St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost/ September 1, 2024
Although the church started out as a small, insignificant Jewish sect whose founder was executed by the Romans, essentially because he was perceived to be a terrorist or at least someone who the authorities believed posed a challenge to Roman rule, it penetrated almost every corner of the earth.
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Shirley Lande, pianist
*Call to Worship Kathy Williams, liturgist
ONE: Welcome to this place: where children and seasoned citizens sit side by side,
ALL: Where heaven and earth embrace in peace, where God has been, is, and always will be.
ONE: Welcome to this place, as we gather with all of God's children: where we find God's love,
ALL: Where we hear the tender voice of Jesus, where the Spirit teaches us new songs.
ONE: Welcome to this place, where all is made ready by our God.
ALL: Where we bring our hunger, and find food; where we bring our brokenness, and find healing; where we bring our very selves, and find acceptance.
*Hymn No. 22 “All Creatures of Our God and King
*Opening Prayer
God of grace and glory, make your presence known to us as we worship this morning. Jesus our Christ, may your name be praised from the rising of the sun to the midnight hour, may your name always be honored among us. Spirit of holiness, breathe on us all and bind us in Christian love and servant hood. O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be known to us today. Transform our lives and our community into the image of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Special Music “Simple Gifts,” Kathy Williams, dulcimer
First Lesson Psalm 8 Kathy Williams, liturgist
Gospel Lesson Matthew 28:16-20
Message “Mission Possible” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 344 “I Have Decided to Follow 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.
Holy Communion (see insert)
Invitation
Hymn No. 354 “ Seek Ye First”
Time of Confession
Sung Response: One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many through out the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
Receiving of the Bread and Cup
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.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. At the usher’s bidding, you are invited to come forward to receive both bread and cup from our pastors and elders. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake in the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely. You may immediately consume the elements before returning to your pew.
COFFEE HOUR is immediately following our worship service. All are invited to gather in the West Room to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing cost of our yummy donuts.
THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED Monday, September 2 in observance of Labor Day. The Office will open on Tuesday, September 3 at 9:00 a.m.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts and fun. September 8 the Sunday School children will start out in church. It’s Rally Sunday and Teacher installation.
BIBLE STUDY WILL RESUME on Tuesday, September 10, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week September 1– September 8
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Communion/ Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Office Closed
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Thursday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend Linda Anderson, Senior Interim Minister
Shirley Lande, accompanist; Kathy Williams, Hymn Leader, Liturgist;
Pam Lange, Council Rep; Teri Staffeld, Deacon
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. The month of September, help feed the homeless and downcast. On September 8 and September 22 St. Paul UCC is providing lunches for the ChristNet Day Center guests. Lunch items for September 8 have already been donated. Items to prepare spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert will be needed for September 22’s lunch. Three/four volunteers are also needed to prepare and serve the meal. In addition to serving these lunches, we will be collecting paper products and breakfast foods for the center: cereal, cereal bars, granola bars, etc. All items being collected can be dropped in the drop box located in the narthex. All dinner items should be marked “ChristNet lunch” and dropped in the kitchen. Please contact Pastor Schalm if you are interested in helping with lunch or with any questions.
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND a gospel concert to benefit the renovating and expansion of the Taylor Animal Shelter. Sunday, September 15, 3 – 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post, 11800 Michael Street, Taylor. $5 minimum entry fee at the door. Gift baskets, 50/50 Raffle, food and beverage available for purchase. Presented by Rev. Ron, Working for the Lord Ministry.
THE NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY for St. Paul United Church of Christ will be ready for publication in September 2024. Anyone interested in placing an advertisement or personal messages in our new directory should call Jill Garner at (800) 544-6903 ext.109 toll free or email her at jgarner@cathedraldirectories.com. Your current ad or business card could be used or help in making up an ad or a new ad could be arranged. Please feel free to pass this information on to others. Advertisers do not need to be members.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Jim Poet, Eric Poet, John Smith, Marion Bolen, Dennis Schmoekel, Barbara Brewer, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Robert Black, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Anna Thomson, F. Scott Miller, Pam Pierce, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Diane Williams, Brody Howell, 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.