ST. PAUL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
108 W Mechanic St.
Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895
“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are WELCOME here!”
April 27, 2025, 2nd Sunday of Easter
Narrative Lectionary 42: “Ethiopian Eunuch Baptized”
*(Asterisk) The Congregation Is Invited to Stand
RINGING THE BELL
LIGHTING THE ALTAR CANDLES
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
PASSING OF THE PEACE
One: The Peace of Christ be with you.
ALL: And also with you.
PRELUDE “How Can I Keep from Singing” Arr. By John Dixon
Karen Joseph and Martha Hefner
*CALL TO WORSHIP Psalm 119:7ff (NRSV) Liturgist: Jon Dearbaugh
ONE: With my whole heart I seek you;
ALL: do not let me stray from your commandments. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you.
ONE: Blessed are you, O Lord;
ALL: teach me your statutes. I delight in the way of your decrees as much as in all riches.
ONE: I will meditate on your precepts,
ALL: and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Amen.
*HYMN: #48 “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
♪ 1Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise. 2 Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might ; thy justice like mountains high soaring above thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love. 3To all life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all; we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish—but naught changeth thee. 4Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render O help us to see “tis only the splendor of light hideth thee. ♫
*OPENING PRAYER (UNISON)
For fulfillment of prophesies, with Scripture and water you claim people as your own. Claim us with water and the word, so that we may rejoice in the life given to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit, for the sake of the one whose spirit lives in us, Jesus Christ. Amen.
*WE GIVE GLORY TO GOD Gloria Patri #734
♪Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. ♫
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE: Pastor Mark Bishop
CHOIR ANTHEM:
Acts 8:26–39 (NRSV)
26Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth.” 34The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.
GOSPEL READING: Luke 24:44-47 (NRSV)
44Then Jesus said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you - that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,
46and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
Scripture Response
One: The word of God for the people of God!
ALL: God is still speaking! Thanks be to God!
MEDITATION HYMN: #560 “I Love to Tell the Story”
♫ 1I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story because I know “tis true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story, “twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. 2 I love to tell the story, ‘tis pleasant to repeat what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own Holy Word. I love to tell the story, “twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love 3 I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, ‘twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long. I love to tell the story, “twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love ♫
SERMON: “Baptism, Burning Within Us” Rev. Mark Bishop
SACRAMENT OF INFANT BAPTISM: Jack Lawrence Parker, 10/23/2024
Parents: Chris and Kala Parker
Grandparents: Dawn and Kevin Warner
Great Grandparents: Don and Kadene Warner
Great Great Aunt: Ruth Berger
PROCLAMATION OF BAPTISM - Pastor
CONGREGATION IN UNISON: This is the water of baptism which we use to welcome this precious child of God. Out of this water we rise with new life, forgiven of sin and one in Christ, members of Christ's body.
QUESTIONS TO THE PARENTS
SACRAMENT of BAPTISM: Jack Lawrence Parker
PASTORAL AND LORD’S PRAYERS:
…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.
*SENDING HYMN: #680 “Borning Cry”
♫1 I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old I rejoiced the day you were baptized to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child with a faith to suit you well; in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell. 2When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on. You were raised to praise the living Lord to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time, and you join your hearts as one, I’ll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun. 3 In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I’ll be there to guide your through the night, complete what I’ve begun. When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes, I’ll be there as I always been with just one more surprise. 1 I was there to hear your borning cry, I’ll be there when you are old I rejoiced the day you were baptized to see your life unfold. ♫
Benevolence giving for April - O.C.W.M. (Our Church’s Wider Mission) AND/OR O.G.H.S (One Great Hour of Sharing envelopes in pews or mark on any)
We will not be passing an offering plate. Please leave your love offerings in the collection box in the center aisle.
*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: #614 “Let There Be Peace On Earth”
♫ Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me; let there be peace on earth the peace that was meant to be. With God our creator, children all are we. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow; to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. ♫
POSTLUDE: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” Arr. By Fred Bock
NARRATIVE LECTIONARY READINGS FOR HOLY WEEK:
THEME “Emmaus Road” Luke 24:13-35 Psalm 30
THIS WEEK AT ST. PAUL CHURCH
SUNDAY, April 27, 2025
10:15 A.M. – Worship Service with baptism
WEDNESDAY, April 30, 2025
6:30 P.M. – Bell Choir Practice
7:30 P.M. –Chancel Choir Practice
THURSDAY, May 1, 2025
Day of Prayer: Noon at the Firehouse (in case of rain-St. Paul UCC)
11:15 A.M. Senior Citizen’s Luncheon (9:00 Breakfast, Bingo, etc.)
FRIDAY, May 2, 2025
11:15 A.M. Senior Citizen’s Luncheon (9:00 Breakfast, Bingo, etc.)
SUNDAY, May 3, 2025
10:15 A.M. – Worship Service with communion
Given the Week of April 6, 2025
General Fund $4,727.28 Benevolence $ 130.00 Building Fund $440.00
Average General Fund Monthly Expenses $24,269.70
Monthly Income from Piel Endowment $4,789.23
Given to General Fund so far this month $21,355.25
Given to Building Fund so far this month: $ 95.00
Attendance for Sunday, April 20, 2025 - 10:15 –112
Online Attendance for Sunday April 20, 2025 - (7) 18
CHURCH NEWS –April 27, 2025.
The Altar Flowers are in memory of loved ones birthdays, Leona, Paul and Eric. They are placed by Jon Dearbaugh
.
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR PASTA DINNER: As you know, we are doing a fundraiser for our delegates to go to General Synod. A love offering will be taken at the meal. In the hallway and in the office are sign-up sheets. Please sign up so we know how many to make . Thank you
ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025: If you are graduating from high school or any other level of schooling, please reach out to the church office so that we may celebrate with all of you on Sunday June 1st.
Do you donate to St. Paul using an automated system like a 401K? Please make sure to change the address used on the check. The 101 Perry St address and the P.O. Box no longer are valid! Please change to our new address 108 W. Mechanic Street. Thank you!
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES: Till May 18
We started a Sunday School class for 3-year-old through 1st grade: If there are siblings that are older, they may attend and be our helpers. (which means they will be learning right along with the younger children)
It will start at 9:30 am in the Beginner's classroom (Nursery) and end at 10:00 am. The teachers are very excited to be starting Sunday School for the children. They need your support!"
NEW 2025 FLOWER CHART: The new chart is up in the breezeway and ready to be filled in. Reserve your date NOW. Just pick a date and sign you name. The office will call you during the week prior to that date and ask what you want put in the bulletin, such as in memory of, in honor of, in celebration, etc. Then you contact your florist and purchase whatever you want or bring in your own creation. Local florists have pass codes and will deliver to the church.
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:
Barbara Wheeler*Brittany (Warner) Grover*Brenda (Kohler) Ward*Bert Presar * 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 * Josh Wellington * Joyce Andalero* Dick and Carol Presar * Jack Prater*Susan & Mike Bartlett * Jennifer Willison * Emil George* Roger Dircksen*Wayne Quellhorst* Clara Beth Muhlenkamp,* Brian Rodhe,* Martha Freer* Mark and Susan Bishop
Members and friends serving in the U.S. military:
Amanda (Preston) Johnston, Scott Presar, Brady Erb,
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
Pastor’s Direct Line Office (419) 738-2280
CHURCH STAFF & VOLUNTEERS:
Interim Pastor Mark Bishop; pastor@stpaulucc.com –Cell: 419-217-0143
Pastor Anthony Spearhart; anthony@stpaulucc.com Direct (419) 738-2215,
Cell: (419) 773-0379
Church Secretary, Janice Wright, office@stpaulucc.com Direct (419) 738-2270
Ministry Coordinator - Tami Zwez; tami@stpaulucc.com Direct (419) 738-2279
Financial Secretary-Mark Freer; mark@stpaulucc.com Direct (419) 739-7716
Custodian – Greg Hengstler
Council President– Tammy Nuesmeyer; president@stpaulucc.com (419)230-4049
Organist -- Karen Joseph; ajoseph2@woh.rr.com (419)233-2518
Pianist – Martha Hefner; mjhefner@woh.rr.com (567)712-1760
Choir Director –Jim Strang; jim@erbstrang.net (567) 319-9168
Bell Choir Director – Wendy Schlenker; schotch@ohiolink.net
Church Council Treasurer – Jim Smith
Church Council Head Trustee – Dan Bennett
Church Council Head Elder – Mike Loy
Church Council Head Deacon – Kay Wellington
Our Mission Statement:
As a congregation of God’s people, we welcome and encourage all to join in fellowship, joyful and inspirational worship and faithful stewardship. United in Christ, we support and nurture one another in personal development and spiritual growth. We strive to reflect Christ’s Love and to spread God’s Word throughout our community and the world.