Jan. 9 Livestream – A Star Appeared

Today, we reflect on the story of the wise men who followed the star to see the newborn King.

Jan. 9 Livestream – A Star Appeared

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Choral: Vom Himmel hoch – Pachelbel 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP   

     One:  Let us bow down in awe before the One who created us!

     All:  God is the Mighty Creator of all life.

     One:  God speaks out and reaches out to strengthen us.

     All:  God sends light to shine in darkness.

     One:  God sends Christ to calm this world’s turbulent seas.

     All:  God takes care of us  –  calming our fears and giving us faith.

     One:  Praise God for offering us so much!

     All:  God our Maker blesses us with life. Let us sing!

*HYMN – We Three Kings – #220    

We three kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, for and mountain, Following yonder star.

REFRAIN

O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King of Bethlehem’s plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, 
King forever, ceasing never Over us all to reign.

REFRAIN

Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, all men raising, Worship Him, God on high.

REFRAIN

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

REFRAIN

Glorious now behold I’m arise, King and God and Sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia! Peals through the earth and skies.

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

       Eternal God, Spirit of life; you moved over the face of the waters at the beginning of time itself. From generation to generation, you are God. Your being is too vast for us to fathom. Your thoughts and your ways are higher than ours. We share the amazement of the psalmist who marvels, “Your thoughts, O God; how vast is the sum of them. Try to count them. They are more than the sand!” Bless us as we gather here. This is holy ground, and with you, Christ Jesus, each day is a new day to be born. Amen.

*RESPONSE – Angels We Have Heard on High (Verses 1 and 3) – #206

Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains,
And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains.

REFRAIN

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo.
Come to Bethlehem, and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

INSTALLATION OF 2022 IVY CHAPEL UCC OFFICERS                                                         

GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 60:1-6 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Gésu Bambino (Marsha Fix and Valerie Waterman, Vocalists) – Pietro Yon    

GOD’S WORD – Matthew 2:1-12 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – What Child Is This? – #202 

What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherd watch are keeping?

REFRAIN

This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
This, this is Christ the King, The babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding??
Good Cristian, fear; for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

REFRAIN

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

REFRAIN

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

*HYMN – As with Gladness Men of Old – #219

As with gladness men of old Did the guiding star behold;
As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright,

So, most gracious Lord, may we Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger bed,
There to bend the knee before Him whom heav’n and earth adore,
So, may we with willing feet Ever seek the mercy seat.
As the offered gifts most rare At the manger rude and bare,
So may we with holy joy, Pure and free from sin’s alloy,
All our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee our heav’nly King.
Holy Jesus, every day Keep us in the narrow way;
And when earthly things are past, Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds Thy glory hide.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world joyously to offer Christ’s grace and love! – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Allegretto – Schmid 

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Christmas Eve Livestream – Lighting the Christ Candle

On this holy night, Christians throughout God’s world are celebrating Christ’s birth. Tonight’s offering gifts will be given to the U.C.C. Christmas Fund.

Our Christmas worship begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24th. You can find the service on our YouTube page.

PRELUDE O Little Town of Bethlehem – Livingston

CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s Christmas Eve. Let’ss rejoice!
All: Emmanuel is with us.
One: Tonight is the night of our Dear Savior’s birth.
All: God appears in an astonishing way!
One: God comes to earth as a baby.
All: Christ comes to life as a human being – Jesus, born of Mary.
One: This Child is God’s Promised Messiah.
All: Glory to God in the highest!
One: Peace on earth.
All: Christ is born.

HYMN O Come, All Ye Faithful #188

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, both the King of angels;

REFRAIN
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

God of God, and Light of Light begotten,
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God, begotten, not created;

REFRAIN

Sing, choirs of angels, sin in exultation!
O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

REFRAIN

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

REFRAIN

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES AND THE CHRIST CANDLE

RESPONSE When God Is a Child worship booklet, p. 95

Hope is a star that shines in the night, leading us on till the morning is bright.

REFRAIN
When God is a child there’s joy in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.

REFRAIN

Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior is born.

REFRAIN

Love is a flame that burns in our heart. Jesus has come and will never depart.

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF CHRIST
Gracious God, tonight as we gather together to conclude this Advent journey, we celebrate that a new light has dawned! A Child is born, and this Child is our light and the source of our joy. The child brings hope into the world, and the promise of peace on earth. The child is love incarnate, love divine; and we thank you, O God, for this – the most perfect gift imaginable. Joy to the world! Christ is born! Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming – Cotter

A Glimpse of God John 1:1-4

Census Luke 2:1, 3-5

No Vacancy Luke 2:6-7

Sensing the Spectacular Luke 2:8-12

The Messiah: World Première Luke 2:13-18

Eternal Mystery

SPECIAL MUSIC Who Would Imagine a King?
Valerie Waterman, Vocalist

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate “Open Communion” as the United Church of Christ
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to partake of this Communion.

The Breaking of the Bread and the Pouring of the Cup

The Sharing of the Bread and the Cup

*The Prayer of Thanksgiving (in unison)
God Emmanuel, you are the One whom our very souls adore. Thank you, Christ Jesus, for bringing us together tonight to celebrate your birth. You became a human being in order to get through to us, and we are astounded by your ingenuity. Jesus, we are grateful to you for welcoming us as guests at your table. Each time we accept your invitation, we are blessed. Receiving the bread and the cup from you fills us with hope eternal.
Christ Jesus, may our lives freely and joyously offer to all the world the grace which we receive from you. Amen.

SHARING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

HYMN Silent Night #189

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin mother and Child, Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night! holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar, Heav’nly hosts sing Alleluia;
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

Silent night! holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light,
Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Christ is born.

Dec. 19 Livestream – The Christmas Pageant

Welcome to Ivy Chapel’s all-church Christmas pageant! This year, we’re thrilled to have adults and children telling the story of the birth of Christ. The script was adapted by Tara Lowry from The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Silent Night – Mansfield

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                         

      One:  Listen up, everybody!  God gives the world the greatest gift!

      All:  The birth of Christ is God’s Christmas miracle. 

      One:  Praise God for coming alive as the Christ Child.

    All:  Glory to God in the highest!

*HYMN – Angels We Have Heard on High – #206

*OPENING PRAYER                                                    

God of miracles, we are doing our best to believe that you are our Savior. But we wonder how a newborn baby can be our Savior.  Show us, we pray. God of love, reveal to us that you yourself are “newborn” each and every day. There are times when we forget this big promise of yours. But it clearly is true. Everything alive is a holy work of your creation. If we ever lose sight of this, guide us back to your truth.  When we run into difficulties, show us which way to go.  Jesus, you teach us that the most faithful way of living is following you. With your help, we can.  Help us to do what you ask us to do. Lead us to live as your followers. We love you, and we pray in your name, Jesus. Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Love

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER                                                           

Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we are reminded that “Love came down at Christmas  –  love amazing, love divine.” You loved the world enough to send your Son, and now it’s up to usto love others as you love us. Remind us that Christ is our Light,                and the true source of infinite, everlasting, pure love. Amen.

CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 4) – worship booklet, p. 95

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Written by Susan Wojciechowski

Adapted by Tara Lowry as a Christmas Pageant for Ivy Chapel UCC

The Congregation is invited to share in the singing of the following hymns:

O Come, All Ye Faithful  (Verses 1 and 3) – #188

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing  (Verses 1 and 3) – #191

We Three Kings  (Verses 1 and 5) – #220

What Child Is This?  (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #202

*RECESSIONAL HYMN – Joy to the World! – #194

Children sing Verse 1 – Congregation joins in singing Verses 2 and 4

*BENEDICTION                                                                

     One:  God loves the world so much that God Most High comes down to earth.   

     All:  Christ the Savior is born.   

     One:  Everyone is welcome at the manger. 

     All:  Peace to all on earth.  Amen.

*POSTLUDE – Variations on an Ancient Noel – Roques 

Dec. 12 Livestream – Look forward

On this, the third Sunday of Advent, we don’t need to be reminded to look forward. We’re already doing it, looking ahead to Christmas and the miraculous birth. Let us take this moment and pause, and remember the joy God’s love brings to the world.

WELCOME

 PRELUDE – Offertory – Purvis 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

    One:  Be glad, children of God!

    All:   Our Savior Jesus Christ offers love to all the world!

    One:  Sing praises to God, the Holy One, who brings light and life! 

    All:   God lights our way!   

    One:  God lifts our spirits!

    All:   Glory to God for the biggest gift of all –  Jesus Christ!

*HYMN – Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – #187    

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

    God Emmanuel; open our hearts to receive you Life in the fast lane does have its rewards But earthly rewards alone do not offer fulfillment The frenzy of the outside world leaves us exhausted So we gather this day seeking you, God of â€˜perpetually-arriving’ light!  We praise and adore you May we celebrate your overflowing gifts by living as joyful witnesses to your love We pray in your name, Christ Jesus Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of Joy                                                          

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we ask that you open our eyes to the beauty and goodness around us, and fill our hearts with grateful joyRemind us that Christ is our light and the source of all joy, and that we are here to serve you and to spread this joy to others Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 3) – worship booklet, p95

 GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 12:2-6 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC                  

GOD’S WORD – Luke 1:26-38 – Pastor Dan    

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee –#13

*SENDING OUT – God sends us to freely offer Christ’s grace and joy to all! – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – A Joyous Carol – Roques

Dec. 5 Livestream – Make Ready

This is the second Sunday of Advent, our second step toward the Promise of Christmas. The second step toward finding the quiet, calm and peace that comes from knowing God is in control. We are glad you are with us today.

 WELCOME

 PRELUDE – In Bethlehem’s Low Stable – Walcha 

*CALLING ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP                                                                            

     One:  The days are surely coming, says our God, when justice and righteousness will appear.

     All:  God’s promises will be made known to us.

     One:  We will declare God’s goodness and salvation.

     All:  From now on, we will seek to walk in God’s ways. 

*HYMN – O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Verses 1, 2 and 3) – #186 

O, come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.

REFRAIN
Rejoice! rejoice! Emanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From Depths of hell Thy people save
And give them victory o’er the grave.

REFRAIN

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
And drive away the shades of night,
And pierce the clouds and bring us light!

REFRAIN

*OPENING PRAYER                                                         

          God Emmanuel; we long for your peace, and we trust in your promises. We hear your call to turn toward you, to change our lives, and to receive you as our Savior.

          Eternal God, you are our righteousness.  Come now; meet us here.  Fill our minds with your wisdom and our hearts with your peace.  May this time of worship move us to take action working toward your dream of wholeness for all creation.  We pray in your name, Christ Jesus.  Amen.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLE LIGHTING – The Candle of God’s Peace

ADVENT WREATH PRAYER 

         Gracious God, as we continue our Advent journey, we thank you for sending the Prince of Peace into a world filled with unrest and strife. We ask that you quiet our restless hearts and instill in each of us the calm assurance that tells us you are in control so we need not worry. Give us the tools we need to serve as you would have us serve, and make us willing instruments of your peace.  Amen.

 CONGREGATION SINGS – When God Is a Child (Verse 2) – worship booklet, p. 95

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth,
giving us promise of safety and worth.
When God is a child there’s join in our song.
The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong,
And none shall be afraid.

 GOD’S WORD – Micah 5:2-5a – Pastor Dan

 SPECIAL MUSIC – Go, Tell It on the Mountain – Hayes 

 GOD’S WORD – Luke 3:1-6 – Pastor Dan    

 SERMON – Pastor Dan

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Jesus, Lord to Me – #330

Jesus, Jesus, Lord to me;
Master, Savior, Prince of Peace;
Ruler of my heart today;
Jesus, Lord to me.

 CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

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

*HYMN – Like a River Glorious – #451

Like a river glorious Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day,
Perfect, yet it growth Deeper all the way.

REFRAIN
Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest;
Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow, Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry Touch the spirit there.

REFRAIN

Every joy or trial Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial By the Son of Love.
We may trust Him fully All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly Find Him wholly true.

REFRAIN

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

*POSTLUDE – Angels We Have Heard on High – Turner

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Special Message – A Time to Give Thanks

As we approach Thanksgiving, we would like to take this moment to pause, and to thank you for being with us over the past year. We are grateful for you support, and your help in advancing the ministry of Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ.

This year’s traditional Thanksgiving message comes from Rev. Mary Nelson, the Transitional Conference Minister for the Missouri Mid-South Conference. Thank you, Mary, for taking the time to share this inspirational message with us.

Consecration Sunday Livestream – Rooted in God’s Love

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

1. “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.”

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!

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

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?

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.”

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

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 mind”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

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