March 28 Virtual Worship – Palm Sunday
March 27, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Join us to hear to hear the good word! Jesus is near! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest! Raise and wave your palms!
Here is today’s order for worship:
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP (adapted Isaiah 50:4-9) – Pastor Dan
One: Come to worship! Come; join in this chorus of Hosannas!
All: Come to let your tongue shout God’s praises!
One: Come to find your voice.
All: Come to hear the response.
One: Come to open your ears.
All: Come to listen.
One: Come to be healed by the silence.
All: Come to stand together.
One: Come to experience what words cannot express!
All: Come to find God.
HYMN – Make Way – worship booklet, p. 69
- Make way, make way, for Christ the King in splendor arrives.
Fling wide the gates and welcome him into your lives.
CHORUS
Make way, make way for the King of kings.
Make way, make way and let his kingdom in.
- He comes the broken hearts to heal the prisoners to free.
The deaf shall hear, the lame shall dance, the blind shall see.
CHORUS
- And those who mourn with heavy hearts, who weep and sigh;
with laughter, joy and royal crown he’ll beautify.
CHORUS
- We call you now to worship him as Lord of all,
to have no gods before him – their thrones must fall.
UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of exceptional moments; this morning, we recall the electric celebration of people enthusiastically welcoming Jesus along the road to Jerusalem. What a moment! We can imagine ourselves swept up in the party atmosphere of that lively parade! We can feel your great power! We want to cut loose ourselves in ways that faithfully offer you praise! Your holy love reaches out and blesses everyone. Come close now. Ride down Kingshighway here in our fair city, Jesus. Enter Metro St. Louis this day. Hosanna! Come on, Jesus! We choose you to be the grand marshal of our next big parade. Save us, we beg you. Hosanna in the highest! Amen.
PRAISE RESPONSE – In the Name of the Lord – #19
- Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To set the sinner free!
To sin cursed souls salvation bring And peace eternally!
Ride on to dark Gethsemane, To untold agony,
And on the cross of Calvary Procure our victory! - Ride on, ride on, O Savior King, To claim the hearts of men!
Now death has lost its dreadful sting And hope is born again.
O come, in human hearts to reign Suppress the pow’r of sin!
Our own endeavor is in vain; Lord, You must help us win! - Ride on, ride on, O Savior King! Ride on o’er land and sea,
For You alone to man can bring Eternal liberty.
Ride on to sinbound nations, Lord, Until each heart shall own
Your saving, sanctifying word and bow before Your throne!
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 lLord!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Jo Ann Moody
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 118:1, 21-29 – Pastor Dan
SPECIAL MUSIC – Holy City – Marsha Fix, Vocalist
GOD’S WORD – Mark 11:1-11 – Pastor Dan
SERMON – Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan – Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
HYMN – Ride On, Ride On, O Savior King – #236
BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
CCLI License #456361​​
March 21 Livestream –Â Deep in our Hearts
March 20, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ on this, the fifth Sunday of Lent. We continue to adjust to our new sound system and having people here in the sanctuary with us. We appreciate your patience as we try to find our way through this “new normal.â€
As always, your comments are welcome. Please feel free to leave a comment and interact before, during and after worship. And if you’re not already subscribed, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
WELCOME
PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta
*CALL TO WORSHIP – Pastor Dan
One: Let us call on God’s steadfast love and mercy.
All: Our brokenness can be healed and our wholeness restored.
One: God offers humankind the joy of salvation.
All: Let us accept the new and right spirit God offers.
One: Through Jesus Christ, we are God’s new creation!
All: Praise God!
HYMN – Open My Eyes, That I May See – #174
- Open my eyes, that I may see Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! - Open my ears, that I may hear Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear, Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine! - Open my mouth, and let me bear Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee, Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION – Pastor Dan
God of mercy; we call on you this day. Come, now, O Holy One. Shape us and lead us, we pray. May we be truly merciful, in the manner of our Savior, Christ Jesus. May we love as you love ~ without limit! God, we treasure that you know each of us by name. You call us to follow you by serving others. With faith in you, O God; may our lives display your tender mercies. Amen.
RESPONSE – Make Me a Servant – #415
Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be;
Make me a servant, make me a servant, make me a servant today.
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson
GOD’S WORD – Psalm 51:1-2 – Pastor Dan
Jeremiah 31:31-34
SPECIAL MUSIC – Steal Away, arr. Lloyd Larson
Piano Duet, Julie McAllister and Anna DiVesta
GOD’S WORD – John 12:20-25, 35-36, 46-47 – Pastor Dan
SERMON Pastor Dan
PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors)
HYMN – I Have Decided to Follow Jesus – #427
- I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back. - The world behind me, the cross before me; The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me, No turning back, no turning back. - Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow, Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow, No turning back, no turning back. - Will you decide now to follow Jesus? Will you decide now to follow Jesus,
Will you decide now to follow Jesus? No turning back, no turning back.
BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan
POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta
CCLI#45361
Subscribe to the Ivy Chapel YouTube channel
March 6, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship, What's happening
We’re making a big move on March 6, bringing our livestreams to YouTube for better quality and accessibility. We’re debuting a new camera and new audio system, too.
Please help us out by subscribing to our YouTube channel:
In return, you’ll receive notifications anytime we go live.
No matter how you join us tomorrow, in person or on the livestream, things will be a little different.
This will be the first time in almost a year we’ve had people in the sanctuary for worship! It is an exciting time. The experience will still be very different from “normal,” but we hope it is an enriching experience for all who are here.For those of you joining us on the livestream, you will notice improved video and sound.
We’re making the transition to the new system tomorrow.While it will be better, we can’t guarantee there won’t be hiccups. Please be patient with us as there’s quite a learning curve to get this all running smoothly, and you never know how it’s going to go until you’re “Live.
Please comment on this post or reach out to Rich Heend if you have any questions.
Feb. 28 Virtual Worship –Â Always Close
February 28, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Thank you for joining us on the second Sunday in Lent. A note that we will continue online worship, but will be welcoming you back into our sanctuary beginning next week. Registration is required – click here to learn more.
Here is the order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: In Christ, God offers all people a holy invitation.
All: We are invited to walk with God.
One: Turn to God, all the earth.
All: God not only speaks, but God also listens.
One: God hears our prayers, and God answers.
All: Let us exalt God with our praises now!
Hymn – Come, Holy Spirit – worship booklet, p. 35
- Come as a wisdom to children, Come as a new sight to the blind,
Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness, Take me: soul, body and mind.
RERAIN
Come Holy Spirit, I need You, Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power, Come in Your own gentle way.
- Come as a rest to the weary, Come as a balm for the sore,
Come as a dew to my dryness: Fill me with joy evermore,
REFRAIN
- Come like a spring in the desert, Come to the withered of soul;
O let Your sweet healing power, Touch me and make me whole.
REFRAIN
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God, we long to live faithfully. We long to walk in the ways of Christ.
To do this, we need the light and the salvation you offer. Come to us this morning.
Come; fill us with your grace and mercy. Open our hearts in new ways to the promise of your healing grace.
God of Life, we want you to be the One we serve. We want you to lead us. Strengthen us to overcome any influences that are threatening to mislead us. Fill us with faith in you. May our love for you and our devotion to you continue growing. Amen.
Response – El Shaddai – #18
El Shaddai, El Shaddai, El Elyon na Adonai;
Age to age you’re still the same by the power of the name
El Shaddai, El shaddai. Er kahn ka na Adonai;
We will praise and lie You high, EL Shaddai.
Children’s Message – Sue Wilson
God’s Word – Psalm 22:1-2, 22-31 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – Just a Closer Walk with Thee
God’s Word – Mark 8:31-38 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – Nearer, My God, to Thee – #436
- Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross That raises 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. use, - 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, Clearing 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.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Feb. 17 Livestream – Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Join us as we begin the Lenten journey together.
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Call to Worship and Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Turn away from evil; and return to your God.
All: God is gracious and merciful;
One: God is slow to anger,
All: And abounding in steadfast love.
One: “Now,†says the Holy One, “return to me with all your heart.â€
All: Be still; and know that I am God.
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are the reservoir from whom all people receive life.
We come this night seeking to return to you, O God.
Bless this Ash Wednesday worship; we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hymn – Jesus, I Come – #369
Responsive Call to Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Holy God, Maker of all;
All: Jesus Christ, Savior of all;
One: Holy Spirit, breath of life;
All: Have mercy on us. Let us confess our sins.
Prayer of Confession – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of wisdom and grace; you are acquainted with all our ways.
As we take this first step on a crucial Lenten spiritual journey, we turn to you in prayer. Come, O Holy Spirit; in your cleansing power, breathe on us and fill us with life anew. God of forgiveness and grace, we confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and action. We admit that we have failed to live by your Gospel of joy and lovingkindness. Forgive us, we pray.
Lead us to honor you, Jesus, by walking in your way of goodness and compassion. We call on you now, Dear Savior, asking for these blessings:
mend us, fill us,
send us, use us.
This we pray in your holy name, Christ Jesus. Amen.
Silence
Assurance of Pardon – Pastor Dan
We are tempted often to hold on to the past.
But God calls us to leave it behind.
By the grace of our Risen Savior, the past is dead and gone.
The future is open! Let us live in the freedom which God offers.
Through our Savior Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen!
Response – Change My Heart, O God – worship booklet, p. 33
Scripture Reading – Joel 2:1-5, 10, 12-13 – Pastor Dan
The Imposition of Ashes – Pastor Dan
Special Music– The Old Rugged Cross – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta
Scripture Reading – Psalm 51:1-4, 6-12 – Pastor Dan
The Lord’s Prayer (debts… debtors) – Pastor Dan
Hymn – More Love to Thee – #428
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Feb. 14 Livestream – Transfiguration
February 13, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
Join us for our Transfiguration Sunday worship.
Here is this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob;
whose hope is in God, the Maker of heaven and earth!
All: God lifts up those who are bowed down.
One: God upholds the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.
All: God opens the ears of the deaf and gives sight to the blind.
One: God watches over foreigners.
All: God sets prisoners free!
One: God remains faithful forever!
All: Let us praise the Maker of heaven and earth!
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Powerful God, your love poured out in Jesus Christ provides us with strength which the world cannot offer. Through your blessing, souls find rest. Through the Sabbath, the foundations of human lives are rebuilt.
God of all; stir within us. Shatter our narrow understandings of who you are. By your grace and power, fill us with courage to serve as your witnesses, we pray. Shape us into your messengers of hope and good news.
God of valleys and of mountaintops; you reveal what true mightiness is!
Fill the lives of all your children with joy and promise. Amen.
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 causer for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Give 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 in 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. Children’s Message – Sarah Heend Scripture Reading – Micah 4 – Pastor Dan Special Music – Nothing Left to Say Scripture Reading – Mark 9:2-9 – Pastor Dan
Sermon –Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – God of the Ages – #51
- God of the ages, HIstory’s Maker, Planning our pathway, Holding us fast,
Shaping in mercy All that concerns us; Father, we praise You, Lord of the past. - God of this morning, Gladly Your children Worship before You,
Trustingly bow; Teach us to know You Always among us,
Quietly sov’reign Lord of our now. - God of tomorrow, Strong Overcomer, Princes of darkness Own Your command;
What then can harm us? We are Your people,
Now and forever Kept by Your hand. - Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning, Lord of the future, Help us, we pray.
Teach us to trust You, Love and obey You, Benediction – Pastor Dan Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Feb. 7 Livestream –Â Source of Strength
February 7, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship
As we all look for strength and peace in this world, today pause with us and remember the light in the darkness, the one true source of strength, God.
As we settle down this afternoon to watch the “big game” keep in mind that this year has been a struggle for many. Donate to the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, and help people right here in our area get the food they need. You can send donations to Ivy’s financial secretary, Peter LaSalle, or use the Souper Bowl’s Tackle Hunger Map to find a food pantry near you.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Let your light shine, children of God!
All: God is alive within each one of us!
One: No eye has seen,
All: No ear has heard,
One: No human imagination has envisioned,
All: What God has prepared for those who love God.
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: Amazing God, you are the Creator of all that is! We give you thanks for your sacred gift of life. During this time of worship, help us to accept more fully your gifts of peace and rest which you long for each soul to receive. By your mercy, lead us to continue growing in our relationship with you, God. You are our Source of Strength.
Come, Holy Spirit; wash over us. Come as Light in our darkness. Come as Strength to our weakness. We pray in your blessed name, Christ Jesus.
Fill us with your Spirit now as we worship you. Amen.
Hymn – “Great Is the Lord†– #7
REFRAIN
Great is the Lord, He is holy and just; By His power we trust in His love.
Great is the Lord, He is faithful and true; By His mercy He proves He is love.
- Great is the Lord and worthy of glory! Great is the Lord and worthy of praise.
Great is the Lord; now lift up your voice, now lift up your voice.
Great is the Lord! Great is the Lord!
REFRAIN
Great are You, Lord, and worthy of glory! Great are You, Lord, and worthy of praise.
Great are You, Lord; I lift up my voice, I lift umps voice;
Great are You Lord! Great are You Lord!
Children’s Message – Jo Ann Moody
Scripture Reading – Psalm 147 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – “Total Praiseâ€
Scripture Reading – Mark 1:29-39 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Celebrating the Sacrament of Holy Communion – Pastor Dan
Responsive Invitation
One: God be with you.
All: And also with you.
One: Lift up your hearts!
All: We life them up to God!
One: Let us give thanks to God Most High.
All: It is right to give God thanks and praise! Sharing the Bread and the Cup Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – “Through It All†– #304
I’ve had many tears and sorrows, I’ve had questions for tomorrow,
There’ve been times I didn’t know right from wrong;
But in every situations 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 storms 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
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Praying for the return to in-person worship
January 31, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Livestream Links and Order for Worship, What's happening
Like all of you, we’re looking forward to the day when we can worship together in person again. The Ivy Chapel Board of Deacons – together with our virtual worship team – have been working hard to create a plan to make this all possible.
We’re closely watching case numbers, hospitalizations and vaccination rates so we can do what is right for our members and the community at large.
In addition to the health concerns, there are technical and logistical hurdles to overcome. We are in the process of upgrading the sound system so we can continue to provide a livestream of the worship even once we have people back in the sanctuary.
We’re almost there, with just a few more components to acquire and install. From there, we’ll be testing the new set up. You will likely notice significant changes to the online experience, but we will keep you updated.
Please note that even once we are back in person, the worship experience will be very different. We will strictly enforce the mask requirements and social distancing. We won’t have coffee hour or children in the sanctuary, and will not have congregational singing.
If you need more information, please contact us or reach out to someone from the Board of Deacons or the Ivy Chapel council.
Thank you for your patience and for sticking with us.
Jan. 31 Livestream – Power
January 31, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
As we pray for the health and safety of our world, we reflect on the peace we can find through God, and how His leadership will show us the way forward.
The Ivy Chapel Board of Deacons, working with the virtual worship team, is continuing to watch case numbers, hospitalizations and vaccination rates across our area to create a strategy for returning to in-person worship. We hope to make an announcement soon with more details.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: Come to Christ, the Living One,
All: Rejected by the world, but in God’s sight chosen and precious.
One: The Messiah that God promised has arrived!
All: Be glad, and celebrate!
One: New life is rising among us!
All: We rejoice at the miraculous ways God brings creation alive!
One: Come! And hear God’s Word for our day.
All: How majestic is God’s name in all the earth!
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of Power and Might; your wisdom is beyond ours. Your patience surpasses ours. Your compassion exceeds ours. We continue finding ourselves amazed by you, Living God. This morning, we join together to praise you.
Christ Jesus, your life, death and resurrection are our model for faithful discipleship. Strengthen us, we pray, as we seek to walk in your ways: living wisely, patiently, and compassionately. Fill us, we pray, with your Spirit of unselfishness and love. Amen.
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 might!
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!
Children’s Message – Anna DiVesta Scripture Reading – Psalm – Pastor Dan
Special Music – “All Hail King Jesus with Majestyâ€
Scripture Reading – Mark 1:21-28 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – “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.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta
Jan. 24 Livestream –Â Follow Me
January 24, 2021 by Rich
Filed under Featured, Livestream Links and Order for Worship
The warmest of greetings from Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ. Thank you for worshipping with us. We continue to pray for the health and safety of our world, and for brighter days ahead for all.
Do you want to know more about Ivy Chapel or do you have a question about our stream services? Get in touch with us.
Here’s this week’s order for worship:
Third Sunday after Epiphany
“Follow Meâ€
Prelude – Anna DiVesta
Responsive Call to Worship – Pastor Dan Wilson
One: For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God.
All: God only is my rock and my salvation. I shall not be shaken.
One: Pour out your hearts before God. Trust in God at all times.
All: Our trust is in God, Maker of heaven and earth!
Prayer of Invocation – Pastor Dan
One: Let us pray.
All: God of all times and places, may we receive your message now. Sometimes we do not like what we hear, but we know we need to listen. Your message is true and universal, although we would like to make distinctions that favor us and our friends. You call us out of our comfort zones to live courageously and to try new things. Rejoice; welcome; forgive; heal; love. These are acts of faith that you want to see us put into practice. You command us to reach out to people with whom we seem to have little in common.
Still-Speaking God, you call us to accompany you on a pathway – your sacred path of living grace. You inspire us, Jesus! Help us to absorb what you are saying and to respond to what you are asking. Then we will follow you by carrying what we have received from you to the places you want us to go, to the people you desire to reach. Amen.
Hymn “You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore†worship booklet, p. 101
- You have come down to the lakeshore seeking neither the wise nor the wealthy,
But only asking for me to follow.
REFRAIN
O Jesus, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you’ve called out my name.
On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; now with you I will seek other seas.
- You know full well my possessions. neither treasure nor weapons for conquest,
Just these my fishnets and will for working.
REFRAIN
- You need hands, my exhaustion, working love for the rest of the weary
A love that’s willing to go on loving.
REFRAIN
- You who have fished other waters; you, the longing of souls that are yearning;
As loving Friend, you have come to call me.
REFRAIN
Children’s Message – Sue Wilson
Scripture Reading – Psalm 62:5-12 – Pastor Dan
Special Music – “Come, Follow Meâ€
Scripture Reading – Mark 1:14-20 – Pastor Dan
Sermon – Pastor Dan
Prayers of God’s Church concluding with the Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan
Hymn – “Spirit†– pp. 82-83, worship booklet
REFRAIN
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free,
Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.
- You move on the waters, you called to the deep,
Then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep,
and over the eons you called to each thing,
“Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings.â€
REFRAIN
- You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,
and you gifted your people with a law and a land,
When they were confounded with idols and lies,
then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.
REFRAIN
- You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,
then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still,
and down in the city you called once again
when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.
REFRAIN
- You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes,
from the bondage of sorrow the captives dream dreams;
our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.
With bold new decisions your people arise.
Benediction – Pastor Dan
Postlude – Anna DiVesta