St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty – Second Sunday after Pentecost/ October 20, 2024
Who in your life would you describe as selfless? When do you find yourself struggling to offer help to another person? "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." Annie Dillard
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Carrie Orlando
Prelude Michelle Good, organist
*Call to Worship Sharon Podpora, liturgist
One: We greet this morning with joy!
All: We greet this morning with hopeful anticipation for opportunities which will be ours in the week ahead.
One: We greet this time of prayer and praise with hope in God's promises.
All: We greet this morning fully aware that we are God's people called to be servants to the world.
One: We greet you God with open hearts and open hands.
All: We greet each moment as one to be fully lived with the help of God and the mercy of God's grace. Enfold your church with your Spirit, O God, so we can fully live the example of your Son no matter what we may face. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
*Hymn No. 66 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” Mark Ennis, hymn leader
*Morning Prayer Sharon Podpora, liturgist
One: Let us pray as one holy people of God.
All: O God of majesty and might, you have breathed life in us and gathered us as your people: Set our hearts in you and open our eyes to those who need your merciful care and compassion. Let us become servant people who do not count the cost of following in the footsteps of your Son. Lead us in grace and mercy so that others may see you in us. Amen.
Special Music Michelle Good, accompanist
First Lesson Job 38:1-7 (34-41) Sharon Podpora, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Mark 10:35-45 Rev. Orlando
Message “In Over Our Heads”
*Hymn No. 589 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
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 host. 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. 18 “All People That on Earth Do Dwell”
*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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY gathers on Tuesday, 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. They also meet the first Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY’S annual Trunk or Treat event is this evening, 4-7 p.m. in our circular drive. Candy donations can be dropped off upstairs in the Welcome center in the silver tub. You are welcome to decorate your trunk and join us. For more information, see Sheri Herkimer.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week October 20– October 27
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Carrie Orlando
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Trunk or Treat 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend Carrie Orlando, Pulpit Supply
Michelle Good, Accompanist; Mark Ennis, Hymn Leader; Sharon Podpora, Liturgist;
Louise Stanke, Council Rep; Jeannette Wackro, Deacon; Diane Poet, acolyte
WATCH THIS SPACE for upcoming CHRISTMAS GIFT & BASKET SALE information.
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. October Community Outreach We will be collecting monetary donations for Hurricane Helene and Milton relief efforts by the American Red Cross. Many groups providing aid will only accept cash donations because the needs are not fully known yet. Cash donations do not require additional resources to get aid to those in need. Food and clothing drives may be helpful later in the process in specific communities, but at this time it can divert manpower to connect the right people with the right items. Donation baskets are in the narthex and in Fellowship Hall. Checks can be made out to St. Paul UCC. Please note on the check that it is for Hurricane Relief. One check will then be sent to the American Red Cross. Please contact Pastor Schalm with any questions. Operation Christmas Child, St. Paul’s monthly mission for October/ November, will benefit children in need throughout the world. Operation Christmas Child, a shoebox ministry providing Christmas gifts and an introduction to Christ kicks-off today. 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 17. 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.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Dave Schmoekel, Pam Jones, Patricia Olson, Rosemarie Laslo, John Smith, Barbara Brewer, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Robert Black, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Vicki Simon, 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, all affected by the hurricanes.