ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

101 South Perry Street

Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895

 

 

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Liturgy for Sunday, July 25, 2021

Recognition of Pastor Becky’s 10 Year Ordination Anniversary

 

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

PASSING THE PEACE

 

LIGHTING THE ALTAR CANDLES

 

PRELUDE                                     Give Thanks                                                                   Mary McDonald

Karen Joseph & Martha Hefner

 

*CALL TO WORSHIP:

One:    Give thanks to God, for God is good.

All:       God’s mercy endures forever.

One:    Open for us the gates of righteousness.

All:       We will enter them and offer thanks to God.

One:    Happy is the nation whose God is the Creator.

All:       Happy the people who are chosen as God’s own.

One:    I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, says the Holy One.

             And they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed. I will feed them with good pasture.

             I will feed them in justice, says the Everlasting God.

All:       Alleluia! We will give thanks to God with our whole hearts.

             In the assembly of the upright, in the congregation, we will give thanks. Alleluia!

           

 

*HYMN                        “Here I Am, Lord” (verses 1&3)                                           #559

I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin my hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.

Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

 

I, the Lord of wind and flame, I will tend the poor and lame.

I will set a feast for them, my hand will save.

Finest bread I will provide till their hearts be satisfied.

I will give my life to them. Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night.

I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.

 

 

 

 

*OPENING PRAYER:

Almighty and still speaking God, through your Son Jesus Christ, you gave the holy apostles many gifts and commanded them to feed your flock. Inspire all who are called to be pastors to proclaim your word diligently and your people to receive it willingly, that finally we may receive the crown of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

*GLORIA PATRi

 

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe in you, O God, Eternal Spirit, God of our Savior Jesus Christ and our God, and to your deeds we testify:

 

         You call the worlds into being, create persons in your own image, and

              set before each one the ways of life and death.

 

        You seek in holy love to save all people from aimlessness and sin.

 

        You judge people and nations by your righteous will declared through prophets and

              apostles.

 

        In Jesus Christ, the man of Nazareth, our crucified and risen Savior, you have come to us

              and shared our common lot, conquering sin and death and reconciling the world to

              yourself.

 

        You bestow upon us your Holy Spirit, creating and renewing the church of Jesus Christ,

              binding in covenant faithful people of all ages, tongues, and races.

 

        You call us into your church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be your  

             servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist

             the powers of evil, to share in Christ’s baptism and eat at his table, to join him in his

             passion and victory.

 

        You promise to all who trust you forgiveness of sins and fullness of grace, courage in

              the struggle for justice and peace, your presence in trial and rejoicing, and eternal

              life in your realm which has no end.

 

        Blessing and honor, glory and power be unto you. Amen.

 

ST PAUL BELL CHOIR                                  “Hymn Fest”                                               by Mark Weston

Wendy Schlenker, Director

 

*DOXOLOGY (#34)

 

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

Still speaking and ever present God, with cheerful hearts we lay our gifts at your table.

May they be multiplied throughout your kingdom here on earth. Hear our prayers, hear our songs, hear the unspoken words of our acts of service to you, and may they fall sweetly upon your ears. Amen.

 

FIRST SCRIPTURE READING:                            Ephesions 3:14-21 (NRSV)

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. ¹⁶ I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, ¹⁷ and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. ¹⁸ I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

 

GOSPEL READING:                                                      John 6:1-21 (NRSV)

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. ² A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. ³ Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. ⁴ Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. ⁵ When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” ⁶ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. ⁷ Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” ⁸ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ⁹ “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” ¹⁰ Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. ¹¹ Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. ¹² When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” ¹³ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. ¹⁴ When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” ¹⁵ When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. Jesus Walks on the Water ¹⁶ When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, ¹⁷ got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. ¹⁸ The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. ¹⁹ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. ²⁰ But he said to them, “It is I;^[e^] do not be afraid.” ²¹ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

 

SERMON:                                  “The Power of Fragments/Leftovers”                                     Rev. Dan Busch

PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER

 

SPECIAL MUSIC                                         “It is Well with My Soul”                                  Solo: Daniel Landis

 

LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the ministry of our co-worker in Christ the Rev. Rebecca Sunday, and for the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church and in the whole world. Almighty God, we give you thanks for pouring out your Spirit upon the Church and bringing forth abundant gifts for the ministry of the whole people of God. Fill the Church with truth and love, that all its members may serve you with true and godly lives. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We thank you for raising up men and women of faith to preach your Word and administer your Sacraments, especially we pray for Pastor Sunday. As you have blessed her during 10 years of ministry, grant that she may continue to keep her ordination vows, fulfill her duties of ministry, serve your people, build up your Church, and glorify your name. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit and fill Pastor Becky with your love. Shepherd her who shepherds others. Guide her who guides others. Enlighten her who enlightens others. Give to her who gives to others. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

We give thanks as well for Pastor Adrian, her spouse, for their families, who, in their love and support of Pastor Becky, have made a significant self-offering to the mission of your Holy Church. As they have shared their love, so shower them with your love and blessings. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Bless all authorized ministers and those who hold authority in the Church and the pastors of our sister congregations. Grant that by their faithful service, faith may abound and Your Realm increase. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Heal the divisions which separate us and bring peace to the Church, that we may speak with one voice of our one Lord Jesus Christ. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Make us all to follow the path of righteousness until we join that cloud of witnesses who have gone before, that we may together live in the joy of your heavenly kingdom. God, in your grace and mercy,

Hear our prayer.

Into your hands, O God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your grace and mercy, through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 

*ALL: We give you thanks, almighty, gracious and still-speaking God, that you have blessed us with the ministry and friendship of Pastor Becky Sunday, and we pray that she may continue to exemplify in word and deed the Gospel of your Son. Grant that we, with her, may serve you now in the Church on earth and rejoice before your throne in heaven forever; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

 

 

 

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS

-Rev. Dan Busch, Northwest Ohio Association

-Mark Vaughn, St. Paul Church Council

 

*HYMN                        “How Can I Keep from Singing?”   (verses 1,2,&4)                                       #424

My life flows on in endless song; above earth’s lamentation,

I catch the sweet, though far off hymn that hills a new creation.

Refrain:    No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that Rock I’m slinging.

Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?

Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear that music ringing,

It finds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

Refrain:

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, a fountain ever springing!

All things are mine since I am his! How can I keep from singing?

Refrain:

 

*OUR COMMON CALLING

Let us go forth into the world in peace.  Be of good courage; hold fast to that which is good.  Render to no one evil for evil.  Strengthen the faint hearted; support the weak; help the afflicted.  Honor all people.  Love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

*BENEDICTION

 

*BENEDICTION RESPONSE:     “Majesty”                    #43

Majesty, worship his majesty; unto Jesus be all glory, honor and praise.

Majesty, kingdom authority flow from his throne unto his own, his anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus; magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.

Majesty, worship his majesty; Jesus, who died, now glorified, King of all kings.

 

POSTLUDE                                                Proclaim the Glory of the Lord                             Dwight Liles

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL CHURCH

SUNDAY, JULY 25, 2021       

10:15AM                Worship Service Becky’s Ordination Anniversary

 

MONDAY, JULY 26^st                                        

11:30-12:30PM     Summer Lunch

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28^th                                                                

11:30-12:30PM     Summer Lunch

7:30PM                  Chancel Choir

 

FRIDAY, JULY 30^th                                                                            

11:30-12:30PM     Summer Lunch

10-12:00PM           Food Distribution at Auglaize Cty Fairgrounds

 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021          

10:15AM       Worship Service w/Holy Communion

 

CHURCH NEWS – JULY 25, 2021

 

 ALTAR FLOWERS – The flowers on the altar this morning are in dedication of Rev.

Becky Sunday’s 10^th ordination anniversary.  CONGRATULATIONS BECKY!!!!!

1. PAUL UCC CIRCLE – St. Paul UCC Circle will be meeting on Thursday, August 5^th at NOON. We are having a “bring your own lunch picnic” at the new gazebo in Heritage Park behind downtown. Cold beverages & dessert will be provided! All ladies are welcome-come see what we are all about. Regular Circle meetings are held the first Thursday every month Sept-June at 1:00PM at church!

FOOD DISTRIBUTION EVENT – Our next large-scale food distribution event through West Ohio Food Bank will be on Friday, July 30, 2021 from 10:00am -12:00pm at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds. Enter off of Dearbaugh St. Registration will be at 9:00am.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS – A fall camping trip to Templed Hills is being planned by the Faith Formation Committee for the weekend of September 24-26. This camp is open to kids of all ages…and adults too!!! Stay tuned for more details…and prepare for some fun and fellowship under the autumn sun and around the campfire!

MERCY HEALTH – St. Rita’s Hospice, will be facilitating “Trails” a grief camp for school aged children. “Trails” will be held on Thursday, August 5^th and Friday, August 6, 2021. It is for school-aged children, who have experienced the death of a loved one. The camp will be held near Lima, at Camp Robin Rogers located at 1090 S. Conant Rd., Spencerville, Ohio 45887. You are required to register by Saturday, July 31, 2021. To find out more about “TRAILS” either email Herb Wilker at hiwilker@mercy.com or by phone at 419-226-9556.

CHANCEL CHOIR – The Chancel Choir will be starting rehearsal on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 7:30PM.  Old and new members are welcome!!!!!

SERVANTS DAY – The Wapakoneta Area Ministerial Association announces that Servants Day 2021 is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Organized by the Ministerial Association since 2010, Servants Day is an annual opportunity for volunteers to help repair the homes of those in need in the Wapakoneta area. This year’s event is especially meaningful as it falls on the 20^th anniversary of September 11^th attack on the United States, which has been designated a national day of service and remembrance. Typical Servants Day projects include painting, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and yardwork/clean up. Organizers note that this year’s projects may be affected by the availability and/or cost of certain supplies.  Anyone who wishes to request assistance with home repairs as part of Servants Day (or who knows someone who would benefit from help) must complete and submit the simple one-page application by August 13.   For more information, please contact our congregation’s representative or Rachel Barber, 419/738-4924.

 

            We Support Our Church By Our Prayers

Susan Bartlett

Michelle Barry

Ethan Brandt

Betty Brookhart

Donna Cady

Connie Claybaugh

Jamie Clements

Alicia Cummins

Marsha Elliott

Teagan Elliott

Emil George

Haley Greer

Jim Hearn Jr.

Ethan Hibner

Troy King

Laura Kinstle

Tim Kinstle

Kenda Kohler

Ron Kohler

Rex & Brenda Lippincott

Chris Lotridge

Lauren Makuh

Gayle Marshall

Alan McClintock

Jade Miller

Nellie Montgomery

Jane Myers

Reyes Nevarez

Shirley Place

Carol Presar

Katelyn Rose

Doris Sunderland

Cindy Vinco

Ezra Wellington

Janet Winkler

Members and friends serving in the U.S. military:

Alex Bowersock

Matthew Cox

Brady Erb

Amanda Preston Johnston

Haley Jean Kill

Valerie Orellana

Scott Presar

Nathan Quellhorst

Johnathon Schlosser

Morgen Sindelar

Dave Sodders

Douglas Sodders

Alexis Stiles

Jeff Sunday

Daniel Turnbow

Ian Wiedenbein

Jian Feng Zhao