St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany/ February 16, 2025
“Those in the circle of Christ had no doubt of his love; those in our circles should have no doubt about ours.” Max Lucado
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. John Martin
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Christine Schwab, liturgist
One: Happy are those who delight in the law of the Holy One. Meditate on God’s word day and night.
Many: Our Sovereign God watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
One: Happy are those who delight in the law of the Holy One. Plant yourself like a tree and yield good fruit in due season.
Many: Our Sovereign God watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
One: Happy are those who delight in the law of the Holy One. Prosper in all that you do according to kingdom measures.
Many: Our Sovereign God watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
*Hymn No. 214 “Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me”
*Morning Prayer Christine Schwab, liturgist
Abiding God, you come near to us. We give thanks that you do not turn away from us when our lives reflect messiness, ungraciousness, and complacency. Take us deeper, O God, and help us to confront what needs to be known, addressed, and changed within us, our community, and our world. Forgive us and free us from guilt and shame so that we might embrace a life of accountability and transformation for the glory of God and for the hope of humanity. Amen.
Anthem Chancel Choir
First Lesson Psalm 1 Christine Schwab, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Luke 6:17-26 Rev. Martin
Message “To Whom Much Is Given” Rev. Martin
*Hymn No. 340 “Softly and Tenderly”
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.
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. 585 “What a Friend We Have in 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.
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.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY is on a short hiatus while Rev. Linda Anderson is on vacation. Bible Study will resume on Tuesday, March 4, 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 Thursday, 11:00 a.m. Upstairs. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week February 16 – February 23
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Sewing Guild 10:30 a.m./ Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help prepare our famous St. Paul coleslaw Saturday, February 22, 8 a.m. to cut cabbage and at 9:30 to cut peppers and carrots and begin the mixing process. Free donuts and coffee are available for volunteers. Please contact Jim Poet if you are available to volunteer to help. Any time you can share is greatly appreciated.
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.
COUNCIL POSITIONS STILL OPEN: 1st Vice-President (2 year commitment), one Trustee (3 year commitment), two Deacons (2 year and 3 year commitment). Please prayerfully consider filling one of these positions. A complete description of the position can be obtained by contacting the church office or by speaking to Toni Hill or Michael Isaacs, Trustees.
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.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Eddie Brainard, John Smith, Harold Fick, Denise Foley, 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, Diane Brainard, 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.