St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty – fifth Sunday after Pentecost/ November 10, 2024
Stewardship Sunday
"The longer we read the scriptures the clearer it becomes: we must expect the unexpected." Anna Shirey
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude “America the Beautiful” James Poet, soloist
*Call to Worship Conrad Heidt, liturgist
One: All are welcome in this place, where God meets us in love.
All: Why are we here? We are here to love God with all that we have and all that we are.
One: You are welcome in this place, where God loves us as children.
All: Why are we here? We are here to love ourselves as deeply as God loves us.
One: Welcome to this place, where God serves us at the table of love and grace.
All: Why are we here? We are here to be sent forth to love others as deeply as we love God and ourselves.
*Hymn No. 464 “God of Grace and God of Glory” Tim Ruffner, hymn leader
*Opening Prayer Conrad Heidt, liturgist
Loving God, You who have created us and sustain us: we come with thanksgiving for these moments when we can ease the pace of our lives and listen for your voice. Create a spirit within us that truly draws us toward you and toward our brothers and sisters, a spirit deep, perceptive, gentle and bold. Clear our minds, open our hearts and touch us with your presence and your power. We offer this prayer in the name of our Lord, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Special Music Micah 6:8 Michelle Good, harpist
Ministry Moment Rev. Anderson
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”
First Lesson Micah 6:1-8 Conrad Heidt, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Mark 12:38-44
Message Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 608 “I Would Be True”
Stewardship Moment Karen Hill
Presentation: Tithes & Offerings/ Blessing of Commitment Cards
*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 and ever Amen.
*Hymn No. 86 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
*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.
TODAY IS STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY -- an occasion to reflect upon God’s gifts to us, as well as his call to be faithful stewards of resources he makes possible for our needs, and for sharing with others through our church’s ministry. Everyone is encouraged to complete a Faith Commitment card and drop it in the Narthex tithe box or return it to the office. Faith Commitment cards will be received throughout November.
COFFEE HOUR TODAY immediately following worship. All are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing cost of our yummy refreshments. Please give. We are also in need of small groups to host Coffee Hours. For more information contact Sue Mrowka, Council President.
SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY resumes Tuesday, November 12, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
EXERCISE CLASS Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week November 10 – November 17
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Stewardship Sunday/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Meditation Class 11:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend Linda Anderson, Interim Senior Pastor
Michelle Good, organ/ harp; Tim Ruffner, Hymn Leader;
Conrad Heidt, Liturgist; Dan Case, Council Rep; Teri Staffeld, Deacon
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT Sunday December 8, 6:45 pm. This is a beautiful Christmas program to start the Advent season. All ladies are invited! We need of ladies to host tables. We also have extra spaces available for ladies who would like to attend. The sign-up sheet is available at coffee hour. Please sign up by November 30. Any questions call the church office or contact Marilyn Lang, or Peggy Staten, 734.740.0647.
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. Operation Christmas Child, St. Paul’s mission for November, will benefit children in need throughout the world. Operation Christmas Child is a shoebox ministry providing Christmas gifts and an introduction to Christ. All are invited to pick up a wrapped shoebox in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour, fill it with small gifts (a brochure with gift ideas will be included), tag the box with the appropriate label that will be included and return the box by November 24. All shoeboxes will be distributed to children in need throughout the world. Those not able to fill a shoebox are encouraged to purchase small gifts (hygiene items, small toys, crayons, small notebooks, etc.) and place them in the box in the narthex. Those items will be used to fill shoeboxes. A huge thank you to Jane Dykowski who wrapped the shoe boxes. For more information, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY IS COLLECTING HATS, GLOVES, SCARVES AND UNDERGARMENTS on behalf of the Salvation Army’s Holiday Shop assisting families in need. All donations should be dropped off by December 6 in the box in the Narthex. For more information, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Debbie Case, Lori Kuhn, Everett Hard, Dave Schmoekel, Nancy Rabb, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, John Smith, Barbara Brewer, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Vicki Simon, Bill Stears, Jr., Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Al Wierzbicki, 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. Happy Birthday to Toni Hill who celebrates on November 12! Condolences to Bev Gunther, family & friends on the loss of Al Gunther who passed Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of years. Memorial Service is Saturday, November 16, 2024, 10 a.m. at St. Paul UCC, Taylor.