Seventh Sunday of Epiphany/ Transfiguration
St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
February 19, 2023
SILENT PRAYER AND REFLECTION
Is my walk with God reflected in my walk with those around me?
RINGING OF THE CHURCH BELL
ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. George Reed
WELCOME
PRELUDE John Joanette, Pianist
CALL TO WORSHIP /PASSING OF THE PEACE Rev. George Reed
One: God is Sovereign; let the peoples tremble!
All: God sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
One: God is great in Zion and exalted over all the peoples.
All: Let us praise God’s great and awesome name.
One: Might King, lover of justice, you have established equity.
All: Let us extol our holy God offer our worship.
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
*HYMN No. 66 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise,” Tracy Hoffman, Music Directory
PRAYER OF THE DAY
One: Let us pray
All: O God who is present in the heavens and the earth:
Grant us the grace to meet you spiritually
and to meet you as in those around us. Amen.
CHILDREN’S CHAPEL Pastor Cheryl Schalm
ANTHEM “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” Chancel Choir
FIRST LESSON Exodus 24:12-18 Lector: Aaron Johnson
GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 17:1-9
MESSAGE “Heaven and Earth,” Rev. Reed
*HYMN No. 265 ”Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heat”
INSTALLATION OF DEACON JEANETTE WACKRO (insert) Aaron Johnson, President
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.
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
ADORATION/ CONFESSION/ THANKSGIVING/ SUPPLICATION
LORD’S PRAYER (debts, debtors)
*HYMN No. 601 “I Am Thine, O Lord”
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
POSTLUDE
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WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S MORNING SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING which can be viewed on Facebook at other times as well. An order of service is downloadable from our church website (stpaulucctaylor.org) with a video recording of our worship together also posted by Sunday afternoon.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN will gather in the sanctuary for Children’s Chapel this morning. Then they will head upstairs for some hands-on empowerment activities including shining the light of love (making cards for MSU staff and students), words of wisdom from God’s children (notes and thoughts on ways to make the world a better, kinder place) and the making of prayer books as part of the UCC Turkey and Syria Earthquake relief efforts. “I’ve Got the Power,” is this morning’s message.
COFFEE HOUR follows our worship service this morning. Brewed coffee, tea, and donuts will be served. All are welcome!
ROCK HARD IN FAITH YOUTH FELLOWSHIP ‘ST. PATTY’S PIZZA AND DANCE PARTY’ ARC OUTREACH. The youth will be hosting a St. Patty’s pizza party and dance for members of the ARC/ Special Olympics downriver association on Saturday, March 11. Anyone interested in making cupcakes or cookies for the event should contact Pastor Schalm.
A YOUTH WINTER RETREAT PARENT MEETING – Participating youth and their parents will gather for a short meeting in the Confirmation classroom today following coffee hour. Please bring a copy of your child/ren’s health insurance card. A copy can also be made at the church Sunday. Any 6-12 grade students interested in participating in Ice Camp should contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm today.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Haley Dowell, Debbie Case, Dan Case, Loralee Wilson, Barbara Siemers, Dianne Sturgeon, Murl Nieman, Sandi Rose, Kim Beyar, Marion Bolen, Sally Sigman, Rev. Norm Kirsch, Michelle Mellin, John Caufield, Beverly Sitz, Linda Tank, Fred Block, Fred Fanter, Dennis Schmoekel, Shelly Wilson, Jerry Rossi, Sheila Klimek, Wayne Jones, Vicki Simon, Shirley Robinson, Kyle Hard, Eleanor Rossi, Jeff Natzke, Neil MacEachern, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, Sue Spears, Bert Thompson, Margo Charette, Gabriel Siadak, Loretta Kurtsel, Brenda Stockwell, Donna Greca, Joyce LeBlanc, Sue Milatz, Lynn Case, Susan Barnard, Judy Kirsch, Debi Petri.
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL TO HOST A “B & B”. The youth and Sunday School are hosting a B & B (bottle drive & bake sale) today during coffee hour. All proceeds benefit the UCC Turkey and Syria Earthquake relief efforts as the news continues to unfold about the devastating earthquake on the border of Turkey and Syria. The death toll continues to rise – numbers are pointing to over 35,000.
All donations will be deposited into the International Emergency fund designated for “Turkey and Syria Earthquake Response.” Your generous financial support will be used by UCC partners in the areas of greatest need, for relief and long-term recovery. Please be sure to note “Turkey and Syria” on your check in the memo section.
SIX DRIVE-THRU FISH SUPPERS will be hosted at our church during the upcoming Lenten season. The suppers will be March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, and April 7, 3:30 – 6 p.m. Dinners will be $14-adults and $5-children, an increase reflecting the surge in the cost of North Atlantic Cod. Your volunteer support is asked for each of these suppers which are an important fundraiser for our congregation and its ministry. To volunteer, contact Jim Poet or the church office (313-291-1221).
LENTEN SERVICES UPCOMING. Marking the start of a new Lenten season, an Ash Wednesday service will be held in the sanctuary on Wednesday, February 22, 7:30 p.m. Ashes from last year’s palms, underscoring the circle of faith and worship, will be distributed to attendees. The service will also be livestreamed on Facebook. As further observance of Lent’s start, communion will be served on Sunday, March 5, during the 10 a.m. service.
OPPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week February 19 – February 26
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Meditation Mondays Young Adult Bible Study – Off Site
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Cabinet 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m./ Ash Wednesday 7:30 p.m.
Friday Youth Retreat departs 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
First Sunday of Lent/ Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Youth Retreat
returns to St. Paul, 12 noon.