St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday in Lent/ March 16, 2025
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Brenda Murphy, Liturgist Psalm 19:7-14 (ESV)
One: The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
All: the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
One: the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
All: More to be desired are they than gold even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
One: Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
All: Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. One: Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
All: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.
*Hymn No. 180 “Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days”
*Morning Prayer Brenda Murphy, Liturgist Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God's people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Lord God, Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. AMEN.
Anthem Chancel Choir
First Lesson Jonah 3:1-5 Brenda Murphy, Liturgist
Gospel Lesson Matthew 9:14-17
Message “Observing Lent” Rev. Mathews
*Hymn No. 501 “There Is a Balm in Gilead”
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.
Offertory prayer Rev. Mathews
O God, you have given us a new and living way to offer ourselves to you. Though unworthy as we are, we come to you through your Son Jesus of Nazareth; and in his name we ask you to accept and use us and these gifts for your glory. All that is created is yours and everything that we can offer already belongs to you. 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. 635 “Faith of Our Fathers”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. May the grace of God enfold you, love of Christ uphold you, and the Spirit of truth set you free. Go forward in faith. May god bless us. AMEN.
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. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
MEDITATION CLASS meets on Thursdays, 12 noon (following exercise class) in the Parlor.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, March 19, 26, April 2, and 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 19, 6:30 p.m. discussing “Being With the Living Jesus”.
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 16 – March 23
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00/ Alzheimer’s Education 11:30 - Parlor
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:00 p.m./ Cabinet 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Lenten Study 6:30 p.m./ Choir Practice 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Sewing Guild 10:00 am./ 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. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
2025 LENTEN FISH DINNERS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our congregation is hosting drive-thru fish dinners on Friday, March 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.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION INVITES CANDY DONATIONS for their upcoming Easter Party and Egg Hunt Sunday, April 13, 2025, Palm Sunday, 10:00 a.m. Donations can be dropped off upstairs at the Welcome Desk or in the Church office. Egg Hunt outside, weather permitting.
TAYLOR CONSERVATORY FOUNDATION “SPEAKEASY” ANNUAL SPRING GALA Saturday, March 22, at the Lakes of Taylor, 25505 Northline Road, Taylor. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Buffet and Bar, 7 p.m. Raffles and Live Band. $70 per person, $500 table of 8. See flyer in the office for purchasing tickets, sponsorship levels and advertising opportunities.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING received during the month of March. This Mission Offering assists Christians world-wide in the development of health and education, disaster and refugee relief. An envelope is available in the Narthex. See an usher for assistance. To donate through our electronic giving, 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 grab a donut and coffee and join us in the Parlor for a program following the worship service.
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, Julie Renner, 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.