St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fifth Sunday of Easter/ May 7, 2023
Silent Prayer and Reflection
Where do I/we get our identity?
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements Rev. George Reed
Welcome
Prelude Beverly M. Glenn, organist
*Call to Worship/Passing of the Peace Lector: Sandy Ennis
One: God is our refuge and our rock in times of trouble.
All: We cling to the One who holds us in arms of strength.
One: The Christ calls us to follow in the paths of service and love.
All: We hear Christ’s call and we are ready to follow.
One: The Spirit dwells with us in shelter and in service.
All: We will listen to the Spirit’s call in all we do.
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
*Hymn No. 611 “Rise Up, O Saints of God!”
*Prayer of the Day Lector: Sandy Ennis
One: Let us pray.
All: O God who is our refuge and our way:
Grant us the faith to trust in you to hold us in your love even
as you send us out into the world. Amen.
Anthem “Yes, Lord,” Chancel Choir, Tracy Hoffman, Music Director
First Lesson: 1 Peter 2:2-10 Lector: Sandy Ennis
Gospel Lesson: John 14:1-14
Message: “Who Are We?” Rev. Reed
*Hymn No. 464 “God of Grace and God of Glory” (all verses)
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
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer (debt/debtors)
Receiving of the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Receiving
*Hymn No. 558 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude Beverly M. Glenn, organist
Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads
the way into the world followed by our Pastor and Choir at the close
of service.
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S MORNING SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING which can be viewed on Facebook at other times as well.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED TO WORSHIPERS THIS MORNING. At the usher’s bidding, you are invited to come forward to the front the sanctuary to receive both the wafer and cup from our pastors and elders. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving communion be baptized and either confirmed or of adult age. You may immediately consume the communion elements before returning to your pew.
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GATHERING upstairs for a lesson, crafts, and snacks.
COFFEE HOUR this morning following our worship service in Fellowship Hall. Coffee, tea, donuts, and other refreshments served.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Kathy Williams, DeAnna Schalm, Aaron Johnson, Katie Stull, Sue Stern, Dorothy Evison, Sandi Rose, Bernard Baca, Dianne Sturgeon, Jennifer Lee, Nancy Kittendorf, Bill Pattenaude, Linda Tank, Beverly Sitz, Loralee Wilson, Kim Beyar, Sally Sigman, Rev. Norm Kirsch, Michelle Mellin, John Caufield, Jerry Rossi, Sheila Klimek, Wayne Jones, Vicki Simon, Shirley Robinson, Kyle Hard, Jeff Natzke, Neil MacEachern, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Jerry Picard, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Cliff Barnard, Jeff MacZink, Sue Spears, Bert Thompson, Margo Charette, Gabriel Siadak, Loretta Kurtsel, Brenda Stockwell, Sue Milatz, Lynn Case, Susan Barnard, Judy Kirsch, Debi Petri. Condolences: to the family & friends of Barbara Siemers who passed April 29, 2023. Funeral was May 5, 2023. Arrangements by Michigan Memorial Funeral Home, Flat Rock.
Cradle Roll Service Honors Newborns May 14. Infants born over the last year to members of our congregation will be honored at the annual St. Paul Cradle Roll Service on Sunday, May 14, 10 a.m. As part of the service, parents are invited to bring their child forth to the front of the sanctuary as his or her name is read and the congregation tinkles hand-held bells in their honor. Grandparents or godparents are invited to come forward with a photo of their grand or godchild to be placed on the altar for the length of the service. Please contact the church office if you would like to participate or include a child or grandchild in the roster of those acknowledged and honored.
USHERS NEEDED TO ASSIST with Sunday morning worship services. If you would like to volunteer or for more information, please contact Senior Deacon, Jennifer Ruffner or the church office (313.291.1221). Any time you can donate is greatly appreciated.
MEDITATION MONDAY’S YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY & FELLOWSHIP CONTINUES MEETING WEEKLY at Pastor Schalm’s home, Mondays, 7 p.m. All post-High School young adults are welcomed and encouraged to join.
PLEASE REVIEW YOUR INFORMATION IN OUR MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY and contact the Office for any updates or corrections. Have you moved? Changed phone numbers? We will be submitting information for a new directory soon.
EXERCISE CLASS WILL resume on Wednesday, May 10, 10:30 a.m.
YOUTH FOOD AND FUNDRAISING The youth will gather at 5:00 p.m. for a pizza dinner at St. Paul Church, Saturday, May 13. Following dinner, we will head to Meijer to return donated bottles and cans. Afterwards, we will head to Block’s Greenhouse to gather and load flowers and plants for distribution on May 14. Contact Pastor Schalm for more information.
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR A “CHAT WITH REV. REED” Over the next 6 weeks we will have small gatherings of 6/8 people for a “Chat with Rev. Reed". This will give Rev. Reed an opportunity to get to know you and put names to faces. It will also give you a chance to get to know him a little better too. These gatherings should last about an hour. The search committee has put together several dates/times for these gatherings. The dates/times are as follows: Wednesday, May 10, 11:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.; Monday, May 15, 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 11:15 a.m. Sign-up in the narthex on Sunday or call the church office. If we run out of days/dates and there are still more who wish to participate we will add more dates until all those interested have attended.
GRADUATE NAMES NEEDED FOR OUR PRINTED ROSTER on Baccalaureate/Youth Sunday Service, June 4. To add your graduate to the roster, please complete and return to the church office by Tuesday, May 30, a biography form available online or from an usher.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week May 7 – May 14
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Women’s Fellowship 12:30 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
Cradle Roll/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Flower-Plant pick up 11:00 a.m./
Muffins for Moms 11:00 a.m./ Mother’s Day