St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty–sixth Sunday after Pentecost/ November 17, 2024
"To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." — C.S. Lewis
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. John Martin
Prelude Michelle Good, organist
*Call to Worship Mark Ennis, liturgist
One: Come into this time of worship by the new and living way in Christ Jesus.
Many: We come with true hearts in full assurance of our faith.
One: Come with joyful expectation.
Many: We gather in full confidence of the gospel’s promise.
One: Let us praise God together and open ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit.
Many: That we may encourage and support each other to love our neighbors as ourselves and to be God’s instruments of grace.
*Hymn No. 5 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Mark Ennis
*Opening Prayer Mark Ennis, liturgist
In you, O God, we find refuge from our turbulent world. We work each day to bear witness to your justice through our ministries. While the journey towards true peace that lies ahead is long, our incremental steps continue to take us closer to that promised day. Renew in us the strength, faith, and courage we need to persevere so that the promised day will come when your will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Special Music Michelle Good
First Lesson Psalm 16 Mark Ennis, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Mark 13:1-8 Rev. Martin
A Message Delivered by Rev. John Martin
*Hymn No. 585 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
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 and ever. Amen.
*Hymn No. 622 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
*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 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 lesson, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays, 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.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS conference call meeting Monday, November 18, 6:30 P.M. Please plan on calling in. If you have any items you would like added to the agenda please contact Debbie Case, Chairwoman, today. The call in number is 617-829-6174.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week November 17 – November 24
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Christian Education & Teacher Meeting via Telephone 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:00 p.m./ Cabinet 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Meditation Class 11:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m. / OCC Boxes due
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend Rev. John Martin, Supply Pastor
Michelle Good, organ/ harp; Mark Ennis, Hymn Leader;
Mark Ennis, Liturgist; Dan Case, Council Rep; Teri Staffeld, Deacon
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. Operation Christmas Child is a shoebox ministry providing Christmas gifts and an introduction to Christ distributed to children in need throughout the world.. 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. 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.
SANTA’S MAGIC PLAYGROUND (formally “Santa’s Magic Forest”) coming to Kudo’s Taproom & Fieldhouse, 14100 Pardee Rd., Taylor November 30 through December 22. Wednesday – Friday 4 – 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 12 – 8 p.m. Admission: $5, Children 3 and under are free. Photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus or the Grinch, $10. All proceeds benefit Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry. See: www.flcfp.org for more info.
TAYLOR COMMUNITY CHORUS PRESENTS: “We sing now of Christmas,” Sunday, December 8, 4 p.m. at the Ford Activities Center, 6750 Troy St., Taylor.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Debbie Case, Lori Kuhn, Everett Hard, Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Rosemarie Laslo, John Smith, Barbara Brewer, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Vicki Simon, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Al Wierzbicki, Nora Cousino, 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.