St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost/ July 7, 2024
"Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp". Frederick Buechner
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Tracy Hoffman, Music Director
*Call to Worship
One: My friends, we are called to lives of prayerful awareness of ourselves, of our community, and of the world.
All: We gather to praise the living God, who hears and answers the
outpouring of our prayers.
One: May we be awakened to the voice of Christ who calls us to faithfulness.
All: May our faith be seen in using God’s resources and resourcefulness in serving the world.
*Hymn No. 18 “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”
*Prayer of the Day
Today, O God, we are grateful for the faith that sustains us, for the
hope that inspires us, for the light that guides us, for the love that
comforts us, for the forgiveness that frees us. Above all, O God, we
are grateful for your Son, our Lord, who, by his life death and
resurrection, made faith, hope, light, love, and forgiveness a reality
today. Amen.
Special Music “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” Mark and Sandy Ennis
First Lesson Hebrews 11:1-3, 7-16
Gospel Lesson Luke 12:32-40
Message “An Uneasy Conscience” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 352 “Spirit Song”
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
Hymn No. 495 “Weave”
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
A Time for Prayer/ The 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 and ever Amen.
Hymn No. 677 “Let There Be Peace on Earth”
*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
Call to Confession
We are blessed when we trust in God, but too often we offer our loyalty to idols. We are blessed when we see each other as family, but we prefer to see others as strangers, even enemies. So, let us come with our prayers to the One who loves without reservation and offers compassion without conditions. Join me as we pray, saying,
Unison Prayer of Confession
We must admit, Loving God, that if faith is a trust which cannot be confirmed, it is easier not to trust. If faith is the gut feeling that hope is just around the corner, we prefer to keep our eyes closed. And surely, if faith is to be lived out in difficult moments, we often leave it behind at home.
Call us into your backyard, God of wonder, to point up to the stars and remind us that we cannot begin to imagine, or count, how many times you will forgive us. Give us the trust to have faith in you, the faith to hope in you, and the assurance you will surround us with the grace, hope, and wonder shared with us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Silent reflection and prayer
Assurance of Pardon
Like our grandparents in the faith, we can dare to trust in the promises of God, even without any actual proof staring us in the face. This is the good news of God's love.
We will trust in those things that last, in the grace, which counts, in the mercy no one can take away from us. 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 if you need more information.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GATHERING upstairs for lesson, crafts, snacks, and fun.
COFFEE HOUR follows our worship service. 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 increasing price of our yummy donuts.
ALL LADIES ARE INVITED to attend the Women’s Fellowship summer luncheon on Thursday, July 11, 12:30 p.m. We will gather between 12 and 12:30 at the Woodside Meadows Golf Course, 20820 Inkster Rd., Romulus. Please RSVP to Chairwoman, Toni Hill or the church office (313.291.1221) so we can give the restaurant a count.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week July 7 – July 14
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:00 p.m.
Thursday Women’s Fellowship Luncheon 12:30 p.m. Woodside Meadows
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 / Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting 11:00
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Rev. Linda Anderson, Interim Senior Pastor
Mark and Sandy Ennis, Liturgists
Louise Stanek, Council Rep
Jeannette Wackro, Deacon
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.
NO EXERCISE CLASS Wednesday, July 10 and Thursday, July 11. Class will resume on Wednesday, July 17, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room.
THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. July’s Mission: Bear Patrol. Donate a new stuffed bear (or any animal) for police and CPS workers to give to children facing trauma. A donation box is in the Narthex for anyone interested in donating. Please contact Pastor Schalm with any questions.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS SOUGHT TO TEACH one Sunday from July 7 – September 1. All curriculum, crafts and snacks are provided. A sign-up sheet is on the Christian Education Welcome Center desk upstairs. Contact Pastor Schalm to secure a date and/or for more information.
WORSHIP PLANNING MINISTRY will gather Tuesday, July 9, 5 p.m. in the parlor. All deacons and elders are invited.
JOIN US FOR OUR 8TH ANNUAL ‘STEAK FRY’ Saturday, August 10, 4 – 7 p.m. (or until the steaks run out). Tickets are $18 and include New York Strip Steak or Chicken Breast, baked potato (regular or sweet), corn on the cob, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and beverage (coffee, ice tea, lemonade or water). For an additional $3 you can include a 5-piece skewer of grilled shrimp with your dinner. Advance ticket purchase is available at the Kiosk during Coffee Hour and in the Church Office during business hours (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.). There may be a limited number of tickets available for purchase at the door on the day of the dinner. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jim Poet, Gary Staffeld, or Dan case.
WEARING NAME TAGS WILL HELP everyone put a name to our faces. If you need to update or get a new tag, please contact the church office. Cost is $9.00.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: DeAnna Schalm, Dennis Schmoekel, Justine Kimbler, Betty Mayfield, Robert Black, Fred Miller, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, F. Scott Miller, Destin Fazendin, Vicki Simon, Pam Pierce, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Diane Brainard, Tony Koths, Ron Cichowicz, Brody Howell, 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, Steve, neighbor, Vicki and Dale Simon.