St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost/ July 20, 2025
“There is no better place to be than in the presence of God, for in His presence is fullness of joy.” Inspired by Psalm 16:11
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. John Martin
Announcement Highlights Conrad Heidt, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Conrad Heidt
One: In the presence of the faithful, we proclaim the name of God, for it is good.
Many: We thank you forever because of what you have done.
One: Holy One, we trust in you. We take refuge in your safety. We call your presence our home.
Many: We are like olive trees rooted in your soil—growing and fruitful. You nourish us and shine your light upon us.
One: Faithful God, in you, we find love and truth, abundance and compassion, community and care.
Many: We praise and exalt you, Eternal One. We trust in your steadfast love forever and ever.
*Hymn No. 90 “Come, Christians, Join to Sing”
*Morning Prayer
Conrad Heidt Abiding God, we invite you to inhabit our space. We long to renew our minds, restore our souls, and rest our presence before you. Still, we bring the burdens we carry into this gathering. We hold our responsibilities, cares, and concerns. Let us bind ourselves in your love and strength and the community of faithful and curious. We affirm that this time with you and one another equips and fortifies us for the journey and helps us discern the better way. Be glorified in our worship. Be honored by our praise. Be known by your people, O Creator, Teacher, and Friend. In your many names, we pray. Amen.
Special Music “Here I am, Lord,” Mike Cavin, guest soloist
First Lesson Psalm 15 Conrad Heidt
Gospel Lesson Luke 10:38-42
Message “Choosing What is Better” Rev. Martin
*Hymn No. 635 “Faith of Our Fathers”
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. 587 “Jesus, Keep Near the Cross”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude/ 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.
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 20 - July 27 Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Vacation Bible School (VBS) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Vacation Bible School (VBS) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday Vacation Bible School (VBS) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Meditation 12 noon/ Vacation Bible School 6:30 – 8:30 p.m
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Coffee Hour 9:30 a.m. /Summer Sunday School 10:00 / All Church Picnic 11:00
SIDE VASE OF FLOWERS wish Dan Case a “Happy Birthday’, Love Mom – Helen St. Louis.
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.
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.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL continues through Sunday, September 7. If you would like to lead a Sunday, please contact Deb Case or Kaitlyn Isaacs. All materials are provided.
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.