ImpactLife Blood Drive – November 15

Blood supplies at local blood banks are dangerously low–and the coming holidays typically mean a drop-off in donations. Please take some time on November 15 to give the gift of life.

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ will host an ImpactLife Blood Drive from 2:30-6:30.

Click here to reserve your spot.

Questions? Drop us a line.

October 2 – World Communion Sunday

Welcome to Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ, where all are invited to join us at Christ’s table on this World Communion Sunday. As you begin your virtual worship experience, please gather the communion elements so you may share in the experience with us.

Remember you may also join us in person in our sanctuary at 620 N. Woods Mill Rd. in Chesterfield, MO. Wherever you are on your journey through life, there is a place for you at Ivy Chapel.

Service will begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday on our YouTube Channel.

A joyous, warm welcome to our guest, the Rev. Dr. Mary Schaller Blaufuss (Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Eden Theological Seminary).

WELCOME

PRELUDE – A Hymn of Devotion – Brahms

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: From the East and the West
All: From the North and the South
One: All will gather around the Table of Christ
All: Where the last will be first
One: And the first will be last.
All: So that all may be included, and all may receive God’s love.

*HYMN – In Christ There Is No East or West – #137

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
but one great fellowship of love

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord
close binding humankind.

Join hands then, brothers of the faith,
whate’er your race may be!
Who serves my Father as a son
is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West;
In Him meet South and North.
All Christly souls are one in Him
throughout the whole wide earth.

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Giving God, we arrive weighed down by what we have been trying to carry alone. As we come into this sanctuary, may we leave at the door all that makes us reluctant to enter; and may we leave behind all that prevents us from living generously. We reject a mindset of scarcity. Instead, we embrace your perspective of eternal abundance. May our manner of living pave a way of blessing rather than a way of destruction. Let us say ‘Yes!’ to your Realm; and let us praise you together with all people as the diverse, spectacular human race whom you have made, Creator God! Amen.

*RESPONSE – Bread of the World, in Mercy Broken – worship booklet, p. 29

Bread of the world, in mercy broken,
Wine of the soul, in mercy shed!
By whom the words of life were spoken,
And in whose death our sins are dead!
Look on the heart by sorrow broken,
Look on the tears by sinners shed,
And be Thy feast to us the token,
That by Thy grace our souls are fed!

‘ B E H O L D ! ’ – Neighbors in Need

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 23

SPECIAL MUSIC – Praise Him – Paris/Hayes

GOD’S WORD – Luke 12:27-34 – Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss

SERMON – Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss

*HYMN – One Bread, One Body – worship booklet, pp. 72-73

Refrain
One bread, one body, one Lord of all;
one cup of blessing which we bless,
and we, though many throughout the earth,
we are one body in this one Lord.

Gentile or Jew, servant or free,
woman or man, no more.

Refrain

Many the gifts, many the works,
one in the Lord of all.

Refrain

Grain for the fields, scattered and grown,
gathered to one for all.

Refrain

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN – Christ for the World We Sing – #545

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With loving zeal;
The poor, and them that mourn,the faint and overborne,
Sinsick and sorrow-worn, For Christ to heal.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With fervent prayer;
The wayward and the lost, by restless passions tossed,
Redeemed at countless cost, From dark despair.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With one accord,
With us the work to share, with us reproach to dare,
With us the cross to bear, For Christ our Lord.

Christ for the world we sing, the world to Christ we bring,
With joyful song;
The newborn souls, whose days, reclaimed from error’s ways,
Inspired with hope and praise, to Christ belong.

*BENEDICTION – Rev. Mary Schaller Blaufuss

*POSTLUDE – Laudes Domini – Young

August 7 Livestream – Living the Promise

This morning is a sacred gift from God. Together, let us come to the Table of our Living Savior. Let us live the promise as one! All are welcome at Christ’s table. If you are worshipping with us at home, be sure to gather the element of communion before worship begins.

Join us for in-person worship Sunday morning at 10 a.m. or on our YouTube channel. We will place a direct link to the service once worship begins.

Click here if you have any questions about Ivy Chapel.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Heartily I Yearn – Strungk

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Let us sing to Everlasting God
All: who nourishes life within every human being!
One: How amazing is our God
All: who creates all that is alive and beautiful in this world!
One: Let us rejoice this day!
All: Together, let us lift our voices in praise to God!

*HYMN – Morning Has Broken – #274

Morning has broken like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird.
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall on the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, praise every morning,
God’s recreation of the new day!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God Eternal, Spirit of grace; you are the One who brings us here, making us ready for something we cannot fully comprehend. You offer each of us a uniquely personal place at your table. Your Communion is an expression of the sacred love that you display toward all people as the Savior of the world!

God of salvation, all the earth cries out for the beauty that is within us to rise to the surface. This beauty comes from you, O God. You are our Shepherd, Christ Jesus; and we are treasured flock of young and old, female and male, rich and poor, strong and weak. May we follow your lead. We thank you for each blessing which you provide. Let us serve you by offering your love and grace to everyone. Breathe new life into your people this day, O Holy One, as we gather to worship you; to listen for your voice; and to respond with our lives. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Shout to the Lord – worship booklet, pp. 80-81

My Jesus, my Savior
Lord there is none like You
All of my days I want to praise
The wonders of Your mighty love

My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord all the Earth, let us sing
Power and majesty, praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have
In You

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 33:12-13, 20-22

SPECIAL MUSIC – A Place at the Table – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Luke 12:32-40 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

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

*HYMN – We Come As Guests Invited – #258

We come as guests invited When Jesus bids us dine,
HIs friends on earth united To share the bread and wine;
The bread of life is broken, The wine is freely poured
For us, in solemn token Of Christ our dying Lord.

We eat and drink, receiving From Christ the grace we need,
An in our hearts believing On Him by faith we feed;
With wonder and thanksgiving For love that knows no end,
We find in Jesus living Our ever present friend.

One bread is ours for sharing, One single, fruited vine,
Our fellowship declaring Renewed in bread and wine-
Renewed, sustained and given By token, sing and word,
The pledge and seal of heaven, The love of Christ our Lord.

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
All who desire to receive the bread and the cup are welcome to share in the Sacrament here.

*HYMN – I Would Be True – #432

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.

I would be friend of all—the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving, and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.
I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

I would be learning day by day the lessons
My heav’n-ly Father gives me in His Word;
I would be quick to hear His lightest whisper,
And prompt and glad to do the things I’ve heard;
And prompt and glad to do the things I’ve heard.

I would be prayerful through each busy moment;
I would be constantly in touch with God;
I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper,
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod;
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Agincourt Hymn – Dunstable

May 1 Livestream – The Way Forward

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

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

WELCOME

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

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: It’s springtime; and things are coming alive!
All: As life blossoms, we rejoice in earthly beauties of God.
One: Spring is a worldly rebirth.
All: Imagine all of the possibilities for life with God!
One: We are blessed.
All: Christ is alive!
One: God enables us to follow Christ.
All: This very moment, God is walking with us!

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

*UNISON PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Loving God, you graciously spread a Sacred Table for all people to enjoy! We offer you our praises today! Risen Savior, you fill us with life! Especially when no one else can, you raise our spirits. In your uplifting, renewing way, you fill souls with lasting joy!
As we now walk into the future, we hope you will join us on the road. Come near; and walk along with us. Open the scriptures to us; nourish us with the sweet honey of your Word. Open our eyes, that we may recognize the depth and the richness of your grace in everyday moments, such as
the meeting of eyes;
the sharing of a meal;
the crossing of paths;
and walking side by side.
Come alive among us now, Christ Jesus. It means so much to us that you are with your people in commonplace events and situations where we are ourselves. Thank you, Risen Savior, for loving us and for staying with us. Bless us with eyes and ears, hearts and souls to recognize you, Jesus! Be made known to us and through us, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart – worship booklet, p. 42

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

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 30 – Pastor Dan

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

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

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Come, Share the Lord – #260

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

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Because He Lives – #275

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Refrain
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

Refrain

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Prelude, G Minor – J. S. Bach

URGENT: Blood Drive Nov. 16

There is an urgent need for blood in the St. Louis region. The need is especially critical this year as we enter the holiday season. With one donation, you can save lives, right here in our community.

Ivy Chapel United Church of Christ is hosting an IMPACTLife Blood Drive from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16. The drive will be held in the Ivy Chapel Fellowship Hall, at 620 N. Woods Mill Road in Chesterfield.

If you have any question or would like to schedule a donation, please contact Sue Wilson at 314-324-3765 or send her an email.

You may also schedule your donation at https://www.bloodcenter.org.

Oct. 27 Livestream – Take Heart!

Take Heart! No matter what happens, Jesus is here for us. Let us gather and hear God’s calling.

Here is this week’s order for worship:

WELCOME

PRELUDE – O Perfect Love – Hustad

*CALLNG ONE ANOTHER TO WORSHIP
One: Let us sing God’s praises!
All: God is gathering us together this moment!
One: From many different places, we come.
All: All who are struggling, God will help.
One: All who are grieving, God will console.
All: All who are lost, God will guide.
One: Let us worship God who brings us together.
All: Sing for joy, all the earth!

*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289

We come, O Christ, to You, True Son of God and man,
By Whom all things consist, In Whom all life began;
In You alone we live and move, And have our being in Your love.

You are the Way to God, Your blood our ransom paid;
In You we face our Judge And Maker unafraid.
Before the throne absolved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s demand.

You are the living Truth! All wisdom dwells in You,
The Source of every skill, The One Eternal True!
O great I AM! In You we rest, Sure answer to our every quest.

You only are true Life, To know You is to live
The more abundant life That earth can never give;
O risen Lord! We live in You, in us each day Your life renew!

We worship You, Lord Christ, Our Savior and our King.
T You our youth and strength Adoringly we bring;
So fill our hearts, that all my view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of perpetual renewal; we give you thanks today for gathering us together as your Church and for gracing us with your faithful presence.
Loving God, we come to pray and praise, to meditate and be mindful. Open our minds to new understandings, and our hearts to new people. Call us out of comfort, out of our fear of change, and into a sense of amazement at this world which you are constantly creating and renewing with life abundant. Guide our feet to follow your path in the world, so that we may faithfully love everyone with your extravagant love.
God of newness; we rejoice that you are shaping all that is alive into your emerging masterpiece. Continue guiding your whole creation toward your vision of fullness of life for all! Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Into My Heart – #391

Into my heart, Into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus;
Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE – Sue Wilson

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 126

SPECIAL MUSIC – O God, Beyond All Praising – Tate

GOD’S WORD – Mark 10:46-52 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – Amazing Grace – #299

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but no am found, was blind, but now I see.

Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come;
“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And Grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’re no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we first begun.

*SENDING OUT – God sends us into the world to give away God’s love. – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Toccata in A Minor – Sweelinck

CCLI License #456361

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

September 5 Livestream – Be Opened

From all of us at Ivy Chapel, we thank you for visiting our website. You are invited to join us in our sanctuary at 10 on Sunday, or anytime on our YouTube Channel.

Praise God for blessing the world with openness as our Savior Jesus Christ. Everyone is invited to an outdoor “Thanksgiving for Anna DiVesta!” Celebration 3-5 pm today in gratitude for the marvelous Ministry of Music given to our congregation by Anna DiVesta. We offer God thanks and praise for this exceptional blessing as we wish Anna, Aaron, Miller and Charlie fullness of joy forevermore!

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Every good gift comes from above.
All: God welcomes us to this sacred place.
One: This is God’s sanctuary – a safe refuge where everyone is loved.
All: Christ our Savior brings us together here on holy ground.
One: The God of all mercy creates every human being to be merciful.
All: Christ teaches us to love our neighbors and to love our enemies.
One: Listen closely.
All: We’re all ears.
One: Do you hear what our Savior is saying?
All: “Be opened!”

*HYMN – To God Be the Glory – #79

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the Lifegate that all may go in.

REFRAIN
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear HIs voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thro’ Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

REFRAIN

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing thro’ Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

REFRAIN

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
Eternal God, we are astonished by your greatness. You are beyond the reaches of human thought or religion. We approach you now in prayer; and we welcome your Transforming Spirit.
God, you are acquainted with all our ways. You know everything from our shallow motives to our deepest thoughts. You are aware of strengths and our abilities; and aware of our weaknesses and our failures. Yet you invite us to serve as your ambassadors; messengers of your good news! What a thrill! Oh, how we long to bring you joy, Merciful God. We rejoice; for you are alive among us this moment, Christ Jesus. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – We Bow Down – worship booklet, p. 93

You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea;
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,
and Lord of all lords You will be.
We bow down and we worship You, Lord,
we bow down and we worship You, Lord,
we bow down and we worship you Lord
Lord of all lords You will be.

You are King of creation and King of my life,
King of the land and the sea;
You were King of the heavens before there was time,
and King of all kings You will be.
We bow down and we crown You the King,
we bow down and we crown You the king;
we bow down and we crown You the King,
King of all kings You will be.

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 78:1-7a, 12-16 – Pastor Dan

SPECIAL MUSIC – Steal Away (arr. Quigley) – Vocal Ensemble with Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Mark 7:24-37 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – How Beautiful – worship booklet, p. 50

How beautiful the hands that served the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful the tender eyes that chose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the heart that bled, that took all my sin and bore it instead.
How beautiful the tender eyes that chose to forgive and never despise.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

How beautiful the feet that bring the sound of good news and the love of the King!
How beautiful the hands that serve the wine and the bread and the sons of the earth.
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful is the body of Christ.

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER – Pastor Dan

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

*HYMN – He Keeps Me Singing As I Go – #359

There’s within my heart a melody, Jesus whispers sweet and low,
“Fear not, I am with thee, peace, be still,” In all of life’s ebb and flow.

REFRAIN
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus— Sweetest name I know.
Fills my every longing, Keeps me singing as I go.

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife, Discord fills my heart with pain,
Jesus swept across the broken strings, Stirred the slumbering chords again.

REFRAIN

Feasting on the riches, of HIs grace, Resting ‘neath HIs sheltering wing,
Always looking on His smiling face, That is why I shout and sing.

REFRAIN

Tho’ sometimes He leads thro’ waters deep, Trials fall across my way,
Tho’ sometimes the path seems rough and steep, See His footprints all the way.

REFRAIN

Soon He’s coming back to welcome me Far beyond the starry sky;
I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown, I shall reign with Him on high.

REFRAIN

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE – Spirit Song – worship booklet, pp. 84-85

O let the Son of God en-fold you
with His Spir-it and His love;
let Him fill your life, and sat-is-fy your soul.
O let Him have the things that hold you
and His Spir-it, like a dove,
will de-scend up-on your life and make you whole.

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta and Aaron DiVesta

August 8 Livestream – Community

Today we are happy to welcome Darlene Sowell, President and CEO of Unleashing Potential, to our community. Unleashing Potential is one of the oldest nonprofits working on early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment programs to bring out the best in St. Louis’ children.

WELCOME

PRELUDE – Anna DiVesta

*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Come, worship our God who moves us to serve.
All: We owe everything we have to God.
One: Come, worship Christ Jesus who is our all in all.
All: We worship our Savior with all that we are.

*HYMN – We Come, O Christ, to You – #289

1. We come, O Christ, to You,
   True Son of God and man,
   By Whom all things con-sist, In Whom all life be-gan:
   In You a-lone
   We live and move, and have our be-ing in Your love.
2. You are the Way to God,
   Your blood our ran-som paid;
   In You we face our Judge And Mak-er un-a-fraid.
   Be-fore the throne
   Ab-solved we stand, Your love has met Your law’s de-mand.
3. You are the liv-ing Truth!
   All wis-dom dwells in You,
   The Source of ev-ery skill, The One E-ter-nal True!
   O great I AM!
   In You we rest, Sure an-swer to our ev-ery quest.
4. You on-ly are true Life,
   To know You is to live
   The more a-bun-dant life That earth can nev-er give:
   O ris-en Lord!
   We live in You, in us each day Your life re-new!
5. We wor-ship You, Lord Christ,
   Our Sav-ior and our King,
   To You our youth and strength A-dor-ing-ly we bring:
   So fill our hearts,
   That all may view Your life in us, and turn to You!

*PRAYER OF INVOCATION
God of amazing power and almighty love, breathe on us. Long ago, on the evening of your Resurrection, you came to your followers and you breathed on them, Jesus. This day, may we realize that you are among us – risen, alive, and offering us your blessing. Each one of your disciples is a human being striving to love, to serve and to give as fully as you do. Christ Jesus, your wounds reveal there is no limit to your love. Help us to perceive that you are here and that you are God. Before any of us entered this sanctuary, Jesus, you already were here! Astonishing! Breathe new life into us and renew our spirits this morning, we pray. Amen.

*PRAISE RESPONSE – Bind Us Together – #130
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.
There is on-ly one God;
There is on-ly one King.
There is on-ly one bod-y,
That is why we sing:
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er with cords that can-not be bro-ken.
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord,
Bind us to-geth-er, Lord;
Bind us to-geth-er with love.

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

GOD’S WORD – Psalm 34:1-8

HYMN – I Sing a Song of the Saints of God – worship booklet, pp. 52-53

1. I sing a song of the saints of God,
   Pa-tient and brave and true,
   Who toiled and fought and lived and died
   For the Lord they loved and knew.
   And one was a doc-tor, and one was a queen,
   And one was a shep-herd-ess on the green;
   They were all of them saints of God, and I mean,
   God help-ing, to be one too
2. They loved their Lord so dear, so dear,
   And his love made them strong;
   And they fol-lowed the right for Je-sus sake,
   The whole of their good lives longs.
   And one was a sol-dier, and one was a priest,
   And one was slain by a fierce wild beast;
   And there’s not an-y rea-son, no, not the least,
   Why I shouldn’t be one too
3. They lived not on-ly in a-ges past;
   There are hun-dreds of thou-sands still.
   The world is bright with the joy-ous saints
   Who love to do Je-sus’ will.
   You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store,
   In church, by the sea, in the house next door;
   They are saints of God, wheth’er rich or poor,
   And I mean to be one too.

MISSION MOMENT – Unleashing Potential – Darlene Sowell, President and CEO

SPECIAL MUSIC – We Are the Body of Christ (arr. Lawrence) – Anna DiVesta

GOD’S WORD – Ephesians 4:14-16, 25-5:2 – Pastor Dan

SERMON – Pastor Dan

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and Lord’s Prayer – Pastor Dan

*HYMN – To Be God’s People – #121

Al-might-y Fa-ther give us a vis-ion
Of a dy-ing world that needs Your love and care.
We see the need, the yearn-ing for a Sav-ior,
In Je-sus’ name, grant this our prayer

Refrain:
To be God’s peo-ple in this place,
Live His good-ness, share His grace,
Pro-claim God’s mer-cy thru His Son,
Be His love to ev-ery-one.

And when we fal-ter be Thou our com-fort;
Guide us as Your chil-dren that our lives may be
A bea-con in this dark-ness that sur-rounds us,
A light that oth-ers then may see.

Refrain

*BENEDICTION – Pastor Dan

*POSTLUDE – Anna DiVesta

2015 Vacation Bible School – Climb to new heights with God!

Join us this summer for Ivy Chapel UCC’s Vacation Bible School… Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power.

Your kids (ages 3 through completed grade 5) will go on exciting expeditions… reaching new heights from our Base Camp Sing & Play, Glacier Games, Cinema and a Summit Celebration.

Together, we will explore tremendous examples how:
God has the power to provide.
God has the power to comfort.
God has the power to heal.
God has the power to forgive.
God has the power to love us forever.

VBS is 9 a.m. to Noon, July 27-31. The cost is $25 per child.

Download the registration form here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Have you liked Ivy Chapel on Facebook? Visit our special VBS event page, RSVP, and let us know you’re coming.

Next Page »