St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Sunday /July 12, 2026
"No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here."
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude “Gather Us In” Ava Janus, Music Director
Welcome Rev. Lesa Branham
Announcement Highlights Pastor Schalm
*Congregational Greeting Pastor Schalm
*Call to Worship Sandy Ennis, Liturgist
One: We come not because we have it all together,
but because grace has made room for us again.
All: Not grace that waits at a distance, but grace that moves toward us.
One: So if you are tired, come.
If you are uncertain, come.
If you feel far away, come.
All: And still we come—held together by grace.
One: Let us worship the God of running grace.
All: Lord, we welcome You here—Holy Spirit, fill this place with Your presence. Amen.
Joys and Concerns (Please raise your hand & wait for microphone)
*Congregation Sing “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High”
Mark Ennis, Leader
*Morning Prayer (unison) Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Gracious God,
You meet us in this hour with mercy that is wider than our failures and love that is deeper than our shame.
We thank You that You do not wait for us to be perfect before You draw near, but You come close while we are still becoming whole.
Open our hearts today—soften what is closed, heal what is broken, and stretch what has grown small. Teach us to welcome others the way You have welcomed us.
In this time together, make us more like You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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.
Prayer of Illumination (unison) Sandy Ennis
Spirit of the Living God,
open our ears to hear Your Word,
open our minds to understand Your truth,
and open our hearts to receive Your grace.
Let what we hear today not stay as information, but become transformation. Break through our assumptions, soften our resistance, and form in us the heart of Christ.
Speak, Lord—we are listening. Amen.
First Lesson Ephesians 2:1–10 Sandy Ennis
Gospel Lesson Matthew 10:40-42
Message “Extravagant Welcome” Rev. Branham
*Hymn No. 433 “Blest Be the Tie That Binds”
*Prayer of Thanksgiving/ The Lord’s Prayer Rev. Branham
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. 494 “They’ll Know We Are Christians”
*Benediction
Postlude/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as our Pastor 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.
Rev. Lesa Branham Senior Pastor
Ava Janus Director of Music
Tim Ruffner Council Rep
Dan Case Deacon
Sandy Ennis Liturgist
Email [email protected]
Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
COFFEE HOUR follows our worship service. All are invited to gather in the fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy refreshments.
OUR-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING has been rescheduled for July 19 following our worship service. Your attendance is important to ensure we have a quorum. Mark your calendars and plan on attending. There is no coffee hour that day.
ALTAR VASE OF FLOWERS is in loving memory of my mother, Margaret Rabb, who passed away 19 years ago on this date. Love, your daughter, Nancy.
CHURCH COUNCIL will gather Monday, July 13, 7:00 p.m. in the West Room.
MISSION OUTREACH July 13 we will be preparing a spaghetti dinner for guests of ChristNet, a rotating homeless shelter and day center. The dinner will be served at the Day Center on July 14 . A sign-up sheet for items needed will be in the narthex. Anyone interested in helping to prepare the meal on the 13th at 11:00 a.m. or available to deliver the meal on July 14 before noon can sign the sheet or contact Pastor Schalm. Additionally, we will be collecting cereal for Cass Social Services, a non-profit operated under the direction of Rev. Faith Fowler. Cass meets the needs of people where they are in life by offering food, affordable housing, skill building, and vocational training which promotes self-sufficiency, on a sustainable pedestrian campus and as part of the larger community. Our group of will head to Detroit on Saturday, August 1 for a morning visit to Eastern Market. Afterwards, we will head to Cass Social Services where we will be volunteering from 1-4 p.m. in the kitchen. Ready those legs! It will be a full day with plenty of walking. Please contact Pastor Schalm if you are interested in attending.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week July 12 – July 19
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Council 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting 11:00 a.m.
COFFEE WITH PASTOR LESA. This is a relaxed opportunity to connect, share conversation, and build relationships within our church family. Whether you’re new to St. Paul United Church of Christ or have been here for years, all are welcome. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, fellowship, and meaningful conversation. Listed are the dates: Saturday, July 25, 2026 – Noon; Sunday, August 2 – Following Worship Service.
ANNUAL ST. PAUL CHURCH PICNIC SUNDAY JULY 26. This year’s theme is “AN OLD FASHION PICNIC.” Come dressed in summer attire. Our morning begins at 9:30 a.m. with a coffee hour hosted by Men’s Fellowship. Our service will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be led by Rev. Lesa Branham. Following worship, Christian Education will provide activities for the children, and a bounce house will be available. After lunch there will be a friendly game of Bingo. There will be a 50/50 raffle. Lunch will be served at approximately 11:45 a.m. Our menu includes: hot dogs and brats, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, pasta salad, fruit salad, corn on the cob, individual bags of chips, and beverages. At 1:00 p.m., we will gather for an old fashion ice cream social. We hope you will join us for this blessed celebration, and we encourage you to invite your family members, neighbors, and friends. All are welcome.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY hosts Tenth Annual Steak Fry August 8th from 4:00–7:00 pm. The men of St. Paul will be happy to assist you with grilling your choice of a New York Strip Steak or a BBQ Chicken Breast. Dinner includes a Baked Potato (Regular or Sweet), Corn on the Cob, Garlic Bread, Salad, Dessert, and Beverage. For an extra $3, you may also purchase an optional shrimp skewer with five pieces of shrimp. Purchase your ticket in advance to reserve your steak or chicken, as only a limited number will be available at the door. Tickets are $20 per person and will be available at the Kiosk Table during July Coffee Hour or by calling the Church Office at (313) 291-1221 or Jim Poet, Gary Staffeld, or Dan Case. All Grill Masters are invited to share their time and talents. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jim Poet, Gary Staffeld, or Dan Case. Come and bring your family and friends.
SPECIAL MUSIC SIGN-UP SHEET is located in the church office. Please add your name and the title of your piece to the list next to the date of your choice. If you have any questions, please contact Music Director, Ava Janus, the office, or complete a Make – A – Wish card.
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, that all donations are appreciated!
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
DeAnna Schalm, Kirk Blanchard, Pauline Arndt, Harold Fick, Vicki & Dale Simon, Roy Staffeld, Makenna Gorbe, Dennis Bennett, Holly Staten Thompson, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Pam Martinez, Henry Martinez, Steve Newberry, Kelly Potter, Jeff MacZink, Randy Snelson, Dave & Denise Thorpe, Cindy Terwillger, Dave Terwillger