St. Paul United Church of Christ, Taylor, Michigan
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany /February 1, 2026
Council Installation
“Our faith is not only of the mind and of the heart, but is also for the hands and the feet. We live our faith in what we do”. Rev. Dr. Janet Heart
Ringing of the Bell
Welcome Rev. Linda Anderson
Announcement Highlights Christine Schwab, Lector
Prelude Ava Janus, Music Director
*Call to Worship Christine Schwab
One: Come now to worship God with justice and truth.
All: Let us speak the truth to one another, rendering truth to one
another, rendering true judgment that makes for peace.
One: Let justice roll down like water and righteousness like an ever-
flowing stream.
All: Teach us to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed,
defend the helpless.
One: Hear God’s demands and promises: Maintain justice, and do what
is right, for soon salvation will come, and deliverance will be revealed.
*Hymn No. 4 “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!”
Installation of 2026 Council Officers (see insert)
*Opening Prayer Christine Schwab
God of Love, take hold of us in this act of worship, and do not let us go until we have been blessed by a vision of love, infinitely generous, gentle and forgiving; simple, wholesome, kind, mysterious, profound; in which all are accepted and no one rejected; love that never ends. Living God, Love itself, live in our hearts, now and forever. Amen.
Anthem “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee Face to Face”
First Lesson Micah 6:1-8 Christine Schwab
Gospel Lesson Mattthew 25:31- 40
Message “This may solve the problem,” Rev. Anderson
*Hymn No. 91 “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (vs. 1, 2, 5)
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.
Holy Communion (see insert)
Invitation/ Time of Confession
Sung Response: One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many through out the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.
Receiving the Bread and Cup
A Time of Prayer/ Pastoral Prayer / The 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. And 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. 589 “Lord, I Want to Be a Christian”
*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
Mark Ennis Council Rep
Dan Case Deacon
Christine Schwab 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.
COMMUNION IS OFFERED THIS MORNING. We observe an “open communion.” Membership is not required to partake in the Lord’s Supper. We simply ask that all receiving Communion seek to know our Lord more completely.
SUNDAY SCHOOL will gather in the Parlor for lesson, movie, snack and fun!
COFFEE HOUR follows our worship service. All are invited to gather in the fellowship Hall to enjoy coffee, tea, donuts, and fellowship. A free will offering is appreciated to help off-set the increasing price of our yummy donuts.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY AND FELLOWSHIP February 1 – February 8
Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School 10:00 a.m. - Parlor/ Communion/ Council Installation/ Coffee
Hour 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday Bible Study 10:30 a.m.
Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Exercise 11:00 a.m./ Worship Planning 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Cut Cabbage 8:00 a.m./ Cut Veggies & Make Coleslaw 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. – Rev. Linda Anderson
Sunday School / Coffee Hour 11:00 a.m.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PREPARE FISH DINNER COLESLAW Saturday, February 7, 8:00 a.m. cabbage will be prepared. At 9:30 prepping the other vegetables begins. Then the coleslaw will be stored and refrigerated until needed. Please consider joining in the fun. Donuts and Coffee provided for all volunteers.
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.
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 over 200 pounds of food has been collected and donated.
WORSHIP PLANNING TO MEET Thursday, February 5, 5:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Elders, Deacons, and Choir are welcome to attend or send a representative for your group.
MISSION OUTREACH FOR FEBRUARY. February is known as the month of LOVE. We will be joining Congresswoman Debbie Dingell in her annual “Valentines for Veterans” project. All are invited and encouraged to make a Valentine’s card expressing their gratitude and appreciation to a veteran. All cards should be dropped in the basket in the narthex by February 6. All Valentine’s cards will be delivered to Woodhaven City Hall on February 7. The cards will then be hand-delivered to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center and Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. All are encouraged to make “Thinking of You” cards for residents of the American House Senior Living Center and guests of the ChristNet rotating shelter. These cards will be collected at the end of the month and hand delivered to the residents of the American House and the guests of ChristNet. During these trying days of uncertainty, let us fill our communities with the love and light of Christ. Contact Pastor Schalm with any questions, suggestions or concerns. Blessings for a peaceful and healthy New Year!
2026 FLOWER CHART IS IN THE NARTHEX A vase or two is a nice way to honor someone or commemorate a special time in life. Due to a price increase on flowers/tariffs, our supplier, Thrifty Florist, has suggested a $5.00 increase for each arrangement, which would be $25.00 for one and $50.00 for two. The 2026 Flower Chart reflects the price increase. If you have any questions or concerns, please see Sue Mrowka, Office Manager.
FELLOWSHIP OF CONCERN: Nancy Rabb, Roger Staten, Jim Block, Sandi Rose, Makenna Gorbe, Conrad Heidt, Bill Pattenaude, Krystal Grant, John Smith, William Stears, Jr., Billy-jo Stears, Betty Mayfield, Sharon Podpora, Louise Stanek, Paula Block, Justine Kimbler, Sue Spears, Dave Lange, Sr., Denise Foley, Darlene Babin, Shirley Lande & Family, Nora Cousino, Wendy Wendt, Holly Staten Thompson, Kathleen Walsh, Sue Stern, Sally Sigman, Joan Smarr, Al Wierzbicki, Dave Schmoekel, Steve Newberry, Pam Jones, 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, Jeff MacZink, William Veteto.
Call to Reconciliation
Because we belong to God, we can turn our gaze away from all that tempts us, and see the One who loves us always. Let us turn our hearts towards God, as we speak of our foolishness and failures. Please join me as we pray together, saying,
Unison Prayer for Forgiveness
We may try to trick ourselves, but we cannot fool you, Wise God. We tell lies about others, and profane your name. We hold onto grudges as if they were the most precious of jewels. We steal another's identity when we ridicule who they are, and we boast about all we are without a nod toward you, who have blessed us.
No matter how often we hurt you, God of grace, you show us your merciful nature. As you seek to teach us your ways, may we pay close attention. As you love us despite our foolish choices, may we be more compassionate toward others. As we seek to follow Jesus, may we be willing to go as far as he will take us, even into that place of hope and peace, which is the realm of your heart.
Silent Prayer and Reflection
Assurance of Pardon
This is the good news: we belong to Christ. He is the One who comes bringing life and hope to all.
Because we belong to Christ, we belong to God. The Holy One is also the Merciful One, who fills our hearts with love. Thanks be to God, we are forgiven! Amen.
INSTALLATION OF COUNCIL OFFICERS
FEBRUARY 1, 2026
President Timothy Ruffner
Elder Pam Lange
Trustee Toni Hill
Secretary Jane Dykowski