St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany/ February 23, 2025
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Pam Lange, liturgist
Liturgist: O God of peace, we come before you, not alone, but in the company of one another. We share our happiness with each other:
All: It becomes greater.
Liturgist: We share our troubles with one another:
All: They become smaller.
Liturgist: We share one another's grief and burden:
All: Their weight becomes possible to bear.
Liturgist: We share our work and witness to each other:
All: We are inspired and challenged.
Liturgist: We share our failures and disappointments:
All: We are comforted and strengthened.
All: For in sharing, we learn to live in peace; in sharing we learn to love; in sharing we encounter the meaning of life, the mystery of our existence - and discover you. Amen.
*Hymn No. 65 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
*Morning Prayer Pam Lange, liturgist
Almighty and merciful God from whom comes all that is good, we praise you for your mercies, for your goodness that has created us, your grace that has sustained us, your discipline that has corrected us, your patience that has borne with us, and your love that has redeemed us. Help us to love you, and to be thankful for all your gifts. Through your goodness we have the gift of our salvation and we pray to accept and use us for your glory, and for the service of your kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Anthem Chancel Choir
First Lesson James 1:1-12 Pam Lange, liturgist
Gospel Lesson John 15:1-8
Message “Reward Waits for the one who Perseveres Under Trials” Rev. Mathews
*Hymn No. 64 “We Sing Your Mighty Power, O God”
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 Rev. Mathews
Holy God, who through your dear Son has consecrated for us a new and living way to your throne of grace, we come to you through him, unworthy as we are, and we humbly ask you to accept and use us and these our gifts for your glory. All that is in heaven and earth is yours, and of your own do we give to you. 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. 632 “Lead On, O King Eternal”
*Dismissal with Blessing
May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among 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 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.
THE OFFICE WILL CLOSE AT 12 NOON Wednesday, February26.
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.
MEDITATION CLASS will begin meeting on Thursday, February 20 approximately 12 noon (following exercise class) in the Parlor.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week February 23 – March 2
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday Office will close at 12 noon/ Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Sewing Guild 10:30 a.m./ Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Meditation 12:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
ORDER YOUR EASTER LILY. White envelopes (found in the pew racks) are due no later than Sunday, April 6. Lilies will be displayed in the sanctuary on Easter morning and can be taken after service. Please indicate whom you would like to honor or commemorate. The ‘Lily List’ is published in the Easter morning bulletin and on the church website. $10 each.
2025 LENTEN FISH DINNERS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our congregation is hosting drive-thru fish dinners on Friday, March 14, 21, 28, April 4, and 11, 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. or until we run out of fish. Menu: three pieces of Cod, Cole slaw, French fries, roll/ butter, and a pie slice or brownie. The children’s meal is two pieces of fish plus everything else in the adult meal. Dinners are $15.00 adults and $5.00 (4-12 years). Under 4 eats free. Volunteer help is needed for each dinner. To volunteer, please contact Jim Poet or the church office.
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 description of each position can be obtained by contacting the church office or by speaking to Toni Hill or Michael Isaacs, Trustees.
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.