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!”
November 2, 2025
Narrative Lectionary #409: “God Speaks to Elijah”
* (Asterisk) The Congregation Is Invited to Stand
“All Saints Sunday”
RINGING THE BELL
LIGHTING THE CANDLES
PRELUDE: “I Sing a Song of the Saints of God” arr. Michael Burkhardt
Martha Hefner
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
VIDEO GREETING: Rev. Alex Gondola
*WELCOME HYMN (Sing Once)
*CALL TO WORSHIP Liturgist: Jon Dearbaugh
ONE: We gather among the great cloud of witnesses—saints known and unknown—those who have shown us how to listen for God’s still, small voice. ALL (bold): In the quiet and in the storm, God meets us still.
ONE: Like Elijah, we come weary from the road, seeking rest and renewal for our spirits. ALL: God provides what we need—bread for the journey and presence that does not leave us.
ONE: Like Jesus, we bring hearts both troubled and trusting, knowing that even our struggle can glorify God. ALL: Holy One, make us instruments of your love and courage.
ONE: This day we remember those who have gone before us, whose faith lit the path we now walk. ALL: Their light shines on in us; their witness still speaks.
ONE: Come, beloved of God— ALL: We are here to listen, to remember, and to worship the One who speaks life in every season.
*HYMN: #430 “Be Not Afraid” (Verses 1&2)
1You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst. You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way. You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand. You shall see the face of God and live. Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow me, and I will give you rest. 2If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drone. If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed. If you stand before the power of hell and death is at your side, know that I am with you through it all Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
*OPENING PRAYER (Unison)
Holy One, we pause in this sacred space to remember—the saints whose lives shaped ours, whose faith kindled light in our darkness, whose love echoes still in this community of grace. When the noise of the world grows loud, teach us to listen for Your whisper— the voice that steadied Elijah on the mountain, the strength that steadies us still. When our hearts are troubled, as Christ’s was, remind us that glory can be found even in surrender—that courage often looks like gentleness, and holiness can bloom in ordinary days. Gather us now into Your presence, past and present woven together by Your Spirit, and make us one people of hope, alive with Your renewing love. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
*HYMN: #430 “Be Not Afraid” (Verse 3)
3Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs, Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh. And if wicked tongues insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you! Be not afraid. I go before you always. Come, follow me, and I will give you rest.
INVITATION TO GENEROSITY
Benevolence giving for November: “Society of the Good Samaritan” (Previously known as St. Vincent DePaul)
Rooted in the love of Christ, the Society of the Good Samaritan serves our neighbors in need throughout the Wapakoneta area. Through food assistance, clothing, and compassionate support, this ministry seeks to share hope and extend God’s care to all who come through its doors. Volunteers and donations are always welcome as together we strive to live out the call to “go and do likewise,” following the example of the Good Samaritan in scripture.
OFFERING MUSIC
“ Near to the Heart of God” arr. James Southbridge
*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: (Unison)
Holy God, we bring these gifts in gratitude—for the saints who showed us how to give, for the generations whose faith built this place of grace, and for Your Spirit that still moves among us. Like Elijah, may we offer what we have and trust You to multiply it for the journey ahead. Like Jesus, may our giving glorify You— not in grand gestures, but in quiet acts of love that bear witness to Your renewing power. Bless these offerings and bless us, O God,that our lives may echo the faith, hope, and compassion of all Your saints. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
CHANCEL CHOIR ANTHEM: “Shall we Gather at the River” arr. Hal H. Hobson
CHILDREN'S MESSAGE Pastor Anthony Spearhart
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Kings 19:1-18 (NRSV)
19Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there.4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.” 8 He got up and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. 9 At that place he came to a cave and spent the night there.Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.”11 He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind, and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire, and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts, for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill, and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 18 Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
GOSPEL READING: John 12: 27-28 (NRSV)
27 “Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say: ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it 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!
HYMN YMN OF MEDITATION
SERMON: “Echoes of Saints, Whispers of God” Pastor Anthony Spearhart
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
One: Before time began, your Spirit moved over the waters, bringing life from the deep and shaping a world for love, hope, and faith.
Throughout history, you have raised up faithful witnesses—prophets, apostles, teachers, and saints—whose lives have pointed us toward your ways. Their courage, their love, their devotion still speak to us today, guiding our steps and inspiring our hearts.
In the fullness of time, you sent Jesus Christ, who lived among us, walked with the weary, spoke hope to the troubled, and showed us what it means to follow faithfully. Through baptism, we join that great cloud of witnesses, connected to all who have gone before us and all who will follow after.
Bless us, O God, with your Spirit, that we may honor the saints of every age—not only in memory—but in the way we live, love, and serve today.
All: Glory to you, eternal God, the One who was, and is, and shall always be—world without end. Amen.
One: Today, we remember the saints who have shaped our lives, whose faith continues to inspire us:
Dick Brautigam 10/31/2024
Tammy Myers 1/30/2025
Eileen Werling 2/21/2025
Joanne Schnell 3/2/2025
Francis “Gene” Pohlable 3/5/2025
Karen Joseph 5/7/2025
Tom Freytag 5/11/2025
Bert Presar 5/17/2025
Mary Jane Merricle 6/11/2025
Kellye Kantner 6/20/2025
Gwynne Freytag 6/21/2025
Alan Joseph 7/15/2025
Delmar Merricle 8/13/2025
Kenda Kohler 9/26/2025
One: These are not only memories; they are a living part of the great cloud of witnesses. Their courage encourages us. Their love teaches us. Their faith calls us forward.
All: O God, keep them forever in your arms, and keep us mindful of their witness. May their lives inspire ours, that we, too, may be faithful and bold, walking in your ways until we join them in your eternal presence. Amen.
COMMUNION
In the United Church of Christ, we practice an open communion, which means all are welcomed to this table—God’s table. You do not need to be a member of this church or any church to partake in the bread and cup. Today, as we gather, we remember those who have gone before us—saints, loved ones, and faithful companions—whose lives continue to inspire and guide us. This table reminds us that in Christ, all are united in love.
Invitation to the Table
Leader: We gather around this table, a sacred space where all are welcomed. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are invited to share in this holy meal. As we partake together, we honor the lives of those who have shown us faith, courage, and love. All: We come with grateful hearts, remembering those who walked before us, and ready to receive the grace that binds us together as one body.
Words of Institution
Leader: On the night he was betrayed, Jesus took the bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “This is my body, given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” All: We remember his life, his love, and the examples of those who lived faithfully before us.
Leader: After the meal, he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in remembrance of me.” All: We celebrate the promise of new life and the witness of those who have gone before us.
Leader: Let us pray. Gracious God, we thank You for this gift of communion, a sacred reminder of Your unending love. As we share in this meal, may we be strengthened to walk in faith, courage, and love, inspired by those whose lives point us toward You. All: May this bread and cup nourish our spirits. May the lives of those who have gone before us inspire us to love boldly, serve faithfully, and live fully in Your grace. Amen.
Sharing the Elements
(Wine is red, grape juice is white and all bread is gluten free)
We will share the elements together as the Body of Christ, the Church. Please hold the bread and cup until we partake together. As we break the bread and lift the cup, let us remember those who lived faithfully, whose lives continue to shape and guide ours.
Prayer After Communion
Leader: Let us pray together. Gracious God, we give You thanks for this sacred meal that reflects Your abundant grace. We remember with gratitude those who have gone before us, whose lives continue to shape and inspire ours. All: May the nourishment we have received empower us to live as Christ lived: loving boldly, serving faithfully, and walking courageously in the ways of peace and justice. May our lives honor the witness of those who have gone before, and may we, in turn, inspire those who follow. As we leave this table, may Your Spirit go with us, making us living signs of Your love and grace in the world. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer And now let us join in one voice, praying the words that Jesus taught us:
All: 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 #525 “When We All Get To Heaven”
1 Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, sing his mercy and his grace, in the mansions bright and blessed he’ll prepare for us a place. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory. 2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway clouds will over spread the sky, but when traveling days are over, not a shadow, not a sigh. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory. 3Let us then be true and faithful., trusting, serving every day: just one glimpse of hime in glory will the toils of life repay. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory. 4 Onward to the prize before us! Soon his beauty we’ll behold, soon the pearly gates will open, we shall tread the streets of gold. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory.
*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: “PEACE” (Sing Both Verses)
*POSTLUDE: : “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand” arr. Michael Burkhardt
THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL CHURCH
SUNDAY . . . November 2, 2025
9:15—10:00 A.M. –Sunday School for ages 3 thru 1 Grade
10:15 A.M.– Worship Service with communion and All Saints Day
WEDNESDAY, November 5, 2025
5:30 P.M. –Faith Formation & Mission Committee
6:30 P.M. – Bell Choir Rehearsal – EVERYONE WELCOME
.-- NO Chancel Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, November 6, and FRIDAY, November 7, 2025
Senior Citizen’s Luncheon (9:00 Breakfast, Bingo, etc.)
SUNDAY. November 9, 2025 – FAITH PROMISE SUNDAY
9:15—10:00 A.M. –Sunday School for ages 3 thru 1 Grade
10:15 A.M.– Worship Service –
Faith Promise Sunday with luncheon after the service
Given the Week of October 26, 2025
General Fund $ 5,375.80 Benevolence $ 80.50 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 $44,481.63
Given to Building Fund so far this month: $ 665.25
Attendance for Sunday, October 26, 2025 – 10:15 –44
Online Attendance for Sunday October 26, 2025 – 37
CHURCH NEWS –NOVEMBER 2, 2025.
THE ALTAR FLOWERS today were placed by Fritz and Peggy Ankerman. They are in celebration of Faith Promise.
Faith Promise Sunday, November 9, 2025 Please bring your cards A and B with you to church. There will be a celebration and fellowship luncheon after church. Meat and drinks will be provided. We welcome side dishes and desserts to share.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Special Guest — Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins On Sunday, November 16th, we are delighted to welcome our Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins, who will be joining us for worship. David brings a deep spirit of joy, reflection, and creativity to his ministry— and there’s even a chance he might share his gifts on guitar or violin! Come join us for a meaningful morning of worship, music, and fellowship. You won’t want to miss it!
Hanging of the Greens — November 23rd Join us after worship on Sunday, November 23rd as we deck the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas season! This is a wonderful time of fellowship and preparation as we transform our space for the coming season of hope and joy. Many hands make light work—all are welcome to help!
Thanksgiving Community Meal: Thursday, November 27, 2025 Serving 11am -1pm (Carry-Out Meals starting at 12:30) St. Joseph Parish Life Center (Blackhoof Street Entrance) All are Welcome
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 .
VOLUNTEER AUDIO VISUAL PERSON(S) NEEDED We are in urgent need of other volunteers to learn to run the slides during worship. If you are interested in exploring this possibility, talk to Pastor Anthony, soon. Thanks for considering this!
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.
Mercy Unlimited, 30 East Auglaize Street, Wapakoneta, will continue to accept donations of working sewing machines as a special collection now through November 15. The sewing machines will be distributed to persons who will use them to support themselves and their families. Sewing machines will be accepted at the regular drop off site at the rear of the building.
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:
Don Warner *John Berg*Mary Ann Shroyer* Melanie Wright * Joyce Hibner*Barbara Wheeler*Brittany (Warner) Grover*Brenda (Kohler) Ward* Marilyn Brandehoff * Alice Fischbach * Liz Thiedt * Jim Smithey * Kaelyn Zwiebel * Vicki Smith * Lewis Erb Jr. * 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.
