talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). In Jewish tradition, these verses are known as “the Shema,” derived from the first word of verse 4.

The actions delineated in this passage from Deuteronomy are forms of spiritual discipline. As we engage in the Church’s 40 days of spiritual discipline, may our relationship with God deepen.

Well before he completed his contemporary translation of the Bible which he calls, “The Message,” pastor and teacher Eugene Peterson wrote a superb book about the Christian life entitled, “A Long Obedience in the Same Direction.”

My friends, our discipleship is a life-long journey pursuing “obedience” in the true sense of the Old

Testament. Our discipleship is a journey seeking to hear God. In words of Christ our Savior, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen.” (Mark 4:9, 23; Luke 8:8 and Luke 14:35)

Pastor Dan Wilson pastordan@ivychapel.org

Worldly influences are many and relentless. The world hounds us to practice “self help.” The world cautions us that we must look out for ourselves. The world instills fear in people. The world attempts to drown out the voice of God. Yet God continues calling. God continues encouraging. God continues teaching love: Love one another; love your neighbor; love your enemy. These are the words of Christ; and these are the actions of Christ.

Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am someone who is much more likely to focus on God’s grace rather than human obedience. Yet obedience genuinely is a biblical concept.

May this approaching Lenten Season serve as an opportunity for enhanced obedience to God on our part. Biblical obedience has to do with faithfully listening to God, or more precisely “hearing” God. “Shema” is a Hebrew verb, which literally means “to hear.” This is the verb in Deuteronomy’s proclamation, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children; and

(Continued next page )

The Ivy Vine, February 2016 2 Ivy Chapel UCC • 620 N Woods Mill Road www.ivychapel.org www.facebook.com/IvyChapel Chesterfield, MO 63017 • 314-434-4991

Let our prayers this Lent include words like these:

God of peace, you strive to set within us a Gospel of joy. It is there, very nearby, ever renewed by the trusting way you behold our lives.

God of merciful compassion, enable us to find ways of waiting for you in prayer and of welcoming the loving gaze with which you behold each one’s life.

God of all loving, we long to be attentive when deep within us your call rings out: ‘Onward, and may your soul live!’ (Praying in Silence of Heart, by Brother Roger of Taize)

God is calling. May we be ‘all ears’,

Pastor Dan

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the sacred church season of Lent.

Sanctuary of Prayer—Ash Wednesday, February 10 As the Christian Church begins the 2016 Lenten Season, God's Sanctuary will be open throughout the day for prayer and reflection. Please bring your church key with you for access to the building. Once you have entered Ivy Chapel's outside doors, the Sanctuary will be unlocked.

6pm Soup and Bread in Fellowship Hall— Ash Wednesday, February 10

As the sacred Lenten Season gets underway, we will gather in Ivy Chapel’s Fellowship Hall for a Soup and Bread Supper at 6pm Wednesday, February 10. Please put your name on the sign-up sheet and indicate the food which you will be bringing.

7:30pm Worship—Ash Wednesday, February 10 We are blessed with an opportunity to begin our Lenten Journey together. This worship includes the Imposition of Ashes and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Hope you can take part.

Then we went into Fellowship

Hall and had fellowship time

and Snacks.

Linda Lowry's story was called Uwrapping the Christmas Crèche. She took out (of the

shoe box) and unwrapped pieces of the nativity scene as she read it and the kids helped her put them in the stable.

Sunday, December 13, at the beginning of the evening Pastor Dan talked about Advent and the Advent candles before we started and then closed with prayer. Some people were lined up earlier to read, while others just volunteered. We had extra books in case someone wanted to read. Erin Winship, Sue Wilson, and Linda Lowry read stories. Sarah and Gregory Scott read one together and Matthew and Ben Wehling each read a story also.

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me

something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, Matthew 25:35

11John answered, "The man with two tunics should share with him who has none,

and the one who has food should do the same." Luke 3:11

Linda Lowry Youth Program Coordinator

linda@ivychapel.org

All Church Bowling – February 21!!!! The Youth of Ivy are again sponsoring our annual ALL CHURCH BOWLING ACTIVITY on February 21 following worship!!

All of the people of Ivy Chapel UCC (Pre-K through adult!) are invited to attend this fun

fellowship time together. In the past we’ve had quite a few adults come along, so feel free to join the fun! Bring money for lunch at the bowling alley or eat before you come.

Times and prices will be printed in the IYIA purple sheet in the Sunday bulletin.

On Sunday, February 7, following worship our youth will be standing near the doors at the rear of the sanctuary holding soup pots for your donations to SOUPER BOWL OF CARING - the nationwide effort to help the hungry. Cash donations as well as donations of non perishable food items are welcome. The youth of Ivy Chapel will use these donations during our World Vision Famine lock-in to purchase needed items for Joint Neighborhood Ministries and Circle of Concern.

LENTEN CANNED FOOD OFFERING February 14 – March 27

We “can” help feed the hungry.

Thanks for the wonderful response we have had in the past two years during our Lenten Food

Drive. The youth of Ivy Chapel and the Christian Action Board are sponsoring our 3rd Annual

Lenten Canned Food drive during the weeks leading up to Easter. Let’s help fill the shelves this

Lent. During the Sundays in Lent we will be collecting canned goods for Circle of Concern and

Joint Neighborhood Ministries. Watch for more information coming soon. Collection begins

the first Sunday in Lent, February 14 and runs through Easter, March 27.

17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him,

how can the love of God be in him? 1 John 3:17

February 7, 2016

Ivy Youth In Action

Our 2015 Summer Youth Mission Trip was a wonderful experience!

Don’t miss out on this year’s trip.

CONFERENCE YOUTH EVENT – 2016 “The Power of Presence”

February 13 – 15 at Camp MoVal

If you are interested in attending this year’s Conference Youth Event please let Linda Lowry know ASAP!! Adult sponsors will be needed if there are youth interested in attending this inspiring and fun youth retreat!

Calling All Youth grades 9 – 12! You need to witness "The Power of Presence" as presented by keynote speaker, Marcus Engel. Best-selling author and speaker Marcus Engel inspires and empowers audiences nationwide. His extraordinary story of recovery after being blinded and catastrophically injured by a drunk driver challenges individuals to achieve success by making intelligent choices. Marcus Engel is a speaker with a message, a story you will never forget! $50 deposit and registration are due. See Linda Lowry and the Youth Bulletin Board for more information.

Looking Ahead to March: March 11/12 – World Vision Famine Activities March 20 – Palm Sunday Youth Easter Egg Hunt March 27 – Easter! Worship with “Living Cross” and special Sunday School Activities

JOIN US IN BEING GOD’S HANDS AND FEET IN THE WORLD

JOIN US FOR OUR YOUTH SUMMER MISSION TRIP 2016 Our informational/planning meeting was held after worship on January 24. Watch your

e-mail and the Sunday IYIA purple page for details coming soon.

The Ivy Vine, February 2016 5 Ivy Chapel UCC • 620 N Woods Mill Road www.ivychapel.org www.facebook.com/IvyChapel Chesterfield, MO 63017 • 314-434-4991

Brrrrrr..... It's so cold! Welcome to the winter I guess. We're in that lull between January and April, where its just cold and not a whole lot to look forward to. We have had such a mild winter so far. Hopefully, that helps with the never ending winter feeling. Before too long, it will be summer, and we will be dreaming of the crisp winter air. Our biggest event in January was Charlie's second birthday. I know, its hard to believe the youngest DiVesta is already two.

Speaking of hard to believe, Lent is right around the corner. I can't believe how early Ash Wednesday arrives. With Ash Wednesday so early, Palm Sunday and Holy Week are right around the corner. As many of you know, we have many special musical opportunities during Lent. If you would like to add your voice or instrument to any special service, please let me know. I am planning a youth choir performance for Palm Sunday. Please let me or Mrs. Lowry know if you would like to sing with us. This is one of my favorite Sundays of the Lenten season so let's make it extra special. Help us welcome the One who comes in the Name of the Lord. I have a new favorite we will be performing on Maundy Thursday and many great numbers for Good Friday and Easter. I would love some extra sound for the whole Holy Week which will culminate with a rousing spirited anthem on Easter Sunday celebrating our Risen Lord. So, please let me know if you would like to join us for this very meaningful season in our church year. I also need a volunteer or two to help with our sunrise service on Easter. Are you an early riser? Would you like to make this special service more impact? Please see me for more details.

If you cannot make Holy Week but would still like to sing with the choir regularly OR occasionally, please see me or any choir member for more information. We would love to have your voice. I would especially love to have a couple singers that I can call if we need a substitute. Do not let your busy schedule prevent your from singing your praises. We want you!

Until next time… Smiles, Anna DiVesta

www.AnnaDiVesta.com

Anna DiVesta Minister of Music

music@ivychapel.org

FUNDRAISER

February 20, 2016 Please save the date—and share it with friends, neighbors and

family! We also will need lots of volunteers

to help on February 19 to set up, cook, serve and clean up.

Sign-up sheets for those jobs will be in the Narthex in the next few weeks. Call Gail Thoele (314-576-0091) or Pat Winship (636-394-5991) with any questions.

More Ways to Help with the Dinner: *Donate Raffle Items

As usual, there is going to be a raffle at the Chili Dinner. The committee would like to have about 12 or more items, donated by the congregation. A few examples might be Dierbergs gift cards, restaurant gift cards, homemade gift baskets, gift certificates for yard work, etc. LOOK FOR VOLUNTEER SIGNUP SHEETS. Please contact Pat Winship or Gail Thoele with questions.

**Bring in Food Decorations

The Chili Dinner committee is asking for donations of cans of chili, beans and other "chili items" to place in the middle of the tables for decorations. After the February 20th dinner, these will be donated to the food pantries at Joint Neighborhood Ministries and Circle of Concern. Please bring them to church in the coming weeks and place them in the box in the narthex.

***It’s Not Dinner without Dessert Be prepared to bake. We are also planning to serve homemade brownies and pies as dessert at the dinner on February 20th.

****And finally If you know of any way to inventively advertise the dinner or to help us offset any of the costs of food or supplies, please contact Gail Thoele or Pat Winship.

Please find the flyer in this newsletter to print to share a copy with everyone you meet, where ever you go.

The Ivy Vine, February 2016 7 Ivy Chapel UCC • 620 N Woods Mill Road www.ivychapel.org www.facebook.com/IvyChapel Chesterfield, MO 63017 • 314-434-4991

vy Chapel UCC invites you to a family friendly night of trivia. All are welcome!

Tables of 8 are $80 or $12 per person.

Tea, lemonade, popcorn and pretzels are provided and you are welcome to bring outside food and drink (beer, wine, soda).

50/50 raffle and cash prize for winning.

To reserve a table, contact Stephen Lowry

lowrys5358@gmail.com or the church office

ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org or 314-434-4991.

March 12, 2016 6:30 - 8:30 pm / Doors open at 6 pm

Please find the flyer in this newsletter to print to share a copy with everyone you meet, where ever you go.

The Mary and Martha Women's Group met on Tuesday, January 19th and planned the following programs and activities.

Feb. and Mar. - A Lenten Devotion with Pastor Dan Wilson and a Presentation by Pastor Le Remington of Cape Albion Retirement Center, which month for each to be decided.

April - Meet on second Tuesday and help sort items for the Rummage Sale on April 16th

May - Possibly sponsor a Plant Sale with proceeds to Ivy Chapel on May 1st and travel to Irene Gulovsen's home in Godfrey, IL, on regular meeting date.

June - Ask Russ Washburn to give us an update on IER (Institute El Rey)

July - No Meeting

August - Dessert for a Dollar

September - Presentation from Caroline Mission

October - Women's Luncheon for Ivy Chapel Women

2016 ALL-CHURCH HIGHWAY

CLEAN-UP

On the following Sundays we will do hwy clean-up directly after Coffee Fellowship:

March 13

June 5

August 28

October 23

Please plan to join us. Be sure to bring your gloves and a change of clothes.

TEACHER APPRECIATION

SUNDAY, February 14

Please join us as we recognize those wonderful people who share themselves and God's love as they teach, nurture and love our Ivy Chapel babies, children and youth.

Lay Ministry Schedule for 1 February-26 July 2016 was included in the January issue of the Ivy Vine and are in the wall pocket in the

church narthex. Please find your name or your family member name.

If you cannot assist please find a substitute. If that fails feel free to contact Nancy Marston 314-878-1317 or

Sue Wilson 314-324-3765.

Blessing of The Animals in September

In December Audrey and Jane marking the College Care Package bags.

HarvestFest in November

Calvin and Stuart help decorate for Christmas.

The Ivy Vine, February 2016 9 Ivy Chapel UCC • 620 N Woods Mill Road www.ivychapel.org www.facebook.com/IvyChapel Chesterfield, MO 63017 • 314-434-4991

7 Feb~Transfiguration: Exodus 34:29-35, Psalm 99, 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2, Luke 9:28-43

10 Feb ~Ash Wednesday: Joel 2:1-2, 12-17/Isaiah 58:1-12, Psalm 58:1-12, Psalm 51:1-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21

14 Feb~First Sunday in Lent: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13

21 Feb~Second Sunday in Lent: Genesis 15:1-2, 17-18, Psalm 27, Philippians 3:17-4:1, Luke 13:31-35/Luke 9:28-36, 37-43a

28 Feb ~Third Sunday in Lent: Isaiah 55:1-9, Psalm 63:1-8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-3, Luke 13:1-9

Lectionary readings from: http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/

THE TRANSFIGURATION

The Transfiguration of Jesus is an episode in the New Testament narrative in which Jesus is transfigured and becomes radiant while on (tradition has it that Mount Tabor is the holy mountain, and is called "the mount of Transfiguration"). The Gospels (Matthew 17:1–9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28–36) describe it, and referred to in 2 Peter 1:16–18.

"…Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Matthew 17:1-9 NRSV, Alexander Golovin. Transfiguration of Jesus (based on Alexander Ivanov’s biblical sketch), A mural for the Chizhov Agricultural Vocational School of

Kologriv in Kostroma Province. 1894. Tretyakov Gallery

WE'LL BE LISTED

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER on a Sunday, you can tune in to KTVI Channel 2, KMOV Channel 4 or KSDK Channel 5 to see if Ivy Chapel UCC will be closed. You can also find the closing information on their websites and apps.

Thanks so much, Sue Wilson and

the Deacons

On December 29, 2015, our College students and other members of Ivy Chapel worked at Circle of Concern. Because of the threatened flooding around Circle of Concern, they helped move the food and other donations to higher levels and alternate locations to hopefully protect as much if the resources as possible.

The Ivy Vine, February 2016 10 Ivy Chapel UCC • 620 N Woods Mill Road www.ivychapel.org www.facebook.com/IvyChapel Chesterfield, MO 63017 • 314-434-4991

2 Isabella Del Carmen 3 Carol Faust Gregory Scott 14 Diann Marie Sheahan 15 Nancy Marston 16 Paul Farrell 17 Dan Wilson, Pastor 18 Trey Brimmer

20 Joe Del Carmen Marg Ivey Rich Marston 23 Betty Lindhorst Kate Mc Neal 24 Carole Purviance 27 Taylor Cox

God has called us to our positions, and we rejoice when we are able to serve God in these places of ministry.

If there is some way in which our staff may be of help to you, please contact us at 314-434-4991. Pastor Dan Wilson: pastordan@ivychapel.org 314-580-4564 Linda Lowry: linda@ivychapel.org Anna DiVesta: music@ivychapel.org Frieda Clark: ivychapelucc@ivychapel.org

Monday/Friday 8:30AM–3PM Tuesday/Thursday 8:30AM–2:30PM GIVING STATEMENTS are available from Don Wolff 636-532-5080. NEED TO BORROW Chairs or Tables? Please call Ralph Weiland 314-878-3230.

LIONS CLUB recycles old eyeglasses: We have a collection bag in the office. If the office door is closed you may also leave unwanted glasses in the wall pocket next to the office door or in the cloak room.

CIRCLE OF CONCERN Peanut Butter Jelly/Jam Pasta/Rice Pasta Sauce Dried Beans Canned Pasta Dinner Mixes Macaroni & Cheese Soup Canned Meats/Fish Baking Staples Canned Vegetables/Fruit Boxed Cereal Ground Coffee Bar Soap Toilet Paper Shampoo

See the full Shopping List on Fellowship Hall bulletin board bottom shelf in cloak room.

For other ways to donate call 636-861-2623 or visit www.circleofconcern.org

Place your unwanted shoes and boots in the white box/bag in the cloak room at Ivy Chapel. Every time we fill it, Frieda will call them for a pick-up. www.shoemanwater.org

No anniversaries for the month of February.

Care Corps Feb: Leader Marsha Ramey 636-405-2576 Co-Leader Sue Wilson 314-324-3765 Care Corps Mar: Leader Kay Kreder 314-878-5296 Co-Leader Sarah Heend 314-283-5215 ASSISTING IN LAY MINISTRY Please find YOUR Name. Reminders are sent each Tuesday.

If you cannot help on your specific day, please switch with someone then inform the church office-314-434-4991. Date Nursery Acolyte Welcomer Greeters Ushers Liturgist Coffee

7 Feb Brooke Hilton, Sally Dodge Michael Pfau Judy

Hertenstein Earl, Kay Kreder

Beth Noonan, Frank Pfau

Michael Winship Moody Family

Communion Team 1: Lee Headrick, Evelyn Stecher, Beth Noonan, Frank Pfau 10 Feb

Ash Wednesday ————— ————— ————— ————— Rod, Judy Hertenstein Jan Wirtz —————

February 14 Marsha Ramey, Pat Winship Ben Wehling Kay Kreder Nelie Mc Neal,

Evelyn Stecher Jack, Ann Molyneaux

Tom Wehling Wilking Family

February 21 Michelle Moody, Jo Ann Moody Stuart Kirk Earl Kreder Lee Headrick,

Kathryn Kuntzman Mark, Nancy Gerdes

Donnagail Carr Tichy Family

February 28 Skylar Droege, Erin Winship Gregory Scott Marsha

Ramey Donna Grote, Sally Dodge

Jack, Nancy Litzinger

Brooke Hilton

Gary, Sue Lindhorst

March 6 Brooke Hilton, Sally Dodge Skylar Droege Jan Wirtz Bob, Diane Droege Tom, Debbie

Glenn Sarah Scott Earl, Kay Kreder

Communion Team 2: Judy Hertenstein Cpt., Calvin Heend, Celeste Tichy, Mike Tichy

March 13 Marsha Ramey, Pat Winship Nick Wintrode Nancy

Litzinger Amanda Gerdes, Jennifer Glenn

Curt, Jennifer Wintrode

Annie Sampath

Noonan-Pfau Family

Daylight Saving

Time March 13

Set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to

bed.

AA=Alcoholics Anonymous CA=Christian Action CC=Chancel Choir CE=Christian Education EMMP=Eric Moody Memorial Pavilion

FH = Fellowship Hall JNM=JOINT NEIGHBORHOOD MINISTRIES KYP=KEEPING YOU POSTED LS=THE LORD’S SUPPER

LL=LOWER LEVEL M&M GRP=MARY AND MARTHA WOMENS GROUP PP=PURPLE PAGES SS=SUNDAYSCHOOL

Monday AA 1p Anna DiVesta 6-8:30p

Tuesday Anna DiVesta 4-8pm

Wednesday Anna 5-6:30pm

Thursday AA 12p Anna 7-9pm

Friday

Saturday AA 10:30a

MARCH Lenten Food Drive continues 10 CE Mtg @ Viviano's 12 Trivia Night see pg 7/flyer 13 Hwy Clean-up see pg 7 15 One Great Hour of

Sharing see PPs 19 All Church Workday

SUN MON Tue WED THU FRI SAT

1 CE at Viviano's 6:45pm

2 Confirmation Class w/dinner 4-5:30pm

3 CC Rehearse 7pm

4

5

6

7 Transfiguration Sunday–Wt

Souper Bowl of Caring

9am Adult Bible Study 10am Worship w/LS SS

8 Deacons Mtg 7pm

9 NO Confirmation Class

10 Ash Wednesday Prayer Vigil 6a-5p Soup/bread supper 6pm Worship 7:30pm

11

Trustee Mtg 7:30pm

12

13 Youth Conference at Camp MoVal Private Party-Frank Purviance

14 First S in Lent Purple Valentines Day

Lenten Food Drive Teacher

Appreciation 9am Adult Bible Study

10am Worship/SS

11:30am Christian Action Mtg Youth Conference event at Camp MoVal

15 The Ivy Vine articles due

Youth Conference event at Camp MoVal

Council Mtg 7pm

16 M&M Wms Grp 1p Confirmation Class w/dinner 4-5:30pm

17 Men's Lunch 11:30am Houlihan's 1085 N Mason Rd. Creve Coeur, MO 314-469-1167

CC Rehearse 7pm

18

19 Setup for Chili Dinner

20 Chili Dinner Serving 4-7pm

No other Reservations

21 2nd S in Lent-Prpl Lenten Food Drive Continues 9am Adult Bible Study 10am Worship/SS

All Church Bowling ANNA:Class-FH 2-6pm

22

23 Confirmation Class 4-5pm

24 CC Rehearse 7pm

25

26 Linda on Vacation

27 Linda on Vacation

28 3rd S in Lent-Prp

Lenten Food Drive Continues 9am Adult Bible Study 10am Worship/SS Linda on Vacation

29 Linda on Vacation

1 Confirmation Class w/dinner 4-5:30pm Linda on Vacation

2 CC Rehearse 7pm Linda on Vacation

3 Linda on Vacation

4 Linda on Vacation

5 Linda on Vacation