERMON --  “My Journey to ‘Yes’!”    --  Rev. Mary Albert   


*HYMN -- Higher Ground -- #448

I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining ev'ry day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Refrain:
Lord, lift me up, and let me stand
By faith, on heaven’s tableland;
A higher plane than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground. [Refrain]

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught a joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground. [Refrain]

 I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, lead me on to higher ground.” [Refrain]


*BENEDICTION --  Rev. Mary Albert  


*POSTLUDE -- Every Time I Feel the Spirit    

CCLI License #456361  


                    

November 2 – Blood Drive at Ivy Chapel

Ivy Chapel is again hosting a Blood Drive with Impact Life on Thursday November 2, 2023 from 2- 6 pm.

Our organizer, Sue Wilson, said, “I was speaking with a friend the other day about the blood drive  Ivy Chapel UCC hosts twice a year. She works in a local hospital and said that last week 1 patient required 20 units of blood and another had used 18 units of blood and would probably require more. The hospital she works at was scrambling to obtain emergency blood supplies to meet the needs of these 2 patients.”

Blood supplies are again dangerously low and we need YOUR HELP!

Schedule your appointment here , or contact event coordinator, Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 for help setting up your appointment.

Thank you for choosing to give the gift of life!

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