St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Third Sunday in Lent/ March 23, 2025
“The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” ~Jane Goodall
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
Announcement highlights Peggy Staten, liturgist
*Call to Worship Peggy Staten, Liturgist
One: Gather in, you who are starving for spiritual sustenance as well as physical nourishment. God is with you.
All: Gather in, you voiceless and you who have no power or authority. God is with you.
One: Gather in, you who question and doubt and wonder about God’s existence. God is with you.
All: In every trial and tribulation, God is present with the hungry, the marginalized, the anxious and afraid. Come and worship God.
*Hymn No. 517 “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling”
*Morning Prayer Peggy Staten, liturgist.
Merciful God, you have set the heaven above us as a sign of your splendor; you water the earth and cause it to bloom. With Christ as the vine and we the branches, our lives can reflect the radiance of your love and glory. Wherever we look we see your benevolence; with the dawn comes new life because of your grace. We gather to worship, praise and adore you, God of all mercy and joy subline. Amen.
Special Music “Gentle Shepherd,” Mark Ennis, Soloist
First Lesson Isaiah 55:1-9 Peggy Staten, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Luke 13:1-9
Message “What do we hunger and thirst for?” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 33 “How Great Thou Art”
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. 439 “God, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing”
*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. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
MEDITATION CLASS meets on Thursdays, 12 noon (following exercise class) in the Parlor.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, March 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 26, 6:30 p.m. discussing “Walking with Jesus”.
Calendar Week March 23 – March 30
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.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. 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 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). Your help is needed for each dinner. To volunteer, please contact Jim Poet or the church office.
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 Roster’ is published in the Easter morning bulletin and on the church website. $10 each.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION INVITES CANDY DONATIONS for their upcoming Easter Party and Egg Hunt Sunday, April 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m. Donations can be dropped off upstairs at the Welcome Desk or in the Church office. Egg Hunt will be outside, weather permitting.
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 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.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Eddie Brainard, John Smith, Denise Foley, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Kathe Stears, Debbie Case, Dave Schmoekel, Bob Robinson, 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.