St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Pentecost Sunday/ May 24, 2026
“The Christian life is going to the neighborhood of God and finding out what God is doing there and joining Him in it.” — Eugene Peterson
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Lesa Branham
Announcement Highlights Bradley Patterson, Liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship (responsive) Bradley Patterson
Leader: Come, Holy Spirit.
People: Breathe new life into us.
Leader: Where hearts are weary, bring renewal.
People: Fill us with Your power and presence.
Leader: We are called to be the Church.
People: Sent, strengthened, and led by Your Spirit.
Leader: Let us worship God.
People: For we are powered by the Spirit.
*Hymn No. 543 “Blessed Assurance”
*Morning Pentecost Prayer Bradley Patterson
Spirit of God, we have gathered in this place to pray, to listen, and to prepare ourselves for Your presence among us. When You come like the wind, even though we cannot see You, help us recognize Your movement and hear what You are saying to our hearts. When You come like fire, give us courage instead of fear. Burn away anything in us that is unworthy, impure, or keeping us from You. Remind us that Your fire is not meant to destroy us, but to refine us in love. Open our hearts, Lord, so that we may welcome all people and never place limits on Your grace, Your Spirit, or the sharing of Your good news. Holy Spirit, the church still waits for You, still longs for You, still needs You—in every place and every generation. So come, Holy Spirit. Come like wind. Come like fire. Come with truth. Come with love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Anthem “Jesus, Joy of Our Desiring”
First Lesson: Genesis 11:1–9 Bradley Patterson
New Testament Reading: Acts: 2:1-4 Rev. Branham
Message “Powered by the Spirit” Rev. Branham
*Hymn “Beautiful Savior” (see insert)
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 that we share. And though we are many, scattered throughout the earth, we are one body in Christ our Lord.
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” Christ gives Himself for the life of the world.
People: We come to receive grace and be made new.
Leader: This is the table of God’s love.
People: All are welcome in Christ’s name.
Leader: Taste and see that the Lord is good.
People: We come with grateful hearts and open hands.
Leader: Christ is the bread of life.
People: In Him we are fed, forgiven, and sent.
Prayer of Confession (All)
Merciful God, we come before You acknowledging that we are not as we should be. We have not loved You with our whole heart. We have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We have followed our own way and missed Your calling on our lives. Forgive us, O God. Cleanse us from what weighs us down. Restore in us a right spirit, and draw us back to Your table with humility and hope. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Leader: Hear the good news. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.
People: Thanks be to God.
Prayer of Consecration
(Offered over the bread and cup)
Distribution of the Elements
Prayer of Thanksgiving and the 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. 721 “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”
*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 Dan Case Deacon Bradley Patterson 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.
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.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP Calendar Week May 24 – May 31
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Pentecost/ Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Office Closed
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:00 p.m./ Cabinet 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Music Sunday/ Sunday School 10:00/ 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.
WORSHIP PLANNING will meet on Tuesday, May 26, 5:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Deacons and Elders please attend. Everyone is welcome to come and share ideas.
CABINET WILL MEET Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 p.m. in the West Room. Rescheduled from Tuesday, May 19.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING received in May. Your gifts help support new church starts, church revitalization, youth ministries, leadership development, and more. ● 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.
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.
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:
Kathy Peters, 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.
SPRING HAS ARRIVED and outside things are growing and spreading out. St. Paul Church would like to have the same happen inside too! We would like you to share your ideas, visions and suggestions on growing our numbers in an informal group 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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