St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday after Pentecost/ June 2, 2024
But the good news is that it matters how we live. A life that
shines in the darkness is a life worth living. A life that makes
other lives matter is one that matters on its own.
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Opening Voluntary John Joannette, pianist
*Call to Worship Kathy Peters, liturgist
One: Come, let us worship the Lord our God,
All: That we might discern the will of our Maker.
One: Come, let us worship the Lord our God,
All: That we might recall the hardships from which God has delivered us.
One: Come, let us worship the Lord our God,
All: That we might become the people God is calling us to be.
*Hymn No. 452 “Here I Am, Lord”
*Prayer of the Day (unison) Kathy Peters, liturgist
As we worship this morning O God, we pray that your spirit will be our strength, your word will be our guide, your love will be our comfort, and your promises will be our hope. This we pray in the name of Jesus the Christ who lived and died yet lives forevermore. Amen.
Anthem “Offertory”
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 5: 12-15 Kathy Peters, liturgist
Gospel Lesson: Mark 2:23-3:6
Message “Do You Know What Day it is?” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 323 “Wonderful Words of Life”
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
Invitation and response (see insert)
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. And 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. 265 “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Closing Voluntary/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world at the close of service.
Call to Confession
What a front we put up for people - strong, successful, unafraid, undiminished by life. Yet, our lives and words reveal to others how fragile and foolish we can be. Let us bring our brokenness, our lives, our hearts to God, so we might be filled with grace and hope. Join me as we pray together,
Unison Prayer of Confession
God of mercy, on ordinary days we crush others under the weight of our unrealistic expectations. We knock down friends and neighbors in our rush to get more for ourselves. We bully those around us with stupid words and angry gestures. We worship strange gods - plastic cards, athletes, celebrities - as we turn away from you. We forget how you have set us free, when we turn our backs on the strangers around us.
So on this day, Gracious God, we pray for your forgiveness. When we could promote ourselves, let us honor those who care for us in ways we do not notice. Instead of pushing people into the shadows, may we walk with them in your light. May we open our hands to serve others with the grace, hope, and peace poured into us through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Silence reflection and Prayer
Assurance of Pardon
No longer are we held captive by our foolish choices or our damaging words. On this day, as well as all the ordinary days, our God blesses us with hope and mercy.
With every instrument possible, but especially with our hearts and lives, may we praise the One who fills us with forgiveness and grace. 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.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake in the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GATHERING upstairs for lesson, movie, snacks, and fun.
COFFEE HOUR follows our service in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited and encouraged to share in coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week June 2 – June 9
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m. / Executive 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Music Sunday/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
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.
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.
GIRL SCOUT TROOP 74590 is collecting cardboard inserts in empty toilet paper rolls for an upcoming project. The last day to drop off the rolls, Sunday, June 9.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Robert Black, Christine Schwab, Fred Miller, Sandi Rose, Lois Rice, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Vicki Simon, Pam Pierce, Justine Kimbler, 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. Condolences to Marilyn Lang and family on the loss of daughter, Nicole Lang, who passed away Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Services will be private. Arrangements by Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, Taylor Chapel.
THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” June’s Mission: Diapers for Jesus’ baby shower. We will collect baby items (diapers/ wipes, etc.) to celebrate Jesus’ half birthday. All items will go to Downriver Pregnancy Resource Center. 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 over the summer. All curriculum, materials and snacks will be provided. A sign-up sheet can be found on the Christian Education Welcome Center desk upstairs. You can also contact Pastor Schalm to secure a date and/or for more information.
GRADUATE NAMES NEEDED FOR OUR PRINTED ROSTER If you or a family member are receiving a high school diploma, G.E.D., college degree, or continuing education certificate since last June, please contact Cindy Romas in the church office by June 11 for inclusion in the Baccalaureate Service June 16. Please note: date change for Baccalaureate Sunday. We will celebrate graduates on June 16. All graduates are invited to participate in gown and mortarboard. Forms are available from an usher or on our web page HERE.