St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost/ October 27, 2024
Reformation Sunday
"Don't start looking in the Bible for the answers it gives. Start by listening for the questions it asks." "When you hear the question that is your question, then you have already begun to hear much.” (Frederick Buechner)
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Michelle Good, organist
*Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 96) Christine Schwab, liturgist
One: O sing to God a new song!
ALL: Sing to God, all of us throughout this earth.
One: Sing throughout our lives. In our song, bless the name of God.
ALL: Exclaim God’s salvation from morning until night.
One: Declare God’s glory and marvelous works
ALL: For great is God, and with excitement, we join in praise.
*Hymn No. 65 “A Mighty Fortress is our God”
Brenda Murphy,
*Opening Prayer Christine Schwab, liturgist
God of all time and spaces, we know that through your magnificent creative Spirit our world and our lives came into being. And today, you continue the work of creation. You continue to speak. As you nudge us to newness, grant us renewal as we observe your creation with refreshed souls. Help us to appreciate the boldness of Jesus, his followers and other reformers throughout history. Give us the courage to change what needs to be transformed in order for your Church to grow. Amen.
Blessing of Bibles and Presentation for Reformation Sunday Candace Poet, Lori Rogers
Special Music Michelle Good
First Lesson Isaiah 55:1-6 Christine Schwab, liturgist
Gospel Lesson John 15:1-8
Message “A Participatory Guide” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 608 “I Would Be True”
Stewardship Moment Brenda Murphy
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. 72 “To God be the Glory”
*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. Receiving bibles today: Six graders Everett Hard and Preston Romas.
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. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT Sunday December 8, 6:45 pm. This is a beautiful Christmas program to start the Advent season. All ladies of the church are invited! We are in 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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week October 27– November 3
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Reformation Sunday/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Totenfest/ Communion/ 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; Brenda Murphy, Hymn Leader;
Christine Schwab, Liturgist; Louise Stanek, Council Rep; Dan Case, Deacon
COMING SOON: Christmas Gift and Basket Sale flyer with all the details. Start your Christmas shopping early. For more information contact Peggy Staten or Jane Dykowski.
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.
ALTAR FLOWERS HONOR the marriage of Roger and Ashley Rodgers Staten. United in marriage Saturday, October 26, 2024.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: 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, 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.