St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday after Epiphany/ January 19, 2025
Annual Congregational Meeting
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” Albert Einstein
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Opening/ Recessing of Annual Meeting Suzanne Mrowka, President
Prelude Ava Janus, organist
*Call to Worship Sharon Podpora, liturgist
ONE: We come this day, Precious God, as people in need of your steadfast love: ALL: with you is the fountain of life; in your Light we see light. ONE: We gather this day, Water-changing God, as people looking for signs: ALL: with you is the fountain of grace; in your Hope we see hope. ONE: We worship this day, Gifting God, as people who confess Jesus as our Lord: ALL: with you is the fountain of joy; in your Life we see life.
*Hymn No. 2 “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
*Opening Prayer Sharon Podpora, liturgist
God, our God, as you were with the wedding party in Cana of Galilee, be with us here today. Fill this place with the presence of your Holy Spirit. Fill the water jugs of our souls this day with new and fresh wine from your wine cellar. The wine of yesterday is stale. Today, God, help us to know that the best wine is yet to come. Let us taste and see your goodness. Show yourself to be powerful, empowering, and awesome this day and for all times to come. In the name of Jesus the Christ, we pray. Amen.
Choir Anthem
First Lesson Isaiah 62:1-5 Sharon Podpora, liturgist
Gospel Lesson John 2:1-11
Message “Our Time Has Come” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 705 “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”
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. 494 “They’ll Know We Are Christians”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Reopening of the Annual Meeting Suzanne Mrowka, President
*Congregation standing are 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.
NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY All are invited to remain for the Annual Meeting of our Congregation immediately following our service. We are approving a new budget and electing new Council members. Your attendance is important to ensure we have a quorum.
PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR/ ORGANIST, Ava Janus. Choir practice is Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. in the West Room. Please contact Tim Ruffner for more information. New voices are always welcome.
SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for a movie, lessons, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY Tuesday mornings, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
EXERCISE CLASS resumes on a new morning, Thursday, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
SEW ‘N SEWS SEWING GUILD meet Thursday, January 18, 10 a.m. in the West Room. Bring a sandwich. Dessert and coffee are provided. No sewing experience necessary. Join us for ‘food for thought.’ Contact Janet Staffeld, chairwoman, for more info.
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!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week January 19 – January 26
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Annual Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m.
Monday Office closed
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m. / Fish Dinner Cabinet Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Sunday School 10:00 / Rischel Family Baptism/ Coffee hour 1100 a.m.
ST PAUL BUILDING & GROUNDS MINISTRY is hosting its Annual Wild Game Dinner Saturday, February 1, 2025. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $45/each and can be purchased at the KIOSK during Coffee Hour, contact the Church office or contact James Poet, Gary Staffeld, or Dan Case. Donations for raffle items/ door prizes needed.
CHRISTMAS GIFT & BASKET SALE. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our event. Income was $3,624.00. Included is money from Conrad Heidt’s glass items sales and money from the Sew ‘n Sews items sales. Profits were shared between Christian Education and Women’s Fellowship. The continuation is being evaluated. Your input is appreciated. Please share your thoughts with Peggy Staten or Jane Dykowski.
THE SEARCH COMMITTEE would like to invite you to join with us in searching for a new settled pastor. This is an exciting time for St. Paul UCC, Taylor. For more information, please contact Mark Ennis, search committee.
DECEMBER COMMUNITY OUTREACH CONCLUDES and January Community Outreach Begins A huge thank you to who purchased a gift for a child on the Angel Tree and/or donated hats, gloves, undergarments and other winter accessories. All toys and items were delivered to the Salvation Army to be included in their Family Christmas Shop. Throughout January we will be collecting items for HFHS "Street Medicine" program in conjunction with Michigan State University. Street Medicine is founded upon a commitment to social justice and the right to health care for all. Street Medicine providers bring empathetic health care to the streets and shelters. Providers offer medical treatment, follow-up, health education and social services such as housing, and most importantly, the compassion, trust and respect that so many people have been denied. Each week student-led medical groups work alongside licensed medical providers to serve those on the streets and in shelters. In keeping with the program's philosophy of caring for the whole person, each patient is offered hygiene items, socks, hats, gloves, and warm clothing throughout the winter. A collection box is set up in the narthex for all those who would like to help support this program through the donation of hygiene items, hats, gloves, socks, and blankets. A street medicine medical provider will be offering information and insight into this program during a moment of interest on January 26. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: John Smith, Denise Foley, Gary Peters, Edward Brainard, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Barbara Schultz, 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 the Gish Family on the loss of Chris Lamore who passed away January 9, 2025, at the age of 42 years. Service was January 14, 2025.