St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost/ June 28, 2026
"He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds." ~ Psalm 147:3
Ringing of the Bell
Prelude “Gather Us In” Ava Janus, Music Director
Welcome Rev. Lesa Branham
Announcement Highlights
*Congregational Greeting
*Call to Worship Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Leader: Lord, let Your presence be with us as we gather.
People: We invite You in—come and be among us.
Leader: Lift our hearts, O God, from whatever we carry into this space.
People: Turn our eyes toward You and renew our spirits.
Leader: We come with open hearts and open hands.
People: Ready to worship, ready to receive, ready to be changed.
Leader: Move in this place, Lord.
People: We welcome You here. Amen.
*Hymn No. 546 “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”
Following each verse we sing: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood His mercy reigns, unending love, amazing grace.
Joys and Concerns Pastor Schalm
Morning Prayer (unison) Pastor Schalm
Gracious God, we thank You for the gift of this community, for every person here, and for the love that binds us together in You. As we worship, bring us closer—not just to You, but to one another. Where there is distance, draw us near. Where there is hurt, bring healing. Where there is misunderstanding, bring grace. Lord, we ask that You would hold us together as family. Teach us how to love well, how to forgive freely, and how to walk in patience with one another. Let Your presence shape us into a people marked by unity, compassion, and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings Song: “Come Into His Presence”
*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.
*Hymn No. 339 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea”
Prayer of Illumination Pastor Schalm
Lord, Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we prepare to hear Your message, grant us clarity and understanding. We do not want to simply hear words—we want to understand Your heart. Unveil the truths of Scripture. Help us interpret it faithfully, discern it wisely, and apply it diligently. Remove any confusion or misunderstanding that might distort Your message. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
First Lesson 2 Corinthians 5:14-20 Pastor Schalm
Gospel Lesson Luke 15:18-28
Message “Leave the Porch Light On” Pastor Branham
*Hymn No. 537 My Hope Is Built”
*The 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. And forgive us our debts, as we 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.
*Benediction
Postlude/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as our Pastor leads the way into the world at the close of service.
*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
Tim Ruffner Council Rep
Teri Staffeld Deacon
Pastor Cheryl Schalm Liturgist
Email [email protected]
Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
COFEE HOUR follows our worship service. All are invited to gather in the fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy donuts.
OUR-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 day.
MISSION OUTREACH July 13 we will be preparing a spaghetti dinner for guests of ChristNet, a rotating homeless shelter and day center. The dinner will be served at the Day Center on July 14 . A sign-up sheet for items needed will be in the narthex. Anyone interested in helping to prepare the meal on the 13th at 11:00 a.m. or available to deliver the meal on July 14th before noon can sign the sheet or contact Pastor Schalm. Additionally, we will be collecting cereal for Cass Social Services, a non-profit operated under the direction of Rev. Faith Fowler. Cass meets the needs of people where they are in life by offering food, affordable housing, skill building, and vocational training which promotes self-sufficiency, on a sustainable pedestrian campus and as part of the larger community. Our group of will head to Detroit on Saturday, August 1 for a morning visit to Eastern Market. Afterwards, we will head to Cass Social Services where we will be volunteering from 1-4 p.m. in the kitchen. Ready those legs! It will be a full day with plenty of walking. Please contact Pastor Schalm if you are interested in attending.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week June 28 – July 5
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Coffee with Pastor Lesa 6:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.
Friday Office Closed
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham
Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
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: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.; Saturday, July 25, 2026 – Noon; Sunday, August 2 – Following Worship Service.
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!
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
DeAnna Schalm, Kirk Blanchard, Pauline Arndt, Harold Fick, Roy Staffeld, Makenna Gorbe, Holly Staten, Burt Thompson, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Pam Martinez, Henry Martinez, Steve Newberry, Kelly Potter, Jeff MacZink, Randy Snelson, Dave & Denise Thorpe, Cindy Terwillger, Dave Terwillger
St. Paul Volunteer Interest Form
Use Your Gifts. Make a Difference.
Are you looking for a place to use your talents and serve?
God has gifted each of us in unique ways, and there are many opportunities to serve here at St. Paul. If you would like to learn more or volunteer, simply check the area(s) that interest you.
I would like more information about serving in:
☐ Church Photographer
Help capture the life and ministry of our church through photos.
☐ Streaming & Technical Team
Assist with livestreaming, sound, media, and presentation during worship.
☐ Greeters
Welcome members and guests with a warm smile and help everyone feel at home.
☐ Singers
Share your gift of music as part of our worship ministry.
Contact Information
Name: ___________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Email: ___________________________________________
Best way to contact me:
☐ Phone ☐ Email ☐ Text
Please place this completed form in the offering plate or return it to the church office.
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them... Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
— 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7