May 31, 2026

St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Music Sunday/ May 31, 2026

 

Selections by Donald Ross, Guest Piper

Ringing of the Bell

Prelude  “O, What a Beautiful Morning,”                       Nancy Rabb, Alto    

Welcome/ Passing of the Peace                              Rev. Lesa Branham

*Call to Worship                                                               Rev. Branham
Leader: 
Holy God, we welcome Your presence into this place.
Come into our worship, our hearts, and our lives.
People: Come, Holy Spirit, and dwell among us.
Leader: When life feels heavy…
People: Still we sing.
Leader: When the night feels long…
People: Still we sing.
Leader: When fear tries to silence our faith…
People: Still we sing.
Leader: For God is with us in every season.
People: We lift our hearts and voices in praise.
All: Let us worship God together.

*Hymn No. 286  “This is the Day” (2x)         Tim Ruffner, Hymn Leader

 

*Morning Prayer (unison)
Rev. Branham God of hope and mercy, meet us in this place today. Lift every burden, calm every fear, and fill us with Your Spirit. Teach us to worship You not only in moments of joy, but also in the midnight seasons of life. Like Paul and Silas, may our faith rise above our circumstances.  May our songs become testimonies of hope, courage, and trust.  Have Your way in this service and in our hearts.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

Anthem  “Jesus, Joy of All Desiring”

Hymn No. 33  “How Great Thou Art” (vs. 1, 4)    

Solo  “Gentle Shepherd,”                                             Mark Ennis, Tenor

Anthem   “Day By Day”

Scripture Lesson   Acts 16:22–26                                   Rev. Branham

Solo  “Because He Lives,”                               Mike Cavin, Guest Soloist

Anthem  “Lord, Have Mercy”

Homily  “Still We Sing,”                                                    Rev. Branham

Solo  “Center of My Joy,”                                             Mark Ennis, Tenor

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 of Prayer/ Silent Prayer/ 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  “Climb Every Mountain,”                         Brenda Murphy, Soprano

Anthem   Great Day With My Lord”

*Benediction  “God of Love, God of Peace”

 

Postlude  “Highland Cathedral,”                              Donald Ross, Piper
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
Pastor Cheryl Schalm                                                Minister of Mission Outreach
Tim Ruffner                                                                 President of Church Council
Dan Case                                                                     Treasurer
Suzanne Mrowka                                                       Office Manager
Cindy Romas                                                               Administrative Assistant

Jane Dykowski                                                         Council Rep
Teri Staffeld                                                                Deacon

St. Paul United Church of Christ                           Phone 313.291.1221

24158 Goddard Road                                             Email: [email protected]

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 if you need more information.

COFEE HOUR follows our worship service.  All are invited to gather in the fellowship Hall to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.  A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy donuts.

ALTAR VASE OF FLOWERS celebrates the 95th birthday of Helen St. Louis from Dan and Debbie Case. Happy Birthday, Helen!

 

                                      Calendar Week  May 31 - June 7
Sunday        Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham

                      Music Sunday/ Sunday School / Coffee hour 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday       Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Executive 6:30 p.m.

Thursday      Exercise 11:00 a.m.

Sunday         Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Lesa Branham

                       Communion/ Sunday School – Parlor 10:00 a.m. / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m. 

NAMES NEEDED FOR OUR PRINTED BACCALAUREATE ROSTER If you or a family member have or are receiving a high school diploma, G.E.D., college degree, or continuing education certificate since last June, please contact the church office by June 10 for inclusion in the Baccalaureate Service, June 14. Graduates are invited to participate in gown and mortar-board. Forms are available from an usher, the office, or on our website.

LAST SUNDAY TO RECEIVE STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING Your gifts support new church starts, church revitalization, youth ministries, leadership development, and more.  Use an envelope in the Narthex (see an usher for help). ● Give online through Vanco: visit www.stpaulucctaylor.org/giving, select Online Giving, choose “Strengthen the Church,” and enter your gift amount. Thank you for your faithful, prayerful support.

FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN:
 DeAnna Schalm, Pat Herkimer, Christine Schwab, Ron Bolen, Debbie Case, Marion Bolen, Pam Jones, Betty Mayfield,  Roy Staffeld, Dan Newton, Sandi Rose, Makenna Gorbe, Bill Pattenaude, Kathy Peters, Krystal Grant, John Smith, Linda & Tom Tank, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Shirley Lande & Family, Nora Cousino, Holly Staten Thompson, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Kelly Potter, Joseph Rocha Thompson, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Diane Williams, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ailani Flores, , Rachel Tank, Randy Snelson, Jeff MacZink.  

2026 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase or two is a nice way to honor someone or commemorate a special time in life. $25.00 for one vase and $50.00 for two vases.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sue Mrowka, Office Manager.

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!

WEARING NAME TAGS WILL HELP put a name with our faces.  If you need to update or get a new tag, please contact the church office.

COMMUNION AVAILABLE FOR HOMEBOUND.  Please contact the church office or Kathy Williams if you know of a member who is unable to attend church service and would like to receive communion.

SMALL GROUPS TO GATHER  so Rev. Banham can get to know each of us better  and to share your ideas, visions and suggestions on growing our church and it’s ministries in an informal setting.  Please complete the information below if you’re interested in sharing. Drop it in an offering plate, hand it to an Usher or drop it at the church office. All are welcome.

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