St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost/ September 3, 2023
Silent Prayer and Reflection
What am I willing to sacrifice for the good of others?
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements
Welcome
Opening Voluntary
*Call to Worship/Passing of the Peace Jane Dykowski
One: God’s own breath became our breath and being.
All: We are in awe of our Creator’s self-giving.
One: Christ’s own life has become our life now and forever.
All: We adore you, O Christ, who gave yourself for us.
One: The Spirit dwells in us as our own heart and soul.
All: Blessed is the Spirit who seals us in salvation.
One: The peace of Christ be with you.
All: And also with you.
*Hymn No. 344 “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
*Prayer of the Day Jane Dykowski
One: Let us pray.
All: O God who gives and is ever giving in love:
Grant us the grace to understand we are truly alive
only when we give ourselves to and for others. Amen.
Special Music “Simple Gifts”
First Lesson Romans 12:9-21 Jane Dykowski
Gospel Lesson Matthew 16:21-28
Message “Getting By Giving”
*Hymn No. 538 “Hope of the World”
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
Invitation
Great Thanksgiving
The Lord’s Prayer (debt/debtors)
Receiving of the Bread and Cup
Prayer after Receiving
*Hymn No. 452 “Here I Am, Lord”
*Dismissal with Blessing
Closing Voluntary
Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads
the way into the world followed by our Pastor 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.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. At the usher’s bidding, you are invited to come forward to the front the sanctuary to receive both the wafer and cup from our pastors and elders. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake of the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion be baptized and either confirmed or of adult age. You may immediately consume the communion elements before returning to your pew.
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL is gathering upstairs for lesson, crafts, snacks, and fun.
COFFEE HOUR this morning precedes our worship service in the air-conditioned West Room. Coffee, tea, donuts, and other refreshments served. All are welcome. Please note: the floor in our West Room has been stripped and polished clean and shiny! If you notice a spill, please alert the Coffee Hour Host so the floor can be wiped up and kept looking nice.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Loralee Wilson, Elaine Cowper, Barbara Schultz, LaVerne Roe, Joan Smarr, Sue Stern, Sandi Rose, Dianne Sturgeon, Jennifer Lee, Nancy Kittendorf, Bill Pattenaude, Sally Sigman, Rev. Norm Kirsch, Jerry Rossi, Wayne Jones, Vicki Simon, Shirley Robinson, Kyle Hard, Jeff Natzke, Bill Pattenaude, Neil MacEachern, Kyle Thompson & family, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, Sue Spears, Bert Thompson, Margo Charette, Gabriel Siadak, Jane Zeuner, Sue Milatz, Lynn Case, Judy Kirsch, Al & Debi Petri, Claudia & Eric Flores, Abdual family.
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY will not meet the month of September. Bible Study will resume Tuesday, October 3, 10:30 a.m. Led by Rev. Reed, we are taking a tour through the book of Genesis, a foundational book which lays the groundwork for understanding much of the rest of the Bible. All are welcome to join us.
WEDNESDAY EXERCISE CLASS meets at 10:30 a.m. in the West Room. All are welcome to join for fun and fellowship.
CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS Wednesday evenings, 7 p.m. We gather in the West Room to rehearse. No auditions and new voices are always welcome. For more information, contact Music Director, Tracy Hoffman.
OUTING TO EASTERN MARKET, Detroit's 6 block public market complete with fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, meats, coffee, and everything imaginable has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 9. Anyone interested should contact Pastor Schalm.
ALL CHURCH PICNIC SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 immediately following morning worship. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us under the tent for worship, fun, food and fellowship.
USHERS NEEDED TO ASSIST with Sunday morning worship services. If you would like to volunteer or more information, please contact Senior Deacon, Jennifer Ruffner or the church office (313.291.1221). Any time you can donate is greatly appreciated.
LECTORS ARE ALSO NEEDED for Sunday morning worship services. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please contact Rev. Reed or Cindy Romas in the church office. No experience needed. All information is provided to you.
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 September 3 – September 10
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. George Reed
Communion/ Summer Sunday School 10:00 a.m./ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m./ Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Pastor Cheryl Schalm
Coffee Hour 9:30 a.m. / Picnic activities 11:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend George Reed
Tracy Hoffman, Hymn leader
Jane Dykowski, Liturgist
Kathy Williams, Dulcimer, Special music
John Joanette, pianist
Sue Mrowka, Acolyte
Jennifer Ruffner, Deacon