St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost/ November 9, 2025
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Rev. Anderson
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Rev. Anderson
One: We gather as part of God’s great diversity.
All: Made in their image, you and I.
One: We sing the Creator’s love song of life.
All: Giving voice to the sacred, deep in our hearts.
One: We risk hope as the Jesus movement.
All: Called to bold discipleship in our time.
One: We embrace the Spirit who moves in and through.
All: Pressing us to daring conspiracies of love and justice.
One: Holy Three, Holy One, we come together in worship.
*Hymn No. 600 “Jesu, Jesu”
*Morning Prayer Rev. Anderson
God of grace and glory, make your presence known to us as we worship this morning. Jesus our Christ, may your name be praised from the rising of the sun to the midnight hour, may your name always be honored among us. Spirit of holiness, breathe on us all and bind us in Christian love and servant hood. O God, Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit, be known to us today. Transform our lives and our community into the image of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Choir Anthem “Standing in the Need of Prayer”
Ministry Moment
“Jesus Loves the Little Children”
First Lesson Isaiah 43:15-21 Rev. Anderson
Gospel Lesson Matthew 28:16-20
Message “The Present and Future Church” Rev. Richardson
*Hymn No. 606 “God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending”
Stewardship/ Blessing of the Commitment Cards
Presentation: 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/ 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.
*Hymn No. 601 “I Am Thine, O Lord”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude /Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world at the close of service.
*Congregation standing 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. Linda Anderson Interim 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
Dan Case Council Rep
Teri Staffeld Deacon
Rev. Linda Anderson Liturgist
St. Paul United Church of Christ Phone 313.291.1221
24158 Goddard Road Email stpaulucctaylor@stpaulucctaylor.org
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 for more information.
PLEASE WELCOME TO OUR PULPIT TODAY, Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Lawrence T. Richardson who is sharing the message today. Please greet him warmly.
TODAY IS STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY -- an occasion to reflect upon God’s gifts to us, as well as his call to be faithful stewards of resources he makes possible for our needs, and for sharing with others through our church’s ministry. Everyone is encouraged to complete a Faith Commitment card and drop it in an offering plate or return it to the office. Faith Commitment cards will be received throughout November.
COFFEE HOUR is immediately following worship. All are invited to the Fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts and fellowship. A free will offering is invited to help off-set the increasing cost of our yummy refreshments. Please give. We are also in need of small groups to host Coffee Hours.
2026 PROPOSED BUDGET Dan Case, St. Paul Treasurer, will be in the parlor after worship service today to answer questions regarding the proposed 2026 budget. This is your budget and we are looking for your input as we plan for 2026. The Council will approve the proposed budget at its December 9 meeting. Our congregation will vote on it at our Annual Meeting on January 18, 2026.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP Calendar Week November 9 – November 16
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Lawrence T. Richardson
Stewardship Sunday/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ 2026 Proposed budget review
11:00 a.m. - Parlor/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Council 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.-Fellowship Hall
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. /Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ CE & Teacher Meeting
11:15 a.m. - Parlor/ OCC Boxes Due
REMEMBER TO SUPPORT our ongoing food collection for Fish & Loaves. Food staples are always in need as we recognize the food insecurity within our neighborhood. Donations can be placed in area near front the entrance way of the church or in the box near the office and west entrance. Please, recognize that all donations are appreciated!
CONTINUING TO SERVE AS THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST Our November Community Outreach is Operation Christmas Child. This shoebox ministry provides children around the world with small gift filled shoe boxes and books about Jesus in the child’s native language. All are invited to pick up a wrapped shoebox in Fellowship Hall fill it, tag the box and return it by November 16. Shoeboxes will be delivered to the collection center in Boone, NC. From there they will ship to various countries, including the USA to children in need. “Angel Tree” gift outreach for the Salvation Army: Please pick a tag from the Angel tree located in Fellowship Hall. There is no name on the tag, the tag will identify gender and age. Please purchase a gift ($25.00 average) for a child in that category. Register your tag by signing your name along with the tag number on the sheet located at the table. A list of gift recommendations will also be available on the table. GIFTS MUST BE RETURNED BY DECEMBER 8. Gifts will be delivered on Monday to the Salvation Army for use in their Shop free Christmas Store. Pre-registered parents can shop for their children at designated times. Each parent is permitted to pick one big gift and a stocking stuffer for their child/ren. In addition, we will be collecting hats, gloves and undergarments for the Salvation Army. Collection boxes are in the Narthex and lobby area. Please contact Pastor Schalm with any questions.
ANNUAL ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT EVENING, Sunday, December 7, 6:45 p.m. Please sign up at the Kiosk during Coffee Hour, indicating if you would like to host a table or would like to be included as a guest. Deadline to sign up is November 30. Contact Peggy Staten at 734-740-0647 or pstaten75@yahoo.com.
CISTMAS GIFT & BASKET SALE will open early for CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS Thursday, December 4, 2025, 4 - 7 p.m. Public hours are Friday, December 5, 10 am to 12 noon, Saturday, December 6, 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday, December 7, 11 am to 1 pm. New items are still being collected. Help with packaging, pricing, and set-up is invited. Please contact Peggy Staten or Jane Dykowski. Also available for purchase handmade stained class items in the West Lobby.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM need a few more people. We are looking for a Superintendent, 1-2 teachers to add in our rotation (a monthly commitment/ not weekly), and to be on call in case we need a substitute. We provide training and all materials including snacks. Most of all, we would like to increase our student body, especially between the ages of 5-14. If you can help in any way, please contact Deb Case or the church office.
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE if you or a loved one no longer needs to be on our prayer list. You and your loved ones can always be added as concerns change.
USHERS AND LITURGISTS NEEDED TO ASSIST with Sunday morning worship services. If you would like to volunteer or for more information, please contact any Deacon or the church office (313.291.1221). Any time you can donate is greatly appreciated.
2025 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase ($20) or two ($40) is a nice way to honor someone special or commemorate a special time in life. Contact the office for more info.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Darlene Babin, Conrad Heidt, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, Marjie Barnard, Joe Mayfield, John Smith, William Stears, Jr., Billy-jo Stears, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Rev. Geoffrey Drutchas, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Nora Cousino, Lynn Jenkins, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Julius Enesey, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Sue Milatz, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Blain Tayler, Kelly Potter, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ailani Flores, Linda & Tom Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, William Veteto.
Condolences to Dianne and Eddie Brainard on the loss of husband and father, Robert Brainard who passed away October 28, 2025, at the age of 79 years.