St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
First Sunday of Advent/ November 30, 2025
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Announcement Highlights Louise Stanek
Prelude/ Carol Medley Ava Janus, Music Director
“Advent Carol,” “O Come Divine Messiah,” “Away in a Manger”
First Advent Reading Louise Stanek, Sue Mrowka
Lighting of the First Advent Candle (Hope)
Hymn No. 128 “One Candle Is Lit” (first verse only)
*Call to Worship Louise Stanek ONE: The Lord is at hand. Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Phil. 4:5-6
ALL: Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Lk 12:37
(THE SONG OF THE VIRGIN MARY OR The MAGNIFICAT Luke 1:46-55)
ONE: My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
ALL: For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden.
ONE: For behold form hence forth: all generations shall call me blessed.
ALL: For he that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is his name.
ONE: And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.
ALL: He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
ONE: He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek.
All: He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.
ONE: He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, forever.
All: Amen.
*Hymn No. 159 “There’s a Song in the Air!”
*Opening Prayer Louise Stanek
Gracious God, we thank you for loving us so much as to send your only Son Jesus Christ to be born among us and to redeem us to yourself. We are gathered here in your presence on this first Sunday in Advent to give you thanks and praises for your love for us, sinners. May this Christmas season be a time for reflection and action to fulfill your will and desire in each one of our lives. May our love for you be translated into acts of kindness and care for others in this season of Christmas. Amen.
Choir Anthem
First Lesson Isaiah 7:13-17 Louise Stanek
Gospel Lesson Luke 1:26-38 Rev. Mathews
Message “Say Yes at Christmas” Rev. Mathews
*Hymn No. 119 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
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 (see insert)
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. 142 “People, Look East”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Postlude/ Recessonal: 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.
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.
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.
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
Harold Fick Deacon
Louise Stanek, Sue Mrowka 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
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
November 30 – December 7
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
First Sunday of Advent/ Communion/ Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour
11:00 a.m./ Christmas Decorating 11:00
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 6:00 p.m./ Executive 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m. – Fellowship Hall/ Christmas Gift & Basket Sale 4:00 – 7:00
p.m. - Members and Friends
Friday Christmas Gift & Basket Sale 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday Set-up Trees/ Bring decorations down from Belfry/Christmas gift Sale 10 – 2
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson Sunday School 10 /Christmas Gift Sale 11 – 1/ Advent By Candlelight 6:45 p.m.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake in the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely.
ROSE ON THE PULPIT celebrates the birth of Myles Anthony Grant, born November 19, 2025, to Eric & Joane Grant. St. Paul Grandparent are Vicki & the late Richard Grant. Sibling is Dean.
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. Today is the deadline. Contact Peggy Staten at 734-740-0647 or pstaten75@yahoo.com.
ANNUAL WOMENS’ CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON is Thursday, December 11, 2025, 12 noon at Woodside Meadows, 20820 Inkster Rd., Romulus, 48174. All women are invited. Please RSVP to Chairwoman, Toni Hill no later than Monday, December 8. A count is needed to ensure proper seating. Look forward to seeing you there!
TAYLOR COMMUNITY CHORUS Hosts ‘Sing We Noel!’ for their annual Christmas Concert on Friday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $10 for adults 18 and older, $5 for children 6-17, and free for kids 5 and younger. Refreshments will be served at intermission.
CHRISTMAS 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.
DECK THE SANCTUARY WITH BOUGHS OF POINSETTIAS? In keeping with custom, our chancel area will be banked with fresh poinsettias honoring and commemorating loved ones and friends or a special event in someone’s life. You can purchase a poinsettia to be included in the Christmas Eve floral array. The names of those whom you wish to honor or remember will be included in the Christmas Eve bulletin. Your poinsettia can be retrieved after the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service. If you need assistance, ask an usher. Use one of the white envelopes in the pews, include your $10 contribution per plant, mark the envelope “Poinsettias,” and indicate whom you would like to commemorate. The envelope can be dropped in a collection plate, handed to an usher, or returned to the church office. All orders are due by Sunday, December 8.
CONTINUING TO SERVE AS THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST Our November/ December Community Outreach is the “Angel Tree” 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 on the table. A list of gift recommendations is also available. GIFTS MUST BE RETURNED BY DECEMBER 14. Gifts will be delivered to the Salvation Army for 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.
SPECIAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS SERVICE. Please plan on joining us in the sanctuary for this special event Sunday, December 14. Included is our own Sunday School children and Girl Scout Troop 74590. Immediately following the service there is a luncheon sponsored by the Christian Education Ministry. Old St. Nick is to make a special appearance. Don’t forget to bring your camera for a special photo of Santa with the kiddos! This year's annual Christmas Cookie Walk will follow the Sunday Family Christmas Program. You can purchase a bucket of cookies for just $10 for a large container and $5 for a small container. They make a great gift. Cookie donations are being sought. Please plan now to bake and donate! For additional information contact Sue Mrowka.
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, recognize that all donations are appreciated! Last week 200 pounds of food was collected and donated.
CHRISTMAS 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.
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: Rev. Linda Anderson, Sandy Ennis, Makenna Gorbe, 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, Wendy Wendt, Holly Staten Thompson, 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.