St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Transfiguration Sunday/ March 2, 2025
“Just as our love for God begins with listening to God's Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. John Martin
Prelude Ava Janus, Misic Director
*Call to Worship Conrad Heidt, Liturgist
One: The call of the Holy One has brought us together.
Many: We have been called to pray and to praise.
One: We are called to worship and to holy wonder.
Many: May the light of Love burn brightly in us.
One: May it transfigure and transform our hearts and minds.
Many: May it become a beacon of hope for others.
*Hymn No. 182 “Transform Us”
Morning Prayer Conrad Heidt, Liturgist
Holy God, it has been easy to live with our eyes veiled. Too often, we have hidden from the hard realities within us and around us. We have shielded Your light of Love, instead of sharing it. Something deep within has often hardened our hearts, leading to inertia and unfreedom. But there is a deeper longing within. We hunger for the forgiveness and renewal You revealed in Jesus Christ. Forgive us, Holy One, and unveil our eyes and our hearts. With Your shining love, light a path of forgive-ness for us that we may share it with others. By this, we may know the freedom of new life you revealed in Jesus Christ. Amen.
Anthem Chancel Choir
First Lesson Psalm 99 Conrad Heidt, Liturgist
Gospel Lesson Luke 9:28-36
Message “To Be Awake in Christ” Rev. Martin
*Hymn No. 97 “Fairest Lord Jesus”
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. 33 “How Great Thou Art”
*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.
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.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS will meet in the Parlor, 11:15 a.m.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY resumes Tuesday, March 4, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor.
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 Thursdays, 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.
ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, WORSHIP SERVICE, 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Rev. Anderson will be sharing ashes. Lent offers us a special time for reflection and renewal.
ORDER YOUR EASTER LILY. White envelopes (in the pew racks) are due 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week March 2 – March 9
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 / CE & Teacher Meeting 11:00
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Executive 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Ash Wednesday 6:30 p.m./ Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Meditation 12:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
First Sunday in Lent/ Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee hour 11:00
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.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING is received during the month of March. This UCC Mission Offering assists our Christian friends world-wide in the development of health and education, disaster and refugee relief. An offering envelope is included in the March Tidings and available in the Narthex. See an usher for assistance. There is an option of donating through our electronic giving process. Visit us at www.stpaulucctaylor. org/giving, click on the blue Online Giving button, scroll through the “Donations” listing, select UCC – One Great Hour of Sharing and enter the amount of your donation. Please prayerfully consider your gift to those in need.
MARCH COMMUNITY OUTREACH MISSION Thank you to everyone who donated to families impacted by the California wildfires. All donations were sent to the American Red Cross to aid in relief efforts. Throughout March we will be collecting donations, both monetary and material items for the Alzheimer Association and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Material items needed are: nightlights that turn on automatically, digital clocks with large numbers and objects to touch such as small soft stuffed animals and small soft blankets. All are invited to attend a program Sunday, March 16t following the morning worship service. Participants are invited to grab a donut and some coffee and to join us in the church Parlor for the presentation. Please see the following flyer for additional information. Contact the church office to confirm your participation.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Eddie Brainard, John Smith, Harold Fick, Denise Foley, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Debbie Case, Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Diane Brainard, Vicki Simon, Bridget Stephens, Steve Newberry, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Nora Cousino, Andrea Matney, Kelly Potter, 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.