St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
First Sunday after Christmas/ December 29, 2024
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Prelude Mark Ennis, organist
*Call to Worship (Psalm 100) Jane Dykowski, liturgist
Liturgist: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
All: Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Liturgist: Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
All: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.
Liturgist: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
All: as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without. Amen.
*Hymn No. 162 “What Child Is This”
*Morning Prayer Jane Dykowski, liturgist
God the Immanuel, who at the fullness of time, sent your only Son to this world to be among us full of grace and truth: sanctify us with Your radiance to receive Your revelations. We pray to enliven us to be channels of Your love, so that we may sing the new song of Joy and gladness. We rejoice in being Your children. Help us to share the good news to all people around us, to the ends of the earth. In the name of Jesus Christ the Immanuel, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.
Hymn No. 159 “There’s a Song in the Air!”
First Lesson Revelation 3:14-22 Jane Dykowski, liturgist
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Lesson Luke 2:1-7 Rev. Mathews Congregation: Praise be to Christ
Message “Is Christ part of our Christmas celebration?”
*Hymn No. 150 “Hark! the Herald Angels 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.
Offertory Prayer
Eternal almighty and ever loving God, who has not spared your own Son, but delivered him up for us all, and who, with him, has freely given us all things; receive these offerings which we bring and dedicate to you; and enable us; with all our gifts, so to yield ourselves to you, that with body, soul, and spirit, we may truly and freely serve you, and in your service find our deepest joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN.
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. Amen.
*Hymn No. 190 “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Go out into the world in peace; have courage; hold onto what is good; return no one evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted; support the weak, and help the suffering; honor all people; love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit and may the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain with you always. AMEN.
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.
COFFEE HOUR TODAY immediately following worship. All are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing cost of our yummy donuts.
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL today or January 5. Classes will resume January 12, 10 a.m.
Children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts, and fun.
NO BIBLE STUDY December 31. Bible Study will resume Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
NO EXERCISE CLASS Wednesday, January 1, 2025. We will resume Wednesday, January 8, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
“MISSION SUNDAY” St. Paul’s mission for December is collecting hats, gloves, scarves, and undergarments on behalf of the Salvation Army assisting families in need. All donations should be dropped off in the box in the Narthex. For more information, contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS must be received in the church office today to be recorded for 2024 tax purposes.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week December 29 – January 5
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
No Sunday School/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday New Year’s Eve/ Office Closed
Wednesday Happy New Year/ Office Closed
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Communion / No Sunday School/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews, Pulpit Supply
Mark Ennis, organist; Choir, Hymn leader;
Jane Dykowski, Liturgist;
Sue Mrowka, Council Rep; Jeannette Wackro, Deacon
LAST SUNDAY TO RECEIVE THE CHIRSTMAS FUND OFFERING for Retired UCC Clergy and Lay Persons. Your offering provides direct financial assistance via “Thank You” gift checks. 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. On behalf of the Stewardship of St. Paul, Thank you. For more information, contact Dan Case, Treasurer.
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, 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.