St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday after Christmas/ Epiphany/ January 5, 2025
“They must have had dreams and nightmares both about this particular journey for the rest of their lives as they wondered at its meaning for them and for all the world.” Janet Hunt
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Ava Janus, organist
*Call to Worship Lori Rogers, liturgist
One: Arise; shine, for your light has come!
All: We are called out of our darkness into light.
One: Lift up your eyes and look around.
All: We rejoice in the gift of light.
One: Come let us worship the God of light and joy and peace. and joy and peace All: We come to kneel before the Christ Child, the light incarnate.
*Carol No. 151 “The First Noel,” Choir, hymn leader
*Prayer of the Day Lori Rogers, liturgist
God of promise and light, open our eyes this morning, that we may see your light in the darkness. Open our hearts, that we may perceive your promises of justice and righteousness fulfilled in the babe of Bethlehem. May we, like the Magi, have a star to guide us on our journey quest to find the one who will truly set us free. May this time of worship bring us closer to you, that the good news of the birth of light and love will transform our lives. Amen.
Special Music
First Lesson Isaiah 60:1-6 Lori Rogers, liturgist
*Carol No. 162 “What Child Is This”
Gospel Lesson Matthew 2:1-12
Message “On The Road, Again” Rev. Anderson
*Carol No. 172 “We Three Kings”
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 (see insert)
Invitation
Time of Confession
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 Cup
*Carol No. 168 “Down to Earth”
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.
*Carol No. 143 “Joy to the World”
*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.
Call to Confession
Now is the appointed time. Pour out your hearts to God, bringing those harmful words you spoke, the chances to help you turned your backs on, and the foolish choices of your lives. Offer them to the One who longs to hear us, trusting that God will forgive us.
Unison Prayer for Forgiveness
Our comfortable lives convince us we do not need to follow Jesus, Steadfast God. Our work provides for our wants, so we feel no need for your grace. Our friends are found through social media, so we do not need your community. Our fear of the beliefs and cultures of others makes us sure that we do not need to share your grace with them.
Forgive us for dragging our feet as Jesus' disciples, Compassionate God. May we get up from our comfort zones and step out in faith. May we go to all the uncomfortable places to bring hope. May we proclaim with our lips, but especially with our lives, that the kingdom of love is near, brought by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Silence Meditation
Assurance of Pardon
Now, after we confess, we hear the good news proclaimed. Christ has come! We will trust in God, in whom our salvation rests. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.
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 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. Classes will resume January 12, 10 a.m. Children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts, and fun. BIBLE STUDY will resume Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship. EXERCISE CLASS will resume on a new morning, Thursday, January 9, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & TEACHERS will meet via phone Monday, January 6, 6:00 p.m.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week January 5 – January 12
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m. / Remove Christmas Decorations all week
Monday CE & Teacher Phone in Meeting 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Rev. Linda Anderson, Interim Senior Pastor
Ava Janus, organist; Choir, Hymn leader
Lori Rogers, Liturgist; Sue Mrowka, Council Rep; Jeannette Wackro, Deacon
PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR/ ORGANIST, Ava Janus, who joins us beginning today. Choir practice is most Wednesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. in the West Room. Please contact Tim Ruffner for more information. New voices are always welcome.
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 table during Coffee Hour, by calling the Church office or by calling James Poet, Gary Staffeld, or Dan Case. We need donations that can be used for raffle items or door prizes.
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF OUR CONGREGATION, approving a new budget and electing new Council member is scheduled for Sunday, January 19, following the morning worship service. Your attendance is important to ensure we have a quorum. No Coffee / Fellowship Hour will be held. Ministry reports are due in the office Sunday, January 12, 2025.
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.
OUR JANUARY MISSION is collecting items for the HFHS "Street Medicine" program in conjunction with Michigan State University. Street Medicine is founded upon a commitment to the ideals of social justice and the right to health care for all. Street Medicine providers aim to serve people by bringing empathetic health care to the streets and shelters. Providers offer medical treatment, follow-ups, connections to health education and social services such as housing, trust and respect that so many people have been denied. Each week a student-led medical group works alongside licensed medical providers to serve those on the streets and in shelters. Each patient is offered hygiene items, socks, and warm clothing throughout the winter. A collection box will be set up in the narthex for donations of hygiene items, hats, gloves, socks, and blankets. A street medicine medical provider will be offering more information into this program during a moment of interest in January. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Gary Peters, Edward Brainard, William Stears, Jr., Debbie Case, Everett Hard, Roger Staten, Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, John Smith, 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.