St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourth Sunday in Lent/ March 19, 2023
Silent Prayer and Reflection
Am I spiritually prepared for all seasons of life?
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome & Announcements Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Prelude Beverly M. Glenn, organist
*Call to Worship/Passing of the Peace Leader: Peggy Staten
One: God invites us to rest in green pastures.
All: God leads us beside still waters, restoring our souls.
One: Even when we walk through the darkest valley,
All: we fear no evil; for God is always with us.
One: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all of our days.
All: We shall dwell in the house of God our whole life long.
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
*Hymn No. 59 “This Is My Father’s World”
*Prayer of the Day Leader: Peggy Staten
One: Let us pray.
All: O God who is light and sight:
Grant us the vision to see your truth
that we may follow the Christ always. Amen.
Children’s Chapel “Forever Growing & Blooming,” Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Children’s Chapel Dismissal/ Family of God
I’m so glad I’m a part of the Family of God, I’ve been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, for I’m part of the family, the family of God.
Choir Anthem “Gethsemane Hymn,” Tracy Hoffman, Music Director
First Lesson: Psalm 118:1-14 Lector: Peggy Staten
Morning Prayer
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.
Hymn No. 559 “All the Way My Savior Leads Me”
Gospel Lesson: Matthew 13:1-23 Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Message: “The Intertwining and Changing Seasons of Life,” Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Lord’s Prayer (debts, debtors)
*Hymn No. 561 “It Is Well with My Soul”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude Beverly M. Glenn, organist
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S MORNING SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING which can be viewed on Facebook at other times as well. An order of service is downloadable from our church website (stpaulucctaylor.org) with a video recording of our worship together also posted by Sunday afternoon.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GATHERING in the Sanctuary this morning. After Children’s Chapel, they will head upstairs.
COFFEE HOUR this morning following our morning worship service in Fellowship Hall. Coffee, tea, donuts, and other refreshments served.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Linda Tank, Dorothy Evison, Sandi Rose, Bernard Baca, Aaron Johnson, Peggy Staten, Jennifer Lee, Barbara Siemers, Beverly Sitz, Debbie Case, Dan Case, Loralee Wilson, Dianne Sturgeon, Murl Nieman, Kim Beyar, Fred Block, Sally Sigman, Rev. Norm Kirsch, Michelle Mellin, John Caufield, Shelly Wilson, Jerry Rossi, Sheila Klimek, Wayne Jones, Vicki Simon, Shirley Robinson, Kyle Hard, Eleanor Rossi, Jeff Natzke, Neil MacEachern, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, Sue Spears, Bert Thompson, Margo Charette, Gabriel Siadak, Loretta Kurtsel, Brenda Stockwell, Donna Greca, Joyce LeBlanc, Sue Milatz, Lynn Case, Susan Barnard, Judy Kirsch, Debi Petri. Condolences: to the family and friends of Janice Schuman who passed away March 8, 2023 at the age of 87 years. Visitation March 31, 4-8 p.m. Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, 30895 W. Huron River Dr., Flat Rock, 48134. Service April 2, 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
LENTEN BIBLE & BOOK STUDY now through April 3, 7 p.m. in the Parlor. “You Were Made for This Moment, Courage for Today and Hope for Tomorrow” by Max Lucado held on Monday evenings. Any one interested contact Pastor Schalm or the church office. Books are available for purchase.
PALM PASSION SUNDAY READERS NEEDED Palm Sunday (Palm/Passion Sunday) we will be reading the entire story of Jesus’ passion which is almost two chapters long. We will do this in a readers’ theater style with various folks reading the lines of each character. Need 1 more volunteer to read. The parts are short, and we will be reading so you don’t need to memorize lines. Palm Sunday is April 2, and we will have a practice read through after worship on March 26. To volunteer, please see Pastor Reed. Thank you.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING received during 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, and disaster and refugee relief. An offering envelope was in the March Tidings and in the pew racks. We also offer the option of making your donation thru 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.
ORDER YOUR EASTER LILY. White envelopes (found in the pew racks) are due Sunday, March 26. 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 YOUTH HOLDING THEIR ANNUAL FLOWER SALE. The flowers are coming from Blocks Stand and Greenhouse. If you would like to order flowers, please see an usher to pick up an order form beginning next Sunday, March 26. Order forms need to be turned in NO LATER than MAY 7. Orders will be ready for pickup on Mother’s Day, May 14 after worship service. Any questions please contact Candace Poet.
SENIOR PASTOR SERACH UPDATE: The Search Committee and Council are unanimously happy to announce that we have placed a call to a potential Senior Pastor for St. Paul. Pastor Jonathan Bangera will be joining us from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the April 16 worship service to preach. He will also be available for an informal ‘meet and greet’ on Saturday, April 15. Immediately after service on April 16, a congregational meeting and vote will be held to determine if the congregation approves his calling at St Paul. Additional information will be sent via email, in the April newsletter, and in a letter that will be mailed to all members.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week March 19 – March 26
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.
Monday Bible and Book Study 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Friday Fish Supper-Drive Thru only 3:30 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.