St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventh Sunday of Easter/ June 1, 2025
“The ascension is not the end of Jesus’ mission but the beginning of the church’s mission.”
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Peggy Staten, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Peggy Staten
One: Jesus lifted up his hands.
All: While blessing his disciples, he parted from them. Allelula!
One: Christ went up, above and beyond the heavens,
All: to fill the whole universe with his presence. Allelula!
*Hymn No. 4 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”
*Opening Prayer Peggy Staten Almighty and ever living God, conform our wills freely to yours, and direct our hearts to share your glory by our undivided service; through Jesus Christ who is alive with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Anthem
First Lesson Ephesians 1:11-23 Peggy Staten
Second Lesson Acts 1:1-11
Message “Having Vision and Mission” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 231 “Sing of One Who Walks Beside Us”
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. 62 “Creator God, Creating Still”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude/ Recessonal: 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 WORSHIP 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 immediately follows worship. All are invited to gather in Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship. A free-will offering is appreciated to help off-set the ever-increasing cost of our yummy refreshments.
ALTAR FLOWERS HONOR the 94th birthday of Helen St. Louis from Dan and Debbie Case.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP Calendar Week June 1 - June 8
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Christian Education 11:10 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m. / Executive 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Meditation 12 noon
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School/ Music Sunday / Pentecost – wear red!/ Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS meet in the Parlor immediately following worship this morning. Your attendance is important. Guests are always welcome.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN will be in church next Sunday, June 8th.
PENTECOST SUNDAY, JUNE 8 also Music Sunday. Pentecost is the birth of the Christian Church. We will be celebrating with communion and plenty of MUSIC. The entire church service will be filled with glorious music praising our God by the Chancel Choir under the direction of Ava Janus. Special guest includes Michelle Good and her harp. Please wear red.
GRADUATE NAMES NEEDED FOR OUR PRINTED ROSTER If you or a family member are receiving a high school diploma, G.E.D., college degree, or continuing education certificate since last June, please contact Cindy Romas in the church office by June 8 for inclusion in the Baccalaureate/Youth Sunday Service, June 15. Graduates are invited to participate in gown and mortarboard. Forms are available from an usher, the office, or on our web page.
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.
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH MISSION OFFERNG RECEIVED IN JUNE. This offering represents the time of Pentecost, Birth of the Christian Church. Funds raised support leadership development, new church starts, revitalization of older churches, and youth ministries. Let us realize our hopes for the future, by investing in the visions that are rooted in the traditions of our diverse congregations. An offering envelope is included in this month’s Tidings newsletter. There are offering envelopes in the Narthex, or use envelopes in the pew racks and indicate “Strengthen the Church Offering”. Make checks may payable to St. Paul UCC Church and indicate the offering name on the memo line. You may also use Vanco, our electronic online mobile giving source. Visit us at www.stpaulucctaylor.org/giving, locate the Online Giving button, select Strengthen the Church and enter the amount of your donation. Your prayerful gift will help God’s spirit move and speak in our congregations for generations to come. On behalf of the Stewardship of St. Paul, Thank You.
DURING JUNE AND JULY, THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT invites your support as they prepare for this year’s Vacation Bible School program, “Sailing to the Lighthouse.” The following items are needed: ● Cardboard boxes of various sizes ● Red, white, brown and gold paint (see Candace Poet with questions) ● Pretzels (tiny) ● M&MS (milk chocolate) ● 1 box of Rice Krispie cereal ● Blue Jello ● Empty tubes from paper towel rolls ● Powdered Country Time Lemonade ● Powdered Fruit Punch Mix ● Box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, or similar ● CHILDREN. This list will be updated as needed. Bring your children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends, and your swimming suits/ towels every day. Vacation Bible School will be open to the community and held July 21-23. If you are interested in helping in any capacity contact Candace Poet, Superintendent or Debbie Case.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Anne Blanchard, 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.
Condolences to the family & friends of David Cowper who passed away May 24, 2025, at the age of 93 years. Memorial service was Saturday, May 31, 2025, at St. Paul UCC, Taylor.
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.
USHERS 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.