St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost/ August 31, 2025
These first few verses from Genesis remind us that every life and the entire cosmos come from God and not from nothing. They affirm that despite the chaos and darkness around us, creation is good and beautiful. ~ Dan Clendenin
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Debbie Case
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Debbie Case
One: God, whose imagination saw all that is good, beautiful, and loving,
All: continues to see us as beloved children in the divine family.
One: The Word which called forth the stars in every universe,
All: speaks to us of giving ourselves through the baptismal life.
One: The Spirit, which moved over creation, breathing life into all things,
All: fills us with peace and patience, with hope and healing to share.
*Hymn No. 708 “My Lord, What a Morning”
*Morning Prayer Debbie Case
God of grace and glory, make your presence known to us as we worship this morning. Jesus our Christ, may your name be praised from the rising of the sun to the midnight hour, may your name always be honored among us. Spirit of holiness, breathe on us all and bind us in Christian love and servant hood. O God, Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit, be known to us today. Transform our lives and our community into the image of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Special Music Nancy Rabb, flautist
First Lesson Genesis 1:1 - 2:4 Sue Mrowka, Louise Stanek
Gospel Lesson Matthew 28:16-20
Message “Beginningness,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 602 “O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee”
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 host. 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. 725 “God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hand”
*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.
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.
Pastor Linda Anderson Interim 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
Wendy Warner Council Rep
Jeannette Wackro Deacon
Debbie Case Reader
St. Paul United Church of Christ Phone 313.291.1221
24158 Goddard Road Email stpaulucctaylor@stpaulucctaylor.org
Taylor, MI 48180 Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
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 for more information.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week August 31 – September 7 Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Office Closed – Labor day
Tuesday Executive 6:30 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
COFFEE HOUR follows our worship service. All are invited to the air-conditioned West Room to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy donuts.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL continues through Sunday, September 7. If you would like to volunteer to lead a Sunday during the summer, please contact Deb Case or Kaitlyn Isaacs.
CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP is collecting new items suitable for use in the upcoming Christmas Gift Shop. Please contact Peggy Staten or Jane Dykowski regarding donations. Proceeds go to repair St. Paul church steeple.
SUMMER MUSIC SIGN-UP SHEET is located in the church office. Only one opportunity left to share your gift! Please contact Music Director, Ava Janus, and let her know the title of the music you will be sharing. You may also contact the church office.
LAST SUNDAY TO COLLECT FOR OUR AUGUST MISSION OUTREACH for veterans. There is a greater need than ever for items such as: socks, t-shirts, undergarments, sweatshirts & pants, and blankets. A collection box is set-up in the narthex. If you would like more information, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm. Thank you for your continued generosity.
OUR 2025 DIRECTORY is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter. All information must be submitted by the end of August. Contact the Church office if any of your information has changed in the last year (phone number, address, etc). Dan Case is available if you have any questions. We are updating our Health Ministries call list. If you know someone who doesn’t receive St. Paul email notifications regarding the death/ illness of a church family member please, contact the church office so we can reach out to them. It is important to be included. Also, if you would like be part of our call team, contact Kathy Williams.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
Marjie Barnard, Bob Robinson, Joe Mayfield, John Smith, Denise Foley, William Stears, Jr., Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Rev. Geoffrey Drutchs, Dave Lange, Sr., Dave Schmoekel, Sue Stern, Rosemarie Laslo, Julius Enesey, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Bridget Stephens, Steve Newberry, Linda Schutter, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Nora Cousino, Kelly Potter, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Alicia Hagen, Ailani Flores, Linda Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Kyle Hard, Bill Pattenaude, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Mary Lou, Staffeld, Roy Staffeld, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink.
OUR ANNUAL ST. PAUL FALL RUMMAGE SALE is Thursday, October 2 through Saturday, October 4. Rummage sale hours are Thursday & Friday 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday 9 am to 11 am. Donations will be welcomed Tuesday, September 9 through 12 noon on Tuesday, September 30. All donations should be clean and in a good state of repair. Volunteers are needed from set-up through clean-up. To volunteer, please contact the church office (313) 291-1221 or see Toni Hill. All proceeds from the rummage sale support church-related projects. Any time you can donate is appreciated. There is no tent for outside related items this fall. We will not be accepting tools, furniture, bikes, large electronic items, building supplies, lawn equipment, etc. If you have any questions, please contact Toni Hill.
USHERS AND LITURGISTS NEEDED TO ASSIST with Sunday morning worship services. If you would like to volunteer or for more information, please contact any Deacon or the church office (313.291.1221). Any time you can donate is greatly appreciated.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING a formal member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor? Please contact Rev. Linda Anderson or the church office.
COUNCIL POSITIONS STILL OPEN: 2nd Vice-President (3year commitment), 1st Vice-President (2year commitment), two Deacons (2year and 3year commitment). Please prayerfully consider filling one of these positions. A description of each position can be had by contacting the church office or by speaking to Toni Hill or Michael Isaacs, Trustees.
WEARING NAME TAGS WILL HELP Rev. Anderson and visitors put a name to our faces. If you need to update or get a new tag, please contact the church office.
2025 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase ($20) or two ($40) is a nice way to honor someone special or commemorate a special time in life.