St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor,
Michigan First Sunday After Christmas/ December 28, 2025
God does not remain separate from the world in which these things happen but comes into in Jesus and shares in it and feels for us.
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Brenda Murphy, liturgist
L: Make a list of God’s gracious dealings, all the things God has done that need praising:
P: The generous bounties of God, and God’s great goodness to all the families of the earth! Compassion lavished, love extravagant.
L: The most wondrous thing God ever did was to come to us, to help us in person. Out of God’s own love, God redeemed us.
P: God rescued us and carried us for a longtime. Let us worship and praise our Redeemer this Christmas time!
*Hymn No. 151 “The First Noel”
*Morning Prayer Brenda Murphy
Loving God, creator of all that is, and lover of all that you have created; we gather us as a new people this day. Fill us with thankfulness for the year which has passed, and with encouragement as we enter a new one. As Christ’s glory was made manifest so long ago as child who drew the honor of nations, let the fullness of his glory be seen in us, his body, the church. May the new covenants we make in your name be blessed and made fruitful through the days of ministry which lie before us as your people of faith. And may this time of worship empower us to live in communion with you, now and always. Amen.
Anthem
First Lesson Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3 Brenda Murphy
Gospel Lesson John 1:1-18
Message “The Celebration Continues,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 162 “What Child Is This”
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
*Doxology
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
A Time to Pray/ Lord’s Prayer
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. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. Amen.
*Hymn No. 165 “Once in Royal David’s City”
*Benediction
Postlude/ Recessional: Please remain in your pews as the Light of Christ leads the way into the world at the close of service.
*Congregation standing as you are able.
Our mission at St. Paul United Church of Christ is to promote God’s plan of salvation in our church, family, and community. Knowing that all blessings come from God, we seek to share these in the church universal and proclaim God’s good news of His love and compassion bringing together all people in Jesus Christ.
Rev. Linda Anderson Interim Senior Pastor
Ava Janus Director of Music
Pastor Cheryl Schalm Minister of Mission Outreach
Tim Ruffner President of Church Council
Dan Case Treasurer
Suzanne Mrowka Office Manager
Cindy Romas Administrative Assistant
Wendy Warner Council Rep
Harold Fick Deacon
Brenda Murphy Liturgist
St. Paul United Church of Christ Phone 313.291.1221
24158 Goddard Road Email: stpaulucctaylor@stpaulucctaylor.org
Taylor, MI 48180 Website: www.stpaulucctaylor.org
WELCOME TO ALL SHARING TODAY’S WORSHIP SERVICE IN PERSON AND FACEBOOK LIVESTREAMING You must have a Facebook account to view our Worship Services. An email address is required. It is possible to have a Facebook account not connected to social media. Please contact Dan Case, Gary Peters, or Michael Isaacs for more information.
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL today or January 4, 2026. Classes will resume January 11, 2026.
COFFEE HOUR immediately follows our worship service. Join us to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is invited to help off-set the increasing cost of our yummy refreshments.
ALL CONTRIBUTIONS must be received in the church office by today to be recorded for 2025 tax purposes.
ST PAUL ANNUAL WILD GAME DINNER Saturday February 14. The doors will open at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $45. Tickets can be purchased at the KIOSK table during Coffee Hour or by calling the Church office.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP
December 28 – January 4
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
No Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Thursday Happy New Year Office is closed
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Dr. Itty Mathews
Communion/ Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m./ No Sunday School
CHRISTMAS GIFT & BASKET SALE The gift shop is closed for the season. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the sale. Special thanks to Conrad Heidt who shared the profits from his beautiful stained glass creations. The resulting profit of over $3400 will go toward the steeple repair and the Sew ‘n Sews many outreach mission projects. Thanks again to everyone. Thinking ahead, Peggy Staten and Jane Dykowski will continue to collect new items you wish to donate for the 2026 Sale.
REMEMBER TO SUPPORT our ongoing food collection for Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry. Food staples are always in need as we recognize the food insecurity within our neighborhood. Donations can be placed near the front entrance of the church or in the box near the office and west entrance. Please, that all donations are appreciated! So far 200 pounds of food has been collected and donated.
LAST SUNDAY TO RECEIVE THE CHIRSTMAS FUND OFFERING for Retired UCC Clergy and Lay Persons. Your offering provides direct financial assistance. You will find envelopes in the Narthex. You may also use Vanco, our electronic online giving source. On behalf of the Stewardship of St. Paul, God Bless you, Merry Christmas, and Thank you.
NO EXERCISE CLASS Thursday, December 25, January 1, 2026, or January 8, 2026. Class will resume Thursday, January 15, 11:00 a.m. A $3 - $5 donation is appreciated.
FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase ($20) or two ($40) is a nice way to honor someone special or commemorate a special time in life. Contact the office for more info.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Makenna Gorbe, Conrad Heidt, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, John Smith, William Stears, Jr., Billy-jo Stears, Betty Mayfield, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Darlene Babin, Shirley Lande & Family, Nora Cousino, Lynn Jenkins, Wendy Wendt, Holly Staten Thompson, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Julius Enesey, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Sue Milatz, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Blain Tayler, Kelly Potter, Freeman Floyd, Anna Thomson, Diane Williams, Susan & Dennis Bennett, Tony Koths, Ailani Flores, Linda & Tom Tank, Rachel Tank, Jennifer Lee, Randy Snelson, Ted Butkin, Rhonda Wioncek Berndt, Jeff MacZink, William Veteto.
Condolences to Sandra, Matthew, and Michelle McGahey family and friends on the loss of William McGahey, who passed away December 20, 2025, at the age of 76 years. Funeral was December 23, 2025.