St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Third Sunday in Lent/ March 3, 2024
Silent Prayer/ Reflection “Start each day with a positive thought and a grateful heart.” Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Marjie Barnard, lector
Opening Voluntary Tracy Hoffman, pianist
*Call to Worship/Passing of the Peace Marjie Barnard, lector
One: Lenten travelers, why are you here?
All: We gather to do the work of worship.
One: Lenten travelers, what happens when we gather to worship?
All: We listen and proclaim. We sing and pray. We repent and encourage
One: Lenten travelers, how do we do the work of worship?
All: We bring all that we are to be present to God and one another.
One: Lenten travelers, what work does God do in worship?
All: God raises us up so that we can delight in life together with God and one another.
One: Lenten travelers, come, let us worship God together!
All: Come, let us worship God together! Amen.
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
*Hymn No. 27 “Come, Thou Almighty King,” Tracy Hoffman, hymn leader
*Prayer of the Day Marjie Barnard, lector
Holy God, in Jesus Christ you have built for us an eternal house, a temple of righteousness, a place of gracious plenty for the hungry and abundant life for the poor in spirit. Fill us with zeal for the body of Christ. Overturn the tables of corruption and greed and upset the imbalance of injustice, so that we may worship you in spirit and truth; through Jesus Christ, who is risen indeed.
Anthem “God Chose Us,” Chancel Choir
First Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Marjie Barnard, lector
Gospel Lesson: John 2:13-22 Rev. John Martin
Message: “The Heart’s Essentials,” Rev. John Martin
*Hymn No. 295 “In This Very Room”
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.
Holy Communion
Invitation
A Time of Prayer 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
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 and ever Amen.
Receiving of the Bread and Cup
*Hymn No. 587 “Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross’
*Dismissal with Blessing
Closing Voluntary/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world followed by our Pastor.
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S MORNING SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING which can be viewed on Facebook at other times as well. Facebook has made some changes to their live streaming and video viewing. Videos are no longer being stored on our website for viewing later; You must have a Facebook account to view our Worship Services live each Sunday; You must have a Facebook account to view our Worship Services at a different time. It is possible to set up a Facebook account and not be engaged in the Social Media aspect, but you must have a legitimate email address. Please contact any member of the IT Ministry if you have questions/ need more information.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. At the usher’s bidding, you are invited to come forward to receive both bread and cup from our pastors and elders. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake in the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely. You may immediately consume the communion elements before returning to your pew.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN will gather upstairs for a lesson, movie, and snack.
PLEASE JOIN US in Fellowship Hall immediately following worship for beverages, donuts, and fellowship. All are welcome.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will meet again March 5. We will gather at 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. Lead by interim pastor Reverend Linda Anderson. All are welcome. For more info call the office.
EXERCISE CLASS MEETS Wednesday mornings, 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. All are welcome to join for fun and fellowship. Contact Kathy Williams for more information.
CHOIR REHEARSAL Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m. in the West Room. New voices are always welcome. Contact Music Director, Tracy Hoffman, for more information.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Mark Ennis, Fred Miller, Sandi Rose, Denise St. Louis, Rebecca Romas, Diane St. Louis, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Justine Kimbler, Suzanne Bennett, Dennis Bennett, Baby Boy Healey, Brody Howell, Lynn Jenkins, Evelyn Szor, Ailani Flores, Sue Milatz, Linda Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Kyle Hard, Bill Pattenaude, Marybeth Staffeld Gibbs, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink.
2024 LENTEN FISH DINNERS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Our congregation is hosting drive-thru fish dinners on Friday, March 8, 15, 22, 3:30 - 6:00 p.m. Menu: three pieces of Cod, Cole slaw, French fries, roll/ butter, and a pie slice or brownie. The children’s meal is two pieces of fish plus everything else in the adult meal. Dinners are $14.00 adults and $5.00 (4-12 years). Volunteer help is needed for each dinner. To volunteer, please contact Jim Poet or the church office (313.291.1221).
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING is received during the month of March. You are invited to participate in this UCC Mission Offering which assists our Christian friends world-wide in the development of health and education, disaster and refugee relief. An offering envelope is included in the March Tidings and available in the Narthex. See an Usher for assistance. We also offer the option of making your donation through our electronic giving process. Visit us at www.stpaulucctaylor. org/giving, click on the blue Online Giving button, scroll through the “Donations” listing, select UCC – One Great Hour of Sharing and enter the amount of your donation. Please prayerfully consider your gift to those in need.
YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN A “30 HOUR TECHNOLOGY FAMINE” TO HELP FEED THE NEED
Instead of going without food for 30 hours this year, the youth are tucking away their technology & electronics to help feed the need. For 30 hours they will take their minds and hands off social media and electronics and redirect them to helping those less fortunate. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that technology use has been found to contribute to poor self-esteem and isolation in some youth and World Vision International reports that millions of children are dangerously malnourished with 30 million suffering from wasting (also known as acute malnutrition), it’s a win-win for all young people! The famine begins at 12:00 a.m. Friday, March 8 and concludes at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The youth will gather at the church on Saturday, March 9, 4:30 p.m. to host the annual ARC Special Olympics dinner dance. Cookies, cupcakes, and dessert items are being sought. Please see Pastor Schalm if you are interested in donating. Youth are accepting pledges in support of their famine during coffee hours through March 17. Proceeds benefit World Vision’s work to feed children in need throughout the world. Youth interested should sign up on the youth board or contact Pastor Schalm.
ORDER YOUR EASTER LILY. White envelopes (found in the pew racks) are due no later than Sunday, March 24. Lilies will be displayed in the sanctuary on Easter morning and can be taken after service. Please indicate whom you would like to honor or commemorate. The ‘Lily List’ is published in the Easter morning bulletin and on the church website. $10 each.
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY”. A monthly mission/ outreach will be shared throughout the month by means of newsletter, morning bulletin and emails. While items for the mission/ outreach will be collected throughout the month, they will be gathered and blessed on the third Sunday of the month. All are encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items for March’s Mission to benefit the Fish & Loaves Food Pantry. Collection containers will be set up in the narthex, Christian Education department and west lobby. Please contact Pastor Schalm with any questions.
2024 FLOWER CHART IS UP IN THE NARTHEX. Altar vases are $15.00 for one vase, $30.00 for two. Sharing altar flowers is a nice way to honor a loved one or special event.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week March 3 – March 10
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. John Martin
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Communion/ Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Executive 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Friday Drive-thru Fish Supper 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday ARC Pizza Party & Dance 6:00 – 8:30 p.m./ Set Clocks ahead one hour
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Christian Education &
Teacher Meeting 11:15 a.m. – Parlor
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
The Rev. John Martin, Guest Minister
Tracy Hoffman, Hymn Leader, Pianist;
Marjie Barnard, Liturgist
Dan Case, Council Rep;
Jeannette Wackro, Deacon