St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost/ July 6, 2025
“In between 'Here is what little we have' and 'Here are the 12 baskets of leftovers,' there is the Jesus factor." Alyce M. McKenzie
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Sharon Podpora, liturgist
Prelude “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” Shirley Lande, guest pianist
*Call to Worship Sharon Podpora
One: Have you heard God’s call in your life?
All: Sometimes we think we know what God wants us to do; but at other times things are not very clear.
One: Place your trust in the Lord. God is with us always.
All: It is a scary thing to do–to just place our trust in God alone.
One: God is with us. We will be safe.
All: Thanks be to God who watches over us and guides us.
*Hymn No. 705 “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”
*Morning Prayer Sharon Podpora
O God, your desire has always been that each of your children might be made whole, and live abundantly and freely in your presence. Center our hearts and minds that we may be prepared to receive the gifts you so freely give to all, and empower us to share with others from grateful hearts, so that all may know your love and gracious provisions. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Special Music “Sweet Hour of Prayer!”
First Lesson: 2 Kings 4:42-44 Sharon Podpora
Gospel Lesson: John 6:1-15
Message “The Gathering,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 622 “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
*Doxology
Holy Communion/ Confession (see insert)
Invitation
Sung response: One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many through out the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
Receiving of the Bread and Cup
*Hymn No. 720 “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude “America the Beautiful”/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world followed by our Pastor.
*Please stand 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.
Rev. 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
Dee Salsbury Deacon
Sharon Podpora Liturgist
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 July 6 - July 13 Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School / Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m. Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Meditation 12 noon
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 / Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting 11:00
JOIN US FOR COFFEE HOUR immediately following worship. All are invited to gather in the West Room to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, air conditioning, and fellowship. A free-will offering is invited to help off-set the ever-increasing cost of our refreshments. No Coffee Hour next week, July 13.
SUMMER MUSIC SIGN-UP SHEET is located in the church office. Please choose any available Sunday you would like to share your musical gifts and add your name and the title of your piece to the list next to the date. Please contact Music Director, Ava Janus, and let her know the date you have chosen and the title of the music you will be sharing. You may also contact the church office or complete a Make-A-Wish card and hand it to an usher.
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.
OUR SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING follows our worship service next Sunday, July 13. Your attendance is important to be sure we have a quorum. Mark your calendars and plan on attending. There is no coffee hour that Sunday.
DURING JULY, THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY invites your support as they prepare for this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) program, “Sailing to the Lighthouse.” The following items are needed: ● Red Tablecloths ● Light Blue Tablecloths ● Dark Blue Tablecloths ● CHILDREN. Bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and your swimming suits/ towels every day. VBS will be open to the community July 21-23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. To volunteer, contact Candace Poet, Superintendent or Kaitlyn Isaacs. Thank you to all for your continued support.
JULY /AUGUST MISSION OUTREACH will be collecting items for our veterans. With funding being cut 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.
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.
OUR 2025 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY is scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of 2025. All member information must be submitted by the end of August. Please contact the Church office if any of your information has changed (phone number, address, etc). Please contact Dan Case if you have any questions. Please contact the Church office if you are or know someone who doesn’t get email notifications regarding the death/ illness of a church member. We have not updated our call list in a long time. It is important to be able to reach all. Also, if you are willing to make calls contact Kathy Williams.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
Tom Tank, Irene Stoner, Dorothy Evison, Bob Robinson, Joe Mayfield, John Smith, Denise Foley, Thelma Poet, William Stears, Jr., Kathe Stears, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Dave Lange, Sr., Dave Schmoekel, Sue Stern, Rosemarie Laslo, Julius Enesey, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Vicki Simon, Bridget Stephens, Krystal Grant, Steve Newberry, Julie Renner, Linda Schutter, Cindy Twilliger, Blain Tayler, Nora Cousino, Kelly Potter, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, 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.
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. If you would like a copy of our Good News Bible, please contact Rev. Anderson.
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. Cost is $22.00.
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.