July 10 Livestream – Caring Neighbors

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC! God loves all people. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. We are all neighbors on this journey together.

We are thrilled to have you with us. You may join us any Sunday at 10 a.m. as we gather in our sanctuary, or for virtual worship on YouTube.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude – J. S. Bach

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: This is the day the Lord has made!
All: We rejoice, for God is awesome!
One: God made the very foundations of the earth!
All: God’s power is beyond human understanding!
One: We do know this – God’s love and mercy are eternal gifts.
All: Praise God for all of life’s blessings!

*HYMN – All Things Bright and Beautiful – #65

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
And 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. 

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
And all things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all.

The purple-headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset, and the morning
That brightens up the sky. 

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
And all things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all.

The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden:
He made them, every one. 

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
And all things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
And all things wise and wonderful;
The Lord God made them all.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all; you are among us as we celebrate this morning! We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to worship you.
We praise you, God, as the One who gathers people and who shapes us into communities of faith. Thanks to you, human hearts are filled with hope and joy. Here, in your sanctuary, we are at home. As we worship, you reassure us that wherever we are, you are with us.
Life leads us in many directions and to many different places. We are blessed that you are with us in all situations. We can always be ourselves with you; for you are a Genuine and Loving God.
During this worship, God, we ask that you draw us away from all earthly concerns and free us to exalt you. No one can compare with you. There is no God other than you. Your Living Water cleanses, and your Living Word heals. Come, Christ Jesus; wash over us. Speak to us, and bless us with ears to hear your voice. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – The Bond of Love (Verses 1 and 2) – #123We are one in the bond of love
We are one in the bond of love
We have joined our spirit with the Spirit of God
We are one in the bond of love

Let us sing now, ev’ry one,
Let us feel His love begun;
Let us join our hand that the world will know
We are one in the bond of love

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 25:1-10

*HYMN – Lonely Voices – #526

Lonely voices crying in the city,
Lonely voices sounding like a child.
Lonely voices come from busy people,
Too disturbed to stop a little while.
Lonely voices fill my dreams,
Lonely voices haunt my memory.

Lonely faces looking for the sunrise,
Just to find another busy day.
Lonely faces all around the city,
Though afraid, they’re too ashamed to pray.
Lonely faces do I see,
Lonely faces haunt my memory.

Lonely eyes, I see them in the subway,
Burdened by the worries of the day;
Lives of leisure, yet they’re so unhappy,
Tired of foolish roles they try to play.
Lonely people do I see,
Lonely people haunt my memory.

Abundant life Christ came to truly give man,
But so few His gift of grace receive.
Lonely people live in every city,
Those who face a dark and lonely grave.
Lonely faces do I see,
Lonely voices calling out to me.

GOD’S WORD – Colossians 1:1-14

SPECIAL MUSIC – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – arr. Tornquist

GOD’S WORD – Luke 10:25-37

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*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 through His Son
be His love, to every one

And when we falter, be Thou our comfort. Guide us as Your children that our lives may be
A beacon in this darkness that surrounds us
A light that others may see.

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Oh, Be Joyful in the Lord – Wolford

June 26 Livestream – Picking Up

God loves all people. No one is a stranger to God. Today, God is blessing the whole world with a sacred day of life! Let us worship God together!

Join us in person or on our YouTube channel. We’ll share a direct link to the service once worship begins at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Chorale Prelude – D. Wagner

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Shall those in need take refuge in God?
All: Yes! God answers all who call on God. Hope in God.
One: Where is God? Will those who seek find God?
All: Yes! All people live in God’s presence. Watch for God.
One: Is God alive among us?
All: Yes! God’s voice speaks – many times in unexpected ways. Listen closely, for God is still speaking,…

*HYMN – Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above – #45

Sing praise to God who reigns above,
the God of all creation,
the God of power, the God of love,
the God of our salvation;
with healing balm my soul he fills,
and every faithless murmur stills:
o God all praise and glory.

What God’s almighty power hath made,
his gracious mercy keepeth;
by morning glow or evening shade
his watchful eye ne’er sleepeth.
Within the kingdom of his might,
lo! all is just and all is right:
to God all praise and glory

The Lord is never far away,
But through all grief distressing
An ever present help and stay
Our peace, and joy, and blessing;
As with a mother’s tender hand,
He leads His one, HIs chosen band:
To God all praise and glory.

Then all my gladsome way along
I sing aloud thy praises,
that men may hear the grateful song
my voice unwearied raises:
be joyful in the Lord, my heart!
Both soul and body bear your part!
To God all praise and glory.

*CALLING TO GOD IN PRAYER
We call to you, Everlasting God. You are the One who calls disciples; and this day we call to you: Come now, O Holy One; Living God.
Come alive, Creator God. Breathe life within us and within all creation! O God, you are the Potter, and we are the clay. Shape and fashion us into vessels of true grace. Smooth our rough edges into your beautiful design, and then fire us into pottery blessed for serving in your name. May you be our strength, God Most High. Shape our lives for offering care and healing to others. Receive our prayers, the spoken and the unspoken; and bring your Word to life through our lives. All this we pray, in your sacred name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Give Thanks – worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One,
Give thanks because He’s given
Jesus Christ His Son.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

And now let the weak say “I am strong”
Let the poor say “I am rich”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.

Give thanks, give thanks.

GOD’S WORD – 2 Kings 2:1-2, 4, 6-15 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Then Shall Live – #133

I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey

I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.

GOD’S WORD – Galatians 5:1, 13-25 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – How Beautiful – Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 9:51-62 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Help Us Accept Each Other – #127

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 for bread,
We need new eyes for seeing, new hands for holding on:
Renew us with Your Spirit; Lord, free us, make us one!

*GOD SENDS US INTO THE WORLD – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Exultation – Cassler

Things to do: June 25 BBQ Fundraiser

Do you have big plans this weekend? Meet your friends and family at Ivy Chapel for our big BBQ Fundraiser, held right here at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield between 4 and 7 p.m.

We are planning to offer meals carry-out style, which can be eaten on-site at the church pavilion (limited seating) or outside in the parking lot (bring your own lawn chair), or taken to go.  

Menu options include a choice of hamburger or bratwurst with two sides and a dessert for $10 or hot dog with one side a dessert for $5.  

We hope we’ll see you–and your friends–there!

June 12 Livestream – Trinity Sunday

Thank you for joining us on this Trinity Sunday. Today, we celebrate the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In Christian tradition, Trinity Sunday calls us to acknowledge both the breadth of our experience with God, and the limitations of our knowledge. We can’t possibly understand the scale of His creation, and we are forever in awe of His glory.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – Zachow

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: God delights in life!
All: Let us rejoice before the majesty of our Creator!
One: Through Christ, we are inspired to hope.
All: We gladly enter this house of worship.
One: God’s mercy is ever-flowing.
All: God’s Spirit is the Spirit of life and of hope and of all things good!
One: Let us listen closely for God, so that we may hear and do what is faithful.
All: Let us open our hearts now to the astonishing Word of God.

*HYMN – Holy, Holy, Holy – #2

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!

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.

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.

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!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God our Potter, God who becomes clay, God who shapes us in the fire; we are made new in your presence. We come seeking your wisdom, crying out our concerns, needing your steadfast love. May this worship time serve as a time that continues shaping us into a faith community who loves you above all, Dear God. Let our character reflect your goodness and grace. May we live in awe of your glory and humbled by your nearness. We pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – How Majestic Is Your Name – #9

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.
O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of Peace, mighty God;
O Lord God Almighty.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 8 – Pastor Dan

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody

GOD’S WORD – Romans 5:1-5 –Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Road Home – Martin

GOD’S WORD – John 16:12-15 – 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 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.

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.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Trumpet Tune – D. Wagner

June 5 Livestream – Pentecost

Today is Pentecost, the 50th day after Easter Sunday. It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers who were celebrating the Festival of Weeks in Jerusalem. It is often celebrated as the beginning of the Christian church’s mission to the world.

You may join us at 10 a.m. in our sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield, or online via YouTube.

PRELUDE – Rock of Ages – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Receive with joy God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.
All: The winds of God are blowing among us.
One: How amazing is the power of God!
All: The breath of God fills people with life and hope!
One: God calls us to be dreamers and prophets.
All: Christ offers us a vision of a world overflowing with God’s grace.

*HYMN – Sweet, Sweet Spirit – #153

There’s a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place,
And I know that it’s the Spirit of the Lord;
There are sweet expressions on each face,
And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.

Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove,
Stay right here with us, filling us with Your love.
And for these blessings we lift our hearts in praise;
Without a doubt we’ll know that we have been revived,
When we shall leave this place.

There are blessings you cannot receive
Till you know Him in His fullness and believe;
You’re the one to profit when you say,
“I am going to walk with Jesus all the way.”

If you say He saved you from your sin,
Now you’re weak, you’re bound and cannot enter in,
You can make it right if you will yield,
You’ll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of wind and fire; we are grateful to you for this day, and we are thrilled to be here for worship. We are filled with joy by what we are about to celebrate.
God, you are “Mystery” with a capital “M.” You are the Creator, who gives life to all living things. You are the Christ, who loves us so deeply that you give your life for us. You are the Spirit, who ages ago moved over the waters of creation; and who forever stirs in each human heart and soul.
You are the Author and the Master of all holy mysteries. Lead us to respond faithfully as you call us into ever-new beginnings. Guide us on this life-long journey toward hope, wonder and amazement. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Spirit of the Living God – #150

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 104:24-34, 35b – Pastor Dan

MISSION MOMENT – Our Church’s Wider Mission – Bill Biedenstein, Missouri Mid-South Conference, UCC

GOD’S WORD – Romans 8:14-17 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – I’m Bound for the Kingdom – Wolaver

GOD’S WORD – Acts 2:1-21 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*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,
O Lord have mercy on me.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive the gifts of God.

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

*HYMN – Breathe on Me, Breath of God – #139

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Recessional – Wolford

May 1 Livestream – The Way Forward

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC. With astonishment, we discover that we are walking with Christ our Risen Savior! Everyone is invited to Fellowship Hall after worship for the Plant Sale and refreshments.

Join us in person in our open and welcoming church at 620 N. Woods Mill in Chesterfield at 10 a.m. Sundays. Our services are also streamed live each week on our YouTube channel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fughetta – J. K. F.

*CALL TO WORSHIP
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.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities for life with God!
One: We are blessed.
All: Christ is alive!
One: God enables us to follow Christ.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us!

*HYMN – Come, Ye Faithful Raise the Strain – #273
Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness,
loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke
Jacob’s sons and daughters,
led them with unmoistened foot
through the Red Sea waters.
See the spring of souls today;
Christ has burst his prison,
and from three days’ sleep in death
as a sun hath risen;
all the winter of our sins,
long and dark, is flying
from his light, to whom we give
laud and praise undying.
Now the queen of seasons, bright
with the day of splendor,
with the royal feast of feasts,
comes its joy to render;
comes to gladden faithful hearts
which with true affection
welcome in unwearied strains
Jesus’ resurrection!
For today among his own
Christ appeared, bestowing
blessed peace, which evermore
passes human knowing.
Neither could the gates of death
nor the tomb’s dark portal
nor the watchers nor the seal
hold him as a mortal.
“Alleluia!” Now we cry
to our King immortal,
who, triumphant, burst the bars
of the tomb’s dark portal.
Come, you faithful, raise the strain
of triumphant gladness!
God has brought his Israel
into joy from sadness!

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Loving God, you graciously spread a Sacred 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 – Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart – worship booklet, p. 42

Give thanks with a grateful heart,
give thanks to the Holy One;
give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, his
Son. (Repeat)
And now let the weak say, “We are strong!”
Let the poor say, “We are rich
because of what the Lord has done for us!” (Repeat)
Give thanks.
Give thanks.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 30 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – The Church’s One Foundation – Wesley/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 24:13-35 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We rejoice to celebrate “Open Communion.”
All who desire are welcome to receive the bread and the cup at Christ’s Table.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING 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!

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 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 – Prelude, G Minor – J. S. Bach

April 24 Livestream – Peace Be With You

Welcome to Ivy Chapel UCC.
You are welcome here. God loves all people. God is still speaking… Christ is risen!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Prelude and Fugue – J. K. F.

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Children of God, come and worship.
All: We come to worship Jesus Christ, risen forever!
One: Come to receive forgiveness for your sins.
All: We come to discover hope in the face of fear.
One: Jesus Christ appears and declares, “My peace I give to you.”
All: Our Savior is here!
One: Our Savior is alive!
All: We come to rejoice in life born out of death. Alleluia!

*HYMN – My Hope Is in the Lord – #279

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of all our beginnings; may this day begin with praises for you! Let every breath become a witness to your Spirit, living within us and among us. Open our hearts to receive your saving gifts. Use our voices to proclaim your unsurpassed greatness. May the sound of our celebration help people to sense your powerful presence and to claim the joy of serving you, in Christ’s name. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Jesus Paid It All (Verses 1 and 2) – #255
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain:
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone. [Refrain]

GOD’S WORD – Revelation 1:8 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Excerpts from Jesus Christ Superstar – arr. Waller

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 150 – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross –#253

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them through his blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were a present far too small.
Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

GOD’S WORD – John 20:19-3 –Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – My Redeemer – #324

I will sing of my Redeemer
and his wondrous love to me;
on the cruel cross he suffered,
from the curse to set me free.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer!
With his blood he purchased me;
on the cross he sealed my pardon,
paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
how my lost estate to save,
in his boundless love and mercy,
he the ransom freely gave.
I will praise my dear Redeemer,
his triumphant power I’ll tell:
how the victory he gives me
over sin and death and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer
and his heavenly love for me;
he from death to life has brought me,
Son of God, with him to be.
Sing, O sing of my Redeemer!
With his blood he purchased me;
on the cross he sealed my pardon,
paid the debt, and made me free.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – Hustad

April 10 Livestream – Palm Sunday – Hosanna!

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Please join us for a special service on Good Friday at 7:30 p.m., and then for our Easter Celebration Worship at 10 a.m. next Sunday.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Beneath the Cross – Hustad

*CALL TO WORSHIP – (inspired by lyrics of Jennette Threlfall, 1873)
One: Hosanna, loud Hosanna!
All: Blessed is the One who is coming!
One: Hosanna, loud Hosanna!
All: May the rivers of justice run!
One: Children singing, families dancing,
All: Elders give a shout!
One: Glory in the highest!
All: Even stones cry out!
One: Hosanna, loud hosanna!
All: May this refrain never cease.
One: Hosanna in the highest!
All: Here comes the One who brings peace.

*OPENING HYMN – All Glory, Laud and Honor – #234
All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children Made sweet hosannas ring.
Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name cometh, the King and Blessed One!

The company of angels Are praising Thee on high;
And mortal men and all things Created make reply.
The people of the Hebrews with palms before Thee went;
Our praise and prayer and anthems Before Thee we present.

To Thee before Thy passion, They sang their hymns of praise;
To Thee now high exalted, Our melody we raise.
Thou didst accept their praises Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King!

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION (liturgy by Michael Anthony Howard, adapted)
Dear God; Creator of Life; Giver of all that is Good; we confess that we have disregarded your calling and abandoned your love.
We have paid lip service to life while serving the powers of death.
Violence vulgarly scars the streets of Bucha, Ukraine and many other places throughout your world, God. We witness horrible acts of brutality, cruelty and evil-displaying no regard for human life.
We even accept violence at our own nation’s borders and in the Metro East. It seems that we have become accustomed to violence in the schools, the sanctuaries, the Sacramentos of our day.
In our politics; in our pockets; in our religion; in our relationships;
violence has invaded the imagination of our hearts. How can this be?
The time for transformation has come, but has found us unresponsive.
Creation groans. The very stones cry out!
Yet the Church has remained silent. Forgive us, O God. Cleanse our hearts and souls! Move us to action. Rejuvenate our communities. Restore our humanity. Revive our fervor for justice. Resurrect us as
your people, so that we may join with all creation in proclaiming,
“Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord!” Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS

*RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord! – worship booklet, pp. 80-81
My Jesus, my Saviour
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 of 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 promise I have
In You

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Near the Cross – Curry

GOD’S WORD – Luke 19:28-40 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

*HYMN – Hosanna, Loud, Hosanna! – #233
Hosanna, loud hosanna The little children sang;
Through pillared court and temple The lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, Close folded to his Breast,
The children sang their praises, The simplest and the best.

From Olivet they followed Mid an exultant crowd,
The victor palm branch waving, And chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of men and angels Rode on in lowly state,
Nor scorned that little children Should on his bidding wait.

“Hosanna in the highest!” That ancient song we sing,
For Christ is our Redeemer, The Lord of heaven, our King.
O may we ever praise Him With heart and life and voice,
And in His blissful presence Eternally rejoice!

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – A Song of Comfort – Brahms

March 27 Livestream – 4th Sunday of Lent – Lost and Found

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Our 40-day soul-searching journey continues. Thank you, Bob Meinz for serving as our worship musician today.

Please feel free to join us in person, or live at 10 a.m. on the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Brethren, We Have Met to Worship – arr. Penny Rodriguez                      

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                     

       One: By God’s mercy,        

       All:   We are delivered from distress.

       One:  By God’s mercy,

       All:  We are extravagantly welcomed home! 

       One:  By God’s mercy,

       All:  We are cleansed, healed, made whole.

       One:  We are amazed by God’s unconditional, steadfast love!

       All:  As God’s people, let us rejoice and praise God together!

*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387

*OPENING PRAYER                                                          

        Welcoming God, we need you. Apart from you, life lacks meaning. We come seeking what money cannot buy. We come seeking what you alone provide – nourishment for our souls.  

        Welcoming God, your love for your children endures forever. Even if we squander all that you have given, still your eyes light up as soon as you see us approaching.  Immediately, you rejoice! You embrace us, celebrating nothing more than that we are alive. Crying tears of joy, you throw your arms around us; joyfully giving thanks, “O my child, you’re home! Welcome home!”

         Welcoming God, we are astonished by your boundless love. Come now; teach us to love as you love – spontaneously and extravagantly! May we throw our arms open wide, joyously offering your love.  Amen.

*RESPONSE – Where the Spirit of the Lord Is – #142

 MISSION MOMENT – One Great Hour of Sharing – “Love Remains”

 GOD’S WORD – Psalm 32:1-7, 11 – Pastor Dan          

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Wonderful Words of Life – arr. William Ringham  

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 – Pastor Dan 

 SERMON – Pastor Dan 

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

*HYMN – The Master Has Come – #502

*SENDING OUT – Pastor Dan 

*POSTLUDE – God Be with You till We Meet Again – improvised  

March 20 Livestream – 3rd Sunday of Lent – Open Invitation

Thank you, Bob Meinz, for serving as our worship musician today!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – My Jesus, I Love Thee – improvised

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Brokenness can be healed and wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation.
All: Praise God!

*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,
Moe 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!

*OPENING PRAYER
Gentle Healer; Mighty Savior; the power to make new is yours. On this sabbath day, we come to your sanctuary, seeking relief from earthly demands. We praise you for blessing us with holy rest and healing.
God of forgiveness and mercy; we are thankful that you receive us as we are. We regret that there are times when we do not devote ourselves to serving you. We allow ourselves to become overly discouraged by the circumstances and complexities of earthly life. We are sorry for failing you, God. Forgive us, we pray. We humbly ask you to fill us with the faith to turn away from sin and toward you. When we fail, we will call on you for grace. When our lives do display faith, we will praise you, Jesus. Amen.

*RESPONSE – He Is Our Peace – #454
He is our peace
Who has broken down every wall,
He is our peace, He is our peace.

Cast all your cares on Him,
For He cares for you,
He is our peace, He is our peace

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 55:1-9 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – It Is Well with My Soul – arr. Suzanne Arant

GOD’S WORD – John 4:7-14 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness – #325
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.

Bold shall I stand in Thy great day;
For who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully absolved through these I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,
Which at the mercy seat of God
Forever doth for sinners plead,
For me, e’en for my soul, was shed.

Lord, I believe, were sinners more
Than sands upon the ocean shore,
Thou hast for all a ransom paid,
For all a full atonement made.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – What a Friend We Have in Jesus – arr. Bruce Greer

« Previous Page — Next Page »