St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Third Sunday after Pentecost/ June 14, 2026
Baccalaureate Sunday
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
Welcome Rev. Branham
*Passing of the Peace
*Call to Worship Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Leader: Come, all who seek God.
People: We come longing for God's presence.
Leader: Come, all who have wandered and all who have remained.
People: God's love reaches out to each of us.
Leader: Come, all who are certain and all who have questions.
People: God's grace is greater than our doubts.
Leader: Come, all who rejoice and all who carry burdens.
People: God's mercy meets us where we are.
Leader: God calls us not only to know His ways,
People: But to share His heart.
Leader: Let us worship God.
People: Let us worship God with grateful and open hearts.
*Hymn No. 540 “Blessed Assurance”
*Morning Prayer Pastor Schalm
Special Music Tim Ruffner, Soloist
First Lesson Psalm 103:1-13 Pastor Schalm
Gospel Lesson Luke 15:25-32
Message “Lost in Plain Sight,” Rev. Branham
Hymn No. 583 “Lead Me, Guide Me
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.
Baccalaureate Roster (see insert)
Time of Prayer/ Silent Prayer/ 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. 679 “God the Omnipotent!”
*Benediction
Postlude/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as our Pastor leads the way into the world.
*Congregation, please stand 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
Toni Hill Council Rep
Teri Staffeld Deacon
Pastor Cheryl Schalm Liturgist
Email [email protected]
Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
DONUTS FOR DADS the Christian Education ministry is honoring all men of our congregation, with a special “Donuts for Dads” Coffee Hour. Please join us and share a blessing for the men among us. Invite a friend to attend worship and stay for refreshments as we rejoice in God’s goodness!
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: Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – 10:00 a.m.; Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, July 25, 2026 – Noon; Sunday, August 5 – Following Worship Service
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON Thursday, June 25, 12 noon at Woodside Meadows, 20820 Inkster Rd., Romulus, 48174 (734-782-5136). All ladies are invited. Please R.S.V.P. to Chairperson, Toni Hill at 734.725.1060 by Sunday, June 21.
OUR SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING follows our worship service July 12. Your attendance is important to be sure we have a quorum. Mark your calendars and plan on attending. There is no coffee hour that Sunday.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week June 14 - June 21 Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Baccalaureate Sunday/ Sunday School / Donuts for Dad 11:00 a.m. Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m. Thursday Sewing Guild 10:00 a.m./ Exercise 11:00 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
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. If you have any questions, please contact Music Director, Ava Janus, the church 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!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Do you enjoy singing, playing an instrument, welcoming guests, helping with technology, or serving behind the scenes? There are many opportunities to share your gifts and talents in the life of our church. We are currently seeking volunteers for music ministry, including singers and instrumentalists, as well as worship support, children's ministry, technology ministries, and a photographer. Whether you can serve occasionally or on a regular basis, there is a place for you. Contact the church office (313.291.1221) for more information and to learn how you can get involved. Together, let's use our gifts to glorify God and strengthen our church family.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
Kathy Peters, DeAnna Schalm, Gary Peters, Kirk Blanchard, Roy Staffeld, Makenna Gorbe, Holly Staten Thompson, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Pam Martinez, Henry Martinez, Jennifer Wilson, Steve Newberry, Kelly Potter, Tony Koths, Jefff MacZink
Blake Berringer
High School Diploma – Taylor High School
Parents: Jennifer Berringer & Darrell Berringer
Grandparents: Patrick and the Late Sharon Ferguson
Future Plans: Washtenaw Community College, Welding
Morgan Storm Dowell*
High School Diploma – Huron High School, New Boston
Parents: Jamie & Doug Dowell
Grandparent: Karen Hill
Great-grandparent: Marge Rocha
Aunt: Toni Hill
Future Plans: Henry Ford Community College, Broadcasting & Media, T.V. Host
Evelyn Ann Hard*
High School Diploma – Woodhaven High School
Parents: Mary & the Kyle Hard
Grandparents: Sheryl & William Schwab, Paul & Jackie Hard
Aunt: Christine Schwab
Future Plans: Eastern Michigan University, Special Education
Katie Kincaid*
Masters in Athletic Training – Central Michigan University
Parents: Cheryl & Gene Kincaid
Future Plans: Employment in my field
Haley Wright*
Bachelor of Science – Education – Oakland University
Parents: Erik & Charmaine Wright
Grandparents: Gary & Kathy Peters
Future Plans: Elementary Education Teacher
Other graduates: *Emily Pederson, DePaul University, Chicago, IL
*indicates graduates who are current St. Paul members