November 2 – Blood Drive at Ivy Chapel
September 21, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under What's happening
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!
July 30 — Weaving the Future
July 30, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.
Can’t make it to Ivy Chapel in person?
You can join us online every week on our YouTube channel.”
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE -- Just As I Am
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Christ is near.
All: Will we welcome him?
One: When God shows up, surprising things happen!
All: Let’s open wide our hearts.
One: Let’s put down our burdens.
All: Let’s set aside our distractions.
One: Let’s simply delight in Christ’s presence!
All: Nothing is too wonderful for God!
*HYMN-- Praise to the Lord, the Almighty #10
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!
All ye who hear; now to His temple draw near,
Join me in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
Shelters thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen How thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with his love He befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him.
Let the Amen sound from His people again;
Gladly for aye we adore Him.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
O Spirit, who accompanies us and who helps us in all of our struggles; we call on you in prayer. You truly are our health and salvation! In this experience of being together, during this time set apart for gathering side by side in community; we are reminded of how closely connected we are. For this blessing, we praise you, O God! You know us completely. Teach us and guide us to keep growing in our relationship with you, God. Lead us to rely on your astonishing promises. Fill us with your grace. May our dreams and visions be your dreams and visions, Faithful God. Amen.
*RESPONSE -- I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me I still will follow,
Tho' none go with me, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back
GOD’S WORD -- Psalm 119:129-136
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE-- Diann Sheahan
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:26-39
SPECIAL MUSIC -- Lord, I Want to Be a Christian in My Heart
GOD’S WORD -- Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
SERMON Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN-- Here I Am, Lord
I, the Lord of sea and sky I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin My hand will save.
I have made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Refrain:
Here I am, Lord Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, If You lead me.
I will hold Your people in my heart.
I, the Lord of snow and rain, I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone, give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain
I, the Lord of wind and flame I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide 'Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send? Refrain
*BENEDICTION AND TABLE GRACE
*POSTLUDE --He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
July 23- Wheat and Weeds Together
July 23, 2023 by Kara White
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ! What a great joy God offers all people as our Savior Jesus Christ!
Thank you to Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician this morning!
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, sisters and brothers, everyone is welcome here!
All: God's people are many – of every land and every race;
of every age and every condition.
One: We gather to celebrate God's unbounded love.
All: God joins all people together into one community.
All people are God’s people! Let us worship God together!
*HYMN -- All Things Bright and Beautiful -- #65
Refrain:
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
Each little flow’r that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colors,
He made their tiny wings. [Refrain]
The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky; [Refrain]
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden,
He made them, ev’ry one. [Refrain]
He gave us eyes to them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well. [Refrain]
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Living God, Maker and Caretaker of all life; the whole universe shouts with joy, praising you! You have made us and we are yours. We are blessed each time we are able to serve as your instruments.
You fill the world with stunning beauty. We are blown away by your artistry and your power, God. The most exquisite works on earth shout your praises.
What a Kind and Gracious Savior you are! Thank you, God, for gathering us today. We are ready for action. Teach us your ways, and lead us in living them! Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE -- El Shaddai -- #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you're still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD Psalm 86:11-17
SPECIAL MUSIC
GOD’S WORD -- Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
SERMON -- Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
*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
March 6 Livestream – 1st Sunday of Lent – Wilderness
March 5, 2022 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. We’d like to thank Sarah Bereza for serving as our worship musician today. A reminder that we will be celebrating communion today, so be sure to gather the elements before worship begins so you can share in the experience with us.
A reminder to contribute to this year’s Lenten offering to benefit area children in need. https://www.ivychapel.org/2022/02/28/help-area-children-lenten-offering/
WELCOME
PRELUDE – My Faith Looks Up to Thee– arr. Mark C. Jones
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: We have come to worship God.
All: Living God blesses people with limits and boundaries, with free will and choices.
One: This week, we have entered a new season.
All: As God’s Church, we have set out on a fresh, Lenten journey.
One: Today, we remember some of the temptations Jesus faced.
All: May the way Jesus conquered all temptations be our guide for
responding faithfully in our own personal wildernesses.
One: May this time of worship serve as an oasis in our desert wilderness.
All: Let us rely on God’s strength in all situations.
*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 to Thee 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!
*OPENING PRAYER
Life-Saving God; above all, you are our heart’s desire. You alone make our spirits soar. You have enabled us to break free from an exacting and exhausting world to come into your sanctuary.
Breathe new life into us, Faithful and Loving God. Bless us, we pray, with eyes to see earthly demands for what they truly are. Teach us. Change us. Lead us to love all people with your steadfast love, Jesus. By your grace and peace, empower our witness, Life-Saving God; for we long to serve you. Amen.
*RESPONSE – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
El-elyon na Adonia,
Age to age you’re still the same,
By the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai,
Erkamka na Adonai,
We will praise and lift you high,
El Shaddai.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 91:1-6, 9-16 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – arr. Michael Burkhardt
GOD’S WORD – Luke 4:1-13 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – I Need Thee Every Hour – #169
I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford
Refrain:
I need Thee oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
Oh bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee
I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou nearby
Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh
I need Thee every hour In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide Or life is vain
I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One
Oh make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed son
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to receive.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
*HYMN – 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.
*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE Toccata in B Minor – Eugène Gigout
Feb. 28 Virtual Worship –Â Always Close
February 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.
Here is the order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!
Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35
- Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.
RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.
- Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,
REFRAIN
- Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.
REFRAIN
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.
Response – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.
Children’s Message – Sue Wilson
God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee
God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436
- Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross That raises me;
Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - There let the way appear Steps unto heav’n’
All that Thou sendest me In mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee. use, - Then, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise
Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee. - Or if on joyful wing, Clearing the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
June 28, 2020 Virtual Worship
June 28, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
This week’s hymns:
Psalm 89: I Will Sing of the Mercies
- 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 I will 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 praise forever for the things he has done.
All the hosts of the angels sing God’s praise 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.
Help Us Accept Each Other
- Help us accept each other as Christ accepted us;
Teach us as sister, brother each person to embrace.
Be present, Lord, among us and bring us to believe.
We are ourselves accepted and meant to love and live. - Teach us, O Lord, Your lessons, as in our daily life.
We struggle to be human and search for hope and faith.
Teach us to care for people, for all, not just for some;
To love them as we find them, or as they may become. - Let Your acceptance change us, so that we may be moved
In living situations to do the truth in love;
To practice Your acceptance until we know by heart
The table of forgiveness and Laughter’s healing art. - Lord, for today’s encounters with all who are in need,
Who hunger for acceptance, for righteousness and bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on;
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!
CCLI License #456361
Eastertide Service from the Conference of Ministers
May 16, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you to the United Church of Christ Conference of Ministers for sharing this special worship.
If you would like to follow along, you click here to download the bulletin.
If you are unable to view the video, or would like to read along, click here to download the full transcript.
May 3 Virtual Worship
May 3, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We are glad you could join us again for this week’s virtual worship, the fourth Sunday of Easter.
More Love to Thee
- More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee! - Once earthly joy I craved, Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee! - Let sorrow do its work, Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, Sweet their refrain;
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee! - Then shall my latest breath Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee, More love to Thee!
Spirit Song
- O let the Son of God enfold you with his Spirit and his love,
let Him fill your life and satisfy your soul.
O let him have the things that hold you and his Spirit, like a dove,
will descend upon your life and make you whole.
Refrain
Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
Jesus, O Jesus, come and fill your lambs.
- O come and sing t his song with gladness as you r 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.
Refrain
April 26 Virtual Worship
April 26, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Of course we wish we could worship in person. However, we are blessed to be able to share this virtual experience with you.
Today’s scripture reading is Luke 24:13-35
Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
- Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
Here grasp with firmer hand h’eternal grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee Lean.
3. I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.
4. Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood.
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace;
Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God.
Shine, Jesus, Shine
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light
Lord, I come to your awesome presence
From the shadows into your radiance
By the blood I may enter your brightness
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness
Shine on me, shine on me
As we gaze on your kingly brightness
So our faces display your likeness
Ever changing from glory to glory
Mirrored here may our lives tell your story
Shine on me, shine on me
Holy Week 2020: Easter Sunday
April 12, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
The Christian high holy day of Easter Sunday is the joyous occasion when God’s Church celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ!
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is God’s Truth which proclaims the life, the death and the resurrection from the dead of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
Three days after the Crucifixion of Jesus, the Resurrection comes as an unexpected, astonishing (and, in certain instances, ‘terrifying!’ – see the Gospel of Mark 16:8) surprise to Jesus’ disciples.
From the days of the Early Church, it has been a custom for Christian believers to greet one another joyously on Easter Sunday in the following responsive manner:
One Christian begins by saying, “Christ is risen!â€
Next, a second Christian responds, “Christ is risen indeed!â€
In the Christian faith, Easter Sunday is called Resurrection Day. This is the pinnacle event for Christianity and the pinnacle date in the entire Christian Church Year. Another name which sometimes is given to Easter Sunday is “The Day of days!†This name aptly describes the ultimate status of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Nothing tops it. The meaning of Christ’s Resurrection (Easter Sunday) is that God’s power is greater than every other power, including sin and death.
Christ Jesus is alive… alive today!
Jesus is risen from the grave.
There’s nothing there but an empty tomb!
Easter means that Jesus is still alive!
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
View our Easter Sunday worship here.
Today’s Hymns
Christ the Lord is Risen Today #268
Christ the Lord is risen today! Al-le-lu-ia!
Sons of men and angels say: Al-le-lu-ia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Al-le-lu-ia!
Sing, ye heav’n, and earth reply, Al-le-lu-ia!
2. Lives again our glorious King, Al-le-lu-ia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Al-le-lu-ia!
Dying once, He all doth save: Al-le-lu-ia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Al-le-lu-ia!
3. Love’s redeeming work is done, Al-le-lu-ia!
Fought the fight, the battle won; Al-le-lu-ia!
Death in vain forbids Him rise; Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ has opened Paradise! Al-le-lu-ia!
4. Soar we now where Christ has led, Al-le-lu-ia!
Following our exalted Head; Al-le-lu-ia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise; Al-le-lu-ia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies. Al-le-lu-ia!
Our God Reigns! #290
Who brings good news, good news.
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness.
Our God reigns, Our God reigns!
REFRAIN
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
(next page for verses 2 and 3)
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.
REFRAIN
He is alive, He is alive!
God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side.
Yes, we know, He is alive!
REFRAIN
CCLI License #456361
