St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany/ February 2, 2025
We continue to reach, continue to point the way, continue to open doors, continue to free the oppressed. Melissa Bane Sevier
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements /Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Conrad Heidt, liturgist
One: Show us your ways, O Lord! Lead us in your truth, and teach us. All: Open our eyes, minds, and hearts to know your will and to follow it.
One: Reveal your vision for us, and keep us focused and faithful to what you would have us do.
All: Bring us together to worship and work for your purpose, and move us forward into your future. Amen.
*Hymn No. 277 “Christians, We Have Met to Worship”
*Prayer of the Day Conrad Heidt, liturgist
Lord God, we have come to worship and to hear what you want to say to us. Permit no spectators in this church. Move us, by your Spirit, as hearers to become doers. May each of us fulfill the ministry to which you have called, for each has received a gift. Each of us is a part of your body. Call us to recognize our gifts and to minister to the varied gifts of each person, even as we stand in awe of such trust and responsibility. Amen.
Anthem Chancel Choir
First Lesson Jeremiah 1:4-10 Conrad Heidt, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Luke 4:14-30
Message “The Sermon” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 586 “Open My Eyes, That I May See”
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/ Time of Confession (see insert)
Invitation
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 Cu
*Hymn No. 612 “O Jesus, I Have Promised”
A Time of Prayer/ The Lord’s Prayer (debt/debtors)
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. And 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/ 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. We observe an “open communion.” Member-ship is not required to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely.
COFFEE HOUR immediately follows worship. All are invited to gather in Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the ever-increasing cost of our yummy refreshments.
SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY Tuesday mornings, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
CHOIR PRACTCE Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. in the West Room. Please contact Music Director, Ava Janus or Tim Ruffner for more information. New voices are always welcome.
EXERCISE CLASS resumes on a new morning, Thursday, 11:00 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week February 2 – February 9
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
THE SEARCH COMMITTEE would like to invite you to join with them in searching for a settled pastor. This is an exciting time for St. Paul UCC, Taylor and your input is important. For more information, please contact Mark Ennis, Search Committee.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN & THEIR FRIENDS are invited to the “2025 Winter Blast” Saturday, February 8, 1:00 - 3:30 pm. Activities include a Bouncy House, Cookie Decorating, and a Winter Craft. Food will be available for purchase at a minimum cost. More details will be available as we get closer to the event. Mark your calendars! We hope to see you there!
FEBRUARY COMMUNITY OUTREACH We will be collecting donations for the American Red Cross to aid in the LA wildfire relief efforts. Thousands of families have lost their homes to the wildfires with some, losing loved ones. The need for assistance is great. In addition to monetary donations, members are invited and encouraged to write a card, a letter or note to a family affected by the fires. You can drop it in the box located in the narthex. All cards, letters, and notes will be sent at the end of the month to the LA Fire department foundation for distribution to families impacted by the fires. And most importantly, let us keep all affected in our prayers. Thank you for your consideration and generosity. Please contact Pastor Schalm for more information.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Eddie Brainard, John Smith, Harold Fick, Denise Foley, Gary Peters, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Debbie Case, Roger Staten, Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, 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.
Condolences to Dean & Penny Hoover, Darla & Ken Barbee and Family and friends on the loss of Barbara Schultz who passed away January 26, 2025, at the age of 84 years. Funeral service was February 1, 2025, at St. Paul UCC.