St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
First Sunday in Lent/ March 9, 2025
As we stand on the edge of the season of Lent, we are offered a chance to explore the hard work of growing in obedience.
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Sharon Podpora, Liturgist
ONE: Most holy God, your majesty is exceeded only by your love.
ALL: Grant us, in our worship to you, penitence in the presence of your holiness.
ONE: Provide us reverence at the thought of your majesty.
ALL: Grant us confidence in the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*Hymn No. 179 “Forty Days and Forty Nights”
*Opening Prayer Sharon Podpora, Liturgist
We thank you, O God, for your son, Jesus Christ, who strengthens us to stand firm against the devil’s temptations, trusting instead in your ever-present saving word, and offering our worship and service to you alone. Amen.
Anthem Chancel Choir
Ministry Moment
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”
Jesus loves the little children, All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, They are precious in His sight – Jesus loves the little children of the world.
First Lesson Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Sharon Podpora, Liturgist
Gospel Lesson Luke 4:1-13
Message “The Holy Spirit Did It” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 622 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
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/ Time of Confession (see insert)
Invitation
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 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. 715 “Now Thank We All Our God”
*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.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY meets at 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Join us for lively discussion and fellowship.
CHOIR PRACTCE Wednesday evenings, 6:00 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.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY evenings, March 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, we will gather for Discussion, Meditation and Refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Our talks will center around what the church has meant to us, individually and as a community, what it means today, and what it means to the future. Please come and share your thoughts and ideas. As we share this Lenten journey, may it be filled with prayer, fellowship and good thoughts. See you on Wednesday, March 12, 6:30 p.m. discussing “Why the Church?”
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 9 – March 16
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
First Sunday in Lent/ Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Lenten Study 6:30 p.m./ Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Meditation 12:00 p.m.
Friday Fish Supper 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee hour 11:00/ Alzheimer’s Education 11:30 - Parlor
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. During March we will be collecting donations, both monetary and material 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 16 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, Denise Foley, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Kathe Stears, Debbie Case, Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Diane Brainard, Bridget Stephens, Krystal Grant, Steve Newberry, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Nora Cousino, 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. Condolences to the Family & friends of Gloria Lakatos who passed away March 3, 2025, at the age of 96 years. Funeral service was Saturday, March 8, 2025, Voran Funeral Home, Taylor Chapel.