St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost/ November 24, 2024
Fortunate are they who wake up thankful to be alive, awaiting eagerly the events and responsibilities of the day, and who, like all believers, have Someone to whom they can offer thanks.
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Moment of Sharing Toni Hill, Women’s Fellowship
Prelude Michelle Good, organist
*Call to Worship (Psalm 100)
Peggy Staten, liturgist One: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth.
All: Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
One: Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
All: Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.
One: For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
*Hymn No. 718 "Come, Ye Thankful People, Come"
*Morning Prayer Peggy Staten, liturgist
Heavenly Creator and Earthly Guide, we praise you for this privilege of worship. We thank you for this church that you have entrusted with the rich treasure of the gospel of Christ. We are grateful today for all who have gone before us. May we be led in your true and living way and keep the covenants we have made to you. Place your love in our hearts we pray and write your word in our minds. Grant us the assurance of your forgiveness and strengthen us in your ways. Fill our hearts and our lives with praise. Amen.
Special Music Michelle Good
First Lesson Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Peggy Staten, liturgist
#716 Thanksgiving (responsive) Rev. Anderson
Gospel Lesson Matthew 6:24-34
Message “Giving Thanks” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 276 "We Gather Together"
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. 725 “God of the Ages”
*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 lessons, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
NO EXERCISE CLASS Wednesday, November 27. Exercise Class will resume Wednesday, December 4, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week November 24 – December 1
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ OCC boxes due
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 am.
Thursday Happy Thanksgiving/ Office Closed
Friday Office Closed
Saturday Bring Christmas Decorations down from Belfry 9:00 a.m./ Set up Trees
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
First Sunday of Advent/ Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend Rev. Linda Anderson, Interim Senior Pastor
Michelle Good, organ/ harp; Peggy Staten, Liturgist;
Dan Case, Council Rep; Jeannette Wackro, Deacon
“BLUE CHRISTMAS” REMEMBERS LOVED ONES Anyone experiencing Christmas without a loved one is invited to attend a special “Blue Christmas” program on Thursday, December 5, 7 p.m. We will gather in the church parlor and then move for a time of special worship to the chancel of the sanctuary. Participants are encouraged to bring a photo of their loved one with them to place on the altar. The “Blue Christmas” Service will be led by Interim Pastor Linda Anderson. Please RSVP to the church office at 313.291.1221 no later than 2 p.m. on December 5.
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed today. 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 boxes are due today. A huge thank you to Jane Dykowski who wrapped the shoe boxes available in Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
DECK THE HALLS WITH BOUGHS OF POINSETTIAS? Our Chancel area will be banked with fresh poinsettias honoring and commemorating loved ones and friends or a special event in someone’s life. The names of those whom you wish to honor or remember will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin and posted online throughout the Twelve Days of Christmas. To reserve a poinsettia, use one of the white envelopes in the pews, include your $10
contribution per plant, mark the envelope “Poinsettias,” and indicate whom you would like to commemorate. If you purchase through VANCO, please contact the church office with your dedication and quantity. The envelope can be dropped in the collection plate, handed to an usher, or returned to the church office. All orders are due by December 8th.
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 8 in the box in the Narthex. For more information, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: William Stears, Jr., Patricia Olson, Leah Wagner, 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, Steve Newberry, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, 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.