Blood Drive – May 13
May 5, 2021 by Rich
Filed under What's happening
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
May 1, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
- Let us drink wine together on our knees.
Let us drink wine together on our knees.
REFRAIN
- 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.â€
All: Through the broken bread, we participate in the Body of Christ.
One: Jesus Christ says, “As you drink this cup, remember me.â€
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
- 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, - Lord Jehovah reign in majesty, we will bow before His Throne;
We will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone. - 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. - 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
April 24, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
- 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
April 17, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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! - 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. - 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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!
April 3, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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. - 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
- 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!
- 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
- 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
December 6, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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 Hopeâ€
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
November 15, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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! - 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’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! - 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
November 8, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
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
- 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!
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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/ Anna
Nov. 1 Livestream – Totenfest
November 1, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today, on All Saint’s Day, we pause to remember those we have lost in the last year. Join us for prayers and a celebration of life.
As is our custom here at Ivy Chapel, we start each worship with announcements. Here’s what’s going on this week.
Prelude / Anna diVesta
Responsive Call to Worship/ Pastor Dan Wilson
One: What a joy! What a comfort to know Loving God hears our borning cry
and Loving God sees our lives unfold.
All: We marvel at the unending grace of God!
One: We praise the One who is with us every moment of our lives!
All: Let us worship Christ our Savior!
Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan
One: I invite you to bow with me, and let us pray together.
All: God of wonder, God of grace; let your Spirit fill our souls. Remind us this day that you are the Creator of all life. Through terrors of night, among arrows flying by day; we need to sense your power,… your guidance,… your higher purpose.
Living God, we gather to praise you. We are grateful for any earthly glimpse of eternity which you give us. All that we already have received whets our appetite for more. And so it is that we come now seeking still more glimpses of you, O Holy One. Who knows? Maybe your closeness to us will be revealed through the breaking of bread or the filling of a cup.
On this Sabbath day, lead us away from this world’s distractions, we pray. Draw us toward a clearer vision of who you are, Faithful God. This will help us to see more clearly who you would like us to be.
Eternal Savior; in every age, you call people to follow you and to love you. It is you, Living God, who we were raised to praise! To you, we now belong! Amen!
Hymn / “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry“ worship booklet, pp. 54-55
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
- 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 God, 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.
Children’s Message / Sarah Heend
Totenfest All Saints’ Day Thanksgiving for Loved Ones / Pastor Dan
Prayers of the Church concluding with the Lord’s Praye r/ Pastor Dan
Special Music / “Come to Jesus†Anna
Scripture Reading / Pastor Dan Matthew 23:1-12
Sermon / Pastor Dan
Celebrating Communion / Pastor Dan
Hymn / “We Are a New Creation†worship booklet, p. 91
We Are a New Creation
- We are a new creation Of Christ, the living Word,
Our songs of jubilation Shall everywhere be heard.
New life blooms fresh and glorious For those who heed the call
Of Christ, who reigns victorious O’er sin and death and all. - We are a new creation Of God for this new day.
As partners let us follow The life, the truth, the way.
Christ bids us work to gather As colleagues, old and young,
As women, men, and nations, God’s folk of every tongue. - We are a new creation For service here on earth.
We live our faith in action To tell our Savior’s worth.
Let love and justice blending Now show for all to see
God’s grace is never ending It reaches you and me. - We are a new creation By God’s own gracious hand,
Old burdens cast behind us, A daring future planned.
In ministry and mission, United let us live,
In Christ a shining vision To God’s wide world to give.
Benediction / Pastor Dan
Postlude / Anna
Oct. 18 Virtual Worship – Consecration Sunday
October 17, 2020 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Prelude / Anna diVesta
Call to Worship & Prayer of Invocation / Pastor Dan Wilson
Responsive Call to Worship
One: The earth is alive with the splendor of God!
All: We thank God for love!
One: Our God generously shares love.
All: Together, let us rejoice and worship God!
Responsive Prayer of Invocation
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Generous Love, you are the very breath of life within every human being. We praise you for your abundant blessings! This opportunity to offer you our gifts and to receive nourishment from you fills us with joy.
You are a Gracious and Loving God! Open our hearts to receive you. Jesus, you are our Risen Savior. We long to follow you by walking in your footsteps. O Spirit of Christ, breathe among us and breathe within us now as we worship you. Amen.
Hymn/ “More Love to Thee” (#428)
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!
Children’s Message/ Ashton
Special Music / “Sanctuary” / Vocalist and Anna
Scripture Readings/ Pastor Dan 1 Cor 13:4-13 and Romans 5:5-8
Sermon/Prayer / Pastor Dan
The Act of Consecration: Offering God Our 2021 Giving Commitments / Pastor Dan
Inviting God to Consecrate Our Gifts
Responsive Prayer
One: Let us pray. From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
All: We offer you our praises, Dear God.
One: You are the Creator of all life!
All: It is by your mercies alone, O God, that we live.
One: You share love generously.
All: It is in response to your generosity, O God, that we give.
One: You provide the world with life abundant!
All: We are grateful for your blessings, O God.
One: Our giving to the ministries of your Church is an expression of our gratitude.
All: We ask you, O God, to receive and bless our Commitments of Giving for the year ahead.
This we pray, in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
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 thru His Son be His love to everyone.
And when we falter be Thou our comfort; Guide us as our children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us, A light that others then may see.
Benediction / Pastor Dan
Postlude / Anna