St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday of Advent/ December 7, 2025
Jesus came because we need him—because we need that Love made manifest, the Word made flesh
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Gail Denman, liturgist
Prelude/ Carol Medley Ava Janus, Music Director
Second Advent Reading Gail Denman, Anne Snelson
Lighting of the Second Advent Candle (Peace)
Hymn No. 128 “One Candle Is Lit” (1st & 2nd verse)
*Call to Worship Gail Denman
ONE: Today, we are watching for signs of God’s arrival.
ALL: Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary.
One: We can see the outward signs of preparation.
ALL: Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary.
ONE: We recognize the decorated trees, electric stars. And glitter will lose their attraction.
ALL: Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary, acceptable for your arrival.
ONE: With clean heart and watchful eyes, let us worship God in spirit and in truth.
ALL: Alleluia! Amen!
*Hymn No. 153 “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”
*Morning Prayer Gail Denman
Lord God, have you really been long expected, or is it part of our problem that we cease expect you at all? That we don’t expect you to intervene in our lives or help us with our problems, or show us your will for our future? Renew our sense of expectation, we pray. Let the carols of Christmas and the stories of your birth rekindle in us a feeling for your role in our lives and for the difference you can make in our world. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. Amen.
Choir Anthem
First Lesson Isaiah 11:1-10 Gail Denman
Gospel Lesson Matthew 3:1-12
Message “Say Yes to the Peaceable Realm,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 124 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”
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. Amen.
*Hymn No. 129 “Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates”
*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.
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.
NO COFFEE HOUR/ FELLOWSHIP PERIOD December 14, a luncheon will be shared after our Special Family Service. Kitchen help is always needed and appreciated.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS must be received in the church office by Sunday, December 28 to be recorded for 2025 tax purposes.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
December 7 – December 14
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Christmas Gift Basket Sale 11 – 1/ ABC 6:45 p.m.
Monday Taylor Choir Rehearsal – FH 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Taylor Chorus Rehearsal -FH 6:30 p.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m. – FH/ Women’s Christmas Luncheon 12:00/ Taylor
Chorus Rehearsal 6:30 p.m.
Friday Taylor Chorus Christmas Concert “We Sing Noel” – FH 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00
St. Paul Christmas Pageant 10:00 am./ Luncheon & Cookie Walk 11:00 a.m. /
Christmas Gift Basket Sale 11:00 a.m.
ANNUAL WOMENS’ CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON is Thursday, December 11, 2025, 12 noon at Woodside Meadows, 20820 Inkster Rd., Romulus, 48174. All women are invited. Please RSVP to Chairwoman, Toni Hill no later than Monday, December 8. A count is needed to ensure proper seating. Look forward to seeing you there!
TAYLOR COMMUNITY CHORUS Hosts ‘Sing We Noel!’ for their annual Christmas Concert on Friday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults 18 and older, $5 for children 6-17, and free for kids 5 and younger. Refreshments will be served at intermission.
CHRISTMAS GIFT & BASKET SALE Sunday, December 7, 11 am to 1 pm. Please contact Peggy Staten or Jane Dykowski if you would like to donate some time to help with the event. Also available for purchase handmade stained class items in the West Lobby.
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, recognize that all donations are appreciated! So far 200 pounds of food has been collected and donated.
DECK THE SANCTUARY WITH BOUGHS OF POINSETTIAS? In keeping with custom, our chancel area will be banked with fresh poinsettias honoring and commemorating loved ones and friends or a special event in someone’s life. You can purchase a poinsettia to be included in the Christmas Eve floral array. The names of those whom you wish to honor or remember will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Your poinsettia can be retrieved after the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service. If you need assistance, ask an usher. Use one of the white envelopes in the pews, include your $10 contribution per plant, mark the envelope “Poinsettias,” and indicate whom you would like to commemorate. The envelope can be dropped in a collection plate, handed to an usher, or returned to the church office. All orders are due by Sunday, December 14.
CONTINUING TO SERVE AS THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST Our November/ December Community Outreach is the “Angel Tree” for the Salvation Army: Please pick a tag from the Angel tree located in Fellowship Hall. There is no name on the tag, the tag will identify gender and age. Please purchase a gift ($25.00 average) for a child in that category. Register your tag by signing your name along with the tag number on the sheet located on the table. A list of gift recommendations is also available. GIFTS MUST BE RETURNED BY DECEMBER 14. Gifts will be delivered to the Salvation Army for their Shop free Christmas Store. Each parent is permitted to pick one big gift and a stocking stuffer for their child/ren. We are collecting hats, gloves and undergarments for the Salvation Army. Collection boxes are in the Narthex and lobby area. Please contact Pastor Schalm with any questions.
SPECIAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE. Please join us in Fellowship Hall for a special worship Sunday, December 14. Included is our Sunday School children and Girl Scout Troop 74590. Immediately following the service there is a luncheon sponsored by the Christian Education Ministry. Old St. Nick is to make a special appearance. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a special photo of Santa with the kiddos! This year's annual Christmas Cookie Walk will follow the Sunday Family Christmas Program. You can purchase a bucket of cookies for just $10 for a large container and $5 for a small container. They make a great gift. Cookie donations are being invited. Please plan now to bake and donate! See Sue Mrowka for any questions.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM need a few more people. We are looking for a Superintendent, 1-2 teachers to add in our rotation (a monthly commitment/ not weekly), and to be on call in case we need a substitute. We provide training and all materials including snacks. Most of all, we would like to increase our student body, especially between the ages of 5-14. If you can help in any way, please contact Deb Case or 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. Contact the office for more info.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Rev. Linda Anderson, Sandy Ennis, Makenna Gorbe, Conrad Heidt, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, Marjie Barnard, John Smith, William Stears, Jr., Billy-jo Stears, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Rev. Geoffrey Drutchas, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Shirley Lande & Family, Nora Cousino, Lynn Jenkins, Wendy Wendt, Holly Staten Thompson, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Julius Enesey, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Sue Milatz, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Blain Tayler, Kelly Potter, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Diane Williams, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ailani Flores, Linda & Tom Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, William Veteto. Condolences to Betty Mayfield, Mark & Sandy Ennis, Chris & Becky Ostrowski and extended family on the loss of husband, father, grandfather, Joe Mayfield who passed away November 25, 2025, at the age of 93 years. Funeral service was Saturday, November 29, 2025.
THE CHIRSTMAS FUND OFFERING for Retired UCC Clergy and Lay Persons will be received any Sunday in December. Your offering provides direct financial assistance via “Thank You” gift checks. Your contributions do make a difference! You will find envelopes in the Narthex. You may also use Vanco, our electronic online giving source. Visit us online at www.stpaulucctaylor.org/giving, click on the blue Online Giving button, scroll down to the bottom of the “Donations” listing, and select UCC - Christmas Fund Veterans of the Cross and enter the amount of your donation. On behalf of the Stewardship of St. Paul, God Bless you, Merry Christmas, and Thank you.