St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost/ October 26, 2025
Reformation Sunday
“This Sunday should be a day to be unbound from fear of the future and to celebrate freedom in Christ and God’s steadfastness across the ages.” ~ Rev. Sharron Riessinger Blezard
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Sharon Podpora, liturgist
Moment of Concern Kathy Williams
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Sharon Podpora
One: Be still!
All: We come to quiet ourselves in this haven of holiness.
One: Be still and know . . .
All: we come to discern the Word that can set us free.
One: Be still and know that God is . . .
All: our Hope, our Help, our Refuge, and our Redeemer.
One: Together, let us worship our God.
*Hymn No. 65 “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”
*Opening Prayer Sharon Podpora
Lord our God, You yourself remind us through Your holy people that all our religious practices, are not worth anything if we use them to bend You our way. God, may we come to You in humility and repentance, ready to encounter You in love and to turn toward You. Accept us as Your sons and daughters, together with Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord forever. Amen.
Blessing of Bibles and Presentation for R Debbie Case, Christian Education Co-Chair
Choir Anthem “He”
First Lesson Jeremiah 31:27-34 Sharon Podpora
Gospel Lesson John 8:31-36
Message “The Days are Surely Coming” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 272 “The Church’s One Foundation”
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/ 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 and ever Amen.
*Hymn No. 4 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”
*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
Toni Hill Council Rep
Harold Fick Deacon
Sharon Podpora 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.
COFFEE HOUR 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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL WILL MEET IN THE PARLOR for a movie, lesson, craft, and snack. Sixth graders receiving bibles today: Gracie Barnosky, Christian Maher, and Eleanor Ruffner.
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.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP Calendar Week October 26 – November 2
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Reformation Sunday/ Sunday School – Parlor 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00
a.m./ CE & Teacher Meeting – Parlor 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Chancel Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m.-Fellowship Hall
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. /Communion/ Totenfest-Memorial Sunday/ All
Saints Sunday/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS to gather in the Parlor immediately following worship service this morning.
TOTENFEST/ MEMORIAL SERVICE REMEMBERS LOVED ONES who have passed away the last twelve months are being remembered on Sunday, November 2. As their names are read aloud, our historic 1911 church bell will be rung in their honor. Prior to the start of worship, altar candles will be available to light in honor of lost loved ones. See Wendy Warner for assistance. Blue Christmas is Thursday, December 18, 7 p.m. Please join us.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025. You will need to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 1. We don't want you showing up at church an hour early, we want you to enjoy that extra hour of sleep.
CONTINUING TO SERVE AS THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST Our October Community Outreach, Operation Christmas Child will kick-off today. The 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 during coffee hour, fill it with small gifts (a brochure with gift ideas is included), tag the box with the appropriate label that will be included and return the box by November 16. Shoeboxes will be delivered to the collection center on November 16 where they will be transferred to the distribution center in Boone, NC. From there they will go via plane, train and boat to various countries, including the USA to children in need.
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.
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.
WEARING NAME TAGS WILL HELP Rev. Anderson and visitors put a name to our faces. If you need to update or get a new tag, please contact 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: 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., Mary Hard and Family, Denise Foley, Nora Cousino, Lynn Jenkins, Wendy Wendt, 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.