St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost/ September 15, 2024
Ringing of the Bell
Announcements/ Welcome Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Prelude Wendy Warner, accompanist
*Call to Worship Psalm 95:1-7 Tim Ruffner, liturgist
Leader: O come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
All: Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
Leader: For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
All: In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also.
Leader: The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.
All: O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Amen.
*Hymn No. 4 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Brenda Murphy, Hymn Leader
Prayer of the Day Tim Ruffner, liturgist
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You, and worthily magnify Your Holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Special Music “Ava Maria” Brenda Murphy, soloist
First Lesson: Genesis 32:24-28, Acts 9:1-9 Tim Ruffner, liturgist
Gospel Lesson: John 20:24-31 Rev. Mathews
Message: “My Lord and my God”
*Hymn No. 254 “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
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.
Prayer for Offering Rev. Mathews
Eternal almighty and ever loving God, who has not spared your own Son, but delivered him up for us all, and who, with him, has freely given us all things; receive these offerings which we bring and dedicate to you; and enable us; with all our gifts, so to yield ourselves to you, that with body, soul, and spirit, we may truly and freely serve you, and in your service find our deepest joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 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. 587 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
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.
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S WORSHIP 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.
NO COFFEE HOUR TODAY. Coffee Hour will resume on Sunday, October 6, 2024, due to our Fall Rummage Sale.
SUNDAY SCHOOL children will gather upstairs for a move, lessons, and fun.
BIBLE STUDY gathers on Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Come and enjoy lively discussion and fellowship.
WORSHIP PLANNING meets Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Following Worship Planning
the St. Paul Cabinet will gather at 7:30 p.m.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
Calendar Week September 15– September 22
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Sunday School 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:30 p.m./ Cabinet 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday Exercise 10:30 a.m.
Thursday Sewing Guild Sew ‘n Sews 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m.
SERVING YOU IN WORSHIP TODAY
Reverend Dr. Itty Mathews, Pulpit Supply
Brenda Murphy, Hymn Leader; Wendy Warner, accompanist;
Tim Ruffner, Liturgist; Pam Lange, Council Rep
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.
FOURTH SUNDAY DESIGNATED AS “MISSION SUNDAY” and items collected will be blessed at that time. St. Paul UCC Supports and Supplies the Needs of Local Community Outreach Programs. During August, church attendees donated school supplies for children being served through the Fish and Loaves Food Pantry. Supplies were generously donated. Thank you to all who so kindly and bigheartedly supported this outreach. During September, church members have the opportunity to help feed the homeless and downcast. September 8 and 22 St. Paul UCC is providing lunches for the ChristNet Day Center guests. Lunch items for September 8 have already been donated. Items needed to prepare September 22nd’s lunch: spaghetti, salad, garlic bread and dessert. Three/four volunteers are needed to help prepare and serve. We are also collecting paper products and breakfast foods for the center: cereal, cereal bars, granola bars, etc. If you are interested in helping, please contact Pastor Cheryl Schalm. All items collected can be dropped in the drop box located in the narthex. All dinner items should be marked “ChristNet lunch” and dropped in the kitchen. Please contact Past Schalm with any questions.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Jim Poet, John Smith, Marion Bolen, Barbara Brewer, Julius Enesey, Justine Kimbler, Robert Black, Sandi Rose, Carol Wioncek, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Barbara Gish, Vicki Simon, Irene Stoner, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, F. Scott Miller, Pam Pierce, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Diane Williams, Brody Howell, Alicia Hagen, Ailani Flores, Sue Milatz, Linda Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Kyle Hard, Bill Pattenaude, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Kevin Siemers, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink.