St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday after Pentecost /June 7, 2026
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Lesa Branham
Announcement Highlights Sue Mrowka, Liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship
Sue Mrowka Leader: Come, people of God. Come as you are—beloved, welcomed, and called by name.
People: We come seeking the heart of God.
Leader: The Good Shepherd searches for the lost.
People: God's love never stops reaching outward.
Leader: The One who welcomes sinners and eats with them invites us to the table of grace.
People: We come to worship the God who seeks, welcomes, and restores.
All: Let us worship God, whose heart is full of love for all people.
*Hymn No. 529 “I’m So Glad, Jesus Lifted Me”
*Morning Prayer Sue Mrowka
Loving God, we thank You for Your relentless love. When we wander, You seek us. When we are broken, You restore us. When we feel forgotten, You remind us that we are Your beloved. Open our eyes today to see people as You see them. Give us hearts that notice those who feel unseen. Help us to reflect Your welcome, Your compassion, and Your grace. As we hear Your Word today, draw us closer to Your heart. Help us to love what You love, seek what You seek, and celebrate what You celebrate. Guide us to be a church that welcomes generously, loves deeply, and follows faithfully. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.
Special Music “It Is Well With My Soul,” Mark & Sandy Ennis
Old Testament Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-13 Sue Mrowka
New Testament Lesson: Luke 15:1–2 ,4 –11,14, 17, 20
Message “Who’s Missing? The Question That Reveals God’s Heart”
Rev. Branham
*Hymn No. 560 “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
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 /Invitation of Christ
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.
Leader: Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The Shepherd searched until the lost sheep was found.
People: God's love never gives up on us.
Leader: The Father ran to welcome his child home.
People: God's mercy is greater than our failures.
Leader: In Christ, we have been sought, found, and welcomed.
People: Through grace, we are God's beloved children.
Leader: In this bread, we remember Christ's body given for the life of the world.
People: In this cup, we remember Christ's love poured out for all.
Leader: At this table, we celebrate God's reconciling love.
People: We come with gratitude, joy, and hope. Amen.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
Merciful God, like sheep, we have wandered from Your paths. Like the prodigal, we have sought our own way. Too often we have been more concerned with ourselves than with Your purposes. We confess that we have not always shared Your heart for those who are hurting, lonely, or lost. We have failed to love as You love. We have failed to welcome as You welcome. We have failed to rejoice in the grace You freely offer. Forgive us, O God. Find us when we wander. Restore us when we fall. Renew us by Your Spirit. Give us grateful hearts for the mercy we have received and compassionate hearts for those still searching for home. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Assurance of Pardon
Leader: Hear the good news. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and welcomed home.
People: Thanks be to God! Amen.
Prayer of Consecration
(Offered over Bread and Cup)
Distribution of the Elements
Prayer of Thanksgiving/ 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. Amen.
*Hymn No. 340 “Softly and Tenderly”
*Benediction
Postlude/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as our Pastor leads the way into the world at the close of service.
*Congregation standing as you are able.
Our mission at St. Paul United Church of Christ is to promote God’s plan of salvation in our church, family, and community. Knowing that all blessings come from God, we seek to share these in the church universal and proclaim God’s good news of His love and compassion bringing together all people in Jesus Christ.
Rev. Lesa Branham Senior Pastor
Ava Janus Director of Music
Pastor Cheryl Schalm Minister of Mission Outreach
Tim Ruffner President of Church Council
Dan Case Treasurer
Suzanne Mrowka Office Manager
Cindy Romas Administrative Assistant Mark Ennis Council Rep Dan Case Deacon Sue Mrowka Liturgist
St. Paul United Church of Christ Phone 313.291.1221
24158 Goddard Road Email: [email protected]
Taylor, MI 48180 Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
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.
COFEE HOUR follows our worship service. 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 price of our yummy donuts.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. 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.
Calendar Week June 7 - June 14 Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Communion/ Sunday School- Parlor / Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Baccalaureate Sunday/ Sunday School/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
NAMES NEEDED FOR OUR PRINTED BACCALAUREATE ROSTER If you or a family member have or are receiving a high school diploma, G.E.D., college degree, or continuing education certificate since last June, please contact the church office by June 10 for inclusion in the Baccalaureate Service, June 14. Graduates are invited to participate in gown and mortar-board. Forms are available from an usher, the office, or on our website.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
Kathy Peters, DeAnna Schalm, Gary Peters, Kirk Blanchard, Pat Herkimer, Christine Schwab, Ron Bolen, Debbie Case, Marion Bolen, Pam Jones, Betty Mayfield, Roy Staffeld, Dan Newton, Sandi Rose, Makenna Gorbe, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, John Smith, Linda & Tom Tank, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Shirley Lande & Family, Nora Cousino, Holly Staten Thompson, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Kelly Potter, Joseph Rocha Thompson, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Diane Williams, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ailani Flores, , Rachel Tank, Randy Snelson, Jeff MacZink.
Condolences to Sandy & Mark Ennis, on the loss of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty Mayfield who passed away June 3, 2026, at the age of 91 years. Visitation: Voran Funeral Home, 23750 Goddard Rd., Taylor, Sunday from 2 – 8 p.m. Funeral service is Monday, June 8, 11 a.m. (Visitation 10 – 11)
SUMMER MUSIC SIGN-UP SHEET is located in the church office. Please choose any available Sunday you would like to share your musical gifts and add your name and the title of your piece to the list next to the date. If you have any questions, please contact Music Director, Ava Janus, the church office, or complete a Make – A – Wish card.
DONUTS FOR DADS June 21st, Father’s Day, the Christian Education ministry is honoring all men of our congregation, with a special “Donuts for Dads” Coffee Hour. Please plan to join us and share a blessing for the men among us. Invite a friend to attend worship and stay for refreshments as we rejoice in God’s goodness!
2026 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase or two is a nice way to honor someone or commemorate a special time in life. $25.00 for one vase and $50.00 for two vases. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sue Mrowka, Office Manager.
REMEMBER TO SUPPORT our ongoing food collection for Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry. Food staples are always in need as we recognize the food insecurity within our neighborhood. Donations can be placed near the front entrance of the church or in the box near the office and west entrance. Please, that all donations are appreciated!
WEARING NAME TAGS WILL HELP put a name with our faces. If you need to update or get a new tag, please contact the church office.
COMMUNION AVAILABLE FOR HOMEBOUND. Please contact the church office or Kathy Williams if you know of a member who is unable to attend church service and would like to receive communion.
SMALL GROUPS TO GATHER so Rev. Banham can get to know each of us better and to share your ideas, visions and suggestions on growing our church and it’s ministries in an informal setting. Please complete the information below if you’re interested in sharing. Drop it in an offering plate, hand it to an Usher or drop it at the church office. All are welcome.
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