Consecration Sunday Livestream – Rooted in God’s Love
October 16, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today is Consecration Sunday, when we embrace God’s desire for us to give and reaffirm our financial commitments to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. You may leave you commitment card in the collection plate in the sanctuary, or mail it to the Ivy Chapel, 620 N. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Mo, 63017, Attn: Frieda.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go – Hustad
*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Receive these words of guidance from God’s prophets:
All: Live a life that is full – envision, plant, harvest, share, give.
One: Pray to God.
All: Keep God at the center of all that is.
One: We enter this sanctuary full of hope;
All: because here in worship grace comes to life.
One: God’s gifts of grace teach us to trust God completely.
All: God is faithful.
One: We can live fully rooted in God’s love!
All: Let us praise God together!
*HYMN – ’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus ¬– #358
- “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at HIs word;
Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.â€
REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
- O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me “Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
REFRAIN
- Ye, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus, Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking Life and rest, and joy and peace.
REFRAIN
- I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend’
And I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.
REFRAIN
*OPENING PRAYER
We are in awe of you, Gracious God. You love people no matter what. You want us to live compassionate, giving lives – with you at the center. Jesus, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world. We long to become your disciples, who live firmly rooted in your love.
Breathe on us, O Lamb of God. Continue giving us growth, we pray. Bring us fully alive. Lead us to search for and to act on ways that we can offer your extravagant love to everyone. May your love root within, grow, and guide all humankind as we journey forward into your future, Jesus. Challenge us, and change us, and set us free! Amen.
*RESPONSE – Jesus, Name Above All Names – #57
Jesus, name above all names; beautiful Savior, glorious Lord,
Emmanuel, God is with us, blessed Redeemer, Living Word.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
GOD’S WORD – 1 Corinthians 3:4-7 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. M. Lawrence) – Sue Wilson, Vocalist
GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 3:16-17 & Matthew 13:3-9 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
INVITING GOD TO BLESS AND MAKE HOLY WHAT WE OFFER
We offer God our expressions of intended 2022 giving, asking God to consecrate them.
*CONSECRATION HYMN – Take My Life and Let It Be – #436
Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and lettuce move At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages for Thee;
Take my silver and my gold, to a mite would I withhold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my love, my God, I pour AtThy feet its treasure store;
Take myself and I will be Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
*SENDING OUT – God’s people are sent into the world. –Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Prelude in A Minor – Marcello
Oct. 3 Livestream – World Communion Sunday
October 1, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
As we continue our stewardship journey Rooted in Love, this Sunday we also join with churches around the world to celebrate World Communion Sunday.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Amazing Grace – Hobby
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, celebrate the One
All: who nourishes seeds with sunlight and a fresh embrace.
One: Come, praise the One
All: whose harvest of wheat and grapes all may share.
One: God brings us together as one faith communitypeople of all ages, tongues and races.
All: We are the clay, and God is the Potter.
One: God unites our varied lives in the Body of Christ
All: Let us worship Living God, who strengthens and
renews life everywhere!
*HYMN – In This Very Room – #125
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Inexhaustible God; fill this place today. But don’t stop here. Far beyond this sanctuary, Spirit of True Life; fill the hearts and souls of your children in every place this World Communion Sunday. You graciously invite us to your Table. We are your guests. You give; we receive. Then, in turn, you call on us to become givers ourselves.
This is the beauty of your Holy Communion with the world, God. You yourself become ‘the Christ’ – the Anointed One. You are born as a human being yourself, and you are flesh and blood just as we are! As Jesus of Nazareth, you fully experience earthly life with us.
God of Compassion; in you, we find a love deeper than any love we can imagine. We are grateful for your tender mercies. Morning by morning, may we seek you, Christ Jesus. Let your beauty be seen in us, we pray. Lead us as we continue on this life-long faith journey toward living as disciples whose lives are rooted in your love. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – How Majestic Is Your Name – #9
GOD’S WORD – Hosea 5:14-6:4, 6:6 & Romans 11:16-18 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – The Church’s One Foundation – Hustad
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 80:1-2, 7-11 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “open communion,†for we believe Christ’s Table is open to all people. All who desire the bread and the cup are welcome to receive God’s gifts at this communion table.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – It Took a Miracle – #303
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – The Light of the World Is Jesus – Bliss/Hayes
Sept. 12 Livestream – Who are you, Jesus?
September 11, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Here is today’s order for worship.
WELCOME
PRELUDE
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: God is good.
All: God is loving.
One: God is present here.
All: God is alive in creation!
One: God’s mercies are new every morning.
All: Let us praise God together!
*HYMN – Just As I Am – #387
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict many a doubt
Fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee I find,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God I come! I come!*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Ever-faithful, all-powerful God; you are above everything in this world. You are supreme. O Holy One, renew our sense of awe and delight as we gather in your presence now. Draw us away from all earthly distractions, so that we may clearly witness your wonders unfolding all around us.
Guide us, we pray. Challenge us if we become lost or get off track. We want to follow you, Jesus. You are God’s Anointed One – the Christ. May we perceive what you are revealing. Open our hearts, and awaken our souls. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see your miracles, O Risen Savior. Teach us what we can do to live in harmony with you moment by moment. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – I Will Call Upon the Lord – #101
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
I will call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. I will call upon the Lord.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock,
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.
The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock.
And let the God of my salvation be exalted.CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Give Me Jesus (arr. Fleming) – Julie McAllister and Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Mark 8:27-38 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Wherever He Leads I’ll Go – #543
“Take up they cross and Follow Me,†I heard my Master say,
“I gave My life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.â€
REFRAIN
Wherever He leads I’ll go, Wherever He leads I’ll go,
I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever he leads I’ll go.
He drew me closer to HIs side, I sought HIs will to know,
And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
REFRAIN
It may be through the shadows dim, Or o’er the stormy sea,
I take my cross and follow Him, Wherever He leaders me.
REFRAIN
My heart, my life, my all I bring To Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
REFRAIN*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE
August 29 Livestream – Be Love
August 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
We hope you are joining us in person on August 29. After worship, we’ll celebrate the start of school outdoors. This will be the first time many of our youth have been together with their church friends. It will be a joyous occasion, and we look forward to seeing everyone and hearing the laughter of children on Ivy’s beautiful grounds.
August 29 Livestream – Be Love
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, people of God.
All: This is the Sabbath Day, and we are drawn to God.
One: Come, and receive all that God longs to teach us.
All: Learning from God is a blessing.
One: God’s grace overflows!
All: The image of God is within each one of us.
HYMN – Be Thou My Vision – #400
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art-
Thou myy best thought by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, and I thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only be first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.
High King of Heaven my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of love, we turn to you. We gather now in your blessed presence. In you, there is true life. God, you call us to be your Church. You long for all people to become your people: exalting you by serving together as the Body of Christ. Your grace is uplifting! Your grace takes hold of people, causing all who receive to spill over with joy!
God, you yourself are so marvelous that you make others want to become better. This is how we feel. Our hope is to become who you want us to become, God. We want our lives to be un-defiled; faithful to you. Help us to begin right now. In prayer, we give you our word: We promise to do all that we can to live in harmony. We promise to work at loving all people the same — long-time friends, new acquaintances, big, small, young, not-so-young, like us, unlike us. We promise to learn from you. We promise to love. We promise to devote ourselves to serving you with all we’ve got. Be with us as we apply ourselves to fulfilling these huge promises. We will need your help, Loving God. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – With My Whole Heart – worship booklet, p. 98
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole Heart;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole heart.
With my whole heart, Lord, let me love You with my whole heart;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole heart.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole mind.
With my whole mind, Lord, let me love You with my whole mind;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole mind.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
None above You, Praise and Love You with my whole life.
With my whole life, Lord, let me love You with my whole life;
Ever near You, help me hear You with my whole life.
GOD’S WORD – James 1:17-25 – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – The Gift of Love – #126
Though I may speak with bravest fire,
And have the gift to all inspire,
And have not love; my words are vain;
As sounding brass, and hopeless gain.
Though I may give all I possess,
And striving so my love profess,
But not be giv’n by love within
The profit soon turns strangely thin.
Come, Spirit, come, our hearts control,
Our spirits long to be made whole.
Let inward love guide every deed;
By this we worship, and are freed.
SPECIAL MUSIC – Alleluia with The Majesty and Glory of Your Name – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 5-6 & Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – For the Beauty of the Earth – #64
For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the Skies,
For the love which from our birth,Over and around us lies,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale, and tree, and flow’r, Sun and moon and stars of light,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, For the heart and mindâ€s delight,
For the mystic harmony Linking sense to sound and sight,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human love, Brother, sister, parent, child,
Friends on earth and friends above, For all gentle thought and mild,
Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For each perfect gift of Thine To our race so freely giv’n,
Graces human and divine, Flow’rs of earth and buds of head’n,
Lord of all to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
August 22 Livestream – At Home with God
August 21, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we celebrate that all can find a home with God, even the sparrow! We invite you to join us in-person or online.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Come, let us raise our hands to the Creator of the heavens!
All: God’s promises are wonderful, and God’s love is forever!
One: God’s works delight our hearts and lead us to dream!
All: Let us worship God, who loves all people,
who hears every prayer,
and who rejoices in life everywhere!
*HYMN – Day by Day – #486
Day by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment, I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best –
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near me with a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me, He whose name is Counsellor and Pow’r.
The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As your days, your strength shall be measure,†This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation So to trust Thy promises.
O Lord, That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.
*CALLING ON GOD IN PRAYER – Pastor Dan
Gentle and Kind God; Giver of all life; hear our prayers of praise for summertime beauty, for graceful birds, for fragrant flowers, for vacation rest, for the fruit of the earth, for sunrise, for moonlight, and for much, much more. Send the cooling breath of your Spirit to surround us and inspire our faith journeys. May we be nourished by your life-giving words and ways, Christ Jesus; and may we live as your faithful disciples, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – You Are My Hiding Place – #53
You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
I will trust in You; Let the weak say, “I am strong in the strength of the Lord.â€
You are my hiding place, You always fill my heart with songs of deliverance
whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Liz Schurwan
*HYMN – In the Garden – #267
I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses.
Refrain: And He walks with me, and he talks with me, And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me Within my heart is ringing.
(Refrain)
I’d stay in the garden with Him Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
(Refrain)
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 84 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – His Eye Is on the Sparrow – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:35, 58-69 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Through It All – #304
I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been time I didn’t know right from wrong,
But in every situation God gave blessed consolation
That my trials come to only make me strong.
Refrain: Through it all, Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,
I’ve learned to trust in God;
Through it all, Through it all,
I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.
I’ve been to lots of places, And I’ve seen a lot of faces,
There’ve been times I felt so all alone;
But in my lonely hours, Yes those precious lonely hours,
Jesus let me know that I was His own.
(Refrain)
I thank God for the mountains, And I thank Him for the valleys,
I thank Him for the storm He brought me through;
For if I’d never had a problem, I wouldn’t know that He could solve them,
I’d never know what faith in God could do.
(Refrain)
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
August 15 Livestream – Seek Peace
August 14, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Whatever brings you here today, we hope you find the peace you seek within our four walls, real or virtual.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Find strength in God’s power.
All: In all times and places, we can rely on God.
One: Find hope in all that God promises!
All: God in Christ Jesus has set us all free.
One: Find joy in all that God provides!
All: God’s mercies are new every morning!
*HYMN – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #437
- Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - There let the way appear steps unto heav’n;
All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv’n;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I’ll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee. - Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ invests us with strength the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt. God of all nations and all people; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and peace, empower our witness. Dear God, you reveal what true mightiness is! Fill the lives of all your children with joy and love today. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bless the Lord, O My Soul – #85
Bless the Lord, o my soul;
Bless the Lord, o my soul;
And all that is within me,
Bless His holy name
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Linda Lowry
HYMN – Here I Am, Lord – worship booklet, pp. 46-47
- I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in deepest sin my hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
- I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them, they turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
Give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
- I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide
Til their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?
Here I am, Lord.
Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord,
If you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart, in my heart.
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:9-15, 17-18, 22
SPECIAL MUSIC – Let There Be Peace on Earth – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:41-44, 47-58 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Every Time I Feel the Spirit – worship booklet, p. 39
Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.
- Upon the mountain my God spoke,
Out of God’s mouth came fire and smoke,
Looked all around me; looked so fine;
I asked my God if all were mine.
Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.
Oh, Jordan river, chilly and cold,
It chills the body, not the soul.
There’s only one train on this track;
It runs to heaven, then right back.
Refrain:
Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray,
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
August 1 Livestream –Â The Bread of Life
July 31, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today we gather to celebrate the sacrament of communion. If you are joining us online, we invite you to gather your own elements of communion and to share with us in the joyful experience at the Lord’s table.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: We gather in God’s presence.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all are welcome.
One: Come; stay a while.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all find rest.
One: Relax; and be renewed.
All: Through Jesus Christ, all receive strength.
One: Pray; and be filled.
All: We rejoice, overflowing with God’s forgiving love!
HYMN – How Great Thou Art – #16
- O Lord my God, when I in awe-some won-der
Con-sid-er all the worlds Thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the roll-ing thun-der,
Thy pow’r thro’-out the u-ni-verse dis-played.
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee;
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee:
How great Thou art, how great Thou art!
- When thro’ the woods and for-est glades I wan-der
And hear the birds sing sweet-ly in the trees,
When I look down from loft-y moun-tain gran-deur,
And hear the brook and feel the gen-tle breeze.
Refrain
- And when I think that God, His Son not spar-ing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my bur-den glad-ly bear-ing,
He bled and died to take a-way my sin.
Refrain
- When Christ shall come with shout of ac-cla-ma-tion
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in hum-ble ad-o-ra-tion,
And there pro-claim, my God, how great Thou art.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of Compassion; in you, we find a love deeper than any love we can imagine. From you, we receive Living Water that wells up to life eternal. You watch over and love all people. As we come to you this day, help us to let go of our fears. Bless every soul who is thirsting for you, Christ Jesus. You are the Living Water. You are a precious wellspring of grace. Blessed Savior of all the world; come alive within us today. Cleanse us. Make us whole. Amen.
*RESPONSE – In The Name of the Lord #19
There is strength in the name of the Lord;
There is pow’r in the name of the Lord;
There is hope in the name of the Lord!
Bless-ed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 78:23-29 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Rain Down – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 6:24-35 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE – Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
– Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260
- We gath-er here in Je-sus’ name,
His love is burn-ing in our hearts like liv-ing flame,
For thru the lov-ing Son the Fa-ther makes us one.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord. - No one is a stran-ger here,
Ev-ery-one be-longs.
Find-ing our for-give-ness here,
We in turn for-give all wrongs. - He joins us here, He breaks the bread;
The Lord who pours the cup is ris-en from the dead.
The One we love the most is now our gra-cious host.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord. - We are now a fam-i-ly
Of which the Lord is head.
Though un-seen, He meets us here,
In the break-ing of the bread. - We’ll gath-er soon where an-gels sing,
We’ll see the glo-ry of our Lord and com-ing King.
Now we an-tic-i-pate the feast for which we wait.
Come take the bread, come drink the wine, come share the Lord.
THE JOYFUL SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION
Responsive Invitation to Receive the Bread of Life
One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; eat; and remember me.â€
All: As we eat this bread, we are reminded that God remembers us.
One: Jesus Christ invites everyone, “Take; drink; and remember me.â€
All: As we drink this cup, we are reminded that God remembers us.
One: The gifts of God for the people of God.
All: Praise God for the bread of life!
*HYMN – I Have Decided to Follow Jesus #427
- I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
I have de-cid-ed to fol-low Je-sus,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me;
The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me,
The world be-hind me, the cross be-fore me,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will fol-low,
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back. - Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
Will you de-cide now to fol-low Je-sus?
No turn-ing back, no turn-ing back.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
July 25 Livestream –Â God’s Abundant Presence!
July 24, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
With God, anything is possible! Join us and hear how God’s abundant presence can have meaning in your life.
This week’s order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth!
All: O sing a new song; for God has done marvelous things!
One: Sing God’s praises!
All: We rejoice! Christ is our Guide and our Savior!
One: Let’s praise God with our words, our actions, our whole lives.
All: Let’s start by singing together!
*HYMN – Great Is Thy Faithfulness – #17
- Great is Thy faith-ful-ness, O God my Fa-ther,
There is no shad-ow of turn-ing with Thee;
Thou chang-est not, Thy com-pas-sions they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou for-ev-er wilt be.
Refrain
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness!
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness!
Morn-ing by morn-ing new mer-cies I see;
All I have need-ed Thy hand hath pro-vid-ed
Great is Thy faith-ful-ness, Lord, un-to me!
- Sum-mer and win-ter, and springtime and har-vest,
Sun, moon and stars in their cours-es a-bove
Join with all na-ture in man-i-fold wit-ness
To Thy great faith-ful-ness, mer-cy and love.
Refrain
- Par-don for sin and a peace that en-dur-eth,
Thy own dear pres-ence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for to-day and bright hope for to-mor-row,
Bless-ings all mine, with ten thou-sand be-side!
Refrain
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God, you are the Creator of the whole universe. In astonishing fashion, you carefully watch over everything that you make. We value all that we learn from you. May we continue growing to trust you more. Through your life, Christ Jesus; we see that you share your love with everyone. Each person is precious to you. May we respond by following your path – the way of self-giving love. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Give Thanks – worship booklet, p.42
Give thanks with a grate-ful heart,
Give thanks to the Ho-ly One,
Give thanks be-cause He’s giv-en Je-sus Christ His Son
Give thanks with a grate-ful heart,
Give thanks to the Ho-ly One,
Give thanks be-cause He’s giv-en Jesus Christ His Son
And now let the weak say “I am strong,â€
Let the poor say “I am rich,â€
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
And now let the weak say “I am strong,â€
Let the poor say “I am rich,â€
Be-cause of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks, give thanks.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody
HYMN – Be Not Afraid – worship booklet, pp. 30-31
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 145:10-18 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Everlasting – Colton Burton, Vocalist
GOD’S WORD – John 6:1-21 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ – worship booklet, p. 64
- Let us tal-ents and tongues em-ploy,
Reach-ing out with a shout of joy:
Bread is bro-ken, the win is poured,
Christ is spo-ken and seen and heard.
Refrain:
Je-sus lives a-gain, earth can breathe a-gain,
Pass the Word a-round: loaves a-bound!
Je-sus lives a-gain, earth can breathe a-gain,
Pass the Word a-round: loaves a-bound!
- Christ is a-ble to make us one,
At his ta-ble he set the tone,
Teach-ing peo-ple to live to bless,
Love in word and in deed ex-press.
Refrain
- Je-sus calls us in, sends us out
Bear-ing fruit in a world of doubt,
Gives us love to tell, bread to share:
God (Im-man-u-el) ev-ery-where!
Refrain
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
July 18 Livestream – Wherever You Are
July 17, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Do not be afraid! Wherever you are, no matter how stormy the seas, God is with you.
You are welcome to join us in person at 10 a.m., or during our virtual worship beginning around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Where do you belong? Think about a place where you belong.
All: Love is patient. Love is kind.
One: What do you love about that place?
All: Love is not envious, or boastful, or arrogant, or rude.
One: How do you feel when you go there and you are welcomed?
All: Love is not irritable. Love does not seek its own advantage.
One: Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
All: We are each a part of God’s creation.
One: All people are treasured parts of God’s creation.
All: With God, all belong and all are welcomed as we are!
HYMN – Here I Am to Worship – worship booklet, pp. 48-49
Light of the World, You stepped down in-to dark-ness
O-pened my eyes, let me see.
Beau-ty that made this heart a-dore You,
Hope of a life spent with You.
So, here I am to wor-ship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
And You’re al-to-geth-er love-ly, al-to-geth-er wor-thy,
Al-to-geth-er won-der-ful to me.
King of all days, oh so high-ly ex-al-ted,
Glo-rious in heav-en a-bove.
Hum-bly You came to the Earth You cre-a-ted,
All for love’s sake be-came poor.
So, here I am to wor-ship, here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
And You’re al-to-geth-er love-ly, al-to-geth-er wor-thy,
Al-to-geth-er won-der-ful to me.
And I’ll nev-er know how much it cost
To see my sin up-on that cross
And I’ll nev-er know how much it cost
To see my sin up-on that cross.
So here I am to wor-ship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that You’re my God.
And You’re al-to-geth-er love-ly, al-to-geth-er wor-thy,
Al-to-geth-er wonderful to me.
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
Living God, we come to you now. We are here to worship you. We need your grace and guidance. There are times when we stray from you. Too often, we fail to embrace the rhythms of life which you provide, God. We allow ourselves to be thrown off stride from the pace that you would have us walk, and we race on ahead at full speed. Being in a hurry has led us and others to become lost on paths that do not follow your way.
God of steadfast love, may we use all of our senses to learn from you. Help us take the risks that go along with letting you lead, Eternal God. Guide us to live in rhythm with you, Christ Jesus; so that we may love extravagantly and give joyfully as you do. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – God Will Make A Way – worship booklet, p.44
God will make a way where there seems to be no way,
He works in ways we can not see, He will make a way for me
He will be my guide, hold me close-ly to His side,
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way
He will make a way
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Anna DiVesta
*HYMN – I Sing the Almighty Power of God – #6
I sing th’al-might-y pow’r of God That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flow-ing seas a-broad And built the loft-y skies
I sing the wis-dom that or-dained The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His com-mand And all the stars o-bey.
I sing the good-ness of the Lord That filled the earth with food;
He formed the crea-tures with His word And then pro-nounced them good.
Lord, how Thy won-ders are dis-played Where-e’er I turn my eye,
If I sur-vey the ground I tread Or gaze up-on the sky!
There’s not a plant or flow’r be-low But makes Thy glo-ries known;
And clouds a-rise and tem-pests blow By or-der from Thy throne;
While all that bor-rows life from Thee Is ev-er in Thy care,
And ev-ery-where that man can be, Thou, God, art pres-ent there.
GOD’S WORD – 2 Samuel 7:1-13, 16-17 & Psalm 89:1-2, 19-29 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Forever – Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – Mark 6:45, 53-56 Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS – Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Hymn of Promise – #277
In the bulb there is a flow-er; In the seed, an ap-ple tree;
In co-coons, a hid-den prom-ise; But-ter-flies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of win-ter There’s a spring that waits to be,
Un-re-vealed un-til its sea-son, Some-thing God a-lone can see
There’s a song in ev-ery si-lence, Seek-ing word and mel-o-dy;
There’s a dawn in ev-ery dark-ness, Bring-ing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the fu-ture; What it holds, a mys-ter-y.
Un-re-vealed un-til its sea-son, Some-thing God a-lone can see.
In our end is our be-gin-ning; In our time, in-fin-i-ty.
In our doubt there is be-liev-ing; In our life, e-ter-ni-ty.
In our death a res-ur-rec-tion; At the last, a vic-to-ry.
Un-re-vealed un-til its sea-son, Some-thing God a-lone can see.
*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
CCLI License #456361
July 11 Livestream – Joy!
July 10, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Today is the seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
Gather with us on this day with Joy as we thank God. Worship with us today on YouTube, and remember you are invited to be here in person next week.
July 11 Livestream – JOY!
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Welcome to this house of prayer.
All: We are on holy ground.
One: The Church is God’s sanctuary where everyone is welcome.
All: All people are God’s guests here.
One: It is a blessing to join together in worship.
All: Let us praise God!
*HYMN – All Creatures of Our God and King – #33
- All crea-tures of our God and King,
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou burn-ing sun with gold-en beam,
Thou silv-er moon with soft-er gleam,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - Thou rush-ing wind that art so strong,
Ye clouds that sail in heav’n a-long,
O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou ris-ing morn in praise re-joice,
Ye lights of eve-ning, find a voice,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - Thou flow-ing wa-ter, pure and clear,
Make mu-sic for thy Lord to hear,
Al-le-lu-ia, Al-le-lu-ia!
Thou fire so mas-ter-ful and bright,
That giv-est man both warmth and light,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - And all ye men of ten-der heart,
For-giv-ing others, take your part,
O sing ye, Al-le-lu-ia!
Ye who long pain and sor-row bear,
Praise God and on Him cast your care,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia! - Let all things their Cre-a-tor bless,
And wor-ship Him in hum-ble-ness,
O praise Him, Al-le-lu-ia!
Praise, praise the Fa-ther, praise the Son,
And praise the Spir-it, three in one,
O praise Him, O praise Him
Al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia, al-le-lu-ia!
*PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
We gather to thank you, Gracious God. Hear our praises! Even in our darkest moments you surround us with a love which is stronger than all of our difficulties, doubts or fears. In worship together, we express our joys and our sorrows. Dear God, you share in all of our emotions, and we are deeply grateful for your genuine caring.
Living God, you are the One who makes us whole. Come to us now, that we may receive glimpses of your Realm Eternal, which is far larger and grander than the conventional focus of our narrow, daily concerns. In the blessed name of Jesus; we await your Word. Amen.
*PRAISE RESPONSE – Seek Ye First – #615
Seek ye first the King-doom of God,
And his right-eous-ness.
And all these things should be add-ed un-to you!
Al-le-lu, al-le-lu ia!
*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee – #13
- Joy-ful, joy-ful, we a-dore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts un-fold like flow’rs be-fore Thee,
Open-in to the sun a-bove.
Melt the clouds of sin and sad-ness;
Drive the dark of doubt a-way;
Giv-er of im-mor-tal glad-ness,
Fill us with the light of day - All Thy works with joy sur-round Thee,
Earth and heav’n re-flect Thy rays,
Stars and an-gels sing a-round Thee,
Cen-ter of un-bro-ken praise.
Field and for-est, vale and mount-ain,
Flow-dry mead-ow, flash-ing sea,
Chant-ing bird and flow-ing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee. - Thou art giv-ing and for-giv-ing,
Ev-er bless-ing, ev-er blest,
Well-spring of the joy of liv-ing,
Oc-ean-depth of hap-py rest!
Thou our Fa-ther, Christ our Bro-ther—
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each oth-er,
Lift us to the joy di-vine. - Mor-tals join the might-y cho-rus
Which the morn-ing stars be-gan;
Fa-ther love is reign-ing o’er us,
Bro-ther love binds man to man.
Ev-er sing-ing, march we on-ward,
Vic-tors in the midst of strife;
Joy-ful mu-sic leads us sun-ward
In the tri-umph song of life.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Tara Lowry
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 48 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – God of Wonders (Hindalong) – Sarah Wilson, Trumpet
GOD’S WORD – Mark 6:1-13 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan
*HYMN – Lord of the Dance – worship booklet, pp. 66-67
- I danced in the morn-ing when the world was be-gun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heav-en and I danced on the earth.
At Beth-le-hem I had my birth.
Refrain:
Dance, then, wher-ev-er you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wher-ev-er you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
- I danced for the scribe and the Phar-i-see,
But they would not dance and they would not foll-ow me;
I danced for the fish-er-men, for James and John;
They came to me and the dance went on.
Refrain
- I danced on the sab-bath when I cured the lame,
The ho-ly peo-ple said it was a shame;
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
And they left me there on a cross to die.
Refrain
- I danced on a Fri-day and the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the de-vil on your back;
They bur-ied my bo-dy and they thought I’d gone
But I am the dance and I still go on.
Refrain
- They cut me down and I leapt up high,
I am the life that’ll ne-ver, ne-ver die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
Refrain
`
*BENEDICTION
*POSTLUDE
CCLI License #456361
