St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost/ July 13, 2025
Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
“Everyone knew that the road from Jericho to Jerusalem was dangerous…but apparently this guy was by himself. He was asking for trouble…No wonder he got robbed. It was his own dumb fault!” Father Michael Renninger Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Jane Dykowski, liturgist
Opening/ Recessing Semi-Annual Meeting Tim Ruffner, President
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Jane Dykowski
One: Blessed is God, who created us and loves us beyond measure.
All: Blessed is God, who calls us to stop measuring out our love.
One: Blessed is God, who speaks and tells us stories about ourselves.
All: Blessed is God, who reveals to us who we are and who we could be.
One: Blessed is God, whose compassion is poured out on every single person.
All: Blessed is God, who gives us compassion to share with every single person, even people we do not know or care about.
*Hymn No. 5 “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
*Morning Prayer Jane Dykowski
As we worship this morning, O God, we pray that your spirit will be our strength, your word will be our guide, your love will be our comfort, and your promises will be our hope. We gather now to praise you, O God, in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.
Special Music “Wade in the Water,” Kathy Williams
First Lesson Deuteronomy 30:6-14 Jane Dykowski
Gospel Lesson Luke 10:25-37
Message “Can I Be Your Neighbor?” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 526 “The Gift of Love”
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.
A Time to Pray/ 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. 709 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Reopening of the Congregational Semi-Annual Meeting
*Congregation standing (as you are able)
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.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week July 13 - July 20 Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School / Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting 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. John Martin
Summer Sunday School 10:00 / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
OUR SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING follows our worship service today. Voting members, your attendance is important to be sure we have a quorum. Please be sure to sign in the Narthex and pick up an information packet. No coffee hour today.
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.
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: ● 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.
9TH ANNUAL MEN’S FELLOWSHIP ‘STEAK FRY’ August 9, 4 - 7 p.m. “Grill Masters” are invited to participate and will be available to assist you with grilling your New York Strip Steak or BBQ Chicken Breast. Dinner menu: Baked Potato (Regular/ Sweet), Corn on the Cob, Garlic Bread, Salad, Dessert and Beverage. For an additional $3 you can purchase a 5-piece shrimp skewer. Purchase your ticket in advance to reserve your steak or chicken. A limited number of steaks/ chicken will be available at the door. Tickets are $18 per person and available at the Kiosk during July Coffee Hour or by calling the Church Office (313) 291-1221 or Jim Poet at (734) 718-3137. Any questions, please feel free to contact Jim Poet, Gary Staffeld, or Dan Case. It’s an enjoyable event so come on down and bring your friends.
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. All member information must be submitted by the end of August. Please 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. If you are or know someone who doesn’t get email notifications regarding the death/ illness of a church member please contact the church office so we can reach out to them. We have not updated our call list in a long time. It is important to be able to reach all. If you are willing to make calls contact Kathy Williams.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
Tom Tank, Irene Stoner, Dorothy Evison, Marjie Barnard, 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.
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.