St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday of Easter/ April 7, 2024
Girl Scout Sunday
Silent Prayer and Reflection
The rising of Christ confounds our explanations and stretches our faith into new territory.
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Opening Voluntary John Joanette, pianist
Procession of Girl Scout Troop #74590 with flags
*Call to Worship
Cynthia Puentes, lector
One: We come to worship God, not to boast in ourselves.
All: Our wisdom, our might, our wealth-all these are gifts from God.
One: If we must boast, then let us boast in this:
All: We come, to understand and know God, to honor God’s sovereign majesty. One: God acts with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. All: In these things, God delights.
One: Come, let us worship God.
*Hymn No. 222 “Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna”
*Prayer of the Day (unison)
Cynthia Puentes, lector
Dear God,
Thank you for the many things that we cannot see or touch, yet in which we can safely believe. While we cannot see the Lord Jesus, nor reach out our hands and touch him, we do want to go on believing in him. Please help us to always trust him and to serve him with every turn of our lives. God, you are our greatest strength and joy! Thank you. Amen!
Solo “He Touched Me”
Recognition and Introduction of Girl Scout Troop # 74590
First Lesson: 1 John 1:1 - 2:5 Cynthis Puentes, lector
Gospel Lesson: John 20:19-31
Message: “A Tomb of Their Selection,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 340 “Softly and Tenderly”
Offertory Invitation/ Offertory/ *Dedication of Gifts
*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/ 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. And 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 gory, forever and ever Amen.
*Hymn No. 274 “I Love Your Church, O God”
*Dismissal with Blessing
*Response: Girl Scout Song
Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.
A circle is round, it has no end. That's how long, I will be your friend.
A fire burns bright, it warms the heart. We've been friends, from the very start.
You have one hand, I have the other. Put them together, we have each other.
Silver is precious, gold is too. I am precious, and so are you.
You help me and I'll help you and together we will see it through.
The sky is blue. The Earth is green. I can help to keep it clean.
Across the land, Across the sea. Friends forever we will always be.
Closing Voluntary/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads
the way into the world followed by our Pastor and Girl Scout Troop at the close of service.
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S MORNING 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 if you need more information.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GATHERING upstairs for lesson, crafts, snacks, and movie.
THERE IS COFFEE HOUR immediately following worship service this morning. Coffee, tea, donuts, and other refreshments served in our West Room.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week April 7 – April 14
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Girl Scout Sunday/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Begin Rummage Sale Set-up West Room
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School Spring Fling 10:00 a.m./ No Coffee Hour
OUR YOUTH ARE HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL FLOWER SALE. The flowers are coming from Blocks Stand and Greenhouse. If you would like to order flowers, please see an usher to pick up an order form. Order forms need to be turned in NO LATER than MAY 1. Orders will be ready for pickup on Sunday, May 5 after worship service in the Fellowship Hall. Any questions please contact Candace Poet.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE your Easter Lily home. See any usher for assistance.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Christine Schwab, Jeannette Wackro, Mark Ennis, Fred Miller, Sandi Rose, Lois Rice, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Justine Kimbler, Suzanne Bennett, Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ron Cichowicz, Alicia Hagen, Brody Howell, Ailani Flores, Sherry Burchard, Sue Milatz, Linda Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Kyle Hard, Bill Pattenaude, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, Steve, neighbor, Vicki and Dale Simon. Condolences: to Rev. Geoff Drutchas and Eileen on the loss of Eileen’s mother, Patricia Dewald Vernor, who passed away March 28, 2024, at the age of 93 years. Memorial service is pending.
OUR SPRING RUMMAGE SALE set-up begins Monday, April 8 in the West Room. Donations will be welcomed Tuesday, April 2- April 30, until 12 noon. Donations can be dropped off Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tables are set up with signs indicating where items should be deposited. Household items (kitchenware and small appliances) can be taken to the West Room. Your cooperation is appreciated and will help with final sorting and displaying of goods. All items should be clean and in good condition. Volunteers are needed to set up tables and racks and then to begin sorting. Further assistance will be needed on Saturday, May 4 for cleanup. Please contact the church office (313-291-1221) or Trustee Toni Hill to volunteer. Any time you can share is appreciated.
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY”. Mission/ outreach items will be blessed on the third Sunday of each month. During Mission Sunday, April 21, we will hear from a past UCC disaster relief mission trip volunteer. The UCC Disaster Relief Ministry provides support for individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and other natural disasters globally. A donation box is in the Narthex for anyone interested in donating to this ministry. Please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm with any questions.
CRADLE ROLL SERVICE HONORS NEWBORNS May 12. Infants born over the last year to members of our congregation will be honored at the annual St. Paul Cradle Roll Service on Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. Parents are invited to place a photo of their child on the altar for the length of the service. Please contact the church office if you would like to participate or include a child or grandchild in the roster of those acknowledged and honored.