WELCOME
St. Paul’s Church is celebrating its 130th Anniversary this year, and we invite you to visit us on Sunday to explore the richness of St. Paul’s Church and its history of Dallas. We have been in our present location since the completion of its new sanctuary and dedication on April 7, 1957. * Our goal continues to be to reach and serve others with the love of Christ and his good news. * The history of St. Paul’s Church is a Journey of Faith that tracks with the social and cultural development of the City of Dallas. * The foundation of St. Paul’s Church was laid by faith and has placed us in a unique location to serve at the geographic heart of Dallas. * We welcome you to our services today, and we look forward to your continuing presence with us as we pursue St. Paul’s Church’s Journey of Faith in the future.
Sunday Morning Church Services at 11:00 A.M.
Worship Service 11:00 am Sundays
Music Program featuring Will Kanute,
Choir Director/Organist and the
Range Pipe Organ
Sunday School for Adults and Youth
Each Sunday at 10:00 am
6464 E. Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75214, US
There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. e-mail: stpaulsucc@sbcglobal.net
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StPaulUCCDallas
Thank you for your generous gifts to our mission and ministry.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83631112958?pwd=MTFvY05EOFBEWllSS1BUTC83aWJoUT09
Meeting ID: 836 3111 2958
Passcode: 950541
Or to call in:
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 836 3111 2958
Passcode: 950541
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcw1W8tyZf
Prelude: What Was Your Vow & Vision
Text: Brian Wren
Music: Southern Harmony setting by Hal H. Hopson
Ringing of the Bells
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Hymn: O Love, How Deep, How Broad (below)
Call to Worship, based on Isaiah 12:2-6
Look, this is the God who sets us free. We will have faith and not be afraid. For God is our strength and our song, and has always been our deliverer.
R: You are in our midst.
You will joyously draw water from the springs of life. And on that day, you will say: "Give thanks to God! Call out the Holy Name! Make known God's good works among all people. Spread the good news of God in our midst."
R: You are in our midst.
Sing songs to God, who has done excellent things. Let them be known throughout the earth. Cry aloud and shout for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
R: You are in our midst.
Call to Confession
People of God, we desire to be refreshed, renewed and changed.
Let us listen again to God's calling our names to encourage us and strengthen our resolve to be God's people in faithfulness and peace-loving justice.
Confession
O God, we hear your voice and we see the way of Jesus set before us. But it is hard, dear God, to try again and again to live up to our baptismal vows and maintain our resolve to be your people in the world. In repentance we ask you to forgive us. Set us once again on a holy path that leads to you. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Hymn: Your Ways Are Not Our Own (below)
Concerns of the Church Breakout rooms for 5 minutes. What is going on in your life?
Announcements & Prayer List
Special Music: Love Came Down at Christmas
Text: Christina G. Rossetti
Music: Maurice C. Whitney
Scripture Readings Exodus 1:8-11, 22; 2:1-10 and Mark 1:4-11
Sermon “Called into Love, Part I"
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Hymn: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise (below)
Benediction
Postlude: The Courts of Praise by Ben Logan
Announcements
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th, Worship on Zoom, 11:00 A.M.; Consistory will meet at church at
2:00 P.M. Current members and newly elected members are to attend this meeting.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31st: Annual Congregational Meeting will be held immediately following the worship service via Zoom.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86522944784?pwd=bGxzNnR5NDgyeng5VW5QSWo0U0R4dz09
Meeting ID: 865 2294 4784
Passcode: 190287
One tap mobile
+1346-248-7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 865 2294 4784
Passcode: 190287
Prelude: What Child is This setting by John A. Behnke
Ringing of the Bells
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Hymn: #102 / Hark, the Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the incarnate Deity, pleased in flesh with us to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings, mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
Call to Worship based on Psalm 20, rendered by Merrill
May the Great Laborer who created you in wholeness, comfort you when you call!
May the Name of Love be your protection and rise up in your heart as a tower of strength!
May all you have given in gratitude and with open hands be returned to you a hundredfold!
May your heart’s desires and all of Love’s plans for you be fulfilled in due season!
Love triumphs over fear!
Let us shout for joy as Love triumphs over fear. Let our thankful hearts sing in loud acclamation to the Beloved, who answers our heartfelt prayers for well-being.
Now I know that Love comes to all who open their hearts,
And dwells therein, offering gifts of peace and harmony.
Love triumphs over fear!
Some may boast of wealth and personal power. they will stumble and fall.
Let us boast of the One who comes in the Name of Love.
We shall rise up strong and sure.
Love triumphs over fear!
O Beloved, You who created us, You bless us with your Love,
For you are the Divine Guest dwelling within our hearts.
Love triumphs over fear!
Call to Confession
And now, resting assured that God’s love triumphs, and that God dwells within us,
we offer a confession of those times when we fail to know that.
Confession
Holy God, we know that you have been present to us throughout all of history, even throughout our own histories. We know you will be with us in our future. Yet often we do not live as if we know that.
As Simeon recognized in Jesus the salvation of his people, we recognize in Jesus’ Way our own wholeness and health, yet we often fail to follow.
As Anna recognized in Jesus the redemption of her people, we recognize in Jesus God’s saving grace for us, yet we often fail to rejoice and to share this good news.
Forgive us, make us wise and joyful and strong so that we live in the understanding of your never-ending love. Amen.
Assurance of Grace
Hymn: copy Chalice Hymnal #162 / What Child is This
What Child is this who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here, the silent word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, rich and poor to own him, the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring him laud, the Babe, the Son of Mary.
Concerns of the Church
Announcements & Prayer List
Special Music: Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon) setting by Richard Farrant
Scripture Readings Hebrews 11:8, 11-12 Luke 2:22-40
Sermon “Examen Video”
Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer
Hymn: # 35 / Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing
Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing; Fill our hearts with joy and peace; Let us each, thy love possessing, Triumph in redeeming grace: O refresh us, O refresh us, Traveling through this wilderness. Thanks we give and adoration, For thy gospel’s joyful sound; May the fruits of thy salvation, In our hearts and lives abound: Ever faithful, ever faithful, To the truth may we be found. Amen.
Benediction
Postlude: Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts from “Christmas Oratorio” By Camille Saint-Saens
As we prepare for Christmas Eve, this post is full of information, so please read through. You will find below:
1. Log-in information for our virtual Christmas Eve Service of Communion and Lessons & Carols, scheduled for Thursday, December 24 at 6:00pm.
2. An attached bulletin along with sheet music for the carols we will sing on Christmas Eve.
3. Instructions for picking up poinsettias, communion and offering envelopes.
4. Information for Sunday, December 27th and the week following.
1. Log in Information for Christmas Eve
St. Paul's E&R UCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: St. Paul's Christmas Eve
Time: Dec 24, 2020 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87553098546?pwd=M1hxU2gvUHJ5Sjc4eFZ3bG1PUFBxZz09
Meeting ID: 875 5309 8546
Passcode: 182905
Or you can call in:
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 875 5309 8546
Passcode: 182905
2. Please see attachment.
You'll find in the attachment both the bulletin as well as the music for each of the hymns.
3. Instructions for picking up things you might need.
If you ordered a poinsettia, or would like the pre-sealed communion cups to use during our Christmas Eve service, or would like to pick up the envelope for the special Christmas offering, or any combination of the three, Pastor Kayla will be at the church and available to help on Wednesday, December 23 from Noon-2:00pm. Please feel free to stop by the church office anytime during those hours. If you do not see her or an open door, you can text or call her at 903-312-7115.
4. Information for Sunday, December 27th and the week following.
Pastor Kayla will be on vacation Sunday, December 27. Because we are all still learning how to do virtual worship, we decided it would be best to invite you all to log on to worship with another congregation from our conference for that Sunday. Sonja Romanowski has recommended to us First Congregational Church of Houston. Our friend Bob Kelly who grew up at St. Paul's is a member of FCC and made us aware of their virtual worship. To attend, you can go to www.fcc-houston.org at 10:00am on Sunday, and click on their worship livestream. I attended a few weeks ago and was so grateful for the ministry they are doing in Houston and online.
Also, Florence will be on vacation from Monday, December 28th-Friday, January 1, so the office will be closed for the week.
We will all remain in town, so you will be able to reach us in case of emergency.
This is no time for a child to be born,
With the earth betrayed by war & hate
And a comet slashing the sky to warn
That time runs out & the sun burns late.
That was no time for a child to be born,
In a land in the crushing grip of Rome;
Honour & truth were trampled by scorn —
Yet here did the Saviour make his home.
When is the time for love to be born?
The inn is full on the planet earth,
And by a comet the sky is torn —
Yet Love still takes the risk of birth.
Prelude: In Dulci Jubilo ---J. S. Bach
Lighting the Advent Candles
God of hope, peace, joy and love:
Let your face shine, that we might be saved.
Our hope calls to you. (light blue candle)
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Your peace carves our path. (light 2nd blue candle)
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
You deliver us in joy. (light pink candle)
We will sing of your steadfast love forever, O God.
You wrap us in love. (light final blue candle)
We bask in your hope, peace, joy and love. Amen.
Opening Prayer and Welcome
Lessons and Carols
Lesson One: Isaiah 9:2-7a
Carol: Come O Long Expected Jesus
All Verses
Lesson Two: Isaiah 11: 1-3a; 4a; 6–9
Carol: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Verses 1,2,4
Lesson Three: Luke 1: 26–35; 38
Carol: What Child Is This
All Verses
Lesson Four: Luke 2:1-16
Carol: Once in Royal David's City
All Verses
Lesson Five: Matthew 2: 1-12
Carol: In the Bleak Midwinter
All Verses
"It Is Not Over" by Ann Weems
Carol: Joy to the World
All Verses
Invitation to the Offering
Prayer of Dedication
Special Music: See Amid the Winter's Snow
-setting by Malcolm Archer
Communion
Invitation:
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Leader: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Communion Prayer
Seraphic Hymn No. 522
Words of Institution
Agnus Dei No. 525
Sharing Communion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lighting the Christ Candle
Hymn: Silent Night
Verses 1-3 in German or English Verse 4 in English
Benediction
Postlude: Sussex Carol (On Christmas Night) -setting by Michael Burkhardt
... Hello, everyone! This Sunday marks our first ever (and hopefully last!) Virtual Christmas Pageant. Just log in to our Zoom Worship the same way you've been doing each Sunday so far, and the pageant will be ready for you. If you would like, you can wear something Christmas-y or dress in a typical pageant costume (think Mary, Joseph, shepherd, sheep, angel, etc). We will need your help as we go, because this pageant is interactive! So I'm attaching two things:
1. A song sheet so that you can sing along (on mute of course--sing your heart out from the comfort of your living room!).
2. A scavenger hunt. If you want to do this--the scavenger hunt will allow you to gather props that you can show off on screen.
We'll see you this Sunday at 11:00am!
St. Paul's E&R UCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom Worship/Pageant.
Topic: St. Paul's E&R UCC Worship
Time: Dec 6, 2020 11:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86522944784?pwd=bGxzNnR5NDgyeng5VW5QSWo0U0R4dz09
Meeting ID: 865 2294 4784
Passcode: 190287
One tap mobile
+1346-248-7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 865 2294 4784
Passcode: 190287
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities.