St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Third Sunday after Advent/ December 15, 2024
Christmas Pageant
Today we reflect upon the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation He has gifted us. How do you enable the anticipation and promise of that gift to fill you with joy in both the best and worst of times?
Announcements/ Welcome Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Prelude Wendy Warner, pianist
*Call to Worship (unison) Peggy Staten, liturgist
Joyful God, we give you thanks for the ways you renew us with joy, and for the joy we can bring to each other. We ask that in the Advent time of preparation, we may glimpse your gladness and hear your voice singing over us. Amen.
Third Advent Reading Eleanor & Lizzie Ruffner
Lighting of the Third Advent Candle (Joy)
*Hymn No. 128 “One Candle is Lit (vs. 1-3) Tim Ruffner, hymn leader
*Prayer of the Day Peggy Staten, liturgist
One: Let us join together in this morning’s responsive prayer.
All: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
One: We give thanks to you, O God, for the promise of full joy that this season brings to light.
All: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.
One: For all the troubles life can bring, you bring amazing possibilities that fill our hearts with joy.
All: Happy are those whose help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. Renew in us this day the promises of light after darkness, day after night, hope after despair, joy in this and every morning, for our trust is in you. Amen.
Hymn No. 132 “When God Is a Child”
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.
Scripture Lesson Psalm 16:5-11 Peggy Staten, liturgist
Sunday School Christmas Pageant “The Birth of Jesus”
Congregation Participation
Hymns: No. 144 O Little Town of Bethlehem, No. 147 Away in a Manger, No. 143 Joy to the World, No. 172 We Three Kings, No. 148 O Come, All Ye Thankful
Closing Words
The 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. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude/ Blessing for lunch: Please remain in your seats as we have a blessing for lunch.
*Congregation standing as you are able.
NO FACEBOOK LIVE STREAMING THIS SUNDAY, December 15, 2024 Service. The 2024 Christmas Pageant is being held in Fellowship Hall and we do not have Facebook Live capability in the Hall. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. Regular Facebook Live streaming will continue on Sunday, December 22, 2024.
NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY All are invited to browse through the West Room. There’s many Christmas Gifts and Baskets available for purchase. Select items are half price! For more information contact Jane Dykowski or Peggy Staten.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL children and GIRL SCOUT TROOP 74590 are presenting their 2024 pageant, “The Birth of Jesus” in our Fellowship Hall this morning. A luncheon and Cookie Walk will follow the pageant; and, we may get a surprise from a jolly ole elf! No Sunday School December 29 or January 5. Classes will resume January 12, 10 a.m.
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. No exercise classes December 25 and January 1, 2025. We will resume January 8.
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 15 – December 22
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Third Sunday of Advent/ Sunday School Pageant 10:00 a.m. / Luncheon & Cookie Walk
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Fourth Sunday of Advent/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Wendy Warner, pianist; Tim Ruffner, Hymn leader;
Peggy Staten, liturgist; Eleanor & Lizzie Ruffner, Advent readers;
Sue Mrowka, Council Rep; Teri Staffeld, Deacon
OUR CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE LIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE is 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The Church office will be closed Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, December 26. Communion will be served.
THIS SUNDAY WE CONTINUE TO COLLECT hats, gloves, scarves, and undergarments on behalf of the Salvation Army’s Holiday Shop assisting families in need. The Angel Tree is set up in Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
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: 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, Beverly Sitz, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Vicki Simon, Steve Newberry, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Nora Cousino, Andrea Matney, Kelly Potter, Tess 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.
Our mission at St. Paul United Church of Christ is to promote God’s plan of salvation in our church, family, and community. Knowing that all blessings come from God, we seek to share these in the church universal and proclaim God’s good news of His love and compassion bringing together all people in Jesus Christ.