ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
“Downtown’s Open Heart”
108 W. Mechanic Street Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are WELCOME here!”
December 14, 2025
Narrative Lectionary NL415: “Word Accomplishes God’s Purpose”
(Asterisk) The Congregation Is Invited to Stand
RINGING THE BELL
LIGHTING THE CANDLES
PRELUDE: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: arr. by Time Doran
Martha Hefner, organist
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Today’s liturgist is Addison Schneider
“The Christmas Fund”
(UCC Special Mission Offering)
For over a century, the Christmas Fund has supported retired and active UCC ministers, church workers, and their families in times of need. Your gift helps care for those who have cared for the Church. Thank you for your generosity this Advent season.
*WELCOME HYMN “No Matter” (Sing Once)
♫No matter who,-----no matter what,----- no matter where you are on the journey of life; you’re welcome, welcome in this place.---No matter who, ----no matter what,--- no matter where you are on the journey of life; accepted, welcomed to God’s grace♫
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH –Jason Brandt, Narrator
Jesus, the Light of the World by Joel Raney
Leader: Advent is a time to prepare.
ALL: Prepare the way of the Lord!
Leader: As the Magi prepared gifts for their long journey,
we prepare our lives to welcome your presence.
ALL: Prepare the way of the Lord!
Leader: Isaiah invites us to come and drink deeply,
trusting that God’s Word never returns empty.
ALL: Prepare the way of the Lord!
Leader: Jesus promises living water that becomes a wellspring of joy.
ALL: Prepare the way of the Lord!
Leader: Advent calls us to trust the promise of Christ.
ALL: Prepare for Jesus, the Light of the World.
*HYMN: # 153 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” verse 1
♫Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. ♫
*OPENING PRAYER(Unison)
Our merciful God, just as you invited the exciles in Babylon to come back to the ancient covenant, first made with David, we hear it as our call today. It is an invitation to turn our hearts to you and partake in the free banquet that you offered the exciles so long ago. To act on the call to share with others your love and redemptive spirit, through the gift of your precious Son, Jesus the Christ, who by his birth, life and resurrection seeks to change our hearts even today. Amen
*HYMN: # 153 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: verse 2
♫Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne. ♫
INVITATION TO GENEROSITY
Benevolence giving for December: Our Church’s Wider Mission.
OCWM is how St. Paul UCC supports the shared ministry of the wider United Church of Christ. Through OCWM, we join with other congregations to strengthen churches, empower leaders, respond to needs, and extend Christ’s love far beyond our own community. We give because we are a covenant people—connected, committed, and called to walk together in faith. Together, we can do far more than we could ever do alone.
OFFERTORY: “Come to us, Lord Jesus” by Benton Price
*WE GIVE PRAISE TO GOD Doxology #34 (Note: Different Lyrics) ♫Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures high and low. Praise God in Jesus fully known. Creator, Word, and Spirit one. ♫
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION
Savior, we bring our gifts to you today that they would become as the living water sent from heaven to nourish the parched earth. That this church would become as the exiles were called to be, inviting and inclusive of our neighbors. That these tithes and offerings will further your wish that this church and each of us will be a witness and example of your redeeming love. Amen
BELL CHOIR ANTHEM “Echoing Their Joyous Strains” arr. by Ron Mallory
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE Jennifer Frische
SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 55:1-13 The Voice
Eternal One speaks: If you are thirsty, come here; come, there’s water for all. Whoever is poor and penniless can still come and buy the food I sell. There’s no cost—here, have some food, hearty and delicious, and beverages, pure and good.2 I don’t understand why you spend your money for things that don’t nourish or work so hard for what leaves you empty. Attend to Me and eat what is good; enjoy the richest, most delectable of things.3 Listen closely, and come even closer. My words will give life, for I will make a covenant with you that cannot be broken, a promise Of My enduring presence and support like I gave to David.4 See, I made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander among the nations.5 Now you will issue a call to nations from all over the world— people whom you do not know and who do not know you.They will come running, because of Me, your God because the Eternal, the Holy One of Israel, has made you beautiful.6 So turn your attention and seek the Eternal One while it is still possible; call on Him while He is nearby. 7 Let those who are busy plotting violence and doing wrong stop right now, turn, and do right Let them turn back to the Eternal so they can experience His compassion God will excuse our past wrongs. Our God’s forgiveness is inexhaustible. Eternal One continues : 8 My intentions are not always yours, and I do not go about things as you do.9 My thoughts and My ways are above and beyond you, just as heaven is far from your reach here on earth.10 For as rain and snow can’t go back once they’ve fallen, but soak into the ground And nourish the plants that grow, providing seed to the farmer and bread for the hungry,11 So it is when I declare something. My word will go out and not return to Me empty, But it will do what I wanted; it will accomplish what I determined.12 For you will go out in joy, be led home in peace. And as you go the land itself will break out in cheers; The mountains and the hills will erupt in song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands.13 Prickly thorns and nasty briers will give way to luxurious shade trees, sweet and good. And they’ll remind you of the Eternal One and how God can be trusted absolutely and forever.
GOSPEL READING: John 4:13-14 The Voice
Jesus said: 13 Drink this water, and your thirst is quenched only for a moment. You must return to this well again and again. 14 I offer water that will become a wellspring within you that gives life throughout eternity. You will never be thirsty again.
One: The word of God for the people of God! May God grant us the wisdom to interpret these words, and the courage to live by what we learn.
ALL: God is still speaking! Thanks be to God!
MEDITATION HYMN
SERMON: “The Call to a Banquet and Living Water” – Jennifer Frische
PASTORAL PRAYER & THE LORDS PRAYER (Debts and Debtors)
…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 and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*CLOSING HYMN: # 161 “People, Look East “ verses 1 & 2
♫1People, look east, the time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east and sing today: Love, the Guest, is on the way.
2Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there. Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in the course the flower may flourish. People, look east and sing today: Love, the Rose, is on the way. ♫
*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: #178 “Emmanuel, Emmanuel”
(Sing twice as the light of Christ is carried out into the world by us and through us.)
♫Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel. ♫
*POSTLUDE: : “People, Look East” arr. by Martin Shaw
THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL CHURCH
SUNDAY . . . December 14, 2025
9:15-10:00 A.M. –Sunday School for ages 3 thru 1 Grade
10:15 A.M.– Worship Service
2:00 PM – Confirmation Class
WEDNESDAY, December 17, 2025
6:30 P.M. – Bell Choir Rehearsal – EVERYONE WELCOME
7:30 P.M. -- Chancel Choir Rehearsal EVERYONE WELCOME
THURSDAY, December 18, 2025
Senior Citizen’s Luncheon (9:00 Breakfast, Bingo, etc).
FRIDAY, December 19, 2025
Senior Citizen’s Luncheon at Victory Center
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20. 2025
NWO Food Drive- Fairgrounds-
10 A.M. till food gone
SUNDAY. December 21, 2025
9:15—10:00 A.M. –Sunday School for ages 3 thru 1 Grade
10:15 A.M.– Worship Service –
2:00 PM – Confirmation Class
Given the Week of December 7 , 2025
General Fund $ 5,344.42 Benevolence $ 50.00 Building Fund $ 50.00
Average General Fund Monthly Expenses $24,269.70
Monthly Income from Piel Endowment $4,789.23
Given to General Fund so far this month $ 5,344.42
Given to Building Fund so far this month: $ 50.00
Attendance for Sunday, December 7, 2025 – 10:15 –68
Online Attendance for Sunday December 7, 2025 – 18
CHURCH NEWS –December 14, 2025.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS today were placed by Jon Dearbaugh . They are in loving memory of Carl E. Main, his gardening angel.
SUNDAY SCHOOL: There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, December 28th . Cheryl Short is looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, January 4th.
GOD'S CREATION CALENDARS:
We still have many calendars available to be purchased. A calendar makes a great gift! One month has a sunset in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, Arizona with scripture - "As long as the Earth endures...day and night will never cease." Genesis 8:22. The calendars are $8.00 each and are available in the church office or see Cheryl Short at church.
TUCK POINTING on the sanctuary’s west wall and bell tower has begun. Some inconveniences (such as tons of dust) are to be expected. Please bare with us during this time.
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sunday School for children 3 years old through First grade started!! . This year we are going to start at 9:15 am to 10:00 am .
NURSERY - The church nursery is usually open each Sunday and is supervised by members of the Faith Formation Committee. The nursery is only open upon request. Any family wishing to have their children attend the church nursery while they are participating in worship in the sanctuary; please notify an usher so they can make arrangements for nursery coverage. Please do not take your child to the nursery first without contacting an usher, as a nursery supervisor is only available in the nursery upon request.
SEEKING A VOLUNTEER: We are in need of a volunteer, a family or a couple of friends that can help on a weekly basis. Either on Sundays after the service or Monday mornings they would be responsible for collecting the registration sheets from the pews, checking the different offering envelopes in the pews, checking pencils, removing any bulletins that have been left, etc. If interested or have any questions please contact Janice in the church office .
PASTORAL TRANSITION UPDATE. After further conversation and prayerful discernment, and with a shared desire to ensure the smoothest and most joyful beginning to Pastor Paul’s ministry among us, we have mutually agreed that his official start date will be Monday, January 5th. In the coming weeks, Pastor Paul will be focusing on relocating to the area, settling into his new home, and preparing his heart and spirit for this next chapter with St. Paul. This gentle adjustment in timing allows space for a transition that is as calm, thoughtful, and grace-filled as possible—for him, for his family, and for our congregation.During this period, Pastor Anthony will continue to lead the day-to-day ministry of the church and will be working closely with Pastor Paul to help him become connected and oriented to the life and ministries of St. Paul UCC. Together, we are committed to nurturing a welcoming and steady beginning for our new settled pastor. We are deeply grateful for your understanding, your flexibility, and your prayers throughout this season of preparation. Transitions such as these invite all of us into patience, trust, and hope—and we feel blessed to walk this journey with such a supportive and faithful congregation. As Advent reminds us, God is always at work in the unfolding, in the waiting, and in the promise of new beginnings. We look forward with joy and anticipation to welcoming Pastor Paul in the new year.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
With gratitude and peace,
The Personnel Committee & Pastor Anthony
We Support Our Church By Our Prayers
Members of St. Paul’s Prayer Chain are honored to pray for you, your family and loved ones. This is an email group that sends prayer requests as they are received. The requests are confidential to the group and not placed on this published prayer list unless requested. If you have a prayer request, please contact the following:
Pastor Anthony Spearhart at the church
Jennifer Frische, call or text 419-231-3790, any hour. Leave a message.
The following people are in need of our prayers:
The family of Louie Erb Jr.* The family of Alice Fischbach * Michele Prater *Vicki Winkler*Don Warner *John Berg*Mary Ann Shroyer* Melanie Wright * Joyce Hibner*Barbara Wheeler*Brittany (Warner) Grover*Brenda (Kohler) Ward* Marilyn Brandehoff * Liz Thiedt * Jim Smithey * Kaelyn Zwiebel * Vicki Smith * Lewis Erb Sr * Rev. Adrian Sunday * Helen Erb *Rosemarie (Rosie) Goodwin *; * John Simpko * Joyce Andalero* Dick and Carol Presar * Jack Prater*Susan & Mike Bartlett * Jennifer Willison * Emil George* Roger Dircksen*Wayne Quellhorst,* Mark and Susan Bishop * Marlene Winter Nelson*
Members and friends serving in the U.S. military:
Amanda (Preston) Johnston, Scott Presar, Aaron Hibner, Skyla Hibner
We are currently refreshing our prayer lists. If you would like a name listed, please call or e-mail the office at 419-738-2215 or office@stpaulucc.com
ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
108 W Mechanic Street
Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
Website: www.stpaulucc.com
www.facebook.com/StPaulWapakoneta
CONTACT US:
Church Office (419) 738-2215
CHURCH STAFF & VOLUNTEERS:
Pastor Anthony Spearhart; anthony@stpaulucc.com Direct , Cell: (419) 773-0379
Church Secretary, Janice Wright, office@stpaulucc.com
Ministry Coordinator - Tami Zwez; tami@stpaulucc.com
Financial Secretary-Mark Freer; mark@stpaulucc.com
Council President– Tammy Nuesmeyer; (419)230-4049 president@stpaulucc.com
Organist– Martha Hefner; mjhefner@woh.rr.com (567)712-1760
Choir Director –Kathy Haehn
Bell Choir Director – Wendy Schlenker; schotch@ohiolink.net
Church Custodium – Jon Dearbaugh
Church Council Treasurer – Jim Smith
Church Council Head Trustee – Dan Bennett
Church Council Head Elder – Mike Loy
Church Council Head Deacon –Kathy Haehn
NEW PHONE SYSTEM: The office now has a new phone system. When you call, it automatically goes to an answering machine. You will need to listen to the prompts. We no longer have direct numbers for each person, you will need to go thru the answering machine. When you call the following will happen. First recording, will be about the prompts. Press #1 for hours and location, Press # 2 for member of office staff (by pressing 2 the phone will ring into the church and anyone can answer the phone. Press #2 if you wish to speak to the church Secretary, Janice Wright) Press 3 for specific person. It will then tell you to press #1 for Pastor; press #2 for Financial Officer (Mark Freer); press #3 for Food Service Coordinator (Tami Zwez); For Main Menu press #9 Please note that this has reduced our scam and telemarketers calls.
