May 30 Virtual Worship – Trinity Sunday

A Blessed Memorial Day Weekend to you.

Click here to join us for virtual worship, starting around 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Here’s today’s order for worship:

Mysterious Encounter
Trinity Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. A blessed Memorial Day Weekend to all.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Abby Foehrkolb

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Be joyful! God is within us and among us.
All: God is watching over all creation.
One: God listens, and God responds.
All: God raises us up on eagles’ wings! Praise God!

*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Faithful and Loving God, you are beyond all that we can imagine. There simply are no human words that can fully describe you. We know you best as Jesus of Nazareth who offered genuine love to everyone. As Jesus, you call for our rebirth as your children, cleansed by water and the Spirit. This morning, we worship you in fulfillment of the vows made at our baptism. We want to be faithful as you are faithful. Strengthen us to live in ways that honor and please you, Holy God. May we serve you by living out the ministries which you give us to do. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Gloria Patri– #620

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, Amen.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 29:1-4 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – America – arr. C. E. Walz – Abby Foehrkolb, Piano

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 6:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – To God Be the Glory – #79

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.

REFRAIN

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro’ Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
   To every believer the promise of God;
   The vilest offender who truly believes,
   That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

REFRAIN

3. Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
   And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus the Son;
   But purser, and higher, and greater will be
   Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

REFRAIN

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Abby Foehrkolb

May 9 Livestream – “I have called you friends”

“I have called you friends,” Jesus says in today’s reading. Continue to hear Jesus’ words as He shares his love with us.

Special blessings this day to all of the mothers in this world.

“I have called you friends,” says Jesus.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

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

HYMN – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

My Jesus, My Savior, 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 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 promos I have in You.

UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Faithful God, we worship you with joy! Even in the toughest times, your love holds us up. You bless all people. God of grace, you are the One who empowers us to care for one another with kindness. You watch over each one of your children throughout our lives. You have watched over us in the past. You are with each one of us now in the particular situations that we are facing.

Amazing God, we are grateful for your gifts. Come, Holy One, lift us. Raise us above taking so much for granted. Stir our voices to praise you out of sheer delight! Open our hearts to trust that you are leading us, especially in moments of difficulty or discouragement. In our doubts and in our fears, grant us your peace. Calm us. Reassure us that you are near. Christ Jesus, we rejoice that you are continuing to shape us into people who offer your grace and love to all. Amen.

PRAISE RESPONSE – O How He Loves You and Me – #254

1. O how He loves you and Me, O how He loves you and me;
   He gave HIs life – what more could He give?
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!
2. Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for making to show;
   What He did there bro’t hope from despair;
   O how He loves you, O how He loves me, O how He loves you and me!

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 98 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

SPECIAL MUSIC – 10,000 Reasons – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 15:9-17 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – #162

What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in Prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows ur every weakness, Take it to the Lord in Prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge – Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee! Take it to the Lord in prayer,
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

 CCLI License #456361

Blood Drive – May 13

The pandemic continues to put a strain on blood supplies nationwide – but you can help. In coordination with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center, Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is hosting a blood drive on Thursday, May 13 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.

We will closely be following COVID protocols, including social distancing, so donating blood is safe. If you can donate, please do. It is best to make an appointment at www.bloodcenter.org, or contact Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 to schedule your time.

May 1 Virtual Worship – The True Vine

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Today we are reminded that Jesus is the “true vine.” His love and his spirit nourish our world, even to this day. And even though we can’t see Him, we are still all connected to Him.

Our service will be live around 10 a.m. (which, if you know Ivy Chapel, that could mean 10:05). Join us on YouTube.

If you are worshipping from home, please take a moment to gather the elements of communion so you can celebrate at Christ’s table with us.

WELCOME – Rev. Dan Wilson, Pastor

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come; let us worship God.
All: Let all people turn to God.
One: Come; let us re-claim our baptism.
All: Let our lives bear fruit that is pleasing to God.
One: Christ is the Vine.
All: We are the branches!

HYMN – Holy, Holy – #50

1. Holy, holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, Lord God almighty;
   And we lift our hears before You as a token of our love,
   Holy, holy, holy, holy.
2. Gracious Father, gracious Father, We’re so blest to be your children gracious Father;
   And we lift our heads before You as a token of our love,
   Gracious Father, gracious Father.
3. Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus, We’re so glad that you’ve redeemed us, precious Jesus.
   And we lift our hands before You as a token of our love,
   Precious Jesus, Precious Jesus.
4. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Come and fill our hearts anew, Holy Spirit;
   And we lift ur voice before You as a token of our love,
   Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit.
5. Holy, holy, holy, holy, Holy, holy, Lord God almighty;
   And we lift our hearts before ou as a token of our love,
   Holy, holy, holy, holy. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Wondrous God, we praise you as the Creator of all life! You are the One who creates and loves all people. May we seek to love everyone the way you do. You are the Vine. We are the branches.
   Faithful and Gracious God, come alive among us day by day. Come now; and fill our very souls with your unselfish, abundant love. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. 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 – 1 John 4:7-21 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – Living Water of Life (Lantz) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 15:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Let Us Break Bread Together – #265

1. Let us break bread together on our knees.
   Let us break bread together on our knees.

REFRAIN
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

2. Let us drink wine together on our knees.
   Let us drink wine together on our knees.

REFRAIN

3. Let us praise God together on our knees.
   Let us praise God together on our knees.

REFRAIN

THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Christ’s Table
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you eat this bread, remember me.”
All: Through the broken bread, we participate in the Body of Christ.
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you drink this cup, remember me.”
All: Through the communion cup, we participate in the Blood of Christ.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God. Our Savior welcomes everyone to this table!

HYMN – We Will Glorify – #35

1. We will glorify the King of kings, We will glorify the Lamb;
   We will glorify the Lord of lords, who is the great I Am,
2. Lord Jehovah reign in majesty, we will bow before His Throne;
   We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.
3. He is For of heaven, Lord of earth, He is Lord of all who live;
   He is Lord above the universe, all praise to Him we give.
4. Hallelujah to the King of kings, Hallelujah to the Lamb;
   Hallelujah to the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM.

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

April 25 Livestream – Enfolded By Love

Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

If you’re having trouble hearing the service, please double check both the volume on your device and on YouTube. These settings are independent. If you’re still having trouble, please let us know.

Enfolded By Love

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
Springtime greetings to all! We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and we are grateful for God’s loving care.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: The Good Shepherd invites us to green pastures.
All: We are refreshed beside still waters.
One: We have been given all that we possess.
All: God provides everything that we need. And more!
One: In every valley that we encounter – God is with us.
All: We are comforted and reassured.
One: God leads us on the path of life.
All: Our cup overflows.
One: We receive from God in abundance.
All: Let us joyfully share this abundance!

HYMN – Here, O My Lord, I See Thee – #259

1. Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face;
   Here would I touch and handle things unseen,
   Here grasp with firmer hand th’eternal grace,
   And all my weariness upon Thee lean.
2. Here would I feed upon the bread of God;
   Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heav’n;
   Here would I lay aside each earthly load,
   Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiv’n.
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.
   
   UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Good Shepherd, you have enabled us to gather this day for worship. We are deeply grateful to be known and loved by you. We praise you, O God, for your sacred gift of life! This morning, we pray that you will bless us with guidance for living as your people.
   Gentle Shepherd, you tirelessly watch over all your sheep. In turn, you ask us to care for one another in life-giving ways. Help us to grow in love that displays genuine caring and self-sacrifice. May we humbly accept the roles that you give us to fulfill, Dear God. Equip us for your service everywhere you lead us. Amen.
   
   PRAISE RESPONSE – Gentle Shepherd – #450

Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.
Gentle Shepherd, come and feed us, For we need Your strength from day to day.
There’s no other we can turn to Who can help us face another day;
Gentle Shepherd, come and lead us, For we need You to help us find our way.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – “Held” – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – John 10:11-18 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

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

2. 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.

REFRAIN

BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

POSTLUDE Anna DiVesta

April 18 Livestream – Christ Among Us

C H R I S T A M O N G U S

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
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. God blesses us with life eternal.
All: Imagine all the possibilities for life with God!
One: Jesus of Nazareth once walked the earth.
All: Love was when God became human.
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 alive!
All: This very moment, God is walking with us!

HYMN – Morning Has Broken – #274

1. Morning has broken Like the first morning,
   Blackbird has spoken Like the first bird.
   Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
   Praise for them, springing Fresh from the Word!
2. Sweet the rain’s new fall Sunlit from heaven,
   Like the first dewfall On the first grass.
   Praise for the sweetness Of the wet garden,
   Sprung in completeness Where His feet pass.
3. Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
   Born of the one light Eden saw Play!
   Praise with elation, Praise every morning,
   God’s recreation Of the new Day! UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
   Loving God, you graciously spread an Easter 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 – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33

Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like You.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God, Make it ever True;
Change my heart, O God, May I be like You.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 4 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

SPECIAL MUSIC – This Is Amazing Grace – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-44 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

1. 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.

2. 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

3. And then one day I’ll cross the river;
   I’ll fight ilifes’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 – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

Easter Livestream – He is Risen!

A tremendous discovery awaits on this Easter. Christ is not in the tomb. He is Risen!

Christ is risen! Hallelujah!
Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Rejoice! Today is Resurrection Day!
All: It’s a miracle!
One: Our Savior Jesus died on the cross.
All: He was dead. Now, he lives!
One: Christ is risen!
All: Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah!

*HYMN – Here I Am to Worship – worship booklet, pp. 48-49

1. Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see.
   Beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You.
   So, here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God,
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.
2. King of all days, O so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above,
   Humbly You came to the Earth You created,
   All for love’s sake became poor.
   So, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God.
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.
   And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. So, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God.
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. So, Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
   Here I am to say that You’re my God.
   And You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me. UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION Pastor Dan
   God of Resurrection, we come gather to worship you, rejoicing over the miracle of Christ’s empty tomb! We come celebrating your Gospel that announces you are with us always as the Risen Christ. Thanks to your Resurrection, we realize that you truly have the power to give all people life eternal, God. As the Risen Christ, you bless us with faith and strength – even in times of despair, sorrow, fear, or overwhelming difficulty.
   The tomb may be empty, but it is not silent. This morning, Jesus, your empty tomb joyously proclaims that you have risen from the dead! Christ Jesus, you are alive forevermore! Hallelujah! Amen! PRAISE RESPONSE – He Is Exalted! – worship booklet, p. 45

He is exalted, the King is exalted on high. I will praise Him.
He is exalted, forever exalted and I will praise His name!
He is the Lord. Forever His truth shall reign.
Heaven and earth rejoice in His holy name.
He is exalted, the King is exalted on high.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Romans 8:11, 31, 35-39 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Agnus Dei

GOD’S WORD – Mark 16:1-8 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan

THE GIFTS OF GOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF GOD
The Sacrament of Holy Communion

UNISON PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)

HYMN – Our God Reigns – #290

1. 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!

REFRAIN
Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Our God reigns! Our God reigns!

2. He had no stately form, He had no majesty, The 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

3. Out from 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.

REFRAIN

RESPONSIVE BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
One: Praise God!
All: Christ is risen!
One: Our Savior Jesus is alive!
All: Hallelujah!

POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

CCLI License #456361

Dec. 6 Livestream – Second Sunday of Advent

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of hope. As we also celebrate communion together, may you find the hope and peace you need in this season of anticipation.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: God Most High is alive today!
All: Jesus Christ loves all people.
One: God is great!
All: And greatly to be praised!
One: Over and over, we are amazed by God!
All: God is alive this moment.
One: The God of all life; the Holy One – is closer than our next breath.
All: Let us worship God together.

Hymn/ “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #186

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of the living; you promise to be with your people, and you faithfully fulfill this promise! Long ago, you sent your Spirit to live among us, guiding your creation toward a hope-filled future. We join together in worship seeking your truth and your promise for our day.
O God of hope eternal, you are with us now. Help us to sense your presence and to cherish your companionship. May we receive you and serve you. Come; fulfill within us your holy purposes. We pray in your name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

Lighting the Advent Wreath / Pastor Dan
The Candle of Hope

Response “When God Is a Child” p. 95, worship booklet
Verse 1 ONLY

Children’s Message / Liz Schurwan

Special Music / “Bring Us Hope”

Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Mark 1:1-8 and Isaiah 40:1-11

Sermon / Pastor Dan

Prayers of the People/ The Lord’s Prayer/ Holy Communion/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “You Are the Light” p. 100, worship booklet

Benediction / Pastor Dan

Postlude / Anna DiVesta

Nov. 15 Livestream

Good Sunday morning once again to everyone. Even while we cannot be together in our sanctuary here at Ivy Chapel, we hope you can find some comfort in this shared experience.

Here’s today’s order for worship:

Prelude/ Anna DiVesta

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come, one! Come, all! All: God is worthy of our highest praise!
One: There are certain things which God alone can do. All: God’s wonders never cease!
One: We come together in amazement to praise God our Savior! All: Come, one and all!
Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Merciful and Gracious God, remind us this morning that you delight in all creation. It is a joy to be with you on this day of life that you have given! Each one of us is a uniquely valuable part of your Church. By bringing all of us together, you form us into your spectacular masterpiece. You are the Potter, and we are the clay. Refresh us through your Living Word, and teach us your way, O God. May human hearts everywhere learn to delight in you. Focusing on you brings life! Lead us as we continue learning to give away the gifts which you so abundantly are giving us. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God! Age to age, you’re still the same; by the power of your name. El Shaddai, God Almighty; we will praise and lift you high! Amen.

Hymn/ “El Shaddai” #18

El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyonna Adonai,
Age to age You’re still the same by the power of the name.
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, Er-kahm-ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lift You high, El Shaddai.

Children’s Message/ Sarah Wilson

Special Instrumental Music/ Anna DiVesta and Sarah Wilson

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Psalm 90:1-8, 12-16 and Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord” #424

1. 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 heavenly light, Teach me Thy way!
2. 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!
3. When doubts and fears arise, Teach me Thy way!
   When storms o’respread the skies, Teach me Thy way!
   Shine thro’ the clouds and rain, Thro’ sorrow, toil and pain;
   Make Thou my pathway plain, Teach me Thy way!
4. 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!

Benediction/ Pastor Dan

Postlude/ Anna

Nov. 8 Livestream

We had originally hoped to take the first steps toward in-person worship today. However, with the increase in COVID-19 cases, it’s best to put these plans on hold for the health of our members and the community. Please continue to stay safe as we all work together to find the healthiest way forward.

Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan
One: We come to worship, because we want to know God,
All: who helps us to leave behind the past, and to walk ahead on a path to new life.
One: We pause on this Sabbath day, because we want to know Jesus,
All: who offer us grace, and who inspires us to be givers.
One: We share in joyful acts of praise, because we want to know the Spirit,
All: who guides us to serve God with gladness!

Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray together.
All: God of this new day; we rejoice that you are God of all the earth! We worship you, Christ Jesus. Singing your praises fills us with joy, and blesses us beyond words. In you, Jesus, we find a treasure. In you, we experience a pure goodness that cares for and affirms everyone. In you, we receive a comfort that delivers us from all our fears.
In you, we come in contact with an exceptional love that surrounds and encourages, reassures and calms.
You are a true refuge, O God, in time of trouble. Your faithful support strengthens us in our weakness, fills us in our hunger, and finds us when we are lost. During every sacred time of worship, you bless us anew. Here and now, we are found.
Thank you, Gentle Shepherd, for watching over us and for leading us. Amen.

Hymn/ “Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling” #389

1. Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me;
   See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me.

REFRAIN
Come home, come home, Ye who are weary, come home;
Earnestly tenderly, Jesus is calling. Calling, O sinner, come home!

2. Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, Pleading for you and for me?
   Why should we linger and heed not His mercies, Mercies for you and for me?

REFRAIN

3. Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, Passing from you and from me;
   Shadows are gathering, death’s night is coming, Coming for you and for me.

REFRAIN

4. O for the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me!
   Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me.

REFRAIN

Children’s Message/ Ashton

Prayers of the Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer/ Pastor Dan

Special Music/ “Keep Your Lamps” Anna and Aaron DiVesta

Scripture Reading/ Pastor Dan Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon/ Pastor Dan

Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer/ Pastor Dan

Hymn/ “Hymn of Promise” #277

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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/ Anna

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