St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Second Sunday after Pentecost/ June 22, 2025
"How do we respond to the possibility of healing in our lives, our institutions, our communities: do we choose to hold fast to the old ways, or do we step forward into liberation?" Anne Howard
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Conrad Heidt, liturgist
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Conrad Heidt
One: Come, let us worship the Lord our God, whose love quenches our thirst. All: We are parched and thirsty for God’s healing word. One: Let us praise God who is with us always. All: We seek the one who will not desert us. One: Let us open our hearts to God who calls us by name. All: We come, seeking reconciled relationship with God.
*Hymn No. 97 “Fairest Lord Jesus”
*Morning Prayer Conrad Heidt
O God, in your great love for us, you have lifted us from the chaos of our world, our circumstances, a restfulness of our own making, and placed us into a new and life-giving relationship with you. Help us in this time of worship to offer true praise to you, and to yield ourselves to the movement of your Spirit in our lives, so that all that we are and all that we do may bring glory to you, through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
*Hymn No. 102 “Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee”
First Lesson 1 Kings 19:3-9 Conrad Heidt
Solo “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” Brenda Murphy
Gospel Lesson Luke 8:26-39
Message “What are you doing here?” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 72 “To God Be the Glory”
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.
Solo “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” Brenda Murphy
*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.
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. Linda Anderson Interim Senior Pastor
Ava Janus Director of Music
Pastor Cheryl Schalm Minister of Mission Outreach
Tim Ruffner President of Church Council
Dan Case Treasurer
Suzanne Mrowka Office Manager
Cindy Romas Administrative Assistant
Pam Lange Council Rep
Jeannette Wackro Deacon
Conrad Heidt Liturgist
St. Paul United Church of Christ Phone 313.291.1221
24158 Goddard Road Email stpaulucctaylor@stpaulucctaylor.org
Taylor, MI 48180 Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
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 June 22 -June 29
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School / Coffee Hour 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. Linda Anderson
Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
JOIN US FOR COFFEE HOUR immediately following worship. All are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship. A free-will offering is invited to help off-set the ever-increasing cost of our refreshments
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH MISSION OFFERNG RECEIVED IN JUNE. This UCC offering represents the time of Pentecost, Birth of the Christian Church. Funds support a variety of ministries. There are offering envelopes available. 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 your donation amount. Your gift will help God’s spirit move and speak in our UCC congregations for generations to come.
DURING JUNE AND 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: ● Cardboard boxes of various sizes ● Brown cardboard tape ● 1 gallon Red, 1 gallon white, 1 quart brown paint (see Candace Poet) ● Small, Medium, and Large paint brushes ● Pretzels (tiny) ● Red Tablecloths and Blue Tablecloths ● Empty tubes from paper towel rolls ● Powdered Fruit Punch Mix ● CHILDREN This list will be updated as needed. 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 Debbie Case.
CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP is collecting new items suitable for sale in the upcoming Christmas Gift Shop. Please contact Peggy Staten or Jane Dykowski regarding donations.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Irene Stoner, Dorothy Evison, 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 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. If you have any questions, please contact Music Director, Ava Janus, the church office, or complete a Make – A – Wish card.
OUR SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING follows our worship service July 13. 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.
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. If you would like a copy of our Good News Bible, please contact Rev. Anderson.
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.