St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventh Sunday of Easter/ May 17, 2026
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Jacquie Patt
Announcement Highlights Peggy Staten, Liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 68) Peggy Staten
One: Let God rise up! Sing to God; lift up a song to the One who rides upon the clouds – the Holy One. Be exultant before God.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy!
One: Let God rise up! Ascribe power to God, full of majesty and power.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy!
One: Let God rise up! Awesome is God in the sanctuary, who gives power and strength to the people.
Many: Let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy! Blessed be God!
*Hymn No. 323 “Wonderful Words of Life”
*Morning Prayer Peggy Staten
Holy Love, our Companion and Source, shower us with your presence, shelter us in your sanctuary, shield us with your peace. Open our receptivity to your word, your wisdom, and your way. May our worship honor your name and draw us nearer to you and to our neighbors. Be glorified in our midst as we exalt your Many Names. Amen.
Anthem “Resignation”
First Lesson Psalm 27 Peggy Staten
Gospel Lesson John 15:1 - 5, 9 – 15 Rev. Patt
Message “The Echo Within” Rev. Patt
*Hymn No. 673 “Down by the Riverside”
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/ Silent 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. 434 “God Be with You Till We Meet Again”
*Benediction
Postlude /Recessional: Please remain in your pews as our Pastor leads the way into the world at the close of service.
*Congregation, please stand 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
Jane Dykowski Council Rep Harold Fick Deacon Peggy Staten 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.
NEXT SUNDAY IS PENTECOST. Wear red to celebrate the birth of the Christian Church and join us in sharing Holy Communion.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP Calendar Week May 17 – May 24
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Jacquie Patt
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Cabinet 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Sewing Guild Sew ‘n Sews 10:00 a.m./ Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Pentecost Sunday/ Communion/ Sunday School 10:00/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
TAYLOR COMMUNITY CHORUS CELEBRATES America’s 250th Birthday with a “Gift of Song” today, 4:00 p.m. at the Ford Senior Center, 6750 Troy St., Taylor. Tickets: $10 for Adults, $5 for Kids 18 and under, under 5 years is free.
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.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING received any Sunday in May. This special offering celebrates Pentecost, the birth of the Christian Church, when we remember the gift of the Holy Spirit. Your gifts support new church starts, church revitalization, youth ministries, leadership development, and more. ● An envelope was included in the May Tidings. ● Use an envelope in the Narthex (see an usher for help). ● Give online through Vanco: visit www.stpaulucctaylor.org/giving, select Online Giving, choose “Strengthen the Church,” and enter your gift amount. Thank you for your faithful, prayerful support.
MAY 31 IS MUSIC SUNDAY There is plenty of MUSIC to look forward to on Sunday, May 31 as the entire church service will be filled with glorious music praising our God by the Chancel Choir under the direction of Ava Janus.
WORSHIP PLANNING will meet on Tuesday, May 26, 5:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Deacons and Elders please attend. Everyone is welcome to share ideas.
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!
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: DeAnna Schalm, 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, Louise Stanek, 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.