St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourth Sunday in Lent/ March 30, 2025
Standing at the center of our life is the God who says to us, "Everything I have is yours. All that I am is for you, and I've been waiting on you." Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Kathy Williams, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Kathy Williams
One: Do you feel it? God's kingdom is beneath our feet.
All: We live in the new creation shaped by God out of our brokenness. One: Do you know it? God's reconciling love in Christ has shattered our ways of viewing people. All: No longer do we label our sisters and brothers; we welcome them with open arms.
One: Do you believe it? God has made everything, including us, new, and sends us forth to share this good news with everyone!
*Hymn No. 543 “Blessed Assurance”
*Prayer of the Day Kathy Williams
God of all glory, on the first day you began creation, bringing light out of dark-ness. On another first day you began your new creation raising Jesus Christ out of the darkness of death. On this Lord’s Day grant that we, the people you create by water and the spirit, may be joined with all your works in praising you for your great glory. Through Christ, in union with the Holy Spirit, we praise you now and forever. Amen.
Special Music
First Lesson Joshua 5:9-12 Kathy Williams
Gospel Lesson Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Message “Family Matter’s” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 195 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
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. 450 “God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian”
*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, 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. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated. No class April 10.
MEDITATION CLASS meets on Thursdays, 12 noon in the Parlor. No class April 10.
LENTEN WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, April 2, and April 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, April 2, 6:30 p.m. in the Parlor.
Calendar Week March 30 – April 6
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./ Girl Scout Sunday/ Communion
2025 LENTEN FISH DINNERS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our congregation is hosting drive-thru fish dinners on Friday, April 4, and April 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. Please RSVP to the church office (313.291.1221).
LAST SUNDAY TO SUPPORT “ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING” OFFERING which assists in the world-wide development of health and education, disaster and refugee relief. See an usher for an envelope/assistance. For electronic giving, visit 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.
MARCH COMMUNITY OUTREACH MISSION Last Sunday to collect donations for the Alzheimer Association. 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.
April Community Outreach Kindness is mentioned throughout the Bible. As God’s chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. For the remainder of Lent, our community outreach will revolve around doing “random acts of kindness” for others, to include: those within our homes, our extended families, our neighbors, those within our communities and strangers. These selfless acts are meant to show others that they are cared for and to help us put the needs of others first. This Lenten initiative allows the Holy Spirit to bear good fruit through us. You are encouraged to do one random act of kindness per day for the remainder of Lent… and beyond! Listed below are several ideas and suggestions. Please feel free to share your random acts of kindness by posting them on the board located in the Narthex. May the Light of Christ shine in and through you! Blessings ~ Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Ideas/Suggestions for Random Acts of Kindness
*Give a stranger a compliment *Cook a meal for a friend *Call/visit your grandparents, sick or elderly *Pay for someone’s meal *Tell someone you’re grateful for them *Bring snacks for your coworkers *Offer your seat to someone *Leave a close parking spot for someone else * Invite someone over *Ignore the mess, enjoy *Make a donation of clothes or other items *Send a video message to someone far away *Leave an encouraging note on someone’s car *Lend a friend a favorite book or movie *Pay for someone’s gas *Clean up litter around your neighborhood *Send a letter to a friend rather than text *Warmly smile at every one you see today *Give money or food to a homeless person *Affirm someone in front of others *Call a friend that you haven’t talked to *Do a friend/family member’s laundry *Actively listen *Let someone in front of you in line *Forgive someone *Give someone flowers or a plant *Avoid complaining *Leave a generous tip at a restaurant *Email someone who deserves recognition *Leave a treat/baked good for a neighbor.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Eddie Brainard, John Smith, Denise Foley, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Kathe Stears, 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.