St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost/ July 27, 2025
Church Picnic
Jesus says that God is not only high and lifted up "in heaven," he's near and dear as a father to every person. God is infinite, yes, but he's also intimate. Dan Clendenin
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Christine Schwab, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Christine Schwab
ONE: Like the soft whisper of a little child singing to herself before anyone else in the house is awake,
ALL: ever so gently, God's voice cradles us with songs of wonder and awe.
ONE: With the persistence of teenagers and young adults, heady with the newfound freedom of questioning everything,
ALL: God's voice rumbles like a river through our lives,
sweeping away all the boundaries between us.
ONE: Like the grandpa who passes on the secret to his bread, like the nana who teaches her grandkids how to drive,
ALL: God's voice is always reminding us that we are precious, esteemed, beloved.
*Hymn No. 99 “O, How I Love Jesus”
*Morning Prayer
God, our guide and our protector, as we gather today, open our minds and souls and hearts, that we may be inclined to hear the gentle direction of your Spirit in our lives. Help us follow you as you lead us
in the opportunities you have created for us,
where we may abide with you and in you. Amen.
Special Music “Do Lord,” & “Jesus Loves Me,” VBS Children
First Lesson 1 Kings 8:54-61 Christine Schwab
Gospel Lesson Luke 11:1-13
Message “A Wonderful Intimacy,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 543 “Blessed Assurance”
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 of Recognition of Rev. Geoffrey Drutchas
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. 552 “Standing on the Promises”
*Dismissal with Blessing for lunch
Postlude
*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.
COFFEE HOUR begins at 9:30 a.m. before our worship service. All are invited to gather under the big top to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy donuts.
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.
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.
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.
BIG NEWS! Christian Education has received a grant to go to Willow Metro Park and pool on Tuesday, August 5. Included is the bus, lunch, and entrance to the park and pool. We will meet at the church and leave at 10:30 sharp. We will return about 3: 20. If you are interested in going you must sign up/talk to Deb Case. We can take up to 44 people (that includes children and chaperones). We need a couple more chaperones. Children 6 and younger must have a chaperone attend. You don’t have to swim. LAST DAY TO RSVP IS AUGUST 1. This is open to the children that attended VBS and our church children/grandchildren, etc. Any questions see Debbie Case.
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.
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, Anne Blanchard, 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.