St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost/ August 25, 2024
Naming the poor, the weak, the mourning and the hungry “blessed” was deliberately shocking. Such language requires a firm belief that God’s kingdom is on its way.
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Prelude Mark Ennis, accompanist
*Call to Worship Kari Cappello, liturgist
One: Followers of Christ, why have you gathered today?
All: To worship God, who lives among us.
One: God lives among us all the time, so why have you gathered today?
All: To remind one another that God lives among us as we worship.
One: When you scatter from this place, what will you take with you?
All: Hearts open to recognize God living among us.
One: Then, come! Let us worship together!
All: We come to worship with rejoicing the Triune God who lives, loves, and moves among us as we gather and as we are sent from this place! Amen.
*Hymn No. 5 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Tim Ruffner, Hymn Leader
*Prayer of the Day Kari Cappello, liturgist
O God, source of all beauty and goodness, your grace comes fresh every morning. In each new day you give us light. We praise you for your never-failing love that satisfies our needs and shows us the way to follow. We rejoice in your constant care, for you are faithful in love for all people, offering us salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Special Music “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Sandy & Mark Ennis, Kari Cappello
First Lesson Micah 6:1-8 Kari Cappello, liturgist
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 4:23- 5:11
Message: The Cherished Community Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 546 “Amazing Grace!”
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/ 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. 86 “Great is Thy Faithfulness”
*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 if you need more information.
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.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for lessons, crafts and fun.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week August 25 – September 1
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 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
Mark Ennis, accompanist
Tim Ruffner, hymn leader; Kari Cappello, Liturgist;
Tim Ruffner, Council Rep; Teri Staffeld, Deacon
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.
THIS SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at this time. August’s Mission: Love in a Backpack. Donate school supplies for children in need. A donation box is in the Narthex for anyone interested in donating. The month of September, help feed the homeless and downcast. 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 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. If you are interested in helping, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm. All items being collected can be placed in the drop box in the narthex. Dinner items should be marked “ChristNet lunch” and dropped in the kitchen. Please contact Pastor Schalm with any questions.
RUMMAGE SALE DONATIONS will be welcomed starting Tuesday September 10. We ask that items be dropped-off to designated tables. All donations should be clean and in a good state of repair. Rummage sale set-up in Fellowship Hall starts Monday, September 9, 9:00 a.m. If you are available to help set up it would be greatly appreciated. For more information see Women’s Fellowship Chairperson, Toni Hill.
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: John Smith, Marion Bolen, Harold Fick, DeAnna Schalm, 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 William, 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.