St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
First Sunday of Advent/ December 1, 2024
Luke has shifted the question from “when will these things happen?,” you see, to “how shall we live in the meantime?
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Shirley Lande, pianist
First Advent Sharon Podpora, Louise Stanek
Lighting of the First Advent Candle (Hope)
Hymn No. 128 “One Candle Is Lit” (first verse only)
*Call to Worship Nancy Rabb, liturgist
One: Now, in this holy season of Advent, we wait.
All: For the faithful God is coming to us.
One: Now, in this season of waiting, we listen.
All: For the faithful Word speaks of good news to us.
One: Now, in the waiting and listening, we watch.
All: For the faithful Spirit is moving among us.
*Hymn No. 119 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Brenda Murphy, hymn leader
*Prayer of the Day Nancy Rabb, liturgist
Prepare your way within us, O God, as the new year of life in your Church unfolds. Make of us a people ready to receive you, to learn from you, to receive your gifts, and to live out your calling in mission. Prepare your way within us and fill us with hope, we pray, through the name of the Coming One, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Special Music Shirley Lande, pianist
First Lesson Jeremiah 33:14-16 Nancy Rabb, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Luke 21:25-36
Message “Be on watch. Keep a lookout.” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 5 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
*Doxology
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy ghost. Amen.
Holy Communion (see insert)
Invitation
Hymn No. 354 “Seek Ye First”
Time of Confession
Sung Response: One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many through out the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
Receiving of the Bread and Cup
A Time of Prayer/ Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
*Hymn No. 125 “Come, O Long-expected Jesus”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world at the close of service. *Congregation standing as you are able.
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING You must have a Facebook account to view our Worship Services. An email address is required. It is possible to have a Facebook account not connected to social media. Please contact Dan Case, Gary Peters, or Michael Isaacs for more information.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. At the usher’s bidding, you are invited to come forward to receive both bread and cup from our pastors and elders. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely. You may immediately consume the communion elements before returning to your pew.
COFFEE HOUR TODAY immediately following worship. All are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship.
SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
EXERCISE CLASS Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS must be received in the church office by Sunday, December 29 to be recorded for 2024 tax purposes.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week December 1 – December 8
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
First Sunday of Advent/ Communion/Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour
11:00/ Christmas Decorating
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Thursday Blue Christmas 7:00 p.m.
Friday Christmas Gift & Basket Sale 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday Set up Advent By Candlelight/ Christmas Gift & Basket Sale 12:00 -3:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Christmas Gift & Basket Sale 11-
2:00 p.m./ Advent By Candlelight 6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Sue Mrowka, Council Rep; Jeannette Wackro, Deacon
“BLUE CHRISTMAS” REMEMBERS LOVED ONES Anyone experiencing Christmas without a loved one is invited to a special “Blue Christmas” program on Thursday, December 5, 7 p.m. We will gather in the church parlor and then move to the chancel area of the sanctuary. Bring a photo of your loved one to place on the altar. RSVP to the church office 2 p.m., December 5.
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. St. Paul’s mission for December will be collecting hats, gloves, scarves, and undergarments on behalf of the Salvation Army’s Holiday Shop assisting families in need. All donations should be dropped off by December 8 in the box in the Narthex. The Angel Tree is set up in Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF POINSETTIAS? Our Chancel area will be banked with fresh poinsettias honoring and commemorating loved ones and friends or a special event. The names will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin and posted online throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas. To reserve a poinsettia, use one of the white envelopes in the pews, include $10 per plant, mark the envelope “Poinsettias,” and indicate whom you would like to commemorate. If you purchase through VANCO, please contact the church office with your dedication and quantity. The envelope can be put in the collection plate, handed to an usher, or returned to the church office. Orders are due by December 8.
THE CHIRSTMAS FUND OFFERING for Retired UCC Clergy and Lay Persons will be received any Sunday in December. Your offering provides direct financial assistance via “Thank You” gift checks. Your contributions do make a difference! You will find envelopes in the Narthex and one was included in the Monthly Tidings mailing. You may also use Vanco, our electronic online giving source. Visit us online at www.stpaulucctaylor.org/giving, click on the blue Online Giving button, scroll down to the bottom of the “Donations” listing, and select UCC - Christmas Fund Veterans of the Cross and enter the amount of your donation. On behalf of the Stewardship of St. Paul, God Bless you, Merry Christmas, and Thank you.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Jack Burchard, William Stears, Jr., Debbie Case, Lori Kuhn, Everett Hard, Roger Staten, Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, John Smith, Barbara Brewer, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Vicki Simon, Steve Newberry, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Nora Cousino, Andrea Matney, Kelly Potter, Tes Richardson, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, F. Scott Miller, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Alicia Hagen, Ailani Flores, Sue Milatz, Linda Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Kyle Hard, Bill Pattenaude, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink.
Confession Dec 1, 2024
Call to Confession
We are called to lift up our souls to God.
Often, we would prefer only to lift up the parts of our soul that we are proud of.
But it is equally important that we lift up to God our sins as well.
Let us do so together with honesty and courage.
Prayer of Confession
We are told to be on guard, to be prepared for your coming.
We confess, merciful God, that too often we are lazy
and do not trouble ourselves with the prayerful sabbath
that is required on this Advent road.
Help us to be alert at all times,
to be aware of your presence in our lives.
Make us to know your ways, O Lord;
teach us your paths and lead us in your truth. Hear our prayers as we come to you silently:
This we pray loving God in your holy and merciful name. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The prophet Jeremiah reminds us
that the days are surely coming
when God will fulfill the promise God made to us.
A righteous branch is springing up!
God shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.
The Lord is our righteousness!
Friends, I proclaim to you that our sins are forgiven!
Alleluia! Amen!