St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost/ November 19, 2023
Silent Prayer and Reflection
What is it God has given me to use?
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements
Moment of Sharing
Welcome
Open Voluntary
*Call to Worship/Passing of the Peace Lector: Aaron Johnson
One: Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.
All: From everlasting to everlasting you are God.
One: For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday.
All: You sweep them away; they are like a dream.
One: For all our years come to an end like a sigh.
All: So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
*Hymn No. 714 “For the Fruit of All Creation”
*Prayer of the Day Lector: Aaron Johnson
One: Let us pray.
All: O God who is the great Giver of all good gifts:
Grant us thankful hearts and minds
that we may use your gifts wisely. Amen.
Shoebox Blessing
Anthem
First Lesson Ephesians 1:15-23 Lector: Aaron Johnson
Gospel Lesson Matthew 25:31-46
Message “Whose Talents Are These?”
*Hymn No. 609 “Take My Life” (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.
Prayers of the People
Adoration/Confession/Thanksgiving/Supplication
Lord’s Prayer (debts, debtors)
*Hymn No. 715 “Now Thank We All Our God”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Cosing Voluntary
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN are gathering upstairs for lesson, crafts, snacks, and fun.
COFFEE HOUR this morning follows our worship service in Fellowship Hall. Coffee, tea, donuts, and other refreshments are served. All are welcome.
NO EXERCISE CLASS NOVEMBER 22. Class will resume Wednesday, November 29 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to join for fun and fellowship. Contact Kathy Wiliams for more information.
NO CHOIR REHEARSAL NOVEMBER 22. Rehearsal will resume Wednesday, November 29, 7 p.m. in the West Room. New voices are always welcome. Contact Music Director, Tracy Hoffman, for more information.
NO TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for the rest of November.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Dan Case, Sally Sigman, Dave Lange, Judy Albright, Dan Newton, Joan Smarr, Tom Williams, Linda Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Kyle Hard, Bill Pattenaude, Richard & Kathy Green, Marybeth Staffeld Gibbs, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, Abdual Family.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Shoeboxes are due today so they can be delivered to the warehouse for shipping. A huge “Thank you” to Jane Dykowski for wrapping the shoeboxes. For more information about how you can help a child overseas receive a Christmas box adding to their holiday joy, contact Pastor Schalm. After worship, Youth meet for lunch and deliver Shoeboxes to warehouse.
CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP GRAND OPENING Sunday, December 3, 2023, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. After worship on the day of our annual Advent by Candlelight Event, you will have an opportunity to shop at Christian Education's Christmas Gift Shop in the West Room. Invite your friends and neighbors. The Gift Shop will also be open after Advent by Candlelight in the evening for anyone interested in browsing. Please contact Jane Dykowski or Peggy Staten with any questions.
OUR ANNUAL “ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT” program is Sunday, December 3, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
One woman hosts a table and asks seven ladies to join her for a program, fellowship and dessert. There is a sign-up sheet available during coffee hour all November; or, contact Debbie Case (debbiescase@aol.com). It is easy to be a hostess and I will have envelopes for each hostess with all the information. There is also a sign-up sheet for ladies that do not want to host a table but would like to attend. We will do our best to find a place for every lady that would like to attend. Deadline to sign up is Sunday, November 19. I need to know numbers at each table by November 26.
TRUSTEES SEEKING TO FILL COUNCIL POSITIONS Beginning January, 2024 the following positions are open on Council. Two are needed for the position of Deacon. One to replace Conrad Heidt (One year term ending January, 2025), and the second, a three year term ending January, 2026. Please prayerfully consider filling one of these positions. A description of the position’s responsibilities is available in the church office or see a trustee. If you are interested in serving, please speak with Fred Miller, Toni Hill or Marjie Barnard.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week November 19 – November 26
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Youth Lunch & Outing
Tuesday Worship Planning 6 p.m./ Cabinet 7:30 p.m.
Thursday Happy Thanksgiving-Office Closed
Friday Office closed
Saturday Bring decorations down from belfry/ set up Christmas Trees
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ Christmas Decorating
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
The Rev. George Reed;
Tracy Hoffman, Hymn leader;
John Joanette, Pianist;
Aaron Johnson, Acolyte/ Liturgist;
Jennifer Ruffner, Deacon